Art and music Pulse in heart of Downtown Courtenay this Friday

Update 26/09/2025: the final Pulse on the Plaza event has been cancelled due to forecasted high wind posing a safety hazard.

Waitlists & reduced services: VIU students & BCFS call on Province to restore funding

Students at Vancouver Island University are tired of seeing programs and services at VIU get cut, and now they are calling on the provincial government to make a change.

Lauryn MackenzieSeptember 19, 2025Nanaimo, VIU, Vancouver Island University, BCFS, VIUSU, Education, Deficit

Youth Climate Corps recap first summer in Courtenay

This summer the Youth Climate Corps of BC expanded to Courtenay, employing a small team of young climate action workers, and collaborating with local organizations.

Harm reduction education highlighted to keep students safe at Vancouver Island University

As many new and returning students are settling into campus life at Vancouver Island University, students through the campus health and wellness centre want to educate students to make sure they know the impacts of the ongoing toxic drug crisis.

Robbie Thompson looks ahead to annual Slo-Pitch Tournament

This weekend the annual Robbie Thompson Slo-Pitch Tournament will go to bat, raising money for the Cancer Care Unit at the Comox Valley Hospital. This year’s fundraiser has a special focus on honouring late founder Jim Lalic, and the legacy he created within the community.

NewsHeather WatsonSeptember 11, 2025Comox Valley, Robbie Thompson, slo-pitch, cancer, charity, fundraiser, sport

Cumberland conk could become world’s first Official Village Fungus

Local historian Dawn Copeman has proposed the Village of Cumberland become the first municipality in the world to name an Official Village Fungus.

NewsHeather WatsonSeptember 10, 2025Comox Valley, official village fungus, Fungus Fest, Cumberland, Dawn Copeman, fungi

Die-in demands attention to overdose deaths

Sunday August 31st was International Overdose Awareness Day, and communities across Vancouver Island gathered on Friday August 29th to honour the day. The Village Clinic in Courtenay hosted an event at the Comox Valley Art Gallery, including a “die-in.”

International Overdose Awareness Day recognized during march through Downtown Nanaimo

Concerned citizens took to the streets on August 29 to bring awareness to unregulated drug deaths in Nanaimo.

New High Acuity Unit opens at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for patients with complex care needs

The Nanaimo Regional General Hospital is set to open its newest unit for patients with complex, high-care needs in the central Vancouver Island area.

Buy Canadian draws more shoppers to local farmers' market

When threats of a trade war between Canada and the United States at the beginning of this year started to grow, a lot of Canadians stopped and took a closer look at where their produce was coming from.

Lauryn MackenzieAugust 19, 2025Nanaimo, Tod Maffin, Farmer's Market, produce, buy local, buy canadain, fruits

BC SPCA warns of wildfire smoke affecting pets

Air quality warnings continue for several regions in the central Vancouver Island area due to the nearby wildfires. The BC SPCA is warning pet owners to keep their pets inside during smoky conditions.

Lauryn MackenzieAugust 15, 2025Nanaimo, Wildfire, Smoke, Wildfire smokw, pets, animals, cats, dogs

Family music camp strikes a new chord in the Comox Valley

Jam Camp, a musical summer camp for families across B.C., is coming to Vancouver Island for the first time this August and will be taking place at Camp Gilwell just outside Courtenay.

NewsHeather WatsonAugust 8, 2025Comox Valley, camping, community, culture, family, music, outdoors, summer

Fresh Start back-to-school event in great need of backpacks for children

As the need for more school backpacks grows, Fresh Start’s charity drive is figuring out what to do as they see a lack of donations compared to previous years.

Lauryn MackenzieAugust 7, 2025Nanaimo, Poverty, Fresh start, chilhood ooverty, back to school, backpacks

United Way BC opens fund for those affected by Wesley Ridge fire

As the Wesley Ridge fire continues to burn in the Cameron Lake area, United Way BC has opened its wildfire fund to help those affected by the fire.

Lauryn MackenzieAugust 7, 2025Nanaimo, Wildfire, BC Wildfire Service, Wesley Ridge, Wesley Ridge fire

Comox Valley doctor and town councillor talks platform in race for BC Greens leadership

The BC Green Party leadership race is on, and Comox Valley’s own Jonathan Kerr is one of three candidates running. Kerr is a local family doctor, Vice-Chair of the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), and is serving his second term as a councillor in the Town of Comox.