Tourism Guide - Welcome to the Comox Valley

welcome Co m ox Va lle y Record â– 2012

to the

ComoxValley

Alpine to Ocean A lush green valley tucked between the mountains of the Beaufort Range on eastern Vancouver Island and the blue waters of the Georgia Strait, we offer the best in recreational activities, wildlife viewing, arts, culture & retirement living.

S totan Falls – p h oto b y: Jeff H i lla r d

WELCOME TO THE CO MO X VA L L E Y | 2012 | w w w. c o m o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

■ WELCOME | 2012

Comox Valley has everything to offer visitors

BALD EAGLES SOARS - Photo by Marilyn Nettleton

INSIDE ■ THIS ISSUE The people who live in the Comox Valley feel they’re in one of the finest areas, if not the best part, of a spectacular gift of nature called Vancouver Island.

The awe-inspiring Coastal Mountains on the mainland of British Columbia don’t seem far away on the other side of the Strait of Georgia. Behind you are the Beaufort Mountains, one of the most distinctive natural features of Vancouver Island that include the Comox Glacier, known to the K’ómoks people as Queneesh, the White Whale.

The Valley, which stretches from Fanny Bay to Oyster River — including scenic Hornby and Denman islands — has enough kayaking, hiking, camping, swimming and other summer activities to keep the most active outdoors lover on the go.

There’s much more to experience, but don’t take our word for it — come and see for yourself.

Visitor Information Comox Valley Map

3 4

Cumberland

10

Islands

12

Valley Communities

13

Courtenay

17

K’ómoks

24

19 Wing

27

Comox

30

Events Calendar

83

Advertiser Directory

86 / 87

Heritage Experience

88

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com Publisher: Joanna Ross | Editor: Mark Allan Photographers: Erin Haluschak; Karen Goldby; Lindsay Chung and local photographs submitted by our readers www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 1

2 | 2 0 12 | W ELCOME TO THE CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c omo x v a l l e y re c o rd . c om

■ TOURIST INFORMATION | VANCOUVER ISLAND TOURIST CENTRE

The Island’s largest tourist information centre The Vancouver Island Visitor Centre opened in early 2012 to cover a huge portion of the Island.

Made possible by $3 million in federal funding and $745,000 in provincial funds, the Vancouver Island Visitor Centre was built on land in Cumberland donated by Trilogy Properties Corp.

It is the largest visitor information centre on Vancouver Island, according to the Comox Valley Economic Development Society.

The award-winning building contains a breaching orca, a collection of live oysters, a Vancouver Island marmot and a diverse indoor forest.

The centre is located at 3607 Small Rd. off the Comox Valley Parkway just below the Highway 19 Cumberland interchange (Exit 117 off the Inland Island Highway).

For more information, visit facebook.com/VIVisitorCentre, call the VIVC at 250-400-2882 or visit www.discovercomoxvalley.com/explore/vancouverisland-visitor-centre.

EXPLORE THE EXHIBITION GALLERY

Who better to assist you with all your real estate needs than RE/MAX Dave Procter Realty. Dave Procter, Leah Reichelt and Christiaan Horsfall are licensed Realtors with over 56 years of combined knowledge and experience selling real estate in the valley. They can help you get on track with a relocation package if you are thinking of buying or a market analysis if you are thinking of selling. Just give them a call or email, or visit them at www.comoxvalleyrealty.com.

Be sure to follow us on for great tips and insider info!

DAVE PROCTER

CH CHRISTIAAN HR HO H ORSFALL HORSFALL LEAH LE EAH REICHEL CHELLT REICHELT

info@comoxvalleyrealty.com www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 3

Detailed Comox Valley street maps are available at local retail outlets and Visitor Centres:

Vancouver Island Visitor Centre ~ 3607 Small Rd., off the Comox Valley Parkway, just below the Highway 19 Cumberland Interchange (Exit 117 off the Inland Island Hwy).

Phone: 250-400-2882 • www.discovercomoxvalley.com/vancouver-island-visitor-centre 4 | 2 0 12 | W ELCOME TO THE CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c omo x v a l l e y re c o rd . c om

The Comox Valley’s Friendly, Reliable & Safe Door-to-Door Shuttle Service

GO GREEN

We can shuttle our guests anywhere on Vancouver Island.

Call and book in advance to reserve your ride with us!

Destinations such as Victoria, Tofino, Nanaimo, Port Hardy and all points in between.

Larger charter groups welcome.

Reduce your Carbon Footprint...

Carpool with Us!

Front Load Washers are Energy Star Rated It is estimated that on average the consumer will save approximately $110 per year in total consumption of water and energy, also using upwards of 60% less detergent, softener and bleach.

• 40$ Savings in Water Consumption • 60% Savings in detergent, liquid bleach & fabric softener • 60% Less wear and tear on clothes.

• Water extraction during final spin save drying time.

The wash action is a gentle reversing tumble, the closest thing to hand washing in any automatic clothes washer.

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AIRPORT • FERRIES • RESORTS • WEDDINGS • TOURS • SPECIAL OCCASSIONS

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Fast FREE Delivery and Set Up!

McConochie’s Furniture and Appliances (1974) Ltd. “Serving the Comox Valley for 46Years”

434 - 5th St., Courtenay • 250-338-8114

Located at the Gas & Go Fuel Dock in Comox Call (250)338-6829 or visit www.scubashark.com

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■ GETTING HERE | COMOX VALLEY AIRPORT

Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) is the first point of entry into the Comox Valley for many people. e Tourists and residents alike recognize and treasure tthe Valley’s unique attributes — from its breathtaking sscenery to its local charm. YQQ strives to ensure the passenger experience echoes these traits. p The terminal building provides all of the amenities rrequired for a comfortable journey including electroniic kiosks for check-in, a gift shop, café, security screeniing, customs facilities and rental cars. YQQ also offers a team of friendly staff and airport volunteers who are rready and willing to assist with passenger inquiries.

This commitment to service has resulted in conssistently high levels of overall customer satisfaction.

Benchmarking surveys have awarded strong scores B ffor the Comox Valley Airport seven years in a row. Partticipants in recent focus groups described the airport as positive, warm, friendly, professionally run, efficient, a iimmaculately clean and user friendly.

For more information about the Comox Valley Airport, visit www.comoxairport.com. p SPECTACULAR YQQ TERMINAL

Comox Military Family Resource Centre Centre de ressources pour les familles des militaires de Comox

Services for military families living in the Comox Valley.

Confident, capable and resilient families building a supportive 19 Wing Community.

1575 Military Row 250-339-8290 comoxmfrc@gmail.com

Des services offerts aux familles des militaires demeurant dans la Vallée de Comox.

www.familyforce.ca

Des familles confiantes, compétentes et résilientes qui créent une collectivité solidaire à la 19e Escadre.

6 | 2 0 12 | W ELCOME TO THE CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c omo x v a l l e y re c o rd . c om

Moving In Or Out of the Comox Valley?

As a long term resident I am an expert when it comes to Comox Valley. If you want information on real estate here, call me. 26 years of loyal honest e you an expert. service. My knowledge will make

Marie McCooey

250.339.2021

mccooey@shaw.ca y

282 Anderton Road, Comox ox • RE/MAX Ocean Pacific Realty

26 years selling th the C Comox V Valley ll Each RE/MAX office is independently owned and operated.

Toshiba | Alpine | Panasonic | Denon | Polk Audio | Boston Acoustics | Sharp | Marantz | Audio Technica | NAD | Sanus

VISUAL SOUND AVU

BRAND NAME ELECTRONICS • PERSONAL SERVICE

456 5th Street | Courtenay | In the Leung's Building | 250-338-5177 or 1-877-865-3691 | www.visualsoundstore.com

®

www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 7

■ GETTING AROUND | COMOX VALLEY

Planes, trains, automobiles and more You have your choice of transportation in the Comox Valley.

FLYING Harbour Air and West Coast Air have merged.

For information about their offerings, including floatplanes that connect h Comox Harbour with r, downtown Vancouver, phone 1-800-347-2222. d Small aircraft and floatplanes have accesss to the Courtenay Airpark..

For more information, call 250-338-9814.

And the Comox Valley Airport in Comox is the fastest-growing airport on Vancouver Island.

that includes Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Bella Coola and the Chilcotin region of the B.C. Interior.

BUS Greyhound (formerly Island Coachlines) connects the Valley daily to other Vancouver Island towns and

Valley and connects them with Victoria, the ferry at Nanaimo and on to downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport. For details, visit www.islandlinkbus.com or phone 1-604-970-4990.

To help you get around the Valley, the Comox y Valleyy Transit System is

DRIVING Highway 19A is the original Island highway, a two-lane oceanside route that features a spectacular view of water and mountains.

If you’re at the wheel, remember to keep your eyes on the road.

The new Highway 19 (also known as the Inland Island Highway) is a four-lane roadway between Parksville and Campbell River. It was built to relieve unbearable and dangerous congestion.

If you need to get somewhere in a hurry, te. take the inland route. d Otherwise, the oceanside route is much easier on the eyes.

You might see signs along the highways promoting the Discovery Coast trip. It’s a 1,400-kilometre circle tour

Cumberland, Courtenay, Royston, North Island College, and the Canadian Armed Forces Base. For details, call 250-334-6000.

FERRIES In our region, BC Ferries offers service from Buckley Bay to Denman Island and an another short hop to equally be beautiful Hornby Island.

An Another run connects Little Riv River near Comox to Powell Riv River on the mainland.

If your visit will take you far farther afield, ferry runs fro from Nanaimo, Victoria and Po Port Hardy can connect you to the mainland, including the fabled Inside Passage rou route from Port Hardy to Pri Prince Rupert on the North Co Coast.

For more information, vis visit www.bcferries.com or ph phone 1-888-223-3779.

SMALL CRAFT Safe moorage docks an marine services for and pleasure craft can be found ple next to the Comox Marina. ne Call 250-339-6041, for more Ca information or visit www. inf comoxharbour.com. co

CYCLING

FERRY AND KAYAKERS - Photo by Denise Sevier-Fries

the mainland. Call 250-3342475 for more information.

Each day, Islandlink picks up passengers from various places around the Comox

offered by BC Transit and the Comox Strathcona Regional District.

The service connects Comox,

8 | 2 0 12 | W ELCOME TO THE CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c omo x v a l l e y re c o rd . c om

Some parts of the Comox Va Valley are cyclist-friendly.

The Town of Comox has Th installed cycling lanes ins along Comox Avenue (the alo main street) that hook up ma with lanes along Comox Road, which connects Comox and Courtenay.

The City of Courtenay is considering cycling lanes along one of its busy connector streets.

www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 9

■ COMMUNITY |CUMBERLAND

Historic Cumberland began in the coal mines Cumberland is the smallest of the three incorporated communities in the Comox Valley — and the youngest.

Figures from the 2011 national census reveal a population of 3,398 in the village, compared to 13,627 in Comox and 24,099 in Courtenay. Bucking a nationwide trend toward grey hair, the median age of Cumberland’s population is 10 years below that of the Comox Valley as a whole, 3.7 years below that of B.C, and 2.4 years below that of Canada.

Young families are attracted to Cumberland by the relatively low cost of housing and the funky charm of an alternativeminded population that knows it’s different than the rest of the Comox Valley — and likes it that way.

tunnels. Its economyy h grew and declined with the world coal market.

The first miners’’ p shacks were thrown up near Coal Creek soon after Samuel Harri-son discovered a coal seam near Comox Lake in 1869. Robert Dunsmuir, a shrewd Scot who was building an industrial empire on coal deposits elsewhere on Vancouver Island, bought the mine and prospered.

He expanded the mines and built huge docks at Union Bay, where deep-water ships could load coal.

A 13-mile railway linked the docks with the mines in Cumberland.

In 1898, Cumberland was incorporat-

LANTERN FESTIVAL - Photo by Denise Sevier-Fries

HERITAGE PARK HONOURING THE JAPANESE LABOURERS

More than a century ago, Cumberland was called Union and it was the centre of activity in the region. Literally built on coal mines, Cumberland sits on land that is honeycombed with

ed as a city with a population of more than 1,000 people. In 1901, 64 miners died in an explosion in Number 6 Mine, which has stayed in people’s memories. To this day, Cumberland honours

tthe dead men with Miners’ Memorial Day. M Also remembered and honoured after many years h of neglect are the Chinese o and Japanese labourers a who were such an integral w part of the community’s p prosperity. p In 1914, 3,000 people lived in Cumberland’s Chinatown, the largest Chinese settlement north of San Francisco.

Against the odds, Cumberland survived after the last mine closed during the

10 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

1960s.

Villagers regularly pay homage to the past, including a May long weekend celebration known as Empire Days, complete with parade, crowning of the May Queen and a Market Day on the main drag of Dunsmuir Avenue, which is temporarily forbidden to vehicles.

For more about cumberland, visit http://cumberlandbc.org or www.cumberlandbc.net/siteengine/ activepage.asp

SCHEDULE

www.bcferries.com Departure Bay, NANAIMO - Horseshoe Bay, VANCOUVER

June 27, 2012 – September 3, 2012

Leaves Departure Bay 6:20 am 7:45 am* 8:30 am

10:40 am 12:15 pm+ 12:50 pm

3:10 pm 4:40 pm◆ 5:20 pm

7:30 pm 9:05 pm° 9:30 pm

Leaves Horseshoe Bay 6:20 am 8:30 am 10:05 am*

10:40 am 12:50 pm 2:30 pm+

3:10 pm 5:20 pm 6:55 pm◆

7:30 pm 9:30 pm 11:05 pm°

& Aug. 7 Only, Excluding Sept. 1. +Thur. to Mon. & Aug. 7, 14, 15, 21, 22, *Mon. Thu. Fri. Sat. ◆ 28 & 29 Only. Mon. Thu. Fri. Sun. & Aug. 7, 28 & 29 Only. °Sun. Only, Excluding Sept. 2.

Duke Point, NANAIMO - Tsawwassen, VANCOUVER

June 27, 2012 – September 3, 2012

Leaves Duke Point 5:15 am 7:45 am

10:15 am 12:45 pm

3:15 pm 5:45 pm

8:15 pm 10:45 pm

LAZO MARSH FROGS - Photo by Mark Erickson

Leaves Tsawwassen 5:15 am 7:45 am

10:15 pm 12:45 pm

3:15 pm 5:45 pm

8:15 pm 10:45 pm

Little River, COMOX – Westview, POWELL RIVER

Effective Year ‘Round

Leaves Little River 6:30 am

10:10 am

3:15 pm

7:15 pm

Leaves Westview 8:10 am

12:00 pm

5:15 pm

8:45 pm

Schedules are subject to change without notice.

Visit www.bcferries.com for up-to-date holiday information.

250-218-6789

PREC

Toll Free: 1-877-678-9888

Your interests first!

Cumberland Tourist Bureau cumberlandbc.org

cumberlandmuseum.ca

Long time resident of the Comox Valley.

Over 30 years looking after people’s real estate needs.

2680 Dunsmuir Avenue Cumberland, BC 1-866-301-4636 282 Anderton Road, Comox, BC V9M 1Y2 www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 11

■ COMMUNITY | THE ISLANDS

Hornby, Denman two island jewels

DENMAN ISLAND IN THE BACKGROUND AS SEEN FROM FANNY BAY - Photo by Sabrina Close

Just a short sail away from the Comox Valley lie two jewels in the Strait of Georgia. Denman and Hornby islands provide a sanctuary of tranquillity for the harried traveller.

But while offering a peaceful rural setting, the islands also boast a variety of leisure and cultural activities.

The journey begins at Buckley Bay, about a 20minute drive south of Courtenay, where visitors can board a BC ferry, either on foot or with a vehicle. A 10-minute sail takes you to Denman Island.

A liquor store, a hardware store, a bookstore and home-based artisans and craft stores are all part of the main street. There are two bistros and a bakery nearby. Several of the island’s numerous bed and breakfasts are located in this area.

The island’s cultural and educational life is also evident here, with two community halls, a library, a school, an art gallery and a museum.

llikely you’ll see eagles and ssea lions.

On the east coast of the iisland, Fillongley Provinccial Park offers 80-acres o of meadow and forests of h huge old-growth fir and ced dar trees, fern gullies and a n native midden.

You can travel across D Denman to the east coast, w where another ferry awaits tto take you to nearby Hornb by. Another 10-minute ride ttakes you across Lambert C Channel to Shingle Spit.

Hornby offers two magn nificent sandy beaches, a and is sometimes referred tto as the “undiscovered H Hawaii of B.C.”

The largest of these beaches is at Tribune Bay in Tribune Bay Provincial Park, while Whaling Station Bay lies on the road to Helliwell Park.

After a day at the beach, take a trek through Helliwell Provincial Park, where you’ll stroll through a fivekilometre, circular path along the spectacular Helliwell Bluffs. Other paths lead you through old-growth firs and gnarled oaks.

Travel toward the centre of the island, and you’ll see the community hall, a rustic hand-crafted wooden structure, where much of the community’s cultural activities take place.

In the charming village square, you’ll find a co-op grocery store, bookstore, cafe, craft store and outdoor seating area that seem like they were carved from the surrounding landscape.

After an afternoon of exploring, relax at the Thatch Pub near the ferry dock, and view the works of local artists.

BALD EAGLE PERFECT PERCH ON DENMAN ISLAND

A craft store serves as a co-operative of local artists, as well as a showcase for their work.

Those who wish to explore the spectacular landscape can wander along trails that wind through stands of old-growth Douglas fir in Boyle Point Provincial Park, located at the south end of the island. Look over Eagle Rock and toward the lighthouse on Chrome Island, and it’s

EXPERIENCE THE HORNBY ISLAND CO-OP

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■ COMMUNITY | RURAL

Around the Valley SEA LIONS TAKE A BREAK FROM THEIR MIGRATION IN FANNY BAY - Photo by Marie Granados

Mountains. Fanny Bay is renowned for its oysters.

SCHEDULE Denman/Hornby Ferry YEAR ROUND SCHEDULE Vancouver Island - Denman Island Leave Buckley Bay

*7:00am *7:40am @ 8:20am

9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 12:10pm

*6:40am *7:20am 8:00am @ 8:40am

9:40am 10:40am 11:50am 12:45pm

DC

Merville

Besides Courtenay Courtenay, Co Comox, Cumberland and the islands, the area we call the Comox Valley includes several smaller communities, each with a different feel to offer the visitor.

Black Creek As you drive north from Courtenay on what we call the Old Island Highway (19A), the Black Creek Country Market signals your arrival in this small agricultural community, which includes the descendants of Mennonite settlers. The Black Creek and Oyster River watersheds teem with fish and wildlife. You might spot coho salmon in Black Creek during the autumn.

