Just Like Home Lodge Project Moving Forward To Support North Island Patients And Families

by | Apr 11, 2026 01:13 | Local

Healthcare accommodation facility near Campbell River Hospital expected to welcome guests in fall 2026

A major healthcare support project designed to help North Island residents stay close to loved ones during medical treatment is continuing to move forward, with construction of the Just Like Home Lodge on track for completion later this year.

The Strathcona Regional District (SRD), in partnership with the Campbell River Hospital Foundation and Seymour Pacific Homes, is developing the Just Like Home Lodge next to North Island Hospital – Campbell River campus to provide a safe and supportive place for patients and caregivers traveling for specialized medical care.

The lodge is designed as a home-away-from-home for people from communities across North Vancouver Island and the Central Coast who must travel to Campbell River for services not available in their hometowns.

Reducing travel stress for North Island families

For many residents in smaller communities such as Sayward, Port McNeill, Port Hardy, and surrounding areas, accessing specialized healthcare often requires long travel times and overnight stays near the hospital.

The Just Like Home Lodge aims to ease that burden by offering affordable accommodation just steps away from the hospital, allowing families to stay together and focus on recovery and support rather than travel logistics and lodging costs. Evidence shows that patients often recover more effectively when loved ones are nearby, and the lodge is designed to support that connection.

The facility will include:

  • 10 private sleeping rooms with washrooms
  • communal living and gathering spaces
  • large shared kitchen and dining area
  • laundry and day-use facilities
  • RV and guest parking
  • comfortable shared spaces for families and caregivers

The Campbell River hospital currently serves 32 communities and approximately 57,000 patients across the region, highlighting the need for accessible accommodations close to care.

Construction progress and timeline

Recent progress updates from the Strathcona Regional District show the project is moving ahead on schedule, with major construction milestones already completed and the building beginning to take shape above ground.

The development includes both the Just Like Home Lodge and a Healthcare Workforce Housing component, which will add 20 self-contained rental units for medical professionals to help attract and retain doctors, nurses, and other essential staff in the region.

Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2026, with plans to welcome guests in fall 2026 once the facility is ready for operation.

Strengthening healthcare across the region

The project is part of a broader effort to improve healthcare access and support for rural and coastal communities.

By providing accommodation for patients and families while also addressing healthcare workforce housing shortages, the lodge is expected to strengthen medical services across North Vancouver Island and the Central Coast.

The Strathcona Regional District says the facility will provide an important resource for patients, caregivers, and visiting medical professionals, helping ensure people can access care without the added stress of travel and accommodation challenges.

Community-supported initiative

The Just Like Home Lodge is funded through a partnership between regional government and community donors, with capital fundraising led by the Campbell River Hospital Foundation and operating support provided by the Strathcona Regional District.

Community donations and support have played a key role in moving the project forward, reflecting strong regional backing for a facility that will benefit families across the North Island.

Once complete, the lodge will offer a welcoming and affordable place for patients and loved ones to stay close during medical treatment — helping ensure that no one has to face healthcare challenges alone.

Learn more at the Just Like Home Lodge website.

Before You Move A Rock – A Guide To Restoring Historical First Nations Clam Beds

by | Apr 11, 2026 00:12 | Local

New resource highlights importance of protecting clam gardens and intertidal ecosystems along the B.C. coast

A new coastal stewardship guide from the Nanwakolas Council is encouraging residents, boaters, and coastal communities across Vancouver Island and the North Island to think carefully before moving rocks or altering shoreline environments.

The document, Before You Move a Rock, focuses on protecting intertidal ecosystems and culturally significant clam garden areas that support marine life, traditional food systems, and coastal biodiversity. The guide explains that even small changes to beaches, shorelines, or rocky areas can disrupt sensitive habitats and damage long-established ecological systems.

Clam gardens — traditional Indigenous mariculture systems built along the coast — are a key focus of the resource. These areas have supported shellfish harvesting for generations and continue to play an important role in coastal food security and environmental stewardship.

