Comox

Comox is a town of around 12,000 people located on Vancouver Island's eastern coast. Located on a small peninsula in the Georgia Strait, Comox lies 220 km or 137 miles north of Victoria and 107 km or 66 miles north of Nanaimo.

The name Comox originates from the First Nations people who settled there thousands of years ago. They named the region kw'umuxws that is Coast Salish for plentiful. The Kwakwla Indian word of Komuckway translates to Place of Plenty. This was a reference to the abundant berries and game within the Comox Valley. The European settlers changed the name to Komoux and eventually Comox.

The warm and dry summers, abundant sea life, fertile soil, along with mild wintertimes first attracted the people to call the area home. During the mid 19th century, the location was opened for settlement and it rapidly attracted farmers, a fishing industry, as well as a lumber industry. The village remained secluded for more than 50 years. It was only accessible to the outside world by ship until during WWI. At that time, a railway and roads were constructed within the area.

The Comox Valley contained half of the agricultural land on Vancouver Island. By the turn of the 21st century, the jobs started moving away from resource based industries like for example logging and fishing. At that time, the biggest companies were St. Joseph Hospital, the local school board, Mount Washington Alpine Resort and CFB 19 Wing Comox.

The Port of Comox was established in the mid-1800's on the slopes of the Comox Peninsula. This port overlooked the Comox Harbour, that at the time was called Port Augusta. This was an important and well-known port used for the ships of the Royal Navy and transport streamers.

There are miles of sandy shoreline both south and north of the this coastal town. This quaint seaside town has welcomed the existence of the Canadian Forces Air Base nearby. The region has likewise experienced a recent influx of arrivals as many individuals are deciding to settle in the Vancouver Island's southern area.

When traveling up island toward Campbell River through the Comox Valley, there are some stunning glaciers and peaks of Vancouver Island's ranges which are visible. Some of the more well-known views consist of Mount Washington, Comox Glacier and the Forbidden Plateau. It is a serene drive because the highway sweeps past some farmlands which are well-kept.

With such a moderate weather condition and the abundance of year round recreational activities like for instance swimming and sailing and golfing, as well as the nearby amenities, Comox certainly lives up to its name.

Ever since the year 1942, the Canadian Forces Base has been used as a Royal Air Force base and has become an important part of the community. CFB Comox has supported the community throughout its time there and has helped shape the city into its present form. CFB Comox's major responsibilities consist of Search and rescue operations, maritime patrols, and naval and air force defense operations. In addition to the different parts the base plays for British Columbia, Canada and the community, CFB routinely supplies volunteers and equipment each and every time they are considered necessary.