To the non-human residents of the Breakwater—greetings from above! To the anemones swaying in tidal rhythm, the barnacles gripping stone, and the starfish lounging like living art—you’ve claimed the spaces between the massive concrete blocks.

Snorkelers float above, scanning for signs of your world. They surface grinning, water streaming from their masks: “Did you see that?” “I think it was an octopus den!” We come for a glimpse, drawn by curiosity, excitement, and awe.

But we know this place is yours. The Breakwater may be human-built, but it’s your home now—wild, alive, and full of quiet stories. Thank you for letting us visit your homes, even if only for a moment.

The story of Fernwood’s iconic telephone poles is a story about the tension between safety and placemaking.

The tradition began in 2008, with a local artist and activist, Beth Threfall. Inspired by the ‘intersection repair’ movement, which used pubic are to foster community and a sense of place, she started painting the poles in Fernwood. The small project grew into the annual Pole Painting Day, with free paint salvaged from the Hartland Landfill.

After 11 years, BC Hydro issued a province-wide ban on painted telephone poles, citing safety concerns - painted poles were more prone to rot and made it harder for workers to assess damage.