Tag Archives: Dave Ives

Health

The paramedic situation on Cortes and Quadra Islands

There have been numerous reports of BC ambulances being understaffed recently. According to Prince Rupert Northern View, the Bella Coola ambulance was only in service for 52% of July. Quadra Island volunteer firefighter Marc Doll recently informed Cortes Currents there are times when no paramedics are available on Quadra and ‘any firefighter that currently has a class four license is basically being put on standby because they no longer have the ability to have two people scheduled to keep the ambulance going.’ After receiving a couple of anonymous tips on Cortes Island, Cortes Currents asked BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) for an update on the local situation. 

Continue reading The paramedic situation on Cortes and Quadra Islands →
Disaster

Cortes Island Volunteer Fire Department recruits will soon receive additional training for responding to medical emergencies

By Greg Osoba, CKTZ News, through an LJI grant from Canada-info.ca

Cortes Island has 1,000 year-round residents with a summer population that increases threefold and is served by a volunteer fire department.

Dave Ives took over as chief in July and says that, due to conditions during the pandemic and attrition, ranks of the Cortes Island Volunteer Fire Department have dwindled. He says his top priority is to recruit new members: he’d like to see 24 adults sign up, but realizes that’s ambitious and hopes at least a dozen enlist.

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Disaster, Parks

 SRD approves funding for Kw’as Park bridge and Cortes Fire truck

How our local government works

Two Cortes Island expenditures were approved without any opposition at the May 25 Strathcona Regional District Board meeting. 

A staff report described the footbridge in Kw’as Park as ‘nearing the end of its useful life’ and ‘a safety hazard.’ It has been 27 years since volunteers built the 22 foot arched cedar ‘bridge’ over the creek connecting Hague and Gunflint lakes. The $67,000 needed to replace it (and presumably some related infrastructure) will come from the provincial gas tax.

Continue reading  SRD approves funding for Kw’as Park bridge and Cortes Fire truck →