Pipeline north or south? Risks follow either BC route

By Sonal Gupta, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Another pipeline along the existing Trans Mountain corridor may be the most realistic route from Alberta to tidewater, but many agree the environmental risks still follow the oil.

The federal government is currently considering various pipeline routes from Alberta — to the Lower Mainland of BC near Vancouver, or a northern line to the port of Prince Rupert. The move comes as Ottawa and Alberta build on an MOU signed in November 2025 to potentially ship another million barrels daily to Asia. 

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Strathcona Gardens: Still in the Deep End

Originally published in the Bird’s Eye

By Melissa McKinney, editor/owner of the Bird’s Eye.

On March 25, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) board voted 7–6 to move forward with drafting a bylaw that would add Quadra Island — not all of Area C — to the Strathcona Gardens recreation service area. Although that vote was a blow to many residents, it’s not the end of the road by any means. In our third article on the unfolding situation, we look at what options are legally on the table, how they can be navigated, who is involved, and how you can still have a say.

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Possibly Cortes Island’s First Plant and Skill Share 

Linnaea Farm’s First Plant and Skill Share was on Saturday, April 18. It may be the first on Cortes Island. 

Tamara McPhail, who has been at Linnaea farm the past quarter century explained,  ”I don’t know if there’s ever been a plant share before on Cortes.” 

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Tla’amin choreographer sets the dance stage ablaze with wildfire-themed ballet

By Aaron Hemens, IndigiNews, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Cameron sinkʷə Fraser-Monroe wants his dance audiences to reflect on their emotional relationship to smoke and flames — and how emotional avoidance may be hampering our collective response to wildfires.

The Tla’amin choreographer’s upcoming narrative ballet explores the past, present and future of Indigenous fire stewardship.

Cultural or prescribed fires have been used for millennia by many Indigenous Peoples worldwide.

Cikilaxʷm: Controlled Burn is Fraser-Monroe’s first full-length production, and will premiere in kiʔláwnaʔ (Kelowna) on May 1 on syilx homelands.

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Area C Director’s Report: recycle depot news + long-term care advocacy

From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney

Hello,
The maples are blooming and early mornings are a feast for birder’s ears: I hope you are finding time to enjoy spring’s wonders. This report has an update on Quadra’s long-anticipated Recycle Depot and ongoing advocacy to get the promised long-term care facility for Campbell River back on track.

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Whats Current on Cortes and Beyond