Category Archives: Technology

About Us, Communications

Opening Local News Portal

Cortes Currents launched a local news portal, consisting of links to local news articles from various media outlets throughout our FM radio broacast area. 

This will initially consist of links to articles from: 

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Energy

TMX in the crosshairs on MPs’ first day back in Ottawa

By Natasha Bulowski, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Canadian MPs are back in the capital and kicked off day one by digging into the climate and financial impacts of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion (TMX).

Over five committee meetings in coming weeks, federal ministers, experts and interest groups will testify about TMX’s impact on Canada’s climate targets, how the cost to taxpayers soared, and government plans to sell TMX.

Continue reading TMX in the crosshairs on MPs’ first day back in Ottawa →
Communications

Ester moves on from The Tideline

After 14 years at the helm, Ester Strijbos is moving on from the Tideline. In one of the archived posts, from the fall of 2011, she wrote: 

“Last year June, after careful consideration, Richard Trueman decided to step down from cortesisland.com (Tideline). I took over from Richard in July 2010. Irene Blueth is still Assistant Editor, which means that she takes care of the Tideline when I am away, and also helps make editing decisions.” 

Continue reading Ester moves on from The Tideline →
Transportation

Terminal Upgrade Plan: BC Ferries Consults Cortes Residents

Originally published April 28, 2024

BC Ferries intends to upgrade their Heriot Bay and Whaletown terminals to accommodate new, higher-capacity “Island Class” ferries with the potential for all-electric operation. The construction project, scheduled for 2026, will necessitate closure of these docks and ramps — a serious logistical problem for BCF and for island residents.

On April 27th, 2024, BC Ferries hosted a two-hour open house at Mansons Hall from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, asking for community feedback and suggestions on their early draft plan for this disruptive project. The event was attended by more than 50 Cortes residents over the two-hour period; for those who were unable to attend, the online comment period remains open until May 6th.

Continue reading Terminal Upgrade Plan: BC Ferries Consults Cortes Residents →
Communications

Help Cortes Radio Power the Tower

CKTZ is looking for donors to help power the tower during 2024 and 2025. 

Cortes Currents caught up with Bryan McKinnon, station manager and President of CKTZ, while he was manning the radio’s booth at Lovefest. In addition to the hum of conversation from some of the first people to arrive at the festival, in the background you can hear a sitar and tabla from the opening performance. 

Q: So tell us about the ‘Power The Tower’ campaign?

Bryan McKinnon: “Our broadcast antenna is on a tower, and all that equipment goes back 20 years to when  the radio station was first set up. Back then it was a pirate station where people were really pulling together equipment that was already used and old at the time. What we want to do is make sure that our signal goes as far, wide, and clear as possible. We’re looking to upgrade basically all the equipment around the broadcast tower.” 

Continue reading Help Cortes Radio Power the Tower →