Transition ambitions
By Patrick Wilson It’s 2020 and society is facing the reality of climate change. The effects can be felt daily around the world, including on Vancouver Island. Rising sea levels, heat waves, and other abnormal weather patterns are predicted by the B.C. government to continue. The outcomes feel closer than the 2050 date given. In […]
When Trees Tell Stories
By Sheena Robinson Photo top: seawolfadventures.ca Walking through the forests of Vancouver Island, it’s easy to become entranced by the density and beauty of the tall trees towering above you. Douglas Fir, Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlock, and Western Red Cedar are the most common coniferous giants here. They are a big part of what makes […]
Treasures Above the Tide Line
By Rose Willow The spectacular beaches in the Parksville, BC area entice strollers and beachcombers with an array of driftwood, rocks, shells, sand, and seaweed. You’re not supposed to remove any of these items, so that others may enjoy the natural environment of the beaches, undisturbed, as well. However, if you find a small glass […]
Watchguards in the Walbran
By Rob Wilson “RESCIND 4424!” reads a hand-painted banner adorning the plywood wall of the camp’s kitchen and main shelter. It’s a crudely constructed building made of 2x4s, tarps, and ropes, standing a few metres from the Walbran River bridge. Inside are cluttered tables and counters piled with power tools, a 3,000 Watt power inverter, pots and […]
Living Small, Thinking Big
By Jessie Zhang In 1999, Jay Shafer, an American house designer, and owner of a 96 sq. foot home, published his first article on the merits of simple, compact living. Since then, the tiny home movement has spread throughout North America. Kate Beddows and Nico Rhodes are two of its Vancouver Island proponents. Video produced […]
The Raven and the Oysters
By Louis Stevenson The controversial Raven Coal Project began its life in the Comox Valley in 2009, when the Compliance Coal Corporation applied to the BC government for an Environment Assessment Certificate. Public meetings were held and lines drawn in the sand; specifically the sand on the beach of Baynes Sound where half of the […]
“They may put the aquaculture industry in Baynes Sound right out of business.”
To the Introduction: The Raven and the Oysters: Mathew Wright is the Marketing and Communications Manager for the BC Shellfish Growers Association. LOUIS: How many or what percentage of the oyster growers in the Baynes Sound area does your organization, the British Columbia Shellfish Growers Association, represent? MATHEW: Sixty per cent. LOUIS: How many full […]
“The water treatment will assure that the quality of this water will protect the shellfish.”
To the Introduction: The Raven and the Oysters: John Tapics is the CEO of Compliance Energy Corporation which has a 60% interest in the Raven Coal Project. The remaining 40% interest is owned by I-Comox Coal Inc. which is a subsidiary of Iotochu Corporation of Japan and by L.G. Investments Canada Limited which is a […]
My cob is my castle
By Meagan Dyer Out with the old, in with the alternative. That’s the sentiment of many Vancouver Islanders who have opted to build out-of-the-ordinary homes that suit their lifestyles and values. Alternative housing projects are growing in popularity across the West Coast. In an era of soaring real estate costs, exorbitant energy prices, and environmentally-conscious home […]