Buckley Bay Via BC Ferries, this place south of Courtenay on Highway 19A serves as the jumpoff point to Denman and Hornby islands. There’s a convenience store, gas station and a seafood shop.

Fanny Bay Linked with the heyday of logging along the coast, some old camp buildings and the remains of wharves and pilings can be seen along with scenic views of Baynes Sound, the south end of Denman Island and the distant Coast

Named after the town w where Canada’s First World W War military headquarters w was located in France, Mervville was founded when soldiers were relocated with their families after the war.

B.C. author Jack Hodgins grew up here. Today, watch for signs labelled A, signalling a local artisan whose studio is open to the public.

Royston This area was originally known as Roy’s Town, possibly named for early settler William Roy. Across Comox Harbour, you can see the town of Comox and mainland mountains. Royston is the home of the renowned Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa. In the waters of Baynes Sound, you can see the remnants of 14 or 15 old ships known as the Royston Wrecks that were once used as a breakwater to protect the log booming grounds of Comox Harbour.

Union Bay Union Bay, once a mighty coal-shipping terminal for the rich coalfields of Cumberland, now depends on shellfish from Baynes Sound for its economic prosperity. Visitors can stroll along Heritage Row, historic buildings relocated and restored by the Union Bay Historical Society.

Check out the post office and former gaol (jail).

#

1:05pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm

5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:30pm

++

!!

Leave Denman Island

1:40pm 2:40pm 3:40pm DC

4:40pm 5:40pm 6:40pm 8:00pm

10:00pm 11:00pm

9:40pm 10:40pm

Denman Island - Hornby Island *7:45am *8:20am 9:40am

*7:30am 8:00am 9:00am

@

DC @ # !! ++

* F

10:40am 11:50am 12:45pm

Leave Denman Island 1:40pm 2:40pm 3:40pm

4:40pm 5:40pm 6:35pm

10:00am 11:00am 12:10pm

Leave Hornby Island 1:00pm 2:00pm DC 3:00pm

4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm

DC

7:40pm 9:15pm 10:35pm F F

F

7:15pm 9:00pm 10:00pm F F

F

Thursday sailings will be replaced by a Dangerous Cargo Sailing.

No other passengers permitted.

Daily except Sundays.

Note: The 9:40 sailing from Denman is usually a busy sailing and has the potential to overload.

Last connecting ferry to Hornby Island daily except on Fridays.

Last connecting ferry to Hornby Island on Fridays.

Daily except December 25 and January 1.

Fridays only.

SCHEDULE

For schedule information & changes, go to www.bcferries.com

Your Gateway to the Islands

BUCKLEY BAY

FRESH SEAFOOD... aall kinds... all the time!

resh FFANNY BAY OYSTERS and so much more...

®

Downstairs in Petro-Canada Building at Denman Ferry OPEN EVERYDAY 9AM  6PM • 2503351198

www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 13

320 - 5th Street, Downtown Courtenay

250-334-2611

Jewellery ll • Watches h Giftware • Clocks Goldsmith on Premises • Design & Repair

Welcome Visit our store in beautiful downtown Courtenay.

Choices, we’ve got them!

660 England Avenue • 250 338 1383 • thriftyfoods.com

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by

Charming Clothing for Infants, Girls & Ladies and Home Decor

Monday to Saturday 9:30 to 5:30, Sunday 12 to 4 244 5th Street, Courtenay • 250-871-0229 14 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

A Beautiful Experience!

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hair design • aesthetics • steam therapy • reflexology hydrotherapy • body treatments • massages • spa packages gift cards • retail centre • skin rejuvenation

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DENIM TO SUITS FOR THE QUALITY MAN

DRESSING MEN OF ALL AGES FOR EVERY OCCASION

CLOTHES CLOSET

231 5th Street, DOW DOWNTOWN COURTENAY 25 250 250-338-2624

4716 Johnston Road, PORT ALBERNI 250-723-5231

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“Vegan Pro Multi Starburst” “Professional” Dansko stapled clog outsoles are designed to be suitable in workplace

$140.00 to $155.00

“Serving the Comox Valley for over 80 Years”

“Searle’s for that hard to fit foot” 250 Fifth St., Downtown Courtenay

Open Mon. - Sat. 9:30 - 5:30 pm Fri. till 9:00 pm

yaw

250-334-3178

J•E•W•E•L•L•E•R•S Downtown Courtenay

250-334-4523

SWISS ARMY

Big City Selection

Sophistication and Luxury.

small town charm Voted Best Little Bookshop in the West OPEN 24 HRS ONLINE

www.laughingoysterbooks.com

286 - 5th St. Courtenay

Phone 250-334-2511

K ITE Flying

FforUtheN

332-5th Street

whole family!

250-338-1233

whalestaletoys@telus.net

SERVING THE COMOX VALLEY FOR

27

YEARS

Features scratch-resistant anti-reflective sapphire crystal. ETA Valjoux movement. Self-winding mechanical chronograph with 42-hour power reserve.

Exhibition caseback with shatter-resistant mineral crystal. Push-button deployant straps and bracelets.

Luminous hands and numerals. Date calendar.

Chronograph features allows 1/4th of a second timing. 60-second, 30-minute and 12-hour counters.

Tachymeter scale.

SWISS-MADE CRAFTMANSHIP. HIGH PERFORMANCE DESIGN. A family tradition for over 40 years.

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■ COMMUNITY | COURTENAY

Courtenay offers a variety of shopping In spite of being the largest community in the Comox Valley with 24,099 residents (2011 census), Courtenay retains its smalltown charm.

Browsing the quaint shops on Fifth Street and other downtown streets is a popular diversion for residents, who are happy to share this pleasure with visitors.

Just in the downtown core alone, there is a broad mix of shopping (Thrifty Foods and many smaller shops), commerce (banks), culture (art galleries), entertainment (Sid Williams Theatre, Joe’s Garage, The Grotto, Zocalo Café), enlightenment (Courtenay Library, Laughing Oyster Books, Courtenay Museum) and sustenance (more eateries and watering holes than you can shake an appetite/thirst at).

Farther afield, yet still within city limits, you can find the large chain stores that can be found in larger communities.

The city is divided by the Courtenay River, which is lined by parks such as Lewis and Simms Millennium that offer some calming views.

As in the rest of the Co-

Business Conference in OcB ttober and downtown Courttenay’s Christmas Magic in November.

N The city is named for Capt. George Courtenay, C master of the British Royal m Navy vessel Constance.

N Some of the streets still bear the names of hardy b

Continued on page 18 MARKET DAY IS AN ANNUAL EVENT HELD IN JULY.

mox Valley and Vancouver Island generally, the weather in Courtenay is temperate. The mercury rarely falls below freezing or soars above 30. It’s a good place to visit anytime, although you might try to time your arrival to coincide with one or more of the many events in this wonderful place sometimes known as the Valley of Festivals.

Some of the highlights are Vancouver Island Music Festival in July, Canada Day on July 1, Market Day downtown in July, Highland Games in May, Comox Valley Exhibition in August, Vancouver Island Music

We'll move you in the right direction.

Play Hard

Work Hard

Invest Right

Robert Mulrooney Senior Investment Advisor DWM Securities Inc.

250-338-5222 • www.investmentcoach.com DWM Securities Inc., Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund, is a DundeeWealth Inc. Company

www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 17

■ COMMUNITY | COURTENAY

oneers such as Reginald Pidcock and Joseph McPhee.

Forestry was a good way to make your fortune in the early days and the Comox Logging and Railway Company was said to be the largest logging company in the British empire during its heyday.

Courtenay’s population boomed in the post-war years and at times has been one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the province.

P.R.E.C.

Your Comox Valley Connection Buying or Selling…

I am here for all your real estate needs!

IN THE COMOX VALLEY

FUN CAN BE FOUND AT THE COURTENAY & DISTRICT MUSEUM.

Custom Designs esigns Mugs • T-Shirtss es Jackets • Hoodies Caps • Etc.

479 - 4th Street, et, Downtown Courtenay tenay

www.brazencanadian.com azencana nadi dian di an.com

June 17th - Sept. 2nd 8 a.m. service will be held at St. Andrews Heritage Church (Located at the bottom of Mission Hill)

St. John the Divine ANGLICAN CHURCH

Courtenay, BC 250-334-4331 stjohnthedivinecourtenay.bc.anglican.ca

Sunday Worship: 8:00 am and 10:00 am

250.334.3124 | 800.638.4226

www.tinavincent.com

Your donations help support: • The Emergency Shelter • New Discoveries Parent Child Centre • Family Services • International Aid • Community Support

Giving Hope Today THE SALVATION ARMY

THRIFT STORE 2966 Kilpatrick Ave., Courtenay 1785 Comox Ave., Comox 331 - 4th St., Courtenay

250-338-8151 250-339-7522 250-334-8230

For furniture pick up call:

250-338-8151

Affordable, quality used clothing & household items.

18 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

DUNLINS IN FLIGHT ~ Photo by Father Charles Brandt

Burton • North Face • Salomon • Rossignol • Helly Hansen

REAL dog + REAL food = REAL responsibility

Orage • Dakine • Bonfire • Foursquare • Special Blend Blizzard • Libtech • Oakley • Ride • 686 • Armada

Don’t forget to visit Vancouver Island’s specialist in REAL food and healthy treats and toys Vancouver get REAL Island’s Largest get HEALTHY Selection Replenish your supplies at 463 St in Downtown Courtenay phone 250.338.6716 | toll free 1.866.380.WAGZ (9249)

of Raw Food

BONNIE L. DAY Barrister & Solicitor RACHEL DAY Legal Assistant

Family & Civil Litigation Wills & Estates Real Estate Conveyancing

212 - 5th Street, Courtenay, BC P. 250.897.1469 • F. 1.877.837.0548 www.bldlaw.ca

retail • rental • repairs 267 sixth street, courtenay • 250-334-2537 www.skitakhut.com your ski and snowboard specialists since ‘76

www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 19

Enjoy the Splendor that the Comox Valley has to offer.

DON MCRAE, MLA Comox Valley Constituency Office 437 5th St., Courtenay BC V9N 1J7 Phone: (250) 703-2422 Fax: (250) 703-2425 Email: don.mcrae.mla@leg.bc.ca

www.donmcraemla.bc.ca

THE COURTENAY LIBRARY BUILT IN 2001 IS A STRIKING ARCHITECTURAL ATTRACTION TO DOWNTOWN COURTENAY.

Courtenay’s Downtown Hardware Destination

YES!

We’ve got your Lumber, Lighting, Flooring, Cabinets, Rentals, Windows, Roofing, Tools, Paints, Appliances, Doors, Drywall, Insulation, Post Office & So Much More...

5th Street

Simms St.

6th Street

Powered by People

Riverside Lane

Cliffe Ave.

SERVING THE VALLEY SINCE 1924. NOT SOME BIG BOX, BUT YOUR NEIGHBOUR NEXT DOOR

Central Builders’

Locally owned and operated for over 80 years 610 Anderton Ave. Courtenay Tel: 250-334-4416

20 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

Hours of Operation: Mon - Fri 7 - 5:30pm Saturday 8 - 5:00pm Sunday 9 - 5:00pm

The top ten things you should know about buying in the Comox Valley: 1. Call Coast Realty Group, we will take care of the other nine.

Charlotte Batchelor

Martin Bridges

Chris Flynn

Errol Flynn

Ray Francis

Patrick Guinan

Becky Hagan

Tracy Hopkins

Don Hughes

John Kalhous

Andrena Koch-Schulte

Don Luckett

Barry McDonald

Sue McKitrick

Heather Mossauer

Rob Phillips

Kevin Reid

Heather Sanson

Sylvie Schroeder

Donna Tuele

Kory Wagsta

Marianne Woodrow

Mark Wyatt

Jennifer Chin

Travis Stevenson Managing Broker

Property Management

625 England Avenue Courtenay, BC V9N 2N5

Phone: 250-897-3999 Toll-free: 800-715-3999

www.coastrealty.com

Email: coastcv@coastrealty.com

www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 21

• Sales • Service • Parts • Importation Services • Alternative Propulsion Technology • Diesel/Veggie Oil • Propane Injection • Electric

Comox Valley Delica Auto Imports LIMITED

Hours of Operation: 10:00AM to 5:30PM Monday to Friday

250-400-1195

898-1195

Mobile: 250-

3274-B Third Street, Cumberland, B.C. www.comoxvalleydelica.com

Celebrate Lives with Dignity.

PIERCY’S MT. WASHINGTON FUNERAL HOME

Whether your need is now or you are making final arrangements, you can count on

Professional, Quality and Service Excellence.

www.piercysmtwashingtonfuneral.com

24 Hours A Day! 250-334-4464 440 England Avenue Courtenay

A PA RT O F T H E C O M OX VA L L E Y F O R O V E R 6 0 Y E A R S !

22 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

Open Late Every Night!

Comedy Nights • UFC Showcase Band Nights and Karaoke Go to www.avalanchebar.ca or friend us on facebook for event details and updates

Govt. Liquor Store pricing and no Chill Charges!

275 - -8th Street, Courtenay 250-331-0334 www.avalanchebar.ca

odlumbrown.com

trust • vision • investment integrity

Independent Investment Advice OB Model Portfolio vs S&P/TSX Total Return Index $3,000,000 $2,500,000 $2,000,000

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Call us today to learn more about the value of independent investment advice tailored to your needs.

Courtenay 250 703 0637 Campbell River 250 286 3151 Toll Free 1 877 703 0637

Robert Wolfe

Let our knowledgeable and experienced staff make your real estate purchase in the Comox Valley an easy one. Our management division specializes in the management of single family homes, townhouses, condos, and apartments, and our real estate division can help you choose the “right” property.

Call or drop by for a positive experience!

17 Years in the Comox Valley.

303A-13th Avenue, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 9G5

Investment Advisor rwolfe@odlumbrown.com Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund * Compound annual growth rates are from inception December 15, 1994 to May 15, 2012. The Model was established by the Research Department in December 1994, with a hypothetical investment of $250,000. The Model provides a basis with which to measure the quality of our advice and the effectiveness of our disciplined investment strategy. Trades are made using the closing price on the day a change is announced. These are gross figures before fees. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Phone: (250) 897-1611 Fax: (250) 897-1612 r Toll Free: 1-877-897-1611 www.pennylane.bc.ca

www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 23

• Fully Insured & Bonded

■ CULTURE | K’ÓMOKS FIRST NATION

• On-site reports with full report & pictures also on CD • CAHPI Member • Licensed with Consumer tion BC #55848 Protection

Cory Graves (PHI) Inspector 250.897.6782 www.visionhomeinspectionandrenos.com

Native Gallery featuring a full selection of North West Coast Native Art.

MASKS WOOD CARVINGS JEWELRY PRINTS GIFTS BOOKS

www.ihosgallery.com 3310 Comox Road, Courtenay

Find us on Facebook

250-339-7702

24 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

K’ÓMOKS BIG HOUSE

■ CULTURE | K’ÓMOKS FIRST NATION

National Aboriginal Day The K’ómoks First Nation and its I-Hos Gallery present National Aboriginal Day, a fun-filled event for the whole family, on June 21. You can enjoy tasty food like sockeye salmon traditionally cooked on cedar sticks over an open fire. Food includes barbecued buffalo burger, bannock and more.

The Kumugwe dancers (Kwakwaka’wakw) and Tzinquaw Dancers (Coast Salish) will perform, artisan tents will be set up around I-Hos Gallery for your cultural shopping experience.

Also a Métis village will be set up for your cultural viewing and sharing. Create your own healing bundle at the I-Hos Gallery, pick a bead or two, wrap in a cloth and on June 21 Elder James Quatell will bless/pray for you in the Big House.

Seven Sacred Teachings will also be discussed by facilitators Restoule/Camp.

It happens June 21 from 3 to 7 p.m. at 3310 Comox Road in the Comox Valley.

3 – 3:45 : Kumugwe Dancers Performance - Big House 4 – 4:45 : Empowering Our Spirit - Big House 5 – 5:30 : Storytelling for Kids - Tent 5:30 – 6:30 : Seven Sacred Teachings - Big House 6:30 – 7:00 : Coast Salish Dancers Performance -Big House.

For details about the K’ómoks Band, KUMUGWE DANCER visit www.comoxband.ca.

Today everyone may have the beautiful smile of their dreams... www.acreviewdental.com

Regular check-ups for the entire family are an important part of your overall health.

We pride ourselves in being a family friendly practice. We combine advanced dental training and the latest high tech equipment with the personal touch of our caring dentists and staff to give you the smile you’ve always wanted.

Accepting new patients.

Dr. J. Brett Burry, DDS Dr. Manny Karamanis, DDS

• • • • •

M e r c u r y - f r e e p r a c t i c e - Fa m i l y D e n t i s t r y IMPLANT placement and IMPLANT supported restorative options Smile makeovers with Zoom 2 whitening • Digital X-rays (90% less radiation exposure) Ve n e e r s a n d c e r a m i c r e s t o r a t i o n s • O r a l a n d n i t r o u s s e d a t i o n a v a i l a b l e C e i l i n g m o u n t e d T V s i n a l l t r e a t m e n t r o o m s • C o m p l e t e h yg i e n e s e r v i c e s a n d p e r i o d o n t a l c a r e .

116 - 750 Comox Road, Cour tenay 250.338.9085 www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 25

26 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

â– CANADIAN FORCES | 19 WING

An integral part of the Comox Valley The operations and people of CFB Comox are an important part of the Comox Valley. With 1,000 Canadian Forces members and 200 civilian members, the base is the local area’s largest employer — ďŹ lled with people who contribute both in and outside of work toward the health of the community. The Canadian Forces 19 Wing air force base has watched over the local area and Canada’s West Coast for more than 60 years.

There are three squadrons at 19 Wing — the only Canadian air base west of the Rocky Mountains.

The 407 Maritime Patrol

ONE OF SIX CC-115 BUFFALO AIRCRAFT

Squadron ies ďŹ ve CP-140 Auroras, 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron ies six CC-115 Buffalo aircraft and ďŹ ve CH-149 Cormorant

Welcome to the Comox Valley!

At First, we can meet all your insurance needs. We’re now open 6 days a week, and have 4 ofďŹ ces in the Comox Valley and Campbell River to serve you!

t $PNPY .BMM t UI 4USFFU %PXOUPXO $PVSUFOBZ t 3ZBO 3E 8BTIJOHUPO 1BSL

t " $FEBS 4USFFU $BNQCFMM 3JWFS

helicopters (all a distinctively bold yellow), and 19 Air Maintenance Squadron provides maintenance for the base’s aircraft and sup-

p port to the squadrons.

Comox’s base boasts th the province’s secondlo longest runway — a 10 10,000-foot-stretch that ca can accommodate a sp space shuttle. A portion of the base’s property is le leased to the Comox Va Valley Airport.

