2018 Archives - The Collective Magazines

BEARING WITNESS

Just across the Salish Sea, only 70 kilometres from Campbell River as the crow flies, the Xwémalkwu (Homalco) people share the land with dozens of grizzly bears—and awe-struck visitors.

Words by

Jen Groundwater

Photos by

LITTLE VALLEY: CADENCE HERRON

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

Words by

Cadence Herron

FEATURED ARTIST: JENNIFER EATON

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: SHERYL HANULA

GROUND RULES

In a rapidly growing community, development sprawl and the preservation of common space is a tense subject. Despite new demands and changing ownership, our old habits are hard to break.

Words by

Photo by

Dave Ingram

WHAT TIME LEAVES BEHIND

The Trent River’s unique ecology has made its banks host to many exciting fossil discoveries, by palaeontologists and casual visitors alike.

Words & Photo by

Pat Trask

WINTER FUN FOR EVERYONE

Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports strives to make the joy of skiing and snowboarding accessible to all.

Words by

Peter Gardiner-Harding

Photos by

Chris Baikie

SMOOTH MOVES

Through hard work and distinct vision, a network of local trail builders are carving out the future of mountain biking in Cumberland.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photos by

A CUSHY ARRANGEMENT

Life on the back eddy of a ski attracts a revolving cast of characters.

Words by

Neil Borecky

Photo by

Morgan Callison

A CHILLING TURN

For a pair of spirited river surfers, a surge of excitement for ideal conditions quickly turns dangerous.

Words by

Curtis Parker

Photo by

Ali Marie Parker

IN THE FIELD

Words & Photos

Ross Bodenmann

WHAT MOVES US

The rivers of the Comox Valley have the power to carry us home.

Words by

Mike B.

Photo by

LONG MAY YOU RUN

Dancing In Gumboots is an intimate portrait of a bygone era on the coast, telling the tales of bold and inventive women arriving to the Valley in the '60s and '70s.

Words by

Photos courtesy of

Jane Wilde

AN ELEGANT STRUGGLE

The tranquil experience of our riverbanks betrays the life-and-death cycle that is central to the health of our forests and watersheds.

Words by

Kristen Walters

Photos by

April Bencze

UNIVERSAL LOCAL

Dancer and teacher Cathy Stoyko’s many cultural contributions include a multi-purpose space in Cumberland dedicated to inclusivity and creative freedom.

Words by

Zoë Cooper

Photo by

Shane Philip

A PLACE UPSTREAM

Words by

Photo by

Ross Bodenmann

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

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

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

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

Words by

Archie Pateman

Photo by

Jodie Ponto

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

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

Ian Adams

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

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

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

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

Words by

Mac Newton

Photos by

SHUT IT DOWN

Words by

Photo by

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

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

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

Words by

Naomi Charette

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

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

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

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

Words & Photos by

Tim Ennis

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

Ashley Hamilton-Macquarrie

GROWING CALM

Local businesses team up to provide a resort sanctuary that naturally soothes and inspires.

Words by

Photos by

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

Photos by

Friends of Ruth Masters

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

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

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

Words by

Meaghan Cursons

Photos by

RJ Herron

FLOATING ON

Words by

Photo by

Kyle Hansen

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

Ross Bodenmann

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

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

Sara Kempner

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