Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Author at The Discourse.

A still from a drone video of the Deep Water Recovery shipbreaking site in Union Bay

Q&A: Lawyer speaks on groundbreaking Anti-SLAPP case against Union Bay shipbreaking company

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● November 19, 2025

‘The message is out that the civil courts should not be used to suppress the right to free expression unless there is a solid overriding reason to do so,’ lawyer says.

A big green sign takes up most of the photo. It reads PROTECT OLD GROWTH with a drawing of a tree on the right side. Behind the sign is a forest and a tent and some totes.

Comox Valley group joins dozens of others in urging province to do more for biodiversity

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● October 9, 2025

Save our Forests Team Comox Valley members are not alone in their frustration with the province’s lack of action on old-growth protection.

An Indigenous woman with an orange shirt and ribbon skirt holds a drum with Coast Salish art on it. She is standing in between her two children, who also both have orange shirts. All are smiling.

In photos: Comox Valley Spirit Walk

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● October 1, 2025

The Comox Valley’s Spirit Walk took place to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Construction workers stand next to a 'Road closed' sign

Comox Valley commute to ease soon as sewer conveyance project wraps up on schedule

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● September 18, 2025

‘New pipe is 98 per cent in the ground,’ according to regional district

A brown fence in the background, shaded by a deciduous tree. In the foreground is a yellow field of dead grass.

How can the Comox Valley improve its water use?

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● September 5, 2025

From water meters to lawns, residents and experts agree more can be done to conserve water in the Comox Valley.

A person with a big beard and bright pink lipstick smiles and holds a large unfolded fan that says 'fabulous'

Comox Valley Pride welcomes community and looks to future

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● August 27, 2025

‘I didn’t get this type of visibility when I was younger,’ said Damian Stevenson at Comox Valley Pride.

A bumble bee pollinates some purple flowers

To bee or not to bee: Comox’s path to pollinator protection

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● August 20, 2025

The town has recently been designated as a Bee City, with plans to make more space for pollinators.

A man in high viz and a woman in a dark rain jacket walk along a beach in the rain. There is a large barge behind them.

Union Bay locals await next steps after controversial shipbreaking lease cancelled

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● August 13, 2025

Critics say Deep Water Recovery’s lease cancellation a good first step, but want more robust shipbreaking regulations in Canada.

A group of people stand under a tent in front of a Palestinian flag.

Comox Valley group calls on locals to support fundraising efforts for Gaza

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● July 31, 2025

Comox Valley Fundraising Community has raised $17,000 for families in Gaza amidst hunger crisis.

A woman with a green hat that reads "Broombusters," bends over next to a shrub with yellow flowers, cutting the plant. She is wearing a white shirt and it is sunny outside.

Scotch broom increases wildfire risk. What can we do about it?

By Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Comox Valley ● July 23, 2025

Invasive species such as Scotch broom can exacerbate wildfires, but communities are working hard to remove these invaders from local ecosystems.

Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Q&A: Lawyer speaks on groundbreaking Anti-SLAPP case against Union Bay shipbreaking company

Comox Valley group joins dozens of others in urging province to do more for biodiversity

In photos: Comox Valley Spirit Walk

Comox Valley commute to ease soon as sewer conveyance project wraps up on schedule

How can the Comox Valley improve its water use?

Comox Valley Pride welcomes community and looks to future

To bee or not to bee: Comox’s path to pollinator protection

Union Bay locals await next steps after controversial shipbreaking lease cancelled

Comox Valley group calls on locals to support fundraising efforts for Gaza

Scotch broom increases wildfire risk. What can we do about it?

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

Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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