LOOKING AT LICHENS
This amazing life form is a portal into interspecies collaboration
Words by
Photos by
ALL Comox Valley Collective
FALL RISE: THE COMOX VALLEY’S HIDDEN WHITEWATER
Cold November rains unveil epic whitewater adventures in the Valley
Words & Photo by
POETSKIS
Inspiring human connection, one ski turn at a time
Words by
Photos by
A CONSIGNMENT STORE ADVENTURE
Swimming in potential
Words by
CELEBRATING HORNBY ISLAND’S ANNUAL HERRINGFEST
The CHI of land and sea
Words by
Photos by
INVISIBLE STRINGS
An introduction to Vol. 40
Words by
Photo by
BOHEMIAN/BAVARIAN RHAPSODY
Their instruments got lost. They still had fun.
Words & Photos by
AN UPDATE ON STORIES FROM VOLUME 4
Ten years later
Words by
&
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: KATIE PHILLIPS
FEATURED ARTIST: NICOLA NORTH
SEASONAL GOODS: FALL
WINTER RESOLVE
Words by
Photo by
ELDER VALLEY: NATURAL EXPLORATION
Reflections from an older Comox Valley resident
Words by
Photo by
LITTLE VALLEY: A SURVIVAL TRIP STORY
Our young Comox Valley residents reflect on the home they're growing up in
Words by
Photo by
THE WORLD IS YOUR EGGPLANT
Don’t be a hater. Boldly go forth and try it.
Words by
Photo by
CLIMATE HOPE
We have the power to make change. Hope helps us act.
Words & illustration by
FROM PLASTIC IN THE SEA TO ART INGENUITY
Lost buoys
Words by
Photo by
TALES FROM WITHIN AN OLD SAUNA’S WALLS
Hot in here
Words by
Photos by
HORNBY ISLAND FOSSILS
One man’s decades-long hunt
Words by
Photos by
CRAFTING A ONE-NIGHT DINING EXPERIENCE
The pressures—and pleasures
Words by
Photos by
PEER OUTREACH WORKERS
Part of a family bound by shared experience, suffering, and heartache
Words & photos by
FUNKANOMETRY’S JACKSUN FRYER
Popping and locking happiness
Words by
Photos courtesy of
CUMBERLAND’S WOODSTOVE FESTIVAL
Fall in love, I dare you…
Words by
Photos by
CUMBERLAND’S REVAMPED JUMP PARK
The merchants of dirt
Words by
Photo by
THE SANDWICK CAIRN
Comox Valley remembers
Words by & photo courtesy of
GROWING APPLES AND MAKING CIDER
A 120-year old tradition
Words by
Photos by
A LOVE LETTER TO THE VALLEY
An introduction to Vol. 39
Words by
Photo by
A 160-KM SOLO SUP ADVENTURE
Exploring Vancouver Island’s rugged northwestern coast
Words by
Photos by
ART AS AN INCUBATOR FOR RESILIENCE, EMPATHY, AND COMMUNITY
Why do we love pencils?
Words by
Photos by
THIRTY YEARS OF TIN TOWN
The Comox Valley’s distinctive live/work enclave is also a tightly bonded community
Words by
Photo by
THE VIETNAM WAR
War resisters: Stories of courage and compassion
Words by
HOOKED ON THE SONORA LIFE
How one summer job became a lifelong vocation
Words by
Photos by
PICKLEBALL: MORE THAN A GAME
For its many enthusiasts, plckleball is a way of life
Words by
Photo by
COLLABORATIVE MICRO-FARMING
Growing food and community, one yard at a time
Words by
Photos by
CUMBERLAND ADULT SOCIAL CLUB
Cumberland seniors make new connections—and some even find love
Words by
Photos by
AN UPDATE ON STORIES FROM VOLUME 3
See them again
Words by
Illustrations by
AN ISLAND-TO-ISLAND SWIM BECOMES A TRADITION
Taking the plunge
Words by
Illustration by
COMOX VALLEY HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION
Working together in support of local seniors
Photo by
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY IN THE COMOX VALLEY
Alive with pride
Words by
Photos by
SUSTAINING A 60-YEAR COMMERCIAL FISHING TRADITION
A fishy family affair
Words by
Illustrations by
ELDER VALLEY: PLAY FOR A PURPOSE
Reflections from an older Comox Valley resident
Words by
Photo by
LITTLE VALLEY: LIGHT AND HAPPY
Our young Comox Valley residents reflect on the home they're growing up in
Photo by
Words by
MS. MIXER REMINISCES
A KitchenAid's life of sweet delights
Words by
Photo by
PARSLEY PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
Don’t underestimate parsley. It’s the perfect wingman.
Words by
Photo by
AXÉ CAPOEIRA AND KUMUGWE DANCERS
Warrior spirit in the Bighouse
Words & photos by
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
Photo by
THE FISH AND GAME CLUB
More than what’s in the name
Words by
Photos by
THE ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE
Celebrating 100 years of aviation
Words by
DISCOVER THE HEALING POWER OF LABYRINTHS
Spiral into the centre
Words by
Photos by
EMBRACING FRIVOLITY
Designer's introduction to Vol. 38
Words by
Photo by
FEATURED POET: AMBITION
Words by
Photo by
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: AMY SHAW
FEATURED ARTIST: MICHAEL PRATT
SEASONAL GOODS: SPRING
Photo by
AN UPDATE ON STORIES FROM VOLUME 2
A fresh perspective
Words by
Illustrations by
ELDER VALLEY: BOUQUETS OF HAPPINESS
Reflections from an older Comox Valley resident
Words by
Photo by
LITTLE VALLEY: A FLOWING RHYTHM
Our young Comox Valley residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in
Words by
Photos by
THE JOYS OF KEEPING BIRDS
… and some avian advice
Words by
Photos by
MAKING CUMBERLAND TRAILS MORE INCLUSIVE
Careful "edits" and a new Wey forward
Words by
Photos by
TRANSIENT ORCAS ARE THRIVING IN THE SALISH SEA
Bigg time
Words by
Photos by
THE ART AND CRAFT OF WOODTURNING
From wood to wow
Words & photos by
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
&
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
Photo by
THE FLAVOURFUL CHICORY FAMILY
There’s more to chicory than mesclun mixes
Words by
Photo courtesy of
EVERYONE CAN (AND SHOULD) MEDITATE
Yes, even you
Words by
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
Photos by
THE HERRING GOLD RUSH OF 1979
For BC’s fishers, it was the year of money
Words by
Photos by
BUILDING COMMUNITY WITH LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES
Take a book, leave a book
Words by
Photos by
OUR COMMUNITY RUNS ON HUMAN CREATIVITY
Creative Director's Introduction to Vol. 37
Words & Photo by
OUTRIGGER CANOEING IN SAMOA
Racing, roots, and reconnections
Words by
Photo by
A PLAN FOR HOME-GROWN DOCTORS
A new program at NIC helps Island students pursue professions in health care.
