Nanaimo news

• Dorothy Constance Griffin (nee Page)

  09-06-2026 19:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  In Loving Memory ~
  February 5, 1925 – April 26, 2026
  Dorothy Griffin passed away peacefully on April 26th, 2026, at the age of 101 years. Predeceased by her four brothers, Ronald, Kenneth, Jack and Leslie, and her husband Paul. Dorothy is survived by her three sons, Derek, Owen, and Ross; 5 grandchildren, Tamra, Heidi, Carli, Erica, and Paul; 3 great grandchildren, McKensie, Max, and Ozzy.
  Born February 5th, 1925, in Victoria BC to Stanley and Dorothy Page. Dorothy was raised on Galiano Is
  
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• Stefanski trial: Accused in Lumby murder case takes the stand

  09-06-2026 23:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Accused North Okanagan murderer Vitali Stefanski took the stand Tuesday morning as his B.C. Supreme Court trial transitioned to evidence from his defence, which gave jurors a different account of the events surrounding his ex-wife’s death that transpired two years ago.
  Specifically, Vitali claimed ex-wife Tatjana Stefanski had his knife on her while in his car at the top of her driveway just outside Lumby on April 13, 2024, and further claimed she cut herself with it, whether purposefully
  
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• B.C. rolls out online home tests for learner licence tests

  09-06-2026 22:34 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  ICBC is rolling out at-home online testing for beginner drivers to take their first knowledge test.
  New drivers can now take the learner’s licence knowledge test online, provided the computer has a webcam enabled to ensure they are taking the test without help. Testing is not available on a mobile device.
  “This is especially good news for people in rural and remote communities who used to have to commute far distances,” Attorney General Niki Sharma said in a Tuesday news confer
  
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• Hall of Fame NHL’er Iginla skates with youth hockey team at Kelowna’s Memorial Cup

  09-06-2026 22:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  It’s not every day youth hockey players get to skate with real professionals, but that’s exactly what happened in Kelowna when a minor hockey team from Ontario laced up the skates with former NHL player Jarome Iginla.
  The Burlington Bulldogs U10 team won the experience by successfully submitting an application for the Dr. Oetker Giuseppe Practice with a Pro contest, an annual hockey program that rewards one minor hockey team with a trip to the Memorial Cup, featuring an exclusive on-
  
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• Courtenay-Alberni MP introduces bill to make mental health services accessible

  09-06-2026 22:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns is introducing a new bill that aims to make mental health services accessible for all.
  The bill, The Mental Health Parity Act, proposes that mental health, addictions, and substance use services into Canada’s universal, public health care system. It would introduce framework for the federal government to partner with provinces and territories to provide public coverage, and is modelled after the Canada Health Act. It will also include provisions to promote p
  
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• Nanaimo RCMP issue warning after traffic stop involving grad students

  09-06-2026 21:01 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo RCMP is reminding youth and parents alike that choosing to drink and drive, particularly on prom and grad nights, can quickly turn a milestone evening of memories and celebration into a tragedy.
  At approximately 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, a Nanaimo RCMP officer observed a small sedan travelling southbound on Highway 1 travelling at 136 kilometres per hour in a 90 km/hour zone.
  A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle which was occupied by four young adults, ranging in ages from 18 t
  
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• Arson suspected in Duncan car fire

  09-06-2026 20:53 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are investigating a suspicious vehicle fire that occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 6.
  At approximately 2:07 a.m., police responded to the Thunderbird Motor Inn, at 5849 York Rd., with the North Cowichan Fire Department.
  “Upon attendance, two vehicles were found fully involved in fire, with flames impacting the nearby structure,” said Cst. Tessa McDonald, spokesperson for the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.
  “Due to the proximity of the
  
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• Suspected impaired driver found unconscious near B.C. elementary school

  09-06-2026 20:40 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A witness report of a swerving van led West Shore RCMP officers to an unconscious driver near an elementary school in Langford on June 4.
  Police say the call came in at 2:42 p.m., reporting a grey van driving erratically on Happy Valley Road. The vehicle was reportedly weaving in and out of its lane before stopping near the 3400 block.
  Officers found the driver unconscious inside the van.
  She later regained consciousness and showed signs and symptoms of suspected drug impairment, according to RC
  
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• Port Alberni lands leading role in reality show ‘Home Town Takeover Canada’

  09-06-2026 20:25 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Port Alberni will be the star of the first season of Home Town Takeover Canada, a reality show that revitalizes cities.
  Residents were asked to come down to Harbour Quay Tuesday morning for what the city called a final push to convince HGTV to bring the show to Port Alberni. People were surprised to see hosts of Canadian version, Bryan and Sarah Baeumler joined by the American hosts, Ben and Erin Napier at the quay.
  The hosts made the surprise announcement that Port Alberni has been selected for
  
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• Police shoot and kill man in East Vancouver after reported hostage situation

  09-06-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Vancouver police shot and killed a man on Monday after what is being called a violent home invasion and hostage situation.
  Officers were responding to reports at about 9 p.m. of a man running through backyards in an East Vancouver neighbourhood near Trout Lake, arriving on scene to find the suspect had gained entry to a home.
  According to the Vancouver Police Department, officers attempted to de-escalate the situation on the 3600 block of Commercial Street, but were “ultimately forced to s
  
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• ‘Not a choice we made’: Popular Kelowna restaurant to close due to immigration issues

  09-06-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A staple in the Kelowna food scene is set to close at the end of the year due to issues and errors in the immigration process.
  On Monday, June 8, Italian restaurant Roma Nord Bistro, located in the Rotary Centre for the Arts, took to social media to announce its unexpected closure.
  “It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we share some news we never imagined we would have to speak aloud,” the post reads. “Due to a series of administrative issues and errors that occurred through
  
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• B.C.’s Jenn Gardiner turns down PWHL expansion team offer

  09-06-2026 19:41 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Surrey’s Jenn Gardiner has turned down a chance to move to a PWHL expansion team, as the league continues to fill rosters for four new teams.
  Under Phase 2 of the PWHL’s Expansion Roster Distribution Process, the expansion teams – Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas and San Jose – were each given a chance to sign five players from existing teams.
  Gardiner opted not to sign the offer she received. (The league does not make public which teams made offers.) That means she must now
  
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• City still has no plan for Diana Krall Square

  09-06-2026 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The city has no current plans to move forward with rejuvenating Diana Krall Plaza, located in the heart of downtown Nanaimo.
  During a recent finance and audit committee meeting, while staff were reviewing and updating council members on what infrastructure projects are planned in the coming years, Mayor Leonard Krog asked staff if there was any money in the infrastructure budget earmarked for developing something “more exciting” for the plaza.
  “It’s a pretty flat and cold
  
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• Clearwater mayor speaks at national climate summit, calls for renewable energy

  09-06-2026 18:10 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A summit recently held in Edmonton brought elected officials from across Canada together to call for change in federal climate policy.
  The closed-door climate summit was hosted on June 4 by Elbows Up For Climate, a coalition of about 300 mayors, councillors and local elected leaders. A June 8 press release from the group said they delivered an urgent message to Prime Minister Mark Carney, which was, “We need nation building, not nation-burning projects.”
  On top of the summit itself,
  
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• Clearwater mayor calls for renewable energy at national climate summit

  09-06-2026 18:10 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A summit recently held in Edmonton brought elected officials from across Canada together to call for change in federal climate policy.
  The closed-door climate summit was hosted on June 4 by Elbows Up For Climate, a coalition of about 300 mayors, councillors and local elected leaders. A June 8 press release from the group said they delivered an urgent message to Prime Minister Mark Carney, which was, “We need nation building, not nation-burning projects.”
  On top of the summit itself,
  
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• University of Victoria honours 5 outstanding leaders with honorary degrees

  09-06-2026 17:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The University of Victoria honours five outstanding individuals with diverse backgrounds in science, philanthropy, business, arts and Indigenous law and rights with honorary degrees during its spring convocation ceremonies, held June 8 to 12.
  Through the week, UVic celebrates with graduates, honorees, community and family with more than 4,100 degrees, diplomas and certificates conferred over 12 ceremonies under the leadership of chancellor Marion Buller and acting president and vice-chancellor Q
  
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• New $9-million addition to Wellington Secondary School completed

  09-06-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A new $9-million addition to Wellington Secondary School has been completed.
  Bowinn Ma, B.C.’s Minister of Infrastructure, was on hand at the school with George Anderson, MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville, school officials and Wellington students on Monday, June 8, to celebrate the new addition to the school.
  The two-storey structure contains six energy-efficient classrooms, which add a total of 150 new seats to help address continued enrolment growth at Wellington, as well as flex spaces, an ele
  
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• Langley City responds in legal fight with sitting councillor

  09-06-2026 05:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The City of Langley has responded to a legal action launched by one of its own councillors, over a Code of Conduct investigation.
  Councillor Delaney Mack was found to have violated the council’s code of conduct. On May 6, she petitioned the court, asking a judge to overturn that internal City ruling, and to find that the decision was procedurally unfair and unreasonable.
  She also claimed that the Code of Conduct violated her free speech rights because it requires councillors to “accu
  
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• Revelstoke railroaders among 300 CPKC staff on strike

  09-06-2026 02:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Revelstoke electrical workers are among the nearly 300 railroaders striking as negotiations with their company around higher wages continue.
  The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Canadian Signals and Communications Systems Council No. 11 issued Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) a 72-hour strike notice on May 27 after failing to reach a settlement, starting picketing across Canada on May 31.
  This implicates employees at railway work sites between Vancouver and Montreal. How
  
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• Nanaimo landscape artist showcasing work at Art 10 Gallery this June and July

  09-06-2026 02:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A new art exhibit dedicated to landscape artwork of various kinds is on display at the Art 10 Gallery at the Nanaimo North Town Centre.
  On display at the galley during the months of June and July, as part of the rotating display of member artists, the exhibit is named “Wanderings,” specializing in the bold landscape paintings of Eileen Williamson.
  According to Williamson, the paintings all are related to some landscapes from Vancouver Island.
  Over the Rise, for example, is an acrylic
  
