Looking for the ‘canary in the coal mine’ – Comox Valley Record

Beaufort Watershed Stewards study insects to better understand the stream’s health

Volunteers work with a trainer from the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation to search for tiny invertebrates in streams on the east side of the Beaufort range, from Royston to Qualicum Bay.

The Beaufort Watershed Stewards (BWS) are on the lookout for a “canary in the coal mine”— only, in this case, the canary is a tiny, wiggly insect living under rocks in the streams and rivers of the Beaufort range watersheds.

The bottom-dwelling creatures, known as benthic invertebrates, are more vulnerable than fish. They can’t swim away from pollutants or poor water quality, making them excellent indicators of a stream’s health. While some of these invertebrates can adapt to deteriorating water conditions, many others simply die off. By lifting rocks, counting, and identifying these insects in different streams, trained citizen scientists can get a clear picture of the water’s health.

“The streams need a steward,” said Jill Chudleigh, of BWS. “With the growth of the region, pesticides, habitat and climate change, the water is affected — and by extension — so is everything that relies on the water in that stream. It’s important to monitor and protect it.”

The Beaufort Watershed Stewards is a group of volunteers who use an ecological and scientific approach to environmental conservation. Based on the east side of the Beaufort Range, the volunteers are dedicated to promoting the health and resilience of the watershed.

The benthic invertebrates surveying project is one of five new initiatives funded through the Comox Valley Community Foundation’s Environmental & Conservation Community Table, which convenes non-profits dedicated to environment, conservation, and climate resilience in
the Comox Valley to discuss and distribute available grant funds together across various projects.

The Beaufort Watershed Stewards’ grant made it possible to fund a Pacific Streamkeepers Federation trainer who instructed volunteers on how to properly collect and identify benthic invertebrates, and to record and interpret their findings.

The surveys take place twice a year, during different seasons, to establish a baseline invertebrate inventory in six streams. If the project proves successful, it could serve as a model for monitoring other streams in the watershed.

ADDITIONAL PROJECTS
This project is one of six Citizen Science programs led by Beaufort Watershed Steward volunteers. In addition to the benthic invertebrate survey, they monitor stream temperatures, turbidity, pH, specific conductivity and dissolved oxygen in 20 streams every two weeks.

They also measure stream flow speeds in five areas, track well water levels, and publish regular watershed health assessments.

Volunteers are involved in a tire wear toxin study with the BC Conservation Foundation. Additionally, BWS is collaborating with UVic to map aquifers on the Beaufort range’s eastern slopes.

LEARN MORE
For more information, visit Beaufort Water.

By sorting, counting and identifying the insects (below), citizen scientists can better understand the stream’s health.

Browse more stories and reports. This story, and many others, are featured in Stronger Together our 2025 impact report, supporting over $1 million in community grants to 53 organizations this year.

Drawing the circle wider – Comox Valley Record

Weird Church tackles barriers to food security, arts, and accessibility

Rev. Ingrid Brown outside Weird Church’s 24-Hour Food Shed, which started during 2020 to ensure those who needed food in Cumberland could find it. The Food Shed is one of three projects designed to improve accessibility to community activities, events, and services.[/caption]

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

In Cumberland, Weird Church, officially known as the United Church of Canada – Pacific Mountain Region, has been a gathering place built on a foundation of love, justice, and community service since its inception in 2018. So, when an opportunity arose to improve food security, accessibility, and arts programming, Rev. Ingrid Brown knew it was a perfect fit.

“We’re all about being accessible and creating a place of belonging where everyone is welcome,” said Brown. “These upgrades will impact so many partners and groups in Cumberland, especially in supporting arts programming, food security, and accessibility for all.”
Three major projects are now underway thanks to recent funding: much needed upgrades to the 24-hour food shed and shelving, renovations to the accessible ramp, and permanent black stage curtains.

SUPPORT FOR THE FOOD SHED
First up is the Church’s food shed, where aging, wobbly shelves are being replaced after five years of constant use.

The food shed began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when school closures left many families without access to breakfast and lunch programs. Working with the Cumberland Community Schools Society and the Village of Cumberland through the Cumberland Food Share program, Brown and volunteers decided to set up outdoor shelves stocked with essential staples.

“We wanted to make sure there was food available for anyone who needed it,” said Brown. “It’s about neighbours helping neighbours in the best possible way.”

Today, with the support of the Cumberland Legion, Cumberland Rotary, and the Comox Valley Food Bank, the program has expanded significantly. The 24-hour food shed has seen usage rise by more than 300 per cent since its early days, with hundreds of pounds of food moving through it every month.

