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FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: AMY SHAW

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: AMY SHAW

FEATURED ARTIST: MICHAEL PRATT

FEATURED ARTIST: MICHAEL PRATT

LITTLE VALLEY: A FLOWING RHYTHM

LITTLE VALLEY: A FLOWING RHYTHM

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

Words by

Odus Atkinson

Photos by

Jennifer Armstrong

WESTCOAST TRIPLE PLANK

WESTCOAST TRIPLE PLANK

A fun weekend for a fishy cause

Words & photos by

Sara Kempner

WEST COAST EXPEDITIONS ON TLE:HOH

WEST COAST EXPEDITIONS ON TLE:HOH

Building business and community on Spring Island

Words by

Marie Maccagno

Photo by

Erik Marks

CVOX: COMOX VALLEY COMMUNITY RADIO

CVOX: COMOX VALLEY COMMUNITY RADIO

A local fountain of music, culture, and information

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

REFLECTIONS OF A YARD CAR

REFLECTIONS OF A YARD CAR

Content to be still after years of motion and freedom

Words & photos by

RJ Herron

OUR COMMUNITY RUNS ON HUMAN CREATIVITY

OUR COMMUNITY RUNS ON HUMAN CREATIVITY

Creative Director's Introduction to Vol. 37

Words & Photo by

Ian Adams

MOUNTAINS AND MOTHERHOOD

MOUNTAINS AND MOTHERHOOD

Not every new mom’s to-do list includes summiting 53 peaks over 6000 feet.

Words & featured photo by

Eryn Tombu Haigh

AN ICONIC TRAIL IN THE MAKING

AN ICONIC TRAIL IN THE MAKING

It’s time to get The Vancouver Island Trail across the finish line.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Featured photo by

Chris Istace

WILD GARDENING

WILD GARDENING

Being a part of the great chain of life, and nourishing it.

Words & Art by

Sally Podmore

THE TAIL OF THE KITE

THE TAIL OF THE KITE

Hamilton Mack Laing’s sudden involvement in the 1925 Mount Logan expedition.

Words by

Trevor Marc Hughes

Photo courtesy of

Richard Mackie

STOCKING THE WORLD

STOCKING THE WORLD

Got an appetite for DIY global cuisine? Find international ingredients right here at home.

Words by

Nicole Bergot

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

INSPIRING RECOVERY

INSPIRING RECOVERY

Rediscovering the joy of sport and my own spirit at the Invictus Games.

Words by

Nick Holyome

Photos courtesy of

Soldier On

IN SEARCH OF OUR INDIGENEITY

IN SEARCH OF OUR INDIGENEITY

Diving into ancestral stories from Europe with Mythology Club Comox Valley.

Words by

Kester Reid

Photo by

Amy Shaw

FRASER CAIN’S UNIVERSE

FRASER CAIN’S UNIVERSE

The Valley resident behind one of the galaxy’s most popular websites.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Featured photo by

Sara Kempner

ADVENTURES IN PADDLING

ADVENTURES IN PADDLING

Circumnavigating Vancouver Island by sea kayak.

Words & Photos by

Erica Keen

THE ELEVENTH HOUR FOR OLD GROWTH

THE ELEVENTH HOUR FOR OLD GROWTH

After decades of clearcutting, can a fundamental shift protect what’s left of BC’s ancient trees?

Words & Featured Photo by

Andrew Findlay

Gallery photo by

Chris Istace

BUSINESS IS BLOOMING

BUSINESS IS BLOOMING

Farm-to-table flowers are a growing movement in the Comox Valley.

Words & photos by

Lydia Jackson

TUNING IN TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES

TUNING IN TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Invented for music festivals, silent disco headphones find new life during COVID-19.

Words by

Ellian Bell

Photo by

Eugene Chung

THE SNOWLINE

THE SNOWLINE

A tale of seeking adventure—and finding satisfaction—amid the unpredictable charm of the mountains.

