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GRIT AND GRACE

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

Kayleen Vanderee

Photo by

Amazing Race Canada

KEEP IT GREEN

KEEP IT GREEN

In an era of climate change and housing pressures, how can urban forests survive and thrive?

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Opening photo by

Jen Groundwater

DRIPPING IN CULTURE

DRIPPING IN CULTURE

Sweating my way through the public saunas of Finland and Estonia.

Words by

Lisa Jaster

&

Dan Webb

THE SEA IN THEIR BLOOD

THE SEA IN THEIR BLOOD

Meet the diving family who’ve been harvesting geoducks by hand for three generations.

Words by

Serena Kerr

Photos by

Coast Seafoods

A CARING PRESENCE

A CARING PRESENCE

Every week, Indigenous Elders connect with students at 11 Valley schools through the Ni’nox¯sola program.

Words by

Ni’nox¯sola program Elders

FROM VENTURE CAPITALIST TO VINTNER

FROM VENTURE CAPITALIST TO VINTNER

Alex Guertin’s circuitous path to a Comox Valley vineyard.

Words by

Dave Nowak

Photo by

Michelle Bucher

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: CHUCK BURDICK

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: CHUCK BURDICK

FEATURED ARTIST: SARAH CLARK

FEATURED ARTIST: SARAH CLARK

WHY WITCHCRAFT?

WHY WITCHCRAFT?

Modern witchcraft and how it may be able to help heal the planet.

Words & Photo by

Catriona Richardson

ANODIZED DOWNHILL DAYS

ANODIZED DOWNHILL DAYS

Local downhill and enduro racers fit right into the Valley’s monster mountain bike heritage.

Words by

Mike B

Photo by

Liam Wallace

OLD HOUSE ON THE RIVER

OLD HOUSE ON THE RIVER

The Kirk family home that houses Locals Restaurant is part of Courtenay’s history—and future.

Words by

Allie Jenkinson

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

A WORK OF COMPASSION

A WORK OF COMPASSION

The Comox Valley Hospice Society (CVHS) marks its 40th anniversary of care.

ECHOES IN CHINATOWN

ECHOES IN CHINATOWN

How exclusion, discrimination, and racism took their toll on a thriving community.

Words by

Erica Keen

Photos courtesy of

The Keen Family

THE ART OF DRYING FLOWERS

THE ART OF DRYING FLOWERS

A fusion of Indigenous heritage and modern artistry is a way to keep memories forever.

Words by

Karen Bezaire

Photos by

Meredith Rose

FALLING IN LOVE WITH FUNGI

FALLING IN LOVE WITH FUNGI

The Cumberland Fungus Fest celebrates the marvellous multitaskers of the natural world.

Words by

Meaghan Cursons

Photos by

Shawn Pigott

THE NIGHT RIDE

THE NIGHT RIDE

Moody, quiet, calm, serene. Wild, reflective eyes. Oh, how I love the secrets of the darkness.

Words by

Mical Dyck

Photo by

Lorenz Jimenez

FEATURED ARTIST: LAURIE MARTZ

FEATURED ARTIST: LAURIE MARTZ

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: JIM WHYTE

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: JIM WHYTE

Photo By

Jim Whyte

FOLLOW THE MOUNTAIN HOME

FOLLOW THE MOUNTAIN HOME

A journey to one of Strathcona Provincial Park’s most iconic peaks.

Words & photos by

Claire Gordon

MAGIC IN THE DYE POT

MAGIC IN THE DYE POT

Fibre and fungi are key ingredients in Amy Crook’s creative process.

Words by

Marie Maccagno

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

WERE IT NOT FOR THE BIKE

WERE IT NOT FOR THE BIKE

Three days, two cyclists, and one island-sized mission.

Words & Featured Photo by

Dave Nowak

Gallery Photo by

Gary Egli

LITTLE VALLEY: DAKOTA BLOMGREN

LITTLE VALLEY: DAKOTA BLOMGREN

Reflections from a younger resident.

Photos by

Shannon Koroll

THE DAY THE PRINCE CAME TO TOWN

THE DAY THE PRINCE CAME TO TOWN

An irreverent look at a long-ago royal visit to the Comox Valley.

Words by

Dave Flawse

ALTERED LANDSCAPE

ALTERED LANDSCAPE

Restoring and reconnecting land and water includes understanding our history.

Words by

Meaghan Cursons

Photos by

Scott Bell

FEEL LIKE A KID AGAIN

FEEL LIKE A KID AGAIN

Spend a Monday night at the LINC.

