Tag Archives: Whaletown

Waste

Garbage is an Issue on Cortes Island Docks

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.

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Forests

On Cortes Island, it’s all songs and warm vibes until the logging begins

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Cortes Islanders smiling, singing, and snacking outside the Gorge Harbour clapboard community hall might have been gathered for a spring picnic — if it weren’t for the sizable collection of anti-logging protest signs pitched across the lawn. 

Any collective cheer quickly dissipated and anger bubbled up in the crowd on Tuesday afternoon when Mosaic Forest Management representatives began to outline draft plans for logging operations on the small B.C. island over the next three years

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Rivers & Oceans, Transportation

Recreational Vessels need to register in advance for long term moorage

Recreational vessels are no longer permitted to moor at Cortes Island’s government docks for extended periods without prior approval from the Harbour Authority of Cortes Island (HACI).

“Just to clarify, it’s recreational vessels that are looking for a month, three months or six months long-term moorage,” said Harbour Manager Jenny Hartwick  

Boats can still ‘sneak in’ and use docks overnight, at places like Squirrel Cove, providing there is room for them.

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Justice

RCMP reports from Cortes and Quadra during the week ending Sunday April 24

There was one Cortes and four Quadra Island reports in this week’s email from the Quadra RCMP detachment. 

None of these involved an arrest, fine or any police action beyond a warning. In one case, a group of youth were commended as ‘good citizens.’   

Continue reading RCMP reports from Cortes and Quadra during the week ending Sunday April 24 →
Environment

Bruce Harrison receives Jo Anne Green Environmental Award

This January, at the Friends of Cortes Island Annual General Meeting, Bruce Harrison was awarded the Jo Anne Green Environmental Award. The Jo Anne Green award is an honour for leadership in community-based environmental awareness, protection and restoration. Jo Anne Green was a founder of the Friends of Cortes Island (FOCI) and an inspiration for many on Cortes to care for this place and imagine a reciprocal relationship with our ecosystems.

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