Words by
Photos courtesy of
SEASONAL GOODS: WINTER
Photo by
WHEN THE BURNOUT IS REAL
What emergency service providers want you to know.
Intro by
Words by
LIVES OF LOGGERS AND FARMERS
TO CHOOSE THE TREES
By
Photo by
A LONG AND WINDING ROAD
What it takes to keep the Strathcona Parkway open.
Words by
Photo by
ELDER VALLEY: RADICAL TRANSFORMATION
Future generations need us to take action now.
Words by
Photo by
LITTLE VALLEY: EXCITEMENT AND HOPE
Our young Comox Valley residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in
Words by
Photo by
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: KALI WEXLER
FEATURED ARTIST: JARED POPESCU
AN UPDATE ON STORIES FROM VOLUME 1
Plus ça change
Words by
Illustrations by
BEAUTY BEFORE AMBITION
Pianist Sarah Hagen has earned her place among the best without sacrificing her soul.
Words by
Photo by
THE ILLUMINATION OF FIRE
A conversation with Wedlidi Speck.
Interview by
Photos courtesy of
HARD-SKINNED FOR THE WIN
Living in a winter squash lovers' paradise.
Words by
Photos by
INGRAHAM
The secret life of a vintage clock.
Words by
Photo by
GUYS TALKING
The power of conversation in Comox Valley men’s groups.
Words by
Illustration by
40 YEARS OF VOLLY PATROL
Some dedicated folks who help keep the rest of us safe on the slopes.
Words by
Photos by
COMOX VALLEY TRANSITION SOCIETY
Safe, affordable housing makes all the difference.
Photos by
FOUR WHEELS OF FORTUNE
Could RVs make Comox Valley housing more affordable?
Words by
Illustration by
PACIFIC REMEMBERING
Reflections on the joy of cold-water surfing.
Words by
Photos by
A LINK TO THE PAST
The history of the Grieve family barn.
Words & Photos by
NEWCOMERS’ BOOK CLUB
Turning the page on another year of stories and friendship.
Words by
Photos by
A (SNOW) SHOE-IN
Finding peace in the winter mountains.
Words & photos by
FROM THOUGHT TO REALITY
Publisher's introduction to Vol. 36
Words & Photo by
GRIT AND GRACE
Kayleen VanderRee and Tyler Turner might be more competitive than your average couple. But when they participated in The Amazing Race Canada, they had to go with the flow to stay in the game.
Words by
Photo by
KEEP IT GREEN
In an era of climate change and housing pressures, how can urban forests survive and thrive?
Words by
Opening photo by
FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS
The history of fire protection services in Cumberland.
Words by
Photos by
DRIPPING IN CULTURE
Sweating my way through the public saunas of Finland and Estonia.
Words by
&
THE SEA IN THEIR BLOOD
Meet the diving family who’ve been harvesting geoducks by hand for three generations.
Words by
Photos by
A CARING PRESENCE
Every week, Indigenous Elders connect with students at 11 Valley schools through the Ni’nox¯sola program.
Words by
ELDER VALLEY: NESTING INSTINCT
Taking pleasure in the rituals of the changing seasons.
Words by
Photo by
FROM VENTURE CAPITALIST TO VINTNER
Alex Guertin’s circuitous path to a Comox Valley vineyard.
Words by
Photo by
LITTLE VALLEY: AZALEE BANKS
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in
Words by
Photo by
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: CHUCK BURDICK
FEATURED ARTIST: SARAH CLARK
CAMP ROAD SPECIAL
Putting down roots in a place where people and stories live.
Words by
Photos by
WHY WITCHCRAFT?
Modern witchcraft and how it may be able to help heal the planet.
Words & Photo by
ANODIZED DOWNHILL DAYS
Local downhill and enduro racers fit right into the Valley’s monster mountain bike heritage.
Words by
Photo by
GIVE BEETS A CHANCE
This slow, easy technique makes their rich, sweet, earthy flavour even better.
Words by
Photo by
THE SEA AS MUSE
Conserving the coastline with photographer John Kelsey.
Words by
Photos courtesy of
OLD HOUSE ON THE RIVER
The Kirk family home that houses Locals Restaurant is part of Courtenay’s history—and future.
Words by
Photos by
FOSSIL FASCINATION
The Comox Valley has many ancient secrets for citizen palaeontologists to discover.
Words by
Photos provided by
A WORK OF COMPASSION
The Comox Valley Hospice Society (CVHS) marks its 40th anniversary of care.
ECHOES IN CHINATOWN
How exclusion, discrimination, and racism took their toll on a thriving community.
Words by
Photos courtesy of
THE ART OF DRYING FLOWERS
A fusion of Indigenous heritage and modern artistry is a way to keep memories forever.
Words by
Photos by
FALLING IN LOVE WITH FUNGI
The Cumberland Fungus Fest celebrates the marvellous multitaskers of the natural world.
Words by
Photos by
THE NEXT RIGHT THING
Intro by
Photo by
REMARKABLY UNSINKABLE
Denman Island’s Hilda Slayter Lacon was a stalwart survivor of multiple disasters.
Words by
Opening photo by
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
Paige Whitehead is going beyond glow sticks to disrupt an entire toxic industry.
Photos courtesy of
BRIDGING THE ART/TECH GAP
The Comox Valley Digital Creation Hub: a new resource for local creatives.
Words by
Photos by
ANY WAY YOU SLICE IT
There’s not much you have to do to a summer cucumber to render it delicious.
Words by
Photo courtesy of
ELDER VALLEY: PIQUANCY AND JOY
Reflections from an older resident.
Words by
Photo by
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: REM SKOLNEY
FEATURED ARTIST: JULIAN BARKER
LITTLE VALLEY: DELLA AND WINTER PODMORE-GOGGINS
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in
By
Photo by
NOT A BIKE SHOP
Everyone’s welcome at Gravity MTB’s new Cumberland clubhouse.
Words by
Photos by
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
Photos by
A 4,200-KM JOURNEY
Reflections on my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike.
Words by
Opening photo by
SAFE AND SOUND
For modern festivals, harm reduction services are part of the game plan.
Words by
Opening photo by
RECOMMITTING TO FILM
Pick up a manual camera and see what develops.
Words by
Photos by
EQUINE ENJOYMENT
The NVIHA—local riders with unique ways to have fun on a horse.
Words by
Photo by
MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH COMMUNITY IMPACT DAY
Words by
Photos by
LISTENING TO PLANTS
In tending to the land, we can restore diversity—and restore ourselves.
Words & Gallery Photos by
Opening photo by
Words by
Photos by
A TRUE COMOX GEM YOU’LL LOVE
Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park.