The maritime patrol un unit monitors maritime ap approaches far into the Pa PaciďŹ c and Arctic. Origina nally designed for subm marine surveillance, it no now plays an important ro role in watching for illeg legal activity like ďŹ shing contraventions.

The Search and Rescue squadron covers the country’s busiest region — helping people in trouble.

C O M O X

Air Force Museum

HERITAGE AIR PARK WITH 11 AIRCRAFT H

t Commercial t Residential t 37 "57 t Life t Disability t "VUPQMBO

West Coast Military Aviation History Outstanding collection of artifacts and historical memorabilia.

Gift Shop with an amazing selection of aviation related merchandise.

1-800-655-5255

www.ďŹ rstins.

Located outside the entrance to CFB Comox Ryan Road at Military Row, Comox Phone: 250-339-8162 Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

www.comoxairforcemuseum.ca www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 27

Come to

Visit COMOX Shop Sushi Kobo Enjoy Take-Out Sushi

THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO!

FRESH made to order Tues. - Sat. 11am - 7pm m CLOSED Sun., Mon. & Hol Holidays lidays

250-339-3222 1773 Comox Ave., Comox omox

www.sushikobo.com m

• ALIA • ADAPTIVE • TAN JAY • • FRENCH DRESSING • • FEN-NELLI • SOFTWORKS • • PAPA • PICADILLY •

ROXANNE’S FASHIONS F

Comox Co C omoox Cen Centre M Mall 250-339-6133

Blue Heron Books

Chandlery & Services for Pleasure & Commercial Vessels Main Phone: 250-941-7373 103 - 1797 Comox Ave. Below the Credit Union with parking access off Beaufort Ave.

1782B Comox Ave., Comox 250-339-5050

Come see our selection of • Electrical & Mechanical • Woodworking • Diving Service • Surveys Arranged • Project Management

www.willsmarinesupply.com

Just In

Art

Supplies

• • • •

Books Journals Cards Nautical Charts & more

1775 Comox Ave., Comox • 250-339-6111

28 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

Play Tennis, Swim in the Ocean, Stroll in the Parks, Visit the Marina, the Gallery, the Museum and the Library

Come to

COMOX Everything from Consignment Kid’s Clothes to the lastest new

COAST SURF SHOP

101-1705 10 1 01 170 170 17 05 5C Comox om o mox ox A Avenue ve v enu nue • 2 25 250-941-1600 50 94 41 1 16 600 00 Surf inspired clothes and accessories for men & women.

As well as surf and SUP boards and everything in between.

Toys, Baby Gear, and Fashions 1743-B COMOX AVE., COMOX 250-339-3422

the

Beautiful Things

cottage gardener

ffor fo or Yo You an You a and nd Yo Your urr Ho H Home o Kitchen, Decor, Gifts Entertaining & More

• Clothing • Home Decor

250.339.1153 1761 A Comox Avenue, Comox www.otterskitchencove.com

204-1797 Comox Ave. 250-941-2001

otterskitchencove@shaw.ca

Do you Need Help with Your Hearing?

Gordon Hearing Services is independent and 100% locally owned.

Service: Only clinic in town with a full time AUDIOLOGIST Selection: Hearing aid brands from ALL major suppliers, not just one.

Value: Our everyday prices are lower than competitor‘sale’ prices

250-941-8378 #102-1723 Comox Ave. www.gordonhearing.ca

www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WE L C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L EY | 29

■ COMMUNITY | COMOX

■

Stroll along the downtown streets Comox has come a long way since it began going by that name, a derivative of the name (K’ómoks) of the local native people, in 1893.

According to figures from the 2011 census, the town’s population had climbed by 2,078 in the preceding five years to reach 13,627.

That’s a far cry from the handful of intrepid Europeans who began arriving in 1849 to what the existing native population people called the Land of Plenty.

The current population is also quite a bit larger than the 647 people who lived there in 1946, when the community was incorporated as a village municiCOMOX MARINA - Photo by Milena Russellll

Continued on page 30

Call Glenda Mosher 250-339-2021 1-888-829-7205

glendamosher@remax.net An Experienced REALTOR® on a Winning Team!

glendamosher.com

Above the Crowd!

Ocean Pacific Realty 282 Anderton Road, Comox Each office independently owned and operated

COMOX’S FAMILY BIKE SHOP FOR 31 YEARS Proud suppporter of

LOCAL CHARITIES and home of the

2012 Y.A.N.A. RIDE

274 Anderton Rd, COMOX 250-339-7011 30 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

■ COMMUNITY | COMOX

Spectacular scenery

Amish-built furniture in today’s styles

MANY STYLES. ONE STANDARD. CHOOSE FROM THESE

ONE OF THE MANY RESIDENT DEER FOUND IN COMOX

pality.

One tradition that has endured from those early days of settlement is a strong military presence.

The British Royal Navy occupied the harbour from 1849 on, although the region is guarded these days by the Canadian Air Force, with 19 Wing headquartered at Canadian Forces Base Comox. CFB Comox has held a commanding position atop the Comox Peninsula for most of the years since it was built in 1942.

Comox’s population, like those found in many other places on Vancouver Island, leans toward the mature side. The median age of the population sits at 49.1, compared to the provincial figure of 41.9. With its mild weather, amenities and spectacular scenery, Comox is a popular place to retire, particularly

for military personnel who have served there at CFB Comox.

It’s also a good place to visit.

A tradition of shopping begun with a store and post office in the early settlement of Port Augusta and believed to have expanded due to the Hudson Bay company in the area, continues along Comox Avenue. The main street of the town is lined with restaurants and quaint specialty shops. Strolling along downtown streets, you regularly catch glimpses of ocean and the spectacular mountains of the Beaufort Range in the distance.

Among the fun activities you might want to consider when timing a visit to Comox are the BC Shellfish Festival in June, the Comox Cup ball hockey tournament in June, the artist- and music-dominated

SOLID WOODS: Oak Hickory Cherry Walnut Hard Maple Soft Maple Quarter Sawn White Oak

TABLES CHAIRS BEDS COFFEE TABLES Delivery Available

COURTENAY Next to Canadian Tire

250.334.9995

PARKSVILLE 250.248-9999 www.simply www simplyamish.com

www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 31

CUMMINGS HOME

■ COMMUNITY | COMOX

A licensed care facility where the

people care & the food is great

for over 16 years.

250-897-0075

1926 Cummings Rd. Courtenay

COMOX PIER Photo by Norene Wells

DANIELLE LAMBRECHT COUNSELLING SERVICES

D. LAMBRECHT, M.C., R.C.C. www.daniellelambrecht.ca I AM A CERTIFIED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR WHO SPECIALIZES IN

MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION ISSUES.

I SEE ADOLESCENTS, ADULTS, AND COUPLES. 280B Anderton Rd., Comox, B.C. V9M 1Y2

T: (250)898-9057 (VOICEMAIL)

*Please phone for an appointment or email me at: daniellelambrecht@shaw.ca

Filberg Festival on the long weekend at the beginning of August, fun-filled Nautical Days on the same long weekend and Originals Only art shows held in the spring and autumn.

Of course, there are

things to enjoy enjo year round, including visiting the picturesque Comox Marina, Pearl Ellis (art) Gallery, Comox Museum, Comox Air Force Museum and the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park.

YOU COULD BE LIVING HERE! The Comox Valley’s premiere retirement residence offers independent seniors…

Air-conditioned comfort in their own climate controlled suite Three delicious meals daily, prepared by our Executive Chef and his team Weekly housekeeping and linen laundry service Social and recreational programming for your body, mind and spirit … all offered in luxurious surroundings in the heart of downtown Comox.

Call today for more information and to book your personal tour.

Find out how you could be living here!

32 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

1700 Comox Avenue, Comox BC V9M 4H4 Tel: 250-339-1690 1-866-625-1690 www.berwickrc.com

Seniors Real Estate Specialist.

250-334-9900

direct. 250-703-1571 toll free. 1.888.829.7205 homes@michelecourtney.com www.michelecourtney.com

I will open all the right doors for you!

2230 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay BC, V9N 2L4

Personal Real Estate Corporation

A Name Friends Recommend.

John M. Hudey RBC Mortgage Specialist Comox Valley

Tel: (250) 898-7873 Fax: (250) 338-5999 john.hudey@rbc.com

Home Inspections

BC License # 47355

Gary Dry, RHI Level 1 Thermographer

250 897-4330 0

www.clarityhomeinspections.ca www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WE L C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L EY | 33

When you think “Mortgage” think “The Mortgage Centre”

Sponsor of the

Habitat for Humanity

Only At Your Hunter Douglas Gallery

Save Time. Save Money.

Angela Zumbo BBA, AMP

Gary Snider

For the best choice in quality, style, value and exceptional service, you’ll find it all at a Hunter Douglas Gallery.

Amanda Jacobson

Your our GO TO place for Mortgage Informat Information

Comox Valley

108-2100 Guthrie Road, Comox 250-898-8821 Phone (250) 898-8821 • www.mccv.ca Each Mortgage Centre is independently owned and operated

Ask us about Ultrasonic Blind Cleaning 221 Church St., Comox

250-941-7824

Monday to Saturday 10:00am - 4:30pm www.blindsbilliardsandbaubles.com

Visit us today and let our highly-trained professionals help you find the right look for your home at the very best price.

We also offer: ■ 20/20 Gallery Gold Guarantee ■ Exclusive Alustra™ Collection Dealer ■ Duette® Honeycomb Shades ■ Luminette® Privacy Sheers ■ Silhouette® Window Shadings ■ Vignette® Tailored Window Shadings ©Copyright 2006 Hunter Douglas, ®Registered Trademark of Hunter Douglas Inc., ™Trademark of Hunter Douglas 4756

We take a personal interest in your health Your Live Well Pharmacists and Home Health Care onals Consultant are qualified professionals when it comes to your health. t Ask abou • Custom Compounding • Compression Stockings OUR NEW • Medication Management Consultations • Braces & Back Supports • Rentals Available • Prescription Delivery • Full Service Cosmetics Department artment • Unique Giftware & Jewelry

REWARDS CLUB We can meet all your needs for Mastectomy and Ostomy products.

Customer Service: 250-339-4563 Pharmacy: 250-339-9879 #7 2225 Guthrie Road, Comox www.comoxvalleypharmasave.com 34 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

The only thing better than the view is the price.

Forbidden Plateau

Campbell River

Courtenay

Vancouver

Comox

Forbidden Plateau

Nanaimo Port Alberni

FOR SALE Forbidden Plateau, Vancouver Island

50 ACRE LOTS FROM $299,000 AND UP

Don’t miss out on your chance to own one of five 50 acre parcels at Forbidden Plateau.

For more information call:

With a range of acreages including pristine riverfront to stunning properties overlooking Comox Harbour and the West Coast Mountains, Forbidden Plateau is the perfect location to own your very own piece of Vancouver Island.

1.877.239.4811 or visit couverdon.com

The eastern side of the island boasts one of the true gems of British Columbia, Strathcona Provincial Park, with 250,000 hectares of breathtaking B.C. wilderness.

* For complete details, please contact a Couverdon sales representative at Couverdon Realty Ltd. The Developer reserves the right to make modifications and changes to the information contained herein. Photos and maps are representational and are not accurate. Prices are subject to change. E.& O.E.

www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WE L C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L EY | 35

www.thermotec.ca

Ask us how you can receive up to

$1,600 CASH BACK with the LiveSmart BC Grants

24 HR Emergency Service

250-334-7782

911 McPhee Ave., Courtenay 100% Locally Owned & Operated

• Heat Pumps • Air Conditioning • Refrigeration • HRVs • Sheet Metal Sales - Service - Installation

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For when Quality really matters

(OHJDQW 'XUDEOH )XQFWLRQDO 9LVLW RXU 6KRZURRP DQG /$5*( ,QGRRU 6ODE <DUG DW ,VODQG +LJKZD\ 6RXWK 8QLRQ %D\ %& LQIR#LVODQGVRDSVWRQH FRP FHOO RIILFH ID[

ZZZ ,VODQG6RDSVWRQH FRP 36 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

■ LAND OF PLENTY | FARMERS’ MARKETS

Find it all at the Farmers’ Markets

Organic vegetables.

Award-winning cheeses.

Free-range chickens.

Visit the 20-year-old Comox Valley Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning, and this is just a sampling of the fresh, local products you will find — and just a small example of why the Comox Valley is often called the Land of Plenty.

From mid-April to Thanksgiving, more than 80 local farmers, fishermen, gardeners and bakers bring their products to the outdoor market on Headquarters Road beside the Exhibition Grounds Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Comox Valley Farmers’ Market holds an indoor market Saturdays from 9

a.m. to noon at the Native Sons’ Hall in downtown

fore Christmas.

In Black Creek, the MirBeach acle

BEAUTIFUL HANGING BASKETS

Courtenay, extending the d h market season from October to the last Saturday be-

Botanical Medicine No-spray natural farming Vegetables Culinary Herbs Medicinal Herbs Weekly Box Program Classes and Workshops Apprenticeships Horticulture Therapy Summer Camps for Children Seeds and Seedlings ~ Market stand open to the public Saturdays, aturdays, June to October~

250-336-8768 www.innisfreefarm.ca

Farmers’ Market begins in k b late June and runs Thursdays until the end of Au-

gust from 4 to 7 p.m. at Miracle Beach Landing, the property that includes Horsefeathers MarketH place. p Take the ferry from Buckley le Bay to explore Denman and an Hornby islands, and you’ll discover two more yo farmers’ markets. fa Denman’s market runs on the th first Saturday of each month except May from mo 8:30 8:3 a.m. to 1 p.m. from the May Ma long weekend to midSeptember at Lions’ Park Se on Ogilvie Street.

The Hornby Island market is held Saturdays from ke 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in June and Wednesdays and Satan urdays d from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in July and August on Sollans.

Comox Valley

SINCE

1992

Build the Perfect Picnic cnic i

Unique Gourmet Items

Enjoy Amazing Baking

Breakfast & Music

Delicious Just Picked Veggies & Fruits

Bouquets & Plants Skin Care & More

Savour the Comox Valley!

SATURDAYS YEAR ‘ROUND 9AM-12PM APRIL - OCTOBER

OCTOBER - APRIL

Headquarters Road, Courtenay

Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay

CV Exhibition Grounds

Native Sons Hall

WEDNESDAYS JUNE 6 - SEPTEMBER 26 9AM-1PM Comox Bay Farm • North Island Highway, Courtenay

250-218-0321

www.comoxvalleyfarmersmarket.com www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 37

The best sushi in town!

Outdoor patio • Tatami Room DINE IN • TAKE OUT • LICENSED

250-703-2156

932 Fitzgerald Ave., Ctny • Mon-Fri 11-9:00: Sat, Sun 4-9

MAD CHEF CAFE “insane food with attitude…”

eat in, or take away THE ONLY

Outdoor Licensed Patio on 5th St.

OPEN for lunch and dinner.

250-871-7622 • madchefcafe@shaw.ca 492 Fitzgerald Ave., Courtenay, BC

SUNRISE AT MARINE DRIVE IN ROYSTON - Photo by Tanja Kerr

Greek Gyros & East Coast Donairs Now serving

GLUTEN FREE RICE WRAPS

Gyros served with Tzatziki sauce and veggies on white or whole wheat pitas.

Donairs served with sweet sauce and veggies.

Your Choice:

Only

6

$

Beef & Lamb Beef Chicken Falafil

Other Favourites: Hommus & Pita Spanikopita Salad and BAKLAVA

Early Bird Café Come see what’s cooking!

Specializing pecializing in fresh homemade Breakfast & Lunch!

Have you tried our Breakfast Buffet?

9am to 1pm every Sunday

307 - 4th Street Downtown Courtenay • 250-897-7025

Super Size

9

$

Only

Yummies & Gyros

Greek Cafe

Come in for our

SPECIALS Eat In Take Out Drive Thru

279 Puntledge Road 250-338-2299 Mon-Sat 11-6 • Like us on FACEBOOK

TACO TUESDAYS

CANTINA

450 Ryan Rd. Courtenay Big Green Cactus Bottom of Ryan Road

and

BURRITO THURSDAYS Licensed Premises

OPEN Sun 12-7:30pm, Mon 11am-8pm, Tues to Sat 11am-9pm

38 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

T KY T

Sushi

Specialty Sushi. Licensed. Open Everyday

250-871-7181

#4-2401 Cliff Cliffe Avenue next to Lo Lordco

DOWNTOWN COURTENAY’S

Neighbourhood Pub DINE-IN OR TAKE-OUT

LOCAL ATMOSPHERE INCREDIBLE FOOD EXCEPTIONAL STAFF UNBEATABLE PRICES

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS 268 Fifth Street, Downtown Courtenay 250-334-8811

www.billydspub.com

Welcome

For events ts & daily specials

www.mexpub.ca .mexpub.ca

The Mex Pub & Liquor Store open everyday

1001 Ryan Road Courtenay

250-703-9573 www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WE L C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L EY | 39

■ LAND OF PLENTY | FOOD & WINE

Entice your palate

COMOX VALLEY BOUNTY FINDS ITS WAY ONTO PLATES

Long known to the local K’ómoks native people as the Land of Plenty, the Comox Valley carries on that proud tradition.

As if from the Horn of Plenty, Valley growers produce a seemingly neverending supply of food from

imported specialty ~ ~ Deli Meats Cheeses Foods & Gifts european

347 - 4th Street Courtenay, B.C.

fertile fields as well as delectable sea creatures from the nearby ocean. Add an award-winning cheese company and several wineries into the mix, and you can see why restaurants here can buy locally to a degree unheard of in other

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• Teas • Coffees • Chocolates • European Candies & Over 75 Licorices • Freshly Made Sandwiches & Salads • Over 100 Imported Cheeses & Exquisite Giftware

250-338-8621 40 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

795 RYAN ROAD 250.334.9638

places.

Much of this bounty ďŹ nds its way onto the plates of appreciative diners in the Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many eateries.

At last count, a partial list of ethnic fare included Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Italian, Indian, Greek, continental, Vietnamese and Mexican.

In trying to raise the proďŹ le of a variety of seafood taken mainly from Baynes Sound, the Comox-based B.C. ShellďŹ sh Growersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association presents an annual ShellďŹ sh Festival in June.

One objective is to get local shellďŹ sh into a variety of Valley restaurants.

If eating meat is not your style, the area contains vegetarian and vegan restaurants, too.

Besides a choice of ethnic food, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a broad selection to satisfy growling tummies, ranging from stick-to-your-ribs pub food or a casual family meal right

Flavours of the Comox Valley. Naturally.

up to an elegant candlelight feast that will create lasting memories.

The Valley teems with many menus that offer a satisfying selection to meet the requirements of all tastebuds and budgets.

You can choose from a leisurely dining experience at a ďŹ ne restaurant or a quick bite at one of the Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self-serve cafes or bistros.

