• 1 arrested, released in Kelowna after alleged Lower Mainland kidnapping

    1 arrested, released in Kelowna after alleged Lower Mainland kidnapping
    A person who is not believed to be involved in criminal activity was allegedly kidnapped from the Lower Mainland and taken to Kelowna to reportedly “exert pressure on an associate.”
    The individual told police they were being held against their will at a Kelowna residence before they managed to escape and call Kelowna RCMP on Sept. 28.
    Mounties arrived on scene at about 11:30 p.m. after a report of suspicious circumstances in the 400-block of Sands Court, where officers discovered an
  • Kelowna man faces life sentence for 2023 murder, parole eligibility to be decided

    Kelowna man faces life sentence for 2023 murder, parole eligibility to be decided
    This article discusses intimate partner violence and may be triggering to some readers. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse contact the Kelowna Women’s Shelter 24/7 support line at 250-763-1040 or text 236-970-0704. In an emergency, call 911.A Kelowna man will spend life behind bars for the murder, however, it’s yet to be decided when he could be eligible for parole.
    Brandon Davina appeared in a Kelowna Supreme Court on Friday, Oct. 2, to be sentenced for the
  • ‘An investment B.C. has to make’: Conservatives aim to increase wildfire protection

    ‘An investment B.C. has to make’: Conservatives aim to increase wildfire protection
    The B.C. Conservatives are pledging to expand the province’s wildfire-fighting arsenal, saying the plan would largely pay for itself.
    Interim Leader Lorne Doerkson and Penticton-Summerland candidate Tracy St. Claire met Faulder resident Joel Patan at his burned-out family home on Oct. 2.
    The house and the surrounding area were destroyed by the Bald Range wildfire that erupted on Aug. 7.
    “At 5:25 that evening, my neighbour texted me that there was a fire about 11 kilometres west of us
  • Gail Hall (nee Matte)

    Gail Hall (nee Matte)
    I MISS YOU SISTER
    In Loving Memory ~
    May 9, 1950 – September 28, 2025
    I thought of you with love today But that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday And days before that too.
    I think of you in silence
    I often speak your name All I have are memories And your picture in a frame. Your memory is my keepsake With which I’ll never part God has you in His keeping I have you in my heart.
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  • Eby announces B.C. grocery ‘price guard’ during Kelowna visit

    Eby announces B.C. grocery ‘price guard’ during Kelowna visit
    Campaigning ahead of the 2026 snap provincial election, B.C. NDP Leader David Eby promised an NDP government would provide “price guards” on grocery essentials.The “price guard” on groceries he announced on Friday (Oct. 2) in front of the Kane Road Save-On-Foods in Kelowna would cap profit margins on essentials like milk, eggs, cheese, butter, and poultry as well as protect independent grocers.
    He said a B.C. family of four is spending more than $17,500 on groceries each
  • B.C. Conservatives, NDP in tight election race, polling suggests

    B.C. Conservatives, NDP in tight election race, polling suggests
    Recent polling indicates a tight race between the B.C. Conservatives and the B.C. NDP three weeks ahead of the provincial election, while suggesting marginal support for the BC Greens, CentreBC and OneBC.A survey of recent polling paints a picture of a two-horse race, with the Conservatives and NDP within a few percentage points of one another, and different polls indicating a different marginal frontrunner.An online poll conducted by Innovative Research Group from Sept. 25 to 28 found 41 per ce
  • Nanaimo Aquatic Centre reopens Oct. 5

    Nanaimo Aquatic Centre reopens Oct. 5
    Get your swimming gear on as the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre is set to reopen on Monday, Oct. 5, after the facility underwent $13.7-million in upgrades and renovations over the summer months.
    The project’s budget includes $3.9 million in provincial and federal government funding, with City of Nanaimo contributing the rest.
    During the summer, the municipality completed significant work throughout the facility, including the installation of a new interactive and accessible water feature, replacem
  • B.C. Greens release food production, toxic drug crisis policies

    B.C. Greens release food production, toxic drug crisis policies
    The B.C. Greens have released two more party platforms around support for local food production and farmers and its toxic drug policy.
    Leader Emily Lowan made the two separate announcements in Greater Victoria Thursday (Oct. 1), alongside former B.C. chief coroner Lisa Lapointe, the party’s candidate for Saanich South.
    Lapointe will be going up against NDP candidate Richard Zussman, a former journalist, and Conservative Cathie Ounsted. The seat was held by Lana Popham, who was first electe
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  • Headline history: Reminiscing about the 2008 Nanaimo municipal election

