Braedyn Stovman is heading to Mexico for the Pan-Am Open Gymnastics Championship.
Family calls for bike safety awareness after Campbell River man left in coma
After a man was left in a coma, his family spoke out to raise awareness about bicycle safety.
On June 14 at roughly 3 p.m., Phil Morey and an unknown cyclist collided on a sidewalk in front of Morey’s house. The cyclist was a young male, most likely in his late teens. The cyclist flagged down a car. The car’s driver, a woman, kept Morey calm and called an ambulance for the two. The cyclist was released, but Morey was flown down to Victoria for surgery. In addition to having the right side of his frontal lobe removed, Morey’s orbital bone and nose were broken. He also had an infection in his lungs.
Morey’s sister-in-law Kristi Stormo reached out to the media to raise awareness for bike safety.
Morey has since recovered significantly from the incident.
Hope remains for Kwesa Place as Campbell River drop-in centre leaves Shoppers Row
After almost five years of offering showers, laundry services and hot meals to Campbell River’s most vulnerable, Kwesa Place closed its doors on Monday, June 30.
Kwesa Place and the Hem’?aelas Community Kitchen operated by the Laichwiltach Family Life Society were forced to close their doors after the City of Campbell River issued a June 30 eviction notice last November as part of efforts to revitalize the 1300-block of Shoppers Row. Kwesa Place operators were tasked with finding a different location within the Commercial One (C1) zone, west of Dogwood.
However, after months of searching, they weren’t able to find a new spot. On the final day, there was a BBQ for lunch, followed by cupcakes and speeches later in the afternoon.
Chainsaw carving artists transform driftwood into art pieces
Campbell River’s annual chainsaw carving competition, Transformations on the Shore, at Frank James Park took place, with a carving of a dragon winning the People’s Choice Award. “Spirit Bond” took second place. Also notable were a caving of a float plane and a scorpion.
Campbell River shows its Pride
Love, inclusiveness, diversity and pride filled Spirit Square on Satur- day, June 28 at the Campbell River Pride Festival.
The City of Campbell River also proclaimed the date to be 2SLGBTQIA + Pride Day, acknowledging the important role that the gender diverse and gender non-binary community plays in the city’s local diversity.
Pride Week took place from June 23 to 29, featuring events that celebrated queer pride.
Campbell River petting farm home to baby wallabies
Have you ever dreamed about cuddling a kangaroo? This summer, a Campbell River petting farm offered the next best thing.
After losing their entire chicken flock to avian flu last fall, the Holly Hill Farm petting farm now has baby wallabies for visitors who need a snuggle fix.
Like kangaroos, all wallabies are marsupials. The young, called joeys, are raised in a pouch, and they have long, powerful tails that are used for balance. Wallabies are not promoted as house pets, but rather as hobby farm pets because they need lots of space, specialized diets, and keepers with a thorough under- standing of their natural behaviours to thrive. wallabies are incredibly social and gentle creatures, often snuggling right into your hands when you pet them.
Luna the husky saves baby harbour seal
It was a Saturday morning just like all the rest when Carrie Lapalm and her husky, Luna went to walk along the beach in Little River.
As Lapalm found a log to sit on, drink her coffee and journal, as per her usual routine, Luna started to react to something in
the seaweed.
“Luna began jumping back at something in the seaweed like there was something alive. I thought maybe it was a fish or an injured bird. I wasn’t giving it too much attention, but she continued to sit beside it and not move, so I figured I’d better go have a peek,” shared Lapalm.
When Lapalm went to investigate what was happening with Luna, she discovered a seal pup — at most four or five days old. It had an injured eye and Lapalm did not see another seal anywhere around.
Lapalm reached out to the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, who then contacted MARS Wildlife Rescue to come and grab the seal pup, who was later named Mashed Potato.
