Nanaimo news

• 21 years since Lisa Marie Young vanished from Nanaimo

  26-06-2023 01:50 via globalnews.ca
  
  As her family marks another sombre anniversary, RCMP said it constantly is looking into new leads to bring Lisa Marie Young home and get justice for her loved ones.
  
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• B.C. snow levels slightly above normal

  10-01-2026 00:18 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Snow pack levels in British Columbia are higher than normal this year.
  The Jan. 1 snow survey and water supply bulletin, which was issued on Jan. 9, showed the province’s snow pack is at 107 per cent of its normal levels.
  One year earlier, on Jan. 1, 2025, the provincial average was 87 per cent of normal.
  The information from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship showed the snow pack in the South Coast basin was 67 per cent of normal, and on Vancouver Island, it was 58 per c
  
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• Chilliwack girl, 4, diagnosed with leukemia on Christmas Day

  10-01-2026 00:11 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A Chilliwack family was given a difficult diagnosis on Christmas Day.
  Joel and April Korytko had taken their youngest daughter Asha into an emergency room for fever and vomiting on Christmas Eve. That turned into an emergency hospital transfer, and on Dec. 25, a team of doctors had performed a bone marrow biopsy on the four-year-old.
  They confirmed she has acute myeloid leukemia — and will be in hospital full-time for the next eight to 10 months.
  A family friend who started a GoFundMe to a
  
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• Ukrainian family of 8 living in Okanagan shelter looking for help

  10-01-2026 00:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Alina Tymoshchuk came to Canada with her family seeking refuge from the Ukrainian war three years ago.
  After starting in Quebec, Tymoshchuk, along with her elderly mother and six kids moved to Kelowna where they’ve been the last two and a half years.
  Last June, the family’s fresh start came to a crashing halt when Tymoshchuk and her children were involved in a serious car incident that left her unable to physically recover or work.
  Because of that, the family lost their rental home i
  
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• Nanaimo News Bulletin editor sends her final issue to the printing press

  10-01-2026 00:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  This is the first issue as the new editor at the Nanaimo News Bulletin.
  When Greg Sakaki announced his intention to step away from the role early in December, none of us as reporters were thrilled at the change. He has great judgment and a keen eye for editing, and beyond that was a great colleague.
  With him still in the picture for a few more weeks, we began to discuss next steps on who would fill the role to ensure the transition went smooth and readers would continue to get the quality they c
  
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• Fort St. John man charged in 2024 Chetwynd crash that left 2 dead

  09-01-2026 23:42 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A 21-year-old is facing four charges in connection with a crash in Chetwynd in April 2024 that killed two people.The Fort St. John resident was charged Sept. 22, 2025 with two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and two counts of impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing death. However, BC Highway Patrol only announced the charges Friday (Jan. 9).
  The accused is due back in court Jan. 27 in Dawson Creek.
  A 19-year-old Dawson Creek man and a 15-year-old Chetwynd boy
  
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• Woman who sped through construction zone near Nanaimo and killed man sentenced

  09-01-2026 21:08 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The woman who disregarded traffic control on the Trans Canada Highway near Nanaimo and killed a paving crew worker has received a sentence with no prison time.
  In August, Christianne Marie Boufford, 53, was guilty of dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm for a Sept. 23, 2021 incident on the highway, near Kipp and Minetown roads – B.C. Supreme Court justice Douglas Thompson rendered his decision Friday, Jan. 9 at the law courts in Nanaimo.
  Sentencing bega
  
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• No jail time for woman who sped through construction zone near Nanaimo and killed man

  09-01-2026 21:08 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The woman who disregarded traffic control on the Trans Canada Highway near Nanaimo and killed a paving crew worker has received a sentence with no prison time.
  In August, Christianne Marie Boufford, 53, was guilty of dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm for a Sept. 23, 2021 incident on the highway, near Kipp and Minetown roads – B.C. Supreme Court justice Douglas Thompson rendered his decision Friday, Jan. 9 at the law courts in Nanaimo.
  Sentencing bega
  
