Olivier Laurin

Mikala Wheeler (left) diligently prepares data sheets as Simon George converses with fellow team members just moments before the two suit up in their dry suits for a day of snorkelling to monitor the salmon population present in the Theodosia River. (Olivier Laurin / Comox Valley Record)

Comox Valley environmental consultant provides DFO with invaluable data

Mikala Wheeler led a team of four members in surveying the salmon population of the Theodosia River

Mikala Wheeler (left) diligently prepares data sheets as Simon George converses with fellow team members just moments before the two suit up in their dry suits for a day of snorkelling to monitor the salmon population present in the Theodosia River. (Olivier Laurin / Comox Valley Record)
Water buffalo. ADOBE STOCK IMAGE

By the horns: B.C. farm one of Canada’s few specializing in buffalo dairy

It’s much richer’: Comox Valley’s McClintock’s Farm producing a unique product from a unique animal

Water buffalo. ADOBE STOCK IMAGE
Morgan Jackson, 17, and her team secured the bronze medal at the 2023 Nationals Women’s U18 Hockey Championship held in Dawson Creek on Nov. 11. (Photo courtesy of Morgan Jackson)

Islander named top forward at women’s U18 national hockey championship

Courtenay’s Morgan Jackson finished as the second-highest scorer on her way to a bronze medal

Morgan Jackson, 17, and her team secured the bronze medal at the 2023 Nationals Women’s U18 Hockey Championship held in Dawson Creek on Nov. 11. (Photo courtesy of Morgan Jackson)
Calls for a last-minute moratorium are intensifying as the start of Pacific herring season in the Straight of Georgia (SoG) approaches on Nov.24. (Courtesy of Ian McAllister)

Two sides to a coin: Opening of the herring fisheries in BC

‘We should have a say, as Indigenous leaders, on what happens in our territory’: Chief Chickite

Calls for a last-minute moratorium are intensifying as the start of Pacific herring season in the Straight of Georgia (SoG) approaches on Nov.24. (Courtesy of Ian McAllister)
The Wheels of Hope is a volunteer driver program serving Vancouver Island, including the Comox Valley, that provides transportation for residents to access cancer treatment in Victoria. (Photo courtesy of Wheels of Hope)

Driving for a good cause: Cancer program needs more volunteers in the Comox Valley

Wheels for Hope helps Vancouver Island patients receive life-saving cancer treatment in Victoria

The Wheels of Hope is a volunteer driver program serving Vancouver Island, including the Comox Valley, that provides transportation for residents to access cancer treatment in Victoria. (Photo courtesy of Wheels of Hope)
From left, telethon chair Pam Crowe, Comox Valley Child Development Association executive director Cindy Xavier, and CVCDA president Diane Daigle celebrate after the highest-grossing telethon in their history. (Olivier Laurin / Comox Valley Record)

Comox Valley children’s telethon achieves highest total in its history

‘We couldn’t be more elated’: Supporters across the province and beyond donated $150,342

From left, telethon chair Pam Crowe, Comox Valley Child Development Association executive director Cindy Xavier, and CVCDA president Diane Daigle celebrate after the highest-grossing telethon in their history. (Olivier Laurin / Comox Valley Record)
Nicole Harvda poses next to her car following a race. (Photo courtesy of Nicole Havrda)

Comox Valley race car driver makes history

At 17, Nicole Havrda is the first woman to win American Formula 3 Championship

Nicole Harvda poses next to her car following a race. (Photo courtesy of Nicole Havrda)
Marcia Turner (left) and Erin Brillon, accompanied by her husband, Andy Everson, have each been awarded the distinction of Business of the Year for their respective ventures at the 2023 Indigenous Business Awards. (Photo courtesy of BC Achievement Foundation).

Two Comox Valley businesses earn Indigenous Business Awards

Comox’s Marcia Turner, Courtenay’s Erin Brillon among those honoured

Marcia Turner (left) and Erin Brillon, accompanied by her husband, Andy Everson, have each been awarded the distinction of Business of the Year for their respective ventures at the 2023 Indigenous Business Awards. (Photo courtesy of BC Achievement Foundation).
One of this year’s grand prizes includes a 2,329 sq. ft. Crown Isle residence with 3 bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and two garages. (Photo supplied by SOMA Public Relations)

The 2023 Millionaire Lottery features Courtenay home as a grand prize option

Proceeds raised will go to the Vancouver General Hospital and UBC Hospital Foundation

One of this year’s grand prizes includes a 2,329 sq. ft. Crown Isle residence with 3 bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and two garages. (Photo supplied by SOMA Public Relations)
Numerous police cars can be seen on Cranberry Lane, near Black Creek, following a report of erratic driving that led to a robbery investigation on the morning of Oct. 16. Four suspects were apprehended later that same day. (Photo supplied by Jenna Pollock)

Robbery investigation near Black Creek results in four arrests

Police dogs, helicopter, and RCMP tactic team, deployed on scene after reports of erratic driving

