Eric Richards

‘It’s about our right to fundamentally exist’: Local bodybuilder takes his fight to BC Human Rights Tribunal

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● June 11, 2026

Jules Sherred shares his thoughts on modern Pride, the struggles of transmasculine people in sports and why he continues to fight for the rights of all trans people.

PHOTOS: A look inside the new Quw’utsun Valley Hospital

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● June 4, 2026

The Discourse took a behind the scenes tour of the new hospital as it nears its target opening date of 2027.

How do Cowichan Valley governments use AI?

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● May 28, 2026

The Discourse reached out to local governments to see how they are handling the use of AI.

Cowichan Valley Youth Services receives $1 million federal grant to expand youth mental health support

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● May 14, 2026

The funding will allow the organization to expand mental health outreach and lay the groundwork for the next 50 years — but leaders say the need still outpaces resources.

Gone but not forgotten: Community gathers to mark Red Dress Day

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● May 7, 2026

More than 100 people run and walk along the Cowichan River to support families of MMIWG2S+.

Vancouver Island’s Company of the Blue Dragon medieval fighters set sights on world championships

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● April 30, 2026

These weekend warriors suit up for sword fights, camaraderie and something far larger — a shot at Canada’s first gold medal at this summer’s International Medieval Combat Federation world championships in Denmark.

A stage among the orchards: Cowichan Valley Shakespeare Festival celebrates 15 years

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● April 23, 2026

The Cowichan Valley Shakespeare Festival marks 15 years of bringing The Bard’s work to life outdoors and making it approachable for all ages.

What’s in the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s draft comprehensive zoning bylaw?

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● April 7, 2026

The Discourse takes a deep dive into the 322-page document that combines nine existing zoning bylaws into one.

Meet the researcher putting Indigenous knowledge at the heart of ecological restoration

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● March 26, 2026

For decades, well-intentioned conservationists have been restoring culturally significant Indigenous places without the peoples they belong to. Researcher Jennifer Grenz says that’s exactly why so many of those efforts have failed.