Nanaimo news

• B.C. Premier Eby wants Canada to adopt RICO-type laws to combat organized crime

  18-07-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Premier David Eby says the B.C. government has stretched provincial laws about as far as they can go to combat organized crime, and he now wants the federal government to enact laws similar to those in the United States under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, commonly known as RICO.
  “I’ll be blunt: currently in Canada, I do not believe that we have the full capacities we need to attack organized crime,” Eby said Friday.America’s RICO law was created
  
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• Spotlight shines on breast cancer survivors at Nanaimo dragon boat races

  19-07-2026 00:25 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Those who have beaten breast cancer were front and centre at the Westwood Lake Dragon Boat Regatta in Nanaimo this weekend.
  The fundraiser is raising money for cancer treatment at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and there were specific races honouring breast cancer survivors.The event began Saturday, July 18 and ends Sunday, July 19.
  Rashida Hamir, of the Breast Friends Dragon Boat Racing Team from Edmonton, said she races because she “wants to feel that [she’s] strong and can do a
  
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• COLUMN: Nanaimo’s dragon boat festival needs more support

  18-07-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  I remember my adrenaline pumping as my dragon boat team lined up with other teams in the Newcastle Channel to prepare for a race during the annual Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival more than 20 years ago.
  We had trained for months to participate in the festival and now we were about to find out how we stacked up against other teams from Nanaimo and from as far away as Portland who had also spent a considerable amount of time on the water honing their paddling skills.
  My team was the Bastion Dragons a
  
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• LETTER TO THE EDITOR: I disagree that Rock City wetland has no surface water connection

  18-07-2026 18:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  To the editor, and for the attention of Nanaimo Mayor Krog and councillors,
  Re: New environmental issues raised over Nanaimo Rock City apartment-building project, July 15
  Nanaimo’s recent council meeting was an appalling display of deception and denial. Tamara Brown politely raised the issue that the city appears non-compliant with provincial Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR) law, since its framework excludes unmapped watercourses. Director of planning Jeremy Holm and the city&rs
  
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• WORLD CUP DAILY, July 18: England and France face off in Bronze final

  18-07-2026 16:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Daily FIFA World Cup soccer match updates and news for Black Press Media publications.
  France and England face off at 2 p.m. PT today in Miami in the 2026 bronze World Cup final.
  The match will be refereed by Jesus Valenzuela.
  England has won two of three World Cup matches against France: 3-1 in June 1982 during the group stage and 2-0 in July 1966 in London. France defeated England 2-1 in the 2022 quarter-final in Qatar.
  Spain will take on Argentina in the championship match on Sunday at 12 p.m
  
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• Former undercover officer turns decades of experience into crime novels from Ladysmith home

  18-07-2026 14:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  After spending more than 30 years working undercover against drug traffickers, kidnappers and organized crime, Ladysmith resident Lawrence Ricketts is telling stories once again — this time through fiction.
  Ricketts, a former police officer whose career included undercover assignments in Toronto, Saanich and Vancouver, has published four novels inspired by people, operations and experiences that shaped his career, with a fifth book already underway.
  While the stories are fictional, Rickett
  
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• Cannabis shop application receives few comments at public hearing

  18-07-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  There was little comment, either for or against, a proposal for a new cannabis-retail store in the Brooks Landing at a public hearing that was held on Thursday, July 17.
  Nanaimo city council gave the first two readings to the proposal for the store, which would be located at 2180 Highland Boulevard, at its meeting on June 22.
  One caller at the public hearing indicated that he felt the location was too close to other cannabis shops in the area, while one speaker said he likes the fact that he wou
  
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• B.C. Lions fall 19-17 to Edmonton Elks, lose QB Rourke to injury