August:
Campbell River Tyees punch ticket to provincials after thrilling Island victory
With their provincial dreams on the line, the Tyees delivered when it mattered most. The game on July 26 saw the team claw back from behind to defeat Victoria in a thrilling comeback win, earning them a spot in Sunday’s high-stakes showdown against host team Duncan.
The final game was a back-and-forth battle from the first pitch to the last out. Tied 10-10 after regulation, the teams headed into extra innings, where the Tyees managed to push across two crucial runs in the top of the 7th. Their defence then slammed the door in the bottom half of the inning, sealing the win and their berth at Provincials.
Mayor calls for urgent action to support struggling B.C. forestry industry
The mayor of Campbell River has called on the province to take immediate action to help the struggling forestry industry, arguing past policies have hindered the sector’s growth.
In a letter addressed to Premier David Eby, Kermit Dahl said the promise to protect jobs and grow a resilient economy rings hollow for “thousands of coastal forestry workers watching their industry collapse – not from market forces, but from policy paralysis and regulatory misfires.”
The mayor listed solutions, such as delaying new restrictions until existing policy reviews are complete, streamlining approval processes with reliable timelines and developing policies tailored to the coast’s distinct geography rather than applying a uniform set of rules.
Dogs of all shapes and sizes strut their stuff at Campbell River show
Dog enthusiasts from across Canada gathered in Campbell River to showcase their dogs’ pedigree from Aug. 2 to 4 at Nunns Creek Park.
This year’s annual dog show marked the 40th anniversary of the Campbell River Dog Fanciers Society.
Campbell River manufacturer designs and builds first hybrid-electric logging yarder
A Campbell River-based manufacturer, which has been producing machines for the logging sector for the past 40 years, is putting the region on the map by developing and building the very first hybrid-electric logging yarder.
“It doesn’t have the mechanical powertrain – engine, transmission, gears, clutches and brakes – in it, so it is more fuel efficient, making it more powerful, and much easier to run and maintain,” explained Tyson Lambert, vice president at T-MAR.
The winch operates using five motors that collectively produce 2,900 horsepower, he said. However, the actual energy consumption is expected to be significantly lower compared to a conventionally powered machine.
New minority owner from Florida invests in the Storm
The Campbell River Storm has had a lot of changes this summer: new players, a new head coach, and a new minority owner.
Linda Lahtinen remains the majority owner of the franchise, but Brad Smith has joined as a minority owner. Smith is also the father of second-year player Holden.
“I’m just a hockey enthusiast,” said Smith. “My interest is falling in behind Linda and Lou, and just adding support, and we want to try to open up some opportunities to kids in Florida. We’ll see how it goes.”
Smith didn’t get involved in hockey until his son started playing after they moved to Harbour Island, an island neighbourhood in Tampa.
“He came as a dad first,” said Lou Gravel, the Storm’s general manager. “Holden played in the summer program that I started long ago, that’s how I met Holden. I wanted to bring him here.”
Smith will continue to live in Florida, where he has a law practice, but will be in Campbell River as much as possible.
September:
Revitalized Raven Park and Baikie Island opens with new Indigenous-inspired entry
The entry to Raven Park and Baikie Island looks a little different.
The Rotary Club of Campbell River, in partnership with the Campbellton Neighbourhood Association and the City of Campbell River, has revitalized it with a hand-carved Indigenous archway and a bear totem. Native plants, public art installations, and improved accessible trails are also new to the area.
The plants replaced the asphalt of the old parking lot. A new parking lot, where the archway resides, was also created.
“This area’s revitalization shows what collaboration can accomplish,” said Greg Manzulenko, the Rotary Club’s president. “Projects like Raven Park/Balkie Island help build a stronger, more connected Campbell River.”
The finished project was unveiled on Aug. 27, with carvers Bill, Junior, Greg, and Johnathan Henderson blessing the Indigenous archway and bear.
First Nation’s new vessel a link with traditional territories
The Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation launched and blessed a new community vessel on Aug. 28.