Words & photos by

Kyle Hansen

WHALE BREATH AND ANGEL WINGS

WHALE BREATH AND ANGEL WINGS

The forces behind the tides aren’t as simple as you think.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photos by

Luke Phillips

JUMP SCARES AHEAD

JUMP SCARES AHEAD

Filmmaker Dan Webb brings sci-fi and horror to the Comox Valley.

Words by

Mac Newton

Illustration by

Ian Adams

A DOORWAY TO HOPE

A DOORWAY TO HOPE

ReStore helps get families into safe, sustainable NEW homes.

Words & Photos by

Karen McKinnon

SUNSET AT SMITH LAKE FARM

SUNSET AT SMITH LAKE FARM

Four photographers capture more than just snapshots.

Words by

Sara Kempner

Featured photo by

Meredith Rose

THE SCIENCE OF SASQUATCH

THE SCIENCE OF SASQUATCH

Dr. John Bindernagel spent decades researching BC’s most elusive creature.

Words by

Terrance James

Featured Photo by

Jo-Anne Johnson

VIVA LA TRASH PANDA

VIVA LA TRASH PANDA

It’s been around for 19 million years. So can the raccoon get a little grudging respect?

Words by

Neil Borecky

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

CHEERS TO THE LAZO BARREL COLLECTIVE

CHEERS TO THE LAZO BARREL COLLECTIVE

Three self-proclaimed beer geeks are crafting unique, tasty brews.

Words & Photos by

Sara Kempner

THE WOMAN IN THE FLORAL DRESS

THE WOMAN IN THE FLORAL DRESS

Élise Turgeon’s creative, generous spirit has brought a neighbourhood together.

Words by

Heather Gray

Photos by

Kareen Sanderson

RIDING DRAGONS ON THE SALISH SEA

RIDING DRAGONS ON THE SALISH SEA

Hope Afloat marks 20 years in the fight against cancer. Paddles up!

Words by

Anne Arseneau

Photos by

Sara Kempner

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: CURTIS BLACKBURN

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: CURTIS BLACKBURN

THE COHOUSING CONCEPT

THE COHOUSING CONCEPT

Courtenay’s sustainable, social cohousing community creates a village of neighbours.

Words by

John Gower

Photos by

Meredith Rose

FEATURED ARTIST: SHARON LALONDE

FEATURED ARTIST: SHARON LALONDE

THE NORTHEAST WOODS

THE NORTHEAST WOODS

Comox’s favourite forest playground has many stories to tell.

Words by

Kerry Hale

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

PUBLISHED IN A PANDEMIC

PUBLISHED IN A PANDEMIC

Recent and recommended – books by local authors.

LITTLE VALLEY: RORY KEHLER

LITTLE VALLEY: RORY KEHLER

Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.

Words by

Rory Kehler

EVEN BETTER TOGETHER

EVEN BETTER TOGETHER

The Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation harnesses the power of collective giving to enhance local healthcare.

Words by

Jen Groundwater

Photo by

Marcie Dumais

PUTTING DOWN THE SAWS

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

RJ Herron

Photo by

Chukwumuobi Obasi

FROM SECRET KNOWLEDGE TO SELF-IMPROVEMENT

FROM SECRET KNOWLEDGE TO SELF-IMPROVEMENT

A brief history of freemasonry.

Words by

Kevin Flesher

Featured photo by

Jim Whyte

SHOW US YOUR WORDS

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

Sara Kempner

ON A HUMBLE SCALE

ON A HUMBLE SCALE

An ordinary stormwater retention pond turns out to be remarkable, indeed.

Words by

Mac Newton

Photos by

Lorenz Jimenez

COMOX VALLEY STARGAZING

COMOX VALLEY STARGAZING

How to explore space from your own backyard.

Words & photo by

Sara Kempner

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO GREEN BURIAL

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

Madeline Christie

Featured photo by

Sita Then

THE EVOLUTION OF BANNOCK

THE EVOLUTION OF BANNOCK

This delicious, iconic food is both a staple of life and a symbol of Indigenous persistence.

Words by

Lyndsey Bell

Photos by

Jennifer Brazil

ROCK BEATS WATER

ROCK BEATS WATER

For climbers, the attraction of Comox Lake has always been the cliffs.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Featured photo by

Sara Kempner

GOING DEEP

GOING DEEP

Reflections on life under water.

