Photographic adventures in a fabled landscape
Answering Patagonia’s Call
Words & Photos by
ALL Fall
Flipped Side Furniture: Skipping the landfill
A refreshing change
Words by
Photos by
The Strathcona Food Map
A new way for the culinary curious to explore that also increases food security
Words by Elise Boulanger &
Illustration by
Creativity and community
The Arts Alliance/CVAG have brought art to the Comox Valley for 50 years.
Words by
Photos Courtesy of
The history of the Union Bay coke ovens
Here were dragons
Words and photo by
Painting by
Bike & Brew
amily-friendly rides in the Comox Valley
Words & Illustration by
Photos by
Memoir and musings from my 75-year road trip
Big deal to reveal
Words by
Photo by
Featured Artist: Ron Bridge
Making Our Old House a Home
Sponsored by
Photos Courtesy of
Featured Photographer: Emily Palmer
One hundred days of silence
On a three-month Buddhist retreat, Marie Maccagno travels beyond words and back again
Words by
Photos by Arjan Van Asselt &
Comox District Mountaineering Club celebrates 100 years with its 2028 Hiking Challenge
It's the climb
Words by
Photos by Janet Beggs,
The Hornby Island Free Store
Sharing the wealth
Words by
Photos by
A conversation with John Vaillant
From Fire Weather to a festival
Words by
Photos by
Healing through art
A story of loss and reclaiming beauty.
Words by
Photos by
The Cumberland Forest
The threshold between a village and the great beyond
Words by
Photos by
Ayla Roberts: Music that will make you stop and think
Music that will make you stop and think
Words by
Photo by
Moon Dance
High above the forest floor, small creatures find bliss
Words by
Illustration by
Original music blooms within a cozy circle of songwriters
Wisdom sung from the heart
Words by
Photos by
Vintage cameras draw memories from the shadows
A return to film
Words and Photos by
One bean at a time
An Introduction to Vol. 43
Words by
Photo by
BOHEMIAN/BAVARIAN RHAPSODY
Their instruments got lost. They still had fun.
Words & Photos by
AN UPDATE ON STORIES FROM VOLUME 4
Ten years later
Words by
&
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: KATIE PHILLIPS
FEATURED ARTIST: NICOLA NORTH
SEASONAL GOODS: FALL
WINTER RESOLVE
Words by
Photo by
ELDER VALLEY: NATURAL EXPLORATION
Reflections from an older Comox Valley resident
Words by
Photo by
LITTLE VALLEY: A SURVIVAL TRIP STORY
Our young Comox Valley residents reflect on the home they're growing up in
Words by
Photo by
THE WORLD IS YOUR EGGPLANT
Don’t be a hater. Boldly go forth and try it.
Words by
Photo by
CLIMATE HOPE
We have the power to make change. Hope helps us act.
Words & illustration by
FROM PLASTIC IN THE SEA TO ART INGENUITY
Lost buoys
Words by
Photo by
HORNBY ISLAND FOSSILS
One man’s decades-long hunt
Words by
Photos by
CRAFTING A ONE-NIGHT DINING EXPERIENCE
The pressures—and pleasures
Words by
Photos by
PEER OUTREACH WORKERS
Part of a family bound by shared experience, suffering, and heartache
Words & photos by
FUNKANOMETRY’S JACKSUN FRYER
Popping and locking happiness
Words by
Photos courtesy of
CUMBERLAND’S WOODSTOVE FESTIVAL
Fall in love, I dare you…
Words by
Photos by
CUMBERLAND’S REVAMPED JUMP PARK
The merchants of dirt
Words by
Photo by
THE SANDWICK CAIRN
Comox Valley remembers
Words by & photo courtesy of
GROWING APPLES AND MAKING CIDER
A 120-year old tradition
Words by
Photos by
A LOVE LETTER TO THE VALLEY
An introduction to Vol. 39
Words by
Photo by
GRIT AND GRACE
Kayleen VanderRee and Tyler Turner might be more competitive than your average couple. But when they participated in The Amazing Race Canada, they had to go with the flow to stay in the game.
