Cowichan Tribes They'she'num' - Public Works

06/04/2026

They'she'num staff are seeking citizen input on the St. Ann Cemetery Expansion projected to start in spring of 2027.

We will be using a variety of tools to connect with members including:
- in-person visits to Elder's lunches
- in-person opportunities to discuss with staff at Meet & Greet events in June and July
- Committee consultation
- One-on-one feedback with some after life workers
- an online survey of citizens.

We want your feedback! You are invited to join James and Tabitha at the first Meet & Greet engagement event on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, at the Comeakin Room at the Khowutzun Heritage Centre (200 Cowichan Way).

The event will feature:
- chances to learn more about this and other projects
- services for members
- door prizes and refreshments.

Can't make it to the Meet & Greet? Fill out our online survey here! https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/ha8u4Gpr5X

Learn more about the proposed changes here:

Have your say on the future of the St. Ann Cemetery Project.

For more information, call They'she'num' at (250) 715-3377.

06/01/2026

Here is the Curbside Schedule for You-qw'iqw'ulus (June) 2026.

Please remember:

• All bags must be at the curb by 8:00am. Bags must be tied and free of rips and tears. No orange, blue, or clear bags.

• There is a 3 bag limit per house. Additional garbage stickers can be purchased at 6060 Canada Ave., or at the Sustainable Housing Department at 5744 Allenby Road.

• Wrap glass in newspaper or place in a separate bin to ensure safety of citizens and Cowichan Tribes staff.

Recycling day: Please break down boxes for recycling. Please ensure recyclables are not left on the ground.

Compost Day: Compost must be put directly in green bins without a bag. CVRD is no longer accepting compost bags.

Industrial Day is for Cowichan Tribes buildings.

Please note the statutory holiday on Monday, June 22, 2026. There is no garbage collection that day.

Learn more about our curbside collection program and what goes where on our website: https://cowichantribes.com/member-services/operations-and-maintenance

For more information, call They'she'num' at (250) 715-3377 or email [email protected].

05/28/2026

** UPDATE: Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 11:00 am

The First Nations Health Authority has rescinded the Boil Water Advisory that was issued following the force main break. Water quality sampling has confirmed there is no contamination and the water is safe for consumption.

Huy tseep q'u for everyone's cooperation and patience.

** UPDATE: Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 11:00 am

The First Nations Health Authority has rescinded the Boil Water Advisory that was issued following the force main break. Water quality sampling has confirmed there is no contamination and the water is safe for consumption.

Huy tseep q'u for everyone's cooperation and patience

** BOIL WATER ADVISORY – MONDAY, MAY 25, 2026, 2:52PM**

Due to a water main leak that requires repair, water was shut off to homes on Stotlou Crescent, including Units 2803-1-4, 2812-1-4, 2809-1-4, 2819-1-4, and 2816-1-3.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has recommended a precautionary boil water advisory for residences where the water was shut off (in areas in red on the map).

Until further notice, water for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, bathing babies, and any form of consumption should be brought to a rolling boil for AT LEAST 1 minute. Cool before use.

Toilets can continue to be flushed.

Sampling and testing will start on Monday, May 25, 2026, and will be in place until further notice. Water sampling takes at least two days to complete.

Notices will be delivered to all affected homes but please share with family and friends in these areas.

We will provide regular updates.
Huy tseep q’u.

05/26/2026

If you are an Elder that is the primary resident of your home and you cannot access the bins, please contact (250) 715-3302 to make an appointment for pick up by O&M over the seven weeks the program will be running.

05/25/2026

** UPDATE: Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 11:00 am

The First Nations Health Authority has rescinded the Boil Water Advisory that was issued following the force main break. Water quality sampling has confirmed there is no contamination and the water is safe for consumption.

Huy tseep q'u for everyone's cooperation and patience

** BOIL WATER ADVISORY – MONDAY, MAY 25, 2026, 2:52PM**

Due to a water main leak that requires repair, water was shut off to homes on Stotlou Crescent, including Units 2803-1-4, 2812-1-4, 2809-1-4, 2819-1-4, and 2816-1-3.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has recommended a precautionary boil water advisory for residences where the water was shut off (in areas in red on the map).