Words & Photos by

Damien Jannet

A LOVE LETTER TO WATER

A LOVE LETTER TO WATER

Explore water as a living entity through a convergent program at the Comox Valley Art Gallery.

Words by

Glen Sanford

Photo by

Clea Minaker

FEATURED ARTIST: CHRISTIAN GEISSLER

FEATURED ARTIST: CHRISTIAN GEISSLER

NOSY NEIGHBOURS WELCOME

NOSY NEIGHBOURS WELCOME

During the Cumberland Home, Garden, and Culture Crawl, it’s totally okay to peek into your neighbours’ lives. They might even offer you a drink while you admire their tomato plants.

Words by

Meaghan Cursons

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: MORGAN NORTH

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: MORGAN NORTH

COMMUNITY, CARE, AND QUILTING

COMMUNITY, CARE, AND QUILTING

Local quilters have created a thriving guild, block by block and decade by decade.

Words by

Joline Martin

Photo by

Meredith Rose

LITTLE VALLEY: MYLA BEHZAD

LITTLE VALLEY: MYLA BEHZAD

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

Words by

Myla Behzad

TUNED TO THE COMMUNITY’S FREQUENCY

TUNED TO THE COMMUNITY’S FREQUENCY

100.7 The Raven’s diverse team revitalizes a language and works to heal a nation.

Words by

Dave Flawse

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

THE THRILL OF THRIFTING

THE THRILL OF THRIFTING

Only got $20 in your pocket? Pop some tags in the Comox Valley.

MIND YOUR SKIN, NATURALLY

MIND YOUR SKIN, NATURALLY

Your skin protects you from the world. Take care of it with plant-infused products from local makers.

Words by

Zaaven Forest

Photo courtesy of

Native Naked Naturals

THE SEA IS RISING

THE SEA IS RISING

It's hard to get excited about something measured in millimetres. But ignoring climate resilience is no longer an option.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photo by

Luke Phillips

STYLE AND SUNSTAINABILITY

STYLE AND SUNSTAINABILITY

The Comox Valley’s artisanal clothing designers create slow fashion that will look and feel great for a very long time.

A GARDEN FOR EVERYONE

A GARDEN FOR EVERYONE

For 25 years, the Gardens on Anderton have offered peace and beauty to all who enter.

Words by

Loraine Hartley

Photo by

Cherry Ong

BURNING QUESTIONS

BURNING QUESTIONS

Landfill tours help youth rethink the hows and whys of waste—and what to do about it.

Words & photos by

Tina Willard-Stepan

GREENING YOUR MONEY

GREENING YOUR MONEY

Is it possible to invest for retirement—without supporting companies you don’t approve of?

Words by

Jen Groundwater

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

FELLOWSHIP OF THE FOREST

FELLOWSHIP OF THE FOREST

Along the Cumberland Trail Network, you’re sure to be in good company.

Words by

Dawn Copeman

Photos by

Sara Kempner

RETHINKING ONIGIRI

RETHINKING ONIGIRI

A Hornby Island entrepreneur takes a beloved Japanese seafood snack to the next level.

Words by

Britt Hanson

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

SCENES FROM CVAG, 2020

SCENES FROM CVAG, 2020

An invitation to enter the Comox Valley Art Gallery, where art and community intersect.

Words by

Glen Sanford

Featured photo by

Kyle Little

SMASHING BARRIERS WITH SIP

SMASHING BARRIERS WITH SIP

Local organization aims to empower wheelchair users with the wonder of whitewater.

Words by

Haeley Dewhirst

Photos by

Dave Prothero

ART AND MENTORSHIP IN THE 21ST CENTURY

ART AND MENTORSHIP IN THE 21ST CENTURY

With family guidance, a young Indigenous artist expands her practice.

