Spring Archives - The Collective Magazines

LITTLE VALLEY: ODUS ATKINSON

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

Words by

Odus Atkinson, age 12

Photos by

Jennifer Armstrong

THE JOYS OF KEEPING BIRDS

… and some avian advice

Words by

Nat Raedwulf Pogue

Photos by

Ron Pogue

MAKING CUMBERLAND TRAILS MORE INCLUSIVE

Careful "edits" and a new Wey forward

Words by

Photos by

Max McCulloch

TRANSIENT ORCAS ARE THRIVING IN THE SALISH SEA

Bigg time

Words by

Jenefer Smalley

Photos by

Blair Denman

HOW COMMON BROOM BECAME ALL TOO COMMON ON VANCOUVER ISLAND

A golden killer

Words by

Photos by

A WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE HOME

Aging in place—and in style

Words by

Julie Lad

Ramesh Lad

WESTCOAST TRIPLE PLANK

A fun weekend for a fishy cause

Words & photos by

WEST COAST EXPEDITIONS ON TLE:HOH

Building business and community on Spring Island

Words by

Marie Maccagno

Photo by

Erik Marks

THE FLAVOURFUL CHICORY FAMILY

There’s more to chicory than mesclun mixes

Words by

James McKerricher

Photo courtesy of

Shamrock Farm

EVERYONE CAN (AND SHOULD) MEDITATE

Yes, even you

Words by

Dennyse Harris

Photos by

CVOX: COMOX VALLEY COMMUNITY RADIO

A local fountain of music, culture, and information

Photos by

REFLECTIONS OF A YARD CAR

Content to be still after years of motion and freedom

Words & photos by

HANDCRAFTING LINEN

From tiny flax seed to majestic fabric

Words by

Karla Sandwith

Photos by

Kareen Sanderson

THE HERRING GOLD RUSH OF 1979

For BC’s fishers, it was the year of money

Words by

Dave Flawse

Photos by

Jarrett Lindal

BUILDING COMMUNITY WITH LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES

Take a book, leave a book

Words by

Joline Martin

Photos by

OUR COMMUNITY RUNS ON HUMAN CREATIVITY

Creative Director's Introduction to Vol. 37

Words & Photo by

Ian Adams

DISCOVERY

Words by

Photo by

Dan Owen

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

LITTLE VALLEY: FARRAH RUSSELL

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

Words by

Farrah Russell, age 8

Photo by

A PRESSING MATTER

The story of Black Cat skateboards.

Words by

Andrew Pressault

Photos by

AN ICONIC TRAIL IN THE MAKING

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

Words by

Featured photo by

Chris Istace

WINE FROM THE SOIL UP

A commitment to sustainable prosperity keeps 40 Knots Winery growing.

Words by

Photos courtesy of

40 Knots Winery

WILD GARDENING

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

Words & Art by

Sally Podmore

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

SO SAY THE FERRYMEN

Reflections on three careers on the water with BC Ferries.

Words by

Laura Busheikin

Photo by

Jennifer Armstrong

STOCKING THE WORLD

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

Words by

Nicole Bergot

Photos by

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

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

Words by

Kester Reid

Photo by

Amy Shaw

BLACK AND RURAL

An intimate account of Black folk in the Canadian countryside.

Words by

Joline Martin

Illustration by

Keely O’Brien

ALL HAIL THE MAY QUEEN

Cumberland settlers brought ancient traditions.

Words by

Meaghan Cursons

Photo by

FRASER CAIN’S UNIVERSE

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

Words by

Featured photo by

THE SURROUNDING BLUE

Words by

Photo by

Paige Owen

ADVENTURES IN PADDLING

Circumnavigating Vancouver Island by sea kayak.

Words & Photos by

Erica Keen

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

Macdonald Wood: A peaceful park born from controversy.

Words by

Susan Barratt

Photos by

Deanne Matell

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

Gallery photo by

Chris Istace

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

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

Words by

Ellian Bell

Photo by

Eugene Chung

CHANGING TIDES

Goose Spit has an intriguing, complicated history.

Words by

Kerry Hale

Photo by

Luke Phillips

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

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

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

FEATURED WORDS: I’M LEARNING

Words by

Keisha Everson

Photos by

Alexandre Crouzet

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: MORGAN NORTH

COMMUNITY, CARE, AND QUILTING

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

Words by

Joline Martin

Photo by

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

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

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

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

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

Words by

Photo by

Luke Phillips

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

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

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

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

Words by

Photo by

WHY WE RISK

It’s not just for the high—it’s in my DNA.

Words by

Photo by

Sean Kerrigan

NEITHER SEEN NOR HEARD

The Island's apex predator might just be the perfect neighbour.

Words by

Neil Borecky

Photo by

Jarrett Lindal

FELLOWSHIP OF THE FOREST

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

Words by

Dawn Copeman

Photos by

SEAWEED, SVP

Words & Photo by

Angela Willard

THE TEACHING THAT NATURE PROVIDES

Farm and forest experiences help kids thrive by connecting them to the land.

