By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Port Alberni, BC – On Tuesday, Nov. 29, Gina Amos, Wally Samuel, George Frank, and Ed Ross met with Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions. They came together for the signing of the deed to the former Cedarwood Elementary School, where they plan to build an affordable housing complex for Ahousaht members living in Port Alberni.
Continue reading Citaapi Mahtii signs the deed for affordable housing development
As Currents recently reported, homelessness is not just “an American thing,” or “a big-city thing,” or even “a Vancouver Island thing.” Homelessness is also here on Cortes, where a recent survey found that about 50 people rated their housing situation as “unstable,” and 11 were living rough (with no permanent shelter, in tents or other makeshift accommodation).
Although “housing” might sound like a single issue, it has has knock-on effects throughout our community.
Continue reading A New Approach to Homelessness: Housing FirstBy Melissa Renwick, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
As the heat of the summer extends into October there has been a prolonged forest fire season. As of Oct. 18, the province has 201 active fires with six having started in the previous two days.
Though two of the four fires in the Port Alberni area are no longer burning, four in Strathcona, and four between Gold River and Zeballos remain.
Continue reading Wildfires affect air quality, impacting schools on Vancouver Island
By Melissa Renwick, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the next phase of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan on July 19. It comes with a commitment to add $2 billion over nine years.
This builds on the $1.5 billion that’s been directed towards the program, which was launched in 2016.
Established to strengthen the protection of Canada’s coasts and wildlife, the Oceans Protection Plan is being labelled as a “Canadian success story” by the prime minister’s office (PMO).
Continue reading Canada invests more in oceans protection, but measures fail to salvage sinking fishing boat
One of the winners in NexStream 3.0 comes from Cortes Island.
The Gathering Place was awarded $10,000 “for running an exceptionally community-minded business, that never compromises ethics for gain. Their ethically imported spices and regionally grown herbs are of exceptional quality. They are the epitome of what a local business can be.”
Continue reading The Gathering Place: Cortes Island winner in NexStream 3.0