“People come by all the time — kids filling their backpacks after school, people stopping by at two or three in the morning,” Brown said. “I don’t even know exactly how much food goes through anymore — it happens all the time.”

IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY RAMP
Weird Church is also overhauling its 35-year-old side access ramp, which had settled unevenly over time. Some boards were also unsafe due to water damage. The improved ramp will provide safer, easier access for people using wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids. The improvements mean Weird Church becomes more available to all participants and provides another accessible location in Cumberland for community events.

SUPPORTING LOCAL ARTS
Inside, Weird Church is adding permanent black stage curtains, made by a Cumberland resident, with fabric kept out of the landfill with the closing of a major Vancouver
fabric store. The curtains will improve lighting and sound for local theatre groups and musicians, eliminating the need to rent equipment and allowing more of the group’s limited budgets to go directly toward performances.

The changes – though small – help them remove barriers, support neighbours, and open the door to belonging for anyone who walks through their doors.

For more information, visit Weird Church

Rev. Ingrid Brown outside Weird Church’s 24-Hour Food Shed, which started during 2020 to ensure those who needed food in Cumberland could find it. The Food Shed is one of three projects designed to improve accessibility to community activities, events, and services.

Browse more stories and reports. This story, and many others, are featured in Stronger Together our 2025 impact report, supporting over $1 million in community grants to 53 organizations this year.

Supporting healing after trauma – Comox Valley Record

Rescue dogs bring new life to people living with complex trauma

At Operation Freedom Paws (OFP) Canada, life-changing healing begins one paw at a time.

The Comox Valley–based non-profit pairs dogs with people living with complex trauma, including veterans, first responders, RCMP officers, and civilians.

Most of the dogs come from rescue shelters, and each is matched to specific client’s physical and psychological needs.

Unlike traditional service dog programs, where dogs are pre-trained, clients and their dogs learn side by side. They build trust and healing together twice a week over 48 weeks in Fanny Bay. When they are done, the dog is ready for a Service Dog Assessment and BC Guide Dog certification.

To ensure there are no barriers to healing, the training — and the dogs — are provided completely free, with Operation Freedom Paws relying solely on charitable donations from community organizations to aid their support.

“We’re the only charity in Canada that trains both dogs and humans without charging for either,” said Barb Ashmead, the volunteer-run organization’s founder and executive director. “All we ask is a commitment to attend training twice a week and give it a try.”

Most clients are referred to Operation Freedom Paws through word of mouth, psychologists, and community organizations.

To meet growing needs, Ashmead is searching for an on-site mental health counsellor with experience in trauma counselling to help with intake interviews and provide ongoing support to clients. The Community Foundation grant will help fund the position.

“Thanks to the generosity of groups like the Comox Valley Community Foundation, OFP Canada continues to help people rebuild their lives after trauma,” she said.

The organization’s approach is backed by research, including a 2018 Purdue University study showing that PTSD service dogs significantly improve mental health, work attendance, and social functioning for veterans.

In just five years, Operation Freedom Paws has seen 61 service teams become certified, with 46 coming from the Comox Valley. Clients also travel from across Vancouver Island, Vancouver, and beyond to attend training. Along with families and friends, the organization’s reach now touches an estimated 1,650 people on Vancouver Island, including 1,400 in the Comox Valley alone.

Ashmead knows the results are both personal and far reaching.

She recalls one client struggling with severe PTSD and anxiety so overwhelming he was afraid to leave his home. After working with Operation Freedom Paws, he and his dog now go everywhere together, living a fuller, more connected life.

“They got their lives back,” said Ashmead. “They can laugh again.”

The experience is, by all accounts, life-changing.  And for Ashmead – the greatest experience of her life. “Watching a team bond and save each others’ lives is phenomenal and an incredible life changing experience.”

From a community perspective, she knows families, friends, and entire communities benefit when people are able to return to work, finish school, and engage in healthy social activities.

For more information about Operation Freedom Paws Canada, visit ofpcanada.org.

Browse more stories and reports. This story, and many others, are featured in Stronger Together our 2025 impact report, supporting over $1 million in community grants to 53 organizations this year.

Happiness is a day at the lake – Comox Valley Record

Camp Sunshine creates access to outdoor adventures for adults with diverse abilities

Camp Sunshine participants build confidence, try new things, and connect over activities that others might take for granted during a highly anticipated day camp each summer.

Each summer for the past three years, young adults with diverse abilities gather for a unique experience that blends outdoor adventure with empowerment and inclusion.

