All posts by Roy Hales

Disaster

How Often Does Cortes Island Need Emergency Services?

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By Roy L Hales

Though the population doubles or triples during the summer months, there are less than a thousand people on Cortes throughout the year. The RCMP come from off island, but we have a medical clinic, ambulance and a relatively large volunteer fire department (with firehalls at Mansons Landing and Whaletown). So, at the Cortes Island Preparedness and Awareness weekend, I asked the local Fire Chief how often does Cortes Island need emergency services?

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Politics

What Does The NDP-Green Agreement Mean?

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Though still nominally premier, Christy Clark knows her government’s days are numbered. If she doesn’t resign, the BC Liberals will be toppled by a non confidence motion when the provincial legislature reassembles in June. Clark intends to continue as Leader of the Opposition. So what does the NDP-Green agreement mean for British Columbians?

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Transportation

Bicycles Once Again Triumphed In Vancouver’s Annual Rush Hour Challenge

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By Roy L Hales

Bicycles have dominated Vancouver’s Rush Hour Challenge ever since the event began,  in 2009.  According to statistics from HUB Cycling, bikes came in first 73.3% of the time, while cars have been first 16% and transit 11% of the time. This year, bicycles once again triumphed in Vancouver’s Annual Rush Hour Challenge ( formerly known as Vancouver’s Share the Road Challenge).

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Energy

Bc’s Wave Energy Potential

By Roy L Hales

Since 2001, there have been several inquiries into the plausibility of harnessing the wave energy off Vancouver Island. So far, projects were rejected because of the associated costs. A new report from the University of Victoria’s West Coast Wave Initiative (WCWI)  describes BC’s wave energy potential.

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Forests

British Columbia’s Fight For Sustainable Logging

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By Roy L Hales

When Island Timberlands arrived in 2012, they found Cortes island residents waiting behind a blockade. The Vancouver Observer sent a young film maker to cover the story, but Daniel Pierce found more than just another clash between a logging company and local environmentalists. He is still documenting British Columbia’s fight for sustainable logging.

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