Contrary to what a lot of people believe, Mark Vonesch is not yet the Regional Director for Cortes Island. That will happen on November 9, when he and the other Directors are all sworn in at the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) building in Campbell River. In today’s interview Vonesch talks about some of the preparations, the first things he hopes to accomplish as our Director and his new Alternate Director.
Continue reading Becoming Cortes Island’s Regional Director, first steps
By Aaron Hemens, The Discourse, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Following a water ceremony at the shore of kɬúsx̌nítkʷ (Okanagan Lake), a syilx Elder and knowledge keeper calls for more action to be taken when it comes to addressing pollution and illegal dumpings across the region.
Continue reading ‘Action is better than words’: syilx Elder calls for better protection of water and land
By Greg Osoba, CKTZ News, through an LJI grant from Canada-info.ca
A garbage removal service at a Cortes Island dock is being suspended after this summer season due to boaters failing to follow conditions, rising costs and more.
It’s been challenging for the Harbour Authority of Cortes Island to keep up with waste removal from the five government docks it operates, manager Jenny Hartwick told CKTZ earlier this summer.
Continue reading Boat garbage removal service at local government dock ending
Changes are coming to curbside garbage pick-up on Cortes Island.
The charge to the island’s 692 units will be rising 50 cents from $97.75, currently, to $99.25 as of April 1, 2025.
There are also some changes to the contract.
Continue reading Changes to Cortes Island’s curbside garbage pick-up
Recently the Harbour Authority of Cortes Island (HACI) decided to stop offering garbage disposal services on our docks. This news sparked a flurry of discussion on Cortes Island Facebook groups. Some people were upset at the HACI decision, while others supported it. Most people agreed that there is a “garbage problem” on our docks, but opinions varied about who is to blame and what should be done.
On Saturday, May 21st I visited the Gorge Harbour Government Dock to interview Billie Fleming, who has worked for HACI as a garbage collector. Billie is now offering her own garbage pickup service at the Gorge Harbour public dock from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Wednesday through Saturday.
Continue reading Garbage is an Issue on Cortes Island Docks
