Comox Valley

People hold a banner during a march to remember those who died during the overdose crisis and to call for a safe supply of illicit drugs on International Overdose Awareness Day, in Vancouver, on Tuesday, August 31, 2021. Health Canada has approved B.C.’s request to decriminalize small possessions of illicit drugs. Beginning on Jan. 31, 2023, British Columbians 18 and older will be allowed to carry up to 2.5 grams of street drugs on them, which can include opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine or MDMA. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Vancouver Island safe supply proponent says B.C. decriminalization of street drugs a ‘flawed step’

‘Unfortunately in this situation, the middle ground means people will die.’

People hold a banner during a march to remember those who died during the overdose crisis and to call for a safe supply of illicit drugs on International Overdose Awareness Day, in Vancouver, on Tuesday, August 31, 2021. Health Canada has approved B.C.’s request to decriminalize small possessions of illicit drugs. Beginning on Jan. 31, 2023, British Columbians 18 and older will be allowed to carry up to 2.5 grams of street drugs on them, which can include opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine or MDMA. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Ken Dickinson, 60, won two gold medals at the Vancouver Naturals bodybuilding competition. Photo supplied

Vancouver Island bodybuilder wins two golds at 60 in his competitive debut

Comox Valley man his first bodybuilding competition, Vancouver Naturals

Ken Dickinson, 60, won two gold medals at the Vancouver Naturals bodybuilding competition. Photo supplied
A logging truck lost its load on top of a pickup truck Tuesday (May 24) afternoon in the Comox Valley on the on-ramp to Highway 19. Photo by Pamela Tessmann

Lake Cowichan man dead following collision with logging truck in Comox Valley

The incident happened on the northbound on-ramp to Highway 19 off the Comox Valley Parkway

A logging truck lost its load on top of a pickup truck Tuesday (May 24) afternoon in the Comox Valley on the on-ramp to Highway 19. Photo by Pamela Tessmann
Reports indicate a logging truck lost its load on top of a pickup truck Tuesday (May 24) afternoon in the Comox Valley on the on-ramp to Highway 19. Photo by Pamela Tessmann

Serious Comox Valley crash involving logging truck closes Highway 19 ramp

Reports indicate the logging truck lost its load on top of a truck

  • May 24, 2022
Reports indicate a logging truck lost its load on top of a pickup truck Tuesday (May 24) afternoon in the Comox Valley on the on-ramp to Highway 19. Photo by Pamela Tessmann
Jan Smith (right) leads by doing with energy and enthusiasm, supporting other volunteers in our education work, restoration of native plants on the property and managing our growing organization. Here she is leading a group tour at the facility. The facility is closed to the public until further notice, due to the discovery of avian flu in the Comox Valley.

Vancouver Island bird rescue centre closes public access to protect against avian flu

Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society Visitor Centre closes to protect against avian flu

  • May 17, 2022
Jan Smith (right) leads by doing with energy and enthusiasm, supporting other volunteers in our education work, restoration of native plants on the property and managing our growing organization. Here she is leading a group tour at the facility. The facility is closed to the public until further notice, due to the discovery of avian flu in the Comox Valley.
Vancouver Island MusicFest is putting the call out for food vendors for the July 8-10 festival. ADOBE STOCK IMAGE

Vancouver Island MusicFest putting out the call for food vendors

Vancouver Island MusicFest executive producer Doug Cox is dealing with an unexpected…

Vancouver Island MusicFest is putting the call out for food vendors for the July 8-10 festival. ADOBE STOCK IMAGE
Avian flu has been detected in the Comox Valley. (Black Press file)

Vancouver Island egg producer taking measures against avian flu

Cat and Crow Farm owners warned of H5N1 in the area

Avian flu has been detected in the Comox Valley. (Black Press file)
The Saratoga Speedway 2022 racing season kicked off Saturday, April 30. Photo by Doug Waller

Hornets create a buzz at Saratoga Speedway for 2022 season opener

By Pat Monsigneur Special to Black Press Saratoga Motorsports Park kicked-off the…

The Saratoga Speedway 2022 racing season kicked off Saturday, April 30. Photo by Doug Waller
File photo of Courtenay library.

Vancouver Island Regional Library board approves ratified contract

Four-year deal for Vancouver Island librarians contains 3% wage hikes

  • Apr 24, 2022
File photo of Courtenay library.
The Run Wild, Avery Cardinal (left) and Tyson Geick, released their first single, “Don’t Need It” on major digital download platforms. Photo supplied

New Vancouver Island country band’s first release taking off online

The Run Wild emerge from pandemic-fueled musical quiet

The Run Wild, Avery Cardinal (left) and Tyson Geick, released their first single, “Don’t Need It” on major digital download platforms. Photo supplied
Laura Jayne’s work, “SHE,” has been unveiled as the Vancouver Island MusicFest’s official poster for the 2022 event.

