By Matt Simmons, The Narwhal, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Wildfire season is never really over.
When infernos subside in one region, they begin somewhere else. As the world continues to heat up and the climate changes, forested areas like British Columbia will experience greater wildfire impacts year-round, including on the physical and mental health of frontline firefighters.
Continue reading 3 things you need to know about wildfires in BC
Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
More than $117 million in infrastructure funding will be unleashed to address water woes on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast, the federal government announced on Thursday.
The shíshálh Nation will head up the project along with the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) to upgrade the region’s water treatment plant and construct two large storage reservoirs in the Chapman Creek watershed.
Drinking water in the region, which is on B.C.’s southern coast and includes the municipalities of Sechelt and Gibsons, is under threat from a constant string of summer droughts.
Continue reading Feds invest $117 million to protect drinking water on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast
By Patrick Penner, Tri-Cities Dispatch, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Port Moody is advocating for the province to test universal basic income (UBI) as a way of tackling poverty.
On Tuesday, council endorsed a wide-ranging list of requests to be sent to B.C. Premier David Eby as well as the minister of housing, the minister of social development and poverty reduction, the Lower Mainland Local Government Association, and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.
Continue reading Port Moody calls on province to trial universal basic income in its poverty plan
The Cortes Community Housing Society will soon break ground on Rainbow Ridge. They are also renting out two houses, are about to explore the possibility of a tiny house village, and hope to launch a homeshare program this summer. There is also news about the aquifer study, more online housing forums, the Cortes Island Trade Directory and Cortes Island’s vacant homes.
“2024 was a banner year for us in many ways,” exclaimed Executive Director Sadhu Johnston.
Bruin Black, the Society’s new Project Manager, added, “This year is going to be a big year in terms of things happening. I’m just excited to see how things unfold.”
Continue reading The Cortes Housing Society looks back to things accomplished in 2024 and what’s ahead in 2025
On January 9, 2025, Max Thaysen and Erik Lyon hosted a hands-on workshop on all things shellfish! This fantastic teaching team chatted harvesting, sustainability, identification, risks and benefits of eating local shellfish, and so much more! This is a field-recording-style episode made possible by Decoda Literacy, the Cortes Island Community Foundation, and the Cortes Island Food Bank. Big thank you to Max and Erik.
Continue reading All things Shellfish comes to Folk U