Until further notice, water for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, bathing babies, and any form of consumption should be brought to a rolling boil for AT LEAST 1 minute. Cool before use.

Toilets can continue to be flushed.

Sampling and testing will start on Monday, May 25, 2026, and will be in place until further notice. Water sampling takes at least two days to complete.

Notices will be delivered to all affected homes but please share with family and friends in these areas.

We will provide regular updates.
Huy tseep q’u.

05/25/2026

Please note - as of May 25, 2026, extensive upgrades to Canada Avenue are planned to start. This construction will affect access to the They'she'num' (Public Works) and Emergency Services offices located at 6060 Canada Ave for the duration of the project (anticipated to be 12 months).

Members are asked to contact They'she'num' by calling (250) 715-3377 before visiting to get directions on how to enter the building as access points will vary throughout the construction.

We appreciate your understanding during construction.

Huy tseep q'u!

Phase two of the road work planned for Canada Avenue, between Beverly Street and Sherman Road, is expected to begin May 11. Motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists along this route should plan extra travel time and expect delays through the work zone.

Extensive upgrades, both above ground and underground, are planned:
◾two bridges over Bings Creek will be replaced with new concrete box culverts,
◾the road will be realigned to reduce impact on the adjacent environmentally sensitive and fish-bearing Bings Creek,
◾drainage improvements,
◾replacement of sanitary sewer and water main,
◾sidewalk upgrades,
◾paving a portion of the Friendship Trail,
◾improved road crossings,
◾construction of a missing link in the Friendship Trail between Philip Street and Sherman Road,
◾extending the multi-use pathway around the Sherman Road roundabout.

The work will take place Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm, with occasional weekend work to accommodate critical stages of the project. Single lane traffic will be in place at the start of the project, followed by an extended full closure of Canada Avenue between Philip Street and Sherman Road. Construction is estimated to be complete by May 2027.

Find complete project details at northcowichan.ca/CanadaAve

05/23/2026

Quw’utsun Mustimuhw!

⚠ If you are planning to use the bins at Khowutzun Way between 8:00pm and 8:00am, please ensure you SORT YOUR ITEMS BASED ON THE AVAILABLE SIGNAGE.

PLEASE TRY NOT TO PLACE ITEMS IN THE WRONG AREA.
This causes site workers to sort through all items to ensure they are placed correctly for recycling.

If the bins are already filled when you arrive, please place your items outside of the bins near the designated areas.

It is better to leave items out than put them in the wrong bin.

When sorting items, there are four bins and a pile for electronics. Each bin has specific items that go into it.

· One bin is for mattresses (WRAPPED IN A MATTRESS BAG) and furniture
· One bin is for metals
· One bin is for appliances
· One bin is for household debris

We are excited to provide this service for members and ask that you help our bin attendants do the very best job they can to serve members.

Huy tseep q’u siiem!

📸 Friendly reminder to take a picture of your yard BEFORE your clean up so you can enter our contest to win amazing prizes like a small deck, a firepit, or a gift card for gardening items.

Please share.

05/18/2026

05/16/2026

Do Not Consume Advisory for 15 Homes on Miller Road

May 15, 2026

The First Nations Health Authority, with the support of Cowichan Tribes, has issued a Do Not Consume (DNC) Advisory for 15 homes located between 2715 - 2814 Miller Road due to water quality issues.

The affected homes are all on ground water well systems, not community water systems, and are part of the Cowichan Tribes bottled water distribution program due to an existing Boil Water Advisory that has been in place for approximately 20 years. Residents are being notified and Cowichan Tribes They'she'num (Public Works) department staff will be in regular communication with residents regarding next steps.

Under a DNC advisory:
• Water must not be used for drinking or cooking under any circumstances, even if boiled.
• Water may still be used for bathing and general hygiene for adults, with caution advised for infants, pregnant individuals, and other vulnerable populations.

Contact for affected residents:
They’she’num (Public Works)
(250) 715-3377
[email protected]