Words by
Photo by
KEEP IT GREEN
In an era of climate change and housing pressures, how can urban forests survive and thrive?
Words by
Opening photo by
FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS
The history of fire protection services in Cumberland.
Words by
Photos by
DRIPPING IN CULTURE
Sweating my way through the public saunas of Finland and Estonia.
Words by
&
THE SEA IN THEIR BLOOD
Meet the diving family who’ve been harvesting geoducks by hand for three generations.
Words by
Photos by
A CARING PRESENCE
Every week, Indigenous Elders connect with students at 11 Valley schools through the Ni’nox¯sola program.
Words by
ELDER VALLEY: NESTING INSTINCT
Taking pleasure in the rituals of the changing seasons.
Words by
Photo by
FROM VENTURE CAPITALIST TO VINTNER
Alex Guertin’s circuitous path to a Comox Valley vineyard.
Words by
Photo by
LITTLE VALLEY: AZALEE BANKS
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in
Words by
Photo by
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: CHUCK BURDICK
FEATURED ARTIST: SARAH CLARK
CAMP ROAD SPECIAL
Putting down roots in a place where people and stories live.
Words by
Photos by
WHY WITCHCRAFT?
Modern witchcraft and how it may be able to help heal the planet.
Words & Photo by
ANODIZED DOWNHILL DAYS
Local downhill and enduro racers fit right into the Valley’s monster mountain bike heritage.
Words by
Photo by
GIVE BEETS A CHANCE
This slow, easy technique makes their rich, sweet, earthy flavour even better.
Words by
Photo by
THE SEA AS MUSE
Conserving the coastline with photographer John Kelsey.
Words by
Photos courtesy of
OLD HOUSE ON THE RIVER
The Kirk family home that houses Locals Restaurant is part of Courtenay’s history—and future.
Words by
Photos by
FOSSIL FASCINATION
The Comox Valley has many ancient secrets for citizen palaeontologists to discover.
Words by
Photos provided by
A WORK OF COMPASSION
The Comox Valley Hospice Society (CVHS) marks its 40th anniversary of care.
ECHOES IN CHINATOWN
How exclusion, discrimination, and racism took their toll on a thriving community.
Words by
Photos courtesy of
THE ART OF DRYING FLOWERS
A fusion of Indigenous heritage and modern artistry is a way to keep memories forever.
Words by
Photos by
FALLING IN LOVE WITH FUNGI
The Cumberland Fungus Fest celebrates the marvellous multitaskers of the natural world.
Words by
Photos by
THE NEXT RIGHT THING
Intro by
Photo by
FERMENTATION 101
Simply Sauerkraut.
Words by
Photo by
PUTTING YOUR VEGETABLE GARDEN TO BED
Words by
Photos by
THE NIGHT RIDE
Moody, quiet, calm, serene. Wild, reflective eyes. Oh, how I love the secrets of the darkness.
Words by
Photo by
FEATURED ARTIST: LAURIE MARTZ
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: JIM WHYTE
Photo By
FOLLOW THE MOUNTAIN HOME
A journey to one of Strathcona Provincial Park’s most iconic peaks.
Words & photos by
THE COAL BENEATH OUR FEET
Words by
DINNER IS SERVED
Creative culinary events help put gustatory joy on everyone's menu.
Words by
Photos by
MAGIC IN THE DYE POT
Fibre and fungi are key ingredients in Amy Crook’s creative process.
Words by
Photos by
EVERYTHING WE KNOW IS WRONG
Words by
Photo by
WERE IT NOT FOR THE BIKE
Three days, two cyclists, and one island-sized mission.
Words & Featured Photo by
Gallery Photo by
ELDER VALLEY: RETIREMENT REDEFINED
Reflections from an older resident.
Words by
Photo by
LITTLE VALLEY: DAKOTA BLOMGREN
Reflections from a younger resident.