  18-07-2026 06:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The B.C. Lions lost more than a game Friday night.
  Starting quarterback Nathan Rourke suffered a (non-throwing) shoulder injury on the first drive of the game and didn’t return, as the visiting Lions dropped a 19-17 decision to the Edmonton Elks in CFL action at Commonwealth Stadium.
  Cody Fajardo threw for 282 yards and a touchdown for the Elks (5-1). Receiver T.J. Luther had the lone Edmonton TD, while Vincent Blanchard booted four field goals and a convert. Chase Brice replaced Rourke (t
  
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• Snowbirds touch down at North Saanich museum ahead of Victoria flying show

  18-07-2026 02:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The BC Aviation Museum in North Saanich boasts some special visitors as the Snowbirds touch down during its annual open house this summer.The Canadian Forces flying team is on hand for the second day of the open house, signing autographs on Monday, Aug. 3, the day before a highly anticipated performance along the Victoria waterfront. Current Snowbirds team members will appear for autograph sessions, anticipated around 2 p.m., alongside former pilots and support crew. Among them is Sidney residen
  
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• $53K from touring cyclists strengthens perinatal care at Nanaimo hospital

  18-07-2026 01:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A sizable donation from touring cyclists from across the globe has boosted care for expectant mothers at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
  Canada Cycles for Kids, which raises money for kids across Canada via fundraising rides, is doing its first tour on Vancouver Island and stopped by the Nanaimo health-care facility to present a cheque of over $53,000 which will go towards a perinatal operating room cautery machine and a new fetal monitor, with price tags of $28,745 and $24,500 respectively,
  
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• Kelowna MP hangs with the kids to announce Canada Child Benefit increase

  18-07-2026 00:25 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  To support families across the country, the federal government announced an increase is coming July 20 to the Canada Child Benefit.The tax-free payment provides families with up to $8,157 per child under the age of 6 and up to $6,883 per child aged 6 to 17.
  Stronger support for families is coming July 20 with an increase to the Canada Child Benefit. To celebrate, Kelowna @FuhrMP spent some time with the kiddos at the BGC North Glenmore Club @KelownaCapNews @BlackPressMedia pic.twitter.com/GdC4Jm
  
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• Amber Alert issued for 6-year-old child from Alberta, possibly in Okanagan

  17-07-2026 23:24 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Six-year-old Lanakai Morrison, who was reportedly taken by his mother, Krista Morrison and her partner Daniel Ludwig, remains missing, and Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit continues to seek assistance in locating the child.
  Also missing is four-year-old Karl Morrison, Ludwig’s son.
  The children are suspected of being with Krista and Ludwig.
  Police believe they were in the Okanagan Valley near Vernon, possibly travelling east towards the Kootenays, but note “they are very mobile and cou
  
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• Alberta RCMP search for 2 missing children, 2 wanted adults possibly in Okanagan

  17-07-2026 23:24 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Six-year-old Lanakai Morrison, who was reportedly taken by his mother, Krista Morrison and her partner Daniel Ludwig, remains missing, and Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit continues to seek assistance in locating the child.
  Also missing is four-year-old Karl Morrison, Ludwig’s son.
  The children are suspected of being with Krista and Ludwig.
  Police believe they were in the Okanagan Valley near Vernon, possibly travelling east towards the Kootenays, but note “they are very mobile and cou
  
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• Pickleballooza tourney set for Beban Park courts in Nanaimo

  17-07-2026 22:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Sports courts in Nanaimo are expected to be packed with pickleballers and paddles for a tournament in August.
  Pickleballooza is set to run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8 at the pickleball facility at Beban Park, and while players will be going head-to-head and medals handed out, Jessica Marley, tournament organizer, said the atmosphere will be more casual than competitive
  “My husband plays and he was looking for me to do a tournament where it was friendly,” said Marley. &
  
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• HVAC, renos among work during Nanaimo Aquatic Centre closure

  17-07-2026 21:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  City of Nanaimo is reminding users of Nanaimo Aquatic Centre that the swimming pool facility will be temporarily shuttered for seven weeks.
  In a social media post, the city said Nanaimo Aquatic Centre will receive annual maintenance work beginning Monday, July 20, with the entire facility closed except for the CBI Health physiotherapy clinic.
  A new water feature, replacement of heating-ventilation-air conditioning equipment and renovation work on the guest services area are three key components,
  