Visit our shop at 635 McPhee Ave in Courtenay or find our award-winning products in the cheese island at local grocers. www.naturalpastures.com

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2186 Endall Road, Black Creek, BC | 250-337-8325 | coastalblack.ca www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 41

Handcrafted Flooring From B.C. Woods Home : Auto : Business : Life : Marine

Courtenay Comox Cumberland

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www.woodlandďŹ&#x201A;ooring.com Request a Quote @ viic.ca

42 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

â&#x2013; ARTS | COMOX VALLEY ART GALLERY

Artisan

wood to works

WOODCRAFT & LUTHERIE SUPPLIES

STUDIO ARTIST ON SITE

Discover art at CVAG You would never know to look at it or stroll through it, but the Comox Valley Art Gallery building used to be home to the Courtenay Fire Department.

With its higher-proďŹ le location and unique design, the renovated facility is temperature- and humiditycontrolled, has accessibility features in the entry, public washrooms and elevator.

CVAG attracts attention to downtown Courtenay and the Comox Valley. This has been a boon to the gallery and the gallery gift shop, attracting a broader audience with interest in visual art.

The CVAG gift shop offers one of the best selections of high-quality handmade crafts and artwork on Vancouver Island and is the single most important fundraiser for the gallery.

The shop is the destination for locally made personal and signiďŹ cant-occasion gifts. Featuring the best of Comox Valley produced arts and crafts, the gift shop offers a wide selection of high-quality art and crafts to suit all tastes and budgets including pottery, glass, jewelry, metal work, wood work, fabric arts,

VOLUNTEER ROSEMARY LAPENSKIE SHARES HER LOVE OF ART ON DISCOVER ART SATURDAYS AT THE COMOX VALLEY ART GALLERY.

paintings, prints and art cards.

Looking for family fun?

Discover Art Saturdays is an interactive visual art experience on occasional Saturdays. This event is for everyone of all ages who are looking for fun, creative, affordable activities, with emphasis on families.

For movie buffs, the gallery offers a spring and fall CVAG/TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) Film Series at the Rialto Theatre.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a CVAG ďŹ lm discussion group, too.

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INTERIOR DESIGN INTERIOR DESIGN

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t www.jmid.ca

APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED

www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 43

■ ARTS | ART GALLERIES

Art is in the eye if you behold it The Comox Valley is a treasure trove full of discoveries for lovers of art.

I-Hos Gallery Presenting a collection of traditional and contemporary Northwest Coast native art, including masks, prints, jewelry, wood carving, and clothing, the gallery is 100 per cent owned and operated by the K’ómoks First Nation. At 3310 Comox Rd. FMI: 250-339-7702 or www. ihosgallery.com.

Pearl Ellis Gallery A non-profit, volunteer-run gallery in downtown Comox, they feature local artists. Many student groups from the Comox Valley have annual shows here, and for many budding artists this is their first time having their

PEARL ELLIS GALLERY LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN COMOX

work in the public view.

The gallery is in a relatively new home fronting onto busy Comox Avenue right downtown. FMI: 250-339-

2822 or visit www.pearlellisgallery.com.

Muir Gallery Operated by the Comox Valley Arts Council, this gallery hosts

exhibitions e of community a artists, as well as literary events, e workshops, and presentations. p At 440 Anderton d Ave. in Courtenay.

FMI: F 250-334-2983 or www. comoxvalleyarts.org. c Denman Island Summer Art Gallery A program of A Arts Denman Society, the A S Summer Art Gallery showccases local artists each ssummer. In the Seniors Acti tivity Centre, it’s just a short w walk from the ferry. Call 2 250-335-1224, or 250-3353 3176 for more information or visit www.artsdenman. com.

Hornby Island ARC Gallery Hornby Island Arts Council showcases local artists’ work behind the Community Hall on Sollans

Ron Bridge Fine Art

CLOUDBURST STUDIO 4420 Plateau Rd., Courtenay BC V9J 1R2 • 250-338-8326

Simms

Millennium Park COURTENAY May 27th to September 30

Sundays 10-2

A Collection of the Finest Artistic Talents on Vancouver Island Pottery, Jewellery, Sculpture, Music, Sewing, Painting, Glass, Clothing, Wood, Plants, Flowers, Ornamental Concrete, Driftwood Art, Tarot Card Readings, and Portrait Paintings Fresh Local Food, and More

FINE ART SHOW & SALE

Over 70 Vancouver Island and Outer Islands painters and sculptors exhibiting in a spectacular outdoor setting.

Saturday & Sunday, August 11 & 12 Marina Park, Comox www.originalsonly.ca SPONSORED BY:

489 Old Island Highway across from Lewis Park For more information contact Leah at 250-703-3296 or keystonemarketcv@gmail.com 44 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

The Westerly Hotel

COMOX RECREATION

■ ARTS | ART GALLERIES Road. FMI: 250-335-0613 or www.hornbyislandarts. com.

Backdoor Gallery and Studio In downtown Courtenay they feature local photographers and do photo restoration and framing at 520 Duncan Ave. FMI: w50-338-8690.

Magnolia Art Gallery and Garden Centre In the historic village of Cumberland, Magnolia features original paintings, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, glass, and more. They also have a garden centre outside at 2732 Dunsmuir Ave. FMI: 250-336-2000 or www.magnoliagallery.ca.

Maximick Originals Bill Maximick is a well-known local artist who paints seascapes and marine themes.

His gallery features displays of his work and offers cus-

tom framing at at 450 Ryan Road. FMI: 250-338-2225 or 2ww.billmaximick.com.

Potter’s Place Run by a collective of local ceramic potters, it shows the largest selection of clayworks on Vancouver Island and one of the largest in B.C. at 180B Fifth Street. FMI: 250334-4613 or www.thepottersplace.ca.

South Hollow Art Studio and Gallery Offering West Coast and Asianinspired contemporary works. FMI: 250-334-0221 or www.southhollow.ca.

Spirits of the West Coast Native Art Gallery Presenting original Pacific Northwest Coast native American art. FMI: 250338-2120 or www.spiritsofthewestcoast.com.

Stone Hunter Studio Robert Proulx is known as

smuir Ave. in Cumberland.

Phone ahead (250-4004099) to ensure the gallery is open. FMI: e-mail correalice@yahoo.ca or visit www.correalice.com. wallfarmers(dot)ca One of the newest additions to the local gallery scene, it’s at 1-345 Sixth St. in Courtenay. FMI: http://wallfarmers.ca.

Friday Nov 9th 3pm to 8pm Saturday Nov 10th 10am to 5pm Sunday Nov 11th 10am to 4pm

8

FLORENCE FILBERG CENTRE

411 Anderton Ave, Courtenay ❄ Two floors with over 60 juried artists and crafters offering a diverse selection of quality, handcrafted gifts and artwork

FMI 250-339-9891 or www.dickenschristmascraftfair.com

This gallery has featured exhibitions and sales by established and emerging local artists since 1977. It is a registered non-profit Society composed and operated entirely by volunteers.

Tuesday - Saturday 10am-4pm, Sundays 1-4pm, and closed Mondays.

Free Admission.

New members are always welcome.

Brian Scott

1729 Comox Avenue, Comox • (250) 339-2822

Studio Gallery

Expressionist paintings capturing the colour of the West Coast

the Stone Hunter because he finds stones and creates art and sculptures, as well as furniture and architecture from them.

Viewing by appointment only. FMI: 250-338-8422 or www.stonehunterstudio. com.

Corre Alice Gallery In the former Frelone’s Grocery building at 2781 Dun-

www.pearlellisgallery.com IN

OPEN

June 19

July 8

July 10

FISHBOATS COMOX VALLEY • 30"X40" OIL ON CANVAS

Visit our studio/gallery: 8269 North Island Highway, Black Creek (across from the Black Creek Store)

Open Daily 11 - 4 and by Appointment 250.337.1941 www.brianscottfineart.com

July 24 Aug 14 Aug 28 Sept 11 Oct 2 Oct 23 Nov 13 Dec 4 DEC. 23 Jan 15

ARTIST/S

PEARL ELLIS GALLERY MEMBERS’ SHOW(PEOPLE’S CHOICE) July 22 DOLORES ORDWAY, SONIA HAUSER,CHAROLETTE DEPTFORD Aug 12 MEMBERS’ PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW, (LENS AWARD) Aug 26 ABLAZE METAL (SANDRA & WALTER MOSES) Sept 9 ALTHEA WHITE & BRENDA CHALIFOUX-LUSCOMBE Sept 30 PEARL ELLIS GALLERY ANNIVERSARY MEMBERS’ SHOW Oct 21 JILL PARIS-RODY & CAROLE GOODWIN Nov 10 COMOX VALLEY CAMERA CLUB SOCIETY Dec 2 BRUSHWORKS Jan 27 / 2013 PEARL ELLIS GALLERY MEMBERS’ FUNDRAISER JAN. 14 CHRISTMAS BREAK Jan 27 REOPEN and CONTINUE WITH FUNDRAISER SHOW ON JAN. 15TH

www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WE L C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L EY | 45

■ ATTRACTIONS | GARDENS

Gardens good for your soul Besides a variety of personal gardens included on various garden tours, the Comox Valley has some fairly high-profile locations that make it a blooming good to visit.

Anderton Therapeutic Gardens This is a terrific example of local volunteerism and an example of the garden as therapy for body and soul. The grounds include a Meditation Garden, Butterfly Garden, seven-circle labyrinth and Enabling Garden with a raised bed for wheelchair and walker access.

The Gardens are tended by over 100 volunteer gardeners, and hosts are on duty in season every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ad-

mission is free; donations are welcome.

Some office groups and reading clubs hold meetings or picnics at The Gardens, while photography is a natural occupation in the serene surroundings.

The Gardens on Anderton are behind Anderton Nursery at 2012 Anderton Rd. on the way to the Little River ferry. For details, call 250-702-4186 or visit www. gardensonanderton.org.

Kitty Coleman Gardens “One of the world’s finest informal gardens,” is how a member of Britain’s prestigious Royal Trust described Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens. A 15-minute drive north of Courtenay off Highway 91 and unique

The TheGardens Gardens

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BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS AWAIT THE VISITORS TO THE ANDERTON THERAPEUTIC GARDENS

among B.C. gardens, this is a one-man labour of love.

Some 25,000 visitors per year to these gardens, include gardeners and nature

Activities Activities

Facilities Facilities

t $PWFSFE 4UBHF t $PVSUZBSE t 7JTJUPST $PUUBHF t (BSEFO &WFOU 3FOUBMT

Located behind Anderton Nursery 2012 Anderton Rd, Comox, BC On the way to Little River Ferry

lovers on pilgrimages, locals in search of oasis and beauty, painters and photographers. For more, visit woodlandgardens.ca.

t $PNNVOJUZ (BSEFOJOH t 7PMVOUFFSJOH t (SFFO 5IVNC 1SPHSBNT t "MMPUNFOU 3FOUBMT t .FEJUBUJPO t 4USPMMJOH UIF (BSEFOT t 1VCMJD (SPVQ 5PVST t 8PSLTIPQT t 'BNJMZ (BUIFSJOHT t 4QFDJBM &WFOUT t .FFUJOH "SFBT t 4FOJPS 4QFDJBM /FFET 7JTJUT

Phone #: 250-702-4186 or 250-334-3089

Open seven days a week. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, May through September.

Anderton Therapeutic Gardens is a registered charitable society.

Admission by Donation 46 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

PARADISE PLANTS

GARDEN CENTRE R E TA I L • G A R D E N D E S I G N • I N S TA L L AT I O N

Garden Design Iain & Cassandra Haigh

• New Construction • Garden Renovations • Irrigation • Walls and Patios

Celebrating 10 Years in Business

OPEN N DAILY 9:00 AM - 5:00PM 2480 Hardy Rd., Courtenay (1 min. past Sunnydale Golf Course) • 250-897-3898

www.paradiseplant s.ca

FUN FOR ALL AT THE FARMERS MARKET

YOUR YEAR-ROUND INDOOR & OUTDOOR GARDEN CENTRE A Great Selection ction of Flowering ng Indoor Tropicals

Growers of Quality Plants

Hanging Baskets Perennials Fragrant Flowers Trees & Shrubs Pond Plants Fruit Trees Vegetables Annuals Fruits & Berries

Quality Perennials

Shrubs & Trees

Water Garden Supplies

Grown in the Valley by local people

Plants, Pumps & Supplies

Knowledgeable Staff to help you design your garden

New! N

Check Out Our Charts

Feed the birds

for plants that are drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant, attract butterflies & hummingbirds, or for the seaside garden.

For your convenience

Great Gif G Giftware

for the Home and Gardener

Feeders, Houses & a greatt supply of gourmet seed

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

2855 Wentworth Road On top of Mission Hill

250-339-4726 • 2012 Anderton Road • Comox (on the way to the Powell River Ferry)

J Jewellery, Hats, H Handbags H & Fashion

PLANTLAND & GIFTWARE

250-334-3024

Mon. to Sat. 9-6 | Sun. 10-5

www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 47

OIL CHANGES

NEW NAME Same Great Service!

• FAST! No Appointment Needed • New Car Warranty Approved

Why retro-fit?

Custom Fit!

Custom Fit costs less than you think! Why retro-fit? Custom Fit! •➤ Retro-Fitted windows cover up problems like mold and mildew •➤ The oldest retro-fitted window we have ever found was just 5 years old!

•➤ Custom fitted Vera-De Windows cost less than you think and have a lifetime transferable warranty •➤ Mold and Mildew are eliminated. Your home becomes more energy efficient when you custom fit.

VERA-DE WINDOWS

2940 Moray Ave., Courtenay • 250-334-9819 Toll free: 1-888-773-9911 w w w. v e r a d e w i n d o w s . c o m

Transmission Flushing & Service • Coolant Flushing • Differential Service Power Steering Fluid Flushing • Fuel Injector Cleaning • Much, Much More...

250.334.9969

581 Ryan Road • Next to A&W, across from Superstore

Make M k YYour H House, a VVera-De D W Windows d H Home

ENERGY SAVING, COMFORT AND PEACE OF MIND. FOR LESS.

IT’S HARD TO STOP A TRANE. BUT WE MAKE IT EASY TO OWN ONE.

FURNACES

HEAT PUMPS

CLEAN AIR

Installation Providers of Heat Pumps and Furnaces in the Comox Valley and Campbell River

250.331.0888

www.prostarmech.ca • 212 - 2459 Cousins Avenue

48 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

■ WHERE TO STAY | ACCOMMODATIONS

Luxury resorts to B&Bs

DOVE COTTAGE BED & BREAKFAST

Creekside Cottage Self Contained Nov. 2012 - May 2013

FULLY VACATION RENTAL

Developers have begun to expand accommodations in the fast-growing Comox Valley whose temperate climate, stunning vistas and wide range of activities make it increasingly popular with visitors.

If you’re lucky enough to spend some time in the Land of Plenty, you can book living quarters that

range from oceanfront to high on a mountain.

There’s the homey touch offered by a multitude of bed-and-breakfast operations, many in quaint and even scenic locations. For those on limited budgets, the area has many motels from which to choose that give you bang for your buck.

Heavenly Rural ural Retreat Guest House Hobbit Style

April Ap pril 1, 2013 - June 2013 2

Visit online at:

dovecottage.ca or email us at: dovecott@telus.net

■ Full Service RV Sites with Free Wireless and cable TV ■ Cottages & RV Accommodation ■ Sheltered Boat Moorage ■ Seasonal Heated Pool & Jacuzzi ■ Restrooms with Free Hot Showers ■ Fishing Charters Arranged

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Boat Rentals Recreation Hall Laundromat Waterfront Restaurant & Pub Playground & Games Room Off Season Rates

OPEN YEAR ROUND

www.salmonpoint.com

www.timberlanebeachresort.com

2176 Salmon Point Rd, Campbell River

Tel. 1-866-246-6605 or 250-923-6605

www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 49

Vacation Getaways A Garde Gard Garden e Cottag en Cottag Cottage ge Retreat Retre Retreaat Garden, Forest, Beach, Tranquility

1304 Docliddle Road, Comox,B.C. V9M 2P9

250-339-7512

www.GardenCottageRetreat.com gardencottage@shaw.ca

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#BZ ,ZF # PY N P $

t stay@roomandbeach.ca

stay@rooma mandbeach.ca ma

roomandbeach.ca

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS! 250-335-9048 25025 0--33 335-9048 6448 South Island Hwy. Union Bay, BC www.pearlpoint.ca info@pearlpoint.ca

HEART & HAVEN GUESTHOUSE ISLAND TIME BED & BATH VALLEY VIEW COASTAL HOME Vacation Rentals: www.onbrooksplace.info Email: onbrooksplace@shaw.ca Contact: Debaura Hall 250-871-4255

The perfect home away from home, where beauty, relaxation and affordability come together...

1955 Richardson Avenue Comox, BC V9M 2B3 www.kairosguestsuite.com â&#x20AC;˘ Tel: 250.339.6573

...Ideal for those romantic getaways and family vacations.

EAGLESVIEW OCEANFRONT RETREAT 1416 Wilkinson Road, Comox, BC (250) 890.0733 Toll Free: (866)778.8077 info@eaglesview.ca www.eaglesview.ca

50 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

Bone A Fide Dog Coats Hand-made fleece dog coats, raincoats, bandannas, “Happy Sack” carriers, and wholesome dog biscuits Janet www.bonefidedogcoats.com

The Perfect

Proud supporter of the

Pet Solution when you’re away

Paws for Cause BCSPCA. List or buy to support our local shelter.

Ask how...

Weekdays, Weekends & Vacations Catering to all their needs.

OCEAN PACIFIC REALTY

Call Jacqueline Cell.: 250-218-1040

Work: 250.334.9900 Mobile: 250.897.9813 Email: cvhousehunters@gmail.com www.comoxvalleyhousehunters.com

perfectpetsolutions@hotmail.com Peace of Mind for you, your pet and your home

THE BIGGEST PET FOOD SELECTION

Known for the

friendliest

in the North Island

service in town!

Come in to see what you are missing. missing

COURTENAY

2400 Cliffe Ave. 250-338-0455 #12-795 Ryan Rd. 250-338-0424 (next to Superstore)

COMOX

#46-1760 Comox Ave. (Comox Mall) 250-339-2272 #46

WILLOW POINT

4 LOCATIONS LOCA O TO O SERVE YOU BETTER! BETTER

ASPENGROVE CENTRE Across from QF, Comox

5

2056 N. Island Hwy.. 250-923-5881 www.woofys.ca

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5 5

$

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any purchase $ 25 or more

Offer valid until Dec. 31, 2012: Not valid on No Tax Days. Limit One Coupon Per Customer

1111 Braidwood Rd. Courtenay, B.C.

On call 24 hrs for emergencies

Mon - Fri Saturday

8:00am to 8:00pm 8:00am to 4:00pm

250-334-8400 www.vanislevet.com www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WE L C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L EY | 51

■ EDUCATION | NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE

North Island College still evolving

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proachable. Compared to larger institutions, you’ll have greater interaction with your instructors, and hands-on access to our

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industry-standard facilities and learning resources.”

