Nanaimo news

• Beefs & Bouquets, Jan. 7

  07-01-2026 20:59 via nanaimobulletin.com
  BOUQUET To all readers. Happy New Year! It’s a News Bulletin tradition to publish only bouquets for the first Beefs & Bouquets of the new year. Beefs will return next week.
  BOUQUET to Craig, Kelly and John at Island Medi-quip for donating a wheelchair to our dad who was transitioning from the hospital to a care home. Their customer service was second to none and they gave our family one less thing to worry about at a very stressful time.
  BOUQUET So much gratitude to the kind man who he
  
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• Sweltering 2025: Last year was the warmest on record in Okanagan

  08-01-2026 22:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  From a sweltering extended summer to a mild start to winter, 2025 was a record-breaking year for warmth for much of the Okanagan.
  It was the warmest year on record for Vernon and Kelowna, and the fourth-warmest year for Penticton.
  Kelowna’s average temperature for the year came in at 10.6 degrees Celsius, which was 2.4 degrees above normal and tied 1988 for the city’s warmest year on record.
  Vernon’s average temperature was 10.1 C, just under two degrees above normal. That also
  
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• B.C. pastor’s fines set aside for violating in-person gathering rules during COVID lockdown

  08-01-2026 21:52 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A Chilliwack pastor ticketed for in-person worship during lockdowns has had the matter set aside in Provincial Court of B.C.
  The Alberta-based Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announced on Jan. 8 that both convictions had been “vacated” for Pastor John Koopman of the Free Reformed Church in Chilliwack.
  In 2022 Koopman was charged with participating in worship services in 2020 and 2021, violating the in-person gathering prohibition during the COVID pandemic.
  Part of the cent
  
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• Theft from vehicles on the rise in Nanaimo

  08-01-2026 21:01 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Property crimes are on the rise in the community according to the latest crime statistics compiled by Nanaimo RCMP.
  Statistics for 2025 compared to 2024 are showing a marked increase in two categories of property-related offences; theft from vehicles and “theft other” which involves thefts from places other than homes, cars and businesses, such as sheds, garages and freezers.
  According to a Nanaimo RCMP press release, theft from vehicles rose 15 per cent in 2025 and theft other, clim
  
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• Wind farm poised to become Island’s biggest power source, empower First Nation

  08-01-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Wei Wai Kum First Nation is charting a new course as the majority owner of one Vancouver Island’s largest new power sources following decades of exclusion from energy projects in their own territory.
  The Yə̓yus Energy, formerly known as the Brewster Wind Project, is a $600-million, 197-megawatt wind farm with 30 turbines that will be located northwest of Campbell River. Wei Wai Kum owns 51 per cent of the wind project while Capstone, a Toronto-based renewable energy firm, owns th
  
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• Alleged soup assault lands intoxicated woman in Salmon Arm RCMP cells

  08-01-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  An intoxicated woman spent the night in Salmon Arm RCMP cells after instigating an alleged soup assault at a local pub.
  Police were called to an establishment on Lakeshore Drive at 7 p.m. on Dec. 22 after a staff member reported an intoxicated female customer had thrown a bowl of soup at another patron and was refusing to leave.
  When officers arrived, staff pointed out the 34-year-old woman who had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and was stumbling as she walked.
  “The soup recipient was not
  
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• IIO clears RCMP of wrongdoing in 2024 arrest in Duncan

  08-01-2026 20:28 via nanaimobulletin.com
  North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP officers have been cleared of any wrongdoing in relation to the arrest of a woman in November 2024.
  During that arrest, the woman’s shoulder had been seriously injured, and as such, the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia was mandated to investigate.
  On the afternoon of Nov. 29, 2024, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP received a report of a woman waving a handgun in the air and pointing it at passing vehicles.
  The IIO report, issued Jan. 8 by chief civ
  
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• American sentenced for trying to smuggle British husband into U.S. from B.C.

