Latest news with #ComoxValley
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
B.C. health minister responds to calls for reform following child's ER death
Last November, 11 year-old Brayden Robbins died from a brain hemorrhage at Comox Valley Hospital on his second visit to the ER in seven days, prompting calls for health-care system changes. On Wednesday, Health Minister Josie Osborne shared the province's plan to respond, including the addition of a night shift critical care paramedic in the region.
CBC
08-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Vancouver Island ship dismantling company has water access revoked
A shipbreaking company in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island has just had its access to the ocean shut down. The provincial government has cancelled the crown lease of Deep Water Recovery, a company that takes apart derelict vessels in Union Bay, south of Comox. The province said in a statement that the move is to "protect the public interest." "Deep Water Recovery has not demonstrated the level of regulatory compliance, operational responsibility, or environmental stewardship required to justify entrusting them with the use of Crown land to enable management and dismantling of end-of-life vessels," said the statement. The company has faced scrutiny and controversy in the past after receiving a stop-pollution order for allowing toxic effluent runoff into the surrounding marine environment. Daniel Arbour, Comox Valley Regional District Director, says he was surprised and relieved by the decision. "This is an issue that has been going on for quite a few years, and it was incredible to see this kind of decisive action from the province," said Arbour. The district is also attempting to stop the company operating in Union Bay, saying it was contravening bylaws by dismantling barges at the site. Arbour says while the company owns the land it operates on, losing access to the water is a step in the right direction. "To see the province step in on the water is definitely very consequential, I think for the long-term prospects of the company." Arbour said that while shipbreaking needs to happen, it should be done in a safe and responsible way, adding that Canadian regulations around shipbreaking are weak and should be stricter. Concerned citizens celebrate Residents who have been monitoring the company had formed a group, the Concerned Citizens of Baynes Sound. President Ian Munro told Chek News members of the group feel vindicated given the action that's been taken. "It's a big step, you know, that we have the government saying this can no longer continue," he said.
CTV News
07-07-2025
- CTV News
Teen dies in cliff-jumping accident on Vancouver Island
A B.C. ambulance is seen in this undated file photo. (CTV) A 17-year-old died after jumping off a cliff into Comox Lake over the weekend, according to authorities. The Comox Valley RCMP says officers were called to an area known as Devil's Ladder around 9:45 p.m. Saturday, after reports a youth jumped into the water and failed to resurface. Paddleboarders in the area performed CPR on the boy right away and firefighters took over shortly after, but the teen was pronounced deceased in hospital, according to police. 'This is a heartbreaking loss for the community,' said RCMP spokesperson Const. Monika Terragni, in a news release. 'A young life, just 17 years old — it's a tragedy that touches everyone, whether you knew him personally or not.' The BC Coroners Service is also investigating the death and police say there's no evidence criminality was involved.
CTV News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Vancouver Island doctor Jonathan Kerr enters B.C. Greens leadership race
A Vancouver Island councillor and family doctor has announced his candidacy for the next B.C. Green Party leader. Jonathan Kerr, seen in this Wednesday, June 4, 2025, handout photo, says he will officially launch his campaign on Saturday with an event in Courtenay. He is a twice-elected Comox councillor and has been a family doctor for 17 years. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — Jonathan Kerr (Mandatory Credit) A Vancouver Island councillor and family doctor has announced his candidacy for the B.C. Green Party leadership. Dr. Jonathan Kerr says he will officially launch his campaign on Saturday with an event in Courtenay. He is a twice-elected Comox councillor, has been a family doctor for 17 years and has served as vice-chair of the Comox Valley Regional District. Kerr is the first declared candidate to replace Sonia Furstenau, who had been leader since 2020 but announced she would be stepping down after losing her riding of Victoria-Beacon Hill in the last provincial election. The party has two members in the B.C. legislature, interim leader Jeremy Valeriote who represents West Vancouver-Sea to Sky and Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands. Voting for the leadership race will run from Sept. 13 to 23, with the results to be announced on Sept. 24. Kerr says in a news release announcing his candidacy that he'll travel across B.C. in the coming weeks to meet voters and discuss how to best grow the party to deliver change. He says he's excited about cultivating a province that offers affordable housing, a family doctor for all, and a strong economy, while protecting its forests and oceans. 'The B.C. Greens are the only party with the long-term approach needed to truly make our province more affordable, healthy and sustainable,' Kerr says in the release. 'The B.C. Greens have done a lot with just a few MLAs, but we can do a lot more if we grow our caucus. I feel I have the experience and energy to make it happen.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 2, 2025. The Canadian Press
