All posts by Rochelle Baker

Rochelle Baker is a staff reporter with Canada’s National Observer, thanks thanks to a grant from the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada. She previously worked as a newspaper reporter and photographer in BC’s Lower Mainland for over 7 years.
Indigenous Nations, Rivers & Oceans

First Nations Call For Closure Of Shaw Point Salmon Farm

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National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Two First Nations are calling for the closure of a fish farm off the east coast of Vancouver Island following the escape of 1,000 Atlantic salmon into their territorial waters in May. The We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum nations want the immediate cancellation of Mowi Inc. tenure for its Shaw Point aquaculture operation, according to a statement issued by the Laich-Kwil-Tach Treaty Society on Thursday.

Continue reading First Nations Call For Closure Of Shaw Point Salmon Farm →
Disaster, Fire

North Quadra Residents Divided About Wildfire Protection

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Dalyce Dogterom recalls the night a neighbouring house, in Quadra Island’s remote community of Bold Point, caught fire a couple of years ago.

She couldn’t see the blaze from her property, but the night sky glowed red, she said.

Residents’ calls to 911 brought out the police and the ambulance service to treat the residents for smoke inhalation.

But the Quadra Island Fire Department (QIFD) wasn’t called out because fire protection services in the less densely populated and more isolated northern part of the island falls to the BC Wildfire Service, Dogterom said Monday.

The provincial wildfire service does not fight structure or residence fires, but rather forest fires.

Continue reading North Quadra Residents Divided About Wildfire Protection →
Justice

high-calibre bullet Tears Through Quadra Island Home

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Two Quadra Island residents are lucky they weren’t injured or killed after a high-calibre bullet tore into their home Friday night, RCMP say.

Continue reading high-calibre bullet Tears Through Quadra Island Home →
Health

BC’s Deadliest Month Ever For Illicit Drug Overdoses

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Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

British Columbia’s health officer fought back tears as she addressed the province’s deadliest month ever for illicit drug overdoses at a COVID-19 briefing Thursday.

In May, 170 people died from overdoses, as the supply of street drugs continues to be increasingly toxic, the coroner’s office reported.

Continue reading BC’s Deadliest Month Ever For Illicit Drug Overdoses →
Transportation

Do Quadra & Cortes Need Public Transit?

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Residents living in isolated communities without public transit and no access to or desire to own cars always face challenges getting to medical appointments, work, essential services and in maintaining social connections.

But the COVID-19 crisis is driving up the risks while simultaneously curbing traditional workarounds that rural residents rely on to navigate the lack of transit.

Continue reading Do Quadra & Cortes Need Public Transit? →