The vessel will help reconnect families, elders, and youth with Yuquot, the nation’s ancestral home on Nootka Island. The CHRT-41 community vessel, a 31-foot EagleCraft water taxi, can carry 12 passengers and will be used for cultural visits, language teachings, family wellness outings, and land-based healing programs, according to the nation. The vessel creates a direct link between Gold River and the nation’s traditional territory.
“This vessel will help our people return to the places that matter most,” said Azar Kamran, CEO of Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation administration in an statement. “It supports connection, learning, and healing.”
Show ‘n Shine rolls into Campbell River
The North Island Cruisers and their classic cars returned to Campbell River for the annual Show ‘n Shine on Sunday, Aug. 31. The event welcomed every type of collector vehicles, from classics to sports cars and race cars.
U.S. kayaking school’s use of B.C. coastal wilderness camping sites facing pushback
Opposition to a U.S. wilderness education organization’s application to renew use of camping spots along the B.C. coast has raised the question of whether opponents have valid concerns or are they fuelled more by the current climate of anti-Americanism?
The National Outdoor Leadership School’s (NOLS) application for Crown Land tenure has drawn the attention of residents of Texada and Lasqueti islands who are trying to rally opposition to the application among B.C. residents on the basis that it’s an American-based company which they claim has “corporate, US military and government” clients.
NOLS is a non-profit organization based in Wyoming that teaches outdoor skills, leadership and wilderness ethics. NOLS says it is a founding partner of Leave No Trace (LNT) and uses LNT practices on every course. NOLS practices minimum impact camping.
Gina Gotch is a director with BC Marine Trails. She said she appreciated that local communities have their concerns but the reaction to NOLS renewal application seems “a bit over-stated.”
October:
North Island ‘one mill closure away’ from collapse: Campbell River Mayor
Elected officials on Vancouver Island at the local, provincial and federal levels are calling for urgent action to support British Columbia’s struggling coastal forestry sector. At a news conference Monday, Conservative MLA for North Island Anna Kindy, North Island-Powell River MP Aaron Gunn, along with eight Island mayors, urged B.C. Premier David Eby and Prime Minister Mark Carney to address the matter, highlighting mill closures, job losses, and the decline of rural communities as key concerns.
“Government needs to streamline permitting, restore legal and regulatory certainty, abandon ideological, one-size-fits-all land-use frameworks like 30×30, and support a predictable fibre supply so Canadians can get back to work,” Gunn said. “British Columbia already has the best forestry workers anywhere in the world. They deserve government policies and support that allow them to succeed.”
Hundreds commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Campbell River*
Hundreds gathered in Campbell River to honour residential school survivors and the children who never returned home on Sept. 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. The public commemoration started with an opening prayer and remembrance walk from Spirit Square to the Kwanwatsi Big House, where the rest of the day’s activities were held inside because of the rain. Keynote speaker Kathi Camilleri of Metis, Cree and Irish ancestry spoke about why Orange Shirt Day and Truth and Reconciliation are important. “Despite a concerted effort to silence these warriors, you continue to tell your stories. Because of you, the shameful part of this country’s history will never again be swept under the rug.” Following a lunch in the big house, the survivors were honoured with a ceremony, which was followed by traditional Indigenous dances. In the afternoon, residential school, Indian day school and boarding home survivors told their stories as part of a second event at Tidemark Theatre.
Famous comedian Steve-O stopped by Radiant Coast Tattoo in Campbell River
A Campbell River tattoo studio had a surprise celebrity guest at their shop on Oct. 5. “We got lucky,” said Adam Wilson, who co-owns Radiant Tattoos with his wife, Lucy Rose. “We got a phone call and answered it and managed to set things up last minute.” The celebrity guest was Steve-O (born Stephen Glover), an American stunt performer and comedian mostly known for being a member of Jackass, an MTV reality comedy series and movies. Months ago, Steve-O announced the Crash And Burn tour with dates in Canada, including Campbell River. During the tour, he said he would tattoo people in select cities depending on people applying for it. Wilson said Steve-O wasn’t tattooing as a comedy gag and was putting his heart and soul into the work. He said it was pretty cool to see. “He even did one of the best tattoos he’s ever done at our studio and was very excited about it, so we got to see that little spark of success and share that with him.” The tattoo was the Jackass logo.
