Wanted: Wood Chips

Wood chips for a pathway

Does anyone have an excess of wood chips they would like taken away. Can collect anytime.

Thank you

Contact Chris - text or phone778 688 2071

Summer Opportunities at ThINC

This summer, ThINC is looking for passionate Environmental Program Coordinators to help bring our Nature House and stewardship programs to life! Join us in inspiring kids, youth, and adults, supporting local conservation projects, and enjoying the beauty of Thetis Island, all while strengthening our community’s connection to nature.

If you or someone you know is interested, please get in touch at info@thetisislandnatureconservancy.org. Applications are open until March 4.
Application details here: https://www.thetisislandnatureconservancy.org/single-post/summer-opportunities-at-thinc

Charlotte
ThINC Education and Stewardship Coordinator

A Quick Update on FireSmart rebates for Thetis Island Homeowners

FireSmart Rebates Available

The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is continuing to accept applications for FireSmart rebates from eligible homeowners.

• Rebates cover 50% of approved costs
• The maximum rebate is $4,000
• To receive the full $4,000, a homeowner would complete at least $8,000 in approved FireSmart mitigation work

Eligibility Notes

• Rebates are for primary residences only
• Rebates cannot be combined with FireSmart rebates received in the past 3 years
• Other terms and conditions apply

Please review the full eligibility details here before applying:
https://emcowichan.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-Rebate-Terms-and-Conditions-FINAL.pdf

How to Apply
Applications for the 2025–2026 Homeowner FireSmart Rebate Program can be found here:
https://emcowichan.ca/programs-resources/fire-smart/home-owner/2025-2026-firesmart-rebate-program/

Upcoming FireSmart Assessments
Emergency Management Cowichan (EMC) will be scheduling assessments for grant applicants on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Please note:

• Homeowners must be on site during the assessment

If you’re considering FireSmart work this year, this is a great opportunity to reduce your wildfire risk and receive financial support.

Stu Downey

TIVFD Auxiliary SPU & FireSmart

TIRRA Communications and Correspondence

TIRRA communicates with local government and provincial organizations as part of its role to advocate for Thetis Island and its residents. This has included letters to a number of these bodies and organizations as noted below. Copies of the correspondence are available at https://thetisisland.net/tirra/tirra-communications.html

January 30, 2026, Letter to Islands Trust regarding Howling Wolf Farm Market

January 30, 2026, Letter to CVRD regarding Taxation and Thetis Island Wharf

January 3, 2026, Letter to Thetis Island Advisory Planning Commission

TIRRA Board

Thetis Island Trails Usage

TIRRA has been asked to clarify that the trails on Thetis Island are open to public users, yet situated on private property and maintained by many generous volunteers. To respect property owners and volunteers, as well as aspects within the trail agreement documents, the trail network is not to be used for riding horses.

TIRRA Board

Superbowl Sunday Tailgate Party at the Pub!

Come on down at 2pm, Sunday February 8th to watch the game and enjoy great deals on food and beer.

Chicken wings $18

Chili dog and fries $16

Bottles of Lucky $5

Brunch will be ending at 1pm this week and Superbowl specials will start at 2pm.

*Note* No actual tailgates will be involved. Just your favourite seats in your favourite pub on your favourite island.

See you there,

Thetis Marina Staff

Capernwray Spring & Summer Conferences

Registrations are now open for our Spring & Summer Conferences.

Ladies Conference Weekends

May 29-31 or June 5-7

Two identical weekends to choose from, designed for women to step away from everyday life to spend focused time in God's Word, be quiet in His presence, and enjoy being a little spoiled too.

Speaker - Jessica McLean,

Topic - Nehemiah

$285 + gst includes:

Bible teaching
praise through song
delicious meals
recreational activities
fellowship & fun
two night’s accommodation with bedding

Men’s Conference Weekend

August 15-17

A weekend just for the guys! Men, come away to refocus on the Lord Jesus Christ, experience Biblical, life-applicable teaching, a delicious menu and some adrenalin-producing activities.

Speaker - Matthew McLean, 

Topic - Life of Timothy

$285+gst includes:

Bible teaching
praise through song
delicious meals
recreational activities
fellowship & fun
two night’s accommodation with bedding

Holiday Bible Week #3

July 19-24

Guests will enjoy a holiday like no other as they experience Christ-focused teaching from guest and resident lecturers, along with a myriad of recreational activities and special events for all ages. One out of six weeks still available.

Speaker - John Poysti, 

Topic - The book of Job

Fees based on age of guests with a family max available includes:

Bible teaching for all ages
praise through song
delicious meals
recreational activities
fellowship & fun
five night’s accommodation with bedding

To register or to find out more visit capernwray.ca or contact our Main Office at 250.246.9440  chbc@capernwray.ca

Howling Wolf Farm Update

Hello:

On this day when we had twin lambs born and collected 22 eggs, we feel blessed to be here on Thetis for over 30 years! We are overwhelmed by our Community Support! Approaching 100 people took the time to stop by our stand signing the petition and leaving comments. Online we have over 450 supporters from all over the world! 

