Close to a third of the population (34.6%) live in rental accommodations. Given Cortes Island’s popularity as a tourist destination, it’s not surprising that a significant proportion are forced to move out of their homes every summer, when landlords either take up residence themselves or use these buildings as lucrative vacation rentals. According to a recent post by Regional Director Noba Anderson the BC Residential Tenancy Act changed recently. There is a controversy over the lack of rental rentals.
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BC Ferries Don’t Take Cash
On Monday, April 13, I was intending to board the ferry in Heriot Bay bound for Cortes Island.
“How will you be paying?” the officer in charge of boarding asked.
“Cash.” I replied. I only had cash, having left my wallet at home on Cortes.
“We don’t take cash… Because of the virus,” he replied.
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The Pandemic’s Impacts On Frontline Workers – The Stores
In this episode, we get a deep dive from Eric Hargrave, manager at the Cortes Natural Food Cooperative, and Bill Dougan, manager at the Gorge Harbour Marina Resort General Store. These are two fellows who run grocery stores and have given a lot of thought to the modern food chain. They present their insights with wit and charm. Together we explored the impacts that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on their lives and their businesses. I was especially curious about the pandemics impacts on frontline workers — those working the tills and stocking shelves.
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The third Virtual Cortes Community Conference
If nothing else, the third Virtual Cortes Community Conference may be remembered for its bloopers. The first 23 minutes were not broadcast over the radio because of an unexpected technical difficulty. Consequently, I used a recording that was never intended to be made public.
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Building Soil Fertility
April 10th: Building soil fertility with local resources: Biochar, Compost, & More with permaculture enthusiast and owner of New Branch Permaculture: Whitney Vanderleest
Whitney is a permaculture enthusiast who has a passion for all things compost. Her Business New Branch Permaculture focuses on building fertility with local resources through the production of Biochar & Vermi-compost. Her goal is to help Cortes become a more sustainable community, by reducing waste, and growing food forests.
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