The Cortes Museum opened its doors to the community in 1998, Most of us know it as a seasonal facility, open two half days during the winter and coming out of semi-hibernation during the warmer tourism months. There were a number of special activities scheduled for 2020: a Spring film screening, an extravaganza Creative Spaces tour, Walks & Talks, a new Art in the Garden. All of that changed last March, when most of Cortes Island’s gatherings were cancelled because of COVID. Now British Columbia is reopening and, as of July 1st, the Cortes Island Museum is back.
Continue reading The Cortes Island Museum Is BackTag Archives: COVID 19
What will Hollyhock look like in 2021?
2019 was a record year for Hollyhock, and 2020 started out even better. CEO Peter Wrinch says they were expecting 20% more guests this year compared with last year. The leadership team was excited about the prospect of doing facility upgrades, introducing new programming and creating better employment – until the COVID crises began. Now they are asking what will Hollyhock look like in 2021?
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Tree-planting IN COVID Times
North Island Gazette, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Sweat sticks, clogged with dust. Mosquitoes whine madly. Muscles are knotted, feet burning, a 20-pound sack of tree seedlings rubs a hip with every trudging step, building on a nasty, season-long blister. It’s been nine hours on this mountainside, with every planted tree worth 17 cents.
Step. Dig. Plant. Step. Dig. Plant.
Finally back at the truck, a mask has to be put on a grimy face, and then it’s back with the same three people as yesterday. And the day before. And the 20 days before that. Tomorrow will see it all repeated.
This is tree-planting in the time of COVID-19.
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Campbell River Sportsplex Reopening
Campbell River Mirror, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The City of Campbell River announced that it will be re-opening the Sportsplex weight room with limited access starting June 22. Plans to re-open outdoor fitness classes are also in progress.
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Cortes Island Nurseries ‘Bursting At The Seams’
Local farmers produced 85% of the food consumed on Vancouver Island during the 1950s. While a combination of high costs, low returns and cheap imports has almost squeezed them out of the market, there have long been people concerned about our losing the ability to feed ourselves. COVID 19 reminded everyone that, if distribution lines go down, food security could fast become a crucial issue. The increased emphasis has been good for the local food production sector and Cortes Island nurseries are flourishing.
Continue reading Cortes Island Nurseries ‘Bursting At The Seams’