Words by

Photo courtesy of

Fianna Wilderness School

ALWAYS ASKING QUESTIONS

Words by

Photo by

Sam Rae Harriss

RETHINKING ONIGIRI

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

Words by

Britt Hanson

Photo by

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

LEAVING OLD ENMITIES BEHIND

Sifting through his family’s hatred for Japan, Mac Newton finds room for empathy.

Words by

Cumberland Museum & Archives

Photos courtesy of

SMASHING BARRIERS WITH SIP

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

Words by

Haeley Dewhirst

Photos by

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 WORDS: KUS-KUS-SUM

Words by

Lorin Medley

FEATURED ARTIST: MIKE SAVAGE

FEATURED PHOTOGTAPHER: SHANNON KAY

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

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

Words by

Olivia Klassen

Photo by

Anna Rambow

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

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

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

Photo by

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

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

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

Words by

Sam Peterson

Photo by

THE SEASONS OF BEES

The art and science of beekeeping.

Words by

Wendi Gilson

Photo by

Mike LeBlanc

THE NATURE CURE

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

Words by

Shawn Peters

Photo by

PLANTING FARMERS

Land-matching program nurtures the next generation.

Words by

Photos by

Sarah Wilson

RENEWAL AND COMMUNITY: A COLLECTIVE LOVE LETTER

Words by

Photo by

Jennifer Brazil

NATION OF STAIRS

Dogs, donkeys, and other delights of trekking in Nepal.

Words by

Finn Manktelow

Photos by

Kip Manktelow

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

Rad new rides give biking a boost.

Words & photo by

LITTLE VALLEY: SAM GOLDBY

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

Words by

Sam Goldby

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 PHOTOGRAPHER: MATT NEWFIELD

BELTANE

Poem by

Meaghan Cursons

Photo by

Jennifer Brazil

ON THE SHARP EDGE

Local swordfighters get medieval at the Comox Valley Combat Guild.

Words by

Chad Herbert

Photo by

Anastasia Skye

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 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

Cumberland 2040: How Cumberland reached carbon negative

Words by

Photo by

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

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

Words by

Photos by

NO FEAR OF FALLING

BASE jumper Angelique Vinnedge loves being airborne.

Words by

Laurissa Cebryk

Opening photo by

Micaiah Kind

LEARNING TO FLY

MARS’s newly expanded rescue centre is a haven for Valley wildlife.

Words by

Photos by

Alexandre Crouzet

HOME IN THE HILLS

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

Words by

Photos by

Alex Mackay

IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL LAND

The history and community behind Courtenay’s beloved Airpark.

Words by

Photos by

DOWN IN THE PIT

Inside the unseen world of musical-theatre musicians.

Words by

Jan Adams

Featured photo by

Rosalind Humphreys

BLANKETED IN HOPE

A meeting of art, reconciliation, and the law in the K’ómoks Bighouse.

Words by

Lindsay Keegitah Borrows

Photos by

Doug Harrington

BREEZING INTO SPRING

Words by

Photo by

Vince Kehn

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

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

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

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

Words by

Justin Yaretz

FEATURED ARTIST: ALEX MAERTZ

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: PAIGE OWEN

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

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

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

Photo by

Keith Clark

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

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

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

Words by

Mike B.

Photo by

John Kelsey

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

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

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

Photo by

IN THE FIELD

Words by

Featured photo by

April Bencze

UNLIKELY SHIPMATES

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

Words & Photo by

April Bencze

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

INTO THE GREAT WHITE OPEN

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

Words & Photos by

Gordon Ross

TREE OF LIFE

The inherent pursuit of drawing can benefit anyone willing to see things anew.

Words by

Jonathan Cooper

Zoë Cooper

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

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

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

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

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

LITTLE VALLEY: TAYLOR GRINDE

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

Words by

Taylor Grinde

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

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

Photos by

April Bencze

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

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

Words & Photos by

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

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

Photos by

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

TUNING THE VIBRATIONS OF WELLNESS

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

Words by

Lise Maltais

Photo by

Léa Wheatley-Maltais

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

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

Words by

Ryan Parton

Image supplied by

DODGE CITY

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

LETTING IN THE LIGHT

Words by

Photo by

Kareen Sanderson

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: BRYAN WALWORK

MERVILLE ORGANICS

Words by

Photo by

Arzeena Hamir

FEATURED ARTIST: JULIE SABEY

RAINWATER HARVESTING 101

Capturing nature's bounty.

Words by

Mark Miard

Illustration by

Ian Adams

ELDER VALLEY: AGING GRACEFULLY

Reflections from an older resident.

Words by

Wei-Ching Chang

Photo by

IF I HAD A HAMMER

The Shed Tool Library and Makerspace Co-op.

Words by

Dave Nowak

Photo by

THE ROOT OF INDOCHINA

A pilgrimage to Fanispan Mountain.