  08-01-2026 19:34 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A Californian woman was sentenced to six months of probation for attempting to smuggle her husband — a Great Britain citizen — into the United States from the Roosville border crossing south of Jaffray in the East Kootenays last spring.
  Tracy Routh Lautenslager, 54, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to one count of conspiracy to bring aliens into the U.S. at a location other than a designated port of entry.
  U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the proceedings, delivering
  
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• Logging equipment torched near Lake Cowichan; RCMP investigating

  08-01-2026 19:26 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Three pieces of logging equipment owned by Fraser Valley Timber were torched overnight Jan. 1 into the morning of Jan. 2, putting multiple employees immediately out of work and potentially costing the company hundreds of thousands of dollars in replacement costs.
  Lake Cowichan RCMP spokesperson Const. David Prak said on Jan. 2 at 7 a.m., police responded to a report of multiple burnt-out and smouldering logging vehicles along the Caycuse mainline.
  “The machines, which included two grapple
  
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• Family members share grief during sentencing for East Kootenay killings

  08-01-2026 19:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Crown prosecutors are recommending at least 13 years in prison before parole eligibility for a man guilty of killing two people in Creston and Kimberley four years ago.
  Mitchell McIntyre pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and manslaughter with a firearm in the killings of Julia Howe and David Creamer on Feb. 6, 2022.
  Both Crown and defence lawyers presented a joint sentencing submission in Kamloops Supreme Court in front of Justice Paul Riley on Jan. 7. A sentencing decision is expected on J
  
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• Abbotsford hosting Judo BC Provincial Championships

  08-01-2026 18:55 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The Judo BC Provincial Championships are coming to Abbotsford.
  Hundreds of athletes of all ages will take over the Ag-Rec Centre for the province’s biggest judo competition from Feb. 6 to 8.
  This marks the first time that Abbotsford Judo Club has hosted the event since 2018. Prince George was the host city the past two years and Victoria hosted in 2023 and 2022.
  View this post on InstagramA post shared by Judo BC (@judobc)Divisions competing at the provincials include: U10, U12, U14, U16,
  
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• Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw 2025 No. 7435

  08-01-2026 18:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  “Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw 2025 No. 7435” received first, second and third reading on December 15, 2025. The proposed bylaw, if adopted, replaces “Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw 2025 No. 7435” and provides updates aimed to strengthen enforcement and ensure equitable licensing practices within all participating Vancouver Island municipalities.
  The proposed bylaw is scheduled to proceed to Council for adoption at its Regular Meeting to be held Monday, J
  
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• Concert for Bruno Mars at BC Place in October on ‘The Romantic’ tour

  08-01-2026 18:09 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A big Bruno Mars tour of North America and Europe will end in Vancouver next Oct. 15 at BC Place Stadium, Live Nation Entertainment announced Thursday (Jan. 8).
  Concert tickets go on sale Jan. 15 on BrunoMars.com for the “Romantic Tour,” which is Mars’ first headline tour in nearly a decade, following his 2017 24K Magic dates.
  Mars, a Grammy Award-winning performer, has booked nearly 40 shows from April to October 2026, including one in Vancouver (with opener Anderson .Paak as
  
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• Notice of Auction: Parkway Storage

  08-01-2026 17:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Parkway Storage 1970 Bollinger Rd.
  Nanaimo, 250-591-0109
  Three individual 8’x20’ drive up units containing household & miscellaneous items, tools, electronics, fishing gear, small engines, and a golf cart.
  Liable Individuals and debts owing:
  Robert Jay Roberts $7,916
  James louis Wilson $4,238
  Online auction at www.bid13.com starting January 20th, closing January 30th at 12pm.
  