Words & Photos by

Ryan Miller

LITTLE VALLEY: ZOLA FINDLAY

LITTLE VALLEY: ZOLA FINDLAY

Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.

Words by

Zola Findlay

with help from her sister

Sabine

GLOBAL BUSINESS, LOCAL IMPACTS

GLOBAL BUSINESS, LOCAL IMPACTS

When is it better to do something by half? Allow AquaQuest to demonstrate.

Words by

Meaghan Cursons

Featured photo by

Sarah Barrie

BEAVERS, WIDE OPEN!

BEAVERS, WIDE OPEN!

As RuPaul might say, getting to know more about our beavers may improve our quality of life.

Words by

Kristof Trout

Photos by

Bruce Moffat

THE ONLY WAY OUT IS THROUGH

THE ONLY WAY OUT IS THROUGH

Hunger Moon is a shining read for a season of strangeness.

Words by

Nora Bingham

FROM FENCE BOARDS TO SURFBOARDS

FROM FENCE BOARDS TO SURFBOARDS

No foam here: old cedar takes on new life in handcrafted heirloom surfboards.

Words by

Dave Nowak

Photos by

Sara Kempner

GREY TURNED GREEN

GREY TURNED GREEN

Comox, British Columbia, tops the list of Best Communities to Live in Canada 2040.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photo by

Luke Phillips

MORE THAN KUS-KUS-SUM

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

Jennifer Sutherst

&

Dan Bowen

THROUGH THE VENEER

THROUGH THE VENEER

Getting creative in the place between water and air, where the perspective is elastic and welcoming.

Words & photo by

Lisa Graham

INFLUENZA’S DEADLY TRAIL

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

Dawn Copeman

Photo courtesy of

The Cumberland Firehall

THE BEAUTY OF THE BURN

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

Sarah Seads

THE SUSPENSE WON’T KILL US

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

Andrew Findlay

Photo by

Kat Craats

ALL FIRED UP

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

Trish Weatherall

FEATURED ARTIST: RICHARD MRAVIK

FEATURED ARTIST: RICHARD MRAVIK

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: GLYNNIS GREY

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: GLYNNIS GREY

COURTENAY AFTER COVID

COURTENAY AFTER COVID

Twenty years after the pandemic, a local historian looks back.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

DRAWN TO THE FLAMES

DRAWN TO THE FLAMES

Because our personal relationship with fire is a cautious one, we love the excitement of fire shows.

Words by

Lisa Hamilton

Photo by

Ali Marie Parker

VERACITY OF THE VESPIDS

VERACITY OF THE VESPIDS

Wasps are a family of insects truly to be loathed. Or are they?

Words by

Neil Borecky

Photo by

Curtis Parker

PUTTING THE SUN TO WORK

PUTTING THE SUN TO WORK

Vancouver Island’s first Passive House Plus is healthful, comfortable, beautiful—and costs nothing to heat.

Words by

John Gower

Photos by

Luke Phillips

NOW OR NEVER

NOW OR NEVER

A family of four pursues vast and vivid collective memories on a 10-month road trip.

Words & Photos by

Alice Grasby

COVERING NEW GROUND

COVERING NEW GROUND

The Stratchcona TrailRider Program, and others like it, strive to make the backcountry truly accessible.

Words by

Mike B.

Photo by

Scott Bell

LITTLE VALLEY: MIA BEATTIE

LITTLE VALLEY: MIA BEATTIE

Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.

Words by

Mia Beattie

CREATIVE MOMENTUM

CREATIVE MOMENTUM

An inventive art show rallies local talent and business for the sake of environmental sea change.

Words by

Ross Bodenmann

Photos by

Gordon Ross

LITTLE VALLEY: ARYO BEHZAD

LITTLE VALLEY: ARYO BEHZAD

Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.

Words by

Aryo Behzad

A NATURAL TEACHER

A NATURAL TEACHER

Ralph Shaw’s passion for the outdoors was paralleled by an enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge with future generations.

Words by

Kerry Hale

WITCHES OF THE WOODS

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

Meaghan Cursons

Photo by

Karley Bracey

FEATURED ARTIST: SARAH BERGERON

FEATURED ARTIST: SARAH BERGERON

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: VIKTOR DAVARE

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: VIKTOR DAVARE

CHANNELING THE STORM

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

Aly Bird

Photo by

Jenn Pentland

DARK SCIENCE

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

Tim Ennis

Photos by

Neil Borecky

PERSONAL STYLE

PERSONAL STYLE

By rethinking what we wear, the slow fashion movement provides support for local artistry and a path to sustainability.

