Cowichan Valley Welcomes First Baby of 2026: Meet Dexter Fast

Dexter Joseph Fast has made his entrance as the first baby born in Cowichan Valley for the year 2026. He was born on January 1 at 14:45 local time at the Cowichan District Hospital. Weighing in at seven pounds and 10.5 ounces, Dexter’s arrival has brought joy to his family on this special day.

His parents, Corinne and David Fast, were taken by surprise when Dexter chose to arrive early, as his due date was initially set for January 5. “We didn’t have any expectations for a New Year’s baby,” David shared. Interestingly, Corinne began experiencing contractions on Christmas Day, leading the couple to speculate that Dexter might have been a Christmas baby instead.

Celebrating a New Addition to the Family

Dexter joins a lively household, becoming the fourth child for the Fast family. He has three older siblings: Lauren, aged 19; Xavier, who will celebrate his 13th birthday on January 8; and Isabelle, who is two-and-a-half years old. The family is excited to welcome their new member, and the siblings are looking forward to playing a role in Dexter’s upbringing.

The birth of Dexter on New Year’s Day has made this occasion even more memorable for the Fast family. “It’s a great way to start the year,” David added, reflecting on the significance of welcoming a new child as they embark on another trip around the sun.

As the first baby born in the region in 2026, Dexter’s arrival has also drawn attention from the local community. The Cowichan Valley has a tradition of celebrating the first birth of the year, marking it as a symbol of hope and renewal.

In a world where every new life is a reason to celebrate, Dexter Joseph Fast’s birth adds a joyful note to the New Year, promising new beginnings and cherished moments for his family and community.