Words by

Keisha Everson

Featured photo by

Zac Whyte

FEATURED ARTIST: MIKE SAVAGE

FEATURED ARTIST: MIKE SAVAGE

FEATURED PHOTOGTAPHER: SHANNON KAY

FEATURED PHOTOGTAPHER: SHANNON KAY

THE POOP ON CUMBERLAND’S AMBITIOUS NEW WETLANDS PROJECT

THE POOP ON CUMBERLAND’S AMBITIOUS NEW WETLANDS PROJECT

…And three other fantastic sewage lagoons to see before you die.

Words by

Jason Straka

Photo by

Jenn Pentland

LITTLE VALLEY: OLIVIA KLASSEN

LITTLE VALLEY: OLIVIA KLASSEN

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

Words by

Olivia Klassen

Photo by

Anna Rambow

PEDDLERS OF DELICIOUSNESS

PEDDLERS OF DELICIOUSNESS

Local food trucks do more than serve quick and tasty food. They help connect the community.

Words by

James McKerricher

Photos by

Sara Kempner

SECOND CHANCES

SECOND CHANCES

Hunting nearly emptied the Salish Sea of whales. Many species are returning—but they’re still at risk.

Words by

Trish Weatherall

Photo courtesy of

Eagle Eye Adventures

FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT

FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT

Comox Valley Head Injury Society helps people with acquired brain injury walk the path toward recovery.

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

SUPERSONIC MEMORIES

SUPERSONIC MEMORIES

Tour the Comox Air Force Museum with a former Canadian Forces fighter pilot.

Words by

Rick Zyvitski

Featured photo by

Sara Kerr

THE RISE OF GRIND

THE RISE OF GRIND

Gravel bikes are bringing rhythm and cadence off the road and back into the wilderness.

Words by

Mike B.

Photos by

Roanne English

PERCEPTIONS, PREJUDICE, AND PRIDE

PERCEPTIONS, PREJUDICE, AND PRIDE

A small-town boy reflects on coming out in the Comox Valley.

Words by

Sam Peterson

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

THE NATURE CURE

THE NATURE CURE

The Comox Valley isn’t just a pretty place—it can heal what ails you.

Words by

Shawn Peters

Photo by

Sara Kempner

THE EGG EQUATION

THE EGG EQUATION

Not all eggs are created equal—here’s some straight-up clucking about which ones are best.

Words by

Bevin Clempson

Photo by

Jennifer Brazil

EASY, BREEZY E-BIKES

EASY, BREEZY E-BIKES

Rad new rides give biking a boost.

Words & photo by

Dave Prothero

LITTLE VALLEY: SAM GOLDBY

LITTLE VALLEY: SAM GOLDBY

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

Words by

Sam Goldby

FED UP NO MORE

FED UP NO MORE

Edible Island and the evolution of alternative eating in the Comox Valley.

Words by

Mike Redican

Photos courtesy of

Susan Holvenstot

FEATURED ARTIST: JO PAYNE

FEATURED ARTIST: JO PAYNE

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: MATT NEWFIELD

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: MATT NEWFIELD

AIMING FOR ZERO

AIMING FOR ZERO

From circular to linear and back again: the human economy on a finite planet.

Words by

Tanis Gower

Photos by

Femke Overmaat

THE CURVE OF TIME

THE CURVE OF TIME

The classic story of a BC family’s sailing adventures still thrills modern readers.

Words by

Nora Bingham

Cover painting by

Harry Heine

TURNING DOWN THE TEMPERATURE

TURNING DOWN THE TEMPERATURE

Cumberland 2040: How Cumberland reached carbon negative

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

THIS PLACE IS FOR THE BIRDS

THIS PLACE IS FOR THE BIRDS

From fresh waters to the salty sea—the K’ómoks Important Bird Area.

Words & photo by

Sophie Vigneau

THE ART OF THE ARCHTOP

THE ART OF THE ARCHTOP

At the pinnacle of guitar making, you might just find Comox Valley luthier Wyatt Wilkie.

