Eric Richards

Meet the five candidates running in North Cowichan’s April 12 civic byelection

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● March 27, 2025

Candidates told The Discourse about their top campaign issues — and what they hope to accomplish if elected to Council

Cowichan Valley film fest showcases renowned documentaries — local and global — to inform and inspire

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● March 20, 2025

Organizer highlights thought-provoking films and local talent to the valley’s movie lovers.

Advocates call for wraparound care and community health centre for women in Cowichan

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● March 20, 2025

A community event brought together advocates and local politicians to discuss women’s health solutions in the Cowichan Valley.

Duncan protestors want harsher punishments and forced treatment for drug users. Will it solve the underlying issues?

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● March 13, 2025

Unhoused local hopes to ‘wake people up’ to homeless realities, as tensions flare over how best to address theft and vandalism while supporting marginalized people.

Reporter’s Notebook: How a salmon puppet is helping save the Quw’utsun Sta’lo

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● February 27, 2025

A community of Indigenous youth and elders came together to build a puppet for the Quw’utsun Sta’lo. They ended up healing so much more.

Province ends take-home safer supply program as Cowichan sees uptick in overdose response calls

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● February 21, 2025

Overdose response calls are falling in the province, but Cowichan emergency responders reported a rise in patients who experienced an overdose

Cowichan Valley transit workers are on strike, here’s why

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● February 13, 2025

Transit workers went on strike Feb. 8, halting bus services across the Cowichan Valley.

Duncan farmers and market call on province to continue funding food security program

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● January 30, 2025

As the Duncan Farmers’ Market turns 110, a market food coupon program that helps struggling families access healthy food could lose its funding.

Cowichan Tribes purchases former RCMP detachment to house public works and emergency services departments

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● January 23, 2025

Deputy Chief Audrey George says ‘their work cannot wait,’ as departments have outgrown their current spaces.