Gymnast Braedyn Stovman off to Mexico for the Pan-Am Open
A Campbell Riverite will be the sole Canadian representative at the PanAm Open Gymnastics Championship in Mexico this month. Braedyn Stovman, a 23-year-old with Down Syndrome, is participating in the event, which will run from Oct. 18 to Oct. 22 in Cancún. “Gymnastics has become his passion, and over time his forte,” said his mother, Brandi Stovman. “What started back in 2019 as a simple P.E. activity for homeschooling quickly grew into a way of life. Gymnastics has given him confidence, coordination, strength, and pure joy.”
“Words can’t express how deeply grateful we are for every single person who has supported Braedyn’s journey, whether through donations, shares, kind words, or cheering him on from near and far.”
10 large industrial tires wash ashore in Stories Beach area
People living in the Campbell River area are becoming accustomed to massive industrial tires washing ashore on the rocky beaches. Back in 2019, seven enormous tires, each roughly three metres tall, appeared at Shelter Bay, about 15 km south of downtown Campbell River. The tires were fastened together in groups of three and four. Eventually, a government-hired contractor removed them less than a month later, sending them to a recycling facility. The cost was about $1,000. Now, another 10 big industrial tires have washed up, this time along the shoreline south of Shelter Bay.
A DFO spokesperson reported the incident to Emergency Management BC (EMBC), Transport Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada. EMBC issued a dangerous goods incident report. Greenways Land Trust organized a beach clean-up on Wednesday to remove the styrofoam before the large chunks got churned into tiny pieces, posing a risk to the nearby salmon-bearing creek.
November:
B.C.’s most fragile babies to get a lifeline from North Island parents
Lactating parents in the North Island are about to have a new way to help support the most fragile babies in need around B.C., by donating expressed breast milk. The Campbell River Health Unit will soon become an official Donor Milk Collection Depot for BC Women’s Hospital’s + Health Centre’s Provincial Milk Bank. The Donor Milk Collection Depot at the Campbell River Health Unit will provide a space for screened donors to drop off their excess raw, frozen breast milk. The milk is transported to the Provincial Milk Bank at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre in Vancouver, where the milk is pasteurized and distributed to neonatal intensive care, maternity and pediatric units across the province.
“Many parents can breastfeed or chestfeed successfully, with tailored support from families, friends, relatives, employers, as well as healthcare providers,” says Medical Health Officer Dr. Christina Kay. “World Breastfeeding Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about the social and structural determinants that support breast/chestfeeding.” Potential donors can find out about eligibility via the BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre’s website, Donating Milk.
Rare cooking event in Campbell River to honour Canadian culinary greatness
Culinary Team Canada is coming to Campbell River on Nov. 3 for a rare fine dining event to raise money for their 2026 and 2028 Culinary Olympic campaigns. “We are thrilled to bring our national team to such a vibrant and beautiful location,” said Chef Ronald St.Pierre, team manager for Culinary Team Canada. “This event is not only a showcase of our chefs’ creativity and skill, but also an opportunity to connect with the community that supports Canadian excellence on the world stage.”
Proceeds from the event will support Culinary Team Canada’s rigorous training and competition preparations as the team readies for the prestigious Expogast 2026 in Luxembourg and the World Culinary Olympics 2028 in Stuttgart.