Words by

Jen Groundwater

Photos by

Sara Kempner

HOME IN THE HILLS

HOME IN THE HILLS

It took a community to build Vancouver Island’s backcountry hut.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photos by

Alex Mackay

IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL LAND

IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL LAND

The history and community behind Courtenay’s beloved Airpark.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

IN SEARCH OF THE SIMPLE LIFE

IN SEARCH OF THE SIMPLE LIFE

Through an ever-changing landscape, a visual artist finds direction with a four-month road trip in a customized Chevy school bus.

Words & Photos by

Andrew Talbot

CURIOUS CREATURES

CURIOUS CREATURES

Catch-and-release aquariums provide a unique learning experience, sparking deep appreciation for the natural world.

Words by

Christa Petch

Photos by

Justine Adams

FRIENDLY COMPETITION

FRIENDLY COMPETITION

As well as a destination trail race, The Cumby is a fundraiser to protect the forest it winds through.

Words by

Cathy Clark

Photos by

Lorenz Jimenez

LITTLE VALLEY: JUSTIN YARETZ

LITTLE VALLEY: JUSTIN YARETZ

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

Words by

Justin Yaretz

FEATURED ARTIST: ALEX MAERTZ

FEATURED ARTIST: ALEX MAERTZ

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: PAIGE OWEN

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: PAIGE OWEN

SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION

SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION

In partnership with School District 71, skilled timber framers are teaching their craft to Comox Valley youth.

Words by

Randy Churchill

&

Randy Grey

IN HER ELEMENT

IN HER ELEMENT

Through the push and pull of turbulence and peace, strength and submission, a surfer awakens.

Words & featured photo by

Laurissa Cebryk

Gallery photo by

Mélina Lamoreux

PROTECTING THE BALANCE

PROTECTING THE BALANCE

Roughly one-sixth of Denman Island residents are a member of the Association for Denman Island Marine Stewards, an organization doing work on the ground for the sake of surrounding waters.

Words by

Mac Newton

Photo by

Keith Clark

THE RETURN OF GIANTS

THE RETURN OF GIANTS

Following a decline due to the West Coast’s whaling history, the humpback population around Vancouver Island is making a massive comeback.

Words by

Sarah Hauser

Photo by

Brandon Hamilton

CRUMBLING CANNERIES

CRUMBLING CANNERIES

The profits from a thriving fishing industry dried up, and businesses moved on. Some of the sites left behind are in hazardous decay, polluting our oceans and tarnishing BC’s coast.

Words & Photos by

Oriana Smy

AQUA MAN

AQUA MAN

The original underwater superhero swims the waters of the Pacific Northwest.

Words by

Mike B.

Photo by

John Kelsey

CURRENT DEMAND

CURRENT DEMAND

The nutrient-rich waters of Baynes Sound provide the ideal conditions for oyster harvesting, drawing workers to the Valley’s steady industry.

Words by

Dave Flawse

Photo by

Mike LeBlanc

A LIFE THAT BENEFITS OTHERS

A LIFE THAT BENEFITS OTHERS

Now a permanent resident of the Valley, A Tibetan Buddhist Monk has turned hardship into a teaching legacy.

Words by

Bevin Clempson

Photo by

Gordon Ross

ABANDON SHIP

ABANDON SHIP

Orphaned by their owners, a number of derelict boats litter the shores of Comox harbour. Due to murky jurisdiction and a lack of accountability, they’ll remain indefinitely.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photo by

Sara Kempner

UNLIKELY SHIPMATES

UNLIKELY SHIPMATES

A coast dweller and her dog navigate life's currents aboard a small sailboat.

Words & Photo by

April Bencze

HOME BASE

HOME BASE

The history of CFB Comox tells of the West Coast’s strategic landscape and Canada’s defence strategies dating back to 1942.

Words by

Camille Douglas

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

INTO THE GREAT WHITE OPEN

INTO THE GREAT WHITE OPEN

For the intrepid traveller, Antarctica offers remote beauty and wilderness on a startling scale.

Words & Photos by

Gordon Ross

GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE

GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE

From snowboard pro to media master, Comox-raised Eric Greene continues to forge his own way in New York City.

