Courtenay / Comox Valley Record

The B.C. government is creating two new secure facilities to involuntarily hold and treat people with combined mental health and addiction diagnoses, one in Surrey and another in Prince George. Premier David Eby announced the plans on Friday, July 10, at the site of the new facility in Prince George. Both units will be located in already-existing structures to save costs.

The latest job numbers from Statistics Canada for June show slightly increased hiring in B.C. overall, but also reveal major remaining demographic and regional disparities, including stubbornly high youth unemployment and rising joblessness in the Interior. “People are maybe tired of hearing about tariffs, but they have an impact,” said Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s jobs minister.

In Loving Memory ~ 1954 ~ 2026 It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Virginia Tomkow on April 28, 2026. Born in Elk Point, Alberta, in 1954, Virginia lived a life filled with color, passion and warmth. For 30 years, she was a dedicated flight attendant for Air Canada Jazz, a career that perfectly matched her adventurous spirit. Virginia was a woman of exceptional taste, widely recognized for her unique, fashionable clothing and her distinct sense of personal style.

The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and partners joined to celebrate the re-opening of a park on Comox Road, promoting the park redesign, shoreline improvements and project’s collaborative approach as well as celebrating the park’s new name: qapoje Park. qapoje (kah-poh’-jeh) means “spring salmon in a creek flowing south.” It is the traditional ayajusem term for Coho Creek, which flows from Back Road, under Comox Road, through the park and into the estuary.

Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside has appointed two special mediators in the dispute between the B.C. Nurses’ Union and the Health Employers Association of B.C. Long-time mediator Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers were named special mediators Friday, July 10, eight days after job action began. Ready and Rogers will work wth the two parties for 10 days with the aim of helping to reach a settlement, or if needed, to provide recommendations to the minister.

Published July 10, 2026 In Loving Memory ~ Those we love don’t go away They walk beside us everyday Unseen, unheard but always near Still loved, still missed and very dear. Love, God bless you always on your 43rd birthday. Your Mom

In Loving Memory ~ 1958 ~ 2026 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dawn April Thoem, who was born on April 25, 1958, and passed away on July 5, 2026. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Jessica Williams (John Williams), and her cherished grandsons, Logan and Luke Williams. She was predeceased by her daughter, Jasmine Thoem. She also leaves behind her sister, Barbara Bell, and sister, Heather Regan.

In Loving Memory ~ January 19, 1946 ~ June 4, 2026 My beautiful wife died from complications of Alzheimer disease on June 4, 2026. She is survived by her husband David, her children Bart Simon, Catherine Cdedar, Brodie Belisle, Hannah Rivers, and her 2 step-children Janine, and Andrew Stevenson. She had 9 grandchildren: Brianna, Emily, Nadine, Connor, Amelia, Raiya, Rowan, Isabel and Maeve and one great grandchild Wanai. Susan is also survived by her sister Sharon Parker.

Celebration of Life Sunday, July 26, 2026 from 12 – 3pm Courtenay Fish & Game Club 3780 Colake Road, Comox, BC Family and friends are warmly invited to join us as we celebrate Larry’s life and share memories together. Please bring a potluck dish to share to celebrate Larry’s life.

In Loving Memory ~ May 2, 1932 – June 23, 2026 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Irene “Renee” Daisey (Hobson) Urquhart, a dearly beloved wife, mother, grandmother, step-grandmother, step-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Irene passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, at Ocean Front Village, holding her husband’s hand. She was 94 years old.