Nanaimo news

• Ex-Canuck Jake Virtanen released by Edmonton Oilers

  06-10-2022 21:23 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Former Canucks first round draft pick fails to stick with NHL team
  
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• ‘Embarrassment’: U.S. war secretary trolls B.C. cadets

  01-09-2026 21:47 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C.’s Premier is astonished by the United States’ military leadership’s “attack” on Vernon’s cadets.
  United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth made a post on X (formerly Twitter) Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. sharing a picture that Vernon Cadets had posted on Facebook Aug. 24, accompanied with a Canadian flag and the comment “this is real.”(this is real) pic.twitter.com/Ucx2FNdi1q
  — Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) September 1, 2026With nearly 10 million v
  
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• Liberals sweep in byelections in B.C., Ontario, Quebec

  01-09-2026 21:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Liberals are now up to 173 seats in the House of Commons after winning three byelections on Monday (Aug. 31).
  Braeden Caley won in North Vancouver-Capilano in B.C., Tanveer Shahnawaz won in Beaches-East York in Ontario and Daniel Gobeil won in Chicoutimi—Le Fjord in Quebec.
  Prime Minister Mark Carney, in a statement after Monday’s results, that “at this consequential time for Canada, voters have placed their trust in Canada’s plan.”
  Carney’s Liberals now h
  
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• Parksville swimmer Bennett wins 2 silver medals at Para Pan Pacific event

  01-09-2026 20:40 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Parksville swimmer Nicholas Bennett earned two silver medals and recorded a fourth-place finish at the 2026 Para Pan Pacific Championships held in Walnut, Calif.
  The former member of the Ravensong Aquatic Club in Qualicum Beach finished second in S14 men’s 200-metre individual medley, his signature event, on the final day of competition. He clocked a time of two minutes, 07.63 seconds to keep Canada’s podium momentum and helped Team Canada haul a total of nine medals during the three
  
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• Dr. David Michael “Mike” Tod

  01-09-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  April 24th, 1934 – August 17th, 2026Dr. David Michael “Mike” Tod of Nanaimo, B.C., passed away peacefully on August 17th, 2026 surrounded by his family and close friends. Mike was born on April 24, 1934 in Corstorphine, Edinburgh in Scotland, the second son of the late David and Grace Tod.
  Mike attended the Royal High School in Edinburgh, and from there went on to study medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Mike graduated from the University of Edinburgh Medical School in Ju
  
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• Environment Canada warns of incoming heavy rain for West Vancouver Island

  01-09-2026 20:01 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  After a long, hot summer, Vancouver Island residents should take a moment today to locate their umbrellas and rubber boots.
  Environment Canada has issued a weather warning for West Vancouver Island with “very heavy rain” forecast for Tuesday evening (Sept. 1) through to Wednesday (Sept. 2).
  “A robust frontal system currently over the central coast of B.C. will gradually move over Vancouver Island later this afternoon with rain, heavy at times, beginning this evening,” sai
  
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• Naloxone saves Vancouver Island dog ‘Birdie’ from potential OD

  01-09-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  ‘Birdie’ is walking proof that Naloxone can save our four-legged friends as well as humans.
  The energetic, 1 1/2-year-old mixed breed had a Naloxone kit hanging off her harness during the Aug. 31 International Overdose Awareness day event at Spirit Square in Campbell River.
  This wasn’t just for show; Naloxone – which reverses an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids – helped save Birdie’s life.
  Back in December Birdie was exposed to a substance in a Camp
  
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• Naloxone saves ‘Birdie’ from potential OD

  01-09-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  ‘Birdie’ is walking proof that Naloxone can save our four-legged friends as well as humans.
  The energetic, 1 1/2-year-old mixed breed had a Naloxone kit hanging off her harness during the Aug. 31 International Overdose Awareness day event at Spirit Square in Campbell River.
  This wasn’t just for show; Naloxone – which reverses an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids – helped save Birdie’s life.
  Back in December Birdie was exposed to a substance in a Camp
  