The Courtenay campus, which one day soon will get a new neighbour in the WWW.NIC.BC.CA

North Island College is an integral part of each community it serves on northern Vancouver Island.

Campuses in Campbell River, Port Alberni and Port Hardy complete a network that begins with the main Comox Valley campus in Courtenay.

A community college, NIC offers more than 900 courses and 70 university credit programs in health care, trades, business, fine arts, tourism, and university studies, NIC offers the education and skills training needed by post-secondary students to reach their career goals from a wide variety of paths.

As president Jan Lindsay says, “Our classes are small and our faculty, ap-

form of a brand new hospital, is worth a visit. Opened in 1975, the main campus continues to evolve.

In 2011 alone, NIC’s remote Web-based science laboratory was awarded a $750,000 grant from Next Generation Learning Challenges to further develop and replicate the delivery of science education in remote locations around the world — and a new trades training building opened on the Comox Valley campus.

NIC’s main campus reflects and is part of the active arts community in the Comox Valley.

Artistic endeavours are regularly presented in the college’s Stan Hagen Theatre on the Comox Valley

Explore over 70 programs and 900 courses in university studies, health, trades, and more EXERCISE & WELLNESS

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Follow your passion for exercise and health in the Comox Valley and take the first step toward your fitness-related career. Explore the great outdoors and go Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddling, hiking, climbing, and more.

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UVIC GUARANTEED ADMISSION Achieve a 2.0 G.P.A. (C average) or higher in 8 or more UVic transfer courses (at least 24 credits), and UVic will guarantee your admission to degree programs in humanities, social science, computer science, science, or history in art.

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www.nic.bc.ca UPGRADING | BUSINESS | FINE ARTS | HEALTH | TOURISM | TRADES | UNIVERSITY TRANSFER

52 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

■ EDUCATION | NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE

College part of active arts scene campus. All Comox Valley Piano Society concerts are held at the Stan Hagen Theatre, where the society houses its Yamaha concert grand piano.

There’s also NIC’s Write Here Readers Series, which showcases the region’s talented storytellers.

The series presents a number of free lectures, book launches and intimate literary discussions, in which you can enjoy writers of national significance and writers from our own back yard. You’re invited to attend Write Here Readers Series’ events, and discover stories that celebrate the people and places that make the North Island unique.

The college’s photography students periodically exhibit their most artistic work

at NIC or local galleries.

North Island College facts: • NIC serves 155,000 people over 80,000 square kilometers on northern Vancouver Island and the B.C. mainland coast from Desolation Sound to Klemtu.

• In 2009/2010, 4,649 students enrolled in credit courses through its four campuses and distributed learning.

• That same year, 4,804 students enrolled in first aid, continuing education, industry training, vocational, contract, and community education courses.

• In 2009/2010, 1,241 students of aboriginal ancestry enrolled in NIC courses and programs.

For more information, visit www.nic.bc.ca.

GLEN MONTGOMERY HAS PERFORMED COMOX VALLEY PIANO SOCIETY CONCERTS AT THE STAN HAGEN THEATRE

Le français au CSF,

c’est bien plus qu’une langue !

Depuis sa création en 1995, le Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique offre des programmes et des services éducatifs valorisant le plein épanouissement et l’identité culturelle des apprenantes et apprenants francophones de la province. Le conseil compte aujourd’hui plus de 4 600 élèves, 36 écoles publiques et dessert plus d’une centaine de communautés réparties dans l’ensemble de la province.

École Publique au Cœur-de-l’île, Comox ■ ■ ■

566 Linshart Road 250-339-1848 M - 12

■ ■ ■ ■

Transport scolaire Programme d’anglais Activités et échanges culturels Ordinateurs portables

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■ RECREATION | MOUNT WASHINGTON

Something for all — year round !

SUMMER ADVENTURE

EVENTS T THRIFTYY FOODS FOOODS CANADA C NADA DAY CA A CELEBRATIO ON - July 1 CELEBRATION SUDSS AAND ND SC SCOTCH COTCH - Julyl 13 BIKE PARK OPENS - July 28 BEARCLAW INVITATIONAL - Aug 4 BC CUP PROV. CHAMPS - Aug 24 - 26 WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL - Aug. 24 + 25

NEW LESSONS +PACKAGES SOME OF THE BEST SKIING IN B.C.

With an established reputation as a winter wonderland, Mount Washington Alpine Resort is the place to go for fun on the snow. But that’s only half the story.

The resort is quickly coming into its own as a summer destination, and with good reason. Its spectacular views from the top of the mile-high chairlifts and challenging mountain bike trails are making Mount Washington the place to run for fun in the sun. Well-planned activities and first-class facilities are attracting international attention for both the winter and summer seasons.

With one of the best snow bases on the West Coast and perhaps the world during the past few winters, downhill skiers, snowboarders and snow tubers are in their element. Immaculately groomed cross-country trails delight other skiers.

When the snow finally melts, the resort’s trail groomers waste no time preparing for the mountain bike season, which begins July 1.

Food and drink are available year-round, highlighted by two events.

The Suds and Scotch event July 13 at the Raven Lodge features the best of beer and scotch. The Alpine Wine and Food Festival happens Aug. 24 and 25 at the Mount Washington Alpine Lodge.

The resort’s summer diversions include a mountain bike park, mini-golf, disc golf and bungee trampoline.

For details, visit www.mountwashington.ca or call 250338-1386 or 1-888-231-1499 toll-free.

54 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

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■ RECREATION | GOLF COMOX VALLEY

Comox Valley offers year-round golf Tee time is year round in the Comox Valley, much to the envy of the rest of Canada. Gorgeous, rugged and challenging terrain combines with meticulous greens, cozy clubhouses and spectacular views.

Golfers on Comox Valley courses will often find themselves sharing the green with friendly blacktail deer and majestic bald eagles. And many courses offer spectacular views of mountain and ocean vistas.

With the Valley’s temperate climate, it is possible to golf, ski and fish all in the same day.

Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community As the name implies, this is much more than just a

CROWN ISLE GOLF EXPERIENCE

g golf course. It is an 831a acre golf course and ressort community right in the heart of the Comox Valley. h IIntegrated throughout the 18-hole championship golf 1 ccourse are residential home ssites, custom homes, vacattion villas and patio homes.

The 48,000-square-foot reT ssort centre is the nucleus of the destination retreat. o IIt features several meeting and banquet rooms, each a offering a spectacular view o of the golf course and suro rrounding mountains.

Before a round, you can hit the driving range, chiph ping and putting greens, p and even practice bunkers. a The par-72, 18-hole course T iis the centerpiece of the ccommunity. It is superbly

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■ RECREATION | GOLF COMOX VALLEY Continued from 55

manicured and maintained and playable for golfers of all levels.

With 11 lakes, lush fairways and a view of the Beaufort Mountain range, the course is a pleasure to play.

For more information, visit www.crownisle.com.

The Comox Valley has a variety of other courses to suit any level of ability throughout the year.

Comox Golf Course: You don’t have to be a pro to enjoy this nine-hole layout that’s practically downtown. Dozens of deer live on the course, which has a driving range. 250-3394444.

Glacier Greens Golf Course: The 18-hole layout is at CFB Comox, although it’s open to the public,

which is welcome to use the driving range. 250-3396515.

Longlands Par 3 Golf Course: The 18-hole Comox layout is open from dawn to dusk. 250-3396363.

Miracle Beach Adventure Golf: This 18-hole mini-golf course is in Black Creek, up Highway 19A from Courtenay toward Campbell River. 250-3375333.

Mulligans Golf Centre: With six par-three and three par-four holes, this course at the northernmost part of Courtenay offers breathtaking views, and a driving range. 250-338-2440.

Sunnydale Golf Club: Five kilometres north of Courtenay on Highway 19A is this 18-hole layout, which includes a driving range.

250-334-3232.

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56 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

■ RECREATION | WATER SPORTS

Get out on the Water SAILBOATS OFF GOOSE SPIT - Photo by Sherry Hensley

Along with spectacular mountains, water is the other feature of the Comox Valley most likely to catch the eye of visitors.

Some of those visitors even arrive by water. While they’re here, they can dock at the Comox Marina, which services more than 500 pleasure craft. For details, phone or fax 250-3392930, e-mail manager@co-

moxbaymarina.com or visit w w w. c o m o x b a y m a r i n a . com.

••• While you’re here with your boat, contact the Comox Valley Yacht Club, which has an active social scene for like-minded boaters. The club also goes on several cruises each year that can last for days.

For information about

Family Time Bring it on!

the Comox Valley Yacht th Club, call Sue at 250-898C 8333 or Bonnie at 250-9418 8432 or visit www.comox8 vvalleyyachtclub.com.

••• If you come to the comox Valley without a vesm sel, but you’re nonetheless se itching to get on the water, it cconsider kayaking.

The snow-capped Coast Range rises from the ocean like a postcard. On the other side, the Comox Glacier and surrounding peak mountains inspire one’s imagination.

Seals, whales and sea birds beckon paddlers to explore the shoreline.

Rocky coastlines, islands and beaches lure adventurers to explore. With so

much to offer, the Valley and surrounding coast is a great place to try kayaking, in lessons or just for exploration.

The stable boats can easily access places that are normally only accessible with motorized water craft. The craft of choice of the Inuit, kayaks are less disruptive to wildlife, allowing for better viewing opportunities.

Anyone who has canoeing experience should have no trouble paddling a steady double kayak in calm conditions, but it is wise for anyone without experience to take some lessons or get a guide before they venture into the open ocean.

Island st yle sports and fashions

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■ RECREATION | FRESH WATER

Diving or Fishing Fun for All

Many diving and fisshing opportunities provide virtutie al ally unlimited aven enues for you to en enjoy being under, on or even in the w waterways of the C Comox Valley. The cl clear waters offsh shore cater to eve ery level of diving a ability.

• Union Bay Divin ing offers scuba ch charters in additi tion to regular b boat dives. Visit w www.seashelldivin ing.com to learn m more.

• Pacific Pro Dive & Surf Company in ANNUAL BULLHEAD DERBY HELD EVERY B.C. DAY LONG WEEKEND IS Courtenay charters to Campbell River, FUN FOR ALL AGES.

Sales, Rentals R & Scuba Instructions

seashelldiving.com

2440F Cliffe Ave., Courtenay

Hornby Island and beyond.

Visit www.scubashark.com or call 1-877-800-DIVE toll free or 250-338-6829 for more information.

Well known for its biganimal dives, Hornby Island Diving specializes in six-gill shark and sea lion adventures. Visit www.hornbyislanddiving.com for more information.

••• The Comox Valley is uniquely situated in the middle of Area 14 as designated by the Tidal Sportfishing Regulations.

For saltwater anglers, this means we are in the centre of an amazing array of marine fishing opportunities that span all 12 months of the year. For anglers who restrict their angling oppor-

tunities to beach fishing, it can come to mean over 100 kilometres of prime, accessible, world-class fishing.

Moving inland to freshwater fishing opportunities of approximate Area 14 boundaries with Little Qualicum River on the south and Oyster River on the north, we have a rich array of rivers and lakes to challenge anglers of all skill levels.

For visitors travelling by air, land or sea, the immediate Comox Valley is served by two first-rate professional tackle shops that can supply all your angling needs, including licences, up-to-date where-to-go information, available charter boat and beach guide services, including all the

26

th Annual Nautical Days

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58 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

■ RECREATION | FRESH WATER

Fishing Local Waters current tackle needs for the time you may be visiting our Valley.

As a reflection of the growing interest in yearround Valley fishing, the charter boat business has been enjoying a period of healthy growth in the past few years.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Comox and the provincial Ministry of Environment in Black Creek (near Miracle Beach Provincial Park) are official government information centres for up-tothe-minute changes of inseason regulations.

All five species of Pacific salmon are regularly taken in local waters. Fishing for bottomfish is a popular form of tidal angling.

The following species provide good sport in local waters — lingcod, rockfish, flounder and sole; plus the occasional halibut.

We have recreational beaches set aside for recreational shellfish gathering, plus many kilometres of open beaches. Just stay clear of commercial clam and oyster beds and avoid polluted beaches, usually in highly built-up urban ar-

eas.

Freshwater fishing in Comox Valley waters is enjoying resurgence due to increased enhancement activities by both levels of government. The Puntledge River has spectacular salmon angling in October.

Great catch-and-release fishing for trout and salmon can be had in the Oyster River.

If your taste runs to exotic dishes like fried frog legs, we can offer opportunities to indulge yourself due to invasions of American bullfrogs we wish would go away.

With increased stocking levels in lakes open to the public, we are enjoying excellent fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Horne Lake, Spider Lake, Comox Lake, Maple Lake and Wolf Lake are examples of local lakes that offer good fishing with flies, baits and lures.

Before you venture on our waters, make certain you have the appropriate licences, because there are two required if you fish in both marine and freshwater.

www.cswm.ca/composting

Calendar of Events All workshops and events are FREE and open to the public.

Workshops and events related to pesticide alternatives have also been included as part of the CVRD's "NatureWorks" pesticide education and awareness program.

COMPOSTING / GARDENING NATURE WORKS SPECIAL EVENTS / DATES

June 2 Help! Bambi Ate My Plants (CV) 3-9 Canadian Environment Week 9 Bag the Bad Guys – Alternative Methods for Disease and Insect Control (CV) 9 Household Hazardous Waste Clean Up Event – Hornby Island Transfer Station 10 Household Hazardous Waste Clean Up Event – Denman Island Marcus Isbister Old School Centre 23 Composting the Gene Revolution: GMOs in the Garden (CV)

July 1 21 26 28

Happy Canada Day - CV education centre closed Medicinal Plant Walk (CV) BC Used Oil Summer Ambassadors on location (CV) Stuff Busters (CV)

August 11 18 25

Organic Waste Collection (CV) Worm Bin Workshop (CV) It’s All About Compost (CV)

September 6 15 22 28 29

Master Composter Course (CV) - Also on September 13, 20, 27 Saving Seeds for the Future (CV) Putting your Garden to Bed (CV) Great Pumpkin Weigh-In (CV) Pruning for Production and Disease Control (CV)

October 7 Thanksgiving Sunday – CV education centre closed 15-21 Waste Reduction Week

November Natural Features

For Sale • Two 5 Acre Estates in a Living Forest Community Surrounded by Park • Trails • Ready to Build Your Rural Retreat

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Protected Forest

3&4 Comox Valley Pumpkin Smash

Comox Valley compost education centre 4795 Headquarters Road Courtenay, BC 250-898-1086

Visit www.cswm.ca/sfy to download or view the “Shape Your Future” guide to get details on these events.

Follow comoxvalleyrd

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■ RECREATION | SWIMMING

Fountains, Waves, Waterslides and More The Comox Valley offers swimming fun for all ages at two indoor pools and an outdoor pool, with a state-ofthe-art water park sure to be a hit with the kids (Lewis Park in Courtenay, just off the intersection of Ryan Road and the Old lsland Highway).

The Comox Valley Sports Centre at 3001 Vanier Dr. offers a six-lane, 25-metre main pool with a one-metre diving board, a Tarzan rope and a tot pool.

For fee and schedule inforLEWIS CENTRE WATER PARK mation, phone the sports cenbuilding and end in a shallow, tre at 250-334-9622. slow-down area at the shallow Meanwhile, the Comox Valley end of the pool.

Aquatic Centre at 377 Lerwick Rd. The wave pool is also offers the latest in swim fun with an equipped with a fountain, which eight-lane, 25-metre pool plus a wave squirts an umbrella-shaped pool with two tubular water slides. column of water about 10 feet The slides start at the top of a 30-foot above the surface. The centre tower, coil around the outside of the

also features a tot pool with als slide pool and water toys. slid The aquatic centre also has Th ozone-treated water in all ozo pools, whirlpool, sauna, a po one-metre diving board, on small weightroom and exersm cise equipment. cis For more information, phone 250-334-9622. ph COMOX VALLEY AQUATIC CENTRE

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Valid only at certified Curves Complete locations. See club for details. Some restrictions apply. Free trial offer is good for one week. Not redeemable for cash. © 2012 Curves International, Inc.

60 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

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■ RECREATION | PARKS

Enjoy our Parks COMOX Anderton Park On the corner of Balmoral Avenue and Stewart Street behind the Comox Centre Mall, Anderton Park is a neighborhood recreational park consisting of 1.37 hectares.

Attractions include four tennis courts, a basketball court, slide, merry-goround, and a teeter-totter on a grass-covered lot.

There are no cooking facilities and open fires are not permitted.

Brooklyn Creek Park This natural park comprising 3.77 hectares has no facilities. Located on the east end of Comox Avenue, north of Mack Laing Nature Park, the park has easy walking footpaths through

a wooded area with a wide variety of plants. There are many flowers during the spring and salmon can be observed in the creek during the fall months.

Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park The nine-acre waterfront property in Comox is widely acclaimed as the finest public park and garden on Vancouver Island north of Victoria.

Stroll through the gardens and you’ll find a stream flowing through a natural ravine, along with majestic trees from all over the world, including London planes and Atlas and Deodar cedars.

Local trees such as maples also provide shade

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Continued on page 65

Photo: Tony Gusman

TO THE COMOX VALLEY!

The Evergreen Seniors Club is Courtenay’s social hub for people 55 and over. Our wide variety of clubs and programs include music, sports, travel, arts and more - all in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere. Call us today!

LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS

250-338-1000 • www.evergreenseniorsclub.org • 411 Anderton Ave., Courtenay 62 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

■ PARKS | GOOSE SPIT

Enjoy the sandy beaches and scenic views Goose Spit is a highly unusual spot that is very popular with locals and which visitors should absolutely check out.

Goose Spit Park, together with Gartley Point, creates Comox Harbour.

The flexible sand spit is fed by the Willemar Bluffs and is a Class I recreational beach.

Park upgrades were completed in 2011. They include beach access trails, a stepped path to connect the park to an upland neighbourhood, a trail along Hawkins Road and wheelchair-accessible parking stalls.

Other project work included repairs to the parking lot, upgrades to the

GOOSE SPIT - Photo by Megan Rutledge

washroom area, installation of a lost-and-found box, a new park entrance and new park entrance sign, five interpretative signs, a wheel-

We Do That!

chair-accessible picnic area, and new park benches and picnic tables.

