Every Friday we feature Valley history taken from our back issues.
Five years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:
Courtenay rolled out its recycling collection program.
Blue boxes were delivered to its residents in preparation for the recycling pickup service.
During the week’s council meeting, Kevin Lagan, Courtenay’s director of operational services, noted Comox had a 53-per-cent increase in recyclables in the first week of using the blue boxes.
Ten years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:
The North Island College board of governors approved a 35.6-per-cent hike in tuition.
College president Dr. Lou Dryden said the increase was necessary he didn’t believe it would be a surprise.
“I have been very frank regarding the fact that with no increase in our operating grant we will face a budget shortfall due to inflationary cost pressures that we have no control over…” he said. “So in order to balance the budget, maintain program and service quality and provide a viable range of program and course options for students, a tuition fee increase is necessary.”
Fifteen years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:
The graduated licensing system was in the works in an effort to make new drivers safer on the road.
A definite date had not been set for implementation of the program, but the government committed to making it happen in 1998, said Sam Corea, a media spokesperson for the Insurance Corporation of B.C.
Before the graduated licensing system was implemented, people who passed their written test could take their road test within 30 days.
Twenty years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:
Several Comox Valley social agencies held a conference to try to find a cure for family violence.
“I see the level of violence escalating,” said social worker Marilyn Booth. “I see these children at Youth Court and they’re committing the same offences their fathers committed against them.
Frequently, men who fear they are potential abusers ask for help, Crisis Centre spokesperson Eleanor Shaw said, adding there isn’t anywhere to send men who fear they may abuse their families.
The Comox Valley Transition Society noted women also feel trapped and don’t want to go to the police.
Twenty five years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:
A very young Comox Valley resident won a ‘hog’ of a prize.
Eight-month-old Mike won a Harley Davidson motorcycle after his father C.J., who didn’t want the family’s last name printed in the paper, entered them into a draw.
“I bought one for me and one for him. He won and I’m out 40 bucks,” said C.J., adding he would likely sell the bike and put the proceeds into a trust fund for Mike.