    Headline history: Reminiscing about the 2008 Nanaimo municipal election
    Four mayoral choices will be on the ballot when voters in the City of Nanaimo head to the polling stations in the next two weeks, just like 18 years ago.
    Leonard Krog (incumbent), Brunie Brunie, Anne Marie Dryden and Sarah Lovegrove are all vying to be mayor, similar to 2008, when four other people sought the mayorship.
    Back then, Gary Korpan (incumbent) sought another term as mayor, with John Ruttan, Diane Brennan and Larry Iwaskow also on the ballot. When the votes were counted, Korpan receive
  • B.C. Greens propose AI data centre moratorium, greater oversight

    B.C. Greens propose AI data centre moratorium, greater oversight
    The B.C. Greens are proposing a province-wide moratorium on artificial intelligence data centres and new safeguards for AI use in schools, workplaces and online platforms.
    Party leader Emily Lowan announced the proposals in Victoria, as part of the Greens’ AI and technology platform, which calls for greater oversight of the technology’s effects on public safety, privacy, workers and the environment.
    The proposed moratorium would pause the construction and operation of AI data centres
  • VIDEO: Five men face extortion, gun, explosives charges in Langley/Surrey case

    VIDEO: Five men face extortion, gun, explosives charges in Langley/Surrey case
    Authorities arrested one man as he came off the plane at Pearson Interntional Airport and four others in Surrey in the ongoing fight against extortions in Canada.
    Langley RCMP led a 16-month investigation called Project E_PURSUANCE after hearing from the co-owners of an auto dealership, who were victims of significant extortion demands. This was followed by two targeted attacks on the business involving arson and shootings, at their Surrey and Langley locations in summer 2025.
    “The project
  • NDP calls for Conservatives to drop Chilliwack candidate over LGBTQ+ remarks

    NDP calls for Conservatives to drop Chilliwack candidate over LGBTQ+ remarks
    The B.C. NDP is once again calling on the B.C. Conservatives to drop a candidate over previous remarks ahead of Saturday’s deadline.
    Vancouver-West End NDP incumbent Spencer Chandra Herbert called on Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson Friday to drop Chilliwack North incumbent Conservative candidate Heather Maahs over her comments about LGBTQ+ people and conflating it with grooming and pedophilia.
    “Heather Maahs, as a B.C. Conservative candidate, has been clear in her hatred, her name
  • Underwater demolition training to take place in waters off Metchosin in October

    Underwater demolition training to take place in waters off Metchosin in October
    Residents and visitors are being warned to expect to see military personnel, boats and other military assets in the area of Whirl Bay, off Metchosin, throughout October.
    According to the Royal Canadian Navy and Maritime Forces Pacific, the underwater demolition range at Whirl Bay will be active from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 1 to 2, 5 to 9, 13-16 and the 19 to 22.Whirl Bay, on the south shore of Rocky Point, is bordered by Pedder Bay to the northeast, Race Passage to the south, and Beecher Bay to
  • Polling stations in Nanaimo opening for early voting in 2026 municipal election

    Polling stations in Nanaimo opening for early voting in 2026 municipal election
    Nanaimo electors will have two chances to get a jump on voting in the B.C. municipal election.
    General voting day, for Nanaimo city council, Regional District of Nanaimo electoral area directors and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools’ trustees, is on Oct. 17, but there will be two advance voting opportunities, the City of Nanaimo said in a press release.
    The first opportunity is on Wednesday, Oct. 7 and the second on Wednesday, Oct. 14 with both taking place at Beban Social Centre (2300 Bowe
  • Car found in Kootenay River with human remains linked to 2004 disappearance

    Car found in Kootenay River with human remains linked to 2004 disappearance
    A vehicle containing human remains has been recovered from the Kootenay River as part of the investigation into the disappearance of a Creston-area man more than 22 years ago.
    Creston RCMP said Friday the vehicle is believed to be connected to George Franklin Davis, who was reported missing from the Creston area in July 2004.
    At the time of his disappearance, Davis was reported to have left a residence in the 1300 block of Channel Road to get cigarettes.
    Davis, who was 40 at the time, was last s
  • Trial for man accused of killing B.C. woman Tori Dunn set to start Monday

