Frisch censured, called to resign
Courtenay city council called for the immediate resignation of Coun. David Frisch and unanimously voted in favour of imposing several sanction measures for the remainder of his term.
On Feb. 23, 2023, Frisch entered into a recognizance under section 810 of the Criminal Code of Canada.
On April 28, council for the City of Courtenay unanimously resolved to censure Frisch as a strong declaration that his conduct that has given rise to the section 810 recognizance is conduct unbecoming a member of council.
The decision to censure and demand his immediate resignation reflects a loss of confidence in his ability to represent the city based on his conduct, and in strong disagreement of his decision to remain on city council at this time.
In addition to adopting a motion of censure, council sanctioned Frisch by voting to remove him from the acting mayor rotation, removing him from all applicable committees, commissions, boards and any other council appointments, and that he not attend conferences or external events. Council also resolved to formally request that Frisch resign from office.
Spring cleaning
The Courtenay and District Fish & Game Protective Association held its annual spring clean-up in support of Earth Day activities in the Comox Valley. The Waste Management Centre kindly waived the tipping fees for the event, and Mother Nature spared the 55 volunteers by holding off on the rain.
At least three tons of garbage and illegally dumped material was collected from the roadsides leading from the club back to the Morrison Creek overpass, Comox Logging and Bevan. Items included couches, building materials, metal, needles, just to name a few.
Chefs shine on national stage
Two young Comox Valley chefs recently shone brightly as they took home gold from the Skills Canada British Columbia Provincials 2023.
Ella Oldaker and Ellianna Dyble both topped their respective categories - secondary and post-secondary in the Culinary Arts - at the competition held on April 19 at the Abbotsford Trade and Exhibition Centre.
Ninth sea can shelter opens
The sea can home community at Maple Pool Campground continues to grow. The ninth WeCan Shelter home was officially unveiled on Saturday, May 6, putting a roof over the head of another person in need in the community.
A sea can refurbished into a studio unit, with a bed, a kitchen, and a bathroom with a shower.
Kingfisher best in B.C.
A Comox Valley resort has been recognized as the best in the province at a recent awards night hosted by the BC Hotel Association.
The Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa won the Hotel of the Year award at an event hosted by the association in Kelowna May 2.
The resort topped other notable hotels such as the Oswego Hotel, The Parkside Hotel & Spa and Robin Hood Inn & Suites in Victoria and the Versante Hotel in Richmond.
Demeo dumped from SD 71
Tom Demeo is no longer the School District 71 superintendent. In an emailed statement, Comox Valley Schools announced that assistant superintendent Geoff Manning has replaced Demeo on an interim basis.
The Record reached out to SD 71 for further information regarding the switch, but was told it was a human resources matter and due to that, no more information would be publicly available.
Comox gas station burns down
A fire at a gas station in Comox sent a large black plume of smoke in the air that could be seen throughout the Comox Valley Saturday (May 20) night. Shortly after 7 p.m., there were reports of the Comox Esso at 648 Anderton Road catching fire. The Comox Fire Rescue, as well as the Courtenay and Cumberland fire departments, responded to the scene.
The Comox Valley RCMP closed access to Anderton Road as firefighters battled the blaze both from the ground and using ladders to douse the fire from above. Fortunately, there were no casualties in the fire.
injured.
Mutual aid was provided by the local fire departments from Courtenay and Cumberland, as well as assistance from the RCMP, paramedics and BC Hydro.
The fire was under control by 8 p.m. and extinguished by 10 p.m.
In a statement posted on social media, Comox mayor Nicole Minions noted she is grateful for the work of the 22 firefighters deployed on the scene and for all the support provided by first responders. Minions also sent her best wishes to the victims of the blaze.
New housing for vulnerable
According to a May 29 press release, BC Housing was in the process of purchasing the Super 8 by Wyndham motel in Courtenay. The 67-room motel, located at 1885 Cliffe Ave., replaced the Travelodge facility previously being used by BC Housing in a leasing capacity. That lease expires at the end of June.
BC Housing has leased the Travelodge since the spring of 2020 to provide people facing homelessness a safe place to stay and self-isolate during the pandemic. The lease will expire June 30, 2023. BC Housing explored purchasing the Travelodge, but was unable to come to acceptable terms with the owner.
Arts
Ground breaks on Hornby Arts Centre
Hornby Island Arts Council recently broke ground on the building of a new arts centre. In attendance at the event were MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim MLA Josie Osborne, and Comox Valley Regional District - Area A director Daniel Arbour.
The Galloway Brothers Construction have been awarded the contract to build the 3,000 square foot arts centre. Construction is expected to take one year.
Sports
Banner season for Kickers
The Comox Valley Kickers men’s rugby team has made history by winning the provincial finals for the first time in the club’s history.
The Kickers delivered a remarkable performance in a nail-biting match against Richmond RFC at South Surrey Athletic Park, winning 35-29. Tries were scored by Derek McCubbin, Will Perry, JB Nikkel, Nick Gilmour and Devon Moore with Kyle Hall adding five successful converts.
After the match, Kickers’ coach Dan Mills commended his players for their hard work and dedication.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this group of guys,” said Mills. “They’ve worked so hard all season, and it’s amazing to see their efforts pay off in such a big way.”
