News:

2024 Comox Airshow celebrates 100th anniversary of the RCAF

After a nine-year hiatus, thousands of visitors gathered at 19 Wing Comox for the 2024 Airshow as Canada celebrates the 100th anniversary of its Royal Canadian Air Force. Spectators of all ages strolled down one of the airbase鈥檚 tarmacs to observe and visit a plethora of static aircraft from the RCAF, RCMP, U.S. military and more. Shortly before 11 a.m., people made their way to the site鈥檚 boundary to witness the first flight of the day: a CF-18 demonstration. Following the fighter jet鈥檚 show of prowess, Search & Rescue (SAR) crews displayed various operations, including rappelling a team member from a Cormorant helicopter and parachuting SAR technicians from a Hercules aircraft.

Neighbours to BC Housing proposal in Courtenay upset about shelter

Neighbours say they are concerned about the city鈥檚 plan to move the Connect Centre to Braidwood Road. 鈥淲e feel the process is going ahead without consulting the neighbourhood,鈥� said Larsen. 鈥淥ur number-one issue is a lack of information.鈥� In a statement to the Record, BC Housing noted that the proposed shelter would include built-in security. The non-profit chosen to run the facility, which has not been decided yet, would be responsible for managing the shelter and the area around the property.

Courtenay Secures $6.8 million for 6th street active transportation bridge

An investment of $6.8 million from all three levels of government is ensuring the construction of an active transportation bridge on 6th Street in Courtenay. The project will be a new four-meter-wide river crossing, and it is part of Canada鈥檚 National Active Transportation Strategy, which aims to create and improve pathways, bike lanes, and pedestrian bridges throughout over the country. The community voiced concerns about the project, but Mayor Bob Wells said it 鈥渨ill also offer an accessible crossing that isn鈥檛 available on the 5th Street Bridge. Accessibility and cycling advocates have supported the concept of an accessible crossing at 6th Street.鈥�

Northern Lights observed by many in Comox Valley

Numerous people flocked Comox鈥檚 Point Holmes to observe the northern lights on the night of May 10. Space Weather Canada said the lights were a product of massive solar flares striking all of Canada. The sun produced strong solar flares, resulting in at least seven outbursts of plasma. Each eruption can contain billions of tons of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun鈥檚 outer atmosphere.

鈥業t鈥檚 getting worse鈥�: Royston resident decries the use of vehicles on beaches

Over the past 25 years, more and more people have been driving and parking on the beach near Royston. Biologists and residents raised concerns, saying that it could affect everything from aquatic plants to mollusks, fish, birds, and mammals, and that driving one鈥檚 vehicle in this sensitive habitat could have a ripple effect on the region鈥檚 broader food web.

Sports:

Tsunami squad retains title in 2024 Comox Valley Snow to Surf relay race

History repeated on Sunday morning (April 28) as Tsunami鈥檚 Ron Williams crossed the finish line and rang the bell, claiming first place and winning the Royal LePage Comox Valley Snow To Surf Adventure Race for the second consecutive year. In this multi-disciplinary adventure race, starting from the top of Mount Washington and finishing its course more than 75 kilometres later at the Comox Marina, Wong explained every year represents a new challenge.

Courtenay鈥檚 outdoor pool celebrates its 75th anniversary

The City of Courtenay celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Courtenay and District Memorial Outdoor Pool at Lewis Park by offering free drop-in public swimming for the 2024 summer pool season.

Comox Valley Kickers make club history by winning 2 provincial rugby titles

The Comox Valley Kickers RFC posted a historic weekend, clinching two championships in two closely contested and hard-fought matches. The women鈥檚 team secured the first of a memorable Cup double with a victory over United RFC, 19-12 while the men鈥檚 team successfully defended their championship title against Chilliwack Crusaders RFC with a score of 24-21.

Cumberland鈥檚 Stokefest celebrates mountain biking culture for a second year

One day, Stokefest co-founder Robin Moffatt and her friends discussed how they could showcase their favourite aspects of the Comox Valley in a festival. Their idea would eventually evolve into a biannual event, drawing attendees from across the Valley and beyond. Inspired by Whistler鈥檚 Crankworx, the women came up with a unique idea: a festival highlighting skiing and snowboarding in the winter and mountain biking in the summer.

Community:

A Journey Like No Other Begins for me

Many cancer survivors describe their experiences as a 鈥渏ourney. Editor Terry Farrell is embarking on a journey of his own. Technically it鈥檚 not his first鈥� but the previous one was nothing more than a day trip. About three years ago, while having an unrelated procedure, the nurse on hand pointed out a growth on his skin and recommended he get it checked out. He followed her advice and it proved to be melanoma. However, the cancer returned. Farrell has been fighting and recovering from this illness since May.