Nanaimo news

• Bonnie Oressia Kinnaird

  30-10-2026 17:12 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  In Loving Memory ~
  Bonnie Oressia was born in Shaunavon, SK on March 5, 1948 to Emma(nee Jacobson) and Percy Langille. Bonnie was their third child. She got her schooling in Ravenscrag and Maple Creek, SK. As a young teenager she started in the hospitality business as a waitress at Maple Creek’s 1 & 21 Family Restaurant. There with the help of Bert, her future father-in-law who poured the coffee, she was able to handle 2-3 Greyhound busloads of people during their very early morning stops.
  
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• Doerkson says he wants most of B.C.’s government workers back in the office

  12-11-2026 23:21 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson says he wants B.C. public service workers to return to the office — though he is open to some exceptions for rural workers.
  “I’m committed to having people come back to the office,” he said.
  Working from home has expanded drastically since the COVID-19 pandemic, including among B.C. government employees, many of whom work via “telework” agreements.
  Some employees are even hired with this in mind, with some teams consisting of workers scattered through
  
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• Kelowna sex assault re-trial closes, decision still to come

  12-11-2026 23:14 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  WARNING: This article contains details about a criminal sexual assault trial and may be disturbing to some readers. If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence, contact the Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society at (250) 763-4613 or the RCMP.The defence lawyer for a Kelowna man who faces sexual assault charges from an incident in 2021 argued the Crown has not proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
  Brandon Hildebrand Acosta appeared on Nov. 10 before Justice Richard Hewson
  
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• Veteran overcomes PTSD for great uncles at Vernon Remembrance Day

  12-11-2026 23:09 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Hundreds of people gathered in Cenotaph Park seemed daunting.
  So many bodies, so many faces, so many potential outcomes.
  It’s a struggle Doreen Lambert faces each Remembrance Day as a Royal Canadian Air Force veteran suffering from PTSD.
  Staying put at home has been the usual course of action, but the last couple years, she has been able to overcome her trepidation and turn out for the day she once stood guard on. But, more importantly, for her great uncles, whose names are etched on the monum
  
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• ‘Bring Jesus home’: B.C. Catholic school seeks $100K after sculpture stolen

  12-11-2026 21:50 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  A life-size copper sculpture depicting Jesus at the Last Supper was stolen from a Surrey independent school on Remembrance Day, prompting a school community fundraising campaign to replace the artwork.The sculpture, which was donated by Dr. Joseph King, chair of the society board at Saint John Paul II Academy, was taken from the school’s courtyard on Nov. 11.In an interview, King described this incident as unexpected and upsetting, noting the artwork had become an important part of the school�
  
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• Sunfest announces headliners including Nanaimo-born star

  12-11-2026 21:43 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Just in time for the holidays, you can put a little Sunfest in your favourite country fan’s stocking as the country music festival celebrates its 25th year, and 10th at Laketown Ranch from July 29 to Aug. 1, 2027 with some local talent taking centre stage next year.On July 30, it will be fans of the genre’s ‘Kind of Night’ with headliner Luke Bryan taking the stage. Bryan, who has established himself as one of the defining figures in contemporary country music with a career built on char
  
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• ‘Pineapple Express’ leads to warmest Remembrance Day in Nanaimo on record

  12-11-2026 21:30 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Atmospheric river remnants led to a record high temperature in the Nanaimo area on Remembrance Day.
  According to Environment Canada, Nanaimo broke a daily record for Nov. 11, when the mercury hit 18.1 C, surpassing the previous high of 16.2 C set in 1991. Morgen Shull, Environment Canada operational meteorologist, told the News Bulletin the phenomenon experienced, which includes rains and warm air, has been referred to as a “Pineapple Express.”
  “I did actually look into where the tail end
  
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• Multiple-vehicle incident impacts traffic near Parksville

  12-11-2026 19:57 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Emergency crews responded to a multi-vehicle crash on southbound Highway 19 near Parksville at approximately 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning, Nov. 12.According to Oceanside RCMP news release, a southbound vehicle lost control on the Englishman River bridge causing several vehicles travelling behind to crash.Approximately eight vehicles were involved.One person was transported to hospital by air ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries.Traffic on the highway was heavily impacted while the air amb
  
