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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 24/09/2026
The Comox Valley and Nanaimo Area land trusts are partnering with BC Parks Foundation to purchase 50 hectares of land connecting the shoreline of Deep Bay to rare, intact forest. The plan is to make this private land accessible to the public. Read more: thediscourse.ca/comox-valley...
thediscourse.ca
Deep Bay land purchase could protect rare forested shoreline
In a partnership with the Comox Valley and Nanaimo Area land trusts, BC Parks Foundation is fundraising to protect 50 hectares of pristine shoreline in Deep Bay and make it accessible to the public.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 23/09/2026
What should top the 2026 General Local Election agenda in the Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo and Comox Valley? Take our short survey to guide our election coverage. docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com
What should top the 2026 General Local Election agenda?
The 2026 General Local Elections in B.C. take place on Oct. 17 with the first advance voting opportunity in the Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo and Comox Valley on Oct. 7. At The Discourse, we believe voters...
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 30/08/2026
"This isn’t something you just write and put on a shelf. You must open [the book] and use it," said Snuneymuxw Elder C'tasi:a (Geraldine Manson) about her new book, co-written with ethnobotanist Nancy Turner, which shares traditional plant knowledge. Read the Q&A: thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/snun...
thediscourse.ca
Snuneymuxw Elder C’tasi:a shares traditional plant knowledge in new book – The Discourse.
‘Plant Teachings from my Auntie’ by Snuneymuxw Elder C’tasi:a and ethnobotanist Nancy Turner delves into traditional plants and plant medicine.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 27/08/2026
A Cowichan Valley resident was moved to tears after learning more than 2,000 fish were saved from an isolated pool in the Cowichan River. Officials say if you also spot fish in need of rescuing, to call local experts who are licensed to move them safely. Learn more: thediscourse.ca/cowichan-val...
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What to do and who to call when juvenile salmon are in danger – The Discourse.
Officials say Cowichan Valley residents should call experts to move salmon in isolated pools because of risks associated with relocation.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 14/08/2026
The Discourse looked into how some governments and public organizations in the Comox Valley are approaching generative AI use. While some are working on, or have adopted, AI policies, others are still exploring the impacts of artificial intelligence. Read more: thediscourse.ca/comox-valley...
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How do Comox Valley governments and public organizations use AI? – The Discourse.
The Discourse reached out to Comox Valley governments and organizations to find out how they are handling the use of AI.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 14/08/2026
Leading voices in the campaign against the bylaw framed it as a grassroots "community win" but The Discourse found that many out-of-context claims about the bylaw and calls to action were spread, in part, by an organized group of advocates. Read our investigation: thediscourse.ca/cowichan-val...
thediscourse.ca
Bylaw 4710: Who was behind the backlash to the Cowichan Valley’s comprehensive zoning bylaw? – The Discourse.
The campaign against Bylaw 4710 was fuelled, in part, by misinformation and an organized group of advocates, highlighting the shifting dynamics of local politics.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 05/08/2026
"[Blues is] a genre that comes out of hardship and resilience and truth telling, and I think the performers that come to the stage really uphold and uplift the true spirit of the blues genre," said Nanaimo Blues Society president Jacquie Moisan. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/nana...
thediscourse.ca
Nanaimo Blues Festival 2026 brings major headliners, local talent to Maffeo Sutton Park
‘Blues is for everyone,’ says Nanaimo Blues Society president
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 31/07/2026
Last week’s heat warning has residents on Vancouver Island preparing for extreme heat events this summer. Here’s what emergency management officials in Nanaimo, the Comox Valley and the Cowichan Valley recommend to beat the heat. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/what...
thediscourse.ca
What to do and where to go during extreme heat events in Nanaimo, the Comox Valley and the Cowichan Valley
A guide to prepare for extreme heat events on Vancouver Island
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 18/07/2026
Some Comox Valley residents are upset with a new development that is cutting off access to a safe pedestrian trail. They say the developer has not been considerate of its neighbours. thediscourse.ca/comox-valley...
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Residents upset with Aspen Road development in Comox – The Discourse.
Comox councillor says housing development should be balanced with community compassion
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 16/07/2026
For two years, the Cowichan BC SPCA has operated without a physical shelter while it awaits the opening of the new Vancouver Island Animal Behaviour Centre in Duncan — and now it's calling on the community for more foster volunteers to help meet growing demand.
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Cowichan SPCA calls for more foster volunteers as demand for space increases – The Discourse.
As demand grows for animal shelter space, a team of volunteers and Cowichan SPCA staff are working to make sure animals find a place to call home.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 15/07/2026
Nurses at Nanaimo General Hospital walked off the job early Monday morning as part of an escalating series of job actions that are part of a legal strike underway across the province. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/why-...
thediscourse.ca
Nanaimo nurses strike at regional hospital – The Discourse.