Waterfront, picnic tables, scenic views, rare plants

an and wildlife, swimming, ro road access with parking and an toilets are other amenities at the park, which was ni firrst leased to the regional district for park purposes in di 1971.

19 The park on the sandy spit sp is unusual because it includes two very differin ent en environments, an outer shore feeling the full efsh fect fe of waves and a moreprotected part with more pr waterfowl. w The spit is popular because of its sandy beach ca and spectacular views, an which include the Coast w Mountains on the mainland across the Strait of Georgia.

People flock to the area for the annual Father’s Day kite-flying contest.

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■ RECREATION | PARKS

Comox great place for Parks Continued from 62

and privacy. Beds of annual and perennial flowers and hundreds of rhododendrons add swaths of colour throughout the park. Heathers, spring bulbs, flowering shrubs and dwarf conifers can also be found.

Kin Beach Provincial Park A good picnic area with tables, play areas, playground, cooking shelters, a tennis court, change area, a small store, and 15 campsites. Direct beach access brings you to a small breakwater creating a small tidal pool for children. Swimming, fishing, and boating are all good here.

Kye Bay This is a wellsheltered area highlighted by an expanse of sandy beach at low tides, punctu-

ated by many tidal pools.

There are picnic tables under the tree at Elks Park or one may take advantage of the new playground nearby.

Restrooms are available.

Mack Laing Park Access from east end of Comox Avenue. This park was left to the Town of Comox by naturalist Hamilton Mack Laing on the condition that it be left in its natural state.

The seven-acre park is full of small paths and bridges, stairways and trails leading past information kiosks which enable flora and fauna to be identified.

Marina Park A one-hectare park used for neighborhood and community events, with boat launch, picnic shelters, bandstand and washrooms. Two mari-

nas and government wharf are nearby; salmon and other types of seafood can be purchased off the boats.

A boardwalk with guardrail travels the south end of the park overlooking the harbor and mountains across the bay.

Pioneer Memorial Park Located on Manor Drive, this memorial park is the site of an old graveyard in memory of the early pioneers of Comox. The park is beautifully sited in a lovely setting with a view of the bay and a steep beach access to the ocean. There are no facilities.

Port Augusta Park Located on Beaufort Avenue, this park is a 1.06-hectare, partially shaded grass-covered area, sloping down to

the waterfront.

Salish Park Bordered by Guthrie Road and Nootka Street in Comox, this park has neatly constructed footpaths and bridges which meander through a very serene setting. The grass-covered area with its gently rolling hills is landscaped with shrubs.

COURTENAY Lewis Park This has been an important recreation resource for the City of Courtenay since 1929. The entrance is flanked by two new totem poles; there are playing fields, lawnbowling and horseshoe areas, tennis courts, a children’s playground and water park, Continued page 84

Make the Comox Valley your Destination. can help you find the right home

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www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 65

Lazo Road/Point Holmes/ Knight Road Loop

t Easy and level short walk that starts at the Fanny Bay Community Hall and takes you through the hall grounds to a loop across the Island Highway where you can take in an abundance of native

t A scenic ride through residential areas, along the ocean and past the airport. Mostly quiet rural roads with no shoulders. t Approximately 17 kms. Some short uphill and downhill sections. Side trips to Goose Spit Park and Kye Bay add about 2 kms each and two steep hills.

potti on the hall grounds.

Comox Valley Airport

t Parking available at the hall, trail loop is accessed

Hurford Hill Nature Park

Start in downtown Comox (public parking is available), or at any other point along the route

Boyle Point Provincial Park (Denman Island)

t Accessible from trail heads on Hobson Avenue and Glen Urquhart Dr.

Boyle Point, a small day-use park, is located on the southern point of Denman Island.

t Features wooded trails as well as open grassed areas.

t A forested trail leads through the 125 hectare park's second-growth forest to the viewpoints, where visitors will be rewarded with a spectacular view of Baynes Sound and the Chrome Island Lighthouse. Ideal for viewing eagles and various seabirds.

t Connects to Valley View Greenway.

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Se ge rs

on bs Ho

.

Dr

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Av

Boyle Point Boyle Point Provincial Park Eagle Rock

P ad t Ro Eas

y Dr. Valle

On Denman Island, follow Denman Rd. to the Hornby Ferry terminal; turn right and follow East Rd. to the park

Hobson Avenue and Glen Urquhart Drive

Hawk & Idiens Greenways

Goose Spit to Point Holmes Intertidal Walk

t Easy 3 km paved pathway that connects Hawk Drive and McDonald Road at the Courtenay and Comox border

t Great beachcombing and tidal pools with an abundance of sea life. t Be sure to plan ahead and check the tide charts so you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t become stranded; trek during an outgoing tide to ensure ample time to return.

t An arm of the pathway goes through Lerwick Nature Park and connects to Lerwick Drive t Playground situated at Hawk Glen Park

t Wear proper footwear - rocks are slippery.

kins Haw

Balmo ral Ave L Co . azo Rd mo . xA ve.

Rd.

Goose Spit P

Hawk Glen Park

Sheraton Rd.

Torren ce Rd.

Pritchar d Rd.

Point Holmes

Dr. iew

.

Dr ick rw Le

ay sW en Idi

.

Rd

Hawk Dr.

t igh Kn

Lazo Rd.

V ley Val

Hawk Dr.

Idiens Park

Lerwick Nature Park

Cummings Rd.

Hebrides Dr.

Lerwick Dr.

rt ha qu Ur en Gl

t Return trip approximately 3 kms.

nt ce es Cr r e et mp Tru

Guth rie Rd .

Ky eB ay R d.

Goose Spit

Head south from Courtenay on the Old Island Highway. Fanny Bay Community Hall is on the right, just past Ships Point Rd.

Va lle yD r.

Pritchard Rd.

Comox Marina

Bay Hall

Hurford Hill Nature Park

Point Holmes

Lazo Rd.

Little Way

9A y1 wa gh Hi Fanny P

Ba ck Ro ad

. o Rd Laz

Lazo Rd. Com ox A ve. Balmoral Ave.

Ships Point Rd.

Hu rfo rd Av e.

Guthrie Rd.

Noel Ave.

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Knigh t Rd.

Torrence Rd.

Bates Dr.

d an Isl

.

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Anderton Rd.

the grounds. d Ol

GET ACTIVE

Fanny Bay Community Hall Loop

McDonald Rd.

until it turns into Hawkins Road â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will lead you to the Spit

66 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

Lerwick Drive or McDonald Road

Seal Bay Park Swamp Loop

y Roy Morrison Nature Park features an easy

y Easy level trail, approximately 2 kms (small loop)

or 3 km (big loop past Melda’s Marsh). Starts across Bates Road from the main parking area. View detailed trail map at www.comoxvalleyrd.ca

network of woodchip trails in 31 acres of forest • For a longer ride, follow the Masters Greenway, then turn right on Powerhouse Road to reach the Pipeline Trail going all the way to Comox Lake.

To Pipeline

Pardiac Rd.

y Note: Wheelchair accessible trail on the ocean side

Malcolm Morrison Park

of the park off the main parking lot.

P Bates Road

Rod & Gun Rd.

Mitchell Rd.

Timberlane Rd.

1st St.

Keeneland Rd.

Rotary Riversid eT rai l Rob ert L ang Dr. Lexingto n Pl.

Arden Rd. Archer Cr.

Powerhouse Rd.

1st St.

y Wooded with open meadows and an abundance of

waterfowl and fauna

Meliferra Pl. Mas ters G reenw ay

Bood Rd.

Seal Bay Park

Larch Rd.

Embleton Cres.

Puntledge Park El. School

Melda’s Marsh

Arden Rd.

Roy Morrison Nature Park Lake Trail School

From Comox, head north on Anderton Rd., turn left at junction where Anderton turns into Ellinor Road. Stay on Anderton which turns into Waveland Road. Turn left onto Bates Road

Access points off Arden Road or 1st Street in Courtenay

Nymph Falls/Puntledge River

Cumberland Community Forest

y Trails follow the Puntledge River, are gently

• 150 acres of beautiful forest surrounding the Village of Cumberland

sloping and include some optional technical sections for mountain bikers

• Home to some of the best riding on Vancouver Island; trail network to suit every level

• Park at Nymph Falls off Forbidden Plateau Rd. and head north toward Comox Lake, all the way to the Comox Lake dam. Return the same way for a 12 km round trip. For a longer ride, bike to Stotan Falls and back on the return trip; adds 6 kms.

• It is strongly recommended that you purchase a full-sized trail map at local bike shops and info centres, or visit www.cvmtb.com

• Detailed trail maps available online from BC Hydro: bchydro.com/community/recreation_areas.html

e Main

Take Piercy Rd. out of Courtenay. Turn left onto Forbidden Plateau Rd. to Nymph Falls park entrance.

M at ts

Park boundary

n

Mountain Bike Road Bike On foot

Shoreline

Ma ma

P

Parking

Wheelchair

Ocean

Bea r

Two &A

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Bevan Rd

P Comox Lake

Co mo x Lak

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Rd

La ke Tra il R d.

Gravel Road

Tied Kno t

Pipeline

ay Highw Island Inland

BC Hydro Property

Road

Bla ck Ho le

Stotan Falls

Su tto

Nymph Falls Park

Legend Map route Alternate trails

1s tS t.

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For bid den Plateau Rd.

Dam

GET ACTIVE

Roy Morrison Park to Pipeline

Pig

Active Comox Valley promotes healthy lifestyles and community spirit through physical activity.

Juice

In Cumberland, follow along Dunsmuir Ave. to Sutton Rd.

Kye Bay to Airforce Beach

Condensory/Dove Creek

• Start at the Kye Bay Parking lot. Playground and flush toilets available

y A scenic route through farmland and quiet

• Walk along Windslow Road to small trail head with a forested path alongside the beach to Airforce Beach. Round trip approximately 4.3 kms

y On mostly quiet rural roads, no shoulders, watch

For more details: •

call 250-890-9116

•

email info@activecomoxvalley.ca

•

visit your local recreation centre

•

go to www.activecomoxvalley.ca

This guide was produced in conjunction with the Comox Valley Cycling Task Force. For info, visit

countryside. Approximately 14 kms.

courtenay.ca/community/cycling-task-force.aspx

for traffic on Condensory Bridge y Start at Florence Filberg Centre (marked with a

).

Ride north on Anderton, over Condensory Bridge.

Left on Cessford Road. Continue to Piercy; turn right, then right again on Condensory Road and head back into town

• Option to return along the sandy beach or, at low tide, along the sandbars further out. Be aware of incoming tides cutting off the sandbars from the beach

Rd. rcy Pie

s C r.

d. rd R sfo Ces

. y Rd

G reave

Airforce Beach

sor den Con

• Spectacular views of the Sunshine Coast and great beachcombing

Condensory Bridge

Optional route at low tide

P

Windslo w Rd.

Bay Rd. Kye

In Comox, take Anderton Rd. to Knight, turn left on Kye Bay Rd.

. on Ave Andert

1st St.

Puntledge River Puntledge Park

Kye Bay

5th St. Downtown Courtenay

From downtown Courtenay, take Anderton to Condensory Rd.

www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WE L C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L EY | 67

■ RECREATION | STRATHCONA PARK

A network of hiking trails to enjoy Established in 1911, Strathcona Park is the oldest provincial park in British Columbia.

The Park offers a nature lover’s paradise, just a leisurely drive from the Comox Valley. Spanning more than 500,000 acres west and north of the Valley, Strathcona Park is a bounty of hiking, camping and canoeing opportunities.

Paradise Meadows is aptly named. You’ll be treated to spectacular alpine scenery as you stroll the loop trail to Battleship Lake and Lake Helen Mackenzie.

A network of hiking trails for all levels allows you to fully explore Strathcona.

Wildlife, such as deer and Whiskey Jack birds, may

greet you along the way.

Look up, and you’ll see the peak of Vancouver Island’s highest mountain, Golden Hinde, rising 7,219 feet. If you plan to stay the night, you can check out Strathcona’s two provincial campgrounds, Buttle Lake and Ralph River.

From the park, trails link up with paths from the Mount Washington Alpine Fesort and Forbidden Plateau. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Comox Valley, the Strait of Georgia and the coastal mountains while you ride one of the chairlifts to the top of Mount Washington.

For more information, check out www.env.gov. bc.ca/bcparks.

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■ RECREATION | HIKING

Miles of trails for all level of hikers The scenic Comox Valley has something for virtually everybody — from ocean to mountains, from luxury to going back to nature.

Hikers have a choice of locales, with no end of ocean, mountain, lake and forest settings to soothe the soul.

Comox Glacier Trail The hiking trail to the Comox Glacier is for strong and experienced hikers only. The hike is a recommended three-day trip following this schedule. It is possible to do the trail in one day during the summer, assuming you are prepared to start at 4 or 5 a.m. and return after dark that night. For the climb on the glacier itself, an ice axe and

Join Us!

HIKING WITH PAPA Photo by Denise Sevier-Fries

rope is suggested. FMI, call Ken Rodonets, Comox Dis-

• Cowboy, Shotgun and Black Powder Shooting • Indoor & Outdoor Range • Archery • Special Events • Conservation • Annual Memberships $65

ttrict Mountaineering Club, a at 250-336-2101.

Lagoon Park Located in the Comox E Estuary, behind the Travel IInfocentre, Lagoon Park is ccomposed of two sections: a tidal wetland area and an u upland area. The upland a area has paved cycling and w walking trails.

Medicine Bowls Access: Follow Forbidd den Plateau Road to the e end of tarmac, at the base o of Forbidden Plateau ski rroad. From here a small llogging road leads to the rriver, about 1.5 km long.

Setting: A series of three large falls set on the upper section of Browns River.

Condition: The logging road is in good shape for

walking, and may be rough for some vehicles.

Nymph Falls Nature Park Access: accessible by the Comox Logging Road off Lake Trail Road, or along Piercy Road to Forbidden Plateau Road.

Stotan Falls Access: Follow Lake Trail Road and turn right on to the Duncan Bay Main logging road, located right of the main power lines, keep to the right through Fletcher Challenge Logging Yard.

Strathcona Park and Forbidden Plateau Located on the top of the Forbidden Plateau range, Strathcona Park is an excellent hiking area.

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■ RECREATION | MOUNTAIN BIKING

Jaw-dropping views add to the challenge A relatively recent development, the Comox Valley has added mountain biking Mecca to its long list of attributes.

The Mount Washington Alpine Resort and Cumberland are the two local hotspots.

Up in the foothills of the Beaufort Range, people in the village of Cumberland have embraced mountain biking by creating many challenging trails.

Downtown Cumberland merchants such as Dodge City Cycle and Island Mountain Rides openly support the sport, as does the Riding Fool Hostel.

The United Riders of Cumberland (UROC) live to be on two wheels, and are in the forefront of mountain

EVEN BEGINNERS CAN ENJOY THE LOCAL TRAILS

70 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

biking in the village.

Meanwhile, Mount Washington has created an extensive network of downhill mountain bike trails that range from fast and flowy to steep and technical. Add a jaw-dropping view that span the Island’s rugged mountains to the blue waters of the Pacific and you have a destination that riding dreams are made of.

The Mount Washington bike park has a beginner trail network so newbies can get used to the sport. In addition some of B.C.’s best trails, the bike park hosts a number of acclaimed mountain bike events throughout the summer.

For details, visit www. mountwashington.ca/bikepark.html.

■ RECREATION | FOSSIL TOURS

Welcome to Courtenay Toyota

We service all makes and models

Old, old bones The Courtenay Museum is now recognized as a centre of paleontology study in British Columbia. The museum’s 5,000-plus-piece fossil collection, plus its working paleontology lab, have also made it the first stop on the Great Canadian Fossil Trail which links all major paleontology sites in Western Canada.

During the summer, the Courtenay Museum offers three-hour tours of local fossil sites and provides goggles and hammers so everyone can find and take home fossils.

School and group tours are available year round.

For more information phone 250-334-0686, fax

FINDING FOSSILS

338-0619, e-mail museum@ island.net or visit the museum’s comprehensive website at www.courtenaymuseum.ca.

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www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 71

■ ATTRACTIONS | MUSEUMS

A Look Back COMOX ARCHIVES AND MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS BRING THE HISTORY ALIVE

The Comox Valley has four main museums.

Courtenay and District Museum and Paleontology Centre ~ The museum moved to downtown Courtenay in the former post office after years in the Native Sons’ Hall across Cliffe Avenue.

The museum is open daily through the summer.

Admission is a suggested

donation of $3. For more information phone 250334-0686, fax 338-0619, email museum@island.net or visit the museum’s comprehensive website at www. courtenaymuseum.ca.

Comox Archives and Museum ~ CAMS offers a magical glimpse of the town’s rich and unique nautical history.

Archives containing a

multitude of photos and documents and other information date back as far as 1792 giving the visitor a special look at the early pioneers.

It’s open from 1 to 4 p.m.

Monday, Thursday and Friday at 1729 Comox Ave. Cumberland Museum and Archives ~ The replica of a coal mine provides a chilling glimpse into the past. The tunnel features illuminated historic photographs, a loaded coal cart and various tools of the trade.

What really makes the experience lifelike are the sounds of metal picks chipping away at rock, heavily laden carts being pulled over steel tracks and the pervasive drip and gurgle

of water.

Underground mining took place in the Cumberland area from the 1880s to 1966. In the later part of the 19th century Cumberland was a thriving metropolis divided into separate townsites for the whites, Chinese, Japanese and blacks.

The museum is at 2680 Dunsmuir Ave. For more, visit www.cumberlandmuseum.ca.

Comox Air Force Museum ~ The Comox Air Force Museum is at CFB Comox and is open to the public year round, Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is by donation.

For more, visit www.comoxairforcemuseum.ca.

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â&#x2013; EVENTS |COMOX VALLEY YOUTH MUSIC CENTRE

Concerts to theatre productions showcasing CYMC Founded as a summer retreat for the Vancouver Junior Symphony, the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre (CYMC) is now in its 44th year and continues as British Columbiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest-running music camp.

Its mandate, to provide musical improvement and advancement to music students, is achieved primarily with the operation of the CYMC International Summer Youth Music School and Festival, a school for aspiring instrumentalists, singers and actors.

The programs offer training in all music disciplines from beginning musical studies to advanced solo, orchestral, chamber music,

CYMC, A SCHOOL FOR ASPIRING INSTRUMENTALISTS CYMC INSTRUMENTALISTS, SINGERS AND ACTORS

voice and dance.

CYMC maintains an open admissions policy.

The schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festival component offers exciting con-

certs, recitals and theatre productions. Celebrated international artists appear in concert and join the CYMC Festival Orchestra

in an outstanding series of c concerts.

The success of a program such as CYMCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is g often measured by the o ssuccess of its students in llater life. After 40 years, it would be difďŹ cult to believe that CYMC didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t b have some wonderful treah ssures among its alumni.

