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Comox Valley hit a high mark for organ donation registrations

Every Friday, we feature Comox Valley history taken from back issues of the Comox Valley Record.

Five years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:

The Comox Valley hit a high mark for donor registrations. A report from the BC Transplant Society said the Valley had a registration rate of 37 per cent, with only Quesnel receiving a similar status.

"It's important people register their choices even if it is no," the society's communications manager Ken Donohue said. "It's about people helping people. Yes, the Comox Valley has done a great thing, but there is still a long way to go."

Ten years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:

As the U.S. struggled with the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Valley residents showed support in various ways. Flags flew at half-mast on government buildings and schools. Courtenay's Foursquare Church held prayer sessions, while staff at Piercy's Funeral Home arranged memorial book signings which the Canadian consulate was to forward to American government officials.

Fifteen years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:

Mount Washington opened a new paved highway that has improved access to the resort and high alpine areas of Strathcona Provincial Park.

The road is a partnership between the province and private sector. It was financed by the BC Transportation Financing Authority but at least half the cost was expected to be paid by the resort through a levy on tickets. It was expected to cost less than $14 million.

Twenty years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:

"We deserve better than we have," Comox Mayor George Piercy said in backing plans for a $2.2-million rec centre next to the existing one on Noel Avenue.

"It's my hope that it goes through," he said of a September referendum authorizing the town to borrow up to $800,000 to cover its share of the project.

Twenty five years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:

Despite flat rejection from Cumberland and Courtenay councils, John Stigant still planned to bring a museum to the exhibition grounds.

The president of the Pacific Rim Association of Forest Citizens tried to gain support for a 6,000 square-foot museum of forestry, fisheries and agriculture. The Museum of Resource Sciences would be built at the corner of Headquarters and Dove Creek Road.

"I felt it was a proposal that would be of great value to the community," said Stigant, who felt Courtenay Mayor George Cochrane's criticisms were valid since he had tried for years to garner support for another project.

Cumberland Mayor Bill Moncrief's "extremely negative" attitude irked Stigant. "If they decided to all pull together, you'd have a much better chance for getting funding from Victoria."

Moncrief felt the proposal would delay Village projects even further.

"I can see internal Cumberland projects being pushed further down the line," he said.