    Trial for man accused of killing B.C. woman Tori Dunn set to start Monday
    The trial for the man accused of murdering Surrey’s Tori Dunn is set to start Monday morning in New Westminster Supreme Court.Jury selection for the second-degree murder trial of Adam Mann is set to start on Saturday (Oct. 3) morning in courtroom 209, while the trial is set to commence on Monday (Oct. 5) at 10 a.m. before B.C. Supreme Court Justice Terence Shultes.The trial is expected to last about three weeks.
    Dunn, 30, was found with life-threatening injuries after what her family repor
  • Cougar suspected in 36 livestock killings on Vancouver Island

    Cougar suspected in 36 livestock killings on Vancouver Island
    Farmers are calling for more action from the BC Conservation Officer Service after one or more cougars is believed to have preyed on more than 30 livestock animals in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area.
    Most recently, three geese were killed on Billy Jolicoeur and Garrett Jolicoeur’s farm on Garden Road in Qualicum Beach the evening of Sept. 28.
    “One was eaten in place,” said Garrett, and added the cougar has been back for the past two nights, based on distinctive “chirpi
  • Man attacked by black bear in Castlegar

    Man attacked by black bear in Castlegar
    Conservation officers are investigating a black bear attack that happened in Castlegar Sept. 28.
    According to the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS), a man was sitting outside his home around 8:30 p.m. when he was bitten by a bear.
    The man’s injuries were not life-threatening.
    Conservation officers interviewed the victim and attended the site as part of their investigation.
    Due to public safety concerns, trapping efforts are now underway to capture the offending bear.
    BCCOS says any b
  • Morning landslide in Campbell River; no injuries reported

    Morning landslide in Campbell River; no injuries reported
    The City of Campbell River has received a report about a possible landslide near the condominium building at 350 South Island Highway at 6:06 a.m., Oct. 2.
    No injuries have been reported, and the fire department attended the site to assess the situation. Condominium residents did not have to be evacuated.
    “Cleanup of the affected area is underway, primarily within the property’s parking area adjacent to the slope. The City will continue to monitor the site, and further assessment of
  • RCMP warn Vancouver Islanders of ‘bait and switch’ free mobile phone scam

    RCMP warn Vancouver Islanders of ‘bait and switch’ free mobile phone scam
    West Shore RCMP is warning residents about a multi-step “bait and switch” scam offering folks a free mobile phone.
    The detachment says they have received reports of individuals posing as telecommunications staff contacting residents to inform them they are eligible for a free device.
    After being encouraged to order the device, the mobile phone is then delivered to the victim’s home.
    “However, shortly after the phone arrives, the scammers contact the victim again, claiming
  • Rainbow Gatherings to screen award winning documentary the 1950s Pride movement in Comox

    Rainbow Gatherings to screen award winning documentary the 1950s Pride movement in Comox
    Rainbow Gatherings has scheduled a community screening of the documentary Parade: Queer Acts of Love & Resistance on Oct. 16 at the Bayside Bistro.
    “This film is a bold and unflinching documentary that charts the rise of Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ rights movement through powerful first-person testimony and rarely seen archival footage,” said a press release from Rainbow Gatherings. “From drag shows and community organizing to police raids and protests on Parliament Hill, the
  • Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools gaining ‘traction’ in bid for new NDSS, says chair

    Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools gaining ‘traction’ in bid for new NDSS, says chair
    While their terms are drawing to a close, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools trustees are continuing to push provincial officials for a new Nanaimo District Secondary School.
    A recent staff report stated the school district has prioritized asking the B.C. government for a replacement of the 74-year-old high school, putting it at the top of its most recent capital plan submission to the B.C. Ministry of Infrastructure.
    At a Sept, 23 board meeting, Leanne Lee, school board chairperson, said the dist
  • McDavid tallies 5 points as Oilers hang on for 9-7 win over Vancouver Canucks