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• Prince George-North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare running to be B.C. Conservative leader

  09-01-2026 21:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The B.C. Conservative leadership race docket is beginning to take shape.
  Prince George-North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare says he is stepping into the race to be the next B.C. Conservative Party leader.
  “I believe that there needs to be a strong conservative voice in the leadership role, in the premier’s office, and I believe that I am that person who will provide that role and that voice,” Clare told Black Press Media in an interview.
  Clare says he wants British Columbians to get
  
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• Neurologist shortage in Kelowna affects all of Interior Health: Doctor

  09-01-2026 19:40 via nanaimobulletin.com
  While Interior Health (IH) has confirmed that there is currently a neurologist shortage at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH), Dr. Pete Bosma said more neurologists are needed across the region.
  Currently, KGH has six-and-a-half full-time neurologists, and coverage when it comes to strokes is not affected.
  Kelowna has been a “go-to” because neurologists at KGH also provide general neurological advice that was available on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week – something not all other
  
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• North Island wind warning upgraded to Yellow with gusts up to 120 km

  09-01-2026 19:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Residents of the North Island are being advised to secure loose objects and if outside, protect themselves from flying or falling debris as well as stay away from fallen power lines.
  The forecast of strong winds combined with heavy precipitation starting the evening of Jan. 8 and heading into the weekend was upgraded to a Yellow wind warning early Friday morning.
  Environment Canada has issued a warning concerning the atmospheric river making landfall on the Island and North Coast as far as Princ
  
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• Headline history: Theft an issue says Nanaimo RCMP in 1991 and 2026

  09-01-2026 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Property crime in Nanaimo is an issue today as it was 35 years ago.
  A Wednesday, Jan. 7 press release from Nanaimo RCMP noted that theft from vehicles, as well as from sheds and garages, have risen from 2024 with respective increases of 15- and six-per cent.
  A story from the Jan. 7, 1991 edition of the Nanaimo News Bulletin, recounts over 67 cases of vandalism and theft involving vehicles, as well as 32 calls for break-ins between Christmas and New Year’s days. Among items stolen, a televi
  
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• Alberni Valley firefighters extinguish evening blaze at former sawmill site

  09-01-2026 18:29 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Alberni Valley firefighters battled a blaze at the former APD Sawmill site Wednesday (Jan. 7) night.
  Port Alberni Fire Chief Mike Owens said the initial call to 911 was around 10 p.m; firefighters found what he called a “fairly substantial” fire on the exterior of the building. That caused a mutual aid call, bringing in firefighters from Beaver Creek, Cherry Creek and Sproat Lake to assist with fighting the blaze.
  “Crews arrived on scene and then just put in considerable effort
  
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• VIDEO: Children’s cemetery keepsakes trashed in B.C. cleanup

  09-01-2026 18:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Music from a few dozen windchimes hanging in the trees above children’s graves at Maple Ridge Cemetery have been muted forever.
  Handpainted beach rocks placed carefully around the gravestones of some of the 50 or so kids – in the same dedicated children’s section of the cemetery – have vanished.
  Flower – both live and plastic – placed in cemetery-specific vases next to several engraved headstones, have been removed from the ground.
  A few framed pictures, vario
  
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• B.C. teacher denies wrongdoing in defamation claim launched by former PAC president

  09-01-2026 17:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  An elementary school teacher has filed a response to a civil claim made against her by a former PAC president who said she was intentionally trying to ruin his reputation.
  In her response, Yennadon Elementary School teacher Janine LeBlanc denied making any defamatory posts against former Yennadon Elementary PAC president Craig Towers and called Tower’s actions as “unnecessary, frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of the process of the court,” saying the claim should be dismissed w
  
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• Removing barriers for the homeless ultimate goal of B.C. soccer program

