By Kim Paulley, CKTZ News, through an LJI grant from Canada-info.ca
The Forest Trust for the Children of Cortes Island Society (FTCCIS) had its “best year ever” on Giving Tuesday last week, according to chair Chris Dragseth, with $20,000 fundraised.
Continue reading Forest trust has ‘best year ever’ on Giving Tuesday with $20K fundraised
By Kim Paulley, CKTZ News, through an LJI grant from Canada-info.ca
The 33rd annual general meeting (AGM) for the Friends of Cortes Island fell on Giving Tuesday which prompted the organization’s plan to launch a fundraiser for $10,000.
The non-profit is hoping that the $10,000 can support core FOCI programs and the environmental work they do on the island.
At the AGM on Nov. 28, a video featured five FOCI Projects in action, out in the field, with a project overview by project leaders to contextualize the project.
Continue reading Friends of Cortes Island launches 10K fundraising appeal at AGMEditor’s note: In addition to water security becoming an important issue on both Cortes and Quadra Islands, Cortes Currents may have FM radio listeners in Merville. There are reports of drivers listening to 89.5M while driving the Island Highway (19A) north of Courtenay. Cortes Radio’s coverage map shows some of the areas surrounding Merville (Black Creek, pockets of Comox and Cumberland) within its listening area.
By Madeline Dunnett, The Discourse, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A Merville man is asking the Supreme Court of B.C. to strike down the Comox Valley Regional District’s decision to classify bulk water sales as a permitted home business.
Bruce Gibbons, founder of Merville Water Guardians, filed the petition for judicial review in September. The review is scheduled to be heard in court in January 2024.
Continue reading Merville water fight heads to courtEditor’s note: While this report is from a northern city, the problems are province wide. As of November 30, the Cortes Island Food Bank is not even half way towards its goal of raising $25,000. However there has been a 14-fold-increase in the number of clients since October 2022. According to Food Banks BC, there has been a 57% increase of usage across the province and a 30% drop in donations. Recent Point In Time counts in Campbell River, the Comox Valley, Powell River and the Sunshine Coast show a marked increase in the number of homeless people, and the #1 cause cited by respondents is insufficient incomes.
By Tom Summer, Alaska Highway News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Residents in the Peace are struggling with inflation – food prices, fuel, rent and mortgage increases and more – as the Fort St. John Salvation Army starts its 2023 Christmas kettle campaign.
The organization operates at a few locations in Fort St. John – running a food bank, a thrift store, and transitional housing at the Northern Centre of Hope. Forty residents are supported through transitional housing and 32 tenants live in supportive housing at the centre.
Inflation and rising food costs have been a notable challenge in the past year, says Executive Director Jared Braun, in addition to rising fuel costs at the pump, mortgage increases, rent increases, and more.
Continue reading Northern B.C. struggling with social issues, Salvation Army saysEditor’s note: Up until this point, the Quadra Island RCMP detachment has served whatever need there is for police on Cortes and other remote Discovery Islands. Someday there may be a need for Citizens On Patrol to observe, document and report violations of the law and suspicious activities in our area.
By Tom Summer, Alaska Highway News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The District of Chetwynd has paired up with the Chetwynd RCMP and the South Peace Crime Prevention Society to start up a Citizens on Patrol (C.O.P.) for the Chetwynd area.
The C.O.P. program are the extra eyes, ears, and voice for the RCMP and the community. You need to be at least 19 years of age, complete an application form that can be found at the Chetwynd detachment and bring it back for a Criminal Record Check. Once completed and approved for the program, training can get underway.
Continue reading Northern B.C. RCMP looking for patrol volunteers