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
Photos by
THE POWER OF KEEPING DANCE ALIVE IN ADULTHOOD
Art in motion
Words by
Photo by
COME AS YOU ARE
Conscious dance requires no skills or substances. And it’s remarkably freeing.
Words by
Photos by
WE CAN DANCE IF WE WANT TO
Two stories exploring different perspectives on this passionate, beautiful art form.
Words by
Photo by
DISCOVERY
Words by
Photo by
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
Photo by
MOUNTAINS AND MOTHERHOOD
Not every new mom’s to-do list includes summiting 53 peaks over 6000 feet.
Words & featured photo by
LITTLE VALLEY: FARRAH RUSSELL
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in
Words by
Photo by
A PRESSING MATTER
The story of Black Cat skateboards.
Words by
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
WINE FROM THE SOIL UP
A commitment to sustainable prosperity keeps 40 Knots Winery growing.
Words by
Photos courtesy of
WILD GARDENING
Being a part of the great chain of life, and nourishing it.
Words & Art by
THE TAIL OF THE KITE
Hamilton Mack Laing’s sudden involvement in the 1925 Mount Logan expedition.
Words by
Photo courtesy of
EYES ON THE TREES
The nominations are closed, but the voting has just begun in the annual Tree of the Year (TOTY) contest. And everyone, of any age, is eligible to vote for their favourite tree between April 1 and May 31.
Words by
Photo by
SO SAY THE FERRYMEN
Reflections on three careers on the water with BC Ferries.
Words by
Photo by
STOCKING THE WORLD
Got an appetite for DIY global cuisine? Find international ingredients right here at home.
Words by
Photos by
INSPIRING RECOVERY
Rediscovering the joy of sport and my own spirit at the Invictus Games.
Words by
Photos courtesy of
LITTLE VALLEY: MAX WARD
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
Words by
IN SEARCH OF OUR INDIGENEITY
Diving into ancestral stories from Europe with Mythology Club Comox Valley.
Words by
Photo by
FERMENTATION 101
Simply Sauerkraut.
Words by
Photo by
BLACK AND RURAL
An intimate account of Black folk in the Canadian countryside.
Words by
Illustration by
ALL HAIL THE MAY QUEEN
Cumberland settlers brought ancient traditions.
Words by
Photo by
FRASER CAIN’S UNIVERSE
The Valley resident behind one of the galaxy’s most popular websites.
Words by
Featured photo by
THE NIGHT RIDE
Moody, quiet, calm, serene. Wild, reflective eyes. Oh, how I love the secrets of the darkness.
Words by
Photo by
THE SURROUNDING BLUE
Words by
Photo by
ADVENTURES IN PADDLING
Circumnavigating Vancouver Island by sea kayak.
Words & Photos by
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
Macdonald Wood: A peaceful park born from controversy.
Words by
Photos by
GLOOM AND BEAUTY
Why are we doing this? Because we can.
Words by
Photo by
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
BUSINESS IS BLOOMING
Farm-to-table flowers are a growing movement in the Comox Valley.
Words & photos by
TUNING IN TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Invented for music festivals, silent disco headphones find new life during COVID-19.
Words by
Photo by
ALWAYS HERE FOR US
Let brassicas delight your taste buds through the long winter months.
Words by
Photo by
THE COOL OF CURLING
There’s a place for everyone within the quintessential Canadian game.
Words by
Photos by
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: LUC ANTAYA
Photo By
FEATURED ARTIST: SHANNON FORD
Words & Artwork by
ELDER VALLEY: REFRAMING REST
Reflections from an older resident.
Words by
Photo by
LITTLE VALLEY: CADE HALE
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in
Words by
Photo by
A BENEFIT FOR ALL
The Immigrant Welcome Centre helps new residents succeed in the Comox Valley.
Words by
Photo by
A TALE OF TWO WOODLOTS
Small-scale operations offer hope for the future of forestry.
Words by
Opening photo by
STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
A student-led walk in the snow to help end homelessness.
Words by
Photo by
A THEATRICAL FORCE FOR GOOD
Exploring the human experience with laughter, love, and hard work.
Words by
Photo by
THE GIFT OF LIFE
It’s not on your driver’s license! Register to become an organ donor.
Words by
Photo by
FAREWELL TO THE DENTAL BUS
After over three decades, Peter Walford has parked his mobile practice.
Words by
Photos courtesy of
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN
How an infamous pirate’s luck ran out on Vancouver Island.
Words by
Photo courtesy of
GOOD AS GOLD
Mead-making: flavour and fun from honey.
Words by
Photo by
BY DESIGN
Using the language of architecture to build a life in a new country.
Words by
Photos courtesy of
BETTER BULLETINS
Avalanche Canada comes to the Island.
Words by
Photos by
FORAGING FOR FLAVOUR
Local gourmet comfort foods help you settle in for winter.
Words by
Photo by
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
An ode to the charms of the secondhand bookstore.
Words by
Photos by
GIVE IT A REST
Go on, take a whole day off. We used to do it once every week.
Words by
Photo by
FEATURED ARTIST: LAURIE MARTZ
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: JIM WHYTE
Photo By
FOLLOW THE MOUNTAIN HOME
A journey to one of Strathcona Provincial Park’s most iconic peaks.
Words & photos by
THE COAL BENEATH OUR FEET
Words by
DINNER IS SERVED
Creative culinary events help put gustatory joy on everyone's menu.
Words by
Photos by
MAGIC IN THE DYE POT
Fibre and fungi are key ingredients in Amy Crook’s creative process.
Words by
Photos by
EVERYTHING WE KNOW IS WRONG
Words by
Photo by
WERE IT NOT FOR THE BIKE
Three days, two cyclists, and one island-sized mission.
Words & Featured Photo by
Gallery Photo by
ELDER VALLEY: RETIREMENT REDEFINED
Reflections from an older resident.
Words by
Photo by
LITTLE VALLEY: DAKOTA BLOMGREN
Reflections from a younger resident.
Photos by
THE DAY THE PRINCE CAME TO TOWN
An irreverent look at a long-ago royal visit to the Comox Valley.
Words by
ALTERED LANDSCAPE
Restoring and reconnecting land and water includes understanding our history.
Words by
Photos by
FEEL LIKE A KID AGAIN
Spend a Monday night at the LINC.
Words & photos by
WHALE BREATH AND ANGEL WINGS
The forces behind the tides aren’t as simple as you think.
Words by
Photos by
JUMP SCARES AHEAD
Filmmaker Dan Webb brings sci-fi and horror to the Comox Valley.
Words by
Illustration by
A DOORWAY TO HOPE
ReStore helps get families into safe, sustainable NEW homes.
