Nanaimo news

• BC Hydro begins restoration work related to Big Bar, Brunswick Complex wildfires

  30-07-2026 19:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Restoration work and damage assessments have begun on BC Hydro infrastructure in areas impacted by the Big Bar Complex and Brunswick Complex wildfires.
  Approximately 1,100 customers in the Big Bar Complex area and roughly 100 customers in the Brunswick Complex area remain without power, according to a news release from BC Hydro on Thursday (July 30)
  Preliminary assessments have identified significant damage to electricity infrastructure in the Big Bar Complex area, including approximately 230 di
  
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• Shovels hit the ground at Nanaimo’s Loudon Park $11.4 million improvement project

  31-07-2026 00:34 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Shovels have hit the dirt at Nanaimo’s Loudon Park, as part of the groundbreaking ceremony for the upcoming enhancements to the park.
  Estimated to be completed in the summer of 2028, upgrades include a new facility with a bookable community space, boat storage and accessible washrooms, as well as a new playground, expanded beach and a new boat and fishing dock.Lisa Bhopalsingh general manager for community services and deputy CAO, told the News Bulletin that ground preparation will begin i
  
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• B.C. Olympic wrestler suspended for multiple whereabouts failures

  31-07-2026 00:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A Surrey Olympic wrestler has been suspended for an anti-doping rule violation.Sport Integrity Canada announced Thursday (July 30) that wrestling athlete Amarveer Dhesi — who also goes by Amar Dhesi — received a two-year sanction for an anti-doping rule violation. Dhesi had three confirmed whereabouts failures during a 12-month period.
  In response to Sport Integrity Canada’s notification of the anti-doping rule violation, Dhesi requested a hearing to determine the violation and
  
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• Lantzville traffic delays expected on Rumming Road

  30-07-2026 22:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Traffic delays are expected on Rumming Road throughout the summer, as culvert work is undertaken.
  Construction is anticipated to be ongoing until Aug. 15, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  In a public notice published to the District of Lantzville’s website, commuters were warned that construction may result in noise, dust, and short-term access interruptions in addition to delays.
  Work may extend beyond planned hours to maintain the project schedule, if needed.Should someone r
  
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• Island college urges caution after bear spotted on campus

  30-07-2026 22:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Students, staff and visitors at Camosun College’s Interurban campus are being urged to stay alert after a black bear was spotted nearby on the afternoon of July 28.
  The bear was reported near the campus at about 12:30 p.m. and was seen heading toward the VI Tech Park, according to a campus safety alert issued by the college.
  Camosun is asking anyone travelling around the campus grounds to remain vigilant and be aware of their surroundings. Anyone who spots the bear on campus or in the surr
  
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• Peacekeepers to be honoured at annual Island memorial ceremony

  30-07-2026 21:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, police officers and civilians who served in international peace support operations will be honoured during the 34th annual Peacekeepers Memorial Parade in Esquimalt next month.
  The ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9, at Esquimalt Memorial Park and is open to the public.
  Since 1948, more than 125,000 members of the Canadian Armed Forces have served in international peacekeeping missions in dozens of countries. About 125 have died during tho
  
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• Love starts as the world ends in Cowichan author’s ‘All We Have Left’

  30-07-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  If you’re a sucker for romance, or post-apocalyptic settings, then all you need is All We Have Left.
  This is the second novel from Mill Bay author Emily Paxman, who had her lifelong dream of becoming a published novelist come true in June of 2025 when UK’s Titan Books picked up Death On The Caldera, a mystery that blends all the charms of Agatha Christie with the wonder of witches.
  “It’s so exciting to have this book out in the world,” said Paxman. “I think al
  
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• Duo overcomes Okanagan Lake by kayak

  30-07-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Okanagan Lake may be the deadliest lake in Canada, but for ultra-endurance athlete Nick Pelletier, it’s just another obstacle on the path to achieving your goals.
  ​Three years after conquering Okanagan Lake by swim, Pelletier was back in the water this week to take on the challenge in a kayak, only this time, he did it with fellow ultra-endurance athlete Bradley Kraut.
  ​The duo set out to tackle the 112-kilometre trek on Monday and completed the journey before midnight on Tuesd
  
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• Man pulled from Okanagan Lake dies, sixth drowning in 40 days

  30-07-2026 20:14 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A swimmer pulled from Okanagan Lake at Kelowna’s Hot Sands Beach has died, marking the sixth drowning in 40 days.
  The BC Coroners Service confirmed the man’s death to Black Press Media on Thursday, July 30.
  On Wednesday, July 29 around 12:10 p.m., BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and the Kelowna RCMP were called to the scene where a man who was swimming by the wibit floating play structure suffered a medical emergency.
  Beachgoers found the man in the water and pulled him to shore
  
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• Famed jazz player and his quartet will be playing at Nanaimo’s Simonholt Restaurant

  30-07-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A jazz quartet will be performing at the Simonholt Restaurant to record a live album.
  Roy Styffe Quartet will play on Sunday, Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m., and consists of Styffe on saxophone, Rob Cheramy on guitar, Steve Wallace on bass, and Kelby McNayr on drums.
  Styffe is widely considered as one of the finest improvisors in all of Canada, and is a multi-instrumentalist, having played in front of audiences for 30 years now, alongside some of what is considered the best names in Canadian jazz, accordin
  
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• Comox Valley Sports Centre reopens after ammonia leak

  30-07-2026 19:52 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Comox Valley Sports Centre reopened at 3 p.m. on July 29 after closing due to a low-level ammonia leak earlier that morning.
  According to the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) statement on Facebook, the Sports Centre was “temporarily closed after a low-level ammonia alarm was triggered in the facility’s refrigeration system.”
  The alarm was triggered at around 7 a.m on July 29, prompting staff to contact the contractor. At that time, an evacuation was unnecessary due to
  
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• Seniors seek safer access to Ladysmith’s Trillium Park trails

  30-07-2026 19:12 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Residents of a Ladysmith neighbourhood are asking the Cowichan Valley Regional District to make one final accessibility upgrade at Trillium Park, saying a short but steep section of trail continues to prevent some seniors from safely enjoying the popular green space.
  While the CVRD installed a staircase several years ago that significantly improved access, neighbours who use the park regularly say another steep stretch at the Christie Road entrance — along with exposed roots at the Chandle
  
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• ‘It just felt right’: Langford blueliner commits to one of women’s hockey’s giants

  30-07-2026 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Sometimes, a college commitment is simply about finding the perfect fit. But for Langford defenceman Raeya Mackie, that meant reopening her recruitment to land with one of the most storied programs in NCAA history.
  The 16-year-old has committed to Division I powerhouse University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) for the 2027-28 season, a decision she says simply “felt right.” Mackie had previously committed to Providence College in September of 2025 before pivoting to the Bulldogs.
  “T
  
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• BCWS, Logan Lake crews battled wildfire overnight, remains 88 hectares

  30-07-2026 18:58 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Guichon Creek wildfire in Logan Lake remains out of control at 88 hectares in size, according to the latest update from BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).In its Thursday morning (July 30) update, BCWS said its crews helped personnel from the Logan Lake Fire Department battle the blaze overnight and into the morning.
  Throughout the early hours of the day, ground crews remained on site with heavy equipment building guards and worked on containing the blaze. Meanwhile, BCWS’ night vision imaging
  
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• ‘It’s crazy’: Victoria Bulldogs bound for Little League World Series

  30-07-2026 18:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  “I never thought that would happen.”
  Moments after the final out settled into the glove of catcher Sam Whiteside on Wednesday (July 29), Desmond Howard stood surrounded by celebrating teammates, still trying to process what the Victoria Bulldogs had just accomplished.
  “It’s crazy,” Howard said amid the Bulldogs’ celebration.
  It certainly is.
  With a 5-2 victory over Quebec’s Diamond Baseball Academy in the deciding game of the best-of-three Canadian Inter
  
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• Warehouseman’s Lien Act: AA Mini Storage

