Comox, British Columbia
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The Town of Comox, British Columbia is located on the eastern side of Vancouver Island in what is known as the Comox Valley. Comox, only in recent years, gained the population required to hold the status of city, although it is still technically a town. Its population, at this time, is well past the 20,000 mark (a feat only managed within the past 10 years).
Comox has a population of approximately 12,200 people, and is home to Canadian Forces Base 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.
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 it's held in. 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, a 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.
Culture
The native culture of Comox, though diminished from times past, is still very active. On the reserve (located on the dyke road), some descendants of the original native people still live there, and hold many events that are reflective of their culture and for the most part, non native locals are welcome to come and reflect on the custure of the peoples who inhabited Komox so many years ago. Outside of the native population, Comox is a conglomeration of culture and multi culteral celebrations. Perhaps the most famous festival, would be 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 Mt. Washington in Courtenay).
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
Primarily English, though the schools almost all have the option of French language learning. All other languages comprise less than 1% of the spoken language.
Education
Comox is home to multiple elementary and secondary school. Elementary schools include: Village Park Elementary, Brooklyn Elementary, Comox Elementary, etc. Secondary schools include: Robb Road Jr. and Highland Senior Secondary. 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.
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