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• Nanaimo-West Van ferry sailings cancelled till early p.m., more at risk

  01-09-2026 19:07 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Ferries from Departure Bay in Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver won’t be sailing until at least the afternoon.
  B.C. Ferries cancelled the Queen of Cowichan Monday, Aug. 31 afternoon and night sailings from Departure Bay and from Horseshoe Bay, due to a mechanical issue with more sailings cancelled for Tuesday, Sept. 1.
  In a Sept. 1 update, B.C. Ferries apologized for the inconvenience and elaborated, stating the issue is with the vessel’s main engine turbocharger and as a re
  
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• $1.2M fundraising campaign launched for Parksville Treatment Centre

  01-09-2026 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation is fundraising $1.2 million to help complete the new Parksville Treatment Centre, a 19-bed abstinence-based addiction treatment facility.
  The Parksville Treatment Centre will offer personalized 30-day, 60-day and 90-day treatment plans, psychiatric and primary-care support, and transportation support, including an on-site accessible van and transition planning and aftercare, according to a news release by the foundation.
  It will provide publicly funde
  
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• Council to hear back on feasibility of Victoria ‘by name list’ of unhoused people

  01-09-2026 18:52 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Developing a “by name list” may be easier said than done, but Victoria council will hear about the feasibility of one.At the end of July, council tasked staff with reaching out to BC Housing and the Capital Regional District to accelerate the implementation of the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) to enable use of by-name data to help facilitate coordinated care and access to services and housing solutions as effectively and efficiently as possible and repo
  
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• Japanese retailer Muji comes to Mayfair in Victoria

  01-09-2026 18:48 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A popular Japanese shop brings its minimalist approach, and vast array of goods, to Victoria with a shop opening in Mayfair Shopping Centre.Founded in 1980, Muji’s origin was to provide simple, low-cost, good quality products.“Specifically, we reexamined products through three lenses: material selection, inspection process and simplification of packaging. For instance, if you omit the bleaching process for pulp, the resulting paper is light beige in colour,” the company said.
  M
  
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• Nanaimo’s business community prepares for new American tariffs

  01-09-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo is bracing for the impacts the implementation of the 50 per cent tariffs on billions of dollars in Canadian goods that came into effect on Aug. 22 will have on the local business community.
  Julie Sperber, the new CEO of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, who is still transitioning from her previous role as CEO of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, said the business organization is still ascertaining the effects of the tariffs on Nanaimo’s economy.
  But she said it’s
  
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• Nanaimo-Ladysmith sees 183 new child care spaces, with 24 at McGirr school

  01-09-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  With the impending start of the 2026/27 school year, there will be a substantive increase in child care spaces across Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools
  The B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care and the school district held a press conference at McGirr Elementary School on Monday, Aug. 31, to announce the addition of 183 before- and after-school spaces, including 24 at McGirr, which will be available Wednesday, Sept. 9.
  Departure Bay, Mountain View, École Quarterway, Frank J. Ney, Syuw&
  
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• Evacuation orders, alerts downgraded for Cariboo’s Big Bar Complex wildfire

  01-09-2026 04:17 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Evacuation orders and alerts are being downgraded to all clear for areas affected by the Pear Lake wildfire.
  At 4 p.m. Monday (Aug.31), the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) rescinded evacuation orders and alerts to all clear for approximately 214 addresses.
  The addresses include properties in Big Bar Lake, Little Big Bar Lake, Beaver Dam Lake, Big Bar Road from Highway 97 to Poison Lake Road, Meadow Lake Road from Highway 97 to east of Meadow Lake, and Highway 97 north of Clinton to sout
  
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• Wildfire that forced Summerland to evacuate now under control, 25 days later

  01-09-2026 04:02 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE: 6:40 p.m.
  The Bald Range blaze that sparked west of Summerland on Aug.7 is now considered under control, according to BC Wildfire Service.
  The fire is listed as under control after growing to 25,163 hectares.
  “The wildfire is not projected to spread beyond the current perimeter,” stated BCWS.
  The entire District of Summerland, along with some outlying areas, was ordered to evacuate due to the blaze. Most evacuation orders and alerts have since been lifted, allowing residents
  
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• Firefighters battling Vernon church blaze

  01-09-2026 03:53 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Vernon Fire Rescue Services are on-scene at a blaze at Vernon’s Alliance Church.
  Multiple calls were put into the fire department in regards to the incident just after 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31.
  The fire is at the front of the church, and there are reports of heavy smoke billowing out of its roof.The church is located in the 2600 block of 43rd Avenue, which is now closed between 25th and 27th streets.
  Many people have been lining the streets watching the fire at the historic church.
  Vernon Al
  
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• Nanaimo RCMP reminds drivers and students of road rules

  01-09-2026 03:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Schools reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and Nanaimo RCMP wants drivers to know that traffic enforcement around schools will soon be beefed up to keep kids and the public safe.
  RCMP officers, and Speed Watch volunteers will be conducting enforcement and education initiatives in and around school zones to promote safe driving behaviours and enhance student safety when classes begin, according to a press release.
  School zones are in effect at 30 km/h from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on designated school days, and
  
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• K’ómoks, We Wai Kai sign historic protocol reflecting Nations on Vancouver Island

  01-09-2026 01:47 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  K’ómoks First Nation and We Wai Kai Nation have signed a new protocol that reflects years of dialogue, relationship-building and work between the two Nations.
  According to a press release, the protocol honours the shared history between the two Nations and gives them a footing for understanding, respect and collaboration moving forward.
  The protocol acknowledges the Nations’ shared history and longstanding cultural and family ties, while establishing a framework for mutual supp
  
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• K’ómoks, We Wai Kai sign historic protocol

  01-09-2026 01:47 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  K’ómoks First Nation and We Wai Kai Nation have signed a new protocol that reflects years of dialogue, relationship-building and work between the two Nations.
  According to a press release, the protocol honours the shared history between the two Nations, and gives them a footing for understanding, respect and collaboration moving forward.“The protocol recognizes and honours the shared history of the Nations, establishes support for one another, and expresses commitment to advanc
  
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• Nanaimo’s Hike 4 Haven raised money for Haven Society operations

  01-09-2026 01:21 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Haven Society brought the community together, raising funds and awareness about gender-based violence.
  Hike 4 Haven took place in Bowen Park on Sunday, Aug. 30, serving as a fundraiser for Haven Sociey, which has been providing shelter, services, counselling and compassionate support for women, children and families in the Nanaimo and Oceanside areas.
  Carol-Ann Borody-Siemens, chair of the board of the Haven Society, said that they hope the hike will get the organization’s name out, as wel
  
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• Two airlifted after serious crash on Trans-Canada Highway in Cowichan

  01-09-2026 01:02 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Two people were airlifted to hospital following a crash Saturday, Aug. 29 at the intersection of Beverly Street and the Trans-Canada Highway.
  RCMP said the crash occurred at about 8:30 a.m. There were five occupants between the two vehicles involved, a sedan travelling south on the Trans-Canada Highway and a sedan travelling north on the Trans-Canada Highway.
  Two people extracted from their vehicles by North Cowichan firefighters and airlifted from the scene were in serious but stable condition,
  
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• B.C. unions coordinate to press province to make future ferries locally

  01-09-2026 00:56 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Several trade unions want action taken to ensure the future health of B.C. shipbuilding — including a commitment from BC Ferries to build its next fleet locally.
  Upset with last year’s decision to build four ferries at a Chinese state-owned shipyard, representatives from more than 10 unions held a Monday news conference in Delta to pressure the Crown corporation.
  “One year ago, BC Ferries announced their decision to build four ferries in China,” said Brynn Bourke of the B
  