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• ‘Trust the process’: Saanich volleyball standout chasing Olympic dream from Italy

  12-11-2026 19:30 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Payton Henderson never imagined her volleyball journey would take her from a high school gym in Saanich to the professional courts of Italy.
  Now, the 2021 graduate of Claremont Secondary School is playing overseas while pursuing an Olympic dream with Team Canada.
  Henderson was one of three Greater Victoria athletes receiving a $10,000 grant through Petro-Canada’s Fuelling Athlete and Coaching Excellence (FACE) program, providing financial support as she continues to develop her game and chase
  
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• Severely matted dog and 14 cats surrendered from Vancouver Island property

  12-11-2026 19:24 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  The BC SPCA has taken on one dog and 14 cats from a Vancouver Island property following an investigation.
  The animal welfare organization did not specify where the property is located, but said they responded to an Oct. 2 complaint about a large number of cats and a severely matted dog.
  Following an investigation and conversations with the owner, one Havanese dog and 14 cats were surrendered.
  “The owner was clearly overwhelmed and needed our help,” said Kaley Pugh, regional manager, animal p
  
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• Central Vancouver Island dubbed an affordable travel destination for U.S. visitors

  12-11-2026 19:17 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Forget Victoria and Tofino, the east coast of Vancouver Island is dubbed a top affordable travel destination by Travel + Leisure.
  According to Stats Canada data, the number of U.S. residents traveling to Canada in July 2026 was up 9.1 per cent compared to the same time period in 2025. Consistently cooler temperatures up north, a continued strong U.S. dollar vs. the Canadian dollar, and the legendary friendliness and hospitality of Canadians could all factor into the surge in tourism.The online m
  
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• Poppy donation box stolen from Nanaimo pizza joint just before Remembrance Day

  12-11-2026 18:45 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  A woman alleged to have stolen a poppy donation box from a north Nanaimo restaurant is sought by police.
  On Sunday, Nov. 8 at 10 p.m., a Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Campaign box was stolen from the Panago Pizza on 6560 Island Highway North, a Nanaimo RCMP press release stated.
  Based on security camera video, the suspect is described as a Caucasian woman, with long blond hair, carrying a red purse and wearing a black and white toque.
  The theft was particularly egregious given Remembrance Day was
  
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• Doerkson asks outgoing B.C. NDP government to stop Massey tunnel work

  12-11-2026 18:42 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson is asking the outgoing NDP government not to undertake any new work on the Massey tunnel project that couldn’t also be used for a bridge after his government takes over on Nov. 20.
  One of Doerkson’s core campaign pledges was to build a 10-lane bridge instead of replacing the existing tunnel under the Fraser River at Delta with another tunnel.
  The B.C. Conservative party won the Oct. 24 election, but won’t officially take over until Nov. 20 when the new cabi
  
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• Esquimalt teen takes his ‘acts of love’ petition to Parliament

  12-11-2026 18:40 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  An Esquimalt teen is punching above his weight, taking his pitch to Parliament to create A Million Acts of Love Month in Canada.A Million Acts of Love revolves around the memory of Felix Townsin’s little sister Lexi, who lived with Blau syndrome and died of complications just shy of her seventh birthday in 2019.
  Felix was nine, but he’d already been involved in philanthropic efforts, writing Don’t Floss Your Toes at age 5 as a fundraiser for Blau syndrome (early-onset sarcoidosis) and juve
  
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• Retired Salmon Arm lawyer admits to sexually harassing client, banned for 10 years

  12-11-2026 18:38 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Admitting to sexual harassment of a former client, retired Salmon Arm lawyer Ian Frank McTavish is prohibited from practising law for 10 years.On Nov. 5, 2026, the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC) accepted a proposal from McTavish who, admitting to an allegation of professional misconduct, agreed to not engage in the practice of law in B.C. and across Canada for a 10-year-period beginning Nov. 9, 2026.
  Working as a sole practitioner in Salmon Arm for most of his 50-year career, McTavish, 7
  