Photos by
THE DAY THE PRINCE CAME TO TOWN
An irreverent look at a long-ago royal visit to the Comox Valley.
Words by
ALTERED LANDSCAPE
Restoring and reconnecting land and water includes understanding our history.
Words by
Photos by
FEEL LIKE A KID AGAIN
Spend a Monday night at the LINC.
Words & photos by
WHALE BREATH AND ANGEL WINGS
The forces behind the tides aren’t as simple as you think.
Words by
Photos by
JUMP SCARES AHEAD
Filmmaker Dan Webb brings sci-fi and horror to the Comox Valley.
Words by
Illustration by
A DOORWAY TO HOPE
ReStore helps get families into safe, sustainable NEW homes.
Words & Photos by
SUNSET AT SMITH LAKE FARM
Four photographers capture more than just snapshots.
Words by
Featured photo by
MISADVENTURES IN BAKING
A look at the delicious possibilities of going gluten-free.
Words by
Photos by
THE SCIENCE OF SASQUATCH
Dr. John Bindernagel spent decades researching BC’s most elusive creature.
Words by
Featured Photo by
VIVA LA TRASH PANDA
It’s been around for 19 million years. So can the raccoon get a little grudging respect?
Words by
Photo by
THE WOMAN IN THE FLORAL DRESS
Élise Turgeon’s creative, generous spirit has brought a neighbourhood together.
Words by
Photos by
RIDING DRAGONS ON THE SALISH SEA
Hope Afloat marks 20 years in the fight against cancer. Paddles up!
Words by
Photos by
COME TO THE DARK SIDE
Heighten your senses with a walk in the forest after dark.
Words by
Photo by
BULBS OF GLORY
Oh, how we love you, beautiful, smelly, powerful garlic.
Words by
Photo by
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: CURTIS BLACKBURN
THE COHOUSING CONCEPT
Courtenay’s sustainable, social cohousing community creates a village of neighbours.
Words by
Photos by
FEATURED ARTIST: SHARON LALONDE
THE NORTHEAST WOODS
Comox’s favourite forest playground has many stories to tell.
Words by
Photos by
The Origins of the Comox Valley Writers Society
Word-lovers unite
Words by
Photos by
PUBLISHED IN A PANDEMIC
Recent and recommended – books by local authors.
LITTLE VALLEY: RORY KEHLER
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
Words by
SHELTER IN A NEW LAND
For decades, private sponsors have been helping refugees find safe haven in the Comox Valley.
Words by
Photo collage courtesy of
THE VILLAGE TINKER
Forging ahead in uncertain times.
Words by
Photos by
EVEN BETTER TOGETHER
The Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation harnesses the power of collective giving to enhance local healthcare.
Words by
Photo by
PUTTING DOWN THE SAWS
Sy Pederson’s short film Tree Killer tells a story of rebellious loggers and advocates for change in BC’s forestry industry.
Words by
Photo by
FROM SECRET KNOWLEDGE TO SELF-IMPROVEMENT
A brief history of freemasonry.
Words by
Featured photo by
SHOW US YOUR WORDS
Comox Valley Arts and the selection committee were thrilled with the response to our 2021 Elevate Summer Poetry Contest. Thanks to everyone who submitted entries, and congratulations to our winners, whose work is published here.
Photo by
ON A HUMBLE SCALE
An ordinary stormwater retention pond turns out to be remarkable, indeed.
Words by
Photos by
COMOX VALLEY STARGAZING
How to explore space from your own backyard.
Words & photo by
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO GREEN BURIAL
It’s better to burn out than to fade away? Not always. New alternatives to cremation allow bodies to return to the earth naturally.
Words by
Featured photo by
THE EVOLUTION OF BANNOCK
This delicious, iconic food is both a staple of life and a symbol of Indigenous persistence.
Words by
Photos by
ROCK BEATS WATER
For climbers, the attraction of Comox Lake has always been the cliffs.
Words by
Featured photo by
ON THE UPSWING
Words by
Photo by
THE MYSTERIOUS FAROE ISLANDS
Words by
Photos by
GOING DEEP
Reflections on life under water.
Words & Photos by
LITTLE VALLEY: ZOLA FINDLAY
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
Words by
with help from her sister
HOW YA GONNA KEEP ‘EM DOWN ON THE FARM
Where farm meets sea: Five generations of family farming at Hornby Island's Fossil Beach Farm
Words by
Photos by
GLOBAL BUSINESS, LOCAL IMPACTS
When is it better to do something by half? Allow AquaQuest to demonstrate.
Words by
Featured photo by
BEAVERS, WIDE OPEN!
As RuPaul might say, getting to know more about our beavers may improve our quality of life.
Words by
Photos by
THE ONLY WAY OUT IS THROUGH
Hunger Moon is a shining read for a season of strangeness.
Words by
FROM FENCE BOARDS TO SURFBOARDS
No foam here: old cedar takes on new life in handcrafted heirloom surfboards.
Words by
Photos by
GREY TURNED GREEN
Comox, British Columbia, tops the list of Best Communities to Live in Canada 2040.
Words by
Photo by
MORE THAN KUS-KUS-SUM
Project Watershed is using a federal grant to restore the salmon highway: the Salish Sea's nearshore habitat.
Words by
&
THROUGH THE VENEER
Getting creative in the place between water and air, where the perspective is elastic and welcoming.
Words & photo by
EAT YOUR MEDICINE
On a mission to teach all kids that healthy food can taste great.
Words by
Photos by
MOVING THROUGH CHANGE
Words by
Photo by
ON SMOKING AND PICKLING
SIMPLE PRESERVATION TECHNIQUES PROVIDE FOOD SECURITY—AND FLAVOUR.
Words by
Photos by
INFLUENZA’S DEADLY TRAIL
At the close of World War I, the so-called Spanish flu claimed lives all over the world, even in the Comox Valley.
Words by
Photo courtesy of
THE BEAUTY OF THE BURN
Buddhist wisdom tells us that pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. Try telling your body that.
Words & Photo by
THE SUSPENSE WON’T KILL US
COVID-19 has changed global tourism forever. Here on the island, local operators and residents need to imagine a new future for the industry.
Words by
Photo by
ALL FIRED UP
Award-winning potter Gordon Hutchens may be in his seventies, but he’s still got plenty of clay to shape, students to teach, and ideas to pursue.
Words & Photo by
FEATURED ARTIST: RICHARD MRAVIK
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: GLYNNIS GREY
FEATURED WORDS: DISTANCE
Poem by
Photo by
PLAYING WITH FIRE
On a hot summer day in 1938, a few sparks from a locomotive caused Vancouver Island’s largest blaze.
Words by
Photos provided by
COURTENAY AFTER COVID
Twenty years after the pandemic, a local historian looks back.
Words by
Photo by
DRAWN TO THE FLAMES
Because our personal relationship with fire is a cautious one, we love the excitement of fire shows.
Words by
Photo by
ART, A HARVEST, AND A BLESSING
Public Place / Sacred Space leaves a meaningful legacy in downtown Courtenay.
Words by
Photo by
SWEAT IT OUT
Bathing in the benefits of hot-cold rituals.
Words by
Photo by
VERACITY OF THE VESPIDS
Wasps are a family of insects truly to be loathed. Or are they?
Words by
Photo by
PUTTING THE SUN TO WORK
Vancouver Island’s first Passive House Plus is healthful, comfortable, beautiful—and costs nothing to heat.
Words by
Photos by
FORGED IN TOUGH TIMES
Words by
Photo by
NOW OR NEVER
A family of four pursues vast and vivid collective memories on a 10-month road trip.
Words & Photos by
COVERING NEW GROUND
The Stratchcona TrailRider Program, and others like it, strive to make the backcountry truly accessible.
Words by
Photo by
LITTLE VALLEY: MIA BEATTIE
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
Words by
CREATIVE MOMENTUM
An inventive art show rallies local talent and business for the sake of environmental sea change.
Words by
Photos by
LITTLE VALLEY: ARYO BEHZAD
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
Words by
A NATURAL TEACHER
Ralph Shaw’s passion for the outdoors was paralleled by an enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge with future generations.
Words by
WITCHES OF THE WOODS
Folklore tells of female forms that dwell in the forest, personifying the power of this dark, natural world to frighten and mystify.
Words by
Photo by
FEATURED ARTIST: SARAH BERGERON
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: VIKTOR DAVARE
RADICAL VULNERABILITY
Words & photos by
CHANNELING THE STORM
In the face of climate change, the City of Courtenay is working on an integrated system to handle a resource that knows no boundaries.
Words by
Photo by
DARK SCIENCE
Biologists and “citizen scientists” in the Comox Valley have banned together to gather data on an elusive creature that has long been a metaphor for the fears of mankind.
Words by
Photos by
PERSONAL STYLE
By rethinking what we wear, the slow fashion movement provides support for local artistry and a path to sustainability.
Words by
Photos by
THE FOREST AS OUR WITNESS
There is a dark thread tangled into the rich and fascinating history of Cumberland. We follow along with those carrying the stories of the deceased into the former.
Words by
Photos by
HELLO GHOST
In anticipation of the Halloween season, we offer a formal introduction to the spirits of the Comox Valley.
Words by
Illustration by
COOL AND COLLECTED
The upcoming Farmers’ Market differs from the summer season, but provides an equally valuable way to fill your fridge and pantry.
Words by
Photo by
ABOVE AND BEYOND
Words by
Featured photo by
REBUILDING A HERITAGE HOME
After a Cumberland home catches fire, local professionals help the owners pay homage to history.
Words by
Photos by
PROPHETS AND HARBINGERS
While we mostly live in harmony with owls, our fascination with these highly evolved predators is well represented in literature and mythology.
Words by
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IN THE FIELD
Words by
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STROKE OF MAGIC
Accessing a glacier for a spring paddle board session is leagues above one couple’s regular adventures.
Words by
Photo by
DIFFICULT TERRAIN
Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue trains for innumerable circumstances in order to return people to civilization. But some challenges are more than physical.
Words by
Photo by
WHERE YOUR HEART IS
Words by
Photo by
CRUCIAL AND COMPASSIONATE CARE
The Vancouver Island Hospice Society provides assistance for people with terminal illnesses and the families that surround them. One woman takes to the bike to provide support in return.
Words by
Photos by
WITH CHILDLIKE WONDER
With nostalgic food, a coastal road trip, and unforgettable animals, a family trip to South Africa reunites generations.
Words & Photos by
THE GEM OF ISLAND MOUNTAINEERING
Three locals tackle Mt. Colonel Foster to find that it has more lessons to teach than a single climb can provide.
Words & Photos by
STANDING TALL
Resurrecting a style of totem pole carving traditional to the K’ómoks people
Words by
Photos by
CREATIVE CONTROL
Considering the perpetual excellence of Cumberland-based musician and producer Corwin Fox.
Words by
Photo by
ON THE RISE
The techniques and ingredients used in old-world bread baking are better for you, from starter to finish.
Words by
Photo by
VOTING FOR VITALITY
While the political process can be disenchanting to voters, the accessibility of local politics allows us to get closer to the roots of democracy and play a direct role in shaping the future of the Valley.
Words by
Illustration by
THINKING BEYOND BUSINESS
Much more than a local accommodation, a lodge in BC’s oldest national park trains outdoor educators and guides while acting as a steward to the surrounding environment.
Words by
Photos by
ON ANY GIVEN THURSDAY
Dropping in on the members of the Comox Valley Horseshoe Club, where simple pleasures are honoured and everybody’s welcome.
Words by
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THE CLARITY OF GLASS
A New Zealand artist reclaims herself through the sensory joys of a Campbell River studio.
Words by
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PREPARING FOR THE PRESENT
Paying attention, being aware, and having presence of mind is habitual.
Words by
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SHUT IT DOWN
Words by
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STONECROFT FARM
Words by
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COFFE AND COASTLINES IN PERU
Words & Photos by
A CABIN BUILT FROM THE WOODS
CascadianWoodTech.
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OUR CHURCH BUILDINGS
Opening the doors to change.
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CHEMAINUS
Words & Photos by
DAIRY FARMING ON VANCOUVER ISLAND
Happy Cow Dairy Farm to Table
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PRE-LOVED
An ode to used books.
Words by
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COMOX MARINA
Changing Times & Tides.
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FORGING PERFECT IMPERFECTIONS
FIRE & HAMMER FORGEWORKS.
Words by
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CREATING FUN & GAMES
An interview with Jason Kapalka.
Interview by
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HARVEST & SHADOWS
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STRATHCONA PARK
Getting by with a little help from our friends.
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HOLISTIC HEALTH
A lesson in Osteopathy.
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HOW THEY ROLL
A crash course in roller derby.
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NOW ON DECK
Cumberland Skatepark.
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KISS YOUR FEARS GOODBYE
An afternoon spent skydiving.
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WEIGHING OUR OPTIONS
One family's tally of their waste.
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THE THREE RS
Receiving, regarding, and restoring the Royston Schoolhouse.
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CELEBRATE
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LENTELUS ORGANICS
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COMPOSTING 101
Words & photo by
MORE THAN GOOD DESIGN
Dialect Design Studio
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BURN HOT, BURN CLEAN
Consider wood burning and air quality in the Comox Valley.
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THE SISTERHOOD OF BIKES
Rip up your Wednesday night with the United Riders of Cumberland.
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GET OUT THERE
Hunting provides more than meat.
Words & Photo by
MEMORIES IN MUD
The Comox Valley cyclocross scene.
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GET OUTTA TOWN: PORT ALBERNI
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ACTIVATING ARTS AND CULTURE
A look at the work of the Comox Valley Community Arts Council.
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ELEGANT STRENGTH
An interview with Dianne Hawkins.
HIDDEN TREASURES
Nikkei No Haka, Cumberland’s Japanese cemetery
FLOAT YOUR BOAT
Quality, handcrafted, and traditional wooden boats
Words by
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ANGLING FOR MORE THAN A FISH
Musings of a Comox Valley fly fisher.
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FAST FOOD ISN’T ALWAYS BAD FOOD
Our local food movement provides convenient, delicious, and healthy meal options.
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LITTLE VALLEY: MOLLY MCCUE
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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FINDING THE FLOW THAT FITS
There’s more than one way to get your asana on in the Comox Valley.
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WHERE CURIOSITY MEETS BRILLIANCE
Observations of the Public Library.
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&
A TUNEFUL OF MEMORIES
Spirit of the Strathcona Symphony Orchestra.
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IN LAND WE TRUST
The importance of Environmental Non-Government Organizations (ENGOs) in British Columbia.
Words & Photo by
LACING UP COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Soccer in the Comox Valley is more than just sport.
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REFLECTIONS FROM WITHIN
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CLEVER CROW
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BEER TASTING 101
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JOY DISTRICT
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REACHING OUT WITH ROBOTICS
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WHY TEA?
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MUD, SWEAT, AND TEARS
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REFLECTIONS
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POWELL RIVER
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WIRED WATERSHED
Hakai Energy Solutions
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GET ON BOARD
Empowering youth one board at a time.
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GHOST CATS
Cumberland, Vancouver Island
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ECLECTIC TONES
Joi Guitars
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NECESSARY BALANCE
An interview with Lindsay Sterk.
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AGRI-BALANCE
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PEDAL POWER
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LIVE / WORK IN TIN TOWN
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&
SQUEEGEE VALLEY
MEMORIES OF CHINATOWN
Cumberland, Vancouver Island
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A YOGA STATE OF MIND
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CYCLE OF LIFE
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MOVEMENT
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