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Madeline Dunnett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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Madeline Dunnett,'s Latest Articles

A danger sign and barricade blocks access to Puntledge Park. The sign reads Danger flooding closed
Flooding, wildfires and earthquakes: Can the Comox Valley better prepare for disasters?

After being in an earthquake, Sue Pyper learned a lot. Now she and other local groups are sharing what they learned with neighbours — so everyone can be better prepared.

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

‘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

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

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

‘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?

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

‘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

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

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

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