Hundreds of nurses and healthcare workers picket Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
The day after this story was published, Nanaimo RCMP announced that officers are ramping up enforcement related to street racing and dangerous operation of motorcycles in the city.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 08/07/2026
Residents are ‘raising the alarm’ about street racing and loud noise along Departure Bay Beach. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/drag...
thediscourse.ca
Departure Bay ‘drag racing’ needs to stop, residents say – The Discourse.
Residents ask city council to do something about loud cars and motorcycles late at night.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 04/07/2026
Urban forests are critical city infrastructure, not just ‘tree hugger stuff,’ say city staff. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/what...
thediscourse.ca
What is the City of Nanaimo doing to preserve trees? – The Discourse.
Urban forests are critical city infrastructure, not just ‘tree hugger stuff,’ say city staff.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 04/07/2026
“We’ve known for a long time how many barriers there are.” Cowichan Valley’s first local Immigration Partnership is trying to fix that — from housing scarcity to racism newcomers face when accessing healthcare.
thediscourse.ca
Cowichan Valley launches first Local Immigration Partnership to address newcomer barriers – The Discourse.
A new federally funded partnership wants to understand what barriers immigrants face when they arrive in the Cowichan Valley.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 04/07/2026
The Pulse on the Plaza: K'ómoks Fusion Festival kicked off a popular music and arts series in downtown Courtenay. thediscourse.ca/comox-valley...
thediscourse.ca
Pulse on the Plaza jumpstarts the heartbeat of Courtenay’s downtown – The Discourse.
Fusion of cultures the ‘secret sauce’ of the festival series’ success, Comox Valley Arts director says.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 29/06/2026
This week marks five years since the devastating 2021 heat dome that killed over 600 people. In 2022, we looked at what the government was doing to prevent the deaths of low-income seniors in future extreme heat events. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/extr...
thediscourse.ca
Who will protect low-income seniors from dying in extreme heat?
This public-interest lawyer has ‘very little confidence’ in the government’s response, and is calling for tenant-led solutions.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 27/06/2026
A HUGE thank you to the 96 readers who stepped up to support The Discourse's journalism for our Spring Supporter Drive! If you haven’t signed up, it's not too late join a community of readers who financially back this "fab independent journalism" thediscourse.ca/support-us
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 27/06/2026
Margins of Sound, a new cross-genre electronic and experimental music festival, will take place this weekend in downtown Nanaimo’s OV Arts Centre and include free performances in the Bowen Park amphitheater. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/marg...
thediscourse.ca
Margins of Sound festival brings experimental music to Nanaimo – The Discourse.
New festival includes free performances in Bowen Park and workshops.
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Kelly B @kellyblack.ca · 25/06/2026
"I love reading @thediscourse.ca" is something I have heard from people I know. When I ask if they support them financially, a lightbulb goes off. Support the journalism you want to see in the world! The Discourse is 96% of the way to a funding goal - please set up folks! thediscourse.ca/support-us
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Support Us – The Discourse.
Why support The Discourse? “Meaningful local investigative reporting.” – Parker Jefferson, Duncan ​​”Great reporting in my neighbourhood.” – Lynn Bakken, Nanaimo “Integrity, intelligence and the focus...
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 25/06/2026
Did you know that by the 1930s, 1 in 5 people in Chemainus were of Japanese descent? A new exhibit at the Chemainus Valley Museum called “None Came Back” is shedding light on the Japanese Canadian community that was forced out during the Second World War and the local history that was almost erased.
thediscourse.ca
Chemainus Museum unveils new Japanese Canadian history exhibit – The Discourse.
New exhibit at Chemainus Valley Museum aims to highlight and give voice to the Japanese Canadian community that once lived in Chemainus.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 25/06/2026
“A few months of free rent and moving expenses does not protect tenants from homelessness from perpetual housing insecurity."
thediscourse.ca
Nanaimo tenant protection bylaw slammed by advocates – The Discourse.
Nanaimo tenant protection bylaw would include compensation but no discount on rent in new units
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 22/06/2026
It's the last day of our Spring Supporter Drive and we are so close to our target — a figure that will help us file FOIs, like a recent one to North Cowichan 👀 If you appreciate our independent local news service, now is the time to support it! thediscourse.ca/support-us
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 19/06/2026
How will the K'ómoks Treaty Act affect private lands, and what potential economic benefits will it have for the Nation and Comox Valley as a whole? Reporter Dave Flawse looked into these questions in his latest: thediscourse.ca/comox-valley...
thediscourse.ca
‘Everybody will benefit’: What the K’ómoks First Nation Treaty Act means for economic development in the Comox Valley – The Discourse.