Words by

Nicole Bertram

Photos by

Meredith Rose

THE FOREST AS OUR WITNESS

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

Ashley Hamilton-Macquarrie

Photos by

Shawn Pigott

HELLO GHOST

HELLO GHOST

In anticipation of the Halloween season, we offer a formal introduction to the spirits of the Comox Valley.

Words by

Kim Bannerman

Illustration by

Clive Powsey

COOL AND COLLECTED

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

Meagan Roberge

Photo by

Bill Jorgensen

REBUILDING A HERITAGE HOME

REBUILDING A HERITAGE HOME

After a Cumberland home catches fire, local professionals help the owners pay homage to history.

Words by

Jenn Laing

Photos by

Joanne McElroy

PROPHETS AND HARBINGERS

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

Neil Borecky

Photo by

Alexandra Stephanson

STROKE OF MAGIC

STROKE OF MAGIC

Accessing a glacier for a spring paddle board session is leagues above one couple’s regular adventures.

Words by

Alaina Vesper

Photo by

Bastian Fleury

DIFFICULT TERRAIN

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

Brad Kilgour

Photo by

Allan Sawchuck

CRUCIAL AND COMPASSIONATE CARE

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

Ellissa Prendergast

Photos by

Leah Hull

WITH CHILDLIKE WONDER

WITH CHILDLIKE WONDER

With nostalgic food, a coastal road trip, and unforgettable animals, a family trip to South Africa reunites generations.

Words & Photos by

Andy Phillips

THE GEM OF ISLAND MOUNTAINEERING

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

Tyler Bellows

STANDING TALL

STANDING TALL

Karver Everson and Randy Frank are resurrecting a style of totem pole carving traditional to the K’ómoks people. Their Guardian poles continue to be raised on unceded traditional territory throughout the Valley in honour of First Nations History and the path we must all walk toward reconciliation..

Words by

Roger Albert

Photos by

Sara Kempner

CREATIVE CONTROL

CREATIVE CONTROL

Considering the perpetual excellence of Cumberland-based musician and producer Corwin Fox.

Words by

Archie Pateman

Photo by

Jodie Ponto

ON THE RISE

ON THE RISE

The techniques and ingredients used in old-world bread baking are better for you, from starter to finish.

Words by

Bevin Clempson

Photo by

Danika Mcdowell

VOTING FOR VITALITY

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

Andrew Findlay

Illustration by

Ian Adams

THINKING BEYOND BUSINESS

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

Laurel Sliskovic

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

ON ANY GIVEN THURSDAY

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

Dave Nowak

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

THE CLARITY OF GLASS

THE CLARITY OF GLASS

A New Zealand artist reclaims herself through the sensory joys of a Campbell River studio.

Words by

Suzanna Weimer

Photos by

Vince Kehn

PREPARING FOR THE PRESENT

PREPARING FOR THE PRESENT

Paying attention, being aware, and having presence of mind is habitual.

Words by

Mac Newton

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

MORE THAN GOOD DESIGN

MORE THAN GOOD DESIGN

Dialect Design Studio

Words & Photos by

Jamie McCue

BURN HOT, BURN CLEAN

BURN HOT, BURN CLEAN

Consider wood burning and air quality in the Comox Valley.

Words by

Evan Gough

GET OUT THERE

GET OUT THERE

Hunting provides more than meat.

Words & Photo by

Al Adams

ELEGANT STRENGTH

ELEGANT STRENGTH

An interview with Dianne Hawkins.

HIDDEN TREASURES

HIDDEN TREASURES

Nikkei No Haka, Cumberland’s Japanese cemetery

FAST FOOD ISN’T ALWAYS BAD FOOD

FAST FOOD ISN’T ALWAYS BAD FOOD

Our local food movement provides convenient, delicious, and healthy meal options.

Words by

Hans Peter Meyer

Photos by

Ron Pogue

LITTLE VALLEY: MOLLY MCCUE

LITTLE VALLEY: MOLLY MCCUE

Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.

Words by

Molly McCue, age 10

FINDING THE FLOW THAT FITS

FINDING THE FLOW THAT FITS

There’s more than one way to get your asana on in the Comox Valley.

Words & Photos by

Bevin Clempson

GET ON BOARD

GET ON BOARD

Empowering youth one board at a time.

Photos by

Ron Pogue

SQUEEGEE VALLEY

SQUEEGEE VALLEY