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• Opposition MLA condemns ‘failed’ safe supply as B.C. moves to witnessed dosing

  08-01-2026 15:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  British Columbia’s prescribed safer supply program — aimed at providing people at high risk of overdose with regulated alternatives to toxic street drugs — is undergoing a major shift, drawing sharp criticism from the Opposition.
  As of Dec. 30, 2025, all prescriptions under the Prescribed Alternatives program must now be taken under the supervision of a health professional at the time of dispensing. Skeena MLA Claire Rattée, the Conservative Critic for Mental Health, Add
  
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• Private property responsible for ‘significant’ oil spill near Cable Bay

  08-01-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The City of Nanaimo and B.C.’s Ministry of Environment and Parks are dealing with an oil spill near Cable Bay.
  The spill, described as an oil substance, possibly diesel, may have occurred as early as Friday, Jan. 2, and once discovered, was traced back to a private property on the east side of the Duke Point Industrial Park.
  “We traced it back up to a private property, an industrial site, and we just got the ministry of environment involved, so they’re taking the lead on the re
  
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• My cats reviewed their Christmas gift—the box won

  08-01-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The annual challenge of buying gifts for pets is an experience that often comes with a shockingly high return rate due to feline rejection.
  Anyone who shops for cats knows the risk; you can spend time researching and choosing something marketed as irresistible, only for your cat to look at it like you’ve deeply offended them.
  I like to think of it as enrichment roulette. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you’re standing in line at the store in January, returning something your cat ref
  
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• Acclaimed Vancouver Island artists take the stage for an unforgettable night in Nanaimo

  08-01-2026 14:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Prepare to be swept away by an evening of rich harmonies, captivating storytelling, and soul-warming positivity when acclaimed Vancouver Island artists Zonnis and Dogwood Bloom craft an immersive musical experience radiating love, unity and boundless creativity.
  Zonnis – Adam and Andrea Zonnis – from Victoria, have performed at more than 500 festivals in 10 countries to build an international reputation with their quirky charm, heartfelt songwriting, and ability to leave audiences sm
  
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• Court-ordered: publication bans and what they mean in B.C. criminal cases

  08-01-2026 14:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  What is a publication ban and why do they exist in B.C. courts?
  Readers may sometimes notice that media outlets, like the Trail Times, are unable to report details about certain criminal cases, or that coverage dries up after charges are laid.
  In British Columbia, this is often due to a publication ban ordered by the court or required by law.
  A publication ban is a legal restriction that prevents the media and the public from publishing, broadcasting or sharing specific information about a court
  
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• High school theatre students will bring Frozen Jr. to the stage in Nanaimo

  08-01-2026 04:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Fans of Disney’s Frozen will have an opportunity to see their favourite characters hit the stage.
  On Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 12-13, Nanaimo District Secondary School’s musical theatre program will be presenting Frozen Jr., an hour-long version of the animated movie.
  “They can expect all of the magic and joy and fun from the movie,” said Kelly Barnum, the show’s director. “There’s a couple of new songs in the show and it’s all within an hour which
  
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• 3D printed applicators highlighted at BC Cancer Kelowna for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

  08-01-2026 02:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
  BC Cancer Kelowna is reminding people to get regular screenings, but also gave media an opportunity to see the technology that is changing the future of treatment.
  Medical Physicist Dr. Deidre Batchelar explained the technology is a 3D printer that uses resin to create custom applicators for brachytherapy, or internal radiation treatment.
  Brachytherapy isn’t a new treatment style, but Batchelar explain they would get a one-size-fits-all applicato
  
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• 15-year-old found dead after Aldergrove house fire

  08-01-2026 01:48 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A 15-year-old was found dead inside a home near the 6500-block of 248 Street in Aldergrove where a structure fire was reported on the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 6:57 a.m.“This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time,” said Langley RCMP Sgt. Zynal Sharoom.
  Sharoom also confirmed that Township firefighters found the structure fully engulfed in flames.
  Around 9 a.m., deputy fire chief Russ Je
  
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• Diesel mistakenly pumped into water truck on wrong B.C. site leads to farm fuel spill

  08-01-2026 01:10 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The Ministry of Environment and Parks is assessing the damage of an oil spill on a horse farm north of Campbell River after a fuel company drove onto the wrong property and mistakenly pumped diesel into a water truck on Jan. 6, leaking 786 litres onto the ground.
  Dave Duck, manager of the horse farm off North Island Highway, said he saw a semi-truck carrying fuel enter the property, assuming it had taken a wrong turn, as often happens on Duncan Bay Road. He went to lunch since no delivery was ex
  
