Why I Started Van Island News: A New Voice for Vancouver Island

Living here on Vancouver Island, I've always felt that our community deserved more local coverage — stories that are ours, not just headlines from somewhere else. Whether it's the latest developments in Courtenay, the environmental challenges facing our coastal communities, or the incredible local events that bring us together, there's so much happening right here that deserves to be told.

That's why I started Van Island News.

What Van Island News Is About

This site is dedicated to bringing you the latest local news with honesty and transparency. We're focusing on the issues that truly matter to Vancouver Island residents:

• Environment & Conservation: From old-growth forest protection to marine life preservation
• Community Stories: The people, events, and initiatives that make our island special
• Local Governance: What's happening in our cities and towns that affects our daily lives
• Events & Culture: The festivals, markets, and gatherings that bring our communities together
• Economic Development: How our local businesses and industries are evolving

Most importantly, we're committed to being an independent, authentic voice for Vancouver Island. No corporate agenda, no outside influence — just honest reporting about the place we call home.

Why This Matters

You might be wondering why we need another news source. The truth is, while we have some great local outlets, there are gaps in coverage that leave important stories untold. Being community-based allows us to spotlight stories that bigger outlets might overlook — the small victories, the local heroes, the issues that matter most to our neighbors.

When you live in a place as special as Vancouver Island, you develop a deep connection to its stories. You know the names, you've walked the trails, you've felt the ocean breeze. That connection should be reflected in the news we consume.

Our Approach

Van Island News will combine traditional reporting with firsthand accounts, local photography, and community voices. We'll be transparent about our sources, honest about what we know and don't know, and committed to accuracy above all else.

For now, it's just me — one writer with a passion for this island and its people. But what we lack in size, we make up for in dedication, consistency, and a genuine love for this community. As we grow, we hope to bring more voices and perspectives to the table.

Join Us

This is just the beginning. I invite you to bookmark Van Island News, share our stories with your neighbors, and most importantly, send us your tips and story ideas. Have something happening in your community that deserves attention? Know about an upcoming event that should be on everyone's radar?

Send us your tips at: tips@vanislandnews.ca

Together, we can build a news source that truly reflects the spirit, challenges, and triumphs of Vancouver Island. This is our home, and these are our stories. Let's tell them well.

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Van Island News is committed to independent, community-focused journalism. We believe in the power of local news to inform, connect, and strengthen our island communities.