Nanaimo news

• Dwindling Cowichan Royal Canadian Legion branch merging with Chemainus - Nanaimo News Bulletin

  05-12-2025 19:02 via news.google.com
  Dwindling Cowichan Royal Canadian Legion branch merging with Chemainus  Nanaimo News Bulletin
  
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• OPINION: ‘Anti-Harmac’ amendment targets key company in Nanaimo

  07-12-2025 19:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  BY MARK MacDONALD
  When the City of Nanaimo tabled a zoning amendment to Bylaw 4500 that could effectively change the heavy industry zoning in Nanaimo on Nov. 17, there was one main target: Nanaimo Forest Products Ltd.
  NFP owns Harmac Pacific, ‘the little pulp mill that did,’ which continues to pay around 350 full-time employee-owners handsomely while maintaining consistent profitability, and is a major Vancouver Island success story. They’ve done that thanks to an employee owne
  
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• 1,100 turkeys, 1,600 chickens distributed to 26 B.C. food banks thanks to donation

  07-12-2025 18:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The Lake Country Food Bank (LCFB) was recently able to help out many other B.C. food banks, thanks to a donation from The Colin and Lois Pritchard Foundation.
  On Wednesday, Dec. 3, LCFB employees and volunteers, including executive director Joy Haxton and volunteers from MNP and 1-800-GOT JUNK were at the Kelowna Fruit Stand where they packed up and distributed around 1,100 turkeys and about 1,600 chickens to 26 other food banks across the Okanagan, Kootenays, Nicola Valley, and South Cariboo.
  &
  
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• Vancouver Island students gain global perspective through Banff140 and COP30

  07-12-2025 16:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A group of Pearson College students found themselves hundreds of kilometres from Metchosin this month, dropped into two very different corners of global conversation.
  For Esmée Ethridge, Banff140 was a youth gathering rooted in reconciliation and climate action.
  She expected an even mix of Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants. Instead, she stepped into a room where Indigenous youth were the clear majority, and the atmosphere felt natural.
  “It felt less like there was this divi
  
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• Vancouver Island novelist explores institutional homophobia through fiction

  07-12-2025 16:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Vancouver Island author Malcolm Crockett uncovers a silenced history and hidden campaign of harrassment that targeted gays and lesbians who served in both the military and civil service in his new novel No Backup; A Setup And More: The Accomplishments of a Good Fairy, recently published by Barnes and Noble.
  “Although the book is fiction, it follows an academic discipline described as institutional ethnography, and specifically a sub-discipline of ethnography and auto-ethnography; both disc
  
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• LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Canada should address its lagging GDP

  07-12-2025 14:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  To the editor,
  The U.S. vice-president recently raised an issue that Canadians should be taking seriously. He highlighted data from a Halifax-based firm that shows Canada’s GDP per capita has been declining since 2015 relative to the U.S. and the U.K. GDP per capita is not a perfect metric for economic well-being, but it is a measure of a country’s economic wealth. Governments like it, because it is a measure of the ability of the economy to pay taxes and support things like health c
  
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• Lawsuit launched over airsoft gun shooting at Vernon ski resort

  07-12-2025 14:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Vernon’s SilverStar Mountain Resort and its former ownership have been taken to court over an airsoft gun shooting that allegedly occurred at the ski resort’s village on Christmas night 2024 and left a Lake Country man with post-traumatic stress disorder.
  In a notice of civil claim filed earlier this year, David Martyn alleged he was walking alone towards the SilverStar village for a Christmas dinner reservation around 5:15 p.m. when he was shot at multiple times from the window of a
  
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• QUIZ: December is about more than Christmas

  07-12-2025 13:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The signs of the festive season are prominent in December, with lights, decorations, visits with Santa and other Christmas-themed messages.
  However, there is more to the month of December than the Christmas celebration.
  There are observances, celebrations and days of historical importance throughout the month.
  How much do you know about the non-Christmas elements of December?
  Put your knowledge to the test with these 10 questions.
  Good luck.READ MORE: QUIZ: The quest for information
  READ MORE: Q
  
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• Willander, Räty lift Canucks to 4-2 win over Minnesota Wild

  07-12-2025 06:55 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Tom Willander scored his first career goal, helping the Vancouver Canucks to a 4-2 win over the visiting Minnesota Wild in NHL action Saturday night at Rogers Arena.
  Aatu Räty had a pair of goals and an assist to lead the offence for the Canucks (11-15-3), while defenceman Elias Pettersson had the other goal. Nikita Tolopilo made 27 saves to pick up the win in goal.
  Matt Boldy and Mats Zuccarello scored for Minnesota (15-9-5). Jesper Wallstedt stopped 16 of 20 shots in the Wild net.
  Boldy o
  
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• Magical Christmas story will be told with words and music in Nanaimo

  07-12-2025 05:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A magical Christmas story will be told through words and music this coming weekend.
  Cellist Alexandra Lee is presenting ‘A Giant’s Garden’ on Saturday, Dec. 13, at St. Andrew’s United Church.
  The musical telling of Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant will follow the giant’s “Grinch-like transformation from a greedy recluse to a kindly colossus,” noted an event press release.
  Narrator Joëlle Rabu will be joined by Nicholas Ross on violin, Barry Leu
  
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• Brave, bold and embracing working people: Tanille Johnston lays out her platform

  07-12-2025 02:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Tanille Johnston wants to help the NDP get back in touch with the working class.
  She says she’s been fundraising hard to launch a grassroots campaign for NDP leadership — a campaign that promises to build the party’s relationship with unions, Indigenous leaders and working-class Canadians.
  “Our work needs to start by going back to the people, and as soon as possible,” Johnston said. “We weren’t showing up in the way that they needed us to, and so we need
  
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• Island hospital teams fill the void as Santa heli visits end after 20 years

  07-12-2025 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  With the end of a 20-year tradition of Santa choppering in to hospital pediatric units, Island health care workers are doubling efforts to bring joy to their young patients.
  Each year for two decades, Santa hitched a ride aboard a BC Emergency Health Services air ambulance for a one-day tour to visit children in pediatric units at six hospitals across the province, including Victoria General Hospital and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
  This year, BCEHS transitioned to a new province-wide serv
  
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• Vancouver Goldeneyes snap losing streak with impressive win over New York

  07-12-2025 00:44 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender, Emerance Maschmeyer, was the star of Saturday’s game as she led her team to a 4-0 win over the New York Sirens, saving all 28 shots on net.The Vancouver Goldeneyes hosted the New York Sirens at the Pacific Coliseum Saturday (Dec. 6) in front of a crowd of 9,500 people.
  Vancouver’s Abby Boreen scored the first goal of the game in the 4th minute, followed by Ashton Bell in the 16th minute.
  Surrey’s Jenn Gardiner and Goldeneyes forward scored h
  
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• Okanagan SAR teams find unhoused person unrelated to search for missing woman

  07-12-2025 00:35 via nanaimobulletin.com
  On a search for missing Lake Country woman Natalie “Chantelle” Taylor on Saturday, Dec. 6, search and rescue teams found a different unhoused individual.
  In total, 54 SAR volunteers from the Central Okanagan, Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos, Vernon, Kamloops, and Nicola Valley, including three dog teams and a drone team, were out along Beaver Lake Road looking for Taylor.
  While crews were not able to find Taylor, COSAR search manager Duane Tresnich said the unhoused individual unrelated t
  
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• 7.0-magnitude earthquake felt in western Yukon: Earthquakes Canada

  07-12-2025 00:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The shaking of a 7.0-magnitude earthquake on the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, could be felt in western Yukon, according to Earthquakes Canada.
  The earthquake reportedly happened at about 1:41 p.m. Yukon time, as noted by Earthquakes Canada.
  The Yukon RCMP received two 911 calls reporting the event following the earthquake, according to spokesperson Calista MacLeod.
  Crews with Yukon Highways and Public Works are assessing whether the earthquake impacted infrastructure, spokesperson Kryste
  
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• Make your list and check it twice at Santa’s Workshop in downtown Nanaimo