Marylyn and I stay positive! 

Thanks so much!

Christopher Pegg

Valentine's Dinner Invitation

What are you doing for Valentine's dinner? 

Are you in love with love? Why not bring a friend, a neighbour, a lover, a spouse or anyone else you'd like to have a special dinner with on February 14th?

Featuring Beef or Salmon Wellington as the main course of our fantastic 3 course fixed price dinner. Please reserve ahead so we can get things ready for you. We'll have candles and Prosecco. You can bring the charm!

Reservations by phone or email

Thetis Island Marina

250-246-3464 or 

Thetisislandresorts@gmail.com

Gas Pump at Pub

We're having persistent mechanical trouble with our gas pump and for now we can fill gas cans but not larger quantities such as boats. 

The repair person has been contacted, and we hope to have the system fully operational by the end of the week. 

Sorry for the inconvenience!

Thetis Island Marina Staff

250-246-3464

Help Spot Bat-Killing Fungus

Biologists asking the public for reports of bats

The Thetis Island Community Bat Program is asking the public for reports of dead bats and winter daytime bat activity in an effort to detect white-nose syndrome, a fatal disease, caused by a fungus, that has killed millions of bats. 

“Almost everyone loves a good horror story with vampires and bats,” says Rob Welsh, coordinator for the Thetis Island Community Bat Program.  “However, what’s truly spooky right now is that our bat populations might face severe declines in the near future due to white-nose syndrome." All BC’s bats eat insects - there are no blood- or fruit-eating bats in Canada.  BC bats are essential to our ecosystems and provide substantial economic benefits by helping control agricultural, forest, and urban insect pests including mosquitoes.

“We are working in collaboration with the Province of BC and researchers, to detect and prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome,” says Welsh. Residents are urged to keep an eye out for any daytime bat activity in winter and report any sick or dead bats up until May 31/2026. 

White-nose syndrome has killed millions of bats in North America since its detection in New York in 2006 and continues to spread westward.  “The disease has been found in bats just across the border in Washington and Alberta, and the fungus was found in a guano sample in the BC Boundary region.  However, we have yet to see bats with evidence of the disease, which often appears several years after the fungus moves in,” says Welsh.

The fungus responsible for the disease spreads primarily through bat-to-bat contact during hibernation in cool, humid environments. White-nose syndrome does not cause illness in humans or pets, but it can be spread between suitable sites by contaminated clothing, gear, and equipment, particularly after recreating in or near caves. Avoid entering caves in winter and follow white-nose syndrome decontamination protocols if you must enter one.

Bats suffering from disease can have the fungus growing on their muzzle, ears, and wings causing the bats to wake up more frequently during hibernation.  “The excessive energy expenditure and dehydration can lead to bats taking flight during daylight in winter in search of food and water,” says Welsh.  “Unfortunately, many bats starve and die.”

“Seven of our 15 BC species could be severely affected by the disease,” says Welsh. The Little Brown Myotis and the Northern Myotis are both listed as Endangered in Canada primarily due to white-nose syndrome.  Researchers are working on several promising options to reduce the severity, and it may be possible to mitigate the effects of this wildlife health crisis.

All live bats should be left alone — keep your distance, snap a photo and report it to the Thetis Island Community Bat Program. “Dead bats are usually found on the ground but sometimes bats can pass away hanging upside down," says Welsh.  Never touch a bat with bare hands.  Contact the Thetis Island Community Bat Program for further directions on how to collect dead bats.  Report dead or daytime flying bats to Rob Welsh, email:  rmwelsh@telus.net or phone 250- 246-1547.

In partnership with the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the Thetis Island Community Bat Program provides information and promotes local stewardship and citizen science. The program runs thanks to funding from the Thetis Island Nature Conservancy, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Environment and Climate Change Canada, BC government, and BC Conservation Foundation and regionally with the support of numerous businesses, organizations, and volunteers.

Images:

1. White-nose syndrome occurrence map – by year (2026). Downloaded 2026-01-08. Available at WNS Spread Map| White Nose Syndrome
2. White-nose syndrome map close up of BC.  Downloaded 2026-01-08.  Available at WNS Spread Map| White Nose Syndrome
3. Hibernating myotis showing white patches of fungus growing on wings and face, signs of white-nose syndrome.  Photo by Jordi Segers.

Contact: Rob Welsh, Thetis Island Region Coordinator, BC Community Bat Program

Residence: 250-246-1547

Cell: 604-838-2575

Email: rmwelsh@telus.net

Website: https://bcbats.ca/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcbats

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotbats/

Jollity Weekly Order Reminders

We are doing a True Grain Organic Bakery pick up this week.
Orders for local milk, yogurt and baking due by Monday evening please.

Also, we order freshly roasted coffee beans each week for our cafe. If
you'd like to add a regular order to your weekly Saturday pick up, just
let us know.

Hudson, dark roast $18.75
Single origin medium roast $18.75
Night Grooves, Swiss Water decaf $19.00

https://www.jollityfarm.ca/order-form

With thanks, 

Jollity Farmers