    McDavid tallies 5 points as Oilers hang on for 9-7 win over Vancouver Canucks
    It was reminscent of an old Smythe Division shootout.
    Two nights after a surprising 6-5 season-opening loss at home, the Edmonton Oilers gained a measure of revenge, dumping the host Vancouver Canucks 9-7 when the teams met again Thursday at Rogers Arena.
    Connor McDavid had a goal and four assists for Edmonton (1-0-1). Leon Draisaitl added two goals, while Trent Frederic, Kasperi Kapanen, Evan Bouchard, Vasili Podkolzin, Ryan Shea and Owen Michaels added singles. Evan Bouchard chipped in with tw
  • Alberta-to-B.C. pipeline listed as ‘project of national interest’ by Carney

    Alberta-to-B.C. pipeline listed as ‘project of national interest’ by Carney
    Prime Minister Mark Carney has designated the West Coast Oil Pipeline, now known as Pacific Link, as a “project of national interest,” with a deadline to finalize conditions within a year.
    Carney, along with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, made the announcement in Fort McMurray Thursday (Oct. 1). The Pacific Link pipeline is expected to reduce the country’s dependency on the United States by allowing Canada to export an additional one million barrels a day to markets in Asia.
  • Nanaimo teacher caught in Creep Catchers-style sting banned from teaching for 7 years

    Nanaimo teacher caught in Creep Catchers-style sting banned from teaching for 7 years
    Warning: The following contains material which may not be appropriate for all readers.
    A former Nanaimo educator is barred from teaching for seven years, after he intended to meet up with a supposed 14-year-old, says the B.C. authority on teacher discipline.
    According to a B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation consent resolution agreement, released Tuesday, Sept. 29, Carlo Deni Pavan was a Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools high school teacher on March 14, 2023, when he contacted someone on Gri
  • NDP calls on Conservatives to fire North Island candidate over 2022 vaccine claims

    NDP calls on Conservatives to fire North Island candidate over 2022 vaccine claims
    The B.C. NDP is calling on the B.C. Conservatives to drop incumbent North Island candidate Anna Kindy for her 2022 statements on the COVID-19 vaccines ahead of Saturday’s deadline.
    New Westminster-Coquitlam NDP incumbent Jennifer Whiteside re-shared the video of Kindy to social media on Thursday (Oct. 1), saying that COVID-19 vaccine misinformation made the pandemic worse and has led to Canada losing its measles elimination status.
    Whiteside also called on B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Do
  • Woman, dogs helped home by West Kelowna firefighters after scooter battery dies

    Woman, dogs helped home by West Kelowna firefighters after scooter battery dies
    Sometimes it’s the little things that go a long way.
    That was the case for some members of the West Kelowna Fire Department this week as several firefighters helped a woman and her dogs get home after her scooter left her stranded on the side of the road.
    West Kelowna Professional Firefighters posted the incident on social media Wednesday, Sept. 30, including photos and a video of the firefighters helping the woman down the road.
    While the woman was pushed home, her two dogs can be seen in
  • Violinist and harpsichordist will be featured for music session in Nanaimo

    Violinist and harpsichordist will be featured for music session in Nanaimo
    “In Tune with …” is returning, with a violinist and a harpsichord player to teach classes and perform a concert.Marc Destrubé and Christina Hutten will be the featured guest musicians for the second in the “In Tune with …” series, with Destrubé playing violin and Hutten playing harpsichord.
    “In Tune with …” was created by Sasha Koerbler earlier this year, with the aim of bringing musical education back to Nanaimo, following t
  • B.C. brewery fires co-owner over ‘show me the evidence’ shirt

    B.C. brewery fires co-owner over ‘show me the evidence’ shirt
    Sooke Brewing Company has issued an apology after one of its co-owners reportedly wore a shirt that read “show me the evidence” at the brewery on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
    A photograph of the individual has quickly circulated on social media, garnering hundreds of reactions and comments from the community.
    Sooke Brewing Company announced on Oct. 1 just before 1:30 p.m. that John Adair has been terminated effective immediately, following the incident.
    “We stand
  • B.C. brewery co-owner sparks backlash over ‘show me the evidence’ shirt

    B.C. brewery co-owner sparks backlash over ‘show me the evidence’ shirt
    Sooke Brewing Company has issued an apology after one of its co-owners reportedly wore a shirt that read “show me the evidence” at the brewery on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
    A photograph of the individual has quickly circulated on social media, garnering hundreds of reactions and comments from the community.
    Some commenters called for a boycott of Sooke Brewing Company, while others questioned why an ownership member would wear the shirt while representing the business

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