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.

A river runs through a forest with fallen trees about it.

A ‘death trap’ along the Cowichan River could hold new hope for fish

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● May 29, 2025

June will be a critical month for the Cowichan River as water levels drop.

A sign with text hanging on a post in front of an empty street.

Cowichan Valley residents adapt to life without public transit as strike enters fourth month

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● May 23, 2025

People with disabilities, students and seniors struggle with the lack of options for transportation in the Cowichan Valley.

People walk along and hold a giant Pride Progress flag in the Cowichan Valley Pride Walk

Cowichan Pride returns with a lineup of events all through June

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● May 15, 2025

Organizers say 2SLGBTQIA+ visibility during Pride month is more important now than ever.

A hand on a piece of braille paper next to a blank ballot.

Is now the time for electoral reform in Canada?

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● May 8, 2025

Activists say federal election results on Vancouver Island are a perfect example of why the country should drop first-past-the-post.

A group of people standing in a living room posing for a photo at the opening of a youth shelter.

New youth emergency shelter sees positive reception in Duncan, as operators look to the future

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● May 1, 2025

A month after opening, youth workers say facility is just the first step to expanding supports for at-risk young people in the Cowichan Valley

Tariffs, health care and housing top of mind for voters at Chemainus all-candidates meeting

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● April 22, 2025

Three of the four Cowichan—Malahat—Langford candidates heard from voters at the Royal Canadian Legion in Chemainus.

A collection of headshots from four people.

Cowichan federal election candidates answer your questions

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● April 17, 2025

From U.S.-Canada relations to the environment, these are the questions our readers had for would-be MPs after April 28

A drone photo taken above treetops with mountains in the background. Taken of the Koksilah Watershed, one of two watersheds studied in the Twinned Watersheds Project.

What federal election issues are top of mind for Cowichan Valley voters?

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● April 10, 2025

The federal election is on April 28. Here’s what the Cowichan Valley wants to ask candidates.

Fierce debate emerges over progressive vote-splitting in Cowichan Valley ridings

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● April 10, 2025

Some say they’re considering a ‘strategic’ vote on April 28 — hoping to keep a progressive MP in the electoral district.

A map with labels and boundaries of electoral areas.

Cowichan Valley’s guide to the federal election

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● April 3, 2025

Where do I vote? What electoral district am I in? When is it again? All of your federal election questions, answered

Eric Richards

A ‘death trap’ along the Cowichan River could hold new hope for fish

Cowichan Valley residents adapt to life without public transit as strike enters fourth month

Cowichan Pride returns with a lineup of events all through June

Is now the time for electoral reform in Canada?

New youth emergency shelter sees positive reception in Duncan, as operators look to the future

Tariffs, health care and housing top of mind for voters at Chemainus all-candidates meeting

Cowichan federal election candidates answer your questions

What federal election issues are top of mind for Cowichan Valley voters?

Fierce debate emerges over progressive vote-splitting in Cowichan Valley ridings

Cowichan Valley’s guide to the federal election

Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society name change to Ballenas ‘in discussion’ for years,’ says CEO

10 ways to better support tenants with vulnerabilities due to income, age or disabilities

‘I want it to stop’: Tenants and advocates allege bullying by non-profit housing provider

Q and A: What are vulnerable tenants rights in non-profit housing?

Who will protect low-income seniors from dying in extreme heat?

Seniors left in distress — or dead — for days in Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society units

Eric Richards

Eric's Latest Articles