Island artist Laura Jayne designs 2022 Vancouver Island MusicFest poster

With the return of its live festival this July, Vancouver Island MusicFest…

Laura Jayne’s work, “SHE,” has been unveiled as the Vancouver Island MusicFest’s official poster for the 2022 event.
Sean Hayes completes a 560 kg (1,235 lb) lift, breaking the previous World Record of 550 kg (1,213 lb) set in 2020. Photo supplied

B.C. strongman sets new world deadlift record at Surrey competition

Sean Hayes lifts 1,235 pounds at the King/Queen of the Throne competition

Sean Hayes completes a 560 kg (1,235 lb) lift, breaking the previous World Record of 550 kg (1,213 lb) set in 2020. Photo supplied
Comox Valley RCMP are looking to identify this couple that who allegedly worked together to steal over $400 worth of merchandise from a local business. Photo via Twitter

Comox Valley RCMP seeking to identify shoplifters

The Comox Valley RCMP is asking for assistance to identify two people…

  • Apr 11, 2022
Comox Valley RCMP are looking to identify this couple that who allegedly worked together to steal over $400 worth of merchandise from a local business. Photo via Twitter
A car is forced to pull over to the side of the highway in order to avoid a head-on collision with a truck on Highway 19A Wednesday afternoon.

VIDEO: Dashcam footage shows unplated truck driving recklessly on Vancouver Island highway

Incident occurred Wednesday, April 6

A car is forced to pull over to the side of the highway in order to avoid a head-on collision with a truck on Highway 19A Wednesday afternoon.
An otter got stuck in a pool at an oceanside property in the Comox Valley recently. The property’s tenants got creative to help the otter escape. Photo by Dawn Damilda

VIDEO: Family vacationing on Vancouver Island helps otter escape from drained pool

Family reunions are always memorable occasions - some, more than others. Theo…

An otter got stuck in a pool at an oceanside property in the Comox Valley recently. The property’s tenants got creative to help the otter escape. Photo by Dawn Damilda
Carly Ram (right) came home from the 2022 Canadian Cross Country Ski Championships as the national champion in the 3.3km skate and 10 km skate races. Here she is with teammate Anna Chatterton, of Campbell River. They placed 4th in the Challenge Team Sprint A relay - Under 18. Photo by Wendy Johnstone

Island cross country skier brings home two golds from Canadian championships

Strathcona Nordic Ski Club shines at nationals; Carly Ram reached top of podium twice

Carly Ram (right) came home from the 2022 Canadian Cross Country Ski Championships as the national champion in the 3.3km skate and 10 km skate races. Here she is with teammate Anna Chatterton, of Campbell River. They placed 4th in the Challenge Team Sprint A relay - Under 18. Photo by Wendy Johnstone
John Carswell has just published his first fiction novel, “The Big One.” Photo supplied

Vancouver Island author’s first novel has a broad target audience

‘The Big One’ will have mass appeal to Islanders, adventurists, and others

John Carswell has just published his first fiction novel, “The Big One.” Photo supplied
Mahasen Salim, Mubarak Salim, Adem Salim Idris, and Munir Mahmoud met Farej Saleh (middle) at the Nanaimo Airport on Feb. 21.

Eritrean refugee arrives in the Comox Valley

Comox Valley Friends of Refugees sponsors fifth applicant

Mahasen Salim, Mubarak Salim, Adem Salim Idris, and Munir Mahmoud met Farej Saleh (middle) at the Nanaimo Airport on Feb. 21.
Ken Dimond and his grandson, Eric Staal, share a moment during Ken’s 105th birthday party. Photo by Terry Farrell

The secret to a long life? “Wake up every morning!,” says B.C. man on 105th birthday

Ken Dimond celebrates 105th birthday in Courtenay with friends and family

Ken Dimond and his grandson, Eric Staal, share a moment during Ken’s 105th birthday party. Photo by Terry Farrell
Cecile Doo Kingue, from Montreal, will be playing guitar along with singing. Photo supplied

All-star blues women to headline Vancouver Island MusicFest on first night

Shakura S’Aida is bringing many friends to the Comox Valley to sing and play the blues

Cecile Doo Kingue, from Montreal, will be playing guitar along with singing. Photo supplied