When Erika Friese saw a business opportunity in the Cowichan Valley, the young entrepreneur didn’t hesitate to jump on it.
Freiese is the owner of Two Five O Tour Co. which has been taking customers on her 16-passenger bus on wine and brewery tours around the Cowichan Valley for five years.
She said she has noted that, with hardly any nighttime cab services available to provide rides to and from the area’s downtown bars and nightclubs, there is a long-standing need to provide reliable transportation home for their customers, particularly on the weekend evenings.
So Friese said she began talking to the owners of some of the establishments, and partnered with six of them to provide rides home to their customers who live within a 10-kilometre radius of the downtown core on weekend nights in her bus in an enterprise called the Duncan Bus Shuttle.
The six participating bars and nightclubs are the Red Arrow Brewing Co., Craig Street Brew Pub, Old Firehouse Wine & Cocktail Bar, Jac’s on Queens, Oak Taphouse, and the Cowichan Valley Inn.
Friese has established times that she will be at each of the bars over the course of the nights each Friday and Saturday to take customers on a safe and sober ride home.
She said, if there’s space on the bus, people can also ride the bus between the participating bars for free.
“We’re also offering to pick people up at their homes and take them to the bars by request,” Friese said.
“We just started (May 16-17) and it went well, but I expect it will take a few weeks to build up as people find out about the service. It’s just Friday and Saturday nights for now, but we’ll feel it out and maybe adjust that as we go.”
For more information, call Friese at 236-594-8121, or email her at info@twofiveotourco.com.
Also, check out the website twofiveotourco.com
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Cowichan Woodwork Ltd. is the winner of the most prestigious residential millwork award in B.C., along with two other awards the company was presented recently by the Architectural Woodworkers and Manufacturers Association of Canada, BC Chapter.
The Cobble Hill-based company, which specializes in cabinetry and millwork, won the award for Best Overall Residential Project at a recent award ceremony at the Vancouver Conference Centre, as well as two Gold Awards for Excellence in Service, and Excellence in Quality.
Gordon Smith, Aaron Olson, and Tyler Craig, the owners of Cowichan Woodwork, emphasized that the award is shared with the entire Cowichan Woodwork team, from designer Coleen Walters to the skilled craftspeople who have collectively contributed to this outstanding achievement.
“Our thanks to the homeowners who were thoughtful, creative and supportive,” the owners said.
“As well, thanks to Square One Developments of Tofino as the contractor. It was our pleasure and honour to work with you.”
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Get ready for a safe and confident boating season.
Mill Bay Marina is offering a full range of accredited small powerboat training courses this summer, including Transport Canada and internationally recognized certifications.
“Whether you're aiming to become commercially certified as a small boat captain or just looking to boost your on-water skills, we have the right course for you,” Mill Bay Marina said.
“Perfect for beginners or those needing a refresher, our one-day Boating Basics on-water course is taught by certified instructors on the Beneteau Antares 7, one of our Club YOLO boats.”
Courses are available at both the Mill Bay Marina and Port Sidney Marina.
Visit www.clubyolo.ca/marinetraining for full details and to register.
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Swing by the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre on June 6, from 8-9 a.m. for a relaxed meetup being held by the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce.
There’s no program or presentation, just a casual hour to check in, catch up, and chat with other chamber members before the day kicks off.
“And if your headshot could use a refresh, Chad Hipolito of Hipphotography, the talented eye behind our Black Tie portraits, will be on hand offering professional photos for just $25,” the chamber said.
“It’s a quick, high-quality update for your website, LinkedIn, Christmas cards or wherever you need to show up professionally.”
The event is free for chamber members and their guests, but remember the photos are $25 each.
Register online, call 250-748-1111 or email admin@duncancc.bc.ca.
