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Featured Artist: Bryn Ball

Featured Artist: Bryn Ball

A creative journey in France

A creative journey in France

Une grande aventure

Words & photos by

HELEN UTSAL

THIRTY YEARS OF TIN TOWN

THIRTY YEARS OF TIN TOWN

The Comox Valley’s distinctive live/work enclave is also a tightly bonded community

Words by

Mac Newton

Photo by

Paige Owen

THE VIETNAM WAR

THE VIETNAM WAR

War resisters: Stories of courage and compassion

Words by

Joline Martin

Featured Photographer: Tom Powell

Featured Photographer: Tom Powell

CUMBERLAND ADULT SOCIAL CLUB

CUMBERLAND ADULT SOCIAL CLUB

Cumberland seniors make new connections—and some even find love

Words by

Ryan Parton

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

COMOX VALLEY HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

COMOX VALLEY HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

Working together in support of local seniors

Photo by

Karen McKinnon

LITTLE VALLEY: LIGHT AND HAPPY

LITTLE VALLEY: LIGHT AND HAPPY

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

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

Words by

Kozma-Rose Kelly

AXÉ CAPOEIRA AND KUMUGWE DANCERS

AXÉ CAPOEIRA AND KUMUGWE DANCERS

Warrior spirit in the Bighouse

Words & photos by

Sara Kempner

THE RISK OF FIRE TO THE COMOX LAKE WATERSHED

THE RISK OF FIRE TO THE COMOX LAKE WATERSHED

Fire is the number-one risk to our watershed. We need to talk about it now.

Words by

Meaghan Cursons

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

CUMBERLAND CAMPGROUND’S NEW SLEEPING BARRELS

CUMBERLAND CAMPGROUND’S NEW SLEEPING BARRELS

Cozy 16-foot sleeping barrels nestled in the forest overlooking Comox Lake

Words by

Zoë Cooper

&

James McKerricher

THE ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE

THE ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE

Celebrating 100 years of aviation

Words by

Tyko Adams

REMARKABLY UNSINKABLE

REMARKABLY UNSINKABLE

Denman Island’s Hilda Slayter Lacon was a stalwart survivor of multiple disasters.

Words by

Claire King

Opening photo by

Alan Hustak

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

Paige Whitehead is going beyond glow sticks to disrupt an entire toxic industry.

Photos courtesy of

NYOKA Design Labs

BRIDGING THE ART/TECH GAP

BRIDGING THE ART/TECH GAP

The Comox Valley Digital Creation Hub: a new resource for local creatives.

Words by

Jennifer Casey

Photos by

Caresse Nadeau

ANY WAY YOU SLICE IT

ANY WAY YOU SLICE IT

There’s not much you have to do to a summer cucumber to render it delicious.

Words by

James McKerricher

Photo courtesy of

Shamrock Farm

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: REM SKOLNEY

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: REM SKOLNEY

FEATURED ARTIST: JULIAN BARKER

FEATURED ARTIST: JULIAN BARKER

NOT A BIKE SHOP

NOT A BIKE SHOP

Everyone’s welcome at Gravity MTB’s new Cumberland clubhouse.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photos by

Luke Phillips

BEYOND BUSINESS AS USUAL

BEYOND BUSINESS AS USUAL

The CVCF is pioneering an innovative trust-based approach to grants. It's helping community funds get to where they're needed, faster.

Words by

Jen Groundwater

Photos by

Kareen Sanderson

SAFE AND SOUND

SAFE AND SOUND

For modern festivals, harm reduction services are part of the game plan.

Words by

Max Lyman

Opening photo by

Zenon Kai Imaging

LISTENING TO PLANTS

LISTENING TO PLANTS

In tending to the land, we can restore diversity—and restore ourselves.

Words & Gallery Photos by

Juliana Bedoya

Opening photo by

Juan Martinezguerra

A TRUE COMOX GEM YOU’LL LOVE

A TRUE COMOX GEM YOU’LL LOVE

Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park.

MARMOTS IN FOCUS

MARMOTS IN FOCUS

The world’s rarest marmot lives on Vancouver Island. Photographer Catherine Babault wants to share its story with the world.

Words by

Mac Newton

Photos by

Catherine Babault

COME AS YOU ARE

COME AS YOU ARE

Conscious dance requires no skills or substances. And it’s remarkably freeing.

