Darlene Olesko

Building Knowledge

The strong sense of community, do-it-yourself spirit and, of course, natural beauty, drew Darlene Olesko to Lasqueti Island – her home for the past 52 years. The island is an off-grid haven in the Strait of Georgia, a breezy passenger-only ferry ride from French Creek near Parksville. Friends and neighbours banded together to help Darlene build her light-filled home, where she still lives today.

“It was like a house-raising from the old days,” says Darlene. “That was an era when so many people came here - the Accidental Eden era, I call it. It was a big adventure for us to build our own houses and to be independent of the power systems provided by large companies.”

Six solar panels power her house, as well as a Honda generator during the dark autumn months before Darlene heads to Mexico for the winter. She likes to pass the time creating art and playing her guitar, either on her own or jamming with friends. She doesn’t have much time for television aside from Knowledge, which she streams on her laptop. 

“Knowledge brings the world into my home,” says Darlene, who enjoys watching shows about other countries and cultures. She also appreciates the fact that, as BC’s public broadcaster, Knowledge reflects local experiences and stories. Darlene became a Knowledge Partner almost a decade ago, choosing to join because she wanted to “swell the ranks” and become part of the larger community supporting Knowledge.

“Every little bit helps,” she says. “If you appreciate something, if you see that an effort is being put forth that helps us to prosper intellectually and artistically and in terms of information about world affairs, then I would say support that effort. It’s a very small price to pay for the wonderful programming on Knowledge.”