iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 19/10/2026

Thank-you to everyone who supported me, encouraged me and of course voted for me during this election. I am excited and grateful to serve a 2nd term on council here at the Municipality of #NorthCowichan in the #CowichanValley on #Vancouverisland #bcpoli #localgovt

election voting result break down for Mayor and Council of North Cowichan

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 19/10/2026

Reflecting on the outcome of the #NorthCowichan results, first off I want to thank all the residents who saw fit to give me the opportunity to serve the community for a second term. Second, we have been given a clear mandate by the voters on their expectations […] [Original post on socialbc.ca]

Roadside view looking down over the community of Crofton in North Cowichan

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 06/10/2026

It is full on fall riding season now here in the Cowichan Valley. #biketooter

bike leaning against a tree with fallen leaves on the ground in October

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 19/09/2026

A nice surprise and a good chuckle as the #BCGreens @BCGreens comms team used my #bluesky post quoting @emilylowan speech at UBCM this week. Great speech and worth a listen #bcpoli #britishcolumbia

BC Greens Leader Emily Lowan addressing delegates at UBCM 2026

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 19/09/2026

A friendly reminder that if you are short you don’t sit beside the tallest Premier in BC 😄 Thank you to Premier Eby for meeting with our North Cowichan council again with our strong continual request for support & funding for social housing & programs […] [Original post on socialbc.ca]

North Cowichan Council and myself seated to the right of Premier Eby during UBCM 2026 conference

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 12/09/2026

These past 4 years I’ve worked hard delivering on my commitments to bring people together with fairness, transparency, empathy and compassion working to serve all residents in our community. I would be honoured to have your vote again on October 17th for […] [Original post on socialbc.ca]

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 09/09/2026

Why stop riding everyday when there is so much great opportunities on the endless trails in the #cowichanvalley . Followed up my big gravel bike mission Monday with the hard charging MTB trails above #LadysmithBC tuesday morning. #ridebikeshavefun #biketooter #vancouverisland #cycling

Forest sneak peak views from the trail looking down at the Ladysmith Harbour

mountain bike rider descending down a rocky section of a trail

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 09/09/2026

Big climbs and chunky roads were the ingredients for an afternoon in the backcountry this past Monday. Grinded out 62km on gravel roads and decommissioned overgrown spurs to link up a loop to Holland Lake and back. #gravelbike #biketooter #vancouverisland #cycling #ladysmithbc

bike leaning on a rock in front of a mountain forested lake

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 09/09/2026

Riding in Victoria BC to enjoy the pathways, bike lanes and car-free streets this past weekend. #yyj #biketooter

sailboats along Dallas Road at James Bay in Victoria BC

The graffiti walls along the EN Trail in Esquimalt BC near Victoria

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 02/09/2026

Paperwork is submitted, it’s go time ❗ Chris Istace 4 North Cowichan 2026🗳️ #britishcolumbia #vancouverisland #bcpoli #northcowichan #localgovt

Elect Chris Istace for North Cowichan Council signs with Chris standing behind them

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 01/09/2026

"IF YOU VOTE FOR ME, ALL OF YOUR WILDEST DREAMS WILL COME TRUE!" promised Pedro. 😆 Tomorrow is the first day Municipality of #NorthCowichan nomination packages can be submitted. Thanks to the local residents who signed my nomination form. I will be officially […] [Original post on socialbc.ca]

Vote for Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite movie

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 31/08/2026

Green on Green 🌿 Sunday forest session amongst the swordferns on my backroad mountain forest ride. #biketooter #naturephotography #nature #cycling

bike in front of a vibrant forest floor of sword ferns

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 31/08/2026

The local #VancouverIsland farmers are pretty darn good at growing corn here in #Cowichan . Couldn't resist a pitstop for this bike photo with the corn stalks roadside. #bikesky #canada

bike leaning against towering corn stalks in a farmers field

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 28/08/2026

Last week, North Cowichan council and staff celebrated the official opening of the new Fuller Lake Disc Golf Course, marking the completion of a community-driven project that has quickly become a popular recreational destination for both residents and visitors […] [Original post on socialbc.ca]

North Cowichan staff and members of Council pose with the Cowichan Valley Disc Golf Board of Directors

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 27/08/2026

Rode my bike across from #vancouverisland over to #saltspringisland yesterday to tackle the difficult ride to the summit of Mt Maxwell. What an awesome ride, great summit views and beautiful weather. #biketooter #explorebc #explorecanada #ohcanada #cycling