The depth of excellence and degree of diversity in a tthe alumni is, nonetheless surprising. Among its le former students (such as fo Diana Krall, Ingrid Jensen D and Nancy Argenta), it can a count leaders in all ďŹ elds of musical performance, musical education and musical production and promotion.

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www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 73

■ EVENTS | CANADA DAY

Celebrate Canada in Downtown Courtenay The Comox Valley is the place to be on Canada Day. On July 1, 2012, come to downtown Courtenay for a celebration honouring our country’s 145th year.

This is one of the largest events of the year in the Comox Valley, and it’s free!

Join thousands of others for the parade down Fifth Street, then head to Lewis and Simms parks for a full day of food, entertainment and games.

The theme this year is Salute to the ‘60s.

The celebration starts on Friday night. The Battle of the Bands will be on stage in Simms Millennium Park from 5 to 10. Many young artists from the mid Island will be competing for great prizes and will be very enter-

THE CANADA DAY PARADE HIGHLIGHT OF THE CELEBRATION

ttaining to listen to. Maybe a band you hear on June 28 at 5 p p.m. will become famous and yyou will be able to say you heard tthem first in Courtenay.

Party time will be in full force sstarting Saturday night at Simms P Park with Salute the ‘60s for B Beatlemaniacs. The Sutcliffes w will be on stage bringing all th the great Beatle music back for yyou. The concert is free and will b be a great family night. At 7, a co costume contest will begin the n night.

Dress up like your favourite B Beatle and join in the fun and p prizes.

Look for all the activities for a fu full day of events on Canada Day in Courtenay, including the Fifth St Street Run, a parade and conce certs.

For more information, visit www.comoxvalleycanadaday.ca.

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■ EVENTS |FILBERG SUMMER CONCERTS

Enjoy summer nights and music at Filberg Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park promises the summer of 2012 will include hot summer music at its scenic waterfront setting in Comox.

Filberg presents its Summer Concert Series, a series of five Thursday evening concerts. Bring a picnic or make a reservation at the Filberg Tea House for an early dinner.

The concerts are from 7 to 9 p.m.

July 12 — The Sweet Low Down, an acoustic roots trio based in Victoria, B.C. The members are Amanda Blied (guitar), Shanti Bremer (banjo), and Miriam Sonstenes (fiddle) — three musicians who come together to create music inspired by their love

WIL AND KEVIN HAUGHTON

of old time, folk, bluegrass and roots music.

July 19 — Wil, who remains the consummate touring musician, developing his expansive roots-

rock sound while building a dedicated following for his famously intense live shows. Wil has always preferred to play live either solo or with “just a drum-

mer,” which these days is tthe Comox Valley’s own Kevin Haughton.

July 26 — Oliver Swain’s B Big Machine, which hails ffrom Victoria. Swain is C Canada’s quintessential ffolk and traditional musiccian. He eats, sleeps and b breathes music.

Aug. 16 — Mae Moore, w who is renowned for her m mature and sophisticated m mixture of pop, folk and ja music. jazz Aug. 23 — Impossible B Bird, which has been des scribed as an absolutely stellar combination of upbeat alt-folk that’s mesmerizing and radiates talent.

For more information visit http://filberg.com/ filberg-summer-concertseries.

Summer Concert Series

Join us this summer for the Summer Concert Series on the grounds of

The Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park.

Thursday Evenings 7-9pm July 12, 19, 26, August 16, 23 TICKETS $15 PER CONCERT OR $60 FOR THE 5 CONCERT SERIES CHILDREN 12 & UNDER - FREE

Courtenay Branch 392 - 5th Street Courtenay 866-463-0481

Comox Branch #102 - 1811 Comox Ave Comox 866-463-0393

Available Online, at the Filberg Gift Shop Fri-Sun 11-4, or at: Comox: Blue Heron Books, Comox Videos N More; Courtenay: Bop City, Long & McQuade & Laughing Oyster Books

WWW.FILBERG.COM Dine at the The he Fi F Filberg lberg T Tea ea H House ouse F For orr reservati reservations: ions: 250 250-339-0747

www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OM OX VA L L E Y | 75

■ EVENTS | VANCOUVER ISLAND MUSICFEST

One of the best music festivals in B.C. The Vancouver Island Music Festival is known as many things, including MusicFest, VIMF and one of the best music festivals in British Columbia.

For proof, look no farther than a 2012 lineup that includes Emmylou Harris, k.d. lang and Siss Boom Bang, Richard Thompson, the Sheepdogs, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Laurie Anderson, Matt Andersen and the Be Good Tanyas.

MusicFest has been bringing together brilliant musicians and sound hounds from near and far since 1995.

VIMF is produced by the Comox Valley Folk Society as a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven event with over 1,100 volunteers and 300 community sponsors who join forces to bring it to life each summer.

Everything will come together as it always does July 6 to 8, 2012 during Vancouver Island MusicFest at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds.

For more information, visit www.islandmusicfest.com.

KIDS FEST 2012 SATURDAY,

September 8th

10 am to 3 pm at Lewis Centre and Lewis Park, Courtenay

Watch the Comox Valley Record for details this summer.

COURTENAY'S ONLY

LIVE MUSIC Every Weekend Venue

GREAT FOOD • GREAT FUN 2355 Mansfield Drive

COURTENAY 250-334-4500 Fully Licensed Liquor Store - all cold beer and spirits at or below liquor store prices www.whistlestoppub.com

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■ EVENTS | NAUTICAL DAYS

The 54th annual Nautical Days Festival A family tradition will return to Marina Park as Comox celebrates its 54th annual Nautical Days Festival. As usual, the festival will span the BC Day Long Weekend (Aug. 4 to 6), and feature a slew of time-honoured acts and events sure to please crowds.

Saturday includes the 26th annual Bullhead Derby – the Pacific Northwest’s largest catch-and-release fishing derby, the annual Kids Festival, two-man teams in a canoe-jousting competition and a live performance at Captain Cracker’s Family Dance.

On the second day, festival-goers can wander down to Marina Park’s Rotary Boardwalk to watch the 10th annual Victor Simonson Dragon Boat Races. Other attractions include Sunday’s Gospel of Elvis and talented local band Time Well Wasted playing at Captain Cracker’s Family Dance.

Spectators and competitors participating line up on the third and final day for Central Builders Home Hardware’s 25th annual Build, Bail, and Sail. Athletes preferring to stay dry can instead compete in B.C.’s longest-running foot race. There will also be a car show, the annual parade, more Elvis, Sunset Ceremony of the Flags and Vancouver Island’s largest fireworks display to close the festival.

For more information, visit www.comoxnauticaldays.ca.

NAUTICAL DAYS MASCOT CAPT. CRACKER

Fun For The Whole Family!

BC Day Weekend Marina Park, Comox

54th Annual

a Festival of Family Fun!

August 4, 5 & 6th

Everyday Pancake Breakfasts, Arts & Crafts Booths, Food Booths, Daily Entertainment, Bistro Style Beer Garden Saturday Kid’s Festival, Bullhead Derby, Pet Parade, Canoe Jousting, Family Dance, Main Stage Entertainment

Free Admission

Sunday

Church Service, Dragon Boat Festival, Elvis Sings Gospel, Family Dance, Fire Spinning, Main Stage Entertainment

Monday

Build, Bail & Sail, Parade, Vintage & Classic Cars, Foot Race, Ceremony of Flags, Elvis Las Vegas Show, Fireworks Finale For full program details visit

www.comoxnauticaldays.ca

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■ EVENTS | FILBERG FESTIVAL

Filberg Festival celebrates its 30th year

FEATURING TALENTED ARTISANS AND MUSICIANS FROM ACROSS CANADA ENJOY THE FOUR DAY EVENT.

The Filberg Festival in Comox celebrates a milestone in 2012 — its 30th year.

The Filberg Festival is the biggest single fundraiser of the year for the society that maintains the lodge and grounds that were originally the home of timber baron Robert Filberg for the enjoyment of the public.

The festival from Aug. 3 to 6 is not only an opportunity to support the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park but the many talented artisans who work so hard to create beautiful pieces of work and the various musical performances over four days.

If you visit, you could easily leave with something special to take home with you — maybe a beautiful

piece of pottery, a scented soap or just fond memories of enjoyable time in Comox with family and friends.

Your memories will be enhanced by the gorgeous setting.

The Filberg Festival takes place on the nine-acre waterfront Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park, a designated heritage site.

With more than 120 artisans from across Canada, the Filberg Festival features everything from pottery, woodcraft, and metalwork to original paintings, jewelry, toys and more.

The festival offers a lengthy entertainment lineup.

Check the website at http:// filbergfestival.com for updates of attending artisans an entertainment lineup.

9 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds located on the waterfront in Comox.

This Summer at the Park : SUMMER CONCERT SERIES ...

Thursday Evenings 7-9pm (July & August) www.fillberg.com for complete schedule KIDS DAY IN THE PARK ... a fun-filled family event featuring Rick Scott ~ Sunday, June 24th FILBERG FESTIVAL ... August 3-6 GIFT STORE OPEN ~ Thurs. to Sun. & Holiday Mondays FILBERG TEA HOUSE ~ Wed. to Sun., 11am - 3pm in July open till 5pm, Fri. - Sun. • Reservations: 250-339-0747 LODGE TOURS ~ March through December • Cutting Garden

Visit our website for more information : www.filberg.com

61 Filberg Road, Comox • 250-339-2715

WWW.FILBERG.COM PARK ACCESS: Grounds open yearr rround, ound nd, d, 8a 8am m to to ddus dusk. ussk. k. A Admission dmis dm i si is s onn ttoo th the he Pa P Park a is free. Wheelchair Accessible.

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■ EVENTS | BIG TIME OUT

Big Time Out : From soul to hip-hop Borrowing a concept popularized in Austin, Tex., the Big Time Out festival in Cumberland will become a multi-venue event in 2012.

Taking a cue from the South By Southwest festival in Austin, the BTO will present music at three hotels in the town. The all-ages Pyramid Lounge at the Cumberland Recreational Institute replaces the Chai Tent. Festival wristbands will allow admission to the main festival venue at Village Park as well as the other venues.

Businesses are planning some increased involvement in the event. The Corre Alice Gallery, for example, will exhibit an art show that showcases art-

ists who have prepared pieces (some limited edition silk screened posters, etc.) specifically for the Big Time Out. Early acts booked for the Aug. 18 and 19 event include Bahamas.

For details visit http:// thebigtimeout.com.

THE CROWD ENJOYS THE T SOUNDS OF BIG TIME OUT. THIS S YEAR : ELLIOTT BROOD Y

Lower your heating costs with Pacific Energy Wood Stoves.

Easy to use, light, economical and clean burning.

SINCE

1907 Gourmet Go ourmet

Pub Food Friendly Atmosphere Made Fresh, In-House Affordable Prices Large Portions

DOWNTOWN CUMBERLAND

250-336-8322 www.waverleyhotel.ca

SHEET METAL & HEATING ltd.

Since 1961 741 McPhee Avenue, Courtenay • (250) 334-3621 www.bennettsheetmetal.com

DWAIN'S

LIQUOR STORE Cold Beer & Wine Full Liquor Selection

Open 9 am - 11 pm • 7 Days a Wee Week

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â&#x2013; EVENTS | COMOX VALLEY EXHIBITION

Boots, Barns & Bandanas at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fair Whether you come for the pancake breakfast, the quilt show, the midway rides, the entertainment or the many farm animals on display, the Comox Valley Exhibition has something for everybody.

This is the 138th year as one of the longest-running, most successful agricultural fairs in British Columbia.

The fair has grown from a small local celebration of Comox Valley agriculture to a regional leader in agricultural events.

The theme of the 2012 exhibition, Boots, Barns & Bandanas, celebrates Comox Valley farmers and local agriculture youth. The purpose of the Comox Valley Exhibition is to educate and entertain the public

the fair.

With three days of family-oriented entertainment and activities, there is a huge amount of organization and planning that goes into putting on this yearly event. The Comox Valley Exhibition Society consists of volunteers who work year round to deliver a world-class event that can be enjoyed by the greater community of Vancouver Island.

FROM DUCKS TO TRACTORS

with the diversity of agriculture within the Comox Valley and the broader com-

munity, including 4-H Clubs, which hold their Achievement Day during

Look who has joined the herd!

Woof woof!

AUGUST

24, 25, & 26

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Help us name our new friend.

Details at: www.cvex.ca - Kidzone and win a Naomi teWinkel art print and a family membership to the fair

■ ENJOY | SARATOGA SPEEDWAY

Family Fun at the Race Track EXCELLENCE in Diagnostics, Maintenance and Repair

MONSTER TRUCKS A CROWD FAVOURITE

Call or come in today to meet our friendly, knowledgeable staff.

PROVIDING

Full Automotive Service INCLUDING:

Factory Scheduled Maintenance Warranty Approved Products and Services Provincial Inspections

Saratoga Speedway in Black Creek north of Courtenay is a no-alcohol family entertainment facility that aims to provide clean, safe fun at a reasonable price to audiences and participants.

The 2012 season includes many classes of oval track cars, as well as and other special events.

The racing is kept fair and clean with a state-of-theart computerized scoring system that uses transponders mounted on every race vehicle, and a team of dedicated race officials who love the sport. The track is a paved 3/8th-mile D-shaped oval, with a banked first and second corner, 1/16th-mile drag strip, and a 5/8th-mile extended course for motorcycles and slalom events.

The speedway is about halfway between Courtenay and Campbell River just off the Old Island Highway (Highway 19A) on Macaulay Road, which can be accessed by turning onto Hamm Road.

Visit www.saratogaspeedway.bc.ca for more information.

“Let us worry about your vehicle so you don’t have to!”

Monday–Friday 8–5, Saturdays by appointment only Tel 250.334.3012 Fax 250.334.0775 seecoautomotive@shaw.ca

511 McPhee Avenue Courtenay, BC V9N 2Z7 www. c omox v a l l ey re c o rd . c om | 2 0 1 2 | WEL C OM E T O T H E C OMOX OM OX VA L L E Y | 81

■ EVENTS | COMOX VALLEY CLASSIC CRUISERS GRAFFITI BASH

From Classic to Muscle Cars Shiny chrome, glossy wheels and a rainbow of colours will fill the streets of downtown Courtenay, as the Comox Valley Classic Cruisers celebrate their annual Graffiti Bash.

The club is celebrating its 26th anniversary, and the 26th anniversary of the Bash.

The evening of July 28 will feature the cruise around the Comox Valley. For July 29, the club holds its Show and Shine in downtown Courtenay.

These days, the show features about 350 classic vehicles, with an average of 5,000 to 8,000 spectators.

Participants and the public are eligible for prizes.

Car owners come from

as far away as Oregon, with many others from across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

For more information on the bash, visit www.cvclassiccruisers.com.

CROWDS ENJOY OVER 350 CARS FROM AS FAR AWAY AS OREGON

JULY 28 A AVE A&W @7PM IN S U RA NC E

JULY 29 DOWNTOWN COURTENAY REGISTRATION 8AM -12PM

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■ EVENTS |CALENDAR

It’s All Happening Here

ONE OF THE MANY ARTISTS ON DISPLAY AT THE ANNUAL ORIGINALS ONLY SHOW IN AUGUST.

JUNE 21-23 Miners’ Memorial Days Music and celebrations in Cumberland to pay tribute to Cumberland’s mining heritage, www.cumberlandmuseum.ca.

JUNE 21 National Aboriginal Day Komoks First Nation band lands at 3310 Comox Rd., 3 to 7 p.m. www.comoxband. ca.

JUNE 24 Kids’ Day in the Park Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park. Featuring Rick Scott. www.filberg.com JULY-AUGUST Summer Concert Series Live music on the lawn of Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park in Comox. Concerts on select Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. 250-339-2715. www.filberg.ca JULY 1 Canada Day Celebrations Featuring a parade down Fifth Street in downtown Courtenay and a host of activities in Lewis Park, Simms Millennium Park and Riverside Park, www.comoxvalleycanadaday.ca.

JULY 1- 29 Comox Valley Youth Music Centre CMYC offers the best in youth musical theatre, classical, and vocal jazz. www. cymc.ca.

JULY 6-8 Vancouver Island MusicFest Three-day event features a variety of music and performers at Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds, www. islandmusicfest.com.

JULY 13 Suds and Scotch Festival Raven Lodge at Mount Washington Alpine Resort, www.mountwashington.ca.

JULY 21 Market Day/Local Colours Fifth Street in downtown Courtenay is closed to all traffic from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. as merchants, craftspeople, buskers and food vendors fill downtown streets. The Local Colours festival showcases artists.

JULY 28-29 Comox Valley Classic Cruisers annual Graffiti Bash

Show and Shine. Cruise Nite July 28, Show and Shine in downtown Courtenay July 29, www.cvclassiccruisers.com.

AUG. 2-11 Hornby Island Festival Music, dance and theatre in a variety of venues, www. hornbyfestival.bc.ca.

AUG. 3-4 Bearclaw Invitational slopestyle bike event Mount Washington Bike Park, www.mountwashington.ca.

AUG. 3-6 Filberg Festival At Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park in Comox. A popular annual festival with arts, crafts, entertainment, and concessions and special guest artists, www.filbergfestival.com.

AUG. 4-6 Nautical Days Marina Park in Comox. A festival of family fun with events such as bullhead derby, international bathtub race, canoe jousting, clam chowder cooking contest, Build Bail and Sail, and the Ceremony of the Flags, www.comoxnauticaldays.ca.

AUG. 11-12 Vancouver Island’s Originals Only Art Show Marina Park in Comox, www.originalsonly.ca.

AUG. 18-19 The Big Time Out Village Park in Cumberland and select sites in town host independent music groups in a two-day festival atmosphere, http://thebigtimeout.com.

AUG. 20-21 See Jane Jump Women’s mountain bike

competition at Mount Washington Alpine Resort, www.mountwashington.ca.

AUGUST 24-26 Comox Valley Exhibition Put on by the Comox Valley Exhibition Society, celebrating Comox Valley farmers and local agriculture youth, www.cvex.ca.

AUG. 24-25 Mount Washington Alpine Food Festival Alpine Lodge, www.mountwashington.ca.

AUG. 25-26 Mount Washington Cup A BC Cup race for DH and XC races, Mount Washington Alpine Resort, www. mountwashington.ca.

SEPT 1-2 Fall Freak Out Mount Washington Bike Park, www.mountwashington.ca.

SEPT. 1-3 Woodland Gardens Artisans’ Festival Meet a variety of local and regional artisans and stroll through 26 beautiful acres of woodland at Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens, www.woodlandgardens.ca.

SEPT. 8 Comox Valley KidsFest Interactive and entertaining activities for kids of all ages. Lewis Park in Courtenay.

