Nanaimo news

• Comox Lake fire classified as Under Control

  06-07-2026 19:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A small wildfire burning near Comox Lake is under control, after being first reported on Sunday afternoon.
  BC Wildfire received a report of a small wildfire burning near the Comox Lake Bluffs Ecological Reserve on Sunday afternoon. Smoke was visible from across Comox Lake at Coal Beach, as were periodic flames.
  Initially labelled “out of control” by BC Wildfire, the fire was brought under control by the end of the day.
  The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
  The Comox Val
  
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• Where the rules don’t apply: Fortis and the Christina Lake data centre controversy

  07-07-2026 02:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Faced with mounting public concern about power- and water-hungry data centres, the B.C. government has taken action to limit the amount of electricity BC Hydro is willing to supply, forcing companies to bid for the right to connect.
  But the province doesn’t just have one electrical utility: Southeastern British Columbia is served by FortisBC.
  In this area that spans the Kootenays and Southern Interior, these new rules won’t apply, and the province has far less sway over which project
  
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• Wildfire burning on Mount Prevost in North Cowichan

  07-07-2026 01:32 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A wildfire has broken out on Mount Prevost near Duncan.
  The fire was discovered on Monday, July 6, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
  The fire is listed as out of control, meaning it is spreading or expected to spread beyond the current perimeter or control line and it is currently about 1 hectare in size.
  It is suspected to be human-caused.
  As of 4:30 p.m. on Monday there were no alerts or evacuations listed due to the fire.
  
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• B.C.’s estimate for Massey Tunnel replacement more than doubles to $8.5B

  07-07-2026 01:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C.’s transportation minister says the George Massey Tunnel replacement will now cost about $8.5 billion — nearly twice the 2021 estimate of $4.15 billion for a new eight-lane submersed-tube tunnel beneath the Fraser River.
  But the federal government has also promised to kick in $3 billion as part of a memorandum of understanding recently signed with the province.
  “This updated budget reflects today’s market conditions, inflation, project scope, and the realities of deli
  
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• Application for Nanaimo cannabis shop going to public hearing

  07-07-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A proposal for a new cannabis-retail store in the Brooks Landing area will go to a public hearing.
  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.
  The B.C. Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch is ultimately responsible for deciding who receives licenses to operate retail-cannabis operations in the province, but the branch will not proceed with a licensing application unless the local go
  
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• 4-hectare wildfire discovered east of Kamloops out of control

  07-07-2026 00:52 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A wildfire has been discovered east of Kamloops.
  The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says the fire is four hectares and out of control.
  The wildfire service says it is located near Harper Ranch Road. According to the wildfire map, it is north of the South Thompson River near Shuswap Road.
  Kamloops Fire Centre is assisting Kamloops and Tk’emlups Fire Rescue in responding to the wildfire.
  BCWS says there are firefighting crews and aviation resources assigned to the incident.
  Humans are the suspec
  
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• Woman missing, presumed drowned following incident at Stamp Falls

  07-07-2026 00:22 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A Port Alberni family is sending a warning to other nature lovers after witnessing a young woman get swept over the falls along the Stamp River on July 5.
  ”There’s nothing more horrible than what happened yesterday,” says James Elfstrom, who, along with his wife and son were getting ready to leave the potholes around 5:30 p.m. when a group of three women and a man, all in their early 20s, set-up just below them at an area about 30 metres (100) feet above the falls.
  The Elfstrom
  
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• Harbour Air lands in Campbell River

  06-07-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The first Harbour Air flight landed in Campbell River on the morning of July 6.
  Campbell River is the latest part of the airline’s largest seasonal expansion to date, joining other new routes like the Victoria-Seattle, and Ucluelet routes.
  “The expansion delivers on strong demand across the Pacific Northwest, adding new connections to communities like Ucluelet – named one of Expedia’s 2026 Destinations of the Year – and Campbell River, a gateway to world-class fishi
  
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• Motorcyclists dies in B.C. highway crash after allegedly speeding by police check

  06-07-2026 23:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C.’s police watchdog has been notified about a highway crash where a motorcyclist died after reportedly been observed by police speeding and driving erratically.
  A B.C. Highway Patrol officer was doing speed enforcement on Highway 99 when the officer saw two motorcyclists allegedly speeding and driving erratically around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, according to a news release from B.C. RCMP Monday.
  The release says the officer left their position along the highway and moments later foun
  
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• Motorcyclist dies in B.C. highway crash after allegedly speeding by police check

  06-07-2026 23:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C.’s police watchdog has been notified about a highway crash where a motorcyclist died after reportedly been observed by police speeding and driving erratically.
  A B.C. Highway Patrol officer was doing speed enforcement on Highway 99 when the officer saw two motorcyclists allegedly speeding and driving erratically around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, according to a news release from B.C. RCMP Monday.
  The release says the officer left their position along the highway and moments later foun
  
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• ROAR hosting Picnic en Blanc to celebrate 10th anniversary