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• Grandson of NHL legend Ken Dryden signs with B.C. junior hockey team

  17-07-2026 21:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Hunter Dryden has a last name that hockey fans recognize instantly.
  The 19-year-old goaltender is the grandson of Hockey Hall of Famer and six-time Stanley Cup champion Ken Dryden, while his mother, Tammy Lee Shewchuk, won Olympic gold with Canada’s women’s hockey team in 2002.
  Now, the Connecticut product is taking the next step in his career after committing to the Victoria Grizzlies for the 2026-27 BCHL season.
  “I’ve always kind of been battling with being my own perso
  
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• Two Nanaimo e-scooter collision in one month prompts warning from RCMP

  17-07-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Nanaimo RCMP is again reminding residents, parents, and youth about the importance of helmet use and following provincial regulations surrounding e-bikes and e-scooters after a recent collision involving an electric scooter rider in Nanaimo.
  It’s the second collision involving e-scooters in the city in the past month.
  The latest incident occurred just before 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, at the intersection of Uplands Drive and Villa Road.
  The preliminary investigation determined that
  
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• Province rules out repurposing Cowichan District Hospital

  17-07-2026 20:04 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The provincial government has ruled out repurposing Cowichan District Hospital once it is replaced in 2027, prompting North Cowichan council to demand an explanation.The 60-year-old hospital on Gibbins Road is scheduled to be replaced by Quw’utsun Valley Hospital on Bell McKinnon Road in 2027.In her June 29 letter, Josie Osborne, minister of Health, said the hospital, built in 1967, “has reached the end of its functional life and is not being considered for alternate uses.”That
  
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• Abbotsford Canucks’ Google numbers decrease year-over-year

  17-07-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Similar to the team’s tumble in the standings, the Abbotsford Canucks’ Google Trends data experienced a significant drop year-over-year.
  Google Trends statistics obtained by The News show a decrease of approximately 70 per cent when the time period of July 2025 to July 2026 is compared to July 2024 to July 2025.
  Google Trends track Google searches for terms over a set period of time and allow users the ability to look at historical information and also compare search terms.
  The 2025-
  
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• Garlic powder sold at Dollarama recalled

  17-07-2026 18:51 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Health Canada has issued a recall on a brand of garlic powder sold at Dollarama stores and is urging people to stop using it immediately.Heavenly Spices brand Garlic Powder has been recalled due to bacillus cereus, which can cause food poisoning, diarrhea and gastroenteritis.The recall is for the 70g product with UPC 6 67888 50634 7 and best-before date 2029 JAN 30 GP 30ZV PIT.If you have the affected product and would like a refund, contact Dollarama at [email protected] with a picture of th
  
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• Headline history: Fight goes on for proportional representation

  17-07-2026 18:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The traditional first-past-the-post voting system almost ended in B.C. a little over two decades ago, but was stopped short of the 60 per cent needed.
  A guest column in the April 5, 2005, edition of the Nanaimo News Bulletin was written by the Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform, which encouraged people to vote for a form of proportional representation in a provincial referendum on the issue in May of that year.
  If the referendum was successful, proportional representation would have re
  
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• Local man wins big at international custom guitar build competition

  17-07-2026 17:43 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Steve Arneill’s transition from amateur to competitive guitar builder began with a simple desire to repair his brother’s old, neglected instrument.
  A three-year journey has seen the Campbell River resident evolve into a skilled craftsman, recently showcasing his work on an international stage.
  Arneill’s path into lutherie began about three years ago, when he decided to restore his brother’s guitar, which had spent years sitting in a storage locker. The repair project didn
  
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• Colleen Elizabeth Ettinger