The guide emphasizes that rocks and shoreline features are not just part of the landscape, but essential components of marine ecosystems that support clams, shellfish, fish habitat, and other coastal species. Moving or disturbing these areas without proper planning can lead to long-term environmental impacts.

For coastal communities such as Sayward and other North Island regions where residents frequently access beaches, shorelines, and marine areas, the message is straightforward: understand the environmental and cultural importance of intertidal zones before making any changes.

The document encourages collaboration between First Nations, local communities, researchers, and stewardship groups to ensure coastal restoration and development work is done responsibly. Indigenous knowledge and long-term stewardship practices are highlighted as essential in maintaining healthy ecosystems and protecting traditional harvesting areas.

Nanwakolas Council’s guidance is part of a broader effort to promote awareness and respectful use of coastal environments throughout British Columbia. By encouraging people to pause and consider the impacts of altering natural shorelines, the resource aims to help protect marine ecosystems and cultural heritage for future generations.

Residents and community groups interested in learning more about coastal stewardship and clam garden protection are encouraged to review the Before You Move a Rock document and consider how their activities along the shoreline can contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.

Access the entire PDF from the Nanwakolas Council website.

Vancouver Island Marmot Gets Second Chance At Life In The Wild After Unexpected Return To Recovery Centre

by | Apr 9, 2026 02:51 | Local

A young Vancouver Island marmot that surprised conservationists by returning to its breeding facility after being released into the wild is being given a second chance this spring, highlighting the ongoing effort to protect one of the Island’s most endangered species.

Gob, a captive-bred Vancouver Island marmot, was released on Mount Washington last year as part of recovery work led by the Marmot Recovery Foundation. The release was intended to help strengthen the fragile wild population of the species, which exists only on Vancouver Island and remains at risk despite decades of conservation efforts.

But shortly after his release, Gob did something few marmots have ever done — he returned to the breeding centre.

Within about two months, the young marmot made his way back to the facility and stayed nearby, interacting with marmots still in care and spending time around the buildings. Conservation staff observed him digging a hibernation burrow under the facility, a sign that he was not settling into alpine life as expected.

To protect his safety and give him another opportunity to adapt, staff brought him back into care for the winter. Now, with spring conditions returning to the mountains, Gob is preparing for a second release into the wild.

A rare but hopeful situation

Wildlife experts say most captive-bred marmots quickly disperse into alpine habitat after release, exploring their surroundings and joining colonies within a short time. Gob’s return was unusual, but it also showed the strong social nature of the species.

Vancouver Island marmots rely heavily on colony life, using vocal calls to warn each other of predators and working together to survive in the harsh mountain environment. Without strong social connections, survival in the wild can be more difficult for young animals.

Giving Gob another chance at release allows conservationists to place him in a setting where he can integrate with other marmots and develop the behaviours needed to thrive.

Importance to Vancouver Island ecosystems

The Vancouver Island marmot is one of the rarest mammals in the world and is found nowhere else. Alpine regions such as Mount Washington, Strathcona Park, and surrounding mountain ranges provide critical habitat for the species.

For communities across North Vancouver Island — including Sayward, Woss, Campbell River, and surrounding areas — the marmot represents a unique part of the region’s natural heritage. The species is often seen as a symbol of successful conservation and the importance of protecting local ecosystems.

Healthy marmot populations contribute to alpine biodiversity by helping maintain meadow ecosystems through burrowing and soil movement, which supports plant growth and other wildlife.

Recovery efforts continue

In the early 2000s, the Vancouver Island marmot population dropped to fewer than 30 animals in the wild, placing the species on the brink of extinction. Through captive breeding and coordinated release programs, the population has slowly rebounded to several hundred animals across Vancouver Island.

The Marmot Recovery Foundation continues to monitor colonies, breed marmots in captivity, and release animals each year to strengthen wild populations and maintain genetic diversity.

Each marmot released into the wild is considered an important step toward long-term recovery.