  30-07-2026 17:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Under the term(s) of the Warehouse Lien Act, Goods and Personal Property of the person(s) listed below, deposited at AA Mini Storage, 2399 Cienar Drive, Nanaimo B.C. The units listen below have been seized and will be sold on or after August 7, 2026 to recover the cost for unpaid storage rent.Charleen Dodsworth $577.80
  Shannon Gardiner $327.00
  James Fortescue $1,211.60
  Beverely Kozoris $2,328.60
  Damon Kearney $385.00
  Corey Moore $597.50
  Corey Moore $1,175.00
  
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• Brunswick Complex wildfires ‘not currently growing at a significant rate’

  30-07-2026 15:07 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Brunswick Complex wildfires near Boston Bar remain active but aren’t growing at a significant rate, according to the latest update from BC Wildfire Service.
  The update noted that south-westerly winds are limiting the spread of the fires to the south.However, both the Ainslie Creek and Brunswick Creek fires are still listed as out of control and wildfires of note by BCWS. The Brunswick Creek fire is 7,397 hectares in size, while the Ainslie Creek fire was updated to 30,085.9 hectares in
  
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• Nanaimo considers temporary uses for the giant downtown hole

  30-07-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Possible interim uses for the big hole in the ground at the corner of Commercial Street and Terminal Avenue will be investigated by Nanaimo city staff.
  A motion by Coun. Hilary Eastmure, which received unanimous support at a special council meeting on July 27, directed staff to provide a report on possible temporary uses for 6 Commercial St., a 1,066-square metre site that has been vacant since the Jean Burns Building, which once occupied it, burned down in 2016.
  The city bought the property for
  
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• Angelo Isidorou out as executive director of B.C. Conservatives

  30-07-2026 06:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Angelo Isidorou has announced he is leaving his role as executive director of the B.C. Conservatives.
  The Conservative Party of B.C. issued Isidorou’s statement Wednesday (July 29) at 8:45 p.m. and included a brief statement from Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay.Isidorou’s statement says he leaves on “amicable and mutual terms.” He also served as the party’s campaign manager.
  “The Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay has a fresh mandate from our members and is leading our party
  
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• RDN receives approval for minor boundary redefinition

  30-07-2026 04:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Regional District of Nanaimo have received approval for a minor boundary redefinition between two electoral areas from the provincial government.The redefinition, according to the regional district’s news release, is between Electoral Area A (Cedar, South Wellington, Yellowpoint, Cassidy) and Electoral Area C (Extension, Nanaimo Lakes, East Wellington, Pleasant Valley) and will affect 16 properties along Plecas and Evans Roads.
  The regional district added that it will resolve long-stan
  
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• RCMP looking for two suspects after break in at Duncan beauty salon

  30-07-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are asking for the public’s help to identify two suspects after a break in at a beauty salon in Duncan in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, July 25.
  At 5:27 a.m. RCMP responded to a commercial alarm at Bloom Beauty Salon on First Street.
  When they arrived they found that a lock on a door had been broken. Police entered the business but found nobody inside.
  Video surveillance shows two suspects breaking in through the salon’s front door, moving to
  
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• Study shows clear-cut logging affects flood risk in B.C.

  30-07-2026 00:34 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A University of British Columbia professor says a recent study near Summerland shows forest practices are resulting in more frequent and more intense flooding.
  Younes Alila, a professor with the Department of Forest Resources Management at the university, studied the forest area near Summerland, along with Spencer Pearson-Atkins and Xu Jian (Joe) Yu, also from the university.
  Their recent study found clear-cut logging can increase the risk of flooding.
  Alila, who has been studying flooding since
  
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• Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act: 18ft White Sv

  30-07-2026 00:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Notice of Minister’s intention to dispose of the following vessel under section 39 of the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, in 30 days
  The following vessel is considered Abandoned:
  18ft – “CALLIOPE” – white sv – Hammond Bay.
  TC File – W2026-503974
  Questions may be directed to Transport Canada’s Navigation Protection Program at [email protected] or 604-775-8867.
  
