Explore Collective Magazine Articles By Topic

Browse our growing collection of articles from current and previous issues of both the Comox Valley Collective and Strathcona Collective magazines by topic.

SO SAY THE FERRYMEN

To call Hornby Island “ferry dependent” is not just a figure of speech. If you live on this idyllic Gulf Island, ...

Reflections on three careers on the water with BC Ferries.

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STOCKING THE WORLD

The Comox Valley is known for its abundance of fresh seafood and farm produce. At the right time of year, shoppers ...

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

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INSPIRING RECOVERY

In 2017, I attended a Soldier On ski camp at Mount Washington that changed (and maybe even saved) my life. It ...

Rediscovering the joy of sport and my own spirit at the Invictus Games.

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LITTLE VALLEY: MAX WARD

Hi there, I’m Max and I was not born in St Joseph's Hospital. I was, however, born in Addenbrooke's Hospital, ...

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

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IN SEARCH OF OUR INDIGENEITY

We live by stories. By stories we understand the world, and ourselves. Each culture has its cosmology: an ...

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

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FERMENTATION 101

I am willing to hazard that you enjoy the results of fermentation in some way, shape, or form. What I'm not going ...

Simply Sauerkraut.

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PUTTING YOUR VEGETABLE GARDEN TO BED

After our vegetable gardens has pumped out all of the food and flavour it can, one very important job remains: ...

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BLACK AND RURAL

As a Canadian living in Hong Kong in the late 1970s, I was regarded as a gweilo, a “white devil.” Even though I ...

An intimate account of Black folk in the Canadian countryside.

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ALL HAIL THE MAY QUEEN

The merry month of May is highly anticipated in the Village of Cumberland. Since 1888, Villagers have gathered on ...

Cumberland settlers brought ancient traditions.

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FRASER CAIN’S UNIVERSE

Many people might be surprised to learn that one of the most successful astronomy news sites on the Internet is ...

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

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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

Jenn Dykstra

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

Andrew Findlay

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

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.

Words by

Allie Jenkinson

Photos by

Jeremy Koreski

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

Allie Jenkinson

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

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

Allie Jenkinson

Photo by

Kareen Sanderson

ANCHORED IN ICELAND

An experienced traveller connects the past, present, and future on a sail and ski adventure.

Words & Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

A COMMUNITY EMERGES

Redefining the curriculum to create a better chance of success for Indigenous students.

Words by

Rory Mcclure

Photos by

James Headrick

LITTLE VALLEY: INDI NEUFELD

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

Words by

Indi Neufeld, age 9

EVERYDAY INDULGENCES

Favourites during the season of coziness and comfort food, certain chocolate and cheese varieties offer positive (and surprising) neurological effects.

Words by

Elisabeth Lee

Photo by

Meredith Rose

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.

Words by

Neil Borecky

Photos by

Patrick Kitto

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.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photo by

Dave Prothero

POWER MOVE

A longtime admirer of hip hop dance gets out of the corner.

Words & Photo by

Bevin Clempson

KYE BAY MORNING

Poem by

Kelly McQuillan

Photo by

Sareh Puetz

SPOKEN LOCAL

Words by

Mike B

Photo by

Amy Kumler

GOING PUBLIC

Collaborating towards a beautiful future through art initiatives in the Comox Valley.

Words & photos by

Ross Bodenmann

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.

Words by

Dave Nowak

Opening photo by

KAIN McCOLLUM

THE SWEET SPOTS

Using Shinrin-yoku and the beauty of our surroundings to heal during times of transition.

Words by

Terry Folks

Wendy Turner

FIELD OF DREAMS

Turning the tides to de-industrialize the estuary in the heart of our community.

Words by

Tim Ennis

Featured photo by

Robert Lundquist

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.

Words by

April Trigg

Photos by

Karen McKinnon

THE SCIENCE OF SAFETY

The progression of a local Avalanche Centre.

Words by

David Kallai

Photos by

Lorenz Jimenez

THE CONSTANT GARDENERS

A determined settler and a reflective musician find solace in a single piece of land, decades apart.

Words by

Katrina Kadoski

Illustration by

Laurel Meyer

THE FIRST SNOWFALL

Words by

Allie Jenkinson

Photo by

Scott Bell

STONECROFT FARM

Words by

Traci Skuce

Photo by

Bill Jorgensen

COFFE AND COASTLINES IN PERU

Words & Photos by

Sara Kempner