The Highlanders

Thousands of people, dressed in orange, walked through downtown Duncan on Sept. 30, 2021, marking the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. All photos by Philip McLachlan/The Discourse

An in-depth series on the conflict between a community committed to environmental protection and the gravel quarry industry knocking down its door.

This series took GOLD for Best Local Community News at the 2021 Canadian Online Publishing Awards. 

Loss in court highlights need for mining reform, Highlands group says

In a recent decision regarding a Highlands rock quarry permit, a B.C. Court of Appeal judge acknowledges the limitations in current legislation to consider climate change. SEO: Highlands

Consider climate change, Highlanders argue in quarry court appeal

The Highlands District Community Association argues climate change should have been taken into account when considering a permit for the O.K. Industries quarry operation.

Mining reform needed to prevent costly conflicts, advocates say

The Highlands’ fight over an impending gravel quarry has implications for communities across B.C. and beyond.

In the Highlands, a community fights for agency

A years-long dispute between the Highlands and O.K. Industries goes deeper than just one gravel quarry.

The Highlanders: A community unites against urban incursion

From the beginning, the District of Highlands was envisioned as a forested refuge away from urban bustle. This is how residents are fighting to keep it that way.

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bailey macabre holding the tote they designed for The Discourse in 2022. The tote shows the word

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