Eric Richards, Author at The Discourse.

Eric Richards

A recent transplant to the valley, Eric grew up across B.C. and Alberta and obtained his Bachelor of Science at the University of Lethbridge in 2018. He then pursued broadcast journalism at SAIT in Moh’kinstsis (Calgary). His passion for the outdoors and climate issues guides his ongoing work in understanding life in the Cowichan Valley.

What’s happening in the Cowichan Valley from March 27 to April 12

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● March 24, 2026

Music, arts and events happening in the Cowichan Valley from March 27 to April 12

Alex Schiebel of the Cowichan Community Care Network speaks at a rally in front of banners.

‘Evicted to nowhere’: Cowichan Valley residents push for permanent solution for unhoused locals

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● March 19, 2026

As a temporary winter shelter in Duncan closes its doors, unhoused residents are faced with few other options for housing.

Speakers at the Cowichan Valley Women's Day Event.

‘Consent is not new’: Cowichan Valley Women’s Day event addresses consent as a community issue

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● March 12, 2026

The Discourse and Cowichan Valley IWD held their annual International Women’s Day event on March 8, exploring how consent can lay a foundation for a healthier community.

What’s happening in the Cowichan Valley from March 11 to March 21

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● March 10, 2026

Music, arts and events happening in the Cowichan Valley from March 11 to March 21.

Q&A: How loss and love led Zena Sharman to write her debut memoir

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● March 5, 2026

Sharman reflects on grief, queer kinship, family and inheritance in Staying Power.

Is the town hall disappearing from Canadian politics?

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● February 26, 2026

Gone are the days of open town hall events in Canadian politics. They have been replaced with partisan events that cater to party loyalists and potential donors, a political scientist says.

A photo of the Crofton Mill, which closed in 2025.

A timeline of the Crofton mill

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● February 26, 2026

The mill permanently closed its doors in 2026 concluding a history marked by a court trial, corporate take overs, environmental issues and strikes.

‘No one in our community is disposable’: Island Health and community call on North Cowichan to rethink sheltering sites

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● February 10, 2026

Designated overnight sheltering sites in Somenos marsh are ‘increasingly dangerous’, outreach groups say.

Voulenteers stand on either side of cedar log that is being transported into the Cowichan Valley Arts Council Gallery.

‘Many Hands — Working Together’ celebrates how art unites all communities

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● February 5, 2026

The exhibition can be viewed from Feb. 4 to Feb. 28 at the Cowichan Valley Arts Council gallery.

What’s happening in the Cowichan Valley from Feb. 4 to Feb. 20

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● February 4, 2026

Music, arts and events happening in the Cowichan Valley from Feb. 4 to Feb. 20

Eric Richards

What’s happening in the Cowichan Valley from March 27 to April 12

‘Evicted to nowhere’: Cowichan Valley residents push for permanent solution for unhoused locals

‘Consent is not new’: Cowichan Valley Women’s Day event addresses consent as a community issue

What’s happening in the Cowichan Valley from March 11 to March 21

Q&A: How loss and love led Zena Sharman to write her debut memoir

Is the town hall disappearing from Canadian politics?

A timeline of the Crofton mill

‘No one in our community is disposable’: Island Health and community call on North Cowichan to rethink sheltering sites

‘Many Hands — Working Together’ celebrates how art unites all communities

What’s happening in the Cowichan Valley from Feb. 4 to Feb. 20

Nanaimo’s toxic drug emergency at 10 years

Nanaimo city council votes down proposed drug policy letter

Motion to close Nanaimo’s Overdose Prevention Site withdrawn

‘Like a bomb dropping’: Safer supply changes leave patients struggling for stability

Drop in 2024 Nanaimo overdose deaths still ‘a fraction’ of overall trend upwards

Sudden changes to safer supply program a ‘huge mistake,’ says Nanaimo patient

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