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Comox is a town located on the eastern side of Vancouver Island, British Columbia in the Comox Valley. Comox has a population of approximately 12,200 peopleComox Community Profile - Statistics Canada. 2002. 2001 Community Profiles. Released June 27, 2002. Last modified: 2005-11-30. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 93F0053XIE. and is home to the Canadian air force base CFB Comox and HMCS Quadra.
The town shares the Comox Valley with the City of Courtenay, the Village of Cumberland, and the unincorporated settlements of Royston, Union Bay, Fanny Bay, Black Creek and Merville. The valley's population is currently well past the 30,000 mark, and has experienced a recent period of sustained growth.
Comox is known for being home of the Lorne Hotel, the oldest licensed establishment in British Columbia, and for the Filberg Festival, an annual summertime arts and crafts extravaganza named for the residential park where it's held. Coinciding with the Filberg Festival in early August are the 'Nautical Days' celebrations in Comox Marina Park (a landfill waterfront park), boasting a parade, a classic car show, an amateur boatbuilding competition and live music performances.
Comox is one of the past hometowns of actress Pamela Anderson-Lee, previously of Baywatch fame. The town is also the hometown of many National Hockey League stars, including Cam Neely and Brett MacLean, and of locally-known radio host Red Robinson, as well as the birthplace of squash legend Jonathon Power.
Culture
The native culture of the Comox people is still very active. Descendants of the original native people still live on the local Reservation, and hold many events that are reflective of their culture. For the most part, non-native locals are welcome to come and reflect on the culture of the peoples who originally inhabited Comox many years ago.
Outside of the native population, Comox is a center of culture and multi cultural celebrations. Perhaps the most famous festival is the Filberg Festival, held annually within the first week of August. This attraction is one of the largest tourist events within the Valley (next to the skiing attraction of the nearby Mount Washington Alpine Resort).
Other than events based on history, nationality, etc, the Comox Valley is alive with events in the theatre. The Sid Williams Theatre located in downtown Courtenay always has something to offer from the local talent, from the Courtenay Little Theatre to Rainbow Youth Theatre, as well as travelling acts.
Language
The area's language is primarily English, though many local schools offer French immersion programs. All other languages comprise less than 1% of the spoken language.
Education
Comox is home to multiple elementary and secondary schools offering both English and French immersion programs.
The following is a list of Comox's public schools School District 71 Comox Valley
Elementary Schools:
- Village Park Elementary
- Brooklyn Elementary
- Comox Elementary
- Airport Elementary
- Ecole Robb Road Elementary (English+French)
Middle Schools:
- Ecole Aspen Park Middle School (English+French)
- Cape Lazo Middle School
- Cumberland Junior Middle School
- Lake Trail Middle School
Secondary School:
- Ecole Highland Secondary School (English+French)
Post-Education:
- The Comox Valley is also home to the North Island College, which offers a variety of courses to those wishing to further their education, but stay close to home.
Communication
- Comox Valley Record Comox Valley Record
- Comox Valley Echo
- Totem Times
Radio
- 98.9 Jet FM Coast RadioCoast Radio
- Central Island Broadcasting EAGLE 97.3FM (CKLR) Eagle FM
Television
- Shaw Communications Cable 10
Internet Service Providers
Internet Service Providers in CommoxISP in Commox: Shaw, Telus, Island Internet, Uniserve- Shaw Internet
- Telus Internet Services
- Island Internet, now owned by Uniserve.com
- Uniserve
See also
- Comox people - the Comox native people
References
External links
"Comox, British Columbia"