With future plans for economic development in the Union Bay area, K’ómoks First Nation will need help to achieve its long-term goals, the Nation says.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 18/06/2026
End of Thread wanted to play a show to celebrate the end of the school year with kids from high schools across Nanaimo, but now they are part of a movement to help save The Globe Live Studio. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/teen...
thediscourse.ca
The Globe Live Studio benefit punk and metal show with End of Thread – The Discourse.
The Globe Live Studio is at risk of closing, but local band End of Thread is rallying behind it to help save the scene.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 17/06/2026
At Queen Margaret’s School's final assembly, Quw'utsun artist Shawn Johnny and students from the contemporary Indigenous studies class unveiled a new mural dedicated to truth and reconciliation. Hear from Johnny in our latest story at the link below. thediscourse.ca/cowichan-val...
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Quw'utsun artist Shawn Johnny unveils new mural at Duncan school – The Discourse.
Johnny’s art was celebrated by Queen Maragaret’s School students and staff at final assembly of the year.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 17/06/2026
Resident Charles Myerscough told Nanaimo council that dry supportive housing with mental health supports is needed after recounting his difficult journey to sobriety in low-barrier temporary housing.
thediscourse.ca
Experts and community members speak out on need for dry housing in Nanaimo – The Discourse.
Former Newcastle Place supportive housing resident says dry housing is needed for some people in recovery.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 13/06/2026
A new travelling exhibit by the Vancouver Island Local History Society and the Nanaimo Museum called "The Great Vancouver Island Land Grab" explores the ongoing impact of the E&N land grant. thediscourse.ca/vancouver-is...
thediscourse.ca
The Great Vancouver Island Land Grab exhibit aims to educate – The Discourse.
How a 19th century land grant continues to impact First Nations on Vancouver Island.
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Jules Sherred (he/him) @geekyjules.julessherred.com · 12/06/2026
In this interview, I share my thoughts on modern Pride, the struggles of transmasculine people in sports and why I continues to fight for the rights of all trans people.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 12/06/2026
Bodybuilding is everything to Jules Sherred. But when he was barred from competing, the Duncan based advocate took his fight to the BC Human Rights Tribunal. We sat down with him to learn more about why he continues to fight in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile towards trans athletes.
thediscourse.ca
Q&A: Jules Sherred Takes Fight to BC Human Rights Tribunal – The Discourse.
Sherred talks modern Pride, the struggle to be included in sports and why he keeps fighting for the entire trans community
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 12/06/2026
It's our Spring Supporter Drive, where we ask readers who value this in-depth, solutions journalism to step up as monthly supporters by June 22. As one supporter wrote: "You cover local news that I don't otherwise hear about." Will you join us? thediscourse.ca/support-us
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 05/06/2026
We got a chance to tour the new Quw'utsun Hulitun-ew't-hw (Quw'utsun Valley Hospital). Check out the photos at the link below👇
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PHOTOS: A look inside the new Quw'utsun Valley Hospital – The Discourse.
The Discourse took a behind the scenes tour of the new hospital as it nears its target opening date of 2027.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 04/06/2026
“Drag shows and Pride are such a bastion of hope, community, solidarity and joy.” Read the full story here: thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/nana...
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 29/05/2026
“Drag is life saving. I know so many people personally who probably wouldn't be here today if they hadn't found drag as an outlet for self expression and community.” thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/nana...
thediscourse.ca
Nanaimo’s drag scene ‘is life saving’ – The Discourse.
“Drag shows and Pride are such a bastion of hope, community, solidarity and joy.’
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 29/05/2026
We asked local governments and public organizations around the Cowichan Valley how they are adopting generative AI tools in their work. Of those that got back to us, only one had an AI policy in place, while others are in the process of creating their own.
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How do Cowichan Valley governments use AI? – The Discourse.
The Discourse reached out to local governments to see how they are handling the use of AI.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 21/05/2026
From concrete pipes that can catastrophically fail to holes in the South Fork dam that could empty the reservoir within days, here’s how the City of Nanaimo is working to reduce the risk to residents. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/what...
thediscourse.ca
What is the city doing to protect the Nanaimo water supply – The Discourse.
From concrete pipes that can catastrophically fail to holes in the South Fork dam that could empty the reservoir within days, here’s how the City of Nanaimo is working to reduce the risk to residents.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 16/05/2026
Sunk City, Nanaimo’s three-day underground music and arts festival, will bring more than 60 artists to multiple venues on Victoria Crescent this long weekend. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/sunk...
thediscourse.ca
Sunk City festival digs into Nanaimo's underground music scene – The Discourse.