Words by

Bevin Clempson

Photos by

Meredith Rose

WE CAN DANCE IF WE WANT TO

WE CAN DANCE IF WE WANT TO

Two stories exploring different perspectives on this passionate, beautiful art form.

Words by

Jen Groundwater

Photo by

Meredith Rose

LIVING YOUR ZEST LIFE

LIVING YOUR ZEST LIFE

As Bill Nye said, “Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.” So keep an open mind..

Words by

Jen Groundwater

Photo by

Nick Thornton

LITTLE VALLEY: MAX WARD

LITTLE VALLEY: MAX WARD

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

Words by

Max Ward, age 13

ALL IN THE SAME BOAT

ALL IN THE SAME BOAT

Connected by water—reflections after an afternoon on Comox Lake.

Words by

Jim Whyte

Photos 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

BRANCHING OUT

BRANCHING OUT

As a planner, Pieter Rutgers helped shape Vancouver’s parks. Now in semi-retirement, he shapes wood into beautiful furniture.

Words by

Mike B.

Photo by

Sara Kempner

GET THEE TO A GALLERY

GET THEE TO A GALLERY

Each of these galleries features a wide selection of locally made artwork at a variety of price points. You’ll find no pressure to buy, just creativity and brilliance aplenty to admire, and a warm welcome from people who love to talk about art.

LITTLE VALLEY: DARRAGH TORMEY

LITTLE VALLEY: DARRAGH TORMEY

Reflections from a younger resident.

Photo by

Sara Kempner

CREATING A CANOE

CREATING A CANOE

K’ómoks First Nation members combine ancient methods and modern tools to bring a new vessel to life.

Words by

K’ómoks First Nation

THE RISE OF MODERN GLEANING

THE RISE OF MODERN GLEANING

This ancient practice may be getting a rebrand, but it’s still about using our food resources wisely.

Words by

James McKerricher

Photos by

Meredith Rose

WILD SPACES BELONG TO EVERYONE

WILD SPACES BELONG TO EVERYONE

Recreation in the great outdoors hasn’t always been an option for people of colour in Canada. Erica Keen reflects on her family's history and the importance of nature.

Words & featured photo by

Erica Keen

FEATURED ARTIST: MARIANNE ENHÖRNING

FEATURED ARTIST: MARIANNE ENHÖRNING

T’AAM LAAN, STEERSMAN OF THE CANOE

T’AAM LAAN, STEERSMAN OF THE CANOE

A SUP adventurer’s trajectory through the mist.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photos by

Bruce Kirkby

SAVING PLACE

SAVING PLACE

Managing gentrification to protect the communities we love.

Words by

Cleo Corbett

Photos by

Luc Antaya

TRUE FACTS ABOUT FAKE BIRDS

TRUE FACTS ABOUT FAKE BIRDS

They’re among our most plentiful bird species, but seagulls don’t actually exist.

Words by

Neil Borecky

Photo by

Nick Thornton

A COMMUNITY’S HEART IS IN ITS FORESTS

A COMMUNITY’S HEART IS IN ITS FORESTS

The importance of knowing what you’ve got—before it’s gone.

Words & Photo by

Jennifer Jellett

FRIENDS OF FELINES

FRIENDS OF FELINES

The Kitty Cat P.A.L. Society cares for the Comox Valley’s under-loved cats.

Words by

Mac Newton

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

SHARING THE LAND

SHARING THE LAND

We can’t fix the past for our forests and watersheds, but we have to get the future right.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photos by

Luke Phillips

FROM CLEARCUTS TO COMMUNITIES

FROM CLEARCUTS TO COMMUNITIES

The Valley’s community halls have stories to tell.

Words by

Jen Groundwater

THE POWER OF GROWING THINGS

THE POWER OF GROWING THINGS

Ode to a Comox yarden (yes, that’s yard + garden).

Words by

Tyler Johns

Photos by

Meredith Rose

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: FRANCOISE GERVAIS

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: FRANCOISE GERVAIS

FEATURED ARTIST: BRIAN JESSOP

FEATURED ARTIST: BRIAN JESSOP

BRINGING BACK THE BYGONE

BRINGING BACK THE BYGONE

By restoring vintage furniture, we pay homage to the craftsperson, and to the forest which provided the raw material.

Words by

Dave Nowak

Photos by

Meredith Rose

THE MCLOUGHLIN GARDENS

THE MCLOUGHLIN GARDENS

A summer cottage becomes a place to dream and create.

Words by

Kerry Hale

Featured photo by

Susan Healy

TOWARD A MORE LIVABLE VALLEY

TOWARD A MORE LIVABLE VALLEY

Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness combines compassion and action.

Words by

RJ Herron

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

REIMAGINING REGIONAL RECREATION

REIMAGINING REGIONAL RECREATION

Four local governments working together for better parks and recreation management? It could be a reality very soon.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photos by

Sara Kempner

GETTING HIGH ON VANCOUVER ISLAND

GETTING HIGH ON VANCOUVER ISLAND

Singing the praises of our unique alpine environment.

Words & Photo by

Shane Johnson

SAILING FORTH

SAILING FORTH

A thirst for adventure, a boat of her own, and the Salish Sea as her playground.

Words by

Judith Wright

Featured photo by

Jenn Dykstra

WELCOME TO HISTORIC CUMBERLAND

WELCOME TO HISTORIC CUMBERLAND

The newly renovated Cumberland Museum offers more stories and more points of view.

Words by

Dawn Copeman

Photo by

Sara Kempner

GET AWAY TO GOLD RIVER

GET AWAY TO GOLD RIVER

Sure, it’s the gateway to Nootka Sound. But for outdoor lovers, Gold River is a treasure in its own right.

Words by

Anita Lawrence

Featured photo by

Dave Prothero

CUMBERLAND, A TINY-TOAD SUPERHIGHWAY

CUMBERLAND, A TINY-TOAD SUPERHIGHWAY

Small but mighty western toads have places to go, and we need to help them get there.

Words by

Annabelle Sproule

Photos by

Maxwel Hohn

COVID DISCOVERIES

COVID DISCOVERIES

COVID MOMENTS

COVID MOMENTS

Reflections on going with the flow with a young family in this unusual time

Words by

Christa Petch

COMOX VALLEY SCHOOLS AND CORONAVIRUS

COMOX VALLEY SCHOOLS AND CORONAVIRUS

Pivoting with compassion

COLLABORATING AGAINST COVID-19

COLLABORATING AGAINST COVID-19

FASHION FORWARD

FASHION FORWARD

How one small business is making an environmental sea change with thoughtfully crafted swimwear.

Words by

Bevin Clempson

Photos by

Matt Meredith

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT

With the Federal Government on the verge of legalizing recreational marijuana use, Comox Valley municipalities drag their heels on implementing non-medicinal dispensaries while consumers find out-of-town alternatives.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photo by

Ultimate Grow

THE BRIGHTEST PATH

THE BRIGHTEST PATH

A serendipitous trip to New Zealand provides soothing reprieve from the west coast winter.

Words by

Nora Bingham

Photos by

Meredith Rose

MARKINGS OF THE MIND

MARKINGS OF THE MIND

A designer and artist utilizes his craft to break down the barriers of schizophrenia.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photos by

Ian Mckenzie

STOLEN MOMENTS

STOLEN MOMENTS

Time slows and memories collect and blur together while climbing amongst the Valley’s age-old terrain.

Words by

David Benton

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

LITTLE VALLEY: ARLO FLEENOR

LITTLE VALLEY: ARLO FLEENOR

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

Words by

Arlo Fleenor

FEATURED ARTIST: AVA LUNA

FEATURED ARTIST: AVA LUNA

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: DAVE INGRAM

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: DAVE INGRAM

DEEP BLUE

DEEP BLUE

One of our community’s most crucial water sources is right under our feet.

Words by

Tim Ennis

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

FORTUNE FLAVOURS THE BOLD 

FORTUNE FLAVOURS THE BOLD 

Add depth and novelty to the summer season by branching out from your standard wine selection.

Words by

Ashley Shelest

Photos by

Yolanda Holderness

WHEREVER HELP IS NEEDED

WHEREVER HELP IS NEEDED

Celebrating 10 years in the Valley, the Comox Bay Care Society’s mobile Care-A-Van continues to drive forth positive values in our community.