Words by

Mike B

Photos by

Lucy Laucht

BAR CART BOUNTY

BAR CART BOUNTY

From humble Roman origins, the refreshing shrub is making a comeback in the craft cocktail scene.

Words by

Elisabeth Lee

SPIN IT TO WIN IT

SPIN IT TO WIN IT

A trio of world-class athletes steps up to provide off-season training for young riders.

Words by

Clay Ward

Photo by

Eugene Chung

DEATH OF A WORKER’S FRIEND

DEATH OF A WORKER’S FRIEND

From the UK to Nova Scotia to his final resting place in the heart of Cumberland, Ginger Goodwin’s life represents a voice for workers the world over.

Words by

Dawn Copeman

GRAVITATIONAL PULL

GRAVITATIONAL PULL

Straight across the Strait, a manicured bike park and cycle-forward community provides a draw for amateur and experienced riders alike.

Words by

Nicole Rippel

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

LITTLE VALLEY: TAYLOR GRINDE

LITTLE VALLEY: TAYLOR GRINDE

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

Words by

Taylor Grinde

THE PEACOCK BEAN PARADOX 

THE PEACOCK BEAN PARADOX 

How a drive to be independent and self-sufficient unexpectedly led to community connection.

Words by

Joyce Lindemulder

Photos by

Re Bastien

THE TROUBLE WITH WOLVES

THE TROUBLE WITH WOLVES

In an attempt to protect ungulate species, BC is faced with a difficult dilemma. Is culling their predators an ethical response—and a scientifically sound solution?

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photos by

April Bencze

FINDING YOUR SPARK 

FINDING YOUR SPARK 

For those in search of inspiration, Quadra Island’s Hollyhock provides a unique opportunity for learning and growth.

Words by

Mary Ruth Snyder

Photos by

Amanda McNaughton

HOME VIDEO

HOME VIDEO

Balancing the give-and-take required to responsibly host the filmmaking process in our own backyard.

Words & Photos by

Ross Bodenmann

BRIDGING THE GAP

BRIDGING THE GAP

By offering direct assistance to those in need, The Dawn to Dawn Organization is addressing homelessness and affordable housing head on.

Words & Photo by

RJ Herron

A WILDERNESS RETREAT, REIMAGINED

A WILDERNESS RETREAT, REIMAGINED

With a pair of new managers at the helm, a Comox Valley Lodge switches gears to service both locals and tourists.

Words by

Allie Jenkinson

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

THE NATIVE SONS HALL

THE NATIVE SONS HALL

The history of a storied and culturally significant building in the heart of our community.

Words by

Kerry Hale

Photos by

Sara Kempner

STRAIGHT AND TO THE POINT

STRAIGHT AND TO THE POINT

For a skilled bow and arrow craftsman, the pursuit of stump shooting provides a path toward engaged living and a deeper awareness of our place in the world.

Words by

Blayne Prowse

Photo by

Lorenz Jimenez

THE DIRTY AND THE DEDICATED

THE DIRTY AND THE DEDICATED

Cumberland braces for Dodge City X, the Village’s first off-road triathlon.

Words by

Ryan Parton

Image supplied by

DODGE CITY

CHOSEN ROADS

CHOSEN ROADS

By four-stroke engine or clipless pedals, a Cumberland Rider finds power in two wheels, however they spin.

Words by

Erika Anderson

Photo by

Brian King

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: BRYAN WALWORK

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: BRYAN WALWORK

FEATURED ARTIST: JULIE SABEY

FEATURED ARTIST: JULIE SABEY

THE ROOT OF INDOCHINA

THE ROOT OF INDOCHINA

A pilgrimage to Fanispan Mountain.

Words & Photos by

Lindsay Elms

THESE LEGENDARY WALLS. THESE STORIED WATERS.

THESE LEGENDARY WALLS. THESE STORIED WATERS.