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• Cowichan Valley Youth Services hit by copper thieves

  12-11-2026 18:33 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Three recent infrastructure predicaments have left staff at Cowichan Valley Youth Services scrambling not only to repair their building but also to pay those repair bills.
  First, back-to-back floods devastated much of their Coronation Street location, and now thieves have rendered their HVAC system useless.
  Sometime overnight on Oct. 26, thieves tried to steal the copper pipes from the building’s heating system.“They cut through the plastic casing, cut through the PVC and cut the foam, but t
  
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• Sooke product helps UVic claim first-ever women’s rugby national title

  12-11-2026 18:31 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  A 17-0 shutout of their fiercest rivals gave the University of Victoria Vikes something the program had never celebrated: a national championship.
  Victoria vanquished the UBC Thunderbirds on Sunday (Nov. 8) in Guelph, Ont., claiming the U Sports women’s rugby title for the first time in program history.
  The Vikes reached the national final in each of the past three seasons, losing to Laval in 2023 before suffering back-to-back defeats against UBC in 2024 and 2025. But despite those setbacks, t
  
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• Saanich girls’ school plans campus renewal following $22M gift

  12-11-2026 18:29 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  St. Margaret’s School (SMS) has received a $22-million gift from an anonymous donor to support campus improvements and the construction of a new health and wellness centre.
  The planned centre will focus on the “physical, emotional, social, and academic well-being of students and staff.” However, no specific design details or location on school grounds have been announced.
  “Parents want their daughters to be successful,” said Sara Blair, chief executive officer and head of school.
  “Bu
  
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• What’s On, Nov. 11

  12-11-2026 18:00 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  MUSICBlues Reunion featuring Ken Hamm, David Gogo, Sam Hurrie and Doug Cox will be performed at The Queen’s on Nov. 11, with doors at 6 p.m. and showtime at 7 p.m. Minors are allowed until 10 p.m and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tickets are available at www.thequeens.ca.Bad Waitress, Dolly Desire and Die Job will be performing at The Globe Live Studio on Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at www.theglobelivestudio.com.Cory Weeds Plays Huey Lewis & The News will be perf
  
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• ‘More than the sights’: Blind B.C. author to share travel tips, tricks in book talk

  12-11-2026 18:00 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  At 56, Lynn Jensen has travelled to more than a few places.
  Asked just how many, she can’t quite put a number on it – at least not directly. To give an idea of the scope, however, she speaks of her first guide dog.
  “She got around,” Jensen quipped of yellow lab, Mae.
  “She actually travelled to 13 countries, 14 states, five provinces and one territory in her eight-and-a-half-year career.”
  Currently navigating life with Quest – her fourth guide dog, another yellow lab – at her side
  
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• B.C. actor returns to play about dementia 40 years later with new perspective

  12-11-2026 17:47 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Pat Henman heard singing echo down a hospital hallway last week and felt herself drawn to it.
  In a room at Trail’s Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital, a group of seniors were playing old-time tunes. Henman stayed to listen, and noticed some were taking part in the music while others seemed unaware it was on.
  “A lot of folks were not experiencing it. They just were sitting in their chairs,” Henman said. “It was like, I’m meant to watch this.”
  The Nelson actor has been thinking a lot
  
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• Alberta man charged after allegedly luring B.C. girl through Roblox, Kelowna RCMP say

  12-11-2026 17:44 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  An Alberta man is being charged for multiple alleged offences involving an underaged B.C. girl through an online platform.
  The Kelowna RCMP announced that Kenneth Livesey, 19, from Beaverlodge, Alta., was arrested on Oct. 29 following an investigation by Internet Child Exploitation units in the Alberta and B.C. RCMP.
  Livesey is being charged with child luring, making sexually explicit materials available to a child, making child sexual abuse and exploitation material and possessing child sexual
  
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• LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Kudos to doctor for opinion on time change

