TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2015
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NEWS Another achievement for Stocky James (Stocky) Edwards, a decorated Second World War fighter pilot, was honoured in a Thursday ceremony at the Sid Williams Theatre by the Comox Valley Walk of Achievement. ■ P3
Stuffies for child refugees
A young Courtenay woman has teamed with businesses, individuals and churches to organize a ‘Stuffie Drive’ for Syrian refugee children coming to B.C. ■ P4
A tree nearly as wide as the Courtenay River flows under the Fifth Street Bridge during the first of a series of storms to hit Courtenay over the weekend. Forecasters are advising residents to brace themselves for more wet weather throughout the week.
PHOTO BY ERIN HALUSCHAK
Winter storm batters Comox Valley
Winter Harp returns In its 23rd year, and as popular today as ever, one of this country’s most joyous annual traditions returns to the Sid Williams Theatre on Thursday, Dec. 10 as part of the theatre society’s 2015 – 2016 Blue Circle Series. ■ P23
SPORTS
Winning in Whistler
The Strathcona Nordics took the mainland by storm this past weekend, sending 25 racers The aqua dam on Comox Avenue, across from the CVRD office. to Whistler Olympic Park’s cross-country ski PHOTO BY TERRY FARRELL trails for their first race of the season. Twenty of the 25 skiers came back with medals. round-the-clock security, fall and river flows. Staff is ■ P25 so staff will determine this having regular teleconferweek whether it needs to ence calls with Emergency remain standing. Management BC, and the “That will depend on what Comox Valley and StrathcoBusiness ■ P11 the weather forecast is like,” na regional districts. Allen said. “We’re keeping on top of Classifieds ■ P28 BC Hydro is providing the things,” Allen said. City with updates on rainSee STORM, Page 3
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The first major storm of the winter season caused flooding in homes and power outages throughout the Valley, but by Monday morning, water levels had yet to reach last year’s “storm of the century” levels. Water has yet to hit the aqua dam, the new piece of equipment which the City of Courtenay purchased to help prevent flooding in and around the Puntledge Business District. However, for the time being, the aqua dam will remain standing on the Old Island Highway between
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Murals featuring photos of life in Courtenay around 1915 are popping up on walls and walkways throughout the city. It’s all part of the centennial legacy. ■ P5
C O M O X
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Ryan and Headquarters roads. “Thats not a bad thing,” CAO David Allen said. “Hopefully we won’t have to put it to the test, but if the water does come up, it will hopefully do its job and deflect or keep back some of the water that impacted everybody in the industrial park last year.” Last December’s storm was the largest-ever flood to hit Courtenay. The Fifth Street Bridge and several roads were closed, along with the Lewis Centre, the LINC Youth Centre and the Airpark. Homes and businesses near the Tsolum, Puntledge and Courtenay rivers were evacuated. The aqua dam is a waterfilled, portable device that stands one metre. It requires
Murals reflect Courtenay’s history