Today's Nature House Events

Here's what's on today!

9-11 Harvest Hours (all ages)
Location: The People’s Apothecary Garden, Lot 62

What's in season: July is one of the most rewarding times to visit - Borage stars are opening, Lavender is at its fragrant peak, Yarrow is in full bloom, and Mullein towers above everything on its second-year spike. The aromatic herbs - Sage, Thyme, Oregano, Rosemary, and Bay Laurel, are loaded with essential oils right now, and the bitter beauties (Mugwort, Wormwood, Betony) are putting up their best growth of the year.

The PAG is open to the public during daylight hours - come wander and explore anytime.

1-3 SLC Drop-in: Edible Oceans (all ages)
Location: Sea Life Centre at Telegraph Harbour Marina

Same great activity running again today - see Friday for details.

2-4 S4: Growing Food & Community with Alistair Howes
Location: Forbes Hall

Providing access to healthy, sustainable food for local communities often requires thinking outside the box. Join Alistair Howes as he shares how communities can strengthen their food systems and explores the variety of food security projects FED Urban Agriculture has underway. FED's mission is to create high-impact urban food system projects that contribute to an equitable and regenerative future - through garden spaces, educational programs, and advocacy for urban agriculture.

About the speaker: Alistair Howes works with FED Urban Agriculture, a food security initiative based in Victoria, BC. With a background in fine dining and urban farming, Alistair's work is driven by a passion for reconnecting people with the food systems that sustain them, and a belief in local food production as a catalyst for transforming our relationship with the environment.

A Big Thank You to the TIVFD

In response to our 911 call, Chief Caldbeck, her deputy Chad Kerr and a number of volunteers provided paramedic assessment/care to my wife Janet who had injured her foot, was in severe pain and showed other worrying symptoms. Chief Caldbeck and her team concluded Janet was to be taken by water taxi to Chemainus and then to hospital where tests confirmed a broken bone.

We are deeply grateful for TIVFD's prompt response and professional care. 

THANK YOU.

Mario Strauss (203)

TIVFD/RCMSAR 29 Summer 2026 Kids Don’t Float Program

The Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue 29 Ladysmith crew visited Thetis Island on Saturday morning, July 11th, to check up on the Kids Don’t Float lifejackets loaner program that the Thetis Island Fire Department co-sponsors.  We are up and running for the summer and encourage parents who visit the community dock and the beach below it to put a lifejacket on their children. Return the lifejacket to the hook when you leave and if you find a problem with the lifejacket, let the Fire Department know. 

Be safe and have fun this summer!

Pictured from left to right: TIVFD Lieut. Norm Kasting, Fire Chief Jeannine Caldbeck, RCMSAR Ladysmith 29 Crew Chief Sue Wisely and their new recruit Colin.  

Window Cleaning Service

Due to popular demand,

I am now offering a window cleaning service as well as the usual men’s haircuts and general labour and services throughout your homestead.

With brand new 20-foot reaching cleaning for those hard-to-reach windows without the hassle of climbing ladders and roofs whenever possible.

Also, ideal cleaning for solar panels and similar.

Your local hardworking Irishman

Aaronmalone32@gmail.com

+1 (250) 882-3162

Thetis Island Visitors' Guide - Final Call for Listings

The update of the Thetis Island Visitors’ Guide is almost complete. If you operate a roadside stand, shop, service, or local business and would like your information included in the guide, and have not yet responded, please email tirracommunications@thetisisland.net by July 14.

The guide is distributed at numerous businesses, organizations, and public locations throughout the island. A copy of the 2024 guide is available at https://www.thetisisland.net/info/Thetis_Island_Visitors_Guide_2024-web.pdf

Thank you.

Karl Unger, TIRRA Communications

Today's Nature House Events

Here's what's on today!

9-11 Tides to Trails: Intertidal Walk with Andy Lamb
Location: Clam Bay - park at the end of Clam Bay Rd. and meet on the beach

A second Tides to Trails this week - not to be missed! If you've ever found a mysterious creature on the beach and wondered what it was, now is your chance to find out. Join local sea creature expert Andy Lamb for an intertidal walk that will surprise even the most seasoned tidepool explorer. (Note the early start - we follow the tides!)

1-3 SLC Drop-in: Edible Oceans (all ages)
Location: Sea Life Centre at Telegraph Harbour Marina

Missed Friday's session? Same great activity running again today - see Friday for details.

