Every Friday we feature Valley history taken from our back issues.
Five years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:
BC Ferries increased fares by an average of nearly three per cent on the three major routes connecting the Island and Mainland, and a 4.4 per cent average for smaller routes. One-way tickets from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay cost $1.25 more mid-week and $1 more on weekends. Foot passenger fares jumped from $10.55 to $11.
Locals argued the increases would be detrimental to Island communities that rely on ferry travel.
Ten years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:
A police car torched itself near Merville as a constable investigated a complaint of a man brandishing a gun.
The officer heard a pop under the hood as he drove north on the Island Highway. Then paint on the hood started to bubble. The officer opened the hood to find the engine compartment engulfed in flames.
The constable emptied three extinguishers into the car and put out the fire.
Fifteen years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:
The pipes may be leaking but the local curling club will not be forgiven their tax bite by the Comox Strathcona Regional District.
A 50-per-cent exemption remained in place despite an appeal for a full exemption.
Ettie O’Connell told directors the club is public property and has never cost the non-curling, taxpaying public any money in terms of maintenance.
“Only curlers will be affected by the tax increase,” she said.
Twenty years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:
The Record packed up and moved to a new location a few doors down at a bright, new building at 1170 Cliffe Ave. next to the Red Ruby Restaurant in Courtenay.
“It’s going to mean better service for our customers,” then-publisher Jim Odo said. “We’ll be more efficient, and the new space will allow us to continue to develop and grow as the Valley continues to develop and grow.”
Twenty five years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:
The Courtenay Airpark was to receive a $350,000 provincial grant for its planned runway realignment project.
Mayor George Cochrane made the announcement at council after receiving a 550-name petition supporting the project.
Funds would cover about 60 per cent of the estimated costs.