Numerous police cars can be seen on Cranberry Lane, near Black Creek, following a report of erratic driving that led to a robbery investigation on the morning of Oct. 16. Four suspects were apprehended later that same day. (Photo supplied by Jenna Pollock)
A makeshift shelter sits among the landscaping of the Courtenay City Hall parking lot, with the Connect Centre in the background. The Connect Centre is a safe haven for the homeless. (File photo)

Comox Valley facing severe shortage of shelter options as winter looms

Nearly 80 per cent of area’s homeless population would be without a bed in case of an emergency

A makeshift shelter sits among the landscaping of the Courtenay City Hall parking lot, with the Connect Centre in the background. The Connect Centre is a safe haven for the homeless. (File photo)
Millions of salmon can be seen swimming upstream across B.C.'s numerous coastal river systems during the annual salmon spawning season in fall. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward)

A vital linchpin: celebrating the life cycle of Vancouver Island salmon

A female salmon can lay up to 5,000 eggs, but only two may reach maturity and successfully reproduce

Millions of salmon can be seen swimming upstream across B.C.'s numerous coastal river systems during the annual salmon spawning season in fall. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward)
Hundreds of pink salmon can be seen swimming upstream in Brooklyn Creek, Comox. (Olivier Laurin / Comox Valley Record)

‘That’s the most salmon we’ve seen’: an Island creek experiences record return

Hundreds of pink salmon are swimming upstream in a Comox creek

Hundreds of pink salmon can be seen swimming upstream in Brooklyn Creek, Comox. (Olivier Laurin / Comox Valley Record)
In 2016, it cost $1.2 million to remove the Viki Lyne II from Ladysmith’s harbour - accounting for nearly twice the 2023 budget currently allocated to Transport Canada for the disposal of derelict vessels. (Photo from Aaron Stone’s X account)

Derelict boats, Part 3: Solution mired in governmental bureaucracy

Former Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP Sheila Malcolmson calls situation ‘a no-man’s land of responsibility’

In 2016, it cost $1.2 million to remove the Viki Lyne II from Ladysmith’s harbour - accounting for nearly twice the 2023 budget currently allocated to Transport Canada for the disposal of derelict vessels. (Photo from Aaron Stone’s X account)
Photo of the Baynes Sound Connector. Photo by Erin Haluschak

Denman ferry holding in dock near Buckley Bay

The incident was caused by the anchor line of an active fishing vessel

Photo of the Baynes Sound Connector. Photo by Erin Haluschak
On the evening of Sept. 12, more than 1,500 supporters gathered at Pierre Poilievre’s rally in Black Creek. (Olivier Laurin / Comox Valley Record)

Conservative Party of Canada leader holds rally in Black Creek

Over 1,500 supporters gathered to hear Pierre Poilievre

On the evening of Sept. 12, more than 1,500 supporters gathered at Pierre Poilievre’s rally in Black Creek. (Olivier Laurin / Comox Valley Record)
Jayden Hargreaves (middle), 18, is this year’s ambassador for the Vancouver Island Walk & Roll for MDC at Courtenay’s Airpark on Sept. 23. Photo courtesy of Denise Hargreaves

Annual walk for muscular dystrophy returning to Vancouver Island

The Walk & Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada will be hosted in the Comox Valley

Jayden Hargreaves (middle), 18, is this year’s ambassador for the Vancouver Island Walk & Roll for MDC at Courtenay’s Airpark on Sept. 23. Photo courtesy of Denise Hargreaves
Hundreds of winged smaller yellow ants (Lasius claviger) are ready to take off for their nuptial flight. (Photo courtesy of Aaron Fairweather)

Love is in the air: Flying ants meet to mate on Vancouver Island

For a few hours, millions of ants simultaneously swarmed the region for their yearly mating ritual

Hundreds of winged smaller yellow ants (Lasius claviger) are ready to take off for their nuptial flight. (Photo courtesy of Aaron Fairweather)
This microscopic image showcases a soft marine organism impaled by multiple fibreglass particles, creating a visual reminiscent of a living pincushion. Photo courtesy of Dr. Corina Ciocan

Derelict boats, Part 2: ‘A persistent source of pollution’ in B.C. and beyond

Contaminants shed by abandoned vessels causing concern about ocean health

This microscopic image showcases a soft marine organism impaled by multiple fibreglass particles, creating a visual reminiscent of a living pincushion. Photo courtesy of Dr. Corina Ciocan
The Hilo Hawaiian Steel Guitar style 695 serial # 3032, in its original shape, as seen at the Courtenay Value Village. Photo supplied

The intriguing journey of Courtenay’s thrifted century-old guitar

Hilo Hawaiian steel guitar travelled thousands of kilometres to finally get to Comox Valley

The Hilo Hawaiian Steel Guitar style 695 serial # 3032, in its original shape, as seen at the Courtenay Value Village. Photo supplied