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Spring



ALL 2021
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

FEATURED ARTIST: SHELLEY VANDERBYL

FEATURED ARTIST: SHELLEY VANDERBYL

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: ANIUEMILIA

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: ANIUEMILIA

VIDEOGRAPHERS AND FILMMAKERS

VIDEOGRAPHERS AND FILMMAKERS

The Comox Valley is home to a diverse group of visual artists who use video to tell compelling stories about nature, humanity, and community.

Words by

LITTLE VALLEY: AVA THOMAS

LITTLE VALLEY: AVA THOMAS

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

Words by

Ava Thomas

Photo by

Sara Kempner

THE BLUE BUZZ

THE BLUE BUZZ

Wild swimmers are only ever one swim away from a good mood.

Words by

Kerry Hale

Photo by

Glenn Naylor

THE GIFT OF MOTION

THE GIFT OF MOTION

A new non-profit wants all queer athletes to have role models and cheerleaders.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photos by

Meredith Rose

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

DROP INTO A DEEP READ

DROP INTO A DEEP READ

Photographer Duncan Hague creates space to tell mountain biking’s unsung stories.

Words by

Dave Flawse

Photo by

Duncan Hague

BREWMOX VALLEY 2.0

BREWMOX VALLEY 2.0

Not even a pandemic has stopped our growing love for local craft beer.

Words by

Max Oudendag

Photos by

Sara Kempner

WHERE THERE’S WATER, THERE’S HOPE

WHERE THERE’S WATER, THERE’S HOPE

Clearflo Solutions was already working on the global clean water crisis. Then their technology was needed much closer to home.

Words by

Bevin Clempson

&

Jenny Deters

LET THE RIVERS RUN

LET THE RIVERS RUN

Streamkeepers keep a watchful eye on the Valley’s precious waterways.

Words by

Tanis Gower

Photos by

Meredith Rose

THE DUBIOUS PLEASURES OF WINTER BIRDING

THE DUBIOUS PLEASURES OF WINTER BIRDING

Join the hardy, determined, somewhat anti-social ranks of winter birders.

Words by

Jason Straka

Photo by

James Mackenzie

BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED

BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED

From Cumberland to the Caribbean, Chicago, and back: a local couple comes full circle.

Words by

Anja Roberts

Photo by

Crystal Chowdhury

A LIFE LIVED WITH VOLUME

A LIFE LIVED WITH VOLUME

We dedicate this volume of the CVC to Thomas Dunn, who inspired family, friends, and entire communities to experience everything in a big way. He will be missed.

Words by

Jen Groundwater

Photo by

Nik Dunn

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

SHELTER IN A NEW LAND

SHELTER IN A NEW LAND

For decades, private sponsors have been helping refugees find safe haven in the Comox Valley.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photo collage courtesy of

Sue Rambow

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

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: FRANCOISE GERVAIS

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: FRANCOISE GERVAIS

FEATURED ARTIST: BRIAN JESSOP

FEATURED ARTIST: BRIAN JESSOP

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

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

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

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

Kevin Mackenzie

Kevin Mackenzie

Jake Tinkler-Josephi

Jake Tinkler-Josephi

Honouring Medicine and Pagan Traditions

Honouring Medicine and Pagan Traditions

Introducing the Family and Animals of Standing Spruce Farm & Apothecary

Words by

Lesley Assu

Photos by

Nycky-Jay Vanjecek

Aromatic, Craveable, and Savoury

Aromatic, Craveable, and Savoury

Fermentation Adds Value to Our Community.

Words & Photos by

Brandon Pirie

Steel Wool Photography

Steel Wool Photography

How to Create Eye-catching Creative Photos

Words & Photos by

Bob Wild

Writing a New Narrative

Writing a New Narrative

Wildflowers & Co. Founder Alissa Assu Inspires the Future of Indigenous Women In Business

Words by

Alissa Assu

Photos by

Kimberley Kufaas

Guardian, Steward, and Watchkeeper

Guardian, Steward, and Watchkeeper

Restoring the Balance of Physical and Cultural Sustenance for Future Generations

Words by

Vicki Simmons

Photos By

Tom Parker

The Future is Digital

The Future is Digital

Adversity Sparks Creative Innovation At Campbell River’s Tidemark Theatre

Words by

Alison Bell

Photos by

Tidemark Theatre

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

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

Falling on Concrete Builds Character

Falling on Concrete Builds Character

A generation of skateboarding culture on Quadra Island

Words by

Alison Bell

Photos by

Carla Duffey

Colourful Splendour in the Emerald Sea

Colourful Splendour in the Emerald Sea

Seeing the forest and the trees without leaving the ground.

Words and Photos by

Eiko Jones

Raising Backyard Birds

Raising Backyard Birds

A wonderful, rustic addition to backyards of all sizes

Words by

Maria Fyfe

Photos by

Alison Dawn

LITTLE RIVER: ANNABEL AND BRYNLEE LUDWIG

LITTLE RIVER: ANNABEL AND BRYNLEE LUDWIG

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

Words by

Annabel Ludwig

&

Brynlee Ludwig

The Moods of Myra

The Moods of Myra

Exploring the falls in all her seasons

Words & Photos by

Michael Hack

Featured Photographer: Vince Kehn

Featured Photographer: Vince Kehn

Featured Artist: Lukas Mouka

Featured Artist: Lukas Mouka

Humming Bird Zen

Humming Bird Zen

A local family’s amazing interaction with their feathered friends

Words & Photos by

Erin Wallis