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• Police investigating Vancouver Island restaurant fire appeal for witnesses

  09-06-2026 01:29 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The cause of a fire that destroyed a Brentwood Bay restaurant remains under investigation.
  The Garden Fork restaurant, located at the corner of Keating Cross and West Saanich roads, was discovered ablaze in the early hours of Saturday, June 6.
  Fire crews arrived around 3 a.m. to find the restaurant heavily involved in fire, with flames affecting the basement, main floor and attic.
  Despite their efforts, the building sustained significant damage. The restaurant owners have confirmed it will remai
  
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• Stab wounds detailed in Lumby woman’s murder trial

  09-06-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  WARNING: this article contains content related to a domestic violence murder trial which may be distressing to some readers. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has been harmed by domestic violence (gender-based violence), contact Archway Society for Domestic Peace at 250-542-1122 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
  Crown concluded its case in the 2024 murder trial of a woman near Lumby in B.C. Supreme Court Monday, June 8.
  Vitali Stefanski is accused of second-degree murder in
  
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• Nanaimo’s former heritage planner recognized for lifetime of promoting B.C.’s heritage

  09-06-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Chris Sholberg, the City of Nanaimo’s former heritage planner, has received one of the highest honours in the province’s heritage sector.
  Sholberg, who worked with the city for more than 30 years before he retired in 2025, was presented with Heritage B.C.’s 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award at a recent council meeting
  The award recognizes heritage professionals and volunteers who have made a cumulative, career-long impact on the practice, understanding, and advancement of heritag
  
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• Teen presumed drowned after boating incident northeast of Quesnel

  09-06-2026 00:35 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A 17-year-old boy from Prince George is presumed drowned after a boating incident on Stony Lake, 90 km northeast of Quesnel, last Saturday night.
  In a press release, Quesnel RCMP said they received a report on June 6 of a capsized vessel on the lake that left four occupants in the water. Three individuals on board were able to safely make their way to the shore. However, the boat’s operator did not surface and could not be located.
  Mounties said extensive search efforts have been undertake
  
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• Dennis Martin Albert Kalack

  09-06-2026 00:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  January 9, 1962 – June 3, 2026
  It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dennis. He was preceded in death by his father, Albert. Dennis is survived by his mother, Frieda; his wife, Andrea; his sons, Martin and Dennis; his granddaughters, Paisley and Addison; and his sister, Barbara.
  Dennis had a profound love for the outdoors, particularly fishing, hunting, and foraging for mushrooms. He took immense pride in his vegetable garden, which this as previous years yielded an excep
  
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• David John Bryce

  09-06-2026 00:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  In Loving Memory ~
  January 3, 1945 – June 1, 2026
  Celebration of Life will be held at the Nanaimo Curling Club, July 11, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  
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• Captain Robert (Bob) Mathew Banerd

  09-06-2026 00:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  In Loving Memory ~
  Captain Robert (Bob) Mathew Banerd peacefully sailed into the arms of his creator on February 27, 2026, with his loving family by his side. Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years, Hilda, nee Janzen, four children, Chris, Warren, Clinton and Lori, his grandchildren, Russell, Eric, Alicia and Benjamin and his great grandson Jack.
  Bob was a lifelong outdoorsman, loved flying his Stinson airplane into the remote areas of BC for hunting and fishing. He worked his way up to his cap
  
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• Andrew William Samarin

  09-06-2026 00:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  July 15, 1955 – May 4, 2026
  DREWSKY Andrew William Samarin Drew, Drewsky, Doodah Born July 15, 1955, left us May 4, 2026. Our friend, our Brother, a Husband, a Father, a Grandpa, and a Son Drew started in the Nanaimo Fire Service as a volunteer / night sleeper when he was just 15 years old and apparently riding his bike to calls. His career spanned 30+ years starting on October 30, 1976, until his retirement as a Captain on January 31, 2008. The Fire Department years were the best of Drew&
  
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• Nanaimo non-profits receive total of $2.1 million in gaming grants

  08-06-2026 23:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A total of $2.1 million from the province’s community gaming grants is being distributed to Nanaimo non-profits.
  According to a media release put out by the provincial government on June 4, 40 non-profits will be benefiting from the grant.
  These include the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island, which is receiving $94,750, the Growing Opportunities Farm Community Collective, which is receiving $20,000, the Nanaimo Disability Resource Centre Society, which is receiving $6
  
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• PHOTOS: Island FanCon returns to Langford uniting fandoms of all kinds

  08-06-2026 22:10 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Gandalf, a Korok and Sailor Moon walking into a building might sound like the setup to a joke few would understand.
  But at this year’s Island FanCon, it became a reality.
  More than 4,000 people dressed as their favourite fictional characters flocked to Langford’s City Centre Park, from June 5 to 7, for the third annual Island FanCon, celebrating fandoms of all kinds.
  Whether you’re a self-proclaimed geek, an avid Dungeons & Dragons player, a Star Trek aficionado or simply a
  
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