Tag Archives: Cortes Island

Community, Industry

Concerns Regarding Proposed Cortes Island Quarry Expansion and Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts on Cortes Island

Public letter from Cortes Island resident Chris Dragseth to Premier David Eby

Dear Premier Eby,

I am writing as a full-time resident of Cortes Island for nearly seventeen years. During this time, I have actively participated in community planning processes, including the development of the Official Community Plan under the Strathcona Regional District. Throughout these discussions, the community has consistently emphasized the importance of preserving Cortes Island’s rural character, ecological integrity, and long-term sustainability while seeking balanced economic opportunities appropriate for a small island community.

In recent years, however, Cortes Island has undergone significant change that is placing increasing strain on both the environment and the year-round residents who call this island home. A growing number of wealthy seasonal property owners have purchased and redeveloped properties into large estate-style residences. While property ownership itself is not the issue, the scale and nature of this development have generated disproportionate impacts on local infrastructure, the environment, and community well-being.

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Arts

Daniel Lapp coming to Lovefest 2026

Daniel Lapp is the headliner for this year’s Lovefest, which returns to Linnaea Farm on Saturday, August 8, 2026. He has played on over 100 albums and performed across Canada, the United States, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Finland, and Germany. Daniel is also a winner of the BC Fiddler Championship and is the Artistic Director of the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

Benji Coey, who is organizing Lovefest, said, “This year I’m very excited to have booked Daniel Lapp, who is a nationally renowned folk and jazz musician. He’s going to bring Adam Dobres—who the folks on the island are familiar with—a world-class guitar player, and Richard Moody, one of the country’s best fiddle players. Those guys are going to do an extended set. When you get that sort of talent coming through, you have to give them room; you’ve got to give them time to play, and it’s going to be a really mind-blowing set.”

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Industry

Gleanings from the May 7 Community Meeting: Island United’s proposed Quarry Expansion

Around 100 people packed into Mansons Hall on May 7, 2026, for a community meeting on the proposed expansion of the Island United Quarry on Cortes Island. While most appeared to be opposed to the project in its current form, some added that Cortes Island needed a smaller quarry more in line with the island’s needs

Neither Howard Nielsen, who owns Island United, nor his wife were present. Regional Director Mark Vonesch explained, “ It’s their 15th wedding anniversary and they’re on a trip.” 

Mike Moore, who MC’d the event,  added, “First of all this is a meeting that is for information. We’ll have a question and answer period at the end of a few little presentations. It’s not a protest by any means. No profanity (audience chuckled); no derogatory comments. We’re here to look at the Island United Quarry expansion in Whaletown.”

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Fire

‘Earliest ever’ fire ban takes effect in B.C. Coastal Fire Centre

Editor’s Note: As of noon on Thursday May 7, 2026, the is a total fire ban on Cortes Island, Quadra Island and all other parts of the Strathcona Regional District. Campfires, backyard fires and beach fires are not permitted.

By Nora O’Malley, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter – With a file from Denise Titian

Vancouver Island, B.C. – As of Thursday, May 7 at noon, camping trips on B.C.’s coast will entail empty fire pits. 

The provincial government says open fires throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, with exceptions for Haida Gwaii, are prohibited. The prohibition will be in place until October 31, 2026, or until the order is rescinded. 

“It’s the earliest ever, but at the same time it’s certainly dry out there. After last year we certainly don’t want any more wildfires,” said Sproat Lake Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mike Cann.

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Energy

Ontario’s Distributed Energy Resources (DER) study & other steps towards adopting renewables

As North America navigates the transition from traditional fossil fuel-based energy to renewable alternatives, various regions are exploring solutions like Distributed Energy Resources (DER). In this morning’s interview, Catherine Jefferey from Clean Energy Canada discusses a program designed to reduce costs for Ontario ratepayers by an estimated $1.8 billion to $3.5 billion annually. The discussion also covers progress in utility-scale battery storage, Canada’s adoption of renewables, and the prospects for transitioning away from fossil fuels.

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