Cowichan Valley School District

10/18/2026

For those interested, we will be providing live, uncertified election updates through Zoom beginning at 8:00 p.m at the link below:

https://sd79.zoom.us/j/65341273882

Election results will be posted to CivicInfo at the conclusion of the evening.

https://localelections.ca/election_candidates/250_2026_candidates.html

10/17/2026

You Matter to Public Education!

Yes, you! It's your vote that will decide who forms the next Board of Education for the Cowichan Valley School District. Polls are open now and until 8pm. Find candidates and polling station information below!

CANDIDATES (in alphabetical order):

David Bellis
Ellisha Blackburn
Laurie Bruce
Faizal Charania
Elizabeth Croft
Randy Doman
Erin Egeland
Jessica Hartley
Gayle Hurmuses
Steve Jones
Cindy Lise
Debrah Modeste
Cathy Schmidt
Eduardo Sousa
Carmen Sundstrom
Joe Thorne
Laura Zeman

VOTING LOCATIONS

CVRD Area A
George Bonner Elementary School
3060 Cobble Hill Road, Mill Bay

CVRD Area B
SL Community Centre
2804 Shawnigan Lake Rd. Shawnigan Lk.

CVRD Area C
Cobble Hill Hall
3550 Watson Road, Cobble Hill

CVRD Area D
Bench Elementary School
1501 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay

CVRD Area E
Khowhemun Elementary School
2918 Cliffs Road, Duncan

CVRD Area F
Cowichan Lake Sports Arena
311 South Shore Road, Lake Cowichan

CVRD Area G
Chemainus Elementary School
3172 Garner Street, Chemainus

CVRD Area I
Youbou Community Hall
8550 Hemlock Street, Youbou

Municipality of North Cowichan
• Chemainus Secondary School
• 9947 Daniel Street, Chemainus

• Crofton Firehall
• 1681 Robert Street, Crofton

• École Mount Prevost School
• 6177 Somenos Road, North Cowichan

• Maple Bay Elementary School
• 1500 Donnay Drive, North Cowichan

• North Cowichan Municipal Hall
• 7030 Trans Canada Highway, North Cowichan

• Quw’utsun Secondary School
• 2003 University Way, North Cowichan

Town of Lake Cowichan
Municipal Office
39 South Shore Road, Lake Cowichan

City of Duncan
Duncan Fire Hall
468 Duncan Street, Duncan

10/16/2026

Food helps fuel learning, growth, and well-being. On World Food Day, we recognize the importance of ensuring everyone has access to safe, nutritious food and celebrate the people and organizations working to build a healthier future for all. This year's theme,"Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.", highlights how new ideas, community partnerships, and local action can help create sustainable food systems and healthier communities.

Here in the Cowichan Valley, we're grateful for partners like Nourish Cowichan, whose work helps connect children, youth, and families with nutritious food while fostering a stronger, more caring community. Their efforts demonstrate how local innovation and collaboration can make a meaningful difference in the lives of students today and for generations to come.

Together, we can help ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

10/15/2026

Make your vote count on Saturday, October 17 when you vote for School Trustees.

Voters will elect seven trustees from the 17 candidates who have put their name forward to represent their community as school trustee.

The district must remain neutral, so cannot provide additional information on candidates, but, as with any election, we encourage voters to research candidates and cast their votes for those they feel would best represent them at the board table as a school trustee. Comments will be turned off on this post.

CANDIDATES (in alphabetical order):

David Bellis
Ellisha Blackburn
Laurie Bruce
Faizal Charania
Elizabeth Croft
Randy Doman
Erin Egeland
Jessica Hartley
Gayle Hurmuses
Steve Jones
Cindy Lise
Debrah Modeste
Cathy Schmidt
Eduardo Sousa
Carmen Sundstrom
Joe Thorne
Laura Zeman

VOTING LOCATIONS

CVRD Area A
George Bonner Elementary School
3060 Cobble Hill Road, Mill Bay

CVRD Area B
SL Community Centre
2804 Shawnigan Lake Rd. Shawnigan Lk.

CVRD Area C
Cobble Hill Hall
3550 Watson Road, Cobble Hill

CVRD Area D
Bench Elementary School
1501 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay

CVRD Area E
Khowhemun Elementary School
2918 Cliffs Road, Duncan

CVRD Area F
Cowichan Lake Sports Arena
311 South Shore Road, Lake Cowichan

CVRD Area G
Chemainus Elementary School
3172 Garner Street, Chemainus

CVRD Area I
Youbou Community Hall
8550 Hemlock Street, Youbou

Municipality of North Cowichan
• Chemainus Secondary School
• 9947 Daniel Street, Chemainus

• Crofton Firehall
• 1681 Robert Street, Crofton

• École Mount Prevost School
• 6177 Somenos Road, North Cowichan

• Maple Bay Elementary School
• 1500 Donnay Drive, North Cowichan

• North Cowichan Municipal Hall
• 7030 Trans Canada Highway, North Cowichan

• Quw’utsun Secondary School
• 2003 University Way, North Cowichan

Town of Lake Cowichan
Municipal Office
39 South Shore Road, Lake Cowichan

City of Duncan
Duncan Fire Hall
468 Duncan Street, Duncan

10/15/2026

The Great BC ShakeOut is a great reminder that being prepared helps keep us safe. Students and staff across BC will take part in this annual earthquake drill to practice the simple actions that can make a big difference during an earthquake: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

Families can join the conversation at home by reviewing emergency plans and discussing what to do if an earthquake occurs. A few minutes of practice today can help build confidence and preparedness for tomorrow.

Together, we can help create safer schools, homes, and communities.

10/14/2026

Today, our buses will be completing our mandatory bus evacuation drills.
Please expect a 15-20 minute delay for all routes.

10/14/2026

Remember to get out to vote this Saturday. Voting locations and trustee candidates are listed here for your reference.

10/13/2026

10/12/2026

On Tuesday, October 6, the Board of Education acknowledged four very deserving recipients of the Cowichan Valley School District’s Shsi’em Ts-hay recognition.

Penny Butler a Vice Principal with the district was recognized in the Caring for Place category.

Penny embodies the spirit of Caring for Place through her unwavering commitment to the students, staff, and community of Frances Kelsey Secondary School. She has consistently gone above and beyond to create a school environment where people feel safe, valued, supported, and connected. She leads with empathy, integrity, and genuine care for others. Students know they can trust her, staff know they can rely on her, and families know they will be heard. She has helped create a place where relationships matter, where people feel a sense of belonging, and where individuals are encouraged to be their best selves. Her leadership has made our school stronger, not only through the decisions she has made, but through the relationships she has built along the way. Even though Penny has moved to Chemainus Secondary this school year, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, professionalism, and authentic leadership. Penny is profoundly deserving of recognition for Caring for Place because she has helped make Frances Kelsey a better place for all of us.