Tag Archives: Quadra Island

Finances, Tourism

Tourism pretty dire for Local Kayak Operators

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National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

This summer season was short, and perhaps sweet enough so some of B.C.’s tourism operators were able to weather the pandemic‘s negative impacts.

Campgrounds, parks, restaurants and a range of tourism services reaped some measure of reward from B.C. residents exploring their backyards and following the government’s staycation directive.

But kayaking expedition operators certainly weren’t buoyed by a wave of local vacationers, said Rick Snowdon, owner of Spirit of the West Adventures based on Quadra Island.

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Transportation

Upgrading Hoskyn Channel Dock: A photo essay

Originally published in Surge Currents, August 2020

By Ginny Vassal, Read Island

The occasional grounding of the Hoskyn Channel dock became much more pronounced in September 2018. The stream at the base of the ribbons re-routed itself towards the dock following heavy rains; the up-stream clear-cutting most likely caused the concentrated run-off that moved large rocks and cut a deep channel with stream sediment running directly towards the dock.

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Arts

Marnie’s Books – Small Bookstore with big draw on Cortes Island

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Folks from far-flung places land on Cortes Island every summer to swim the lakes, paddle the seas and explore the forests.

Yet a top destination in this B.C. outdoor adventure paradise is a tiny independent bookstore called Marnie’s Books. The red, cottage-like bookstore punctuated by an aquamarine door is a hive of activity whenever it’s open.

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Community

Judy Hagen Lifeline Volunteer Achievement Award

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Quadra Island resident Judy Hagen is getting kudos from the B.C. government for 30-plus years of dedicated work aimed at keeping her community safe.

The 75-year-old volunteer extraordinaire says the formula for that kind of commitment is quite simple.

“My secret? Well, I think probably the biggest thing is a real genuine like for people,” Hagen said. “And, of course, wanting to help.”

Hagen received the Lifeline Volunteer Achievement Award from B.C.’s Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth on Wednesday in recognition of her exceptional contributions to emergency and disaster response.

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