Today's Nature House Events

Here's what's on today!

10-12 Summer Kickoff (All ages)
Telegraph Harbour Marina

Come celebrate the start of the Nature House program with us at the marina! Drop in for one activity or stay for them all. Decorate a flower cookie using fresh edible blooms, paint a rock plant marker that will live permanently in the People's Apothecary Garden, or forage for natural treasures and craft them into a Wild Wand. Meanwhile, help us populate the Sea Life Centre's seaquarium by collecting critters along the shore and off the dock - discovering who's clinging to the pilings, hiding in the eelgrass, and drifting through the harbour.

1-3 SLC Drop-in: Marine Mammals (All ages)
Sea Life Centre, Telegraph Harbour Marina

See you out there!
ThINC

Aid for Grete & Jackie

Well, the response has been overwhelming! What an incredible island we live on. Even the Emergency Management Cowichan has extended shelter support for Grete and Jackie.

We’ve had several donations.

Just to let you know that both Jackie and Grete have cell phones now. Thank you so much to those who donated the phones.

Many people who have homes on Thetis but are seasonal residents and live further away asked for a Go Fund Me. You can seek there for the story and how to donate. It’s called “Grete and Jackie”. With the assistance of Stephanie Cottell, we will monitor and coordinate with both ladies when we have reached the goal. Ideally first and last month’s rent and some groceries and furnishings and beds to get them started. Thank you again for all your posts and well wishes and by all means do not feel obligated to donate if you are unable to. Sharing the links can bring visibility and do just as much!

If anyone has a rental property on Thetis that could accommodate one or both women (Jackie has 3 dogs) please reach out to Stephanie or myself.

Thank you so much again,
Hedi Steen & Stephanie Cottell

Thetis Island Volunteer Fire Department – Incident Update

At 7:33 p.m. on July 1, the Thetis Island Volunteer Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Kenwood Road after being dispatched by Fire Dispatch. Sixteen firefighters responded to the incident. 

When the first engine—our new apparatus—arrived on scene, the residence was already well involved. All occupants and their dogs had safely evacuated. Farm animals on the property were protected and sheltered in place. 

Due to the extreme fire hazard conditions and nearby interface fuels, immediate action was taken to prevent the fire from spreading into the surrounding forest. Assistance was requested from all of our outstanding Auxiliary Teams to support front-line firefighting operations. 

Fortunately, humidity was increasing and winds were calm. However, the intense heat from the fire generated its own convection, carrying burning embers approximately 700 metres across North Cove Road. These embers ignited a second fire, which was quickly reported by a vigilant community member. Our bush engine immediately left the main incident to extinguish the new fire before it could spread. 

The BC Wildfire Service responded on the first ferry July 2nd to assist with wildfire suppression and assessment. The incident was declared under control at 10:20 a.m. the following morning. Firefighters remained on scene for approximately 15 hours, followed by another 7 hours of cleanup and returning equipment to operational readiness. 

We are deeply grateful for the support provided by our Auxiliary Teams: 

• Water Supply Auxiliary 

• Structural Protection Unit Auxiliary 

• Rest & Rehabilitation Auxiliary 

These dedicated volunteers supplied logistical support both at the fire scene and back at the fire hall. Well over 20,000 gallons of water was transported from Hunter’s pond to the Scene 1000 gallons at a time 

We also extend our sincere thanks to the many local residents who offered assistance, as well as representatives from Friends of Furries and Capernwray Harbour Bible Centre, Pioneer Camp. Special thanks goes to Stephanie Cottell, Captain of the Local Emergency Response Network, for coordinating Emergency Support Services for the displaced tenants. 

Additional assistance was provided or offered by the CVRD Emergency Support Services, BC Emergency Health Services, the Office of the Fire Commissioner, the Penelakut Island Fire Department, and the BC Wildfire Service. 

While the outcome was devastating, we are thankful there were no injuries and that the wildfire threat was successfully contained. Two residents lost all of their belongings except the clothing they were wearing and the items in their pockets. The owners also lost their retirement home. The fire destroyed the two-unit residence, two vehicles, a trailer, and all possessions in and around the structure. 

Thank you to everyone who supported this response and for your continued vigilance during wildfire season. 

Fire Chief J. Caldbeck, Deputy Chief Chad L. Kerr 

Thetis Island Volunteer Fire Department

From the Library

A Friend of the Library is available 

Saturday 10-1, Sunday 1-4 Celine on duty, and Tuesday 12-1.