Known as Camp Sunshine, the day camp offers participants the chance to experience kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, geocaching, tent building, and more over five days. Each activity is tailored to be accessible for individuals with diverse abilities.

The camp is part of Project Inclusion, a program run by the Comox Valley Child Development Association. Its goal is to help young adults with diverse abilities build confidence, learn new skills, and foster meaningful connections.

Project Inclusion supports about 30 participants year-round as they work toward shared goals, including operating a spice business, cooking, hosting events, maintaining a garden, and even presenting at the annual Growing Together Conference for Childhood Educators in the Comox Valley.

“There is so much pride in everything that they do,” said Cindy Xavier, the association’s executive director.
Camp Sunshine takes those efforts outdoors, offering new experiences, challenges and opportunities.

“Good friends and great memories— that’s what Camp Sunshine is all about,” said Wendy Hawksworth, the program’s team lead. “Happiness is summer at the lake, where everyone is included, and everyone leaves with new friends and a sense of belonging.”

Participants play an active role in planning camp activities, giving them a strong sense of ownership and pride.

“It doesn’t matter if they have a spotter or a navigator to get on the water—it’s about finding a way to build confidence and a sense of freedom through an experience many others take for granted,” Xavier said.

She emphasized that the camp wouldn’t be possible without community support — especially with increased participation and rising transportation costs.

“When the group heard we received funding for this year’s camp, they erupted in cheers,” Xavier said. “It allows them to try new activities, conquer fears, and enjoy outdoor adventures that are out of reach.”

Without this support, many participants would miss out on these enriching experiences. The barriers to accessible outdoor activities too often lead to isolation — but Camp Sunshine provides a joyful, inclusive environment where individuals grow, connect, and thrive.

“We are deeply grateful to all of the volunteers, staff, and donors who recognize the immense value of Camp Sunshine,” Xavier said. “From all of us, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

For more information visit Project Inclusion.

Camp Sunshine participants build confidence, try new things, and connect over activities that others might take for granted during a highly anticipated day camp each summer.

Browse more stories and reports. This story, and many others, are featured in Stronger Together our 2025 impact report, supporting over $1 million in community grants to 53 organizations this year.

Comox Valley Food Bank expands cold storage – Comox Valley Record

New shipping container combats hunger with improved ability to save fresh food

As food insecurity continues to rise in the Comox Valley, the Comox Valley Food Bank Society is taking steps to meet the growing demand.

With more than 4,000 monthly visits from individuals and families in need—and 7,800 registered users—the Society is expanding its capacity to safely store perishable foods with the installation of a new refrigerated container.

The Food Bank has doubled its cold storage space by installing a 20-foot refrigerated shipping container at its McPhee Avenue location. This vital upgrade immediately increased food rescue capacity adding 2,000 pounds of nutritious food every month. It enhances the Food Bank’s ability to save, distribute, and serve its direct clients and a network of 25 community partners and food bank affiliates who face similar challenges. The partners include a home delivery project, local schools, soup kitchens, and more.

“This project is about more than storage—it’s about delivering dignity, nutrition, and hope to thousands of people,” said David Reynolds, executive director of the Comox Valley Food Bank. “Refrigeration is the heart of our food rescue program, and this expansion couldn’t come at a more critical time.”

Food rescue accounts for nearly 80 per cent of the fresh food distributed by the Food Bank, much of which includes perishable items like fruits, vegetables, proteins, dairy, and meat alternatives.

Each week, drivers pick up food from farms, grocery stores, and vendors. Volunteers and kitchen staff freeze what they can and make 500 to 600 meals a week turning some of the diverted food into soups, chillis and prepared food. But with only 200 square feet of cold storage, the organization has been operating at capacity—limiting its ability to accept and store rescued food.

“Fresh food allows people to make more healthy choices – rather than just shelf stable items which are also important,” said Reynolds. “Without increased fresh food storage, so much food in the Comox Valley would go to waste.”

The new unit is plug-and-play ready, fully secure, and capable of functioning as either a refrigerator or freezer.

Beyond preventing thousands of pounds of nutritious food from ending up in landfills, the expanded storage will help prepare for an anticipated 30 per cent increase in new users in the next fiscal year.

“With 110 new clients signing up each month, we’re facing a perfect storm of inflation, poverty, and rising food insecurity,” Reynolds said. “This project allows us to respond with efficiency and compassion, ensuring no one in our community goes hungry.”

To learn more about the Comox Valley Food Bank and how you can help, visit comoxvalleyfoodbank.ca.

Browse more stories and reports. This story, and many others, are featured in Stronger Together our 2025 impact report, supporting over $1 million in community grants to 53 organizations this year.

