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.
Development, Housing

Regional Directors Put Cortes Affordable Housing Project At Risk

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National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

An affordable rental housing project on Cortes Island is in peril after a trio of rural directors voted to postpone public hearings in their regions until September.

Strathcona Regional District’s rural directors Jim Abram, Brenda Leigh and Gerald Whalley voted to defer the rezoning hearing for Rainbow Ridge, a 20-unit subsidized rental home project for families, singles and seniors, at the May 27 board meeting.

Continue reading Regional Directors Put Cortes Affordable Housing Project At Risk →
Community, Indigenous Nations

Campbell River’s Black Lives Matter Rally

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National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Hundreds of people in Campbell River’s Spirit Square took to their knees and bowed their heads in silence for eight minutes, 46 seconds on Saturday.

The exact amount of time a Minneapolis police officer knelt on George Floyd’s neck.

Following the silence, speakers got on stage to speak about their experiences with racism and to call for justice and healing.

Continue reading Campbell River’s Black Lives Matter Rally →
Finances, Jobs, Poverty

BC’s Minimum Wage Insufficient

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National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As of June 1, minimum wage workers in the province earn $14.60 an hour, up from $13.85. But low wages, part-time or precarious work, coupled with low vacancy rates and high rents, are significant drivers of homelessness in the North Island region, said Kristi Schwanicke, co-ordinator of the Campbell River and District Coalition to End Homelessness.

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Health

The Moose Brings Health Services To The Campbell River Area

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National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It’s early morning and there’s still a hush in downtown Campbell River.

Stores are just starting to open in the small Vancouver Island town, which is experiencing a typical “Juneuary” West Coast day — mild temperatures paired with a grey and drizzly sky.

But lodged in the middle of the city’s core is a massive, snazzy, brightly coloured RV accompanied by a woman hanging out its entry door and greeting anyone and everyone who passes.

Folks walking by stop to ask what the splashed-out vehicle is all about or to chat with Leanne McIntee, who already knows a lot of the passersby by name.

McIntee is co-ordinator of the Mobile Outreach Unit for Health and Support Services (MOUHSS), which tends to go by its moniker, the Moose.

Continue reading The Moose Brings Health Services To The Campbell River Area →
Indigenous Nations, Transportation

Tuesday’s BC Ferries Shutdown On Quadra

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Island commuters hit a bit of rough water when ferry service between Quadra Island and Campbell River was cancelled all day Tuesday due to a mechanical issue. A problem made all that much worse because of COVID-19.

Continue reading Tuesday’s BC Ferries Shutdown On Quadra →