All posts by Roy Hales

Campbell River: Illicit drug overdose deaths

A new report from the BC coroners service states that, as of the end of November, there were 153 suspected illicit drug overdose deaths.

The province is on the threshold of setting a new record.

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Closing down the Discovery Islands Salmon Farms

The licenses for 19 salmon farms in the Discovery lslands expired today.  Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is reissuing licenses for 18 months, during which time “no new fish of any size may be introduced into Discovery Islands.” “Fish at the sites can complete their growth-cycle and be harvested,” but “all farms be free of fish by June 30th, 2022.”

The Minister added, “The federal government will continue working collaboratively with partners on the responsible transition from open-net pen salmon farming in coastal British Columbia waters by 2025.” 

Continue reading Closing down the Discovery Islands Salmon Farms

Campbell River-Quadra Island’s second hybrid electric Ferry launched

The fourth of BC Ferries Island Class ferry was launched early Thursday morning, at Damen Shipyards Galati, in Romania. The yet-to-be named ship is the second hybrid electric destined for the Campbell RiverQuadra Island route. 

Continue reading Campbell River-Quadra Island’s second hybrid electric Ferry launched

COVID 19 this past week in North Vancouver Island

This past week was the deadliest British Columbia has seen since the pandemic began. Dr Bonnie Henry reported 24 more deaths yesterday, which brings the total number of fatalities since last Friday to 105. The number of active cases in the province is close to 10,000.

However, there is also good news. 

Continue reading COVID 19 this past week in North Vancouver Island

Wood waste landfill proposal withdrawn

Jeff Levine said that when he purchased the 155 acre property on Sarah Point Rd. in Bliss Landing, he planned to use a tiny portion of it for a business venture. He claimed that Ministry of the Environment staff helped him develop the proposal. They told him that the ideal site for a wood waste landfill was land that had previously been clearcut or was a forest industry site.

There is a four acre parcel within Levine’s new property that fits both categories. It had been clear-cut three years ago. A sawmill had once stood there. In addition, the site was close to the ocean, which would make it easy to barge wood waste in. Ministry staff said he needed to submit the name of a proposed waste wood site, so they could see how his operation would work. So, Levine said, he used the old Interfor mill site in Squamish as a model.

Continue reading Wood waste landfill proposal withdrawn