News
No injuries in fire
The Courtenay Fire Department responded to a house fire at 1705 Lewis Ave. in the early morning hours of Friday, March 1.
Deputy Chief George Seigler said a lone occupant escaped uninjured.
鈥淭he call came in at approximately 1:45 a.m.,鈥� said Seigler. 鈥淲e had two engines and our tower respond. Approximately 18 people and four support vehicles. No injuries to report and the owner was able to get out with no injuries as well.
Firefighter camp
The Comox fire station joined forces with School District 71 to pioneer the first firefighter youth camp of its kind, aimed at introducing the region鈥檚 high school students to the world of emergency services.
After a five-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, the fire station welcomed 28 recruits, Grades 10 to 12, for an adrenaline-filled three-day onsite experience from March 15-17.
Scotiabank closes early
The Scotiabank branch in downtown Courtenay closed March 15 after protesters landed on its front door.
The branch on the corner of 5th Street and England Avenue in Courtenay shut down around 1:30 p.m.
A group of protesters had been outside for roughly an hour with a microphone and speaker set up, chanting in support of Palestine including that the bank had blood on its hands for its investments in a company named Elbit Systems.
Landmark anniversary
Landmarks across Canada - and the world - will be illuminated in blue for one day to celebrate the Royal Canadian Air Force鈥檚 centennial.
On April 1, the RCAF will celebrate its official centennial. For a century, the air force and its personnel have defended Canada, its people, allies, and interests.
In celebration of those who have and continue to serve Canada at home and abroad, famous landmarks, city halls, businesses, embassies, and residences across the world will be illuminated in blue on April 1.
Sports
Cats and kegs
Kegs took a crafty turn for cats at the Comox Valley Curling Club in late March, as the Battle of the Breweries Keg Curling raised thousands for a Valley cat organization.
The club raised $2,000 for Cat Advocates Teaching & Saving Society March 22-24 through fundraising activities over the weekend.
As for the Battle of the Breweries champion? That title went to Gladstone Brewing.
Glacier Kings advance
The Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League will have a new champion in 2024, thanks to the Comox Valley Glacier Kings.
The Yetis disposed of the defending champion Oceanside Generals on Saturday night, posting a 2-1 overtime victory, to win the best-of-seven North Division semifinal series, four games to two.
The Glacier Kings will face the Kerry Park Islanders in the North Division championship.
Winning athlete
Comox athlete Emmy Lan has been recognized as one of the best in B.C. in amateur sports.
Sport BC celebrated its 56th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards on March 7 in Vancouver. The event was hosted by CBC鈥檚 Scott Russell and was set to recognize the province鈥檚 best including athletes, coaches, teams, and officials for their performances in 2023.
Among them was Lan, who won the Junior Female Athlete of the Year award.
Marathon year
Hundreds of people from across the Island and beyond laced up their shoes and participated in this year鈥檚 Comox Valley Half Marathon on Sunday morning (March 24).
Race director and runner Rob Kelly was delighted by this year鈥檚 turnout, noting it surpassed his expectations.
鈥淥ur old record for the most runners was 600 participants. Today I think we鈥檙e going to have 800 finishers, so it鈥檚 a big growth,鈥� Kelly said. 鈥�(We received) over a thousand registrations.鈥�
For the past 30 years, this long-standing tradition has been pushing runners to their limits.
