Hey there, Cowichan Valley!
I’m Eric, and you may have seen my face earlier this month when my first story for The Discourse Cowichan was published. You might have also wondered, who is this guy?
Well, I’m pleased to introduce myself as the new community reporter for the Cowichan Valley!
In my 30 years spinning around the sun, I’ve worn many hats, some so odd that people don’t believe me when I tell them what I did (I wrangled moths for a year in Kelowna).
This latest chapter of life brought me to the Cowichan Valley two years ago for a job at Sun FM, and I fell in love with the land, the people and their stories. I’ve covered many issues around the Valley, but my favourite part of my work was interacting with and learning about the incredible people who call this place home. There’s still so much to learn, but I am committed to telling the stories that matter to you, including the ones that often go untold.
My job here is to listen, so if you know of any stories that need a spotlight shone on them (from local issues and events to community members who are making a difference), drop me a line at eric@thediscourse.ca. And, if you see me out at the Duncan Garage or at the Dog House (both places where I spend way too much time), please say hi.
I have included some questions from our Island Editor, Shalu Mehta, so you can get to know me better.
What do you love about the Cowichan Valley? What makes it feel like home to you?
I was born on the West Coast in Richmond, B.C., before moving away to the Midwestern state of Ohio, where I lived for a time before returning to Canada. Some of my family lives on Gabriola Island, so I spent many summers jumping from the Malaspina Galleries and hunting the tide pools for treasures. Returning to B.C. for work in 2023 felt like a homecoming, and while I hadn’t been to the Cowichan Valley, it felt like I was returning to everything I had missed about the West Coast.
Why did you want to work at The Discourse?
The Discourse presents a unique vision for the future of news, and I want to be a part of it! I’ve lived in many small towns in western Canada and experienced what it’s like to live in a news desert. I want to be part of an organization working to remedy that lack of coverage.
Why did you become a journalist? How did you get your start?
I was working as a field researcher for an organization in the Okanagan that monitors an invasive moth species in apple orchards during the heat dome of 2021. I vividly remember the first day of our work in the heat and the ensuing reports of animal and human deaths. This brought the stark realities of our changing climate to the forefront of my mind, inspiring me to return to school for broadcast journalism in Calgary so I could help tell these stories, and others.
What do you intend to do with your work as a community reporter in Cowichan?
I want my writing to inspire readers to learn more about what’s happening in their communities and ask questions about what is being done in the Valley to combat climate change and help people struggling with housing and affordability.
What local issues or topics are you passionate about? What do you want to report on?
My interests centre around housing, affordability and climate reporting. However, in the Cowichan Valley, one issue I am very excited to investigate further is the progress of the Cowichan Estuary Restoration project. But mostly, I look forward to hearing from you about the issues you want us to cover!
Who or what inspires you?
The many volunteer organizations in the Valley always blow me away. There isn’t enough room here to list them all, but I had the pleasure of reporting on some of the work the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society is doing to help the watershed. Their volunteers monitor fish and water health and perform ecological restoration. I’m incredibly inspired by those who dedicate their time to any cause like that.
Help us get to know you as a person! What are your interests? Hobbies? Any fun facts about yourself?
Like most people on the Island, I spend most of my free time outdoors cycling, trail running and hiking. I’m currently training for my first triathlon, which has been an adventure so far! If you don’t find me out on the trails, you’ll probably bump into me by one of our many lakes, kicking back with a book and a cup of coffee (some of which I usually roast myself, much to my partner’s dismay).