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• North Vancouver voters head to the polls for 1 of 3 federal byelections

  31-08-2026 23:48 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  North Vancouver residents are headed to the polls today for a federal byelection.The North Vancouver-Capilano byelection is one of three happening Monday (Aug. 31) across Canada. The two others are Beaches—East York in Ontario and Chicoutimi—Le Fjord in Quebec.
  Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the byelections July 26.
  Polls are open until 7 p.m., local time.In North Vancouver, there are six candidates running to be the riding’s next MP: Stephen Curran for the Conservative P
  
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• North Cowichan councillor seeks to prohibit data centres across municipality

  31-08-2026 22:51 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A North Cowichan councillor is asking the municipality to get ahead of potential developments of data centres by prohibiting them as a land use throughout the municipality.
  Coun. Christ Istace will bring a motion to council Sept. 2 directing staff to prepare a zoning bylaw amendment that would define and prohibit data centres as a permitted land use.
  Istace said the move is entirely proactive and was not prompted by a current data centre proposal or inquiry in North Cowichan.
  “That’s
  
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• B.C. couple take care of business, reunite rock icon Bachman with guitar

  31-08-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A glow-in-the-dark guitar with a mysterious past has led two Langford music store owners straight into the orbit of a Canadian rock legend.
  Alloy Music owners and married couple Geoff Round and Laurie Zarr bought the electric guitar from a man in his 80s who was downsizing. Almost immediately, its unusual appearance piqued their curiosity.
  “It had all these glow-in-the-dark stickers around the body of the guitar and up on the headstock, so it was very distinct looking,” said Round.
  T
  
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• Okanagan Forest Task Force asking province for help keeping backcountry safe

  31-08-2026 20:20 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Amid preparations to clean up an abandoned camp in the Lumby area, the Okanagan Forest Task Force (OFTF) is urging the province to aid its mission to make the backcountry safer.Ryan Hirschmiller, with OFTF, told The Morning Star the now-unused camp consists of an abandoned motor home and multiple truck boxes worth of garbage, as well as deer remains that likely indicate illegal poaching.The concerns about these illegal camp sites are numerous for the group of backcountry stewards. Chief among th
  
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• Vancouver Island break-and-enter, theft investigations send 3 to jail: RCMP

  31-08-2026 19:51 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Three people have been given jail time following a number of West Shore RCMP investigations.
  Incidents took place across Langford, Colwood and View Royal involving theft and break-and-enter“These outcomes reflect the continued work of our officers and partners in holding offenders accountable and keeping our communities safe,” said a West Shore RCMP news release.
  Truck theft
  After stealing a truck with a boat trailer attached, 63-year-old Blake Smith was sentenced to 195 days in jail
  
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• Missing pigeon returns to Saanich home after dayslong flyabout

  31-08-2026 19:32 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A Turkish tumbling pigeon is back home after a dayslong tour of the Swan Lake area in Saanich.One-year-old Wilson took off while staying with a friend of the owner, prompting a plea for folks to be on the lookout.“He’ll usually come to you if you shake a bag or if you say ‏’dahh’,” Audrina Hackett asked. “He’s extremely friendly and probably will sit on your shoulder.”
  That’s exactly what happened, according to an Aug. 30 update, noting W
  
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• Land and sea: Rescue teams coordinate hiker extrication from Juan de Fuca Trail

  31-08-2026 19:28 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Juan de Fuca SAR team tackled a portion of the trail with the same name near Botanical Beach to help a hiker Thursday (Aug. 27) afternoon.The team was called out after someone injured themselves falling on the “slippery coastal rocks,” according to an online update.“Thanks to RCMSAR 37, our initial response team was able to reach the hiker quickly to assess and provide first aid, with the rest of the team coming in on foot. With the tide rising, it became urgent to evacuate
  
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