It’s not just big cities where public safety is a concern. In the Cowichan Valley, for example, there’s an area surrounding the Trans-Canada Highway where some residents and business owners say crime, drug use, and street disorder mean they don’t feel safe in their own community. It’s in the region’s urban core, where North Cowichan, Duncan, and Cowichan Tribes land meet. On this episode we talk to some of those people, as well as to those working to try and change things. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Want to hear some good news out of the Cowichan Valley? Check out these stories: Fresh Vancouver Island food delivered straight to your doorstep This native plant nursery will bring traditional foods and medicines to the Cowichan Valley

A Victoria small business owner just got her first tariff bill. But even with the $1200 hit, she’s reluctant to stop importing products from her customers in the U.S. She says she’s worked hard to fill her shop with quality goods made by small businesses she believes in - and while many of those are Canadian, some happen to be in the United States. On this episode, we hear from the owner of Luna Collective about the tough decisions people like her have to face amidst the trade war, and what she hopes islanders will consider when they’re deciding where to shop.

This month marks the 34 years since 4-year-old Michael Dunahee disappeared from a Victoria playground. It’s arguably the most well-known missing person case from the island, but it’s far from the only one. Laura Palmer produces “Island Crime,” a podcast that investigates true crime from our region, and she’s our guest this week. We talk about some of the cases she digs into, but also about how families and police feel about her work, and why she thinks some cases get more attention than others.