Author

Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Discourse

Wildfires

Scotch broom increases wildfire risk. What can we do about it?

Scotch broom has been ravaging Vancouver Island since the 19th century. Its high oil content could feed the flames of wildfires.

Indigenous

Indigenous people once roamed Island mountains on foot—and marmots were key to their survival

Marmot bones and charcoal found in remote alpine caves have distinct human markings dating back 2,400 years.

Environment

Acute levels of effluent discharged into Baynes Sound by Union Bay shipbreaking operation

Deep Water Recovery could be fined up to $300K after high levels of copper and zinc effluent were found.

Transportation

Denman Island resident calls for investigation into BC Ferries cable ferry

First excused as growing pains, residents say there are no more excuses for the ferry’s unreliable service.

Environment

Magic mountain, melting snow: Climate uncertainty in the Comox Valley

Family memories, environmental data, and ski hills' problems paint a picture of what the Island is losing to warmer and more erratic weather