All posts by Guest Post

Weather

Bring on the snow! Dakota Ridge reopens March 2

Editor’s note: While the recent snowfall is welcome, snowpacks are still way below normal. As of March 1, the BC Government snow report states the snowpack was only increased to 69% of median (from 64% on Feb 15). The most significant gains (11%) were on Vancouver Island. Dakota Ridge is southeast of Cortes on the Sunshine Coast. While Cortes Island’s aquifers are not dependent on mountain fed streams, we tend to be drier than surrounding areas and have been in the midst of recent droughts.

By Jordan Copp, Coast Reporter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Sunshine Coast residents have another chance to enjoy some winter recreation such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. 

With a favourable forecast on the horizon, Dakota Ridge recreational area is once again open to the public. 

Continue reading Bring on the snow! Dakota Ridge reopens March 2 →
Energy, Water

Plans for new coal mine show the need for water pollution probe

Editor’s note:  In terms of emissions, coal is believed to be the dirtiest form of energy on our planet. In addition a recent study in Science found that about 460,000 of the deaths in the United States, between 1999 and 2020, can be attributed to the particulate matter in coal. This is separate from emissions, but global usage of coal is increasing. According to the International Energy Agency, global coal demand reached a record high in 2022. That was passed the following year: 

“Worldwide electricity generation from coal hit record highs in 2023, while thermal coal exports surpassed 1 billion metric tons for the first time as coal’s use in power systems continues to grow despite widespread efforts to cut back on fossil fuels.” – Reuters 

Coal was an economic driver on Vancouver Island during the late 1800s. There were mines in Nanaimo, Cumberland, Union Bay and Ladysmith. Premier Christy Clark promised to open 8 new coal mines by 2015, and failed. Coal is still a major industry in British Columbia, but the last coal mine on Vancouver Island has not been operational since 2017. That was the Quinsam mine, approximately 24 km southwest of Campbell River,

By Natasha Bulowski, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A new coal mine proposed in B.C.’s Elk River Valley highlights the need for a long-overdue cross-border investigation into water quality and an end to coal mining in the region, some environmental groups argue.

Continue reading Plans for new coal mine show the need for water pollution probe →
Health

Youth face barriers to overdose harm reduction, say front-line workers

Editor’s note: There were 47 drug related deaths in the Greater Campbell River Health Area during 2023. This is the third worst drug related death rate on Vancouver Island, only surpassed by Victoria (145) and Nanaimo (116). There were 31 drug related deaths in Greater Campbell River during 2022 and 26 in 2021. 

Greater Campbell River is a health area that stretches from the Oyster River to Sayward on the east coast of Vancouver Island, and includes Discovery Island communities like Cortes, Quadra and Read, but the epicentre of this public health emergency is the city of Campbell River.  According to BC emergency Health Services, paramedics responded to 681 drug overdose calls in Campbell River last year. The numbers have kept increasing every year since COVID arrived in March 2020 and did not decrease after the period of self distancing ended. There were 525 callouts in 2022, 404 in 2021 and 249 in 2020. In the four years prior to that, the call numbers fluctuated from a low of 152 in 2016 to a high of 230 in 2018.

By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

With the toxic drug crisis as the leading cause of death for British Columbians aged 10 though 59, nearly 170 youth, aged 18 and under, have lost their lives since 2017. According to experts, not enough research and monitoring has been done to assess the impacts of the crisis on young people, who also face barriers when accessing harm reduction services.

Continue reading Youth face barriers to overdose harm reduction, say front-line workers →
Community, Development

2024 Village Commons Update

From the Cortes Island Community Foundation

Several big announcements were made and a robust list of collaborators were present on February 1st, for an update on the development of the land that is known as the ‘Village Commons’ in Mansons Landing. The meeting had about 36 attendants, including 6 people that virtually attended via zoom. The evening of presentations had a strong theme of collaboration and neighborhood togetherness.

Continue reading 2024 Village Commons Update →
Housing

Port Moody calls on province to set up and enforce rental maintenance standards across B.C.

Editor’s note: If the province sets up minimum standards for rentals, as Port Moody is calling for (below), it will have an impact on our area. According to the 2021 census, 75 of Cortes Island’s 555 occupied dwellings were in need of major repairs. This was also true of 105 of the 1330 homes in Area C. A significant percentage of these buildings would have been rentals. The Collecting Stories of Where You Are Survey, carried out in both areas the following year, includes responses from people renting units that did not have indoor plumbing, water or ‘sufficient and affordable heating.’

By Patrick Penner, Tri-Cities Dispatch, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Although Port Moody is developing its own bylaw to direct maintenance standards for rental units, city council is asking the provincial government to set up and and enforce B.C.-wide standards. 

Couns. Amy Lubik and Samantha Agrtarap introduced a resolution for debate at the Lower Mainland Local Government Association (LMLGA) and the Union of B.C. Municipalities conferences later this year. It was passed unanimously at Port Moody council on Feb. 13.

The resolution argues that minimum standards need to be set to ensure the health and safety of the province’s rental units, and the province is the only institution with the capacity to regulate the issue.

Continue reading Port Moody calls on province to set up and enforce rental maintenance standards across B.C. →