Words by

Mac Newton

Photo by

Sara Kempner

ADAPT OR DIE

ADAPT OR DIE

Boomer Jerritt’s long history with photography represents the unique combination of skills needed to succeed in a saturated industry.

Words by

Jenn Dykstra

Photos by

Boomer Jerritt

REMARKABLE SOFTNESS

REMARKABLE SOFTNESS

Yarn bombing, the spontaneous act of applying textiles in public spaces, liberates both artist and observer from expectation.

Words by

Leanne Prain

Photos by

Jeff Christenson

BENEATH THE HIGH

BENEATH THE HIGH

Microdosing has become popular in places like Silicon Valley to increase productivity and creativity. Can taking a hit expand our thinking, or will it just mess with our minds?

Words by

Mike B.

Photos by

Sareh Puetz

GROWING CONSCIOUSNESS

GROWING CONSCIOUSNESS

Whether for our health, our planet, or the simple joy of food, the benefits of plant-based eating have become impossible to ignore.

Words by

Sally Podmore

Photos by

Joanne McElroy

IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK

IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK

The economic boom of the early 20th century brought more than coal to the surface. This is the tight-lipped history of the Comox Valley sex trade.

Words by

Christa Petch

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

IN THE FIELD

IN THE FIELD

HIDDEN RICHES

HIDDEN RICHES

Long before it became a popular tourist destination, two adventurers stumbled upon the unexpected while exploring the Upana Caves.

Words & Painting

Nick Hutton-Jay

ON A WING AND A PRAYER

ON A WING AND A PRAYER

The misunderstood sport of speed flying requires practiced skill and careful calibration. It can also take a leap of faith.

Words by

Kyle Hansen

Photos by

Marc Jardine

SPINNING GOLD

SPINNING GOLD

A search for wilderness, adventure, and single track in the land of the midnight sun.

Words & Photos by

Leah Ballin

THE GREAT INDOORS

THE GREAT INDOORS

Blurring the lines between woods and water, comfort and camping, Brown’s Bay Resort is a charming getaway for Vancouver Island travellers./h2>

Words by

Laurel Sliskovic

Photos by

James Headrick

LITTLE VALLEY: NAOMI CHARETTE

LITTLE VALLEY: NAOMI CHARETTE

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

Words by

Naomi Charette

GIRL ON FIRE

GIRL ON FIRE

The quiet dirt road in Merville where Arcade Fire violinist Sarah Neufeld was raised led her loudly around the globe.

Words by

Mike B.

Photo by

Gesi Schilling

OPPRESSION AND RESILIENCE

OPPRESSION AND RESILIENCE

134 years ago, the Canadian Government introduced legislation to ban the P'a_sa, or Potlach, in an attempt to disassemble the culture of Indigenous peoples in Canada. An exhibit at the Comox Valley Art Gallery aims to educate the public about this section of Canadian history, and the impact that continues to reverberate today.

Words by

Keisha Everson

Photo by

Boomer Jerritt

SMOOTHING A DIFFICULT PATH

SMOOTHING A DIFFICULT PATH

Today ‘N’ Tomorrow provides guidance through teenage pregnancy, allowing parents to finish school and plan for the future.

Words by

Thea Miller

Photos by

Jenny Deters

PIONEERS AND BROKEN DREAMS

PIONEERS AND BROKEN DREAMS

Exploring northern Vancouver Island’s San Josef Bay with Cove Adventures.

Words & Photos by

Tim Ennis

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

Cycling opportunities in the Valley are growing, combining the best of the area’s food, wine, and scenery into a selection of man-powered packages.

Words by

Paula Worthington

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

A SELFLESS PROTECTOR OF ALL THINGS WILD

A SELFLESS PROTECTOR OF ALL THINGS WILD

Remembering the legacy of Ruth Masters and the priceless gifts—both physical and intangible—that she bestowed on our community.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photos by

Friends of Ruth Masters

FAMILY FRAMEWORK

FAMILY FRAMEWORK

Through strong vision and tireless effort, an easily dismissed property in Union Bay becomes a unique and envious west coast gem.

Words by

Jamie McCue

Photos by

Sara Kempner

THE DIRECTION OF DISCOMFORT

THE DIRECTION OF DISCOMFORT

How moving outside of your regular patterns can help you manage fear and map your own future.