Celine

Coastal Fire Weather Forecast for the Region

Weather:

• Cool, wet weather is expected through Friday, helping to keep wildfire activity low.
• Warmer, drier weather will return over the weekend, with Sunday and Monday expected to be the hottest and driest days.
• Some areas may see stronger winds on Saturday, which could increase fire risk.
• Cooler, more unsettled weather is expected again next week, with a chance of rain.

Coastal Fire
A local reminder that all campfire permits cease on July 7th on Thetis Island. We continue to be in HIGH HAZARD category despite that welcomed dump of rain on July 2nd. Please stop all hazardous activities in and near the forest by 1 pm and monitor (fire watch) for the next two hours.
Call in any daytime smoke columns to 911 and stay vigilant. Do not wait before calling 911 if you have an accidental indoor fire. As you know, with modern construction materials and volatile fire furnishings and possessions (e.g plastics, foam furniture, carpets, drapes etc.) fire will spread quickly. Leave the building and call 911 and do not re-enter. Have your home fire escape plan ready and let your summer guests know when to dial 911 (when they are outside), how to exit the building and where to meet at your gathering point. Smoke kills and possessions can be replaced. Stay safe to be safe.

Thank you for your continued support.

Thetis Island Vol. Fire Dept.

Camper Trailer

Aussie camper trailer great fold out Bushranger 200, Google it for pictures and information asking $3000

Call Mike 250 210 8926.

Who's New at the Summer Market

This week, Anne-Marie joins us at the Market at Howling Wolf Farm. On her stall, you’ll find an eclectic mix of wind chimes, baked goods and unusual creations you’ll find nowhere else! Drop by - Saturdays from 10 until 2 - and see what’s new!

Market Committee

An Evening at Telegraph: Summer Feature Dinner

Join us at Telegraph Harbour for a stunning three-course culinary experience celebrating the vibrant flavors of the season. Space is limited, so gather your favorite people and secure your table!

THE MENU

STARTER

• The Summer Harvest Salad Crisp, vibrant kale leaves tossed with sweet, hand-sliced local strawberries and peppery radishes, finished with a bright summer vinaigrette.

MAIN COURSE

• Gourmet Duck Meatballs & Gratin Dauphinois Tender, rich duck meatballs tossed in a sweet-and-savory honey-soy glaze, accented with a rich balsamic reduction. Served alongside a classic, velvety Gratin Dauphinois—layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked to golden perfection with rich cream and melted cheese.

DESSERT

• Rhubarb Waffle Cone Crumble A playful, summer twist on a classic dessert. Tart, stewed rhubarb topped with a buttery, crispy waffle cone crumble, served with a generous pour of our velvety, homemade vanilla bean custard.

EVENT DETAILS

• When: Saturday July 4, 2026
• Doors Open: 6:00 pm (Come grab a drink and watch the boats)
• Dinner Service: 6:30 pm

RESERVE YOUR SEAT

Tables for our feature nights fill up fast! RSVP to: cafe@telegraphharbour.ca to save your spot today.

4th July - USA's 250th Birthday - Voter Info

Dear Neighbours--

For those who USA citizens abroad on Election Day (Tuesday November 3, 2026), below are two non-partisan sites providing information and assistance on casting your vote from abroad.

Non-Partisan Nonprofit Portals

Overseas Vote / U.S. Vote Foundation:<https://www.overseasvotefoundation.org/> A prominent, non-partisan public charity dedicated entirely to helping overseas citizens and military personnel register and request ballots through an easy-to-use online "wizard."

VoteFromAbroad.org: <https://www.votefromabroad.org/> This is a user-friendly, dedicated tool specifically designed to help overseas Americans quickly generate their ballot request paperwork. (Note: While the platform itself operates non-partisantly to serve all U.S. citizens, it was originally created and is maintained by Democrats Abroad).

A Brief History of Gaining the Right to Vote in the USA (USE IT or LOSE IT)

18-year-olds gained the right to vote on July 1, 1971, with certification of the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Native Americans gained the right to vote in all federal elections on June 2, 1924, with the passage of the Indian Citizenship Act (before this, about 1/3 of Native Americans did not have voting rights).

Women 21+ years old, gained the right to vote on August 26, 1920, when the 19th Amendment was formally adopted.

All male citizens 21+ years old, including formerly enslaved persons, gained the right to vote on February 3, 1870, when the 15th Amendment was ratified.

Before the 15th Amendment, many "categories" of adults (for example, white men without property, Jews, women, and free Blacks) were denied any voting rights. In 1789, the US Constitution granted voting rights to only about 6% of the population (almost exclusively, white male property owners) .

SUMMARY:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_voting_rights_in_the_United_States

GO FUND ME - For Grete and Jackie

 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/grete-jackie?attribution_id=sl:f85f5213-dda4-47af-a8364a17b8ec3e2b&lang=en_CA&ts=1783117134&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp20_control&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

On July 1st 2026, Grete and Jackie experienced everyone's worst nightmare.

A devastating fire destroyed their home on Thetis Island, leaving them with nothing but the clothes they were able to escape in. In a matter of hours, they lost their home, their vehicles, their phones, their identification, family photographs, artwork, treasured keepsakes, clothing, furniture, and every possession they had spent a lifetime collecting.

While no amount of money can replace irreplaceable memories or cherished family heirlooms, together we can help them rebuild their lives. The road ahead will be long.

As they begin the difficult process of replacing identification, finding permanent housing, and starting over from scratch, they will need help with nearly every aspect of daily life.

Funds raised through this campaign will help cover:

● Temporary accommodation

● Clothing and footwear

● Food and everyday necessities

● Replacing identification and important documents

● Transportation

● Communication needs, including cell phones

● Household furnishings and basic essentials when permanent housing is secured

● Other unexpected expenses that come with starting over after a total loss.

Anyone who has experienced a house fire understands that recovery doesn’t happen overnight. It takes months—and often years—to rebuild.

Thetis Island has always been a community that rallies around its neighbours during times of crisis. Already, people have stepped forward with donations, clothing, and offers of help. This fundraiser is another way for friends, neighbours, family, and even complete strangers to make a meaningful difference.

Whether you are able to donate $10 or $1,000, every contribution will help Grete and Jackie take one more step toward rebuilding their lives.

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this campaign. Your kindness, generosity, and encouragement mean more than words can express.

On behalf of Grete and Jackie, thank you for helping them find hope after such an unimaginable loss.

Thank you.

Thetis Island Fire - Community Support Needed

As many of you have already heard, two women have suffered an unimaginable loss after a devastating house fire destroyed their home, Grete and Jackie. The fire claimed everything they owned—their home, vehicles, cell phones, identification, treasured photographs, artwork, keepsakes, clothing, and the memories collected over a lifetime.

As always, the Thetis Island community has shown incredible compassion when neighbours are in need. We are now asking for your support once again.

At this time, we are gratefully accepting donations of:

● Medium-size women’s clothing

● Size 8 women’s shoes for Jackie and size 36 narrow for Grete

● Small/Medium women’s underwear (new only)

● Socks (new)

● T-shirts

● cellphones and prepaid minutes if anyone has these available.

Donation bins and a donation jar have been set up at Thetis Island Marina & Pub. See Dianne in the office for larger donations by cheque for receipt. 

In the coming days, the women will also need transportation to Duncan to replace their essential identification, including driver’s licences, birth certificates, and passports.

Emergency Management Cowichan manager Matt, travelled to Thetis Island today and has met with both ladies and provided emergency funding for temporary shelter, food, and immediate necessities for the next 3–4 nights. After that, they will need longer-term assistance while they begin rebuilding their lives. I am currently working to secure an extension of that emergency support.

Once they are able to obtain permanent housing, they will essentially be starting from nothing and will need all the basic household necessities. We will share those needs as they arise.

A community fundraiser is also being organized, and I will share the details as soon as everything has been finalized.

Finally, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our volunteer firefighters and all emergency responders. Their tireless efforts prevented this tragedy from becoming an even larger disaster. They worked relentlessly to protect neighbouring homes, contain the fire, and ensure everyone remained safe.

Thank you for everything you do for our island. I sincerely hope our volunteer firefighters are finally getting some well-earned rest.

With gratitude,

Hedi Steen

Cowichan Emergency Support Services Coordinator (Thetis Island)

226-931-2891
  hedi43@icloud.com

https://emcowichan.ca 

Thanks to the TIVFD

While many of us were celebrating Canada Day, the team members of the Thetis Island Volunteer Fire Department were fighting a house fire on Kenwood that could have resulted in a major catastrophe for the island. They not only controlled the house fire, but kept it from spreading to nearby homes.

As Thetis Islanders, we are so fortunate to have such a dedicated and well-trained crew. We thank them all.

Teresa Moore and Doug Darling