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.

FEATURED ARTIST: NICOLA NORTH

Nicola North spent her South African childhood climbing trees, riding horses, and living an outdoor lifestyle. ...

SEASONAL GOODS: FALL

Some things to make your autumn better—or maybe get a head start on your Christmas shopping? Keep your stuff ...

WINTER RESOLVE

It is late November and winter has hauled its gloomy tarp over the island. The sun has not appeared in weeks and I ...

Words by

ACF field type unsupported

Photo by

ACF field type unsupported

ELDER VALLEY: NATURAL EXPLORATION

The human instinct to explore is infiniteTo explore is to investigate the unknown, to learn about or become ...

Reflections from an older Comox Valley resident

Words by

ACF field type unsupported

Photo by

ACF field type unsupported

Elder River: Life after 70

The satisfaction found in adapting and creatingA few birthdays ago, somebody told me “Everything changes ...

Reflections from an older Strathcona Region resident

Words by

Photo by

ACF field type unsupported

LITTLE VALLEY: A SURVIVAL TRIP STORY

Finding magic in the sea, the forest, and our imaginationsExploring is something you do to find out more ...

Our young Comox Valley residents reflect on the home they're growing up in

Words by

ACF field type unsupported

Photo by

ACF field type unsupported

THE WORLD IS YOUR EGGPLANT

I’ve been bumping up against a lot of self-proclaimed eggplant haters lately. “Impossible!” is usually my reply. ...

Don’t be a hater. Boldly go forth and try it.

Words by

ACF field type unsupported

Photo by

ACF field type unsupported

LITTLE RIVER: ANNA ENGLAND

Life in motion: Balancing competitive sports with family-first adventuresMy name is Anna England. I am 13 ...

Reflections from a younger resident

Words by

ACF field type unsupported

Photo by

ACF field type unsupported

CLIMATE HOPE

In the face of increasing environmental challenges, many of us feel frequent anxiety about the planet’s future—but ...

We have the power to make change. Hope helps us act.

Words & illustration by

ACF field type unsupported

FROM PLASTIC IN THE SEA TO ART INGENUITY

We all know the adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” I’ve always loved this saying because it a) ...

Lost buoys

Words by

ACF field type unsupported

Photo by

ACF field type unsupported

No results found.

GIRL ON FIRE

The quiet dirt road in Merville where Arcade Fire violinist Sarah Neufeld was raised led her loudly around the globe.

Words by

Mike B.

Photo by

Gesi Schilling

OPPRESSION AND RESILIENCE

134 years ago, the Canadian Government introduced legislation to ban the P'a_sa, or Potlach, in an attempt to disassemble the culture of Indigenous peoples in Canada. An exhibit at the Comox Valley Art Gallery aims to educate the public about this section of Canadian history, and the impact that continues to reverberate today.

Words by

Keisha Everson

Photo by

Boomer Jerritt

SMOOTHING A DIFFICULT PATH

Today ‘N’ Tomorrow provides guidance through teenage pregnancy, allowing parents to finish school and plan for the future.

Words by

Thea Miller

Photos by

Jenny Deters

PIONEERS AND BROKEN DREAMS

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

Words & Photos by

Tim Ennis

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

Cycling opportunities in the Valley are growing, combining the best of the area’s food, wine, and scenery into a selection of man-powered packages.

Words by

Paula Worthington

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

GROWING CALM

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

Words by

Ashley Hamilton-Macquarrie

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

A SELFLESS PROTECTOR OF ALL THINGS WILD

Remembering the legacy of Ruth Masters and the priceless gifts—both physical and intangible—that she bestowed on our community.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photos by

Friends of Ruth Masters

FAMILY FRAMEWORK

Through strong vision and tireless effort, an easily dismissed property in Union Bay becomes a unique and envious west coast gem.

Words by

Jamie McCue

Photos by

Sara Kempner

THE DIRECTION OF DISCOMFORT

How moving outside of your regular patterns can help you manage fear and map your own future.

Words by

Mia Jerritt

Photo by

Kyle Hansen

RACING THE LIGHT

A team of Comox Valley runners road trips to the Alberta/BC border to test themselves with the Sinister 7 Ultra Marathon.

Words by

Leah Knutson

Photos by

Mike LeBlanc

THE PLACES WE MAKE

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

Words by

Meaghan Cursons

Photos by

RJ Herron

FLOATING ON

Words by

Allie Jenkinson

Photo by

Kyle Hansen

INTO THE GREAT WHITE OPEN

For the intrepid traveller, Antarctica offers remote beauty and wilderness on a startling scale.

Words & Photos by

Gordon Ross

TREE OF LIFE

The inherent pursuit of drawing can benefit anyone willing to see things anew.

Words by

Jonathan Cooper

Zoë Cooper

GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE

From snowboard pro to media master, Comox-raised Eric Greene continues to forge his own way in New York City.

Words by

Mike B

Photos by

Lucy Laucht

BAR CART BOUNTY

From humble Roman origins, the refreshing shrub is making a comeback in the craft cocktail scene.

Words by

Elisabeth Lee

SPIN IT TO WIN IT

A trio of world-class athletes steps up to provide off-season training for young riders.

Words by

Clay Ward

Photo by

Eugene Chung

DEATH OF A WORKER’S FRIEND

From the UK to Nova Scotia to his final resting place in the heart of Cumberland, Ginger Goodwin’s life represents a voice for workers the world over.

Words by

Dawn Copeman

GRAVITATIONAL PULL

Straight across the Strait, a manicured bike park and cycle-forward community provides a draw for amateur and experienced riders alike.

Words by

Nicole Rippel

Photos by

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

No results found.