Hornby Island Housing Society improves senior housing – Comox Valley Record

High-efficiency heat pumps add comfort and affordability to Elder Village

Sharon Milstein, one of the seniors who live in the Elder Village, walks with JoAnn Harrison, president of the Hornby Island Housing Society.

The Hornby Island Housing Society is ensuring local seniors have affordable homes by replacing outdated propane heating systems with high-efficiency heat pumps.

Two of the 11 units at The Elder Village Hornby Island’s senior housing complex were previously heated by a propane-based system. The original system, installed in 1997, was decommissioned this spring and replaced with individual electric heat pumps.

“This transition is about more than just improved energy efficiency — it’s about security, sustainability, and affordability for our seniors,” said JoAnn Harrison, president of the Hornby Island Housing Society. “Heat pumps also have the highest impact on our residents—who pay for their own heat.”

The benefits are wide-reaching. The new heat pumps are expected to significantly lower heating bills — offering vital savings for seniors on fixed incomes. The units also provide air conditioning, which is increasingly essential as climate change brings hotter summers.

“The tenants are thrilled,” Harrison said. “The heat pumps have increased their comfort and lowered their annual costs.”

The Elder Village is home to 11 seniors and plays a valuable role in a community with very few affordable year-round rentals.

The Society currently has what Harrison describes as a “dauntingly long” waitlist of seniors seeking accommodation, many of whom face mobility challenges and require accessible, single-level homes like those offered at the Village.

Though other housing options occasionally become available, few on Hornby are truly suitable for seniors. Many homes rely on wood heat, lack proper plumbing or cooking facilities, or are simply unaffordable.

The Village offers the opposite: well- maintained, fully equipped homes with electric heating, running water, and garbage and recycling pickup — all on beautifully landscaped grounds designed for aging in place.

A 2022 Community First study conducted by the Housing Society confirmed the growing shortage of affordable rentals on the island — especially for seniors, which made up more than 44 per cent of the population in 2021, according to Statistics Canada.

“In a small community like ours, every rental unit matters,” said Harrison.

“This upgrade isn’t just a renovation — it’s a lifeline. It ensures our seniors can continue to live safely and affordably — without having to leave the island they call home.”

For more information, visit Hornby Island Housing Society.

One of the 11 rental units on the Elder Village.

Browse more stories and reports. This story, and many others, are featured in Stronger Together our 2025 impact report, supporting over $1 million in community grants to 53 organizations this year.

After-school programs strengthen community – Comox Valley Record

Lake Trail Community Education Society builds neighbourhood connections

Lake Trail Community Education Society builds neighbourhood connections Lake Trail Community Education Society staff and volunteers help Cookie Club and Sewing Club members in two of many youth-driven after school activities.

In a quiet corner of West Courtenay, something exceptional is happening after the final school bell rings.

At Lake Trail Community School, classrooms and gardens come alive, filled with intergenerational laughter, learning, and the warmth of community — thanks to the Lake Trail Community Education Society.

For Roderick, a full-time working father and widower, these after-school programs have made all the difference. His daughter and son have been welcomed by staff for years, even before one of them was old enough to officially attend.

What began as a convenient after-school option three or four days a week has become a vital source of support for dozens of local families.

“It’s more than just fun activities,” Roderick said. “It’s about learning life skills—gardening, cooking, crafting, teamwork, compassion. Sometimes a little hard work and helping someone else is what really builds a stronger community.”

That community spirit is exactly what the Education Society was built to nurture. As a charitable organization based out of Lake Trail Community School, it has transformed after-hours hallways into a vibrant hub of connection. From free youth programming and a thriving community garden to drop-in nights, cooking classes, and a salad bar that serves hundreds of students each week, the society makes its programs accessible— financially and physically.

Founded nearly 15 years ago by a group of community members, it is now an essential part of life in West Courtenay. Its work addresses food insecurity, mental wellness, and inclusion, guided by one central belief: everyone deserves to feel they belong.

Last year, the Society offered 23 free after-school programs and expanded its reach with a mobile food pantry, community drop-in nights and workshops, and supports for young people, including marginalized youth. Most of the programs are free or low-cost, driven by community interest and need.

“We’re really guided by what the community wants,” said Anna Rambow, the Society’s executive director. “Sometimes students come to us and say they want to learn to sew or make stop motion animation. Other times, it’s a community member who has the time and energy to offer a skill, and we find out if students are interested.

“We help the community support each other,” said Rambow. “It’s beautiful to watch families come together to build relationships with one another, even beyond our programs. We are just the framework for connection. Our goal is to keep offering spaces where people feel connected, supported, and valued.”

For Roderick, the impact is personal. “Not all families can afford extra programs, but this gives our kids a chance to grow and thrive,” he said. “There’s nothing better than strengthening your community from the inside out.”

And that’s exactly what the Lake Trail Community Education Society is doing — one connection at a time.

For more information, visit ltces.ca

Lake Trail Community Education Society builds neighbourhood connections Lake Trail Community Education Society staff and volunteers help Cookie Club and Sewing Club members in two of many youth-driven after school activities.

Browse more stories and reports. This story, and many others, are featured in Stronger Together our 2025 impact report, supporting over $1 million in community grants to 53 organizations this year.

CVCF is proud to announce this year’s Community Enrichment Grant recipients and the impactful work this granting program supports.

As part of our 2024-2025 granting program, the Comox Valley Community Foundation proudly distributed $543,557 in grants to 45 organizations who build and protect our community by providing programming and services in support of food security, children and youth, seniors, the environment, DEI initiatives, adults with diverse-abilities, and housing security.

For more information please click here.

The Comox Valley Community Foundation is marking a major milestone this spring – moving into a new central location to better serve the Comox Valley for generations to come.

The purchase of the new office space – at 917C Fitzgerald Ave. in Courtenay – is a first for the Foundation, marking its first permanent home in the Comox Valley in nearly 30 years.

“This location is more than just a new address—it’s an investment in our future, our partners, and the non-profit organizations we serve every day.” said Board Chair Craig Rennison.

The Community Foundation had previously operated out of temporary leased space at The Views in Comox.

The Courtenay location ensures that the Foundation remains a central hub, allowing them to more easily connect and collaborate with partners while responding to community needs.

Since 1996, the Community Foundation has connected generous donors and supporters to distribute more than $7 million to organizations throughout the Comox Valley. The new space will allow them to grow their mission to enrich life in the Comox Valley for all.

Designed to be welcoming and easy to reach, the new offices are within walking distance of many of the non-profits and organizations they are proud to support.

“I’m so grateful for the many organizations, donors, and board members whose ongoing support strengthens our ability to serve so many nonprofits across the Comox Valley,” said Jolean Finnerty, Executive Director of the Community Foundation. “A special thank you to Cameron Contracting — their generosity and in-kind support truly made our new home a reality.”

The new offices are open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with parking available on Fitzgerald Ave. and in the lot behind the building.

For more information on the Foundation, visit cvcfoundation.org.

About the Comox Valley Community Foundation

Since 1996, Comox Valley Community Foundation has awarded $7 million to over 175 local non-profits and 250 students in the form of grants and scholarships. As a funder, we support all not for profit and charitable organizations in our community so that they may respond to the pressing and ever-evolving needs and priorities of our citizens. To learn more about the Comox Valley Community Foundation, contact us at office@cvcfoundation.org, 250-338-8444 or visit  https://cvcfoundation.org.

Media contact:

Jolean Finnerty, Executive Director

Cell: 250-880-6584

Email: executive-director@cvcfoundation.org

Visit www.cvcfoundation.org for more information and news

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cvcommunityfoundation

Follow us on Instagram at www.instagram/com/comoxvalleycommunityfoundation

Do you have a great idea to bring your community together? Grants of up to $500 are now available through Comox Valley’s Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program. Applications are open from March 3 to April 4 at cvcfoundation.org/nsg.

The NSG program—co-funded locally by the Vancouver Island NSG Network and the Comox Valley Community Foundation—supports small, community member-led projects that foster connection, engagement, and inclusivity.

“Small projects can make a big impact,” says Community Foundation Executive Director Jolean Finnerty. “Butterfly highways, seed swaps, family movie nights, art workshops, community BBQs, and emergency planning demonstrations are just a few examples of past projects that have brought Comox Valley neighbours together.”

Neighbourhood Small Grants help spark creativity and strengthen connections across the Comox Valley. Some past project examples include:

• Sharing the arts – Hosting an accessible choir in the community.
• Celebrating Indigenous culture – Craft nights and traditional food harvesting.
• Intergenerational learning – Youth teaching seniors how to use tablets.
• Growing and eating local food – Mushroom harvesting workshops and community gardening.
• Youth-led initiatives – Senior interviews, reading buddy programs, and care packages.

All NSG projects must be free, inclusive, and open to the community. Funded projects can take place between April and December, but applications close Monday, April 4, 2025. The process is simple, and no grant-writing experience is needed.

Ready to bring your idea to life?
Visit cvcfoundation.org/nsg to learn more and apply.