Tag Archives: Cortes Island

Rivers & Oceans

Recent Concerns with Eating Raw Oysters; Unaffected Oysters & Areas (like Cortes)

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Editor’s note: Someone pointed out this article is too specific for International readers who, for example, may not even know where Vancouver Island is. There is a lack of specific information. I have written Fisheries and Oceans Canada, pointing out: “Most of The articles I see mention Tidal Area 14 (which is the little stretch of Vancouver Island coast between Comox and Parksville), but when I talk to Cortes growers they mention Baynes Sound, which is only a small part of Tidal Area 14. If it is only Baynes Sound, a lot of growers in other parts of Tidal Area 14 are being negatively impacted for something that is not even in their immediate vicinity. At the moment, a lot of Vancouver Island growers appear to be negatively impacted for something that is not in their Tidal Area.“

There was a 10 hour interval during which Erik Lyon of Rising Tide Oysters, on Cortes Island, thought he was going to reap big profits. Dozens of Californians had fallen ill after eating raw oysters from ‘Tidal Area 14’ in British Columbia. That’s on the east coast of Vancouver Island, between Comox and Parksville. Lyon specifically pointed to Baynes Sound, where there are oyster growers that sometimes ship 20,000 dozen oysters in a week. By way of contrast, he described most Cortes Island growers as ‘little mom and pop operations.’ 

“We’re a little bit removed from Baynes Sound. We tend to have cleaner water and a lot of the buyers can reliably pick up more product from us when the big guys go down,” he explained. 

That’s what seemed to be happening on Saturday, December 13, 2024. 

Continue reading Recent Concerns with Eating Raw Oysters; Unaffected Oysters & Areas (like Cortes) →
Food, Rivers & Oceans

Advisory Against Eating Raw Oysters From Comox, Parksville, Denman and Hornby

More than 70 people reported feeling ill after eating raw oysters at the glitzy LA Times 101 Best Restaurants event earlier this month. Since then there have been similar reports from a number of restaurants in California. S&M Shellfish has issued an urgent recall for product sold as Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay and Royal Miyagi Oysters because of ‘multiple confirmed illnesses due to Norovirus contamination.’ 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory against ‘certain oysters’ from BC Tidal Area 14, which is Comox, Denman Island, Hornby Island, and Parksville.  There have been no cases reported north of there, or in the Discovery Islands.

Continue reading Advisory Against Eating Raw Oysters From Comox, Parksville, Denman and Hornby →
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.

Continue reading Hot topic: Residents concerned about impact of wood stove smoke on health, environment →
Water

Bulk Water Regulations For The Outer Islands

At their December 11 meeting, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) Board passed a bylaw to regulate bulk water processing, bottling and sales on Read, Maurelle, Sonora, Stuart, and the Rendezvous islands.

Three Campbell River Directors voted against receiving the staff report for this bylaw.

Director Susan Sinnott explained,  “I just want to hear from staff, the reasons necessary. Is there a pending application for people to bulk water in the Desolation Sound Area? Is there an imminent issue?” 

Continue reading Bulk Water Regulations For The Outer Islands →
Fire

Tiber Bay Residents Being Asked If They Want To Be Included In Cortes Fire Protection Area

The 32 properties in Tiber Bay are one step closer to being included in the South Cortes Island fire protection area. They are currently outside the boundary and, consequently, the Cortes Fire department cannot immediately respond to fires in that area. It needs direction from the BC Wildfire Service. Tiber Bay residents will soon be receiving a petition in which they can state their preferences.

Cortes Island Director Mark Vonesch read out the motion at the December 11 SRD Board Meeting,  “That a petition be prepared and distributed to affected property owners to determine if they support the extension initiative, and then a further report be prepared for the Board’s consideration at the conclusion of the petition process.”

Continue reading Tiber Bay Residents Being Asked If They Want To Be Included In Cortes Fire Protection Area →