  06-12-2025 22:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Families in Nanaimo will be able to meet with Santa Claus in the lead-up to Christmas.
  Jolly Old St. Nicholas flew into the Harbour City on Saturday, Dec. 6, with the help of Harbour Air, and will be at a workshop site at 78 Wharf St. In addition to meeting with Santa, people can also work on Christmas lists and listen to Christmas music.
  Santa will be at the workshop till 4 p.m. today and on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  The workshop will be open for children with mobility or cognitive
  
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• Vancouver Whitecaps fall in MLS Cup 3-1 to Messi-led Miami squad

  06-12-2025 22:43 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A valiant playoff run by Vancouver Whitecaps FC fell short in Florida on Saturday, Dec. 6, when they lost the MLS Cup final.
  The Whitecaps played the Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami for the 2025 league title at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, 11:30 a.m. start Pacific time.
  The home team won 3-1.
  The Whitecaps were down 1-0 early on an own goal, but pressed for an equalizer as the first half continued.
  Early in the second half, Toronto-raised Canadian national player Ali Ahmed scored to tie the ma
  
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• Vancouver Whitecaps fall 3-1 in MLS Cup, won by Messi-led Miami team

  06-12-2025 22:43 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A valiant playoff run by Vancouver Whitecaps FC fell short in Florida on Saturday, Dec. 6, when they lost the MLS Cup final.
  The Whitecaps played the Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami for the 2025 league title at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, 11:30 a.m. start Pacific time.
  The home team won 3-1.
  The Whitecaps were down 1-0 early on an own goal, but pressed for an equalizer as the first half continued.
  Early in the second half, Toronto-raised Canadian national player Ali Ahmed scored to tie the ma
  
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• ‘Double doink’ nightmares as Whitecaps fall in MLS Cup

  06-12-2025 22:43 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A valiant playoff run by Vancouver Whitecaps FC fell short in Florida on Saturday, Dec. 6, when they lost the MLS Cup final.
  The Whitecaps played the Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami for the 2025 league title at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, 11:30 a.m. start Pacific time.
  The home team won 3-1.
  The Whitecaps were down 1-0 early on an own goal, but pressed for an equalizer as the first half continued.
  Early in the second half, Toronto-raised Canadian national player Ali Ahmed scored to tie the ma
  
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• ‘Double doink’ nightmare as Whitecaps fall in MLS Cup

  06-12-2025 22:43 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A valiant playoff run by Vancouver Whitecaps FC fell short in Florida on Saturday, Dec. 6, when they lost the MLS Cup final.
  The Whitecaps played the Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami for the 2025 league title at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, 11:30 a.m. start Pacific time.
  The home team won 3-1.
  The Whitecaps were down 1-0 early on an own goal, but pressed for an equalizer as the first half continued.
  Early in the second half, Toronto-raised Canadian national player Ali Ahmed scored to tie the ma
  
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• Retro arcade bar could soon liven up Yates Street in Victoria

  06-12-2025 21:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  There’s a Glitch coming to Victoria’s downtown landscape.
  Once occupied by the bustling Yates Street Taphouse, 759 Yates St., which has sat vacant for nearly two years, is one step closer to becoming a retro arcade bar.
  Vancouver-based Glitch Bar and Games Room is looking to expand into Victoria and council gave it the green light for a liquor licence on Nov. 20. Now, it needs a final stamp of approval from the province.
  “This is the exact type of business that we need downtown
  
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• B.C. government asked to address rabbit abandonment

  06-12-2025 19:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  As domestic rabbits hop around swaths of urban land on Vancouver Island, the provincial government is facing calls to create a co-ordinated strategy to address the problem.
  The Union of B.C. Municipalities executive passed a resolution last month requesting that the province develop a strategy to address the root causes of feral rabbit abandonment across B.C. It was one of 57 resolutions the union members voted on that didn’t make it to the floor during the convention earlier this year.
  Or
  
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• Vancouver Goldeneyes’ star forward Sarah Nurse placed on long-term injured reserve

  06-12-2025 17:26 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Vancouver Goldeneyes forward Sarah Nurse has been placed on long-term injured reserve after suffering an upper-body injury.
  Nurse played in the first game of the season on Nov. 21, scoring the first goal in Goldeneyes’ history during its inaugural sold-out home opener.
  She had missed the last three games due to the injury, and the Goldeneyes announced Saturday (Dec. 6) that her long-term injury reserve designation would be retroactive to Nov. 21.
  Malia Schneider from the Goldeneyes reserve
  
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• Snowfall warning remains in place as 30-40cm expected on Coquihalla Highway

  06-12-2025 16:10 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A snowfall warning for the Coquihalla Highway issued by Environment Canada remains in place on Saturday, Dec. 6.
  Originally issued on Friday afternoon, the stretch of highway from Hope to Merritt is expecting 30-40cm of snow throughout the day on Saturday.
  “A moist frontal system is bringing continuous snow to the Coquihalla Summit, lasting until tonight,” said the government weather agency. “Snowfall totals could reach 30-40 cm by then, with the possibility of 10-15 cm today a
  
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• Vancouver Island holiday baker transforms into fulltime gingerbread craftsman

  06-12-2025 15:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A Ladysmith tradition comes to life every Christmas in the front window of its downtown Old Town Bakery.
  Famous for their cinnamon buns and an assortment of unique fresh bakery products, the annual gingerbread house creation by master baker Geoff Cram is always a festive attraction. The creations have gone from a recreation of the bakery building (done in gingerbread) to a Coast Salish longhouse to a European cityscape and a plethora of festive designs for more than 20 years.
  This year there is
  
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• LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Speak louder about Remembrance Day

  06-12-2025 14:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  To the editor,
  Re: Nanaimo gathers in solemn remembrance, Nov. 19.
  We could use a loud speaker system (or a louder one) at our Remembrance Day services. I recently attended the ceremony at Dallas Square Park and could not hear any person speaking from where I stood on the fringes near the Front Street curb.
  The service was very well attended, and it seemed there were more people than recent years. The service is always well done and a genuine heartfelt commemoration towards our forefathers and m
  
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• Vejmelka backstops Utah Mammoth to 4-1 victory over Canucks

  06-12-2025 05:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Karel Vejmelka made 31 saves, leading the visiting Utah Mammoth to a 4-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks in NHL action Friday night at Rogers Arena.
  Mikhail Sergachev and Kevin Stenlund each had a goal and an assist to pace the attack for Utah (14-12-3), while Nick Schmaltz and John Marino also scored. Arshdeep Bains had the lone goal for Vancouver (10-5-3), with Kevin Lankinen taking the loss in goal, stopping 14 of 17 shots.
  Sergachev opened the scoring on the power play 16 minutes into the fir
  
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• Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular will be a spectacle again this yule season

  06-12-2025 04:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Katy Bowen-Roberts, the artistic director and creator of the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular, began dreaming up this year’s show back in February, not long after wrapping up last year’s show.
  It’s been another busy and creative year of production, with more than 60 pieces of music selected to form the backbone of the 2025 show. This year’s program covers a wide variety of musical genres, from 1980s rock and disco to jazz, musical theatre, classical, and more. Audiences
  
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• Search ends as 4 more grizzlies found unrelated to Bella Coola attack

  06-12-2025 02:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Another four bears have been ruled out as the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) wraps up the search for the grizzlies that were involved in a harrowing attack in Bella Coola that left four people with serious injuries last month.
  The COS said it is no longer actively trying to capture bears, while calling the attack unlike anything ever before seen in Canada.
  The latest four bears were captured on Wednesday, Dec. 3. The COS received results Friday from a forensics lab that analyzed evidenc
  
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• 200 kilograms of opium found concealed in shipping container in Burnaby: CBSA

  06-12-2025 01:37 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Officers have seized more than 200 kilograms of opium at a Lower Mainland facility, the border agency says.
  Canada Border Services Agency officers found 209 kilograms of opium hidden in an inbound shipping container at the Burnaby Container Examination Facility on March 26. However, the border agency only publicly announced the seizure Friday (Dec. 5).
  The shipping container, which originated from the United Arab Emirates, was examined by the Canada Border Services Agency’s detector dog te
  
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