Tag Archives: Madeline Dunnett

Environment

Hot topic: Residents concerned about impact of wood stove smoke on health, environment

Editor’s note: While this story comes from the Comox Valley, the subject matter is of definite interest to Cortes and the other Discovery Islands. For most of our recorded history, wood fires have been the #1 heating choice on Cortes Island. A significant number of residents have switched to electric, heat pumps, or solar panels in the past few years. According to the Strathcona Regional District Engagement Summary Report, “In Electoral Areas A, B (Cortes), and C (primarily Quadra and the Outer Islands), about 50% used wood heat and 40% used electric with the remaining 10% using an alternative.“

By Madeline Dunnett, The Discourse,  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Community members in the Comox Valley are calling for more education, awareness and tightened regulations related to wood-burning stove use in the region.

Continue reading Hot topic: Residents concerned about impact of wood stove smoke on health, environment →
Environment

Deep Water Recovery executives say shipbreaking operations aren’t polluting Union Bay

By Madeline Dunnett, The Discourse,  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On a stormy day at the end of September, the vessels at Deep Water Recovery’s site in Union Bay were being pummelled with rain. Robert Bohn Senior, one of the company owners, and operations manager Mark Jurisich were clad in high-visibility clothing and gumboots.

The two men were leading myself and The Discourse Nanaimo reporter, Mick Sweetman, on a tour of the property. It was the first time The Discourse was offered a visit to the site, though we have been reporting on the shipbreaking situation in Union Bay since October 2023.

Continue reading Deep Water Recovery executives say shipbreaking operations aren’t polluting Union Bay →
Food

Check out these Comox Valley food trucks

Editor’s note: Food trucks are becoming increasingly popular. For business owners, they provider a low cost point of entry into the food market. This sometimes translates into lower prices and heftier portions for customers. Last year the city of Campbell River amended its bylaws to allow food trucks at six designated locations.

The most recent entry to this sector on Cortes is ‘Canadian, Eh!’ which offers ‘homemade’ fast foods in Squirrel Cove. There is also the Burger Barn in Mansons Landing, the Klahoose Food Truck at the Gorge Harbour Marina. In addition to provisioning some of the local stores, the Sunflower Food Truck is at the Mansons Friday Market, events like Cortes Day and the Whaletown ferry terminal.  

By Madeline Dunnett, The Discourse,  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Food trucks have been popping up throughout the Comox Valley over the last decade, and it can be hard to keep updated with all the offerings here. Are you looking for something vegan and environmentally friendly? A new international food you haven’t tried yet? Something classic like a burger and fries? Ice cream? Luckily, the Comox Valley has all these options — if you can keep track of these little restaurants on the go, that is!

Continue reading Check out these Comox Valley food trucks →
Indigenous Nations History

Centuries-old Pentlatch fish trap panel connects K’ómoks, Qualicum people to their ancestors

Editor’s note: Fish traps like this would also have been used by other Ayajuthem speaking peoples (The Klahoose, Homalco and First Nations) who have a shared ancestry with the K’ómoks First Nation. These are the most northern Coast Salish Nations.

By Madeline Dunnett, The Discourse,  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As a child, Pamela Mitchell recalls her father telling her about the ancient fish traps on the shoreline of K’ómoks territory, near her home.

As she learned about the traps, which were used over generations by her ancestors, and their corresponding posts sticking out of the water, she recalls her dad telling her, “don’t touch! They are very old!”

Continue reading Centuries-old Pentlatch fish trap panel connects K’ómoks, Qualicum people to their ancestors →
Forests, History, Indigenous Nations History

Comox Valley Land Trust seeks to raise $2.4M to protect trees in Puntledge Forest

By Madeline Dunnett, The Discourse,  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On a crisp morning in early October 2023, Tim Ennis, executive director of Comox Valley Land Trust (CVLT) trekked through the trails of Nymph Falls Nature Park and explained that CVLT was working on a complex purchase of forest on a chunk of BC Hydro land in Nymph Falls, and a possible other section in the Puntledge River Recreation Trails area. 

“The property that we’re walking onto here is owned by BC Hydro … and the timber on the property — the trees — they’re owned separately,” he said.

The lands themselves are part of the traditional unceded territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, who are descendants of the Sathloot, Sasitla, Ieeksen, Xa’xe and Pentlatch. Many surrounding areas get their namesake from the Éy7á7juuthem, Kwak̓wala, and Pəntl’áč languages — including the Puntledge River itself, which stems from the word Pəntl’áč (Pentlatch). 

Continue reading Comox Valley Land Trust seeks to raise $2.4M to protect trees in Puntledge Forest →