Carihi Secondary and Sayward Elementary Collaborate on Zombie Film

The hallways of Sayward Elementary School were transformed into the set of a zombie movie as students from two Vancouver Island schools joined forces on a collaborative short film project.

Over two days, Carihi Secondary School’s video production class filmed Safe Zone: A Zombie Film at the elementary school. Younger students stepped into acting roles as zombies, while their older counterparts took charge of directing, cinematography, camera operation, and other behind-the-scenes responsibilities.

Educators say the project offered valuable hands-on learning and mentorship opportunities, giving secondary students the chance to lead a full-scale production while introducing elementary students to the world of filmmaking. The collaboration also aimed to strengthen ties between the two school communities, helping younger students feel more connected as they prepare for future transitions to higher grades.

Administrators noted the project sparked enthusiasm and excitement, particularly among older elementary students, creating a positive and engaging experience within the school.

Student crew members described the production schedule as intense but rewarding, highlighting the challenge of completing a film within such a short timeframe.

The finished project premiered on November 13 at the Timberline Secondary School theatre, showcasing the talents of student actors and crew across roles ranging from sound and cinematography to makeup and production support.

Vancouver Island Marmot Population Rebounds to 427 After Near-Extinction

Conservation officials report that the Vancouver Island marmot has reached a major recovery milestone, with the wild population now estimated at 427 animals. This marks a remarkable rebound from a low of just 22 individuals in 2003.

Endemic to the alpine meadows of Vancouver Island, the species was once on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss, predation, and low reproductive rates. In response, a comprehensive recovery program was launched, combining captive breeding, reintroduction, habitat restoration, and ongoing monitoring.

Biologists say the latest numbers reflect steady growth across more than 30 mountain sites, offering one of the clearest signs yet that coordinated conservation efforts are paying off.

Still, experts caution that the marmot remains endangered and vulnerable to shifting environmental conditions. Continued management and close monitoring will be critical to ensuring the population remains stable and continues to expand.

Conservation leaders describe the rebound as a rare success story in species recovery, underscoring decades of collaboration among governments, researchers, volunteers, and conservation groups that helped prevent the marmot’s disappearance from the wild.

New Study Points To Cooperation Between Orcas And Dolphins While Feeding

Researchers have documented what appears to be cooperative hunting between northern resident killer whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins off the coast of British Columbia—an interaction not previously confirmed between these two species.

The discovery comes from drone footage, underwater video, and tracking data collected near Vancouver Island. Scientists recorded hundreds of encounters where dolphins and orcas foraged side by side, often diving and moving in unison while searching for Chinook salmon.

During these events, killer whales were seen orienting toward nearby dolphins and following them into deeper waters. Researchers suggest the whales may be taking advantage of the dolphins’ echolocation skills to locate salmon—a prey species too large for dolphins to capture themselves.

Once an orca secured a salmon and tore it into smaller pieces, dolphins frequently fed on the remains. Remarkably, no aggression was observed between the species, despite killer whales being known to prey on dolphins in other regions.

The synchronized movements and repeated interactions point to more than coincidence, hinting at a level of coordination that challenges long-held assumptions about how marine predators interact while feeding.

Scientists propose that the relationship may be mutually beneficial: orcas conserve energy by leveraging dolphin echolocation, while dolphins gain access to a valuable food source and possible protection from being near a top predator.

Still, some experts urge caution, noting that further study is needed to determine whether this represents true cooperation or simply opportunistic feeding by dolphins.

This finding adds to a growing body of evidence that marine mammals display complex, adaptable social behaviours, offering fresh insight into how species may respond to shifting ocean conditions and food availability.

Watch the video here.

Mount Cain Opening Delayed Another Week At Least

The opening of Mount Cain has been delayed by another week due to limited snowfall and challenging weather conditions.

Although the mountain has seen some recent snow, officials confirm it is not sufficient to ensure safe operations. Forecasts showing freezing levels rising above the summit have further reduced the chances of an immediate opening. The next tentative opening date is set for December 20, with an official update to be released next Wednesday.

In the meantime, Mount Cain representatives will be in Nanaimo this weekend for the launch of the new Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) store, where they will host a booth and engage with the community.

For those eager to get on the slopes, Mount Washington is preparing to open its beginner terrain this weekend. The resort will also feature a variety of off-snow activities as part of its opening celebrations.

Despite the delay, Mount Cain officials remain optimistic that winter conditions will improve as the holiday season approaches.

