• ELECTION 2022: Nanaimo-Ladysmith school trustee candidate questionnaires

    ELECTION 2022: Nanaimo-Ladysmith school trustee candidate questionnaires
    Twelve candidates are running to be Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools board members
  • RCMP conclude search in Mt. Tzouhalem, Maple Bay area, though woman not found

    RCMP conclude search in Mt. Tzouhalem, Maple Bay area, though woman not found
    North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP have completed a search in the Mount Tzouhalem and Maple Bay areas that closed down trails in the vicinity on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
    RCMP asked people to avoid the area as they searched for a 36-year-old woman, who has still not been found.
    “At this time, there is no current safety risk to the public related to this investigation,” RCMP said in a press release. “As a result, members of the public may resume normal use of trails and recreational areas in
  • 2 dead after B.C.-bound flight crashes in Alberta mountainside

    2 dead after B.C.-bound flight crashes in Alberta mountainside
    The Transportation Safety Board of Canada says that given the terrain it will not be deploying to the site of a fatal plane crash in Alberta.
    “Given the terrain in the area, and the condition of the aircraft wreckage, TSB investigators will not be deploying to the site at this time,” a safety board media relation coordinator said in an emailed statement.
    “We are however coordinating in the recovery efforts, and we will be examining the wreckage once it has been retrieved from t
  • Natural born killer whales: B.C. man witnesses orca seal buffet hunt

    Natural born killer whales: B.C. man witnesses orca seal buffet hunt
    On game night, it’s easy to pick a side to cheer for. When the stakes are life or death – and both sides are icons of Greater Victoria’s waters – choosing who to champion is not so easy.
    That was the decision facing Sooke resident Kevin Morgan when he got a front row seat to a spectacular display of the beauty and brutality of the natural world.
    After finishing work Aug. 31 near the Institute of Ocean Sciences in Patricia Bay, Morgan and his colleagues watched as a pod of
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  • Salmon Arm fire chief with long lineage legacy retires on 9/11, after 40 years

    Salmon Arm fire chief with long lineage legacy retires on 9/11, after 40 years
    Even before there was a Salmon Arm Fire Department, the Shirley family was protecting the community from flames.
    George Shirley was a charter member of the Salmon Arm Fire Brigade in the early 1900s, before the city’s fire department was established in 1913.Frederick “Pat” Shirley followed in his father George’s footsteps, serving 40 years as master mechanic, assistant chief and then fire chief of Fire Hall #3. He served as career Deputy Chief/Fire Prevention Officer for
  • 4 arrested after stolen vehicle rams police cars in Quesnel

    4 arrested after stolen vehicle rams police cars in Quesnel
    Quesnel RCMP arrested four people after a stolen pickup rammed police vehicles while attempting to flee early Thursday morning.
    According to an RCMP news release, at approximately 5 a.m. on Sept. 10, Quesnel RCMP located a white Ford F350 that had been reported stolen earlier that morning from Hixon, B.C.
    Police approached the vehicle in the parking lot of the Quesnel Recreation Centre in an attempt to apprehend the occupants.
    Mounties said the driver rammed police vehicles while trying to flee.
  • Manning Park Resort outlines expansion plan, seeks public input

    Manning Park Resort outlines expansion plan, seeks public input
    Organizers behind a proposed expansion plan for Manning Park Resort are seeking input from the public.
    The resort is located along Highway 3, about 67 km east of Hope and 66 km west Princeton.
    The resort’s development plan calls for expanded support services, ski areas and lodge facilities, as well as a 60-hectare expansion of its controlled recreation area (CRA). That would increase the existing CRA by 22 per cent and, according to developers, account for less than 0.07 per cent of E.C. M
  • COLUMN; What happens to your pet if you’re no longer here?

    COLUMN; What happens to your pet if you’re no longer here?
    For many of us, our pets are far more than animals. They are family. They are part of our daily routines, our homes and our lives.
    But there is a difficult question every pet guardian should consider: What happens to my pets if something happens to me?
    It isn’t an easy thing to think about. It’s something most of us would rather avoid. But making a plan for your pet’s future is an important part of being a responsible guardian.
    A couple of years ago, I went through this exercis
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  • Ample DNA, texts prove guilt of man in killing at Nanaimo fast-food joint, says Crown

    Ample DNA, texts prove guilt of man in killing at Nanaimo fast-food joint, says Crown
    The trial of the man charged with a killing at a Nanaimo fast-food restaurant draws to a close, and Crown counsel says there is overwhelming evidence pointing to the accused’s guilt.
    Yasin Khan was shot and died in the parking lot at the Wendy’s restaurant at Rock City Centre on May 20, 2021 and Ronald Joseph Campbell, 42 when charged with first-degree murder in 2024, has been on trial in relation at B.C. Supreme Court in Nanaimo since July 20, with Justice Douglas Thompson presiding
  • MLA candidates clash on affordability, budgets and future of Abbotsford-Mission

    MLA candidates clash on affordability, budgets and future of Abbotsford-Mission
    A mostly cordial debate ended with an exclamation mark when NDP candidate Pam Alexis implied that one of her opponents doesn’t know the Abbotsford-Mission community at all and is there to sow division and hate.She went on to state the aforementioned candidate is more concerned with party infighting, while she is working for a more collaborative and supportive community. Her closing statement target was Kerry-Lynne Findley of the Conservative Party of BC, who attacked Alexis earlier on taxa
  • Southbound B.C.-Washington border crossings fall 49%

    Southbound B.C.-Washington border crossings fall 49%
    Southbound trips from B.C. into Washington State took another sharp drop during the Labour Day weekend, new figures show, with half as many on this side of the Canada-U.S. border making the trip.
    Numbers for the Peace Arch, Pacific Highway, Lynden and Sumas ports of entry show a 49 per cent decline in the number of southbound vehicles with B.C. plates visiting Washington State during Labour Day this year, compared to 2025, and that becomes a drop of 67 per cent when compared to Labour Day 2024.
  • RCMP asks public to avoid trails on Mount Tzouhalem, Maple Bay due to ongoing search

    RCMP asks public to avoid trails on Mount Tzouhalem, Maple Bay due to ongoing search
    The North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP is asking the public to avoid all trails in the Mount Tzouhalem and Maple Bay areas while police conduct an ongoing search for a 36-year-old woman.
    Residents first noticed police activity in the area on Wednesday morning, Sept. 9.
    The woman search crews are looking for is described as Caucasian, 5 foot 4 inches and approximately 180 pounds, with long brown hair. She was last seen wearing black pants and a black or blue hoodie.
    “The RCMP believes this to be an
  • Family of 85-year-old killed by stray bullet in Burnaby makes plea for answers

    Family of 85-year-old killed by stray bullet in Burnaby makes plea for answers
    The family of Chang Yong Cho, who was killed by a stray bullet into his Burnaby home, has made a heartfelt appeal to anyone with information.
    Cho was found suffering from a gunshot wound in his apartment following a call for a wellness check on Aug. 30 around 4 p.m. – hours after Burnaby RCMP were called to the area for a report of shots fired around 1:30 a.m. He was pronounced dead.
    The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team first issued a release on the fatal shooting Tuesday (Sept. 8),
  • Nanaimo RCMP seeking to identify Tim Hortons night-time trespasser

    Nanaimo RCMP seeking to identify Tim Hortons night-time trespasser
    Two Nanaimo Tim Hortons have been victims of a night time trespasser, and in one case, a burglary.
    Just after midnight on Tuesday, Sept. 8, a suspect allegedly gained entry to the Brooks Landing Mall location “by prying open the drive-thru window,” according to a Nanaimo RCMP press release.
    RCMP stated that nothing appears to have been taken, and security cameras showed a masked man wearing dark clothing, gloves and a hooded sweatshirt.
    The trespasser then left through the front door
  • THE MOJ: B.C. Lions look for some revenge against Als Saturday at BC Place

    THE MOJ: B.C. Lions look for some revenge against Als Saturday at BC Place
    ROUND TWO COMING UP: The Lions look to avenge their 37-30 loss in Montreal last Friday when the Alouettes pay a visit to BC Place this Saturday (7 p.m. TSN 1040; 730 CKNW; Sher-E- Punjab Radio AM 600). The loss snapped the Lions five-game win streak as well as a six-game streak against the Als. As we’ve stated on numerous occasions, the Lions have yet to bring their ‘A’ game this year and last week was no different with three turnovers playing a huge role in the loss. This Lion
  • Cowichan Valley students see double-digit gains in literacy rates

    Cowichan Valley students see double-digit gains in literacy rates
    Literacy rates among students in the Cowichan Valley School District saw significant improvements last year, with Grade 4 rates increasing by 12.6 per cent and Grade 7 rates rising by 10.5 per cent.
    The Board of Education is crediting the gains to changes in teaching and assessment practices that have been developed and refined over the past several years.
    In B.C., literacy encompasses a student’s ability to understand, critically analyze and create a variety of forms of communication, inc
  • Discharge permit for proposed magnesium mine near Rossland draws local opposition

    Discharge permit for proposed magnesium mine near Rossland draws local opposition
    As a November court hearing approaches over the Mines Act permit for the proposed magnesium mine near Rossland, a local opposition group is calling on the province to withhold a separate environmental permit for the project.
    Save Record Ridge Action Committee is urging the B.C. government not to issue an Environmental Management Act permit that would authorize certain discharges to air and water from the proposed Record Ridge open-pit mine, located about seven kilometres southwest of Rossland.Th
  • B.C. forestry groups say industry at ‘breaking point’

    B.C. forestry groups say industry at ‘breaking point’
    B.C. forestry sector organizations are calling for the immediate establishment of a provincial crisis action group as timber companies reel from increasing harvesting costs and escalating U.S. trade action.
    “Its mandate should be clear: get economically viable wood moving, reduce costs, remove regulatory barriers, stabilize fibre supply, protect operating businesses, and retain—not retrain—British Columbia’s skilled forestry workforce,” the letter says.
    The group, w
  • RCMP: Alcohol impairment suspected in Parksville highway crash

    RCMP: Alcohol impairment suspected in Parksville highway crash
    Alcohol impairment is the suspected cause of a single-vehicle crash on Highway 19, close to the Exit 46 to Parksville on Sept. 6.
    According to a news release by Oceanside RCMP, witnesses reported the vehicle was driven in an erratic manner prior to the crash and evidence obtained by police investigators suggests alcohol impairment by the driver as a contributing factor.
    The crash involved a white Kia Forte going off the right side of the highway landing and overturned in a forested area. The mal
  • UPDATE: No one in home, break-and-enter evidence not found at police presence in Kelowna

    UPDATE: No one in home, break-and-enter evidence not found at police presence in Kelowna
    UPDATE 1:45 p.m.
    The police incident was for naught, the Kelowna RCMP have confirmed.
    Around 8:40 a.m., the RCMP responded to a report of a break and enter in progress in the 700-block of DeHart Avenue.“A resident reported to police that an unknown individual was inside their home and had barricaded themself after their presence became known,” said Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Steven Lang. “Based on the information available at the time and out of an abundance of c
  • Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League highlights for week ending Sept. 6

    Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League highlights for week ending Sept. 6
    Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League highlights, Aug. 31 to Sept 6:
    Victoria 6 Saanich 5 (OT)
    Second star Dalton Toma’s second goal and third point of the night at 5:34 of overtime gave defending VIJHL champion Victoria Cougars a 6-5 decision over the host Saanich Predators in front of 176 fans at George Pearkes Arena in the opening game of the 2026-27 season Friday, Sept. 4.
    First star Avery Lowe paced the Cougars with a hat trick, while captain Grady Sluggett had the other marker for Vi
  • Where’s Bowdie, the French bulldog from Langley?

    Where’s Bowdie, the French bulldog from Langley?
    Bowdie’s family has been working to find their four-year-old French bulldog since he went missing Saturday afternoon, Sept. 5 while just feet away from where Sarah Cronin was washing her car.
    Cronin said her three kids are missing their four-legged buddy that the family has had since Bowdie was a pup.
    “Instead of heading back to school with happy summer memories they are absolutely crushed,” the Murrayville resident said.
    A friend posted a missing poster on a community social m
  • Comox Valley RCMP ramps up school zone enforcement

    Comox Valley RCMP ramps up school zone enforcement
    Comox Valley RCMP will be stepping up school zone enforcement during the back to school period, with a focus on speeding, distracted driving and crosswalk compliance.
    In a Sept. 9 post to their Facebook account, the RCMP said they will also be monitoring the safe operation of bicycles, e-bikes and other modes of personal transportation.
    “You can expect to see an increased police presence around schools during drop-off and pick-up times,” said Inspector Scott Mercer, officer in charge
  • What’s On, Sept. 9

    What’s On, Sept. 9
    MUSIC
    Angel Forrest: A Beautiful Life will be happening at The Queen’s on Sept. 10, with doors at 6:30 p.m. and show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.showpass.com.Easels & Death Drops will be playing indie rock, surf and garage rock at The Vault Cafe on Sept. 10 at 9 p.m. Cost is $15.Highwaymen Show will be playing at the Port Theatre on Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. paying tribute to the great American outlaws of country music: Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kri
  • Taxi impounded for going 133 km/h in an 80 zone on B.C.’s Sea to Sky Highway

    Taxi impounded for going 133 km/h in an 80 zone on B.C.’s Sea to Sky Highway
    B.C. Highway Patrol says a Squamish driver is facing a $368 fine after being caught allegedly excessively speeding on a highway.
    An officer was on Highway 99, also known as the Sea to Sky Highway, near Porteau Cove on Monday (Sept. 7) when they clocked a white Toyota Corolla allegedly doing 133 km/h in an 80 zone, a news release from B.C. Highway Patrol Wednesday (Sept. 9) said.
    Police say the Corolla was a taxi and the passenger in the back seat had allegedly just lost their own vehicle to an e
  • Arrest made in Vernon house fire

    Arrest made in Vernon house fire
    A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection to a house fire in the BX Monday.
    Firefighters and RCMP were called to the structure fire off Goose Lake Road, on Raven Road, around noon Sept. 7.
    Although there was significant damage to the home, no injuries were reported.
    But one person was arrested at the scene in connection with the fire.
    The Vernon man appeared in court and has been remanded in custody pending a bail hearing.
    The investigation remains ongoing and no further details will be
  • Vancouver Island students embrace new opportunities at John Horgan Campus

    Vancouver Island students embrace new opportunities at John Horgan Campus
    As students poured in through the doors of Langford’s John Horgan Campus in Langford, the air buzzed with anticipation and possibility.
    And for those at the start of their post-secondary journey, the advice was clear: have fun.
    “Don’t shy away from experiences,” said Royal Roads student Gigi Garima. “Sometimes we get so stuck just trying to study and keeping our heads down, we sometimes miss out on unnoticed opportunities that exist around us.”
    After a summer
  • 1 person taken to hospital after vehicle crashes through wall of Parksville bank

    1 person taken to hospital after vehicle crashes through wall of Parksville bank
    A vehicle reversed through the wall of a bank in Parksville on Sept. 8.
    Police, BC EHS and Parksville Fire Rescue responded to the collision in the 100 block of Island Highway East, at the intersection with Craig Street at 1:45 p.m.
    “The investigation determined a vehicle was slowly reversing from a parking stall on Craig Street, sped up and continued reversing into the wall of the bank,” said Sgt. Shane Worth. “It is believed the driver of the vehicle depressed the accelerator
  • Nanaimo RCMP, regional partners, issue 100 charges under the Motor Vehicle Act in one-day blitz

    Nanaimo RCMP, regional partners, issue 100 charges under the Motor Vehicle Act in one-day blitz
    Several vehicles were impounded and charges laid after an early September one-day traffic blitz by Nanaimo RCMP and regional partners, which included a motorcyclist tracked down and charged via helicopter.
    In a press release, Nanaimo RCMP stated that on Sept. 4, Nanaimo RCMP, Air 8 and regional policing partners from Oceanside and Comox undertook a traffic enforcement initiative, resulting in over 100 charges under the Motor Vehicle Act, nine warnings and more.
    In one incident, a motorcyclist wa
  • A new chapter: University of Victoria’s moving day welcomes 3,000 students

    A new chapter: University of Victoria’s moving day welcomes 3,000 students
    New beginnings often bring their fair share of surprises and discoveries, along with a touch of anxiety about the future.
    As thousands of students across the country prepared to return to school, the University of Victoria welcomed more than 3,000 students, including 2,400 newcomers, moving into its residences from Sept. 6 to 7.
    Among them was Joseph Golbey from Vancouver, who is about to begin his undergraduate studies in psychology.
    Despite the lack of sleep and tiredness from moving, the youn

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