Words by

Mia Jerritt

Photo by

Kyle Hansen

RACING THE LIGHT

RACING THE LIGHT

A team of Comox Valley runners road trips to the Alberta/BC border to test themselves with the Sinister 7 Ultra Marathon.

Words by

Leah Knutson

Photos by

Mike LeBlanc

THE PLACES WE MAKE

THE PLACES WE MAKE

The Cumberland Community Forest Society reflects deep-rooted passions to map out a flourishing future.

Words by

Meaghan Cursons

Photos by

RJ Herron

AT JOURNEY’S END

AT JOURNEY’S END

The radiant compassion and wisdom of Amida Buddha and the grace and forbearance of the Japanese who once lived here.

Words by

Dawn Copeman

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

COMPASS ADVENTURE

COMPASS ADVENTURE

All points to the water

Words by

Ryan Stuart

UP, UP, AND AWAY FROM IT ALL

UP, UP, AND AWAY FROM IT ALL

Comox Glacier bike and hike.

Words & photos by

Sarah Hauser

PADDLE TO THE SEA

PADDLE TO THE SEA

Exploring the Puntledge Hatchery.

Words & photos by

Tim Ennis

FULL OF LIFE

FULL OF LIFE

Clam Gardens in the Salish Sea.

Words by

Kelly Forbes

25 YEARS OF FRESHNESS AND CARE

25 YEARS OF FRESHNESS AND CARE

Confessions of a Comox Valley Farmers’ Market Junkie.

Words by

Traci Skuce

Photo by

Bill Jorgensen

LOCAL TOURISM’S LURE

LOCAL TOURISM’S LURE

Island residents will deepen their social, environmental, and cultural connections by vacationing close to home.

Words by

Laurel Sliskovic

Illustrations by

Laurel Meyer

VANCOUVER ISLAND MUSEUM OF NATURE

VANCOUVER ISLAND MUSEUM OF NATURE

Trucking around the forest with filmmaker Marek Zaleski.

Words by

Max Oudendag

Photos by

Marek Zaleski

ALTERNATIVE THERAPY

ALTERNATIVE THERAPY

Art and music provide space to explore, heal, and transform.

Words by

Nora Bingham

Photos by

Ron Pogue

WATER-PROOFED PIONEERS

WATER-PROOFED PIONEERS

'Wet-Coast' inspired waterproof solutions for world travels and backward adventures.

Words by

Dave Nowak

Featured photo by

Jenn Dykstra

THE MAN, THE LEGEND

THE MAN, THE LEGEND

An interview with William 'Bronco' Moncrief.

Interview by

Sydney Moncrief

COMOX VALLEY SOAP ARTISTS

COMOX VALLEY SOAP ARTISTS

A look at Hornby Island Soap Company and Royston Soapworks.

Words by

Lisa Levesque

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

LITTLE VALLEY: BHODI LAPERRIERE

LITTLE VALLEY: BHODI LAPERRIERE

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

Words by

Bhodi LaPerriere, Age 9

BRICK BY BRICK

BRICK BY BRICK

Habitat for Humanity: helping to build the foundation for happier, healthier lives.

Words by

Bevin Clempson

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

ABANDON LAND THIS SUMMER

ABANDON LAND THIS SUMMER

Historical boat cruises at the Museum at Campbell River.

Words & Photos by

Mary Ruth Snyder

LOST IN THE WILDERNESS

LOST IN THE WILDERNESS

A close encounter with the Cumberland Lake Wilderness Society.

Words & Photos by

Sara Kempner

THE ULTIMATE SINGLETRACK EXPERIENCE

THE ULTIMATE SINGLETRACK EXPERIENCE

Discovering new limits racing the BC Bike Race.

Words by

Tara Miller

Photo by

DAVE SILVER

BLENDING MARTIAL ARTS & YOGA

BLENDING MARTIAL ARTS & YOGA

How the practice of two disciplines nurtures three local martial artists and yogis.

Words by

Corny Martens

Jared Sato

POWER

POWER

Words by

Photo by

UNVEILING STORIES

UNVEILING STORIES

An interview with Daniel Kooman.

Interview & photo by

Ross Bodenmann