Words & Photos by

Lindsay Elms

LOSS OF THE COMMONS

Ghosts of Vancouver Island’s past.

Words by

Courtenay and District Museum 990.24.299

Illustration by

Laurel Meyer

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

LIVING LANDSCAPES

Cultivating the garden of your dreams.

Words by

Arianne Huene

Louis Lamb

CAMPBELL RIVER

More than simply the salmon capitAl of the world.

Words by

Laurel Sliskovic

Photos by

James Headrick

FIELD NOTES

Homesteading in the Comox Valley.

Words & photos

Sarah Kehler

SID WILLIAMS THEATRE

Lifting community spirits through the years.

Words by

Tara Murphy

Photo by

Boomer Jerritt

PAINTING WITH FIRE AND SODA

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

Words & Photo by

Jeff Brett

NATURALLY AWARE

An interview with April Bencze.

Interview & photo by

FOREST TO FAUCET: LIFE IN THE ERA OF HUMANS

Life in the era of humans.

Words & photos by

Tim Ennis

LITTLE VALLEY: VIJAY HOWE

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

Words by

Vijay Howe, age 13

COMOX VALLEY TRANSITION SOCIETY

Making a difference for 30 years.

Words by

Anne Davis

Photos by

COAL HILLS BMX

Staying on track.

Words by

Tara Bursey

Photos by

Stew E Radford

OUTRIGGER CANOEING IN THE COMOX VALLEY

Working together with water, wind, and tide.

Words by

Laurel Archer

Photo by

TASTING ROOM ETIQUETTE

Words by

Katie Phelan

HEIRLOOM SEEDS

Connecting us to the past, present, and future.

Words by

Nora Bingham

Photos by

IGNITING A SPARK

Learning at the Fine Arts eCademy.

Words by

Tom Keenoy

Photos by

Laura Mann

FREE-DIVING, WITH A CATCH

Bringing peace to your soul and food to your table.

Words by

Galyn Franklin

Photos by

Jeremy Koreski

CEYLON CUISINE & SPICES

Words by

Photo by

Hans Peter Meyer

PASSIONATE BREWING

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

Words by

Kerry Hale

Photos by

Karley Bracey

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

Nearby alpine gems inspire locals and visitors alike.

Words & Photos by

Sarah Seads

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

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

Words by

Tao Werner

Photos by

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

BUILDING ON NATURE

Furniture builders share their love of the craft.

Words by

Sparrow and Me Photography

Opening photo by

SEAS OF CHANGE

Saving more than local kelp forests.

Words by

Tim Ennis

Opening photo by

Grant Callegari

LOST AND FOUND

A visit to Nymph Falls provides poetic inspiration.

Words by

Nora Bingham

Photos by

Paige Owen

HENS 101

A beginner’s guide to keeping chickens.

Words & Photos by

Rebekah Kenway

COMPLETE COMBUSTION

A young mason unites modern heating challenges with ancient solutions.

Words by

Dave Nowak

Photos by

BUILDING A LEGACY

A decorated fire chief combines the wisdom gained from experience with a view to the future.

Interview by

Photos by

Comox Fire Department

LIFELONG LEARNING

Community education thrives in Cumberland.

Words by

Sue Loveless

Photo by

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

HE ART OF THE PICK UP

Flexing your inner badass at the bar.

Words by

Bevin Clempson

Photo by

ART ALCHEMY

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

Words by

Photo by

LITTLE VALLEY: ANJA LEIKERMOSER

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

Words by

Anja Leikermoser, Age 13

A RETURN TO LIFE

Monumental efforts help salmon return to the Tsolum River.

Words by

Photos by

FLOATING BELOW

The tragic end and beautiful rediscovery of the SS Capilano.

Words & Photos by

Eiko Jones

FINDING BALANCE

One couple’s quest to fish sustainably and satisfy spot prawn-lovers.

Words by

Tatiana Baron

Photos by

Lance Underwood

FOREST FLOW

The esoteric feeling at the heart of forest conservation.

Words by

Evan Gough

Photo by

Nik Dunn

GARDENING 101

Words & Photos by

Rowan Helliwell

ELEVATION

Words by

Photos by

Ron Pogue

MARKET INNOVATORS: HEALING BLISS BOTANICALS

CONFESSIONS OF AN AVERAGE SAILOR

Words by

Sarah Clark

Photos by

Richard Barry

HORNBY ISLAND

Words by

Haeley Dewhirst

Opening photo by

DAVE SILVER

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

The Puntledge Paddling Festival celebrates a world class river.

Words by

Photos by

ALPINE TO OCEAN

Words by

Sarah Seads

Illustration by

Ian Adams

WRECKIN’ SHOP

Royston, Vancouver Island

Words by

Photo by

RECREATING NOSTALGIA

Exquisite auto creations.

Words by

Dave Nowak

Photos by

THE COMPETITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

An interview with Darcy Lange.

Interview & photos by

VOLATILE COMBINATIONS

Words by

Ryan Parton

Photos by