Cumberland homeowners might not be digging as deep this year to pay the taxman. On Monday, council gave first reading to a 2011-2015 financial plan bylaw that calls for an approximate 3.8-per-cent tax increase for the average single family household — a roughly 4.2-per-cent decrease from last year, pending school and police tax rate changes.

Pamela Tessmann was one opf many entertainers to perform during the Acts of Compassion fundraiser at the Courtenay Legion. The family-friendly, community-wide, 11-hour event Friday raised about $9,000 for the Canadian Red Cross to be forwarded to Japan to help victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami.

On behalf of local candidate Mike Holland, Liberal MP Bob Rae outlined a clear choice Saturday between their party and the Conservatives.

Voters should choose the Conservative Party of Canada for sound fiscal management and to avoid a Bloc Quebecois-influenced coalition, John Duncan said Saturday.

Joined by two Olympians, Vancouver Island North Conservative candidate John Duncan announced Monday that a re-elected Conservative government would double the Children's Fitness Tax Credit and introduce one for adults once the budget is balanced.

A Mike Holland Liberal campaign sign found burnt to embers Thursday isn't an attack on one campaign or candidate, but on all candidates and the democratic system itself, the Liberal candidate for Vancouver Island North said Thursday evening.

The Comox Valley RCMP are warning the public about a recent spike in theft from vehicles in the East Courtenay and Comox areas.

Court delays trickle down to higher police costs, lower officer morale and falling public confidence

Vancouver Island North candidates are invited to two public forums announced so far this month for the Comox Valley.