Tag Archives: Affordable Housing

Politics

Mawhinney running for Regional Director in Area C

Quadra Island designer, print maker, graphic artist and ‘rural community enthusiast’ Robyn Mawhinney will be running for Regional Director in Electoral Area C (Discovery Islands and Mainland Islets) on October 15, 2022.

The incumbent Jim Abram, who has been a director since 1988, recently announced he will not seek another term.

Mawhinney explained, “I have been speaking with a lot of neighbours and community members, and I have heard that it is time for generational change. I am deeply committed to this area, the community and the land. And I want our community and Area C to continue being led by islanders, with island values.” 

Continue reading Mawhinney running for Regional Director in Area C →
Housing, Politics

Mark Vonesch 6: Housing, The number one issue in this election

The Electoral Areas Housing Needs Report identified an immediate demand for 75 rental and 40 retail units on Cortes Island. 

In a previous interview, Mark Vonesch from the Cortes Community Housing Society, said, “I hear stories of people having to quit their jobs because they can’t find housing for the summer. I know people that are living under a tarp. I know seniors that are living in a tent.”  

Continue reading Mark Vonesch 6: Housing, The number one issue in this election →
Indigenous Nations

Tla’amin First Nation invests in survival

qathet Living, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After a year and a half of working with First Nations across Vancouver Island as harm reduction educator, Courtney Harrop has taken on a new position: Tla’amin Nation’s harm reduction coordinator.

“All lives have value,” says Courtney. “Harm reduction allows us to reduce harms or potential risks for all kinds of things, not just drugs and alcohol. Harm reduction also helps us to be more cautious and supportive around things like safer sex, blood-borne transmitted diseases and STI’s, as well as housing and food insecurity.”

Continue reading Tla’amin First Nation invests in survival →
Politics

Mark Vonesch 5: Issues that divide us

Mark Vonesch hopes to bring a new kind of politics to Cortes Island if he is elected Regional Director on October 15, 2022. 

“One of the biggest things I want to do with this campaign is bring people together who think differently than each other,” he explained. “What I can do is initiate conversations and get people talking about them.”

He then went on to outline the same issues that our current Director has been wrestling with: housing, climate change, ecosystem protection, economic development, land use planning, parks and recreation, and truth and reconciliation.

Continue reading Mark Vonesch 5: Issues that divide us →