Sound Heritage owner wants to create an outdoor community events space behind his store.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 13/05/2026
“I think it’s important that we have our own food supply,” said Doug Cahill who was volunteering on the farm. “Just look around the world. " thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/nana...
thediscourse.ca
Nanaimo Foodshare gears up for growing season – The Discourse.
Education programs for young and old on the farm at Five Acres Community Park contributes to local food security as grocery prices rise.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 08/05/2026
More than 100 community members gathered on Quw'utsun Territory for the Gone But Not Forgotten Walk and Run, honouring missing & murdered Indigenous women, men, girls & 2SLGBTQQI+ people. #RedDressDay #MMIWG2S
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Gone but not forgotten: Community gathers to mark Red Dress Day – The Discourse.
More than 100 people run and walk along the Cowichan River to support families of MMIWG2S+ on Red Dress Day.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 01/05/2026
We joined the Company of the Blue Dragon for an afternoon of training as fighters prepare for the upcoming world championship in Denmark. Lucas Mendes, founder of the team, has high hopes for the fighters and shared his dream for more medieval combat teams on Vancouver Island.
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Duncan’s Company of the Blue Dragon medieval fighters set sights on world championships – The Discourse.
These weekend warriors suit up for a shot at Canada's first gold medal at the International Medieval Combat Federation world championships.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 01/05/2026
Sunk City, Nanaimo’s underground music and arts festival, is back for the May long weekend with an improved backyard space as well as indoor venues. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/sunk...
thediscourse.ca
Sunk City festival digs into Nanaimo's underground music scene – The Discourse.
Sound Heritage owner wants to create an outdoor community events space behind his store.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 01/05/2026
"During the Vietnam War, educated and skilled American immigrants came to the Comox Valley. Today, the United States is seeing similar political upheaval, and those seeking a way out are also looking north," writes Dave Flawse in his latest story: thediscourse.ca/comox-valley...
thediscourse.ca
U.S. doctors moving to Vancouver Island echo war resisters of past – The Discourse.
For more than 50 years, political upheaval south of the border has benefitted the Comox Valley.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 29/04/2026
U.S. healthcare workers are moving to Vancouver Island as hundreds of American visitors flocked to the second Nanaimo Infusion over the weekend. Read about why they are leaving their country to work in Canada. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/seco...
thediscourse.ca
Second Nanaimo Infusion attracts hundreds of health-care workers – The Discourse.
Nanaimo hospital ER now boasts a cohort of American nurses, and more want to join them.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 24/04/2026
As the Cowichan Valley Shakespeare Festival celebrates its 15th year, The Discourse sat down with director Alex Gallacher to learn more about what’s playing this season, new additions to the festival and the role theatre plays in our increasingly screen-filled world.
thediscourse.ca
Cowichan Valley Shakespeare Festival celebrates 15 years – The Discourse.
The Cowichan Valley Shakespeare Festival celebrates 15 years of bringing The Bard’s work to life outdoors and making it approachable for all
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 24/04/2026
Hundreds of people spilled out of the Nanaimo’s Shaw Auditorium into an overflow viewing area during a lively public hearing about rezoning a tract of forested land near Cable Bay Trail for industrial use. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/snun...
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 23/04/2026
That small piece of land is basically what is left of our natural territory and it would be an abomination to take that away for more economic development,” said Snuneymuxw Elder Bill White. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/snun...
thediscourse.ca
Snuneymuxw Elders oppose rezoning near Cable Bay Trail – The Discourse.
Harmac officials say development of industrial park is key to economic diversification
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 22/04/2026
As B.C’s public health emergency related to toxic drugs marks 10 years, we spoke with three Nanaimo residents who have been directly affected by the crisis. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/nana...
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 20/04/2026
"The work of history is the work of retelling and revision," writes @kellyblack.ca who, in his latest piece, gets to the bottom of a decades-long mystery and explains the importance of fact-based storytelling in a world of AI slop. thediscourse.ca/cowichan-val...
thediscourse.ca
Revising Cowichan history: How Thomas Quamtany actually lost his arm – The Discourse.
Historian Kelly Black gets to the bottom of a persistent myth about a one-armed Hudson’s Bay Company employee.
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thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 17/04/2026
"He lost his friends in war, but he says 'I think you've lost more friends than I have in my army days.'" Ten years into B.C.’s toxic drug crisis, frontline workers in the Cowichan Valley reflect on the lives lost and the work still ahead.
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The toxic drug crisis in the Cowichan Valley 10 years later – The Discourse.
Harm reduction workers in the Cowichan Valley reflect on the lives lost and changes needed to address the ongoing crisis.
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