  12-11-2026 17:00 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  To the editor:
  Re: Have we chosen the wrong time for B.C.? Letter, Oct. 28 issue
  Kudos Dr. Derek Poteryko for more exposure on the time change health issues.
  This fact has been widely published many times before former premier David Eby made the change!
  My opinion has been to compromise and right now, just turn the clock back one half hour for a happy medium.
  Then, just leave’er at that!
  Neil Saunders
  Nanaimo
  —
  The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the wr
  
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• Record daily temperatures hit Vancouver Island as flood risk rises

  12-11-2026 15:50 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  While Victoria saw sun and cloud on Nov. 11, rainfall continued and remains through Thursday across much of Vancouver Island.
  An orange warning, deemed of higher confidence by Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologists, continues to cover the western portion from the southern tip to the Brooks Peninsula, where 150 to 200 mm of rain is anticipated. A yellow rain warning is also in place for Nanaimo to Courtenay and across the Sunshine Coast with 50 to 100 mm expected.Rain will continue
  
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• No tsunami warning as 4.1m earthquake recorded off western Vancouver Island

  12-11-2026 14:57 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  No tsunami is expected after a Thursday morning earthquake off the west coast of Vancouver Island.
  A4.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded about 10 km deep in the waters 215 km west of Port McNeill around 12:30 a.m.No tsunami warning was issued, nor expected.
  While many small shakes go unnoticed in the area, another notable quake was documented Tuesday (Nov. 10) evening.The magnitude 4.7 earthquake rumbled about 10 km deep in the waters 130 km west of Tofino.That also resulted in no tsunami warni
  
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• The unspoken bond: The people behind happy pets

  12-11-2026 14:30 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Behind every wagging tail and every happy purr is someone who makes it all possible—you.
  Pet guardians show up every single day with a kind of love, patience, and commitment that deserves a standing ovation (or at least a very enthusiastic tail thump). Your dog might believe you’re simply the world’s best playmate, and your cat might insist it was their idea to move in together, but we know the truth: it’s your care that makes their joy possible.
  Caring for a pet is no small feat. It’s
  
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• With recent windstorms on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo residents should be prepared

  12-11-2026 13:30 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  With recent severe inclement weather, households in Nanaimo are encouraged to be prepared any emergency situation.
  In a video on City of Nanaimo’s website, Evan Lloyd, emergency preparedness manager, said residents should have an emergency kit prepared, with at least seven days worth of supplies, as part of their strategy to deal with a sudden crisis, like a major windstorm or industrial incident.
  He said that, at any time, an emergency situation could leave people trapped in their homes and w
  
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• Heavy wind and rainfall warnings in place around B.C.

  11-11-2026 22:41 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Heavy wind and rainfall warnings have been issued all over B.C.
  Environment Canada has issued multiple yellow and orange warnings, which are active as of Wednesday, Nov. 11.
  *100 Mile, Yellow Warning: Wind
  *Cariboo – north including Quesnel, Yellow Warning: Wind
  *Cariboo – south including Williams Lake, Yellow Warning: Wind
  *Central Coast – inland sections, Yellow Warning: Rainfall
  *Chilcotin, Orange Warning: Wind, Yellow Warning: Rainfall
  *East Vancouver Island – Courtenay to Campbell R
  
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• REMEMBRANCE DAY 2026: Nanaimo and Lantzville remember

  11-11-2026 22:30 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, people in Nanaimo and Lantzville paused for a moment of silence to honour members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
  Ceremonies were held at cenotaphs at Dallas Square Park in downtown Nanaimo and at Huddlestone Park in Lantzville on Wednesday, Nov. 11, Remembrance Day.
  Speaking at the Nanaimo ceremony, Archdeacon Brian Evans stated Remembrance Day 2026 occurs during the Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th anniversary and it is a time to pay homage to t
  
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• Howard (Tony) Randle

  11-11-2026 21:24 via Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
  Celebration of Life for Howard (Tony) Randle will be held on Saturday, Nov 14/2026 at 1-4pm at Arbutus Meadows (Barn) at 1515 Island Highway East, Nanoose Bay, BC
  
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