CIVL Radio invites you to RSVP for the premiere of ‘COUNTERCULTURE: 20 Years of CIVL Radio in the Fraser Valley’ on Saturday, April 5th at CEP Chilliwack, as part of UFV’s 50th anniversary alumni weekend. 

Film Logline: University students in the early 2000s begin broadcasting countercultural programming from a scrappy, campus radio station in B.C.’s conservative Fraser Valley – sparking a new era of arts, culture, thought and community in the region. 

Starting at 12 pm on April 5th, CIVL staff, volunteers and board invite you to join us in Chilliwack at UFV’s CEP campus, kiddie corner from the brand new repeater tower awaiting approval to broadcast permanently at 92.3 FM in Chilliwack. Refreshments, musical performances and a panel discussion hosted by filmmaker/journalist Kier Junos, funded by UFV 50, will be part of the celebration, as we showcase the development of Canada’s youngest campus radio station, first incorporated as a BC Non-Profit Society in June 2005. 

CIVL Executive Director Aaron Levy: “Scholarly research, publications and promotional initiatives have endeavoured to illuminate the work of campus radio for decades, but this feature documentary aims to be the first comprehensively documenting the context, impact and importance of 40+ years of community and campus radio in Canada, through the lens of Fraser Valley residents and UFV students’ contributions as the youngest campus on FM nationwide.” 

This documentary explores the history of Abbotsford’s local DIY punk music community, it’s struggle to support local arts and culture, and to provide outlets and engagement for youth and students in the area, going back to a time before the Abbotsford Centre was a hockey arena; before UCFV became UFV; and before there was campus radio in the Fraser Valley. Through the voices of CIVL founders, board members, UFV professors, local musicians, former CIVL staff and volunteers, as well as campus and community radio personnel from all across Canada, this documentary aims to shine a light on the need for media literacy, accessibility, community engagement, mentorship, freedom of expression, and the challenge of being a small grassroots group in the midst of massive institutions in the 21st century. 

CIVL’s 20th anniversary documentary project was initiated as a Community Radio Fund of Canada Radiometres grant in 2020 for $50,000, with the goal of documenting the successes, struggles, unique position, and history of UFV’s Campus and Community Radio Society, on the eve of expanding its FM service to Chilliwack, and has been evolving as work continues towards that goal. To date, CIVL has invested approximately $75,000 towards the doc. 
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Finally, while CIVL’s final CRTC approval for 92.3 FM remains forthcoming at this time (stay tuned for updates), after ISED approval in ‘24, the April 5th celebration will also launch acceptance of submissions for the 10th annual Fraser Valley Music Awards at fvma.civl.ca 

A new creative hub is coming to downtown Mission! Earth & Ember, a pottery studio and art collective, is thrilled to announce its grand opening on Saturday, March 29th, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The event will take place inside the studio’s charming courtyard location in the heart of downtown Mission, offering a day full of artistic celebration, community connection, and hands-on experiences.

The grand opening will feature an artisan market, showcasing talented local artists and makers, delicious offerings from local food vendors, and interactive experiences such as pottery painting. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the studio, meet the artists, and learn more about the collective’s mission to support and inspire creativity within the community. 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce, will take place at 12:30 PM, marking the official launch of Earth & Ember as a cornerstone for art and culture in Mission. 

In addition to the festivities, Earth & Ember will be accepting resumes at the event for individuals interested in joining the collective. The studio is looking for passionate art enthusiasts to contribute to the space, with available work hours from Thursdays to Sundays, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. 

“We’re so excited to open our doors and invite the community into this creative space,” said Kirsten Cheyne, founder of Earth & Ember. “Our goal is to cultivate an environment where artists and art lovers can come together to create, collaborate, and share their passion for handmade craftsmanship.” 

The grand opening event is free and open to the public, making it the perfect opportunity for art enthusiasts, families, and community members to experience the vibrant energy of Earth & Ember. 
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For more information about Earth & Ember, find them on social media @earth.and.ember.co or visit them at 33261 1st Avenue, in the courtyard between Bee Thai and Magnolias on Main. 

Mission Community Services Society (MCSS) has announced the opening of a new supportive housing facility at Hurd St., featuring 50 bachelor units with kitchenettes. Residents have begun moving in, and all vacancies are expected to be filled by April. The Hurd St. supportive housing site provides a safe and stable environment for individuals in need, offering access to on-site supports such as health services, enhanced care for 12 residents, group activities, and connections to community resources. Funded by BC Housing and the Ministry of Health, through Fraser Health for enhanced care services, these homes play a vital role in addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable members of the Mission community.

The City of Mission has played a key role in this initiative, collaborating with MCSS and other agencies to bring the project to fruition. Mayor Paul Horn expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It is exciting to see this project finally come to life and make a difference in the lives of real people. It has been a long process, but we have learned a great deal and are very grateful to Mission Community Services Society for their partnership. We look forward to building on the work here to provide more affordable and supportive housing in our community."

Access to the supportive housing units is managed through the Coordinated Access and Assessment (CAA) Table, which includes representatives from BC Housing, Fraser Health, local service providers, and community agencies. The CAA Table meets regularly to review applications and assign applicants to available units through a collaborative selection process involving housing providers and referring partners.
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For assistance with applications, individuals can contact the MCSS Outreach team at 604-302-5767 or visit the MCSS office at #300-32618 Logan Ave, Mission, BC.

A heartfelt fundraiser has been launched to support Josh Kleskovic, a devoted husband and father of two young daughters, who is courageously battling stage 4 Adenocarcinoma. Diagnosed in December 2024 after months of medical investigations, Josh is now undergoing chemotherapy while exploring further treatment options to combat the cancer, which has spread to his colon and liver.

The fundraiser, organized by his close friend Stuart, aims to provide financial relief for Josh’s family and cover the costs of treatments not available in Canada. One promising option is Histotripsy, a non-invasive procedure using ultrasound waves to break down cancerous tissue, allowing the body to naturally eliminate it. While Histotripsy has shown success in treating liver cancer, it remains inaccessible under BC’s medical coverage and can be extremely costly.

“This fundraiser is meant to enable Josh to pursue these treatments without jeopardizing his family’s financial future,” says Stuart. “Josh has always been a picture of health, and this diagnosis has been a devastating shock to all of us.”

Josh’s loving wife and their daughters, ages 2 and 5, remain his biggest supporters. The community is coming together to help ensure that he has access to the best possible care and treatment options.

How to Help: Community members wishing to contribute can visit the fundraiser page to donate and share words of encouragement. Every contribution brings Josh closer to accessing the treatment he needs.
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For updates on Josh’s journey and to offer your support, please visit the official fundraiser page at Enable Josh to Get the Help He Needs.