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.

FOLLOW THE MOUNTAIN HOME

It is usually late May when I embark on the first mountain trip of the season. In this particular year I was ...

A journey to one of Strathcona Provincial Park’s most iconic peaks.

Words & photos by

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THE COAL BENEATH OUR FEET

Starting in 1888, a vast labyrinth of extraction tunnels was carved beneath the village of Cumberland, the old ...

Words by

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DINNER IS SERVED

Eating local is a popular concept in the Comox Valley, with its long growing season and wealth of farms producing ...

Creative culinary events help put gustatory joy on everyone's menu.

Words by

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Photos by

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MAGIC IN THE DYE POT

When I was a kid growing up in the northern boreal forest, my mother took me and my siblings out foraging for ...

Fibre and fungi are key ingredients in Amy Crook’s creative process.

Words by

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Photos by

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EVERYTHING WE KNOW IS WRONG

Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. – Søren Kierkegaard, 1843 I don’t ...

Words by

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Photo by

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WERE IT NOT FOR THE BIKE

This past January, I received an email from the organizer of the BC Epic thanking me for my registration. Which ...

Three days, two cyclists, and one island-sized mission.

Words & Featured Photo by

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Gallery Photo by

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ELDER VALLEY: RETIREMENT REDEFINED

Opening up, embracing new ideas, and making time for wonder. I spent most of my career trying ...

Reflections from an older resident.

Words by

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Photo by

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LITTLE VALLEY: DAKOTA BLOMGREN

Hi, my name is Dakota Blomgren. I was born in the Comox Valley and I am nine years old. I am a proud member of the ...

Reflections from a younger resident.

Photos by

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THE DAY THE PRINCE CAME TO TOWN

Over a century ago, on a Monday in late September, crowds of young and old thronged Vancouver’s sidewalks. Mothers ...

An irreverent look at a long-ago royal visit to the Comox Valley.

Words by

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ALTERED LANDSCAPE

My first home in Cumberland was on Camp Road, in a row of rough cabins that were built in 1888 when the coal mine ...

Restoring and reconnecting land and water includes understanding our history.

Words by

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Photos by

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THE MAN, THE LEGEND

An interview with William 'Bronco' Moncrief.

Interview by

Sydney Moncrief

NOT JUST FOR KIDS

Tribune Bay Outdoor Centre summer camp is now for adults too.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photos by

Dave Prothero

COMOX VALLEY SOAP ARTISTS

A look at Hornby Island Soap Company and Royston Soapworks.

Words by

Lisa Levesque

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

PEACEFUL PADDLING

The joy of kayaking in Baynes Sound.

Words by

Gary Ball

Photos by

Keith Nicol

LITTLE VALLEY: BHODI LAPERRIERE

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

Words by

Bhodi LaPerriere, Age 9

BRICK BY BRICK

Habitat for Humanity: helping to build the foundation for happier, healthier lives.

Words by

Bevin Clempson

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

ABANDON LAND THIS SUMMER

Historical boat cruises at the Museum at Campbell River.

Words & Photos by

Mary Ruth Snyder

LOST IN THE WILDERNESS

A close encounter with the Cumberland Lake Wilderness Society.

Words & Photos by

Sara Kempner

THE ULTIMATE SINGLETRACK EXPERIENCE

Discovering new limits racing the BC Bike Race.

Words by

Tara Miller

Photo by

DAVE SILVER

BLENDING MARTIAL ARTS & YOGA

How the practice of two disciplines nurtures three local martial artists and yogis.

Words by

Corny Martens

Jared Sato

HAPPY TO GROW

A look at the Comox Valley hop scene.

Words by

Ross Bodenmann

Photo by

Daryl Granger

STAYING THE COURSE

Words by

Bevin Clempson

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

CEYLON CUISINE & SPICES

Words by

Ross Bodenmann

Photo by

Hans Peter Meyer

PASSIONATE BREWING

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

Words by

Kerry Hale

Photos by

Karley Bracey

AS THE DISC SPINS

A renegade disc golf course spurs a community to create a forest playground.

Words by

Max Oudendag

Photo by

Nick Hutton-Jay

MAGIC IN THE MOUNTAINS

Nearby alpine gems inspire locals and visitors alike.

Words & Photos by

Sarah Seads

SUNSHINE COAST

The owner/operator of Sunshine Coast Air connects people with each other and the place she calls home.

Words by

Theressa Logan

Opening photo by

Josh Ramsay

OUTSIDE IN

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

Words by

Tao Werner

Photos by

Sara Kempner

GROWING UP IN THE WOODS

The technique of Métissage storytelling blends a child’s, an educator’s, and a historical point of view, for a holistic understanding of learning in the outdoors.

Words by

Heather Thomson

Photos by

Karen McKinnon

BUILDING ON NATURE

Furniture builders share their love of the craft.

Words by

Ross Bodenmann

Opening photo by

Sparrow and Me Photography

SEAS OF CHANGE

Saving more than local kelp forests.

Words by

Tim Ennis

Opening photo by

Grant Callegari

LOST AND FOUND

A visit to Nymph Falls provides poetic inspiration.

Words by

Nora Bingham

Photos by

Paige Owen

HENS 101

A beginner’s guide to keeping chickens.

Words & Photos by

Rebekah Kenway

COMPLETE COMBUSTION

A young mason unites modern heating challenges with ancient solutions.

Words by

Dave Nowak

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

BUILDING A LEGACY

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

Interview by

Ross Bodenmann

Photos by

Comox Fire Department

LIFELONG LEARNING

Community education thrives in Cumberland.

Words by

Sue Loveless

Photo by

Sara Kempner

FINDING A CONNECTION

One company’s quest to bridge the ever-growing gap between nature and technology.

Words by

Alissa Wild

Photos by

Kyle Hansen

HE ART OF THE PICK UP

Flexing your inner badass at the bar.

Words by

Bevin Clempson

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

ART ALCHEMY

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

Words by

RJ Herron

Photo by

Karen McKinnon

LITTLE VALLEY: ANJA LEIKERMOSER

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

Words by

Anja Leikermoser, Age 13

A RETURN TO LIFE

Monumental efforts help salmon return to the Tsolum River.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photos by

Dave Prothero

FLOATING BELOW

The tragic end and beautiful rediscovery of the SS Capilano.

Words & Photos by

Eiko Jones

FINDING BALANCE

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

Words by

Tatiana Baron

Photos by

Lance Underwood

FOREST FLOW

The esoteric feeling at the heart of forest conservation.

Words by

Evan Gough

Photo by

Nik Dunn

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Words by

Julie Sabey

Photo by

Nik Dunn

ABUELO’S CORN TORTILLAS

A local business grows by staying true to their origins.

Words & Photos by

Ross Bodenmann

COMPLEX TERRAIN

Navigating art and nature in the heart of Vancouver Island.

Words & Paintings by

Clive Powsey

HERBALISM 101

How to use supplements to reclaim health in the winter months.

Words by

Yarrow Willard

Philippa Joly

DANCING IN THE DARK

Vancouver Island’s greatest discoveries may lie beneath the rainforest and mountains it is most known for.

Words by

Terry McKall

QUIETLY QUADRA

At once, this peaceful destination typifies “island life” while following a path of its own.

Words by

Annette Yourk

Photos by

Boomer Jerritt