National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Where’s the plan?
That was the dominant question asked Thursday as B.C.’s chief coroner Lisa Lapointe announced 1,716 people died from toxic street drugs in 2020, marking the worst year on record for the province.
Continue reading worst year on record for drug overdoses: 1,716 deathsNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Environment Canada issued sweeping alerts for Vancouver Island this week predicting the coldest weather of the year as arctic air and frigid temperatures descend along its east coast.
Yet the homeless in Parksville and Qualicum Beach have nowhere to seek warmth from the deep freeze after the region’s only cold weather shelter was closed last March.
Rev. Christine Muise of OHEART — a coalition of nine churches in the region that ran the shelter — has been advocating for a solution for close to a year after the shelter at St. Anne’s church had to close because the facility was inadequate to meet COVID-19 concerns.
Continue reading Parksville & Qualicum homeless left out in the coldNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Small rural communities on Vancouver Island are under strain and individual and community health is at risk with the continued lack of intercity bus service on Vancouver Island, service providers say.
Continue reading North Vancouver Island intercity buses on hold: COVID-19National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Trophy hunting of wolves, grizzly bears, and cougars may endanger hunters as well as the animals they target, a new study suggests.
Continue reading Trophy hunters: A danger to humans as well as prey?National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) board’s evidence doesn’t support allegations Cortes Island director Noba Anderson used her public office to influence district staff on a matter involving her private property, her lawyer argued at a recent board meeting.
Matthew Voell spoke on Anderson’s behalf at a public hearing held Jan. 27 so the SRD board can decide whether to continue to pursue the allegations in B.C. Supreme Court and potentially disqualify her from office.
Continue reading No evidence Cortes Island director used her office to influence district staff, lawyer argues