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• Trivia business founder with child sex material charges in Kelowna sues buyers

  29-07-2026 23:23 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The founder of a Kelowna-based trivia business has sued the people who were set to purchase the business, alleging a scheme by the defendants to leak confidential documents and devalue the business ahead of sale.Jayson John Davey, formerly John Patrick Davy, and his business Tremendous Trivia Night Productions filed a lawsuit on May 26 against Stephen Smith and Brady Grumpelt, the parties involved in the sale and purchase of Tremendous Trivia, and People Over Phones Inc., the trivia business sta
  
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• Prospective owner chosen to pursue Vancouver MLB expansion franchise: Report

  29-07-2026 23:10 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Major League Baseball might be one step closer to coming to Vancouver, according to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith.
  In a X post on Wednesday, July 29, Nicholson-Smith said “the City of Vancouver has chosen a prospective owner to pursue an MLB expansion franchise.”Per sources, the city of Vancouver has chosen a prospective owner to pursue an MLB expansion franchise
  The Show Vancouver Bid Corporation was selected over other potential bidders & will now work in conjunction wi
  
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• Emmy award-winning composer and guitarist to perform in Nanaimo every Wednesday

  29-07-2026 23:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A well-known composer will be performing at Embers Wine & Charcuterie Cellar every Wednesday night throughout the summer.
  Eric Harper is an Emmy Award-winning composer, guitarist and singer-songwriter who is based on Vancouver Island, and has had his music been featured in over 6,000 television episode placements and many award-winning films.
  During his performances at Embers Wine & Charcuterie Cellar, Harper said he will be taking songs by request.
  “That could be anything from cla
  
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• UPDATE: Evacuation alert issued due to 88-hectare wildfire near Logan Lake

  29-07-2026 22:06 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE 9:06 p.m.
  The wildfire near Logan Lake is 88 hectares in size as of 7:25 p.m.BCWS is on scene bucketing the blaze and a total of 24 firefighters on the ground.“The fire is currently burning Rank 3 and 4 fire behaviour meaning a fire with an organized flame front, moderate rate of spread, and short-range spotting,” stated BCWS. “Logan Lake Fire Department are on site and responding.”
  It is stated as human-caused.
  UPDATE: An evacuation alert has been issued due to a
  
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• Canada must act to save caribou from local extinction: Syilx Okanagan Nation

  29-07-2026 20:37 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Syilx Okanagan Nation is urging the federal government to issue an Emergency Protection Order for the endangered Southern Mountain caribou, warning that the remaining herds in its territory face extinction.
  ​Syilx Okanagan Nation previously petitioned the Government of Canada on June 1, making the request under Section 80 of the Species at Risk Act.
  This comes after repeated warnings from the Syilx Okanagan Nation and scientists, who say habitat loss continues across the ranges of enda
  
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• Vancouver Island RCMP seek public assistance in locating wanted man

  29-07-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Wanted: Ray Sharkey
  The Campbell River RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 41 year old Ray Sharkey.Sharkey is currently wanted on a Canada wide warrant for Failing to Appear for DNA Sampling and a B.C. wide warrant for review of sentence order stemming from an Assault Causing Bodily Harm in 2024.
  Sharkey is described as:Indigenous Male
  Black hair, brown eyes
  6 ft/183 cm tall
  196 lb/89 kgPolice believe that as of July 27, 2026, Sharkey was in Campbell River, B.C..Sharkey&rs
  
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• Rhonda Lee Williams

  29-07-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  In Loving Memory ~
  January 19, 1955 – July 16, 2026With profound love, gentle grace, and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rhonda Lee Williams (nee Morley) on July 16, 2026. Born and raised amidst the coastal beauty of Nanaimo BC, to Joseph Ernest “Ernie” and Norma Kathleen, Rhonda was the eldest of three, bringing natural warmth and poise to her role as cherished big sister to Donna and Gerry. Rhonda lived a life defined by deep devotion. She walked hand in hand with hu
  
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