Words & Photos by
SUNSET AT SMITH LAKE FARM
Four photographers capture more than just snapshots.
Words by
Featured photo by
MISADVENTURES IN BAKING
A look at the delicious possibilities of going gluten-free.
Words by
Photos by
THE SCIENCE OF SASQUATCH
Dr. John Bindernagel spent decades researching BC’s most elusive creature.
Words by
Featured Photo by
VIVA LA TRASH PANDA
It’s been around for 19 million years. So can the raccoon get a little grudging respect?
Words by
Photo by
CHEERS TO THE LAZO BARREL COLLECTIVE
Three self-proclaimed beer geeks are crafting unique, tasty brews.
Words & Photos by
THE WOMAN IN THE FLORAL DRESS
Élise Turgeon’s creative, generous spirit has brought a neighbourhood together.
Words by
Photos by
RIDING DRAGONS ON THE SALISH SEA
Hope Afloat marks 20 years in the fight against cancer. Paddles up!
Words by
Photos by
ALL IN THE SAME BOAT
Connected by water—reflections after an afternoon on Comox Lake.
Words by
Photos by
CHEERS TO THE LAZO BARREL COLLECTIVE
Three self-proclaimed beer geeks are crafting unique, tasty brews.
Words & Photos by
BRANCHING OUT
As a planner, Pieter Rutgers helped shape Vancouver’s parks. Now in semi-retirement, he shapes wood into beautiful furniture.
Words by
Photo by
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
Reflections from a younger resident.
Photo by
CREATING A CANOE
K’ómoks First Nation members combine ancient methods and modern tools to bring a new vessel to life.
Words by
SUPER TROUPERS
After five decades and counting, the show goes on for the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre.
Words by
Photos courtesy of
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
Photos by
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
FEATURED ARTIST: MARIANNE ENHÖRNING
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: NICK THORNTON
Photo By
ELDER VALLEY: A WHOLE LOTTA LOVE
Reflections from an older resident.
Words by
Photo by
T’AAM LAAN, STEERSMAN OF THE CANOE
A SUP adventurer’s trajectory through the mist.
Words by
Photos by
SAVING PLACE
Managing gentrification to protect the communities we love.
Words by
Photos by
TRUE FACTS ABOUT FAKE BIRDS
They’re among our most plentiful bird species, but seagulls don’t actually exist.
Words by
Photo by
A COMMUNITY’S HEART IS IN ITS FORESTS
The importance of knowing what you’ve got—before it’s gone.
Words & Photo by
FRIENDS OF FELINES
The Kitty Cat P.A.L. Society cares for the Comox Valley’s under-loved cats.
Words by
Photos by
A PASSION FOR CLAY
After thirty years, The Potters Place Gallery continues to flourish.
Words by
Photos courtesy of
DENMAN ISLAND READERS AND WRITERS FESTIVAL IS BACK
Authors and book lovers rejoice at the return of the big literary festival on a small island.
Words by
Photos Courtesy of
SHARING THE LAND
We can’t fix the past for our forests and watersheds, but we have to get the future right.
Words by
Photos by
FROM CLEARCUTS TO COMMUNITIES
The Valley’s community halls have stories to tell.
Words by
THE POWER OF GROWING THINGS
Ode to a Comox yarden (yes, that’s yard + garden).
Words by
Photos by
THE NOSE KNOWS
Raising a Search and Rescue dog.
Words by
Photos by
WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW
Words by
Photo by
CHANGING TIDES
Goose Spit has an intriguing, complicated history.
Words by
Photo by
THE SNOWLINE
A tale of seeking adventure—and finding satisfaction—amid the unpredictable charm of the mountains.
Words & Photos by
A LOVE LETTER TO WATER
Explore water as a living entity through a convergent program at the Comox Valley Art Gallery.
Words by
Photo by
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
Photos by
FEATURED WORDS: I’M LEARNING
Words by
Photos by
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: MORGAN NORTH
COMMUNITY, CARE, AND QUILTING
Local quilters have created a thriving guild, block by block and decade by decade.
Words by
Photo by
LITTLE VALLEY: MYLA BEHZAD
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
Words by
TUNED TO THE COMMUNITY’S FREQUENCY
100.7 The Raven’s diverse team revitalizes a language and works to heal a nation.
Words by
Photo by
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
Photo courtesy of
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
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
Photo by
BURNING QUESTIONS
Landfill tours help youth rethink the hows and whys of waste—and what to do about it.
Words & photos by
GREENING YOUR MONEY
Is it possible to invest for retirement—without supporting companies you don’t approve of?
Words by
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WHY WE RISK
It’s not just for the high—it’s in my DNA.
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NEITHER SEEN NOR HEARD
The Island's apex predator might just be the perfect neighbour.
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FELLOWSHIP OF THE FOREST
Along the Cumberland Trail Network, you’re sure to be in good company.
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SEAWEED, SVP
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THE TEACHING THAT NATURE PROVIDES
Farm and forest experiences help kids thrive by connecting them to the land.
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ALWAYS ASKING QUESTIONS
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FEATURED ARTIST: SHELLEY VANDERBYL
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: ANIUEMILIA
LIVING LARGE
Five can fit fine inside a tiny home.
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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.
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WANTED: DEATH COMPANIONS
We’re all going to die, but most of us don’t want to talk about it. Let’s reframe the conversation.
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MEET THE BOOT FITTER
When you’ve got happy feet, you just ski better.
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IT’S A WET COLD
Winter camping in Strathcona Provincial Park.
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LITTLE VALLEY: AVA THOMAS
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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THE BLUE BUZZ
Wild swimmers are only ever one swim away from a good mood.
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THE GIFT OF MOTION
A new non-profit wants all queer athletes to have role models and cheerleaders.
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RETHINKING ONIGIRI
A Hornby Island entrepreneur takes a beloved Japanese seafood snack to the next level.
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GETTING THE DRIFT
As a vibrant poetry scene emerges in the Valley, a new anthology showcases over three dozen poets’ work.
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DROP INTO A DEEP READ
Photographer Duncan Hague creates space to tell mountain biking’s unsung stories.
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IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Meet the organization that aims to help all Comox Valley children reach their full potential.
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MUD, MESS, AND MAGIC
Making a case for outdoor education.
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SALMON AND STEWARDSHIP
the K’ómoks First Nation Guardian Watchmen use the bounty of the sea to help protect the forest.
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BREWMOX VALLEY 2.0
Not even a pandemic has stopped our growing love for local craft beer.
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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.
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WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS
Winters in the Valley aren’t what they used to be. What does this mean for our water supply?
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KNIT LIKE A NORWEGIAN
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MUSIC WAS OUR CONTRABAND
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LET THE RIVERS RUN
Streamkeepers keep a watchful eye on the Valley’s precious waterways.