December 8, 2025 Supreme Court Of British Columbia Update – The Village of Sayward In The Matter Of Section 129 Of The Community Charter, SBC 2003, C. 26

Response To Petition

Affidavit

Sayward Real Estate Market 2025 – Slow Sales, High Prices, and a World of Potential

Special thanks to real estate agent Susan Mallinson for contributing information relevant to this article.

Sayward, BC—tucked between lush rainforest and the rugged Johnstone Strait—offers one of Vancouver Island’s most distinctive real estate markets. While many Island communities have seen rapid growth and quick sales, Sayward remains a market defined by patience, long listing times, and changing post-pandemic expectations.

Current Market Overview: 21 Listings Across the Village and Valley

As of late 2025, there are 21 active properties for sale in Sayward, spanning everything from small village lots to expansive valley acreages and commercial sites.

Property breakdown:

2 vacant lots in the village
6 condos
5 single-family homes in the village
1 mobile home
1 tri-plex
3 homes on acreage in the valley
1 large raw acreage
Commercial listings: Home & Campground at Kelsey Bay and Sayward Valley Resort

Price range: From $59,000 to $3.9 million.

“Sayward living is not for everyone,” says longtime local real estate professional, Susan Mallinson. “Only during the COVID years did homes sell fast—and that’s when prices spiked.”

Homes That Take Years to Sell

Unlike the fast-paced markets of Campbell River or Courtenay, properties in Sayward often take two to three years to sell.

Typical village homes now list in the mid-$400,000 range, with a few exceeding $500,000, though many have been on the market for months or even years. During the pandemic, those same homes sold for about $100,000 more—a reflection of the once red-hot Vancouver Island housing market that has since cooled.

Why Many Sellers Are Still Overpriced

Many sellers in Sayward are struggling to adjust to today’s realities.

“It’s hard to convince sellers that those days are over,” says Mallinson. “Buyers aren’t paying peak prices anymore.”

Overpricing has led to fewer showings and longer listings. When offers do come in—often below asking—some sellers feel insulted or refuse to negotiate.

Complicating matters, many Sayward homes need major updates. Deferred maintenance, older systems, or unfinished renovations can discourage buyers who aren’t willing to invest additional time and money.

The Rural Reality: Why Buyers Hesitate

Selling a home in Sayward is very different from selling one in Campbell River or the Comox Valley. The area’s isolation is both its charm and its biggest obstacle.

Common reasons buyers hesitate include:

Long commute to Campbell River and no cell service along the highway
Winter driving conditions that limit accessibility
Few local amenities and hour-long school bus rides for children
Limited youth activities or sports programs

While Sayward appeals to those seeking space and tranquility, the lack of urban conveniences often tips the balance for many would-be buyers.

Rising Rates and Financial Pressure

The sharp rise in interest rates since the pandemic continues to pressure both buyers and sellers. Homeowners who locked in at 2% interest are now facing renewals at 5–6%, effectively doubling their monthly payments.

First-time buyers face their own hurdles:

“They might pay $3,000 in rent,” says Mallinson, “but they can’t get a mortgage without the 5% down payment. The upfront cost is the hardest part.”

The result is a domino effect—buyers can’t purchase until their own homes sell, creating a stagnant cycle across rural Vancouver Island.

Government Policy: Falling Short on Affordability

Despite the national focus on housing affordability, rural BC communities like Sayward see little relief.

“Wages haven’t kept up with inflation,” Mallinson explains. “Costs keep climbing, and government programs don’t go far enough.”

While the Property Transfer Tax exemption helps first-time buyers, it only applies below certain price points—excluding most Vancouver Island real estate.

Even once-affordable towns like Port Hardy and Port McNeill have seen prices soar five to six times higher since before COVID, reflecting the Island’s transformation into a global lifestyle and tourism destination.

Tips for Sellers: Maintenance = Market Value

If you want top dollar in a slow market, the formula is simple: maintain, repair, and update.

“Buyers don’t want to inherit someone else’s deferred maintenance,” says Mallinson. “Well-kept properties always earn better offers.”

Fresh paint, clean landscaping, updated fixtures, and basic repairs can dramatically improve your home’s appeal—even in slower markets like Sayward.

The Outlook: Patience Pays in Sayward

Sayward’s real estate market is not for those seeking quick results. Each transaction unfolds differently, shaped by lifestyle factors, price sensitivity, and property condition.

Still, there’s opportunity for both buyers and sellers:

Buyers can find unique properties at lower price points than elsewhere on Vancouver Island.
Sellers who price competitively and present their homes well can still find success—eventually.

As Mallinson sums up: