Author Archives: David Wiwchar

The recently released homeless count continues to reverberate through out local social service organizations. Ron Merk from the Port Alberni Community Action Team said he was shocked to see our homele...

As notices warning of poisoned drugs are posted weekly in communities across the island, Port Alberni has one of the highest overdose rates in the province. Ron Merk from the Port Alberni Community Ac...

Police and fire investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire at the former Somass Mill on Saturday. Smoke from the fire was visible throughout South Port along with smoke from slash burn...

The Tiny Homes Project on 4th Avenue could finally open later this week, a year late and far over budget. The city teamed up with the Port Alberni Friendship Centre to build the complex, designed to h...

After more than two days of deliberation, the 11-person jury decided 63-year old Samantha Dittmer was not guilty of murdering her son, but was guilty of the lesser included charge of manslaughter. Her...

In the latest homelessness study, one of the main reasons for housing loss was people leaving unfit or unsafe housing. Advocates say many low-barrier properties that were repaired after being declared...

Representatives from the Huu-ay-aht First Nation and the province cut a ceremonial cedar rope yesterday to officially open the refurbished Bamfield Road. The 76 kilometre road has undergone leveling a...

Closing arguments yesterday in the BC Supreme Court trial of Samantha Dittmer. The 61-year old is charged with second degree murder in the shooting of her 37-year old son Jesse McPhee on August 29th, ...

Homelessness has increased in the Alberni Valley, which has become increasingly obvious in the past few years. According to the latest point-in-time survey, there are 163 people experiencing homelessn...

Courtenay - Alberni MP Gord Johns is asking the federal government to change Canada's National anthem. Johns presented a petition from constituents saying since the national anthem was amended in 2018...