  09-01-2026 17:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A new soccer program is coming to Saanich, but it won’t look like anything you’ve seen on the pitch before.
  Launching Jan. 22, the Canadian Street Soccer Association (CSSA) will host weekly Sunday night sessions, offering a fast-paced, inclusive version of the game for people experiencing homelessness, poverty, or social isolation.
  Saanich is the eighth city in Canada to get a CSSA program, and the third on Vancouver Island, after Courtenay and Port Hardy.
  Brandon Green, who manages
  
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• Removing barriers for homeless ultimate goal of B.C. soccer program

  09-01-2026 17:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A new soccer program is coming to Saanich, but it won’t look like anything you’ve seen on the pitch before.
  Launching Jan. 22, the Canadian Street Soccer Association (CSSA) will host weekly Sunday night sessions, offering a fast-paced, inclusive version of the game for people experiencing homelessness, poverty, or social isolation.
  Saanich is the eighth city in Canada to get a CSSA program, and the third on Vancouver Island, after Courtenay and Port Hardy.
  Brandon Green, who manages
  
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• Victoria police seek footage after hit-and-run sends woman to hospital

  09-01-2026 16:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  VicPD is seeking footage and witnesses after a woman suffered serious injuries in a hit-and-run with a driver on Wednesday (Jan. 7) evening.Police were called in by BC Emergency Health Services just before 6 p.m. after a pedestrian was struck at the intersection of Hillside Avenue and Quadra Street.The pedestrian suffered serious injuries.The suspect fled the scene, and investigators are canvassing the area for video footage.Anyone with information is asked to call the VicPD non-emergency line a
  
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• B.C. councillor defends texts to police chief over golf course impairment checks

  09-01-2026 15:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A Surrey city councillor feels she didn’t do anything wrong when she alerted Surrey Police Service Chief Const. Norm Lipinski about concerns regarding impairment checks outside of Morgan Creek Golf Course — and other Surrey golf courses — last summer.
  Coun. Linda Annis, who is running for mayor in the 2026 municipal election, said she had received a number of calls about the impairment checks — meant to catch drivers who have been drinking alcohol — at Morgan Creek
  
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• Malnourished B.C. Chihuahua cross survives weeks alone after owner dies

  09-01-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A small dog survived on her own for more than two weeks after her owner died over the holidays.
  Chenelle is an eight-year-old miniature pincher cross Chihuahua.
  RCMP found her while conducting a wellness check at a Vernon home Jan. 3 and found her owner had passed away. Police contacted the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) dog control to take custody of Chenelle.
  “When our officer arrived on site, it was clear that the animal needed medical attention, so they contacted the Okanag
  
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• Don’t ‘tough it out’: Mental health program for young men available across B.C.

  09-01-2026 13:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A new virtual mental health support program is now available for young men throughout the province.
  On Jan. 7, the YMCA of Southern Interior BC announced Y Mind for Men, a seven-week virtual program for young male adults ages 18-30. The program focuses on providing tools to cope with these challenges while building healthy connections and resilience.
  “Men often feel pressure to ‘tough it out’ when they’re struggling, but that can lead to isolation and worsening mental hea
  
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• Patrick Kane scores 500th career goal as Red Wings dump Canucks 5-1

  09-01-2026 03:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Patrick Kane scored twice, including the 500th goal of his NHL career, leading the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-1 win over the visiting Canucks Thursday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
  Axel Sandin-Pellikka, J.T. Compher and Lucas Raymond also scored for the Wings (26-15-4), with James van Riemsdyk adding a pair of assists. John Gibson stopped 25 of 26 shots to earn the goaltending win.
  Jake DeBrusk had the lone goal for the Canucks (16-22-5), with Kevin Lankinen taking the loss in goal, making 2
  
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• Nanaimo Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy members hit podium at Vegas event

