Nanaimo news

• Canada Post, union reach tentative agreements

  22-12-2025 19:40 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have reached tentative agreements, with the union set to manage a ratification vote.
  Canada Post announced Monday (Dec. 22) that the two parties had reached tentative agreements after previously reaching agreements in principle in November.
  A statement from the union says it had “achieved improvements” since Canada Post’s global offers on Oct. 3.
  The tentative agreements are for both the urban and rural and suburban mail carr
  
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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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• 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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• Sikh activists take to B.C. legislature steps, angered by Eby’s India trip

  09-01-2026 00:48 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A group of Sikh activists took to the steps of the B.C. legislature on Thursday (Jan. 8), waving Khalistan flags and urging Premier David Eby to cancel his upcoming India trip.
  They say the India trip sends the wrong message after the death in Surrey of fellow Sikh activist Hardeep Nijjar in 2023, allegedly shot by Indian hitmen. Four men have been arrested and charged with the murder.
  “The killers are in custody, foot soldiers are in custody, but who’s behind it?” asked Jag Si
  
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• Lawn care company gives 3,500 lbs of food to B.C. food banks

  09-01-2026 00:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Weed Man is feeding more than just people’s lawns this winter, with the North American lawn care company recently revealing the fundraising totals from this year’s Grassroots Giving campaign.
  This annual fundraiser collects food donations throughout Canada and the U.S. and then hands the contributions to food banks and other charitable organizations.
  The most recent Grassroots Giving campaign managed to gather a total of 3,540 lbs for B.C. food banks, with locations including:
  •
  
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• Nanaimo’s new urban design artist roster boasts the highest selection yet

  09-01-2026 00:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Nanaimo’s roster of urban design artists, which the city consults with to integrate art for public spaces and infrastructure, has grown from 21 to 28.
  On Tuesday, Jan. 5, the city released its 2026-2028 urban design roster list, with the names of new and returning artists and designers from across B.C. who will be influencing city designs.
  Jaime-Brett Sine, Nanaimo’s culture coordinator, told the News Bulletin the increase of artists reflects more opportunities the city has to integr
  
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• Kelowna airport’s economic impact over $2 billion in 2024

  08-01-2026 23:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is a money-making machine.
  Over $2 billion dollars ($2.076 to be exact) in economic output was generated by the City-owned airport in 2024, according to a study by the City of Kelowna.
  Economic output is calculated by taking the aggregate of labour income and other expenditures which can be considered as the contribution to GDP.
  The study in question will be handed to Kelowna City council on Monday. In the recommendation to council, the city manager said the e
  
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• B.C.-U.S. border park featured in new documentary

  08-01-2026 23:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A documentary that was four years in the making will première one year into the renewed political tensions at the Canada-U.S. border.
  Award-winning filmmaker Ying Wang is showcasing her documentary The Border on Jan. 24 in Vancouver as part of the interplay 2026 festival.
  Wang says the documentary is fitting as political tensions continue to increase the strain on the border.
  The film offers “a timely reflection on the fragility of freedom and the enduring friction between the human
  
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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 Vancouver 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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• 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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