VIRL hosted Radio-Canada
November 9, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VIRL hosted Radio-Canada for a unique journalistic residency at the Courtenay branch
Courtenay, BC – Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) hosted Radio-Canada’s Écho local at its Courtenay branch from November 2 to 6. The French-language journalism project brought videojournalist Mélinda Trochu into the community to meet residents and hear their story ideas.
As part of the CBC/Radio-Canada Collab initiative, Écho local helps bring local stories to a wider audience. Stories developed during the journalistic residency will share community perspectives province-wide on Radio-Canada television, radio, web and mobile platforms.
“The library is a place where people come together and share what matters to them. We were happy to welcome Radio-Canada to our branch and give local voices an opportunity to reach audiences across the province,” said Allison Trumble, Library Manager of VIRL’s Courtenay branch.
As part of the residency, Radio-Canada journalist Yann Lacoste visited students at École au Coeur de L’Íle in Comox and Mark Isfeld school in Courtenay to lead interactive workshops on disinformation. The workshops invited students to think critically about information, distinguish fact from fiction and learn more about how journalism works.
Community members were invited to meet Mélinda Trochu at the Courtenay branch during the residency week.
Learn more about the Courtenay branch, including hours and location, at https://virl.bc.ca/branches/courtenay.
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About Vancouver Island Regional Library
As a regional system, Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) covers a vast geographic area, from Sooke and Sidney in the south to Port Hardy, Haida Gwaii and the Central Coast. Our libraries serve a mix of urban, rural, and remote communities across more than 42,000 square kilometres – working together to deliver exemplary services. These services include free access to dynamic programming and events, bookable meeting rooms, and 39 branches that are essential spaces in communities large and small. VIRL has the third-largest public library collection in BC, featuring downloadable e-books, audiobooks, digital news, streaming services, children’s materials, and much more.
VIRL Media Contact
Natasha Bartlett, Assistant Director of Marketing & Development
250.327.3114
nbartlett@virl.bc.ca