From the Library

A Friend of the Library is available 

Saturday 10-1, Sunday 1-4, and Tuesday 12-1.

Only 3 weeks until the Book and Bake Sale!

Celine

Fire Preparedness After Recent Structure Fire

Following our recent structure fire, I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who responded and to share a few reminders about the importance of being prepared.

The incident highlighted some of the unique challenges we face as an island community. Limited access to additional resources means that the first actions taken by occupants, neighbours, and our local firefighters can make a significant difference. 

Please take a few minutes to review your own home's fire preparedness: 

• Make sure smoke alarms are installed, tested monthly, and have fresh batteries. 

• Have a fire extinguisher readily available and know how to use it. 

• Create and practice a home escape plan so everyone knows two ways out and a safe meeting place. 

• Keep driveways and access roads clear and ensure your house number is visible from the road. 

• Clear combustible materials from around your home, especially during the dry summer months. 

• If you have a water source such as a pond, pool, or cistern, consider making it accessible for firefighting operations where practical. 

Most importantly, if a fire occurs, get everyone out immediately, call 911, and stay out. Property can be replaced—people cannot. 

We are grateful that everyone involved in this recent incident made it out safely. 

We would also like to thank our neighbouring fire departments, BC Wildfire Service, BC Emergency Health Services, our Auxiliary teams, and the many community members who offered assistance. The support shown throughout the incident is a reminder of what makes our community so strong. 

Thank you for taking fire preparedness seriously. A few simple steps taken today can make all the difference tomorrow. 

Stay safe, 

Chad Kerr 

Deputy Fire Chief 

Thetis Island Volunteer Fire Department

Summer Bouquets

Summer bouquets are back at the Jollity Market today. 

Beautiful organically grown dahlias, rainbow echinacea and more, fresh from the farm. 

And if you’d like a special order for pick up at the kiosk text Aimée 2508899723 with notice :)

Urgent Housing Needed for Jackie and Grete

Dear Friends,

We are reaching out with an urgent and time-sensitive plea on behalf of Jackie and Grete, who lost everything in the recent house fire on Thetis Island.

Despite the incredible generosity our community has shown through donations, meals, clothing, and emotional support, we have still not been able to secure housing for them. Their temporary accommodations end early next week, and without a solution in place, they will have nowhere to go. This is now an immediate and critical need.

While our hope was to find a home where they could stay together, we understand that this may not be possible. Jackie and Grete are fully willing to live separately if it means each of them can find a safe place to stay. Even short-term or temporary accommodation would provide essential stability during this incredibly difficult time.

We are asking everyone to please think urgently and creatively. Do you have:

● A rental suite, cottage, cabin, or guest house?

● A seasonal home that is currently sitting empty?

● A spare room or temporary accommodation?

● A friend, family member, or neighbour who may have something available?

They are respectful, kind, and responsible tenants who are simply trying to rebuild their lives after an unimaginable loss.

If you know of any accommodation—temporary or long-term—please reach out immediately. Time is of the essence, and even sharing this message widely could make all the difference.

The Thetis Island community has already shown extraordinary compassion, and we are deeply grateful. We are now asking, with urgency, for one more act of kindness to help ensure Jackie and Grete have a safe place to land in the days ahead.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your continued support.

Warmly

Hedi Steen
 226-931-2891

Stephanie Cottell stephanie.cottell@gmail.com

Tricia Hunter 250-246-8954

on behalf of Jackie & Grete

Busy Ferry Schedule

Summer camps at Pioneer Pacific are in full swing, with our annual rhythms of welcoming campers Sunday afternoons and saying goodbye Friday mornings. With the hope to aid travel plans, we've provided information on when you can expect busier than usual ferry traffic throughout the summer. 

You can find the "Busy Ferry Schedule" on the Thetis Island Ferry Cam website (link at the top). Our last summer camp concludes August 28. We hope the schedule is helpful!

https://www.thetisisland.net/ferry/Current_combined_busy.pdf

Your neighbours in North Cove,

Pioneer Pacific Camp

Pressure Washing Roof

Is there a Thetis Islander who pressure washes roofs? My cabin's metal roof needs pressure washing and Blackjack does not do that.

If you have an answer or a lead, please contact Bob Kasting.

Rkasting@gmail.com or 604 657 8534 (text or phone)