Burgoyne Bay and Sansum Narrows from Mt Maxwell summit

My bike that got me to the top at the Baynes Peak lookout on Mt Maxwell on Salt Spring Island

Fulford Harbor from the summit of Mt Maxwell

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 25/08/2026

Fresh rain, friends, vibrant forest and good friends. A winning combo for a beautiful weekend ride in the forest that follows along the Chemainus River in North Cowichan. #biketooter #cycling #cowichan #vancouverisland #explorebc #explorecanada

following a bike rider in the forest along a trail

bike in front of moss covered trees and sword ferns

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 23/08/2026

Frisby Ridge alpine mountain bike trail Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada #biketooter #explorebc #explorecanada

mountain bike laying on the Frisby Ridge alpine trail with mountains in the distance

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 23/08/2026

There is just a vibe you get when you know you are in a good coffee shop. #coffee #crofton #cowichan

A bouquet of flowers, a record in a stand with the words now playing and a cup of coffee with the shops name Span stamped on it

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 23/08/2026

Hard to knock a great rural farmland ride weaving amongst forests, mountains and valleys in North Cowichan by bike. #biketooter #farming #northcowichan #cycling #cowichan #vancouverisland

Promise Valley Farms dairy cows alongside Richards Trail in North Cowichan BC

Sutherland Farms old yellow farm truck corn stand along Westholme Road in North Cowichan BC

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 22/08/2026

Beaverton thanks for the levity and satire during a pretty unbelievable moment. #CanadaIsAwesome #CanadaStrong #canada

Beaverton satire article aimed at Trump and his actions against Canada trying to secure and updated trade deal

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 18/08/2026

Monday was a longer distance on the bike but way less elevation, making for an enjoyable effort ride. Toured up around the Nanaimo airport in Cassidy and then back. I have some big ride objectives this fall and my goal lately has been building volume, power and endurance to tackle them. #bikesky

bike leaning on a road post sign that says share the road with a bike and car on it

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 17/08/2026

A roll through the rural farmland of North Cowichan to reach the gravel road climb up and over Mt Sicker is a nice scenic warm up for the legs. #biketooter #gobybike #cycling #vancouverisland #cowichan

a bike leaning on a fence post in the countryside with a road end and street sign beside it

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 16/08/2026

Not sure why #HulloFerries still isn't on Bluesky. Anyhow, here is today's newsletter. Hullo turns 3! On this day in 2023, our first sailing took off across the Salish Sea. Since then, we have welcomed over 1.5 million guests, like you, on nearly 10,000 […] [Original post on socialbc.ca]

Hullo Ferry promo ad. Good things come in 3! So celebrate with us by using code BIRTHDAY3 to get 20% off group bookings of 3 or more people.

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 16/08/2026

We managed to get 30 bikes at the event yesterday for the bike valet my wife and I ran. It is better than nothing and we were happy with how many people we helped considering riding instead of driving. It should be mentioned this event runs an absolutely amazing […] [Original post on socialbc.ca]

bike valet during the Cowichan Craft Beer and Food Festival

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 15/08/2026

With the rising concerns over #datacentres combined with the #infrastructure crisis we are facing in #NorthCowichan, I put forward a motion for our next meeting. We need to change our zoning so that any effort to build one here would trigger an amendment & public […] [Original post on socialbc.ca]

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 14/08/2026

The only way to get stronger is more volume so yet another ride this week. Looped out the long way to Christie Falls, I've never seen water not running through Bush Creek. The reality of #climatechange is happening before our eyes. The Climate Change Risk […] [Original post on socialbc.ca]

bike leaning against a picnic table in front of a bridge crossing a creek

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 13/08/2026

We are very fortunate on #vancouverisland with all the thunder and lightning yesterday that no #wildfires started. The small shot of rain was also appreciated. Long range forecast is unfortunately even more very hot weather.

