Tag Archives: Cortes Island

Politics

Strathcona Gardens – How Many Dollars Count as a Meaningful Voice?

Originally published in the Bird’s Eye

Two communities, both alike in ocean views, in fair Strathcona where we lay our scene. From ancient boundary disputes to new taxation, where civic math… wait a second, this doesn’t add up. 

I’ve been debating whether to include this story since April 29. Is it relevant? Is it journalism? Is it just my own feelings getting tangled up in local politics? Or is it representation for the people that were there? Heart and ego occasionally arrive wearing the same outfit. You know I’m telling the story.

April 29, 2026 12:27 p.m. – Your Editor arrives at the SRD building. Air cast, cane, very little sleep, and even less snacks. Outside, an impressive number of Quadra folks and friends gathered with their handmade signs, chants at the ready.

Then the front doors swing open. “Is there any media here?” a staffer shouts out.

Startled, I raised my hand. “It’s me. I’m the media.”

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Arts

Pints, Points and Puzzlers at Benji’s Pub Quiz

The radio version of this story opened with a clip from  the ‘Inky Dinky’ round of a recent Benji’s Pub Quiz night in Mansons Hall, Cortes Island. An Inky Dinky is a two-word phrase. Both the words have two syllables, and they rhyme, like Inky Dinky. 

“So what?” asked show host Benji Coey. “Well, I’m going to give you a riddle and you’re going to come up with an Inky Dinky as the answer. For example, if I said to you, Riddle me this: A church tower made out of human beings.” What might I be looking for?”

A number of excited voices piped up: “People; steeple.” 

Benji: “A people steeple. Good job. The people are the human beings, they normally are, and a steeple is a church tower. Good. Now, this is a creative thinking round, teams. If it’s a good answer, write it down, and as ever, we will talk about all of the answers together, like normal people on Cortes island.” 

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Waste

Cortes Island Garbage Pick-up being reduced to $86

SRD staff are currently preparing a bylaw that will reduce the residential waste collection charge on Cortes Island from $112 to $86, effective this year. This change has been in development since last year, originating from a shift in the SRD’s administrative policy. 

Staff estimate that $121 per user is required to fully fund the service, so the shortfall this year will be approximately $25,000. However, the service currently possesses $103,000 in reserves to cover such gaps. 

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Environment

Cortes Island 2026 Beach Clean-up

The 2026 Cortes Island Beach Clean-up is underway. Helen Hall, Executive Director of the Friends of Cortes Island (FOCI), explained:

“The campaign will start on May 1st and run until the end of the month. We’re working in partnership with Comox Strathcona Waste Management and Klahoose Aquaculture. We will be placing large ‘super sacks’ at seven different locations around the island:

  • Hanks Beach Regional Park
  • The Recycling Centre
  • Hollyhock Beach
  • Mansons Landing Government Dock
  • Hayes Road Beach Access
  • Red Granite Beach
  • Plunger Pass Beach Access (Seavista Road)
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