A second chance in the mountains

Gob’s story is a reminder that wildlife recovery is not always straightforward. Some animals adapt immediately, while others need more time and support to transition to life in the wild.

Conservationists remain optimistic that his second release will allow him to integrate into a colony and become part of the growing wild population.

As spring arrives and alpine habitats reopen, Gob will once again head into Vancouver Island’s mountains — a small but meaningful step in the larger effort to ensure the Vancouver Island marmot continues to survive for future generations.

Strathcona Regional District Encourages Residents to Take Part in Tsunami Preparedness Week High Ground Hikes

by | Apr 3, 2026 16:43 | Local

The Strathcona Regional District is encouraging residents in west coast communities to take part in upcoming High Ground Hikes during Tsunami Preparedness Week, reminding people that in a real emergency, quick action—not waiting for alerts—can save lives.

Scheduled for mid-April, the hikes and related activities are designed to help residents understand local tsunami risks and practice evacuating to higher ground after a major earthquake. The goal is to strengthen community readiness and ensure people know exactly what to do when every second counts.

Emergency officials emphasize that preparedness goes beyond awareness. Community leaders note that readiness is a shared responsibility, and collective action helps build stronger, more resilient coastal communities. (Strathcona Regional District)

Focus on Immediate Action

Emergency staff stress that residents should not wait for official notifications after a strong coastal earthquake. In many cases, the shaking itself may be the only warning before a locally generated tsunami.

The region’s highest risk comes from the Cascadia Subduction Zone, where a major earthquake could send waves ashore within minutes. Depending on the community, estimated wave arrival times range from roughly 25 to 54 minutes—often too short for sirens or alerts to activate reliably. (Strathcona Regional District)

By comparison, tsunamis from distant sources—such as the Alaska-Aleutian Subduction Zone—usually allow several hours for warnings and evacuation planning. Preparedness exercises help communities test systems and practice evacuation routes under realistic conditions. (Strathcona Regional District)

Community Events and Exercises

Tsunami Preparedness Week will feature High Ground Hikes, emergency notification tests, and community-focused preparedness events across west coast communities. Participants will walk evacuation routes, learn safety information, and connect with local emergency personnel.

To boost participation, organizers are hosting community barbecues and offering prize draws, including emergency kits and other safety gear.

Officials say these events help residents become familiar with evacuation paths and muster points, ensuring they know where to go and how to respond during an actual emergency.

Building Safer Coastal Communities

High Ground Hikes are part of a province-wide effort to increase tsunami awareness and promote hands-on preparedness in coastal British Columbia. The exercises help residents build confidence, practice evacuation procedures, and strengthen community connections.

Emergency management officials continue to reinforce a simple but vital message: after a strong earthquake, move to high ground immediately—do not wait for official alerts.

Tsunami Preparedness Week serves as an annual reminder that preparation, practice, and community cooperation can significantly improve safety and resilience during natural disasters. (Strathcona Regional District)

Sayward Delivery Bringing Convenience, Time Savings, and Fuel Savings to Local Residents

by | Mar 29, 2026 04:33 | Local

In a rural community where travel to larger shopping centres often requires a significant drive, Sayward Delivery is helping residents save both time and money while improving access to essential goods and services.

Operating out of Sayward, the locally owned delivery service connects the village with Campbell River and communities across Vancouver Island, offering personal shopping, retail delivery, restaurant delivery, and courier services. The company schedules several trips each week between Campbell River and Sayward, reducing the need for residents to make frequent long-distance trips themselves.

Reducing Travel and Fuel Costs

For many Sayward residents, a round trip to Campbell River can take over an hour and require a significant amount of fuel. By consolidating multiple customer orders into scheduled delivery runs, Sayward Delivery allows individuals and families to avoid unnecessary travel, resulting in noticeable fuel savings and reduced vehicle wear.

The service uses a fuel-efficient delivery vehicle capable of transporting multiple grocery orders and bulk items in a single trip, helping keep costs low while ensuring goods arrive safely and in good condition.

