Tag Archives: Comox Valley

Cost of Climate Change

Scotch broom increases wildfire risk. What can we do about it?

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By Madeline Dunnett, The Discourse,  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In 1850, Scottish Army Capt. Walter Colquhoun Grant planted a European perennial shrub on his farm on T’Sou-ke Nation’s traditional territory (Sooke). He thought the shrub — Cytisus scorparius in Latin — would bring back nostalgia of his Scottish homeland, covered with hills of yellow flowers.

One-hundred and seventy-five years later, this shrub is now one of the most notorious invasive species on Vancouver Island known colloquially as Scotch broom. Vast areas of the Island are covered in this plant, exhibiting what a changed landscape can look like if invasive plants are allowed to spread and take over. It competes with native plants, disrupts streams and has no known natural predators. It can also live up to 25 years and produces seeds that can survive in the soil for 30 years. 

Scotch broom is also extremely flammable, leading to growing concern as the climate changes and Earth warms. 

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Animals

Signals in the dark: How Comox Valley volunteers monitor bats against a devastating disease

By David Flawse, The Discourse, , Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In a flurry of wings, six mother bats drop from their roost and take to the half-lit sky. 

“Wow!” says Heather Thomson. “They’re early tonight.” 

Thomson, program manager for the Cumberland Community Forest Society, sits with five other citizen scientists in folding camping chairs near a rural Comox Valley home on June 18. 

It’s a clear, still night, and they’re tucked into sweaters while positioned under three bat boxes.

The six bat enthusiasts are here for the B.C. Annual Bat Count, an initiative launched in 2012 for researchers to monitor bat health across the province. 

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Arts

Dave Blinzinger: The Art, The Islands And Making A Living

Originally Published May 28, 2024

Dave Blinzinger has toured Canada, the United States and Europe but, by choice, primarily plays his saxophone at local venues.

“I’m from St. Louis, Missouri. My father had moved up to Cortes Island in the 70s. I lived there from 88 to 1990. At that time, well, there wasn’t very much happening on Cortes. You could go up to the Cortes Cafe on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, hang out with the fishermen and that was about it. So I moved to Quadra in 1990, basically to get a job,” he explained.

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Environment

Hot topic: Residents concerned about impact of wood stove smoke on health, environment

Editor’s note: While this story comes from the Comox Valley, the subject matter is of definite interest to Cortes and the other Discovery Islands. For most of our recorded history, wood fires have been the #1 heating choice on Cortes Island. A significant number of residents have switched to electric, heat pumps, or solar panels in the past few years. According to the Strathcona Regional District Engagement Summary Report, “In Electoral Areas A, B (Cortes), and C (primarily Quadra and the Outer Islands), about 50% used wood heat and 40% used electric with the remaining 10% using an alternative.“

By Madeline Dunnett, The Discourse,  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Community members in the Comox Valley are calling for more education, awareness and tightened regulations related to wood-burning stove use in the region.

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Food

Check out these Comox Valley food trucks

Editor’s note: Food trucks are becoming increasingly popular. For business owners, they provider a low cost point of entry into the food market. This sometimes translates into lower prices and heftier portions for customers. Last year the city of Campbell River amended its bylaws to allow food trucks at six designated locations.

The most recent entry to this sector on Cortes is ‘Canadian, Eh!’ which offers ‘homemade’ fast foods in Squirrel Cove. There is also the Burger Barn in Mansons Landing, the Klahoose Food Truck at the Gorge Harbour Marina. In addition to provisioning some of the local stores, the Sunflower Food Truck is at the Mansons Friday Market, events like Cortes Day and the Whaletown ferry terminal.  

By Madeline Dunnett, The Discourse,  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Food trucks have been popping up throughout the Comox Valley over the last decade, and it can be hard to keep updated with all the offerings here. Are you looking for something vegan and environmentally friendly? A new international food you haven’t tried yet? Something classic like a burger and fries? Ice cream? Luckily, the Comox Valley has all these options — if you can keep track of these little restaurants on the go, that is!

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