BC Wildfire map for the west coast Aug 13 2026

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 10/08/2026

This giant western red cedar along the Fisherman's trail coming down from Seymour Dam above North Vancouver was certainly a highlight from our big ride over to the mainland yesterday. #biketooter #nature #naturephotography #gobybike #getoutdoors #vancouver #oldgrowth

bike leaning against the base of a giant old growth western red cedar

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 04/08/2026

We couldn't resist taking a detour in Colwood to check out the new pump track just built in Quarry Park. Big kids for life we are lol, have you heard the term #underbiking 😆 🚲 #bikeTooter #cycling #bike #ridebikeshavefun #yyj

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 04/08/2026

I love rail to trail conversions for multi-use trails. Here on #VancouverIsland with our topography many of the trails have resurfaced wooden trestles to cross the many rivers on the routes. Our ride to Sooke Potholes Regional Park on the Galloping Goose took us […] [Original post on socialbc.ca]

Sooke Potholes section of Galloping Goose

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 03/08/2026

A General Election to elect one (1) Mayor and six (6) Councillors will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026. To find out whether you are eligible to vote, whether your name is on the list of registered electors, how to register, and information about the list of […] [Original post on socialbc.ca]

North Cowichan municipal election notice for October 17, 2026

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 03/08/2026

If you are out for a bike ride on the Galloping Goose be sure to detour onto Rocky Point and then Metchosin Road to stop by the Crazy Cookie House. The most amazing road side bakery and cookies, plus I love the whimsical fun rest spot the homeowners have created […] [Original post on socialbc.ca]

hand holding cookies at the crazy cookie house in Metchosin BC

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 03/08/2026

102km loop around Greater Victoria and out to Sooke Potholes. Perfect weather for a fun ride with friends, almost entirely on protected bike network. Humpback Road is closed to through traffic years ago now and is a treat to ride. #yyj #bikeTooter #vancouverisland

2 bike riders rolling along a narrow paved road under the forest canopy

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 01/08/2026

Join the 6th annual Spune’luxtth’ March for the Children. Together we can bring awareness to the history of residential schools, and honour both their survivors and those lost. Monday, August 3 | 8:30am Meet at the Salish Sea Market / Chemainus ferry terminal […] [Original post on socialbc.ca]

Spune’luxtth’ March for the Children - August 3 2026

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 31/07/2026

"Maynard Johnny Jr. had a dream to paint a Coast Salish inspired mural in Chemainus. The result is Rebirth, the first art piece in the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society collection that has been created solely by a Coast Salish artist. Rebirth refers to his […] [Original post on socialbc.ca]

Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr's mural called Rebirth in Chemainus BC

"The mural shows a female eagle on the right and a male on the left, the balance in their world. Indigenous society is traditionally matriarchal, so the pregnant woman in the middle signifies a rebirth of their culture. There is a salmon face in the belly of the woman. The salmon is revered for its resilience and strength as it overcomes many obstacles while returning to its spawning grounds. This resilience of salmon speaks to Indigenous peoples."

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 30/07/2026

Sunny skies, light breeze and enjoyable warmth today for my ride throughout the Cowichan Valley. Stopped by my local bike shop and bakery followed by a local street mural photo op. #biketooter #cycling #cowichan #vancouverisland #streetart #mural

Giant cartoon like octopus mural on the side of a building with a bike leaning against it

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 29/07/2026

It's always nice to ride to meetings when the opportunity presents itself. Nice bike ride to Ladysmith yesterday as I'm chair of our Cowichan North Regional Recreation Commission and we had a meeting at the Frank Jameson Centre. #gobybike #cycling #localgovt #cowichan

photo of a meeting agenda, name card and bike helmet on a desk

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 27/07/2026

My friend Dan whom I took on our gravelbike loop yesterday had his camera out and handy during our ride. Nice to show some of the lesser travelled old forest roads we navigate on these fun outings. Also, I'm rarely in front of the camera and usually behind it, so […] [Original post on socialbc.ca]

riding my bike down an old forestry access road

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 27/07/2026

Not much water left flowing in the #Chemainus river when we visited yesterday on our gravel bike ride. The continuing extreme drought conditions we are seeing on south #VancouverIsland is troubling.

standing in the Chemainus River looking towards Mt Sicker

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 27/07/2026

Fabulous and promising photo on #solar in Mike Sowden's newsletter this morning. #sustainability #energyTransition

screenshot image of social media post talking about cost of rooftop solar in Australia

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 25/07/2026

Building up the mileage for some big rides I have planned for August that I want to tackle. Today was a nice push from Chemainus to Lake Cowichan and back with lots of miles on the Cowichan Valley Trans Canada Trail segment along the Cowichan River. #vancouverIsland #cowichanvalley #cycling

bike leaning on a sign post on the Cowichan Valley Trail that says Cougar warning

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Chris Istace 🇨🇦 @chrisistace.socialbc.ca.ap.brid.gy · 23/07/2026

I have a large concrete retaining wall on the front of my property and have thought it needs some life on it. Anyone know a great source for stencils that I could paint on it? Anyone done anything like this to their property?

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