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THE DUBIOUS PLEASURES OF WINTER BIRDING
Join the hardy, determined, somewhat anti-social ranks of winter birders.
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BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED
From Cumberland to the Caribbean, Chicago, and back: a local couple comes full circle.
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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.
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COME TO THE DARK SIDE
Heighten your senses with a walk in the forest after dark.
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BULBS OF GLORY
Oh, how we love you, beautiful, smelly, powerful garlic.
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FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: CURTIS BLACKBURN
THE COHOUSING CONCEPT
Courtenay’s sustainable, social cohousing community creates a village of neighbours.
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FEATURED ARTIST: SHARON LALONDE
THE NORTHEAST WOODS
Comox’s favourite forest playground has many stories to tell.
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The Origins of the Comox Valley Writers Society
Word-lovers unite
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PUBLISHED IN A PANDEMIC
Recent and recommended – books by local authors.
LITTLE VALLEY: RORY KEHLER
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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SHELTER IN A NEW LAND
For decades, private sponsors have been helping refugees find safe haven in the Comox Valley.
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THE VILLAGE TINKER
Forging ahead in uncertain times.
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EVEN BETTER TOGETHER
The Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation harnesses the power of collective giving to enhance local healthcare.
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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.
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FROM SECRET KNOWLEDGE TO SELF-IMPROVEMENT
A brief history of freemasonry.
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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.
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FEATURED WORDS: GENIUS LOCI
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FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: FRANCOISE GERVAIS
FEATURED ARTIST: BRIAN JESSOP
RAFTING THE ALSEK
A remote journey in search of scenery and self.
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ON A HUMBLE SCALE
An ordinary stormwater retention pond turns out to be remarkable, indeed.
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COMOX VALLEY STARGAZING
How to explore space from your own backyard.
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PROTECTING PERSEVERANCE
Racing against time to protect a vital piece of nature.
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BRINGING BACK THE BYGONE
By restoring vintage furniture, we pay homage to the craftsperson, and to the forest which provided the raw material.
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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.
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THE EVOLUTION OF BANNOCK
This delicious, iconic food is both a staple of life and a symbol of Indigenous persistence.
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ROCK BEATS WATER
For climbers, the attraction of Comox Lake has always been the cliffs.
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ON THE UPSWING
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THE MCLOUGHLIN GARDENS
A summer cottage becomes a place to dream and create.
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LITTLE VALLEY: TOWNES BLUE
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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TOWARD A MORE LIVABLE VALLEY
Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness combines compassion and action.
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REIMAGINING REGIONAL RECREATION
Four local governments working together for better parks and recreation management? It could be a reality very soon.
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LEARNING LANGUAGE; BUILDING COMMUNITY
NIC’s Indigenous language courses help students bring Kwak’wala into their day-to-day lives.
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LIFTING THE FOG
How a Valley-based program is helping people overcome anxiety and depression.
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FREE THE LAWNS!
The front lines of food production, coming to a neighbourhood near you.
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IT’S NOT ABOUT THE MONEY
At SOS Gear, every sale helps save lives.
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GETTING HIGH ON VANCOUVER ISLAND
Singing the praises of our unique alpine environment.
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SAILING FORTH
A thirst for adventure, a boat of her own, and the Salish Sea as her playground.
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WELCOME TO HISTORIC CUMBERLAND
The newly renovated Cumberland Museum offers more stories and more points of view.
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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.
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SOMEWHERE DOWN THE LAZY RIVER
Floating down the Puntledge is the ultimate summer vibe.
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BEYOND FARMING FOOD
How one local’s getting creative with her land.
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CUMBERLAND, A TINY-TOAD SUPERHIGHWAY
Small but mighty western toads have places to go, and we need to help them get there.
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THE FUTURE LOOKS TASTY
Deep Bay’s new Centre For Seafood Innovation connects local seafood producers with greater markets.
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RECHARGED AND READY
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SCENES FROM CVAG, 2020
An invitation to enter the Comox Valley Art Gallery, where art and community intersect.
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LEAVING OLD ENMITIES BEHIND
Sifting through his family’s hatred for Japan, Mac Newton finds room for empathy.
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SMASHING BARRIERS WITH SIP
Local organization aims to empower wheelchair users with the wonder of whitewater.
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ART AND MENTORSHIP IN THE 21ST CENTURY
With family guidance, a young Indigenous artist expands her practice.
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FEATURED WORDS: KUS-KUS-SUM
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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.
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LITTLE VALLEY: OLIVIA KLASSEN
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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PEDDLERS OF DELICIOUSNESS
Local food trucks do more than serve quick and tasty food. They help connect the community.
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SECOND CHANCES
Hunting nearly emptied the Salish Sea of whales. Many species are returning—but they’re still at risk.
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FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
Comox Valley Head Injury Society helps people with acquired brain injury walk the path toward recovery.
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SUPERSONIC MEMORIES
Tour the Comox Air Force Museum with a former Canadian Forces fighter pilot.
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THE RISE OF GRIND
Gravel bikes are bringing rhythm and cadence off the road and back into the wilderness.
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PERCEPTIONS, PREJUDICE, AND PRIDE
A small-town boy reflects on coming out in the Comox Valley.
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THE SEASONS OF BEES
The art and science of beekeeping.
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THE NATURE CURE
The Comox Valley isn’t just a pretty place—it can heal what ails you.
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PLANTING FARMERS
Land-matching program nurtures the next generation.
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RENEWAL AND COMMUNITY: A COLLECTIVE LOVE LETTER
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DEMYSTIFYING MUSHROOMS
Move over, sourdough. The newest homesteading trend is mushrooms, and they’re popping up all over the place.
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THE THREADS OF RECOVERY
A former adrenaline junkie becomes a different kind of adventurer, exploring new cultures through weaving.
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SPEAKING FOR THE TREES
The lush forest along the Puntledge River feels like a protected sanctuary, but some areas are slated for logging. A new local group aims to change that.
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FEATURED WORDS: LONGEST NIGHT
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FEATURED ARTIST: ZOEY MAYENBURG
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: JARRETT LINDAL
HEALING DIRT
Building up communities, one bike trail at a time, with Patrick Lucas.
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LITTLE VALLEY: ZOË HENDERSON
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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COASTAL COLLABORATION
In a pandemic season, tourism operators partner with First Nations to protect the shoreline.
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THE VINYL REVIVAL
Why records are making a comeback.
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TAKING THE PLUNGE
A pledge to jump into Comox Lake once a month for a year.
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RAISING WOMEN
Now in its 21st year, Comox Valley Girls Group provides a safe space for the development of female empowerment.
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CALLED TO THE BAR
Hornby Organic is building an energy-bar empire based on a family recipe.
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STORM, SPIRITS, AND ISOLATION: LIFE ON THE LIGHTS
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RAKING THE COALS
Seeking meaning in a beloved mother’s dementia.
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TAKING THE TEMPERATURE ON GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
When it comes to energy efficiency, what’s hot may not be that cool.
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UNHINDERED GOOD TIMES ON FORBIDDEN PLATEAU
It was all fun and games ’til the roof caved in—but the former Wood Mountain Ski Park still delivers the goods.
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ARE WE OUT OF THE WOODS YET?
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THE MYSTERIOUS FAROE ISLANDS
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GOING DEEP
Reflections on life under water.
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LITTLE VALLEY: ZOLA FINDLAY
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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with help from her sister
HOW YA GONNA KEEP ‘EM DOWN ON THE FARM
Exploring family connections where farm meets sea, at Hornby Island’s Fossil Beach Farm.
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GLOBAL BUSINESS, LOCAL IMPACTS
When is it better to do something by half? Allow AquaQuest to demonstrate.
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BEAVERS, WIDE OPEN!
As RuPaul might say, getting to know more about our beavers may improve our quality of life.
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THE ONLY WAY OUT IS THROUGH
Hunger Moon is a shining read for a season of strangeness.
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FROM FENCE BOARDS TO SURFBOARDS
No foam here: old cedar takes on new life in handcrafted heirloom surfboards.
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GREY TURNED GREEN
Comox, British Columbia, tops the list of Best Communities to Live in Canada 2040.
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MORE THAN KUS-KUS-SUM
Project Watershed is using a federal grant to restore the salmon highway: the Salish Sea's nearshore habitat.
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THROUGH THE VENEER
Getting creative in the place between water and air, where the perspective is elastic and welcoming.
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EAT YOUR MEDICINE
On a mission to teach all kids that healthy food can taste great.
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MOVING THROUGH CHANGE
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ON SMOKING AND PICKLING
SIMPLE PRESERVATION TECHNIQUES PROVIDE FOOD SECURITY—AND FLAVOUR.
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INFLUENZA’S DEADLY TRAIL
At the close of World War I, the so-called Spanish flu claimed lives all over the world, even in the Comox Valley.
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THE BEAUTY OF THE BURN
Buddhist wisdom tells us that pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. Try telling your body that.
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THE SUSPENSE WON’T KILL US
COVID-19 has changed global tourism forever. Here on the island, local operators and residents need to imagine a new future for the industry.
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ALL FIRED UP
Award-winning potter Gordon Hutchens may be in his seventies, but he’s still got plenty of clay to shape, students to teach, and ideas to pursue.
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FEATURED ARTIST: RICHARD MRAVIK
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: GLYNNIS GREY
FEATURED WORDS: DISTANCE
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PLAYING WITH FIRE
On a hot summer day in 1938, a few sparks from a locomotive caused Vancouver Island’s largest blaze.
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COURTENAY AFTER COVID
Twenty years after the pandemic, a local historian looks back.
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DRAWN TO THE FLAMES
Because our personal relationship with fire is a cautious one, we love the excitement of fire shows.
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ART, A HARVEST, AND A BLESSING
Public Place / Sacred Space leaves a meaningful legacy in downtown Courtenay.
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SWEAT IT OUT
Bathing in the benefits of hot-cold rituals.
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VERACITY OF THE VESPIDS
Wasps are a family of insects truly to be loathed. Or are they?
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PUTTING THE SUN TO WORK
Vancouver Island’s first Passive House Plus is healthful, comfortable, beautiful—and costs nothing to heat.
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FORGED IN TOUGH TIMES
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COVID DISCOVERIES
COVID MOMENTS
Reflections on going with the flow with a young family in this unusual time
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COMOX VALLEY SCHOOLS AND CORONAVIRUS
Pivoting with compassion
COLLABORATING AGAINST COVID-19
NATION OF STAIRS
Dogs, donkeys, and other delights of trekking in Nepal.
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THE EGG EQUATION
Not all eggs are created equal—here’s some straight-up clucking about which ones are best.
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EASY, BREEZY E-BIKES
Rad new rides give biking a boost.
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LITTLE VALLEY: SAM GOLDBY
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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FED UP NO MORE
Edible Island and the evolution of alternative eating in the Comox Valley.
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FEATURED ARTIST: JO PAYNE
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: MATT NEWFIELD
BELTANE
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ON THE SHARP EDGE
Local swordfighters get medieval at the Comox Valley Combat Guild.
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AIMING FOR ZERO
From circular to linear and back again: the human economy on a finite planet.
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THE CURVE OF TIME
The classic story of a BC family’s sailing adventures still thrills modern readers.
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TURNING DOWN THE TEMPERATURE
Cumberland 2040: How Cumberland reached carbon negative
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THIS PLACE IS FOR THE BIRDS
From fresh waters to the salty sea—the K’ómoks Important Bird Area.
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THE ART OF THE ARCHTOP
At the pinnacle of guitar making, you might just find Comox Valley luthier Wyatt Wilkie.
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NO FEAR OF FALLING
BASE jumper Angelique Vinnedge loves being airborne.
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LEARNING TO FLY
MARS’s newly expanded rescue centre is a haven for Valley wildlife.
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HOME IN THE HILLS
It took a community to build Vancouver Island’s backcountry hut.
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IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL LAND
The history and community behind Courtenay’s beloved Airpark.
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DOWN IN THE PIT
Inside the unseen world of musical-theatre musicians.
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BLANKETED IN HOPE
A meeting of art, reconciliation, and the law in the K’ómoks Bighouse.
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BREEZING INTO SPRING
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CHASING SUNSETS
During a fashion-shoot visit to Fiji, a photographer connects with the beauty of ocean and land.
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THE VANCOUVER ISLAND MOUNTAIN CENTRE AND SPORTS SOCIETY
The Mountain Centre is here, but do you know why?
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LITTLE VALLEY: KELLAN D’AOUST
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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THE ROOTS OF ALL GOODNESS
Digging deep for the superpowers of root vegetables.
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FEATURED ARTIST: ANOUK HARTWELL
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: BRETT KROEKER
THE ELK IN OUR BACKYARD
Cameras in hand, two determined documentarians spend a season in pursuit of the Comox Valley’s elusive Roosevelt elk.
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WINTER’S POEM
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THE PERKS OF PLAYING PRETEND
Roleplaying games open up a world of adventure and exploration… and it’s all in the players’ imaginations.
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THE BIG ONE
In 1946, Forbidden Plateau was the epicentre of the Island’s last big earthquake. The Comox Valley experiences minuscule tremors all the time—are we due for another big one soon?
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BRAVO FOR BUCKET OF BLOOD
This is the first of a series where the book-loving Nora Bingham will recommend books by BC-based authors, often with an Island connection.
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YOU’LL BE GLAD TO HEAR: UNION BAY 2040
A local writer imagines the letter his daughter will write him about her return to Union Bay 20 years from now.