  06-07-2026 23:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  An elegant annual garden party in Nanaimo is back and celebrating a special anniversary with dance, delicious food and a personal story from a LGBTQI+ refugee.
  Picnic en Blanc will take on Saturday, July 11 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at a private garden setting in north Nanaimo.
  The event serves as Reaching Out Assisting Refugees largest annual fundraiser, which has now spent a decade bringing persecuted LGBTQI+ people from countries around the world to Vancouver Island.
  This picnic will be the char
  
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• BC Hydro gives more details on how to get free smart thermostats starting this fall

  06-07-2026 22:46 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C. released more information on Monday (July 6) about a new program to provide free smart thermostats to BC Hydro customers with electric baseboard heaters.
  “In order to offer this program, we need the technology,” Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix said. “I’m happy to announce BC Hydro is signing agreements with two great Canadian vendors to provide that technology”
  Homeowners will be able to order up to five new Mysa or Sinopé thermostats th
  
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• B.C. businesses with temporary patios for World Cup can apply for extension

  06-07-2026 22:04 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Businesses that has temporary outdoor patios approved for FIFA World Cup can now apply to keep them open until Labour Day, the government announced Monday (July 6).
  Eligible businesses with approved FIFA World Cup related outdoor temporary extensions will be able to apply to extend those approvals through to Sept. 6.
  The release adds that this move will help businesses “build on the momentum generated by the tournament, while providing British Columbians and visitors with more outdoor dini
  
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• Wrong place, right time: Barriere helps Ashcroft fight grass fire

  06-07-2026 22:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  It’s not uncommon for fire departments to help each other out in an emergency, but the crew at Ashcroft Fire Rescue (AFR) got a big surprise when they found out who came to their assistance for a routine fire call on June 19.
  At 9:14 p.m. on Friday, June 19, AFR received a call from Kamloops Fire Dispatch about a grass fire at the junction of Cornwall Road and Highway 1 near the Esso Travel Centre. AFR Chief Josh White says crews acted quickly to reach the hall, gear up, and roll out.
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• B.C. introducing new apprenticeship, certification requirements for crane operators

  06-07-2026 20:36 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Effective July 5, all crane operators in B.C. will have one year to register as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC or take a certification exam to become a journeyperson as part of changes being rolled out by the province to strengthen site safety.
  “By expanding skilled trades certification to crane operators, we’re formally recognizing the skills these workers already demonstrate every day while strengthening safety and training standards across the industry,” said Jessie Sunn
  
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• Boston Bar school acting as fire camp during Brunswick Creek wildfire

  06-07-2026 20:22 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Boston Bar Elementary Secondary School is being made into a temporary fire camp as the Brunswick Creek wildfire continues to burn.
  According to an email from Fraser-Cascade School District superintendent Dr. Balan Moorthy, the school is being prepared to support wildfire crews as the 1,200-hectare Brunswick Creek threatens communities in the Fraser Canyon.
  “Our thoughts are with the Boston Bar community, which remains on evacuation alert, as well as the students, families, staff, and commu
  
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• Sidney teen to represent Canada at world paddling championships

  06-07-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A 14-year-old Sidney paddler is preparing to represent Canada on the world stage after qualifying for the International Va’a Federation World Sprint Championships in Singapore this August.
  Paige Emanuel will compete in the U16 and U19 women’s V1 500-metre sprint events after earning the fastest times in both age categories at the Canadian national time trials in Calgary last September.
  The world championships, one of the largest international outrigger canoe competitions, are expecte
  
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• Police seize cash, classic cars in Central Saanich drug raid

  06-07-2026 19:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A five-month investigation into suspected drug trafficking in Central Saanich has led to charges against a 60-year-old man after police seized cocaine, cash, vehicles and other property during two searches.
  The Central Saanich Police Department began investigating a suspected drug trafficker operating from a residence in July 2025. Investigators said they observed multiple drug transactions over five months before arresting John Patrick Sampson.
  In November 2025, officers with the Central Saanic
  
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• ‘A lot of blood loss’: Witness recounts Vancouver Island assault that left 3 injured

  06-07-2026 19:40 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Victoria’s Mile Zero Monument was the scene of a major police response on Friday (July 3) after an assault in which, Abigail Urquhart said, a man wielding a machete injured three of her friends, prompting the deployment of about 20 police cruisers, a canine unit and drones.
  Victoria Police said two suspects were arrested at the scene, including one youth. Neither of those arrested was among the injured. Both remain in custody, police said in a July 4 news release.
  Of her three injured frie
  
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• Cowichan’s Sun Bowl shows off Pacific Northwest’s best in women’s flag football

  06-07-2026 19:09 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The fields at McAdam Park in Duncan were the site of the 39th annual Sun Bowl tournament June 20 and 21 and this year 15 teams took part in the event, dubbed the Pacific Northwest Women’s Flag Football Championships, including four in the brand new masters division.
  “From the opening whistle on Saturday morning, the tournament showcased the very best of the sport,” said organizer Chris Mann. “Spectators were treated to high-intensity action, spectacular catches that seeme
  
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• Weather, injury pulls Vancouver Island team out of Alaska adventure race

