The Comox Valley Civic Journalism Project
Rural communities have suffered the most from the news industry’s decline. Small town papers no longer have the necessary resources of staff or space to provide content of sufficient breadth and depth. That bodes ill for democracy. A poorly informed electorate may bestow the powers of public office on the undeserving.
The Comox Valley Civic Journalism Project is a group of engaged volunteers determined to understand and explain our community’s most important issues. You’ll find their news reporting, news analysis and commentary on this page.
Want to join the journalism Project?
We welcome new Citizen Journalists. Decafnation even provides some basic training. Click here and get in touch.
“Unbelievable accusations” move water bottling to public hearing
Story update — The CVRD moved a rezoning application for a water bottling plant in Merville to a public hearing later this summer after the applicant complained the process has not been fair or transparent
A caregiver’s hard decision: help wanted
Caring for her husband who suffers with dementia, Comox resident Delores Broten struggles with a hard decision. He’s falling now, but should she approve strapping him into a wheelchair? It seems inhumane, and she’s reaching out for help.
An alternate reality: Clark pumps PR
While Liberal opposition to proportional representation is no secret, there is a BC Liberal insider whose thoughts regarding proportional representation they probably wish didn’t exist in the public domain. But they do exist, and the words are from none other than Christy Clark.
Is Site C a Done Deal?
More than 150 people gathered at the K’omox First Nation Band Hall recently for a powerful inspiring evening of speakers who proved that the fight to save the Peace River Valley is far from over. Ken Boon, farmer and member of the Peace Valley Landowners Association and two other speakers explained why Site C is a boondoggle.
Water bottling project raises aquifer concerns
The B.C. government has approved a controversial groundwater licence for a water extraction and bottling operation on a two hectare property on Sackville Road in the Merville area. They did it despite a strong objection from the Comox Valley Regional District and without public consultation or regard for community concerns.
Courtenay tackles wood stoves
RESOLUTION — It is well documented that poor Comox Valley air quality continues to be a major issue for residents of the City of Courtenay, not to mention the associated health concerns. The problem is most acute during the winter months.
Ruth Masters — environmentalist
Ruth Jessie Masters was a war veteran, avid hiker, historian, naturalist, environmentalist, protester but maybe most importantly she was one of ours – born and raised in the Comox Valley. She was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital …
Curious about Civic journalism? — Decafnation wants you!
Decafnation is seeking a dozen people passionate about civic engagement and the importance of an informed electorate. In just over 12 months, Comox Valley voters will elect people to manage the affairs of Courtenay, Cumberland, Comox and the three unincorporated areas...