Nanaimo news

• Peace officer cadets to start new, shorter RCMP training program in Chilliwack

  22-10-2026 23:57 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  A brand-new RCMP program to fast-track experienced peace officers into frontline police officers has begun, and the first troop of cadets will be training in Chilliwack.
  B.C. and Yukon RCMP held a ceremony at the BC RCMP headquarters in Surrey where they welcomed 13 peace officers on Oct. 20 into its new Experienced Peace Officer (ExPO) program.The 13 cadets have joined the RCMP from B.C., Yukon and Ontario and bring previous experience from various provincial, territorial and federal agencies,
  
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• Shawnigan Lake LottoMax winner gets $100K windfall

  22-10-2026 23:23 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  A Shawnigan Lake resident is walking a little taller today after a $100,000 MAXPLUS windfall.
  Dylan S. bought the ticket at Mason’s Store.
  “I’m super excited. Before, I was happy to just win a free play!” he said.Dylan was outside a gas station when he checked his lottery ticket on his phone. He was in complete shock when he realized that he won a $100,000 MAXPLUS prize from the Oct. 13, 2026 Lotto Max draw.
  “I scanned [the ticket on the BCLC Lotto! App] and freaked out,” said the bi
  
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• Quesnel RCMP officer unable to wear duty belt denied disability benefits

  22-10-2026 22:52 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  The Veterans Review and Appeal Board upheld a 2019 Veterans Affairs decision to deny disability benefits to a 50-year-old RCMP officer after a severe abdominal injury required surgery.
  The officer, who is not named, had been on the force since 2008. While working in 2016 as a general duty officer for the Quesnel RCMP, the officer suffered severe abdominal pain and distention to the point that he could not put his duty belt back on. He began to feel a fever, chills and severe pain. His family doc
  
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• Party leaders love Surrey in final days of B.C. election campaign

  22-10-2026 22:04 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  B.C. political party leaders remain laser-focused on Surrey in days leading up to Saturday’s provincial election.
  Clearly the city is a key battleground for votes as candidates promise to make major projects happen in Surrey, if elected.
  Thursday (Oct. 22), Conservative Party of BC leader Lorne Doerkson hyped the party’s Surrey Success Plan, focused on health care, transit and transportation, to recognize Surrey’s “rightful status as the economic powerhouse it is and should be.”
  Meanwh
  
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• Vancouver Island needs ‘more certainty’ economic report suggests

  22-10-2026 21:07 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  There is an uncertain outlook on Vancouver Island for forestry and aquaculture, but emerging opportunities in defence and an ocean economy, stakeholders have been told.
  Susan Mowbray, partner in MNP’s Vancouver consulting practice, presented the 2026 State of the Island Economic Report at the annual summit organized by the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance on Wednesday, Oct. 21, giving business and municipal leaders a glimpse at the current state of the economy and the short-term outlook.
  “
  
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• B.C. woman set to appear on Dragons’ Den

  22-10-2026 20:53 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  A Kelowna woman is walking into a den of dragons.
  ​Billie Christiansen, the founder of the Little Kitchen Company, will be featured on an upcoming episode of Dragons’ Den, a reality TV series where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas and inventions to a panel of venture capitalists in hopes of securing financial investment and mentorship.
  ​Christiansen tells Black Press Media her latest creation is built around demand-driven innovation by developing original and practical products tha
  
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• B.C. woman set to appear on Dragon’s Den

  22-10-2026 20:53 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  A Kelowna woman is walking into a den of dragons.
  ​Billie Christiansen, the founder of the Little Kitchen Company, will be featured on an upcoming episode of Dragon’s Den, a reality TV series where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas and inventions to a panel of venture capitalists in hopes of securing financial investment and mentorship.
  ​Christiansen tells Black Press Media her latest creation is built around demand-driven innovation by developing original and practical products tha
  
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• Historic photo a salute to B.C. election workers

  22-10-2026 20:39 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Electoral events create a lot of work for a lot of people, not just those who are running for office.
  There are hundreds of volunteers who step up to campaign for their various people and parties. Government staff, advertising agencies, reporters, sign makers all add an extra load to their daily duties amid an election.
  Plus there are those dutifully serving at polling stations, such as the fine gentlemen in the attached history photo.
  Geo. A. Meeres captured the photo of election officials tall
  
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• New medical facility opens in Lake Cowichan

  22-10-2026 20:12 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Having worked as a medical doctor in Lake Cowichan since September 2025, Dr. Victor Neumann has undoubtedly impacted the lives of many individuals. As of Oct. 14, Neumann, with the help of the Town of Lake Cowichan, will have an even greater impact within the region.
  Neumann and Lake Cowichan officials signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a framework for negotiations toward a formal Medical Clinic Agreement on Oct. 13.
  Following the paperwork and backed by Mayor Tom McGonigle
  
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• Second million-dollar ticket purchased in Agassiz in two months