  06-07-2026 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  With a focus on safety and enjoying the journey, a Saanich team taking in the Race To Alaska won’t finish the task this time.“It is with heavy hearts and profound disappointment that Team Oaracle has made the difficult decision to retire from this year’s R2AK and postpone our northward journey to Ketchikan for another time,” the team said in an update. “Despite an enforced three-day weather hold while wild winds swept through Johnstone Strait and Queen Charlotte Str
  
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• Nanaimo residents’ hopes not enough for Canada to beat Morocco

  06-07-2026 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Hundreds of people came to Harewood Centennial Park to watch Canada take on Morocco, and while spirits were high, it wasn’t enough to swing the game in Canada’s favour.
  Canada was taking on one of the most powerful teams in the entire world, with Morocco ranked in the Top 10, according to FIFA’s Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking.Throughout the first half, Canada held those giants to a 0-0 tie. Nanaimo residents were prepared to explode in celebration at the City of Nanaimo ev
  
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• Best in class: Island therapy dog, owner awarded top marks at middle school

  06-07-2026 18:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Starting middle school can be nerve-racking for even the most confident student – perhaps even more so for a six-year-old border collie and his retired owner.
  Fortunately for David Clarabut and his faithful canine companion Cooper, they needn’t have worried – the pair earned top marks from both teachers and students.
  In their first year as volunteers for the Pacific Animal Therapy Society (PATS), the duo have become familiar faces at Langford’s Spencer Middle School and C
  
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• Abbotsford father and son gymnasts representing Canada at Commonwealth Games

  06-07-2026 17:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  In only a few weeks, Abbotsford’s Ethan Ikeda will be heading to Scotland to continue his family’s legacy of representing Canada on some of the biggest stages in the world of gymnastics.
  As a member of Team Canada for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Ikeda and nine other Canadian gymnasts will test their skills across 14 different events.
  The teen athlete comes from a long line of accomplished gymnasts, but this will be his first time competing at a Commonwealth Games, making him one of
  
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• Benchmark price of single-family Vancouver Island home above $790K

  06-07-2026 17:25 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The benchmark price for a single-family home in Parksville Qualicum Beach is up three per cent over the same period a year ago, sitting at $929,500.
  A month ago, the number was at 924,300.
  According to a press release from the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, Nanaimo’s year-over-year benchmark price dropped by two per cent to $816,400, while in Campbell River, the benchmark price of a single-family home was $680,900 last month, a slight uptick from June 2025. The Comox Valley’s ye
  
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• Bogus call from ‘cops’ scams Vancouver Island resident out of $5K

  06-07-2026 16:35 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Scammers have struck again in Parksville Qualicum Beach.
  A resident reported being defrauded out of $5,000 by a phone caller who claimed to be from the police and needed gift cards purchased to catch a fraudster on May 29. Four days earlier, another resident reported being defrauded out of $2,980 after their computer was hacked and access was made to their bank accounts.
  A resident reported a highway sign was defaced near Island Highway West and Nile Road in Bowser on May 27. The next day, a res
  
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• WORLD CUP DAILY, July 5: England & Norway advance to quarter finals

  06-07-2026 16:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Daily FIFA World Cup soccer match updates and news for Black Press Media publications.
  England and Norway will face each other in the quarter-finals on July 11th after defeating Mexico and Brazil, respectively, in the round of 16.Norway’s Erling Haaland scored two goals for his team in the 79th and 90th minutes. Brazil’s Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior responded in the 100th minute, on a penalty, and scored. This was not enough, and Norway won 2-1.England’s Jude Bellingham
  
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• Infringing Dance Festival featuring Chinese opera, hip-hop and Caribbean dance

  06-07-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Crimson Coast Dance Society’s major performance festival is bringing shows and interactive events for all ages.
  The 28th annual festival runs between Tuesday, July 7 to Sunday, July 12 across Nanaimo.
  On Tuesday, July 7, the festival will begin with a workshop called How to Ride a Horse, which will be held at the Harbour Dance Studio, promising to teach the Peking Opera way of using movement to depict riding a horse, using purely physical expression with no horse.
  On July 8, DanceABLE, the
  
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• Man charged after Victoria incident leaves 1 person critically injured

  05-07-2026 22:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A 30-year-old man has been charged with aggravated assault following “a serious” attack in Saanich that left one person in critical condition, Saanich Police said in a press release.
  The assault happened just before 5 p.m. on July 3 in the 4000 block of Quadra Street. The victim remains in hospital in critical condition.
  Police said Suleyman Budak, 30, was arrested at the scene and has been charged with one count of aggravated assault. He remains in custody.
  Investigators said the vi
  
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• THORPE REPORT: High School Boys’ basketball teams hit nothing but net

  05-07-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The NBA playoffs concluded recently, with the New York Knicks winning their first championship since 1971 thanks to a 94-90 win over San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the finals.
  Which leads us to reflect on top local high school results from this past season, starting with boy’s teams at various levels of competition…
  We’ll start at the AAAA level, where the Dover Bay Dolphins senior boys’ team had another fantastic season, winning the Island title and making it to the pro
  
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