Curtain call for popular Campbell River cat calendar
It’s the end of an era for a Campbell River showgirl. “Queen” Sophie the cat is hanging up her hat after 10 years of being featured in the annual cat calendar, Miss Sophie Cat, a project that raises money for the Campbell River Partners for Animal Rescue (CRPAWS) Limited Income spay and neuter program. “Now at 15 years old, our beloved Sophie is beginning to slow down,” said owner Linda Wilton, a Campbell River resident. “It’s just a lot of work and at 10 years, it’s time to let it go.”
The final calendar, called Tails End … the Best and the Last, will showcase some of Sophie’s most memorable costumes and pictures from over the years, along with pictures of her brothers’ best shots too. The calendars also includes memorable quotes to add an extra touch, and free cat keychains. The calendars can be purchased at the pet store Bosley’s in Campbell River or Comox or through Facebook or Instagram.
Campbell River’s living wage almost $8 above minimum wage
Campbell River’s living wage is $25.30 an hour according to the 2025 Living Wage Report, $7.45 more than British Columbia’s minimum wage. The living wage is the hourly rate that fulltime workers must earn to cover essential expenses and support a basic, decent standard of living in any specific community. It is the first time Campbell River has been featured in the report. It is the fourth-highest living wage on Vancouver Island, behind the Cowichan Valley ($27.75), Greater Victoria ($27.40), and Comox Valley ($25.34). Nanaimo and Port Alberni were also included in the report, but with lower living wages at $24.40 and $22.60, respectively.
The report says paying a living wage is beneficial for workers and employers. It helps workers achieve a decent standard of living while bolstering the local economy, reducing staff turnover, and increasing productivity and spending in local communities.
Campbell River sending 11 athletes to 2026 Special Olympics National Games
A contingent of 11 athletes from the Campbell River area is headed to Medicine Hat, Alta., to represent British Columbia for the Special Olympics National Games next year (Aug. 11 to 15). The 11 athletes are part of a BC team comprised of more than 205 athletes, 73 volunteer coaches, and 19 mission staff. The athletes were selected after qualifying at the provincial games in Prince George during the summer. This is Callum Maclagan’s second time at the Special Olympics National Games. He travelled to Nova Scotia to compete in his first one in 2018.”I like being part of a team,” he said. “It helps me grow as a person who has autism. When I am part of a team, I am more willing to try things that are hard for me.” Maclagan said he is also excited to travel to Medicine Hat to meet new people, try new food, and do his best representing British Columbia and his community. Taylor is heading to her first national event. “I am excited to go to my first national competition, especially since some of my extended family will be flying out to watch. “Attending an international competition has been a goal of mine for a long time, and now having the chance to go to nationals is a big step towards going to internationals. “I am very excited to be that much closer to achieving that goal.”
‘It’s still sinking in:’ Carihi Tyees are champions of British Columbia
The Carihi Tyees are provincial champions. On Nov. 19, the Carihi Tyees beat Collingwood 3-0 in the final of the 2025 AA Boys Soccer Provincial Championships. ” It’s amazing. It’s still sinking in. It’s hard to put it in words really,” said Ray Wilson, one of the coaches. “I’ve done this as a player but not as a coach, so it’s pretty special, especially as a coach, because you get to see these young men rise to the occasion.
Borrie said the final match against Collingwood was the best game he’s seen the team play, considering all the pressure they were under and everything leading up to it. “All around, it was a good performance.” Christian-Barker had some advice for future athletes in the program. “It’s all about developing that discipline and having that work ethic through your team because even if your not the best team, because we finished second in the North Islands and third in the Islands, but then we got to provincials and everyone on the team worked as hard as we could and we had the discipline to stay humble and keep our work ethic going and that got us right through the final and won it.”