Many of the Comox Valley’s iconic pubs have come and gone, but, like empty cans of Lucky Lager beside a gravel road, the memories remain.

Words by

Mike B

Photo courtesy of

Courtenay and District Museum 990.24.299

FIELD NOTES

FIELD NOTES

Homesteading in the Comox Valley.

Words & photos

Sarah Kehler

PAINTING WITH FIRE AND SODA

PAINTING WITH FIRE AND SODA

Conjuring art in the midst of chaos: ceramics of Jeff Brett

Words & Photo by

Jeff Brett

NATURALLY AWARE

NATURALLY AWARE

An interview with April Bencze.

Interview & photo by

Ross Bodenmann

FOREST TO FAUCET: LIFE IN THE ERA OF HUMANS

FOREST TO FAUCET: LIFE IN THE ERA OF HUMANS

Life in the era of humans.

Words & photos by

Tim Ennis

LITTLE VALLEY: VIJAY HOWE

LITTLE VALLEY: VIJAY HOWE

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

Words by

Vijay Howe, age 13

PASSIONATE BREWING

PASSIONATE BREWING

The story of cancer, community and a hospital mini fridge.

Words by

Kerry Hale

Photos by

Karley Bracey

AS THE DISC SPINS

AS THE DISC SPINS

A renegade disc golf course spurs a community to create a forest playground.

Words by

Max Oudendag

Photo by

Nick Hutton-Jay

MAGIC IN THE MOUNTAINS

MAGIC IN THE MOUNTAINS

Nearby alpine gems inspire locals and visitors alike.

Words & Photos by

Sarah Seads

SUNSHINE COAST

SUNSHINE COAST

The owner/operator of Sunshine Coast Air connects people with each other and the place she calls home.

Words by

Theressa Logan

Opening photo by

Josh Ramsay

OUTSIDE IN

OUTSIDE IN

A young man’s journey from the forest to the Banff International Film and Book Festival.

Words by

Tao Werner

Photos by

Sara Kempner

GROWING UP IN THE WOODS

GROWING UP IN THE WOODS

The technique of Métissage storytelling blends a child’s, an educator’s, and a historical point of view, for a holistic understanding of learning in the outdoors.

Words by

Heather Thomson

Photos by

Karen McKinnon

HENS 101

HENS 101

A beginner’s guide to keeping chickens.

Words & Photos by

Rebekah Kenway

COMPLETE COMBUSTION

COMPLETE COMBUSTION

A young mason unites modern heating challenges with ancient solutions.

Words by

Dave Nowak

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

FINDING A CONNECTION

FINDING A CONNECTION

One company’s quest to bridge the ever-growing gap between nature and technology.

Words by

Alissa Wild

Photos by

Kyle Hansen

ART ALCHEMY

ART ALCHEMY

Artists in the Comox Valley create and cultivate a vibrant studio/gallery.

Words by

RJ Herron

Photo by

Karen McKinnon

LITTLE VALLEY: ANJA LEIKERMOSER

LITTLE VALLEY: ANJA LEIKERMOSER

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

Words by

Anja Leikermoser, Age 13

FLOATING BELOW

FLOATING BELOW

The tragic end and beautiful rediscovery of the SS Capilano.

Words & Photos by

Eiko Jones

FOREST FLOW

FOREST FLOW

The esoteric feeling at the heart of forest conservation.

Words by

Evan Gough

Photo by

Nik Dunn

MARKET INNOVATORS: HEALING BLISS BOTANICALS

MARKET INNOVATORS: HEALING BLISS BOTANICALS

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

The Puntledge Paddling Festival celebrates a world class river.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photos by

Dave Prothero

THE COMPETITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

THE COMPETITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

An interview with Darcy Lange.

Interview & photos by

Ross Bodenmann

AUDIBLE INSPIRATION

AUDIBLE INSPIRATION

LAST STAND IN THE LAND OF PLENTY

LAST STAND IN THE LAND OF PLENTY

Words by

Tim Ennis