  22-10-2026 20:09 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  What are the odds?According to the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, another million-dollar lotto ticket has been sold in Agassiz in just two months.The Oct. 20 Lotto Max numbers were 8, 15, 19, 23, 26, 28, 34 with a bonus 38. It has not been specified where within Agassiz the latest winning ticket has been purchased.
  In late September, Seble G. of Vancouver picked up a Lotto 6/49 ticket from the Canco on the corner of Highway 7 and Hot Springs Road in Agassiz.“I was at a gas station picki
  
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• Cenotaph at Duncan’s Charles Hoey Park to get makeover in time for Remembrance Day

  22-10-2026 20:08 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Honouring our fallen heroes is about to look better.After seeing success with its grant application to the Veterans Affairs Canada Commemorative Partnership Program, the Royal Canadian Legion Chemainus-Duncan Branch 191 has been given the green light to proceed with refurbishing the cenotaph in Charles Hoey Park in time for Remembrance Day. The branch is celebrating its centennial year.
  “It’s really wonderful because it’s one of those things that has kind of slipped under the cracks for su
  
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• American charged as co-conspirator in Tumbler Ridge shooting pleads not guilty

  22-10-2026 19:38 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  The alleged co-conspirator in the fatal Tumbler Ridge mass shooting pleaded not guilty to the charges and will go to trial in December.
  James Cody Bryant, 30, appeared in the Western District of Washington Court in Seattle on Oct. 22 before Magistrate Judge Michelle L. Peterson to be arraigned on the charge of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country.The charge, as read out by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg, alleges that beginning or before August 2025 that Bryant had c
  
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• Canine-dates instead of candidates: Puppy MLA elections in Christina Lake

  22-10-2026 19:36 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  A Christina Lake pub is replacing stressful human elections with nine worthy four-pawed candidates.
  Dubbed the Pup MLA (Most Licked Ass-et), a high-stakes election night will decide who deserves the most licking rights.
  Just like the real deal, advance voting is now underway at the Long Shot Pub in Christina Lake. On Saturday, Oct. 24, the pub will host an election results party celebrating with karaoke and declaring the noble furry leader. Voting closes at 8 p.m.
  Residents have a wide slate of
  
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• BC SPCA takes in 46 animals from farm, all available for adoption soon

  22-10-2026 19:30 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  The BC SPCA has taken in 46 animals after their original guardian’s living arrangements changed — and they’re available for adoption at locations throughout the province, including Surrey, Kelowna and Nanaimo.The 46 animals include 22 cats and kittens, 16 Call ducks, six Muscovy ducks, one sheep, and one goat. All have been transferred to different BC SPCA locations in B.C. including Kamloops, Kelowna, South Okanagan/Similkameen, and Surrey, to receive further care.
  With no place to take
  
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• Candle fire engulfs south Nanaimo home

  22-10-2026 19:14 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  A candle that was left alone while the occupant used the washroom was the cause of a fire that destroyed a home in south Nanaimo on Wednesday.
  On Wednesday, Oct. 21 at about 5 p.m., Nanaimo Fire Rescue responded to a fire on Selby Street.
  Troy Libbus, Nanaimo Fire Rescue assistant chief of operations, said that when they arrived, the occupant, who was the son of the homeowner, was just exiting the building with his dog, and heavy smoke could be seen rising from the attic.
  “We tried to go for a
  
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• Island Corridor Foundation starts construction on new trail in Qualicum

  22-10-2026 18:30 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  The Island Corridor Foundation has started constructing a new trail along the railway corridor, connecting Memorial Avenue to the rear of the train station in Qualicum Beach.
  The ICF shared in a recent Facebook post: “We’re excited to share that work has started on another nature path beside rail project along the Island corridor.”
  The new trail will connect Beach Road to Memorial Avenue, providing a link in the active transportation network stretching from Laburnum to Qualicum Road.
  “Th
  
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• Adam Mann found guilty of 2nd-degree murder of Surrey’s Tori Dunn

  22-10-2026 18:18 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  The man accused of stabbing and killing Surrey’s Tori Dunn during a home invasion in her Port Kells home in June of 2024 has been found guilty of second-degree murder.On Wednesday night (Oct. 21) in New Westminster Supreme Court, jurors returned with the guilty verdict for Adam Troy Mann, 42, after deliberating for several hours. Defence and Crown attorneys gave their closing statements earlier Wednesday, after which BC Supreme Court Justice David Layton instructed the 12 jurors about their de
  
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• Sooke RCMP officers cleared of ‘serious harm’ in March arrest

  22-10-2026 17:13 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  The provincial police watchdog says no officers caused serious harm after investigating a man injured during a Sooke arrest.The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) says Sooke RCMP officers responded around 6:30 p.m. to a residence near Otter Point Park after being called to remove a man from the property at the request of the owner.The man refused to leave the residence, leading to an interaction with officers during which he suffered an injury. He was arrested and taken to the RCMP de
  
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• Sharing life with a senior dog deeply moving

