Tag Archives: Jordan Copp

Politics

Staff ‘simply trying to survive this poor environment’ audit reveals

Editor’s note: While the events described in this article were outside of our broadcast area, it clearly show what the role of a CAO is and what can happen if he/she is undermined.

By Jordan Copp, Coast Reporter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The entire 145-page governance audit that identifies dysfunction within Sechelt council, was released publicly Sept. 12. 

While many of the findings and conclusions were revealed in the executive summary from George B. Cuff & Associates Ltd., which was released publicly in late June, the full report provides deeper insight into the factors that influenced the five pages of recommendations made to the mayor, council and senior staff.

Continue reading Staff ‘simply trying to survive this poor environment’ audit reveals →
Housing

Habitat for Humanity completes its Sunshine Coast village after 12 years

Editor’s note: Tackling the housing crisis seems to be almost as important as climate change to communities throughout our listening area. It’s been six years since the Cortes Community Housing Society, then a committee of the Cortes Island Seniors Society, was launched on Cortes Island. They purchased 51 acres in downtown Mansons Landing, to build an affordable housing project that would soon be christened ‘Rainbow Ridge.’ There are still significant challenges to be addressed before it will become a reality, the most significant being funding. The Cortes Housing Society is now exploring other options and recently purchased a parcel of land that has two potential rental houses. Here is another interesting housing model, from some of our neighbours to the south, which has taken even longer to become a reality.

By Jordan Copp, Coast Reporter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A community gathered to celebrate and welcome their newest neighbours last weekend. 

On June 22, Habitat for Humanity hosted a block party on Chestnut Lane in ts’ukw’um (Wilson Creek) where more than 30 residents gathered along with elected representatives and guests. 

As two families move into the new homes, the event also marked the completion of the Sunshine Habitat Village, a 12-year endeavour.

With 16 homes made of six duplexes and a fourplex, the village came at the hands of hundreds of volunteers and donors.

Continue reading Habitat for Humanity completes its Sunshine Coast village after 12 years →
Cost of Climate Change

Sechelt joins Sue Big Oil campaign

By Jordan Copp, Coast Reporter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The District of Sechelt will support the Sue Big Oil campaign in its filing of a class action lawsuit against global fossil fuel companies.

The decision commits $1 per resident (Sechelt has about 12,000 people) as a contribution to the campaign.

Dawn Allen, Sue Big Oil Sunshine Coast organizer, spoke at the June 12 Committee of the Whole asking for the district’s support. 

Continue reading Sechelt joins Sue Big Oil campaign →
Weather

Bring on the snow! Dakota Ridge reopens March 2

Editor’s note: While the recent snowfall is welcome, snowpacks are still way below normal. As of March 1, the BC Government snow report states the snowpack was only increased to 69% of median (from 64% on Feb 15). The most significant gains (11%) were on Vancouver Island. Dakota Ridge is southeast of Cortes on the Sunshine Coast. While Cortes Island’s aquifers are not dependent on mountain fed streams, we tend to be drier than surrounding areas and have been in the midst of recent droughts.

By Jordan Copp, Coast Reporter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Sunshine Coast residents have another chance to enjoy some winter recreation such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. 

With a favourable forecast on the horizon, Dakota Ridge recreational area is once again open to the public. 

Continue reading Bring on the snow! Dakota Ridge reopens March 2 →
Weather

Sunshine Coast Weathers Atmospheric Rivers

Editor’s note: Cortes Island tends to be a bit drier than the Sunshine Coast. Data from the Cortes Island School weather station shows that 62.4 mm fell between January 26 and February 1. That is 8.5 mm less than what the following article states fell in Sechelt.

According to the Snow Conditions Commentary, on the BC Government website, “Beginning on January 26th, a series of storms impacted the province, primarily impacting Vancouver Island and the South Coast. Many of the storms were classified as atmospheric rivers sourced from tropical regions. The result was very heavy rainfall through much of the coast with temperatures at or near record high temperatures during the period of January 26 to February 1st.”

The closure of Dakota Ridge, due to a unseasonably low snowpack, is troubling. This is not an isolated incident and may lead to low streamflow during the summer. Mount Cain is closed until further notice. A post on their website states, ‘We do not have enough snow to safely operate. We need a big dump to get back up and running, like 50cm at least.” The slopes at Mount Washington have been closed ‘for the last couple of days’ but are scheduled to reopen today.

By Jordan Copp, Coast Reporter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A series of atmospheric rivers had heavy rain and wind battering B.C.’s South Coast region this week. 

Continue reading Sunshine Coast Weathers Atmospheric Rivers →