The Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Vancouver Island Health Authority is continuing a Smoke Advisory for the east coast of Vancouver Island from Cowichan Valley to Campbell River, including the Comox Valley.

It is expected that this situation will continue for at least the next 24 hours.  People with heart or lung conditions should reduce their levels of activity while air quality is poor.

For more information be sure to view the full PDF issued by VIHA.

“We don’t usually have the production area open to the public,” said Doug Smith, Natural Pastures Operations Manager, “This is the only time the plant has been open for public viewing since we first started producing cheese in 2001.”

Natural Pastures Cheese Company is an artisan cheese producer that has won many Canadian and international cheese competitions.  High quality locally produced milk is used by our Swiss trained Gold Medal winning cheese-maker to produce over 15 varieties of cheese that are sold across Canada.

The Comox Valley 30-Day Local Food Challenge is an immersive community experience each July that connects people from around the Comox Valley to the agricultural traditions and potential of this region.

Each year, local residents are challenged to spend 30 days experiencing local food through farm and food producer tours, restaurant events, educational activities and demonstrations that showcase the work and bounty of the nearly 500 farms, food producers and food-related organizations in the Comox Valley.

2010 major sponsors include the Comox Valley Record, JET FM, Comox Valley Regional District, Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures Strathcona, Impact Visual Communications and Eatmore Sprouts with support from the Comox Valley Farmers Market Association and the Comox Valley Farmers Institute.

Well, things have changed, and with temperatures soaring into the low 30’s, its time to get out and savor the beautiful weather. In doing so however, it is important to try and keep cool and protected from the sun. Here are a few tips to help keep you cool!

• Lets start with the super obvious, I figured I better include them: Wear a hat & sunglasses, drink plenty of water, and don’t forget the sunblock! If you are heading to the beach, bring an umbrella!
• If you are sitting at a desk in a hot office and have the option, consider soaking your feet in some ice water while you work. This will cool your blood and help keep you slightly more comfortable
• Soak a t-shirt in cold water, wring it out, and put it on. The coolness can last an hour or more. If you wear it near a fan you can get some added cooling action.
• Have a soak in the Lake or River, or even a cold shower or bath. Once you start to feel a bit cold, hop out and enjoy the lasting benefits.
• In your house, consider moving to the basement (if you have one). It will likely be noticeably cooler.
• Keep your window blinds closed. This will block the sun, and reduce the heading effect inside your home. In extreme cases you can put cardboard with aluminum foil over it in the windows to help reflect more of the heat.
• Watch what you eat! Try sandwiches, or other cold foods. Do not turn your stove on! If you have to cook, consider using your BBQ.
• Turn off other electrical appliances. Your TV and Stereo give off heat, and its enough to significantly warm up a small room. Turn off all the lights, your computer, and any other electrical device that puts out heat.
• Stick cups of ice in front of a fan. While not as cooling as an A/C unit, you will feel a difference.
• Get naked! Okay, for most situations this wont work, not sure your boss would approve, or even your friendly neighborhood Walmart cashier, but if your somewhere private and need to cool down, it will help

CLICK INFOGRAPHIC FOR FULL SIZE VIEW

Comox Glacier to Melt in 20 Years:  Source Canada.com

Population Statistics, Area Size, Parks & Managed Trails: Source Comox Valley Regional District Website

Acres of protected forest in Cumberland: Source Cumberland Community Forest Society

Rain & Weather Statistics: Source Environment Canada

These seals feed on both returning adult salmon as well as the juvenile salmon on their way out to the ocean. These seals could consume more than 3 million young salmon, and  as much as 35% of the returning stocks.

Ottawa has not yet approved a seal cull, but the Puntledge River Hatchery is hoping this will change soon.

Do you agree with a possible seal cull? Please cast your vote in our unofficial poll!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Originally opened by Dr. J. Blake Cameron, Bayview Chiropractic was recently taken over by Dr Debbie Wright in September of 2009. Debbie moved from Vancouver to Courtenay to adopt the valley lifestyle and enjoy all the valley had to offer. She was a perfect fit to continue the high level of care expected by Dr. Cameron’s patients, and to bring new treatments and ideas fueled by her sports background.

Debbie is currently the Secretary for the Comox Rotary and helps to support many local causes. Various local fundraisers are sponsored by Debbie and Bayview Chiropractic including Ducky 500 race, local Masters swimming and ultimate frisbee through Comox Valley Sport and Social Club.

Dr. Debbie Wright obtained her Bachelors of Science (Kinesiology) at Simon Fraser University, where she was a member of the Varsity Swimming team.  She then attended and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto before returning to BC to work in Vancouver and subsequently Courtenay.

Dr. Wright is currently serving a three-year term as Vice President on the BC Chiropractic Association Board of Directors. She is also Chair of the ICBC Committee and is responsible for liaising between the profession and ICBC.

In practice, Dr. Wright combines soft tissue therapy, Kinesiotaping, Laser Therapy and traditional chiropractic adjustments to improve the function and health of her patients.

She supplies comprehensive treatment in-office, and provides home stretching and strengthening exercises in order to maintain improvements and prevent the re-occurrence of injuries.

In her spare time, she enjoys ultimate frisbee, swimming and snowboarding.

You can learn more at www.bayviewchiro.ca or at their blog, www.comoxvalleychiropractor.com.

Bayview Chiropractic
Dr. Debbie Wright

544 4th Street, Courtenay

250-334-4844

www.bayviewchiro.cawww.comoxvalleychiropractor.com
drdebbie@bayviewchiro.ca

Hours of operation
Monday – Friday, 9-5

Here is the complete performance schedule for Summer 2010.

June 27: Canada Jam Battle of the Bands
July 4: Mama Let Him Play
July 11: Musicfest (no concert)
July 18: Celtic Heritage
July 25: Fiddling Around
August 1: Nautical Days (no concert)
August 8: BBQ Cookoff – Various Entertainers
August 15: The Songsmith
August 22: Jazz in the Park
August 29: Blue’s Legends
Sept 5: A Trio of Duos

Thanks for Cathy for writing in and pointing out that we did not yet have the 2010 schedule posted on the site! If you are looking for any other event schedules or Comox Valley information, please contact us and let know and we will get it posted right away!

NOTE: If you have come across this blog post and it is no longer 2010, be sure to check out or Simms Park Summer Concert Series Page for the current years schedule.

We have posted the updated 2010 Canada Day Schedule, so be sure to check it out for all the events of the day!

This year the parade is expected to be about 50% larger than last year as there has been a large increase in parade entry submission! Don’t miss the fun!

If you take any great photos and want to share them at Comox Valley Guide, let us know – we will put some up and give you full credit! You might even end up featured on our home page!

Have a safe and fun Canada Day everyone!

The free swims will begin tomorrow, Saturday, July 3rd and run through to Saturday, August 21st from 1-4:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome on a first come, first served basis restricted only by pool bathing load capacity. The wave pool, slides, sauna and hot tub will be open as will the fitness centre.

“It is our goal to establish closer relationships with companies, businesses and organizations which will provide greater aquatic recreational opportunities within the Comox Valley and increase the profile of our sponsors,” said Sheila Van Nus, the CVRD’s marketing specialist. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Canadian Western Bank to enhance its corporate image and share likeminded values such as health, wellness, accessibility and community spirit.”

For more information on the ‘Free Saturday Swim Program’, or for information on the Comox Valley sports and aquatic centre schedules and programs visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca.