Nanaimo news

• Environment Canada rolls out new alert system for thunderstorms, tornadoes

  17-08-2026 20:44 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Environment Canada says its new weather alert system will help to better target notifications to a more precise location.
  Forecasters are now using a “polygon” system for thunderstorm and tornado warnings to trigger alert notifications to people along the weather system’s route.
  It was rolled out Aug. 11.
  That same day, Alberta was the first to receive one of these new targeted alerts, Jonathan Bau, senior meteorologist with Environment Canada, told Black Press Media.
  Environme
  
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• B.C. student cycles 270 km, raises $7.7K for wildfire evacuees

  17-08-2026 23:07 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The recent wildfires in the Okanagan inspired a Lake Country resident currently living two provinces over to help evacuees from a distance.Since July 31, the Bradley Creek, Quilpituk Creek, and Bald Range fires combined have burned more than 25,000 hectares, with the majority burned at Bald Range.
  Seeing the devastation from the fires reminded Lake Country resident and UBC Okanagan (UBCO) student Ains Reid of being on evacuation alert due to the McDougall Creek wildfire complex in 2023.
  “W
  
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• Use of ATV in Okanagan backcountry reignites concerns over encampments amid fire risk

  17-08-2026 21:19 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  An instance of someone driving an ATV on back country roads in the Okanagan has sparked fear of wildfires setting the backcountry ablaze.
  On Sunday night, Aug. 11, a trail camera set up by the Okanagan Forest Task Force (OFTF) captured an ATV travelling down Postill Lake Road around three to four kilometres from the road’s start. Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem, but the B.C. government has prohibited the use of off-road vehicles on Crown land until Oct. 9, as dry conditions are
  
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• Racers hit the street at 5th annual Hub City Soapbox Derby

  17-08-2026 21:06 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  From Castaway-log racers, to donuts made of foam, this year’s Hub City Soapbox Derby brought the best of the fast and fashionable to the street.
  On Saturday, Aug. 15, 40 youth in the stock division and 15 adults and businesses raced down Wall Street, each entry raising money for Nanaimo Child Development Centre.
  Among them was nine-year-old Oliver Kullman, of the Super O team, who raised $412.50 for the Nanaimo CDC, with the help of his mom, by running a lemonade stand over four days betwe
  
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• Un-baa-lievable: Lamb fleeing Summerland wildfire rescued by firefighters

  17-08-2026 21:03 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A lamb trying to escape the flames from the Summerland wildfire hitched a ride with a member of the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.
  The Conservation Officer Service posted the rescue story on Facebook.
  “Firefighters working in the area rescued a domestic lamb and turned it over to a member of the B.C. Conservation Officer Service,” reads the post.
  “The unusual passenger even spent part of the trip in the truck’s prisoner seat, making for a memorable photo and a positiv
  
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• 32 orphaned raccoons prepare for the wild at B.C. rehab centre

  17-08-2026 21:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  They are being bottle-fed, tucked into incubators, given stuffed animals and challenged to find hidden food, all in preparation for one goal: getting back into the wild.
  The BC SPCA Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) in Metchosin is currently caring for 32 young raccoons.
  Most arrived alone or with siblings after their parents were killed by human-related incidents like vehicle strikes. Some also had treatable eye issues, while a few suffered minor injuries following dog attacks.
  The r
  
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• Firefighter hurt battling blaze in historic Vancouver Island building

  17-08-2026 20:35 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A building containing Cumberland’s Dodge City Cycles and the Riding Fool Hostel has been damaged in a late-night fire on Aug. 16.
  Cumberland’s Fire Chief Mike Williamson said the fire in the historic building started small in the bike shop section but quickly grew.
  “The interior is totally damaged but the structure is still standing and safe but everything inside it, the contents are pretty much destroyed,” he said.
  Williamson said one firefighter was injured during the i
  
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• 2026 GENERAL LOCAL ELECTION

  17-08-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN AS FOLLOWS FOR: ADVANCE ELECTOR REGISTRATION
  On Saturday, October 17, 2026, a general local election will be held where City of Nanaimo electors will elect a Mayor and 8 Councillors.
  Are you eligible to vote in the General Local Election for Mayor and Councillor?
  Is your name on the current voters list?
  Resident Electors – The City of Nanaimo uses the Provincial Voters List as its register of resident electors. To ensure your name is included on that voters li
  
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• Author casts net to solve B.C. 56-year ‘Free Willy’ orca mystery

  17-08-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The plot of the ’90s feel-good movie Free Willy, about a young boy who helps a captive orca escape back into the wild, might sound far-fetched; but as the saying goes, truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.
  Greater Victoria has its own ‘Free Willy’ tale — a coastal mystery shrouded in the fog for more than five decades.
  In 1970, five killer whales were captured in Metchosin’s Pedder Bay. Months later, two of them escaped, their getaway made possible by a person &
  
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• 3 out of control fires burning in the North Island

  17-08-2026 19:26 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Several new wildfires have been recorded in the North Island region.
  14 wildfires are burning in the region as of Aug. 17. However, the BC Wildfire Service notes all of them as under a hectare. The majority of them are also classified as being held or under control. Three of them are out of control.
  V91619 (Bonanza Lake) is just south of Port McNeill. Currently listed at 0.009 hectares, the suspected cause is lightning. The fire was discovered on Aug. 14.
  Another out-of-control fire is northwest
  
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• Ainslie Creek wildfire threatens historic Alexandra Lodge in Fraser Canyon

  17-08-2026 19:08 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Ainslie Creek wildfire in the Fraser Canyon is burning in terrain directly above the Alexandra Lodge, threatening the historic structure, parts of which date back to 1864.
  BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) reports that the fire is continuing to burn during the day, while burning more intensely and moving more quickly through the night due to downslope winds.
  It has now moved into the area above Chapman’s Bar in the Fraser River. Alexandra Lodge sits on the east side of Highway 1 between Chapm
  
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• UPDATE: Evacuation order continues for rural Beaton properties, amid Johnson Creek wildfire

  17-08-2026 18:53 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Five properties near the rural community of Beaton remain on evacuation order along the Incomappleux Forest Service Road (FSR) and Fish River Road, due to the growing Johnson Creek wildfire.
  The City of Revelstoke issued the order at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, on behalf of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District’s Area B, and on the advice of BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
  Three Incomappleux FSR properties (3211, 3227 and 3730) and two Fish River Road properties (2728 and 2855) have been asked
  
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• Hazy days continue across Vancouver Island with a dozen active wildfires in the north

  17-08-2026 16:44 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The haze of fire smoke is anticipated to continue through Tuesday midday, as residents awoke to a pink hue on the horizon Monday (Aug. 17).
  Smoke from fires burning in B.C. and south of the border continues to drift over the region, getting heavier through Tuesday morning, according to the BluSky Canada smoke forecast.
  The program at firesmoke.ca shows interactive forecasts of hourly and daily averages of fine inhalable particulate matter at ground level from wildfires.
  As of Monday morning, 127
  
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• North end of Westside Road reopens amid Vernon’s Bradley Creek wildfire

  17-08-2026 15:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  As some more evacuation orders were downgraded to alerts on Sunday night (Aug. 16) at the Bradley Creek wildfire, the north end of Westside Road also reopened.
  Westside Road from Highway 97 (Vernon) to Simla Road reopened at 9 p.m. on Sunday night as residents were able to return home.However, the entirety of the road isn’t open yet as Westside Road remains closed in both directions from Komasket Road to Simla Road for an 8.1 kilometre stretch.
  At this time, one evacuation order and two ev
  
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• Nanaimo judoka seek temporary dojo, holding fundraiser at Maffeo Sutton Park

  17-08-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Nanaimo Judo Club is picking up the pieces and will hold a fundraiser later this month, after a fire severely damaged its training facility.
  The club’s Machleary Street dojo, at Sid Gyro Park, suffered damage to its exterior and interior after the July 11 fire. FLVX Fight Sports allowed judoka (students and instructors) to train at its downtown Nanaimo site, which Nathan Eby, club president, was grateful for, but it’s not viable long term as there isn’t space for the &ldquo
  
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• Around 500 personnel continues to battle Bald Range wildfire in Summerland

  17-08-2026 14:28 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) crews are continuing to battle the Bald Range wildfire on Monday, Aug. 17.
  In a video update on Sunday, Aug. 16, BCWS incident commander Hugh Murdoch said the fire is continuing to move west, where it will turn into a “more traditional fire fight.”
  Overnight, ground crews continued to build guard and hold established control lines in the northwest part of the blaze. Structure protection crews also worked throughout the night.
  On Sunday, 13 helicopters combi
  
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• More evacuation orders downgraded to alerts for Bradley Creek wildfire

  17-08-2026 04:22 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  An evacuation order for several properties in Area “B” of the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) has been downgraded to evacuation alert as of 6 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 16).
  Residents who can now begin their return home include those at 570, 576, 590, 610, 614, 620, 640, 644, 664, 668, and 678 Irish Creek Road.
  The following properties are still on evacuation alert:
  17 and 65 Cain Road;
  131, 252, 351, 425, 485, 631, and 635 Nashwito Road;
  10, 15, 50, and 93 Banks Road;
  79, 305, 311
  
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• Bald Range fire: Orders downgraded for some, alerts issued for others, Highway 97 reopened for all

  17-08-2026 00:57 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  More Summerland residents are able to return home, more regional district properties are on evacuation alert, and Highway 97 has reopened 24/7 to all traffic between Penticton and Peachland.
  As of noon on Sunday, the District of Summerland downgraded an evacuation order to an evacuation alert for properties east of Highway 97 — McDouglad Road and South, as well as for properties in Trout Creek on the west side of Highway 97.
  This is the second group of people allowed to return in what offi
  
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• Nanaimo RCMP: Pedestrian dies after being struck by vehicle downtown

  16-08-2026 21:11 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo RCMP say one man is dead after he was struck by a vehicle early Sunday morning.
  In a press release, police stated that at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 16, they responded to a report of a male pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle near Cavan Street and Albert Street. The pedestrian succumbed to his injuries.
  The driver of the vehicle has been arrested, the release added, and the matter remains under investigation.
  RCMP say that no further information is available at this time.
  
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• Ainslie Creek wildfire burns to Alexandra Tunnel in Fraser Canyon

  16-08-2026 20:07 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Ainslie Creek wildfire, between Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon, Highway 5 (Coquihalla), and Highway 8, was estimated at 65,086 hectares as of Sunday morning (Aug. 16) and is still burning out of control.
  Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon remains closed between Toll Road (Yale) and Aspen Road (south of Boston Bar), with no estimated date of reopening. Highways 5 and 8 are still open, but could close suddenly and with little notice. For up-to-date highway closure information, visit DriveBC.
  
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• Wildfire listed as burning ‘out of control’ west of Bowser

  16-08-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A wildfire has been listed as burning “out of control” near Rosewall Creek, west of Bowser, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
  The blaze was 0.5 hectares in size, as of 6:50 p.m. on Aug. 15. It was discovered earlier that day.
  Smoke from the fire was visible from Fanny Bay, Deep Bay, Bowser and to motorists travelling along Highway 19 and Highway 19A.
  The wildfire does not currently pose a threat to public safety or critical infrastructure, according to BCWS.
  Fire crews, including
  
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• Multiple planned ignitions scheduled for Pear Lake fire near Clinton

  16-08-2026 19:33 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton received some precipitation on Saturday, but it is still burning out of control, and as of Sunday morning (Aug. 16) was estimated at 159,317 hectares.
  BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says that while Saturday’s precipitation will have a positive impact in the short-term, it comes after a prolonged period of drought in the area, meaning fuels will quickly dry out and be more susceptible to ignition.
  The region is moving into a period of stable dry and hot weath
  
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• More notification needed about Nanaimo sports awards, committee hears

  16-08-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  More advanced notification of the region’s Civic Sport Merit Awards and Arts and Culture Merit Awards is needed, according to at least two local politicians.
  Public feedback from the latest award presentation ceremony that was held during a Nanaimo city council meeting on June 1 indicated that many people, particularly in the area’s rural areas, are not being informed about the awards during the application process.
  The awards, presented by council along along with parks and recreati
  
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• Honouring Dorothy: Tiny turtles tucked away in James Bay a gesture of kindness

  16-08-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Turtles lined up on a log in Beacon Hill Park often spark joy for visitors – both for newcomers and for regulars.
  Some return again and again, like Dorothy.When she was feeling OK between chemo treatments, Pam Olund’s late sister-in-law would walk to Goodacre Lake and sit counting the little creatures.If out alone, she’d text how many there were that day to a friend or family.“It was always something she would look forward to if she was feeling well enough,” Olund s
  
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• City of Revelstoke issues wildfire evacuation order for 5 rural properties near Beaton

  16-08-2026 04:54 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  An evacuation order has been issued by the City of Revelstoke for five properties near the rural community of Beaton, along the Incomappleux Forest Service Road (FSR) and Fish River Road, due to the growing Johnson Creek wildfire.
  The city issued the order at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, on behalf of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District’s Area B, and on the advice of BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
  Three Incomappleux FSR properties (3211, 3227 and 3730) and two Fish River Road properties (2728
  
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• UPDATE: Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton grows to nearly 160,000 hectares

  16-08-2026 03:06 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE: 6 p.m.
  The Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton has grown to nearly 160,000 hectares, according to the latest update by BCWS.
  As of 5:36 p.m., the blaze is marked at 159,317 hectares, growing well into Saturday evening.Seven evacuation orders and eight evacuation alerts remain in place for the wildfire of note.Nearly 480 firefighters are attacking the blaze, with an additional 21 helicopters, 131 pieces of heavy equipment and 131 structure protection personnel.
  For Clinton, crews are engaging
  
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• City of Revelstoke issues evacuation order for Fish River Road area due to wildfire

  16-08-2026 01:38 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  An evacuation order has been issued by the City of Revelstoke for the Fish River Road and Incomappleux River Forest Service Road area due to wildfire activity in the vicinity of Beaton.The city issued the order Saturday afternoon on behalf of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Electoral Area B, and on the advice of BC Wildfire Service.The order area is limited to the properties and lands located within the highlighted evacuation order polygons shown on the official evacuation order ma
  
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• Okanagan protesters spread awareness of campaign to recall MLA Tara Armstrong

  16-08-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A petition to recall Tara Armstrong hasn’t gone live yet, but a small group of protesters in Coldstream are already making sure residents are aware of the effort to remove the Kelowna–Lake Country–Coldstream MLA from office.About half a dozen Coldstream residents took to the corner of Kalamalka Lake Road and Westkal Road Friday, Aug. 14, bearing signs that highlighted the Recall Tara Armstrong campaign.
  “We’re out here because we feel very strongly that there is a l
  
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• Ainslie Creek wildfire showing growth on southwest flank in Fraser Canyon

  16-08-2026 00:06 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  There have been no new evacuation orders or alerts issued since Aug. 11 in response to the Ainslie Creek wildfire, which continues to burn out of control between Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon and Highway 5 (Coquihalla).
  As of Saturday (Aug. 15), the fire was estimated at 64,674 hectares. At its northeastern tip the fire is burning towards Highway 8 at Nooaitch, while on the southeast it is burning towards Highway 5. Both highways remain open at this time, but could close suddenly and with littl
  
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• UPDATE: More Summerland wildfire evacuees could return home Sunday, CAO says

  15-08-2026 23:33 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE: 2 p.m.
  The pace is picking up on staged re-entry into Summerland for evacuees of the devastating Bald Range wildfire.
  “I’m planning on rolling with a larger area than originally planned tomorrow (Aug. 16),” Summerland CAO Graham Statt said.“It’s not going to be all of Summerland. We have damaged areas, we still have areas with downed power lines. But for the areas further away from the fire and the least impacted, we’re bundling those together and tryi
  
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