  22-10-2026 14:30 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  There’s something deeply moving about sharing life with a senior dog. Their eyes tell stories of years spent by your side — of adventures taken, routines shared, and quiet moments that built a bond stronger than words.
  As their faces begin to grey and their movements slow, our role shifts. We become their guides, making sure they’re safe, comfortable, and still finding joy in each day.
  As our dogs age, the world around them can begin to feel different. The things they once did effortlessly
  
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• Christy Clark says B.C. facing challenges, opportunities

  22-10-2026 14:30 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Former B.C. Premier Christy Clark said it’s apparent from the results of the recent municipal election in the province that many people are looking for change in the way they are governed.
  Speaking at Vancouver Island Economic Summit in Nanaimo on Wednesday, Oct. 21, B.C.’s 35th premier said the mayoral results in a number of local governments in the Lower Mainland were not what many people expected.
  Several incumbent candidates went down in defeat in the elections across the Lower Mainland,
  
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• Lawyers give closing arguments in Surrey 2nd degree murder trial

  22-10-2026 02:30 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Both defence and Crown counsel gave closing arguments Wednesday in the second-degree murder trial of the man accused of stabbing and killing Surrey’s Tori Dunn in June of 2024 in an alleged home invasion in the Port Kells home she shared with boyfriend Trafford Wace.
  Adam Troy Mann, 43, is charged in connection with Dunn’s June 16, 2024 death. He has pleaded not guilty, and took the stand on Tuesday (Oct. 20) to testify in his own defence.
  Mann told court when he got off a bus approximately
  
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• Woman claims she was viciously attacked by dog in Grand Forks

  22-10-2026 02:12 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Owners of a dog in Grand Forks are being asked to surrender their pet after it reportedly attacked and severely injured a woman.
  According to Kim Godidek, she was in her own yard when a bully breed dog from a neighbouring property broke through its owner’s fence and pounced on her.
  She said she was knocked to the ground by the canine, which reportedly inflicted four gashes on her upper thigh and broke both bones in her wrist, according to a GoFundMe page set up for her.
  The GoFundMe, with a go
  
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• THE MOJ: B.C. Lions locked into position ahead of CFL playoffs

  22-10-2026 01:44 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  DÉJÀ VU ALL OVER AGAIN: The Lions (10-7) take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8-9) this Friday night at BC Place (7 p.m. TSN; 730 CKNW; Sher-E- Punjab Radio AM 600) under similar circumstances that they faced in Calgary last weekend. The Lions entered that game knowing they were locked in second place yet were facing an opponent that needed a win to stay alive in the playoff race. The Lions substituted freely in the second half and saw the Stampeders score 19 unanswered points en route to a 32-1
  
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• Campbell River SAR members find injured senior off logging road near Sayward

  22-10-2026 01:00 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  A Vancouver Island senior is thanking Campbell River Search and Rescue (CRSAR) members, and her lucky stars, after being rescued west of Sayward last Friday.
  Eight CRSAR members responded to an urgent callout on Oct. 15 to Sayward junction – White River Resort after 79-year-old Janet Baur dislocated her hip in the backcountry.
  By the time searchers found her on the west side of the White River, it was roughly 4:18 a.m. on Oct. 16.
  “Two of our members… were searching down a particular fores
  
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• ‘No criminal intent’ in case of man suspected of following girls in Nanaimo, say RCMP

  22-10-2026 00:50 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Nanaimo RCMP is advising the public the investigation has concluded, following an incident earlier this month where an unknown man scared two young girls near Dover Bay Secondary School.On Oct. 21, Nanaimo RCMP put out a release stating that after the original incident on Oct. 15 was made public, regarding two youths, ages 12 and 13, the man identified himself to police.
  Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson, said the man cooperated fully with investigators.
  “Through the cou
  
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• Experts weigh in on vote-splitting possibilities in B.C election

  22-10-2026 00:48 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  With five parties fielding incumbent candidates in the upcoming provincial election, anxiety about vote-splitting has taken on a whole new dimension.
  In recent years, the NDP worried most often about a third-party challenger, with viable left-wing candidates running for the B.C. Greens in many ridings.
  But after two years of turmoil within the B.C. Conservative Party, more challengers have popped up, including CentreBC, a moderate vehicle helmed by former Conservative Elenore Sturko, and OneBC,
  
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• Jobs, growth, workforce challenges of Cariboo’s mining sector discussed in Williams Lake

  22-10-2026 00:25 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Mining’s role in supporting Cariboo jobs and businesses, and what it will take to sustain the industry, were the focus of a recent discussion in Williams Lake.
  A luncheon hosted by the Mining Association of B.C.(MABC) in partnership with the Williams Lake & District of Commerce as part of its BC Chambers Mining Roadshow, took place on Oct.14, at Chances Signal Point Gaming.
  The BC Chambers Mining Roadshow is MABC’s series of visits to communities, working with local chambers of commerce
  
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