News
BC Hydro workers kept busy in the Comox Valley on Christmas Day due to storm
While some may have been dreaming of a white Christmas, many more experienced a black Christmas, due to power outages caused by the Dec. 25 storm.
According to BC Hydro community relations manager Ted Olynyk, at its peak, approximately 7,000 customers in the Comox Valley experienced power outages.鈥淭hat happened at 8 p.m. on Christmas Day and it really kicked in unfortunately, right at dinner time,鈥� said Olynyk. 鈥淚t went from just a couple hundred outages to over 5,000, at around 5 p.m.鈥�
台湾MM裸聊室 97 per cent of all power had been restored by 2 p.m. on Boxing Day.
Raymond Henault was appointed to the Order of Canada
A Comox Valley man has been inducted into the Order of Canada following a decorated career in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Courtenay resident Raymond Henault鈥檚 appointment was announced on Thursday, Dec. 28, and was nominated for his work in the Canadian military, which included four years as Chief of the Defence staff (CODS) and three years as chairman of the NATO military committee.
Property values down
Home values have dropped in Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland, according to data from BC Assessment.
Data released on Jan. 2 shows the typical single-family home has decreased in value compared to last year.
Heart of the community
The Comox Valley Social Planning Society and regional accessibility committee selected Ramona Johnson as the recipient of its 2023 Bunny Shannon 鈥楬eart of the Community Award.鈥�
Whether as a mentor for Indigenous youth, promoting inclusion or supporting events like Walking with Our Sisters or Coldest Night of the Year, Komoks First Nation citizen Ramona Johnson, a longtime community activist, has consistently worked for an inclusive, diverse, caring community the Comox Valley and beyond.
New bylaw
The City of Courtenay is updating bylaws that govern parks and open spaces. Council passed first and second reading for a bylaw to address trends, emerging challenges and needs of the population when it comes to the use of parks and open spaces in Courtenay.
The bylaw has a section on substance abuse, that bans consumption of liquor, cannabis, smoking, e-cigarettes, and illicit drugs unless the illicit drugs are consumed in compliance with the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
It also includes a section to allow the city to regulate the use of temporary shelving within parks and open spaces.
Open for business
Lake Trail Thrift Store will stay open thanks to community support.
On Jan. 18, store owner Mathew Townsend posted a call for financial help. Within 10 hours, his store received enough support that it would survive another month.
Business
Habitat donation
台湾MM裸聊室 Community Credit Union gave Vancouver Island Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North a much-appreciated Christmas present in the form of a six-digit donation. The Vancouver Island corporation cut a $100,000 cheque to the local non-profit, which helps families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership.
Trio wins award
A group of Comox Valley occupational therapists have been recognized for their innovative work with dementia patients. Allison Ritchie, Laurel Steed and Kyle Hillman have received a Health Quality BC Award for bringing cognitive stimulation therapy to the community.
New colonies
Three new populations of Vancouver Island marmot have been identified by researchers - an encouraging development for a species on the brink of extinction.
The two colonies were found in Strathcona Park, where recovery has been a struggle.
Arts
New year, new Courtenay home for the Georgia Straight Jazz Society
The Georgia Straight Jazz Society enters the 2024 Thursday Night Jazz season with the exciting news that its regular venue has moved to the High Tide at 268 Fifth Street, Courtenay.
It marks the return of its weekly concerts to a pub setting with great sight lines and permanently installed sound and lighting equipment.
Lucinda Williams set to perform at MusicFest
Three-time Grammy Award winner Lucinda Williams is set to headline Vancouver Island MusicFest.
Williams has won three Grammy Awards, from 17 nominations, and received two American Awards from 12 nominations.
Sports
Comox Valley groups collaborate
Numerous Comox Valley sports and fitness groups, and individuals, recently collaborated to help out some baseball enthusiasts in Cuba.
Local Zumba instructor Gloria Grieve and 10 other Zumba participants and friends recently returned from a two-week trip to Cuba. Having visited Cuba previously, many of the ladies knew of the need in Cuba for humanitarian aid supplies and other necessities that the Cuban people do not have access to for many complicated reasons.
Prior to the trip, the Comox Golf Club Ladies Club collected donations from club members who generously donated everything from shoes to clothing, medicines and hygiene items, school supplies, children鈥檚 toys, baseball gloves and so much more.
Then some local baseball connections pitched in. Thanks to Jason Penner and Scott Buchanan from Comox Valley Minor Baseball Jets, two full sets of kids鈥� jerseys were donated along with 36 brand new Comox Valley Baseball hats. The Komox Masters Baseball men鈥檚 league also donated 36 brand-new baseballs.
Hockey bronze
Courtenay hockey sensation Morgan Jackson has returned to Vancouver Island with a bronze medal from the 2024 IIHF World Women鈥檚 U18 Championship. Canada earned third place after defeating Finland 8-1 in the bronze medal game.