  09-01-2026 02:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Martial artists from a Nanaimo Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy medalled at a championship event in the U.S. to close off 2025.
  Three members of Island Top Team made it to the podium, taking four medals, at the World International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship from Dec. 11-13 in Las Vegas.
  Monica Bonczak took silver in the Master 2-female-brown-lightweight division, Sarah Kolybaba took silver in the Master 3-female-purple-lightweight division and Douglas Flockhar
  
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• National Indigenous Coaching honour hits home for B.C. woman

  09-01-2026 02:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Winning a national coaching award gave Vernon’s Michelle Webster cause for reflection.
  It was as if the longtime softball player and coach was stepping into the batter’s box for the final time of what had been a tremendous career. One foot in the box, the other outside. Taking a look around at her teammates, the opposition, the fans in the stands, the beauty of the green grass in the outfield.
  Then she steps in the box and belts the pitched ball 260 feet over the centre-field wall.
  W
  
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• Island professor sees Dry January as a springboard to a healthier lifestyle

  09-01-2026 02:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  As people look for ways to improve their health in the new year, the Dry January movement is gaining renewed attention.
  The initiative encourages people who drink alcohol to step away for the month of January as a way to reflect on their relationship with alcohol and explore healthier lifestyle choices.
  Dr. Tim Naimi, the director of the University of Victoria’s Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR) and a professor at UVic’s School of Public Health and Social Policy,
  
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• Former Vernon doctor who committed sex crimes gets full parole

  09-01-2026 02:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  WARNING: This article contains details of sexual assault which may be disturbing to some readers. If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence, contact Archway Society for Domestic Peace at 250-542-1122. All programs are easily accessible, free of charge and confidential.
  A former Vernon doctor who was sent to jail in 2024 over multiple instances of sexual assault has been granted full parole.
  Peter Inkpen, 45, was charged with three counts of sexual assault, which occurred be
  
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• B.C.’s pushback against DRIPA legislation feeds growing First Nations frustration

  09-01-2026 01:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Proposals to alter or repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) are not going over well with First Nations leaders across B.C.
  Robert Phillips, political executive of the First Nations Summit, an organization tasked with facilitating treaty negotiations, said he was “surprised” to hear the talk of amendments after six years of working to align provincial law with the declaration and basing agreements on that commitment.
  He called it an attempt to “c
  
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• B.C., Washington poised to launch bilateral discussion group later in 2026

  09-01-2026 01:20 via nanaimobulletin.com
  B.C. and Washington legislators have reached an agreement to establish an interparliamentary group between the two governments.
  Signed in Vancouver Thursday (Jan. 8), the deal establishes a bilateral group meant to “promote dialogue between the two legislators, explore solutions to common challenges, address cross-border constituency matters, and engage in discussions about areas of mutual interest and accomplishment.”
  The group will be co-chaired by B.C. Speaker Raj Chouhan and Wash
  
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• Ontario man in Vernon court for Edgewood ostrich farm assault

  09-01-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A man from the Universal Ostrich Farm (UOF) protest camp facing assault and mischief charges needs a lawyer.
  Timothy Regan’s matter was heard at the Vernon Courthouse Thursday, Jan. 8, but adjourned to Jan. 22 to allow further time for him to retain counsel. He is not in custody.
  Regan, 60 of Ontario, is charged with assault, assault with a weapon, and mischief.
  He was arrested the morning of Sept. 22, 2025 after RCMP were alerted to an alleged altercation at a property neighbouring the Ed
  
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• Gym technology first of its kind in Western Canada launches at Kelowna YMCA

  09-01-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  New, personalized cutting-edge fitness technology is now available to use at the YMCA in Rutland.
  EGYM, a smart technology system that helps make fitness more accessible to all users, motivating them to reach their goals has been installed at the YMCA located at 375 Hartman Road.
  “EGYM removes guesswork, making every workout personalized, engaging, and results driven,” said Robyn Moore, vice president of health, fitness, and aquatics at the YMCA of Southern Interior BC.
  To make train
  
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