This approach provides a practical solution for residents who:

  • Want to reduce weekly travel expenses
  • Need groceries, supplies, or restaurant meals without leaving the village
  • Have limited mobility or transportation options
  • Prefer to save time for work, family, or community activities

Convenient Personal Shopping and Delivery

Sayward Delivery offers more than simple courier service. Customers can either purchase items online and have them picked up, or use the company’s personal shopping service, where staff purchase goods on behalf of customers — especially useful for stores without online ordering or for those without credit cards.

The company delivers:

  • Groceries and household items
  • Restaurant meals and take-out food
  • Retail purchases and specialty goods
  • Pet supplies, building materials, and other essentials
  • Parcels and courier shipments across Vancouver Island

Deliveries are brought directly to the customer’s door, with refrigerated and hot items transported using temperature-controlled containers to maintain quality and safety.

Supporting Rural Accessibility

Reliable delivery services play an important role in small communities where access to large retail stores and services is limited. Sayward Delivery’s regular trips and flexible service model help bridge the gap between rural residents and urban retail centres, making everyday shopping more accessible and convenient.

The company emphasizes its community-focused approach, describing its mission as “going the extra mile, so you don’t have to.”

A Growing Community Asset

Customer feedback highlights the value of the service, with users describing it as reliable, affordable, and an essential resource for a small rural community. Residents have noted that the service saves them “so much hassle” and provides dependable delivery for those living far from town.

As rural communities continue to look for ways to improve access to goods and services while reducing travel costs, Sayward Delivery is becoming an increasingly important part of daily life in the region — helping residents save time, reduce fuel expenses, and enjoy the convenience of having essentials delivered right to their door.

Village of Sayward Budget Shortfall Analysis

by | Mar 29, 2026 03:44 | Local

The Village of Sayward is confronting a projected 42 per cent property tax increase for 2026, driven by a severe budget shortfall and near-total depletion of its financial reserves. As of March 2026, the village holds less than $2 million in total assets, the lowest of any municipality in British Columbia.

Why the Tax Hike is Necessary

  • Exhausted Reserves: Over the past five years, the village has relied on accumulated surpluses to cover annual deficits of roughly $100,000. With these funds now depleted, property taxes are the only remaining option to fund basic operations.
  • High Legal Costs: Internal council disputes and lawsuits cost the village $302,870 in 2025 alone, nearly 20 per cent of its total revenue.
  • Shrinking Revenue Base: A decline in commercial and industrial properties has left about 350 residents carrying the bulk of the tax burden.
  • Reduced Support: Provincial “Small Community” grants have steadily decreased, while the village reports insufficient assistance from regional authorities.

Potential Measures to Mitigate the Increase

Village staff have already reduced the proposed hike from 50 per cent to 42 per cent through initial cost-cutting. Additional measures under consideration include:

  • Municipal Dissolution: The grassroots Sayward Taxpayers Alliance has petitioned the B.C. Ministry of Municipal Affairs to dissolve the village. If approved, governance would shift to the Strathcona Regional District, potentially lowering administrative costs and providing more stable oversight.
  • Service Cuts: The village has already closed the Kelsey Recreation Centre and canceled several community programs, saving $175,000–$200,000 annually. Further reductions to parks, public works, and other non-essential services may be needed.
  • Governance Stabilization: Ending ongoing legal disputes among council members could immediately eliminate $300,000+ in annual legal fees, a sum exceeding the village’s entire roads and public works budget.
  • Forensic Audit: Some council members are calling for an audit to identify financial mismanagement and opportunities for efficiency.
  • Provincial Intervention: Sayward remains under provincial advisory, with council members hoping the October 2026 municipal election will bring a “like-minded” council capable of stabilizing finances.

The coming months will be critical as Sayward grapples with the dual pressures of fiscal shortfalls and governance instability, while residents face one of the steepest property tax hikes in the province.