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LIFE BEGINS AT 40
The resort heads into its fifth decade with plans for many more bluebird days ahead.
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A BACKCOUNTRY, MODULAR ROOM OF ONE’S OWN
How one award-winning company is reinventing a classic design for modern adventurers.
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PROFILE OF COMMUNITY IN ACTION SPONSORED BY NORTH ISLAND UROLOGY
Think you’ve lived in the Comox Valley a long time? These women run a farm that’s been in the family since John A. Macdonald was prime minister.
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THE SONSHINE LUNCH CLUB: A LOCAL LIFELINE
Turns out there is such a thing as a free lunch. Five days a week, the Sonshine Lunch Club in Courtenay provides a nutritious meal and a gathering place for people who need a little help.
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THE ORIGINAL SPIN SESSIONS
Black Creek’s spinning community has nothing to do with stationary bikes, and everything to do with the art and craft of wool.
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WAIT ’TIL THE SUN SHINES, NELLIE
The hard work of logging Comox Lake—by hand and raft.
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THE SEASON OF EARTH
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NOW OR NEVER
A family of four pursues vast and vivid collective memories on a 10-month road trip.
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COVERING NEW GROUND
The Stratchcona TrailRider Program, and others like it, strive to make the backcountry truly accessible.
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LITTLE VALLEY: MIA BEATTIE
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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CREATIVE MOMENTUM
An inventive art show rallies local talent and business for the sake of environmental sea change.
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LITTLE VALLEY: ARYO BEHZAD
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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A NATURAL TEACHER
Ralph Shaw’s passion for the outdoors was paralleled by an enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge with future generations.
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WITCHES OF THE WOODS
Folklore tells of female forms that dwell in the forest, personifying the power of this dark, natural world to frighten and mystify.
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FEATURED ARTIST: SARAH BERGERON
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: VIKTOR DAVARE
RADICAL VULNERABILITY
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CHANNELING THE STORM
In the face of climate change, the City of Courtenay is working on an integrated system to handle a resource that knows no boundaries.
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DARK SCIENCE
Biologists and “citizen scientists” in the Comox Valley have banned together to gather data on an elusive creature that has long been a metaphor for the fears of mankind.
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PERSONAL STYLE
By rethinking what we wear, the slow fashion movement provides support for local artistry and a path to sustainability.
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THE FOREST AS OUR WITNESS
There is a dark thread tangled into the rich and fascinating history of Cumberland. We follow along with those carrying the stories of the deceased into the former.
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HELLO GHOST
In anticipation of the Halloween season, we offer a formal introduction to the spirits of the Comox Valley.
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COOL AND COLLECTED
The upcoming Farmers’ Market differs from the summer season, but provides an equally valuable way to fill your fridge and pantry.
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ABOVE AND BEYOND
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REBUILDING A HERITAGE HOME
After a Cumberland home catches fire, local professionals help the owners pay homage to history.
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PROPHETS AND HARBINGERS
While we mostly live in harmony with owls, our fascination with these highly evolved predators is well represented in literature and mythology.
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IN THE FIELD
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STROKE OF MAGIC
Accessing a glacier for a spring paddle board session is leagues above one couple’s regular adventures.
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DIFFICULT TERRAIN
Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue trains for innumerable circumstances in order to return people to civilization. But some challenges are more than physical.
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WHERE YOUR HEART IS
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FILM FOR THE FUTURE
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FASHION FORWARD
How one small business is making an environmental sea change with thoughtfully crafted swimwear.
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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.
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THE BRIGHTEST PATH
A serendipitous trip to New Zealand provides soothing reprieve from the west coast winter.
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MARKINGS OF THE MIND
A designer and artist utilizes his craft to break down the barriers of schizophrenia.
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STOLEN MOMENTS
Time slows and memories collect and blur together while climbing amongst the Valley’s age-old terrain.
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FEATURED ARTIST: AVA LUNA
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: DAVE INGRAM
DEEP BLUE
One of our community’s most crucial water sources is right under our feet.
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FORTUNE FLAVOURS THE BOLD
Add depth and novelty to the summer season by branching out from your standard wine selection.
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GENERATION GAP
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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.
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ADAPT OR DIE
Boomer Jerritt’s long history with photography represents the unique combination of skills needed to succeed in a saturated industry.
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REMARKABLE SOFTNESS
Yarn bombing, the spontaneous act of applying textiles in public spaces, liberates both artist and observer from expectation.
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AN ISLAND OF SOUND
Now 38 years in, the team behind the Hornby Festival continues to do world-class their own way.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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IN THE FIELD
HIDDEN RICHES
Long before it became a popular tourist destination, two adventurers stumbled upon the unexpected while exploring the Upana Caves.
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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.
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BREAKING THE SURFACE
Vol. 20 Intro by
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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.
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CURIOUS CREATURES
Catch-and-release aquariums provide a unique learning experience, sparking deep appreciation for the natural world.
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FRIENDLY COMPETITION
As well as a destination trail race, The Cumby is a fundraiser to protect the forest it winds through.
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LITTLE VALLEY: JUSTIN YARETZ
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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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.
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IN HER ELEMENT
Through the push and pull of turbulence and peace, strength and submission, a surfer awakens.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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AQUA MAN
The original underwater superhero swims the waters of the Pacific Northwest.
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CURRENT DEMAND
The nutrient-rich waters of Baynes Sound provide the ideal conditions for oyster harvesting, drawing workers to the Valley’s steady industry.
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CRUCIAL AND COMPASSIONATE CARE
The Vancouver Island Hospice Society provides assistance for people with terminal illnesses and the families that surround them. One woman takes to the bike to provide support in return.
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CONTINENTAL DRIFT
During a kayaking trip to Ecuador, a local photographer’s interests converge with like-minded North American adventurers.
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A LIFE THAT BENEFITS OTHERS
Now a permanent resident of the Valley, A Tibetan Buddhist Monk has turned hardship into a teaching legacy.
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THE WATERS WITHIN
Reflecting our past through a lens of sustainability to voice our hope for the future.
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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.
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IN THE FIELD
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UNLIKELY SHIPMATES
A coast dweller and her dog navigate life's currents aboard a small sailboat.
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HOME BASE
The history of CFB Comox tells of the West Coast’s strategic landscape and Canada’s defence strategies dating back to 1942.
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PLAYING THE LONG GAME
A lot of change comes with the passing of multiple decades, but a committed gathering of floor hockey players shows that some good things stay the same.
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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.
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LITTLE VALLEY: CADENCE HERRON
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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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.
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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.
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WINTER FUN FOR EVERYONE
Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports strives to make the joy of skiing and snowboarding accessible to all.