  17-07-2026 17:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  In Loving Memory ~
  May 4, 1939 – July 4, 2026
  The family wishes to announce the peaceful passing of Colleen Elizabeth Ettinger on July 4, 2026 at her Kiwanis Lodge residence.
  Born in Nanaimo, B.C. on May 4, 1939, to the late Colin and Winnifred McKenzie.
  Her family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the fourth floor staff for their exceptional care for the last 4 years while she lived at Kiwanis lodge.
  Colleen will be celebrated in a private family service.
  Full obituary can be v
  
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• Severe Thunderstorm Warning in place for much of Island

  17-07-2026 17:14 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Much of Vancouver Island is under a yellow watch for severe thunderstorms for the rest of the day, Friday, July 17.The warning applies to Vancouver Island, excluding the area from Courtenay to Victoria along the east coast.Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing heavy rain, Environment Canada’s warning says.“When thunder roars, go indoors! Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Don’t drive through flooded
  
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• Vancouver Island rider gears up to cycle 400 kilometres for charity

  17-07-2026 16:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Parksville resident Doug Watson is planning to ride 400 kilometres and raise $5,000 during the month of August for The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in support of its 10th annual Great Cycle Challenge Canada.
  Founded in 2016, Great Cycle Challenge Canada has grown to become one of the biggest cycling events in the country, according to a news release.
  “This is the fifth time I have participated in Great Cycle Challenge,” Watson said. “During those years, I rode 2,147 ki
  
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• VI Raiders aspire to make playoffs again in 2026 junior football season

  17-07-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  With the regular season kicking off, the Vancouver Island Raiders are fine tuning their play ahead of the opener.
  Nanaimo’s Canadian Junior Football League team will start 2026 B.C. Football Conference play at home against the Okanagan Sun on Saturday, July 18 at Q’unq’inuqwstuxw Stadium. The Raiders finished 2025 with a 5-4-1 record and lost 43-12 to Okanagan in the BCFC semifinals.
  Trevor Bowles, offensive line coach, said approximately 50 per cent of last year’s squad
  
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• Langley loves its kitties, and there’s stats to prove it

  17-07-2026 03:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Langley topped the list for the community that loves its cats the most, based on adoptions, and the purchase of toys, treats, and other enrichment products.
  Ahead of PetSmart Charities of Canada National Adoption Week (July 20 to 26), PetSmart unveiled its second annual Top Cat-Loving Cities ranking. The list reveals that suburban communities and mid-sized cities continue to lead the way in feline affection.
  “Cats have become an increasingly important part of family life for Canadians from
  
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• Highway 1 remains closed at Boston Bar due to wildfires

  17-07-2026 01:55 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Highway 1 is still closed at Boston Bar due to the ongoing Brunswick Creek and Ainslie Creek wildfires, the Transportation Ministry advised Thursday (July 16).
  Highway 1 is now closed east of Boothroyd and west of Boston Bar.
  The ministry said traffic control has been established at Hope and Lytton to prevent access into the affected area. There is also overhead message signs and portable message boards alerting travellers of the closure.
  The province says the closure will remain in place until
  
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• B.C. court certifies class action against e-cigarette maker JUUL

  17-07-2026 01:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The B.C. Supreme Court has certified a nationwide class action lawsuit against e-cigarette maker JUUL Labs Inc. and associated company Altria Group Inc.
  Two representative plaintiffs in the case, Owen Mann-Campbell and Robert Osborn, allege the companies deceptively marketed their product as a safe alternative to smoking and “conspired together to addict a new generation to nicotine.”
  After six years and an attempt to appeal a partial certification decision, Justice Christopher Giasc
  
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• B.C. youth watchdog points to stalled child welfare reforms

  17-07-2026 01:06 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C.’s watchdog for children and youth says progress has been inconsistent two years after her office released its initial report into children who were either seriously injured or died while in care.
  Representative Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth provided a progress report on Thursday to the July 16, 2024 Don’t Look Away report. She said progress is underway, but pointed to siloed systems, lack of early intervention services, and workforce challenges preventing consistent progress.
  The 20
  
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