December:
Indigenous names revealed for new ferries coming to Quadra Island route
Two new diesel-electric ferries will set sail between Campbell River and Quadra Island in 2027 bestowed with Indigenous names from the We Wai Kai and We Wai Kum Nations in the Kwak’wala language. On Nov. 25, BC Ferries announced the names were gifted by both First Nations to honour their historical and profound connections to the marine “Naming this vessel ‘Gwa’yam’ is a deep honour for our people. It reflects our connection to the sea, and the importance of preserving our language and traditions,” said We Wai Kai chief councillor Ronnie Chickite
“We appreciate this opportunity to honour and amplify (the Nations’) language and culture on our vessels in such a meaningful way,” said Nicolas Jimenez, BC Ferries president and CEO, noting how grateful BC Ferries is for the meaningful names.
Campbell River man fined $5,000 for illegally harvesting 1,750 pounds of clams
A Campbell River man has been slapped with a $5,000 fine after he was found guilty of illegally harvesting clams over two years ago. On Nov. 12, Albert Joseph Thomas Blaney was convicted under the Fisheries Act of two offences: illegal possession and fishing without a license. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in January 2023, when Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) officers discovered 1,750 pounds of clams packed in 22 sacks in a vehicle, none of which had tags indicating a lawful harvest under a commercial shellfish licence or aquaculture lease.
DFO said it determined the harvesting took place in Klahoose First Nation territory and that the nation supported the investigation into Blaney’s activities.
Campbell Riverites tackle illegal dumping problem with community cleanup effort
Plans are underway for a community-driven cleanup effort after a Campbell River businessman raised concerns about an illegal dumping site west of the city.
Dave Emery, owner of North Island Communications, said he has been watching the site in the woods on John Hart Road off Hwy 28 accumulating waste for years as he checked his transmitter sites in remote areas for his work.
“It’s about as severe a toxic waste dump as it can get,” Emery said. “It’s just getting worse and worse.”
Among heaps of trash scattered throughout the woods, there’s a stripped-down pickup truck and a discarded hot tub. Not far from the mess lies an old, abandoned motorhome, which is surrounded by even more garbage. At a second site nearby, several vehicles have recently been set on fire, leaving behind a scene of charred remains
The City of Campbell River said it is aware of the illegal dumping and has no concerns about impacts to city water. “As the illegal dumping is occurring on crown land, it falls under the jurisdiction of the province,” wrote Rebecca Szulhan, communications specialist with the city. The city said it has brought the issue to the attention of the Ministry of Forests.
Vancouver Island marmot population reaches record high
The wild population of Vancouver Island marmots has reached a new record high with 427 individuals, quite the climb from the mere 22 found in 2003. The Marmot Recovery Foundation recently shared the results of last month’s count, showing the population increasing by 46 marmots since November 2024, when the previous record of 381 was established.
“They’ve done fantastic the last couple of years, but man, there has to be a lot of adult female marmots out there that have bred for two years in a row and their ability to recover body condition and breed three years in a row is pretty rare, it doesn’t happen a lot.” He added that a population of 427 still makes the Vancouver Island marmots one of the rarest mammals on the planet”It’s still a critically endangered species and still a long way to go before that species is really secure in the wild.” People can learn more about the species or donate to the foundation online at http:// marmots.org.
$50K donated to Campbell River SAR thanks to prompt response to ATV crash
Two businesses have donated $50,000 to the Campbell River Search and Rescue (CRSAR) after an accident in the backcountry north of Campbell River left their employee in serious condition.Daniel Ferguson, an employee of 090 Builders Group, was enjoying a quad ride with some colleagues during Canadian Thanksgiving when one of his tires struck a log. In an attempt to steady himself, Ferguson gripped the throttle with his right hand. The machine accelerated, collided with some trees, and rolled on top of him.
In a panic, Ferguson told the Mirror he got to his feet because he was struggling to breathe.
The funding will go toward a project that will increase the SAR’s response capability year round, said Richard Finch, a director of CRSAR. Additionally, a new trailer with removable snow tracks was donated anonymously. The vehicle will increase CRSAR’s abilities in terrain where trucks can’t access and will be the first tracked vehicle it will operate, Finch added.
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