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SMOOTH MOVES
Through hard work and distinct vision, a network of local trail builders are carving out the future of mountain biking in Cumberland.
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A CUSHY ARRANGEMENT
Life on the back eddy of a ski attracts a revolving cast of characters.
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A CHILLING TURN
For a pair of spirited river surfers, a surge of excitement for ideal conditions quickly turns dangerous.
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IN THE FIELD
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WHAT MOVES US
The rivers of the Comox Valley have the power to carry us home.
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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.
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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.
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UNIVERSAL LOCAL
Dancer and teacher Cathy Stoyko’s many cultural contributions include a multi-purpose space in Cumberland dedicated to inclusivity and creative freedom.
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A PLACE UPSTREAM
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WITH CHILDLIKE WONDER
With nostalgic food, a coastal road trip, and unforgettable animals, a family trip to South Africa reunites generations.
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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.
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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..
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CREATIVE CONTROL
Considering the perpetual excellence of Cumberland-based musician and producer Corwin Fox.
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ON THE RISE
The techniques and ingredients used in old-world bread baking are better for you, from starter to finish.
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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.
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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.
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ON ANY GIVEN THURSDAY
Dropping in on the members of the Comox Valley Horseshoe Club, where simple pleasures are honoured and everybody’s welcome.
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THE CLARITY OF GLASS
A New Zealand artist reclaims herself through the sensory joys of a Campbell River studio.
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PREPARING FOR THE PRESENT
Paying attention, being aware, and having presence of mind is habitual.
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SHUT IT DOWN
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SPINNING GOLD
A search for wilderness, adventure, and single track in the land of the midnight sun.
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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>
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LITTLE VALLEY: NAOMI CHARETTE
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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GIRL ON FIRE
The quiet dirt road in Merville where Arcade Fire violinist Sarah Neufeld was raised led her loudly around the globe.
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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.
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SMOOTHING A DIFFICULT PATH
Today ‘N’ Tomorrow provides guidance through teenage pregnancy, allowing parents to finish school and plan for the future.
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PIONEERS AND BROKEN DREAMS
Exploring northern Vancouver Island’s San Josef Bay with Cove Adventures.
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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.
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GROWING CALM
Local businesses team up to provide a resort sanctuary that naturally soothes and inspires.
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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.
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FAMILY FRAMEWORK
Through strong vision and tireless effort, an easily dismissed property in Union Bay becomes a unique and envious west coast gem.
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THE DIRECTION OF DISCOMFORT
How moving outside of your regular patterns can help you manage fear and map your own future.
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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.
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THE PLACES WE MAKE
The Cumberland Community Forest Society reflects deep-rooted passions to map out a flourishing future.
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FLOATING ON
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INTO THE GREAT WHITE OPEN
For the intrepid traveller, Antarctica offers remote beauty and wilderness on a startling scale.
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TREE OF LIFE
The inherent pursuit of drawing can benefit anyone willing to see things anew.
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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.
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BAR CART BOUNTY
From humble Roman origins, the refreshing shrub is making a comeback in the craft cocktail scene.
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SPIN IT TO WIN IT
A trio of world-class athletes steps up to provide off-season training for young riders.
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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.
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GRAVITATIONAL PULL
Straight across the Strait, a manicured bike park and cycle-forward community provides a draw for amateur and experienced riders alike.
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LITTLE VALLEY: TAYLOR GRINDE
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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THE PEACOCK BEAN PARADOX
How a drive to be independent and self-sufficient unexpectedly led to community connection.
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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?
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FINDING YOUR SPARK
For those in search of inspiration, Quadra Island’s Hollyhock provides a unique opportunity for learning and growth.
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HOME VIDEO
Balancing the give-and-take required to responsibly host the filmmaking process in our own backyard.
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THE STAY-AT-HOME DEFENCEMAN
Born and raised on Vancouver Island, former NHL player Willie Mitchell embraces the captain role at Clayoquot Sound’s newest resort.
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BRIDGING THE GAP
By offering direct assistance to those in need, The Dawn to Dawn Organization is addressing homelessness and affordable housing head on.
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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.
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THE NATIVE SONS HALL
The history of a storied and culturally significant building in the heart of our community.
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TUNING THE VIBRATIONS OF WELLNESS
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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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.
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THE DIRTY AND THE DEDICATED
Cumberland braces for Dodge City X, the Village’s first off-road triathlon.
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CHOSEN ROADS
By four-stroke engine or clipless pedals, a Cumberland Rider finds power in two wheels, however they spin.
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LETTING IN THE LIGHT
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ANCHORED IN ICELAND
An experienced traveller connects the past, present, and future on a sail and ski adventure.
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A COMMUNITY EMERGES
Redefining the curriculum to create a better chance of success for Indigenous students.
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LITTLE VALLEY: INDI NEUFELD
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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EVERYDAY INDULGENCES
Favourites during the season of coziness and comfort food, certain chocolate and cheese varieties offer positive (and surprising) neurological effects.
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READY AND ABEL
Iconic and quirky, Mount Cain is more than a mere ski hill. It’s a cog set of individuals making turns for themselves, and for the better.
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ON A SWELL AND A PRAYER
In one year a local paddler goes from rookie to evangelist in the fastest man-powered boat on the water.
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POWER MOVE
A longtime admirer of hip hop dance gets out of the corner.
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KYE BAY MORNING
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SPOKEN LOCAL
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GOING PUBLIC
Collaborating towards a beautiful future through art initiatives in the Comox Valley.
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TOUGH LOVE
Four artists collectively known as the Wood Vibe Tribe are refreshing woodworking traditions and using the power of camaraderie to shape their own identities.
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THE SWEET SPOTS
Using Shinrin-yoku and the beauty of our surroundings to heal during times of transition.
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FIELD OF DREAMS
Turning the tides to de-industrialize the estuary in the heart of our community.
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HEROES, BIG AND SMALL
For over 30 years, YANA has been assisting Comox Valley families struggling to cope with their children’s medical emergencies. The organization, and the passion of its volunteers, is as strong as ever.
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THE SCIENCE OF SAFETY
The progression of a local Avalanche Centre.
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THE CONSTANT GARDENERS
A determined settler and a reflective musician find solace in a single piece of land, decades apart.
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THE FIRST SNOWFALL
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STONECROFT FARM
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COFFE AND COASTLINES IN PERU
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A CABIN BUILT FROM THE WOODS
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OUR CHURCH BUILDINGS
Opening the doors to change.
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CHEMAINUS
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DAIRY FARMING ON VANCOUVER ISLAND
Happy Cow Dairy Farm to Table
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PRE-LOVED
An ode to used books.
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FORGING PERFECT IMPERFECTIONS
FIRE & HAMMER FORGEWORKS.
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CREATING FUN & GAMES
An interview with Jason Kapalka.
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HARVEST & SHADOWS
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