SEPT. 22 Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race (MOMAR) Thirteenth annual running of one of Canada’s most popular outdoor races.

Competitors kayak, mountain bike and trail run over a 40-km course in Cumberland, www.mindovermountain.com.

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■ RECREATION | PARKS

Park yourself all over Courtenay

Continued from 65

and an outdoor pool.

At the perimeter of the park, you can see the convergence of the Tsolum and Puntledge rivers to become the Courtenay River, the world’s shortest tidal river.

Marina Airpark Located behind the Courtenay Infocentre, this is a small park overlooking the Courtenay River. From its location next to the Courtenay Airpark and Marina,

it is a good vantage point to see the landing, launching, and takeoff of wheeled airplanes, float airplanes, and various types and sizes of boats.

Puntledge Park Located off First Avenue (drive up Fifth Street, turn right after railway tracks, and follow road down the hill to lower section of First Avenue), this scenic park runs along the Puntledge River and the edge of town.

The park includes a maze of trails leading around the park, and a small play area with swings. During the fall you can see the spawning salmon heading upstream to the Puntledge hatchery.

Riverwall Park On Anderton Avenue, just off Fifth Street, this small plot of grassy land borders the Courtenay and Tsolum rivers, with a good view of Lewis Park across the river. There are picnic

tables set among the trees where you can enjoy a sunny day.

Riverway Walkway This paved walkway that runs along the Courtenay River and estuary is bordered on one side by the Courtenay Airpark. This is a prime location for viewing many species of birds and watching small planes take off and land. The Courtenay Riverway is a popular place for walkers, cyclists

Worship Comox Valley ECKANKAR

PRESBYTERIAN COMOX VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN

Religion of the Light & Sound of God

725 Aspen Rd., Comox Rev. Ted Hicks

2nd Sunday 11:00 am ECK Worship Service

4th Sunday 11:00 am Community HU Song Lewis Centre 250-703-1262 www.eckankar.org

Regular Service 10:30 am Choir meets at 9 am comoxvalleypresbyterian.ca Tel/Fax 250-339-2882 e-mail: cvpc@shaw.ca

Full Wheelchair Access

Hearing Assistance

LIVING A VISION FOR CHRIST AND COMMUNITY

CATHOLIC

Christ the King Catholic Church

BAHÁ’Í FAITH All are welcome to join in ongoing devotional gatherings, study circles, and children’s classes.

Please call for more information. ~~~

“The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men.”

Bahá’u’lláh

living hope

Join us Sunday @ 10:30 am

Real Life Experiencing Real Change

www.livinghopeonline.ca

St. George’s United

Comox Valley Community Church

Pastors Darryl & Kim Burry

6th

& Fitzgerald Ave. Sunday Services:

Courtenay

10:30 am

“The Church with a heart in the heart of the city.”

Sunday School Nursery-Gr.7

Phone: 250-334-4961

1580 Fitzgerald Ave., Courtenay, BC 250-338-8221 www.cvsalarmy.ca

www.stgeorgesunited.com email: stgeorgeuc@shaw.ca

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.”

CUMBERLAND UNITED CHURCH

http://www.stbarnabascomoxvalley.org/home.php

Pastor: Father Marek Paczka, SDS WEEKEND LITURGIES

Doing

www.bahaisofcomox.org – 250.702.3041 www.courtenaybahai.org – 250.702.0574

(Childcare provided) ~ A Place to Discover Your Life Purpose ~

1599 Tunner Drive Courtenay, B.C. V9N 8N3 Telephone: 250-334-4716 Email: ctkparish@shaw.ca Website: www.ctkparish.ca

Real People

Full Wheelchair Access

Saturday: 5 p.m. Mass Hearing Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Mass and 10:30 a.m. Mass Assistance Confession: Saturday: 4 - 4:30 p.m. and before all Masses Children’s Liturgy of the Word and Youth Group – Sept. to May

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1st Street & Penrith

SUNDAY WORSHIP & CHILDREN’S PROGRAM: at 11 a.m.

Followed by Potluck Lunch

CHOIR: Eve Mark 250-338-4785 Rev. Julianne Kasmer, 250-400-7800

■ RECREATION | PARKS and roller-bladers and its level grade accommodates wheelchairs and infant strollers. To get to the Walkway, head to the rear of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce Tourist Information Centre. That’ll plunk you in the middle of the pathway.

Simms Millennium Park Created in 2000, this family park is located on the east side of the Fifth Street Bridge across from Lewis Park. The park features a Thai pavilion, children’s playground and a number of trails with view points

overhanging the Courtenay River.

CUMBERLAND South Comox Lake Park This park is owned and operated by the Village of Cumberland and is situated on the southeast part of the lake. A resident park caretaker operates a concession stand and boat rentals. There is a designated swimming area, complete with floating raft and diving board, which is protected by an encircling log boom. There are 50 RV sites, each with a picnic table and barbecue

grill. There are water taps and showers, and electricity. The park is open May 24 through to the Labour Day weekend.

Seal Bay Provincial Park The 714-hectare all-season forested park is within a 15-minute drive from Courtenay or Comox. Enjoy a brisk walk on the trails in winter or stroll through the cool shade in summer. Because its natural state has been preserved, expect to see tall-standing trees and fallen trees, which have become nurseries for saplings, mosses and ferns.

Listen for the sounds of the forest and the seashore.

The park includes a number of trails, designed for walking, mountain bikes and horses. There is also a handicapped-accessible wheelchair loop.

To reach the main parking lot on Bates Road, follow the signs to the Powell River ferry and stay on Anderton Road, rather than following Little River Road to the ferry dock. Turn onto Waveland Road, follow a sharp curve to the right, then turn left on Bates Road.

MENNONITE UNITED MENNONITE CHURCH

(BLACK CREEK) A Christ centered faith community dedicated to the Worship of God and the promotion of peace and social justice in His name.

Sunday Worship: 10:30 AM • Sunday School: 10:30 AM

2277 Enns Road, Black Creek.

Pastor Gordon Carter • Office: 250.337.5341

Come Worship with us

Email: carter.gord@gmail.com

LUTHERAN SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCIC) 2182 Comox Avenue, Comox

Contemporary Service 9:15am • Traditional Service 11am

www.centralefc.com

Pastor Dav Dave ve Koleba • Associate Pastor Jake Hron N.I. College, lege, 2300 Ryan Rd., Stan Hagen Theatre

Lil 250-338-7727 (office)

Comox Community Baptist Church

“A place for you: John 14:2 10 AM Sunday Worship 10 AM Wednesday Study Hour web: web.mac.com/shepherdcomox

Pastor A. Ronald Sedo 250-339-3933

email: shepherdcomox@mac.com

COURTENAY FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH

A little light between Knight & Daye on Anderton Rd.

JOIN US IN WORSHIP

Canadian Baptists of Western Canada

PASTORS: Peter Rabey & Randy Dyck

SUNDAY SERVICE 10:30 A . M .

Pastor Rev. Bill Hall Everyone Welcome.

1250 Anderton Road, Comox

250-339-0224

www.comoxbaptist.com ccbc@shaw.ca

9:15 am Contemporary Service

2946 Kilpatrick Ave.

Nursery Care (up to age 2) & Junior Church (ages 3-8 year olds) available at 9:15 service only.

Church Phone: 250-338-1312

11:00 am Traditional Service 2963 Lake Trail Rd., Courtenay • 250-334-3432 www.courtenaybaptist.com

Morning Service 11am Evening Service 7pm

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Advertisers index ACCOMMODATION/RESORTS

Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community....................55 Dove Cottage..............................................................49 Mount Washington Alpine Resort.............................54 Salmon Point Resort RV Park & Marina ....................49 Timberlane Beach Resort ..........................................49 Vacation Getaways.....................................................50

ART GALLERIES Brian Scott Studio ......................................................45 I-Hos Gallery ..............................................................24 Pearl Ellis Gallery ......................................................45 Ron Bridge Fine Art ...................................................44

CHURCHES Worship Directory ................................................84/85 St John the Devine.....................................................18

DINING Atlas Café ...................................................................39 Avalanche Bar and Grill .............................................23 Avenue Bistro .............................................................39 Billy D’s Pub................................................................39 Early Bird Café ............................................................38 Fluid Bar & Grill..........................................................40 Ichiban Sushi..............................................................38 Islander Pizza & Pasta................................................74 Mad Chef Café ............................................................38

Mex Pub and Liquor Store .........................................39 Plates Eatery and Catering Co. ...................................39 Ricky’s Restaurant ......................................................40 Sushi Kobo .................................................................28 Taco Time....................................................................38 Tokoyoto .....................................................................39 Waverley Hotel...........................................................79 Whistle Stop Pub .......................................................76 Yummies & Gyros ......................................................38

FESTIVALS/SPECIAL EVENTS /MARKETS Charles Dickens Craft Faire.........................................45 Classic Cruisers Graffiti Bash ......................................82 Comox Nautical Days .................................................77 Comox Valley Exhibition ............................................80 Comox Valley Farmers Market ...................................37 CYMC (Courtenay Youth Music Centre).....................73 Filberg Concert Series ................................................75 Innisfree Farm ............................................................37 Keystone Market ........................................................44 KidsFest 2012.............................................................76 MOMAR Adventure Race ...........................................70 Nautical Days Bullhead Derby ...................................58 Originals Only Art Shows ..........................................44 Sieffert's Farm Market ...............................................37 Simms Summer Concert Series & Skate Park ...........64 The Filberg Festival ..................................... inside front

MUSEUMS

GROCERY/CONVENIENCE

Comox Air Force Museum .........................................27 Cumberland Museum and Archives..........................11

Edible Island Whole Foods Market ............................14 Runge’s Imports & Delicatessen ................................40 Thrifty Foods ..............................................................14C C

PARKS/GARDENS Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park ...............................78 Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens ............................65 The Gardens on Anderton .........................................46

JEWELLERS

RECREATION

PHARMACIES

Active Comox Valley.............................................66/67 Comox Recreation .....................................................30 Courtenay District Fish & Game Protection Assn......69 Courtenay Recreation Summer Programs.................64 Freedom Now Yoga....................................................60 Longland's Golf Course ..............................................56 Mulligan’s Golf Course ...............................................56 Sunnydale Golf & Country Club ................................56 Yoga Studio on Rosewall ...........................................62

SHOPPING

Comox BIA................................................... inside front

BOOK STORES Blue Heron Books ......................................................28 Laughing Oyster Bookshop ......................................16

CLOTHING Jim’s Clothes Closet ..................................................15 La Cache .....................................................................14 Robert A .....................................................................15 Roxannes ....................................................................28 Sublime ......................................................................23

FURNITURE McConochie’s Furniture and Appliances .....................5 Simply Amish.............................................................31

GIFTS, HOME, SOUVENIRS Otter's Kitchen Cove...................................................29 The Cottage Gardener ................................................29 Visual Sound AVU ........................................................7

S

Francis Jeweller’s .......................................................14G Graham’s Jewellers ....................................................16C J Pharmasave ...............................................................34 The Medicine Shoppe ................................................28

SHOES Searles Shoes .............................................................16C Shoebiz.......................................................................14C C

SPORTS

Black’s Cycle ...............................................................30M Canadian Tire .............................................................57 Coast Surf Shop..........................................................29a Courtenay Swim Shop ...............................................60 Hitec Brazen Sportswear ...........................................18 Pacific Pro Dive .............................................................5 Ski & Surf Shop ..........................................................57 Ski Tak Hut..................................................................19 U.B. Diving..................................................................58

SPECIALTY Aerus The Healthy Home Experts ..............................72 Artisans Wood to Work ..............................................43 Coastal Black ..............................................................41 Fanny Bay Oysters ......................................................13 Natural Pastures Cheese ............................................41 Wills Marine Supply ..................................................28

THRIFT STORES

T Salvation Army ..........................................................18A C

TOY STORES

Whales Tale Toys ........................................................16 Planet Kids Toys .........................................................29S S

T

ONLINE INFO

Your source for Internet Information Comox Valley Record

City of Courtenay

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

www.city.courtenay.bc.ca

Town of Comox

Village of Cumberland

Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce

www.comox.ca

www.cumberlandbc.org

www.comoxvalleychamber.bc

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Advertisers index SERVICES

CLUBS/RESOURCE CENTRES Comox Military Family Resource Centre......................6 Evergreen Seniors Club ..............................................62

GOVERNMENT Comox Valley Regional District..................................59 Don McRae MLA ........................................................20 John Duncan MP........................................................20

REAL ESTATE/MORTGAGES Berry Realty .................................................................5 Brando Construction ....................................................9 Coast Realty Group ....................................................21 Couverdon ..................................................................35 Crown Isle Homes ......................................................68 Invis - West Coast Mortgages....................................42 Mountain Spirit Garden Estates.................................59 Penny Lane Property Management and Real Estate Sales ................................................ 23 RBC Mortgage (John M. Hudey) ...............................33 ReMax (Brett Cairns)..................................................24 ReMax (Brian Willis) ..................................................11 ReMax Dave Procter Realty ........................................3 ReMax (Glenda Mosher) ...........................................30 ReMax (Jane Denham).............................................26 ReMax (Lisa Jorgensen) ...........................................72 ReMax (Michele Courtney) .......................................33 ReMax (Ronni Lister) ..................................................6 ReMax (Marie McCooey) .............................................7 ReMax (Samuel Ennis) ..............................................51 ReMax (Susan Willis) .................................................73 Royal LePage in the Comox Valley.............................63 Royal LePage (Carla and Barbara) .............................65 Royal LePage (Tina Vincent) ......................................15 The Mortgage Centre .................................................34

AUTO, AUTOMOTIVE, RV Comox Valley Delica Auto Imports Ltd. .....................22 Lube-X........................................................................48 Rice Toyota .................................................................71 Seeco Automotive......................................................81 Sunwest RV ................................................................61

BUILDING SUPPLIES/HOME IMPROVEMENT

Canada's Curtain Corner ............................................22 Central Builders Home Hardware ..............................20 Bennett’s Fireplace & Heating .............................52/79 Blinds Billiards and Baubles ......................................34 Island Soapstone........................................................36 Pro Star Mechanical ...................................................48 Safe & Sound Window Film ......................................69 Signature West ...........................................................73 Straight Line Painting ................................................69 ThermoTec Mechanical Ltd. ......................................36 Torry & Sons Plumbing & Heating Ltd......................63 Vera-de Windows ......................................................48 Woodland Flooring ....................................................42

EDUCATION Conseil Scolaire Francophone de la Columbie-Britannique ......................................53 Elder College ..............................................................22 North Island College ..................................................52 Saltwater School..........................................................2

HOME INSPECTIONS

PETS

Clarity Home Inspections ..........................................33 Vision Home Inspections & Renovations ..................24

First Insurance ............................................................27 Insurance Centres Vancouver Island ..........................42

Bonefide Dog Coats .................................................. 51 Bosley's Pet Foods Plus..............................................51 Perfect Pet Solutions................................................. 51 Van Isle Vet .................................................................51 Wagz Lifestyle for Dogs & Cats .................................19 Woofy’s.......................................................................51

INTERIOR DESIGN/HOME

SENIORS

INSURANCE

Judith Moore Interiors ...............................................43

LEGAL/FINANCIAL B.L.D. Law...................................................................19 Coastal Community ...................................................22 Dundee Wealth Management ...................................17 Liberty Tax ..................................................................58 Odlum Brown ............................................................23 RBC Dominion Securities ...........................................71 Scotiabank .................................................................75

Berwick Comox Valley ...............................................32 Casa Loma .....................................................back page Cummings Home .......................................................32

TRANSPORTATION Ambassador Shuttle Service .......................................5 Comox Valley Airport .................................. inside back Ferry Schedule (Mainland/Vancouver Island) ..........11 Ferry Schedule (Denman/Hornby) ...........................13

FUNERAL SERVICES Piercy's Mt. Washington Funeral Home ....................22

GARDENING/LANDSCAPING Anderton Nursery ......................................................47 Art Knapp Plants & Gifts ..........................................47 Paradise Plants Garden Centre...................................47

GAS STATIONS Comox Co-op .............................................................72

HEALTH Acreview Dental Clinic ...............................................25 Curves.........................................................................60 Danielle Lambrecht - Counselling.............................32 Gordon Hearing Services ...........................................29

BEAUTY/SPA Level10Eurospa Salon-Spa-Store ..............................15 The Traveling Barber ..................................................62

ONLINE INFO

Comox Valley Regional District

Your source for Internet Information Cumberland Chamber of Commerce

Comox Valley Economic Development Society

www.rdcs.bc.ca

www.cumberlandbc.org

School District #71

Tourist Info Centre

www.investcomoxvalley.com

www.sd71.bc.ca

visitorinfo@comoxvalleychamber.com

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■ COMMUNITY | THE ISLANDS

Experience an exciting journey

The Comox Valley Heri Heritage Experience is an exciting journey of significant heritage sites, stories and images that define the rich heritage of our Land of Plenty.

From natural history to industrial, social and cultural heritage, this tour is a fascinating exploration of our diverse past.

Presented on 16 stunning storyboards placed in scenic locations throughout the Valley, the Heritage Experience is a perfect activity for any season.

It’s a group of self-tours that take visitors on a journey through the stunning landscape and intriguing history of the Comox Valley.

Visitors can choose from four heritage walking tours and one driving tour complemented by signage and brochures to assist them on their heritage journey.

From booming coalmining towns, rural seaside farms and bustling harbours to early mountaineers exploring the deepest and highest reaches of

Strathcona Provincial Park Park, the Comox Valley Heritage Experience offers a glimpse into the rich social, cultural, natural and industrial history of the region.

The well-marked walking self-guided tours stay close to the downtown cores for easy navigating and the driving tour brochure includes GPS markings to help ensure you are on the right trail.

Along the way, directions are provided for visitors to follow, along with distances marked in kilometres.

Initiated by the Comox Valley Economic Development Society and made possible as a result of a collaborative and regional partnership between public and private governments and organizations, the Comox Valley Heritage Experience is a spellbinding way to explore both the history of the area and its natural splendour.

For more information, visit www.discovercomoxvalley.com/explore/tours/ heritage-tours.

EXPLORE HISTORY WITH THE COMOX VALLEY HERITAGE EXPERIENCE TOUR ...

88 | 2 012 | WELCOME TO TH E CO MO X VA L L E Y | www. c om o x v a l l e y re c o rd . c o m

The Comox Valley Airport is the starting point to some of the best vacations ever.

At YQQ, you get friendly, personalized service and daily direct ďŹ&#x201A;ights from Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.

Just one tip - donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to pack your camera.

Photo Credit: Boomer Jerritt, Photographer

www.comoxairport.com

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Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll wish you discovered independent living sooner.

For more information or to arrange a tour, call Leah at 250.331.4104 Independent, Assisted Living and Complex Care

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