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• January brings magic, Lego and more to Victoria’s Royal BC Museum

  08-01-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  This January, the Royal BC Museum is hosting a lineup of events and activities that help the public explore their own minds and creativity, while engaging in fun activities.
  From mindfulness and magic, to the lost art of letter writing, the museum has something for all ages to enjoy.
  Forest Sound Experience
  Jan. 8 from 9 – 9:30 a.m.
  Forest diorama, second floor ($20)
  The museum is inviting the public to reconnect with nature in their replica of a coastal forest in B.C. All are welcome to s
  
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• Mother, daughter fight in court over man’s cremated remains

  08-01-2026 00:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A B.C. Supreme Court judge presided recently over an “unfortunate and sad dispute” concerning what was to be done with cremated remains of a Sikh man in the face of ongoing conflict among his survivors.
  Justice Frits Verhoeven heard the case in B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster concerning the ashes of Dalip Singh Mangat, who died in September of 2024. The judge granted a petition from 80-year-old Gurdev Kaur Mangat, the deceased’s wife of 62 years, to scatter her husband&rs
  
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• Bernice Nugent

  08-01-2026 00:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The Nugent family is sad to share the news of Bernice’s peaceful passing, at 88 years of age, in Nanaimo, on December 26, 2025. Bernice is predeceased by John, her husband of 65 years, her sister Phyllis, and her brother Martin. She is survived by three sons, Barry (Cathy), Darren, and Scott, four grandchildren, Kiefer, Alexandra (Cole), DJ (Raelynn), and Jordan, and great granddaughter Khloe.
  Bernice was born and raised in Alberta. After college, she met then married John shortly after he
  
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• Kamloops RCMP warn dating app users as homicide investigation continues

  08-01-2026 00:21 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Kamloops RCMP is renewing its call for public assistance as investigators continue a homicide investigation concerning the death of a man in the city’s West End, and new information from police indicates they are looking into the victim’s potential use of dating sites.
  Muhammad “Ash” Zafar was located in the West End neighbourhood on Monday, Jan. 6. Police responded to a home on Dalgleish Drive for a well-being call and located Zafar deceased inside the residence.
  Investi
  
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• Two of ‘Canada’s most renowned waterways’ top B.C. Most Endangered Rivers list

  08-01-2026 00:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  It’s not the first time the heart of the mighty Fraser River, “one of the most productive rivers on the planet,” makes it to the top of the BC Most Endangered Rivers list, compiled by the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC.
  The 2026 Endangered Rivers List released on Jan. 7 has two of “Canada’s most renowned waterways” tied for the title of most endangered: The Heart of the Fraser, the section of the Fraser River from Mission to Hope, and the Cowichan River on V
  
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• No relation between Nanaimo RCMP and injury man suffered in April arrest, says IIO

  08-01-2026 00:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  B.C.’s police watchdog has found no fault with Nanaimo RCMP in an April incident where a man was hospitalized after being arrested.
  Previously, the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. stated that a man sustained, what was later confirmed as, a “self-inflicted” injury when being arrested in the Sherwood Drive area after 12:30 p.m. on April 20 – the man was taken to hospital and treated and “survived [the] injury,” it noted.
  In a press release on Wednesday
  
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• BC Lions sign White Rock kicker Sean Whyte to 1-year contract extension

  07-01-2026 23:53 via nanaimobulletin.com
  BC Lions kicker and White Rock native Sean Whyte will play for at least one more year with his hometown Canadian Football League team.
  The clutch kicker, who led the CFL with a career-high field goal percentage of 95.1 after making good on 39 of 41 attempts in 2025, was also a West Divsionn All-CFL selection for the third straight season.
  This will be Whyte’s eighth season with the BC Lions and 18th overall in the CFL, and the 40-year-old says he’s happy to play for another year with
  
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