Cowichan Valley’s First Outdoor Cob Kitchen!
Created as a community project in 2013, the cob oven in Centennial park in downtown Duncan has seen many celebrations since its inception in 2013. Thanks to the stewardship of the Cowichan Community Kitchens (CCK) and Hiiye’yu Lelum – House of Friendship it became a gathering place for different organizations and families for their special events.
The Cob Oven Story was inspired by CCK’s Field to Table Project and was a celebration to recognize their 20 years in the Cowichan Region. They brought the community together to explore and imagine the future they believed possible. One filled with hope, love, respect, and celebration of diversity. For six months people of all ages joined in mud stomping, clay mixing, and natural building skills.
They learned about Coast Salish designs, tile art, and painted panels of ideas that were brought to life in the oven artwork and storytelling panels. They laughed, shared stories, recipes and meals together, neighbours became friends, children were inspired, and a community was created!
The oven was used by the community until 2017. Between that time and 2021, activities were quiet at the oven while the question of stewardship was open.
As of June 2022, Cowichan Green Community (CGC) entered into an agreement with the City of Duncan to manage the oven. The cob oven and kitchen are a venue for small to medium size gatherings where food is part of the focus: we have a pizza oven, a grill plate, and a one-burner heating spot all wood-fired. These fires are set up as “rocket stoves” a special clean burning system. In addition, there is a large marble counter/ workspace and two sinks. Adjacent to this set-up is a picnic table arrangement that, while not connected or part of the bookings, may be available to the party. We also have tents for shade/rain cover available.
Currently, the oven is not only available for community events, but is also the home of the “Food for Youth First’ program funded by the United Way of BC. There are weekly ‘pizza’ days as well as educational workshops and activities available for youth to attend. Resource materials are made available, learning’s are shared, and of course delicious pizzas are also enjoyed by all the participants.
Click on the ‘Cob Oven Application and Fees’ text below to download the application form.
For more information on setting up an event at the oven including the fees or the Youth program please email info@cowichangreencommunity.org, or call 250-748-8506.
