Nanaimo news

• 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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• 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  At 4 p.m. Monday (Aug.31), the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) rescinded evacuation orders and alerts to all clear for approximately 214 addresses.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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• 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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• Land and sea: Rescue teams co-ordinate 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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• WOLF: Foods we love but somehow don’t eat very often

  31-08-2026 19:20 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  “That sure was good,” I said to no one in particular after polishing off the second of two corn cobs I made everyone for dinner the other night.
  And, as I do the other two or three times a year we have corn on the cob, I followed that up with “we should have this more often.”
  Yet, we never do.It’s delicious. It’s not expensive. Available all year. It’s reasonably good for you, unless you drown it in butter (sheepishly looks at feet). It’s absurdly
  
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• Vancouver Island residents bilked out of nearly $170K via phone, online scams

  31-08-2026 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Scammers continue to target residents in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area.
  During a recent one-week period, residents reported being bilked out of close to $170,000 by fraudsters.
  A resident reported losing $120,000 in a cryptocurrency scam offering high returns seen on a social media platform on July 24. One day later, another resident reported losing $20,000 investing in an unregistered investment company. On July 22, a business reported losing $16,500, responding to an email request to make
  
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• Nanaimo Clippers transitioning its ownership

  31-08-2026 18:52 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Nanaimo Clippers hockey club is going through an ownership transition.
  Roman Tkachenko and Oleg Tverdovsky are new investors and members of the club’s ownership group.
  Brad Kwong, who has led the organization since Northern Lights Hockey Canada acquired the Clippers in 2022, will remain managing partner and will continue to guide the franchise’s strategic direction, league relationships, and community partnerships, the hockey club said in a release.
  “The addition of Tkachen
  
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• 2-time Stanley Cup champ added to Nanaimo Clippers ownership group

  31-08-2026 18:52 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Nanaimo Clippers hockey club is going through an ownership transition.
  Roman Tkachenko and Oleg Tverdovsky are new investors and members of the club’s ownership group.
  Brad Kwong, who has led the organization since Northern Lights Hockey Canada acquired the Clippers in 2022, will remain managing partner and will continue to guide the franchise’s strategic direction, league relationships, and community partnerships, the hockey club said in a release.
  “The addition of Tkachen
  
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• Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA Á’a:líya Warbus latest to quit Findlay’s B.C. Conservatives

  31-08-2026 18:22 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA Á’a:líya Warbus announced Monday morning she is leaving the B.C. Conservative caucus, posting a scathing letter to social media detailing why she won’t work with new Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay.
  The final straw was Findlay’s cancellation of a planned caucus meeting scheduled for Monday in Richmond. Warbus said the decision reflected the “lack of value” Findlay placed on caucus members’ opinions.
  “It is one thing to
  
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• First time Cowichan River float inspires Mobile Gaming App

  31-08-2026 16:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Floating, an idea.
  It was never in the game plan to create the mobile gaming app, but Tiffany Cruz’s recent family trip to Lake Cowichan with her partner, two daughters, and their dog Hot Dog, not only inspired her to return to one of Cowichan’s hidden gems as soon as possible but to create her first gaming app titled Cowichan River Float that launched on Google Play earlier this month.
  “We arrived at the end of June and stayed over the Canada Day holiday week, and even got to
  
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• Why wasn’t B.C. killer Vitali Stefanski charged with 1st-degree murder?

  31-08-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Few North Okanagan criminal trials in recent memory have captured the attention of the public more than the case of Vitali Stefanski.On June 26, a judge and jury found the 49-year-old guilty of fatally stabbing his ex-wife and mother of his two children, Tatjana Stefanski, after he’d pushed her into his sports car outside her Lumby home and drove away with her on April 13, 2024.A sprawling month-long trial received widespread media and public attention earlier this year, and saw Vitali tak
  
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• Nanaimo-Ladysmith students reminded of e-scooter rules with school starting

  31-08-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  With the start of the 2026/27 school year approaching, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools officials are reminding students of the rules of e-scooter and e-bike usage.
  The first day of school is Sept. 8 and as per B.C. government regulations, e-scooter riders must be 16 years old and older, while e-bike riders must be older than 14 years. As such, elementary school students are asked to not bring either to school, School District 68 stated in a note to families.
  Should e-scooters or e-bikes be brou
  
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• Horvath runs wild with 4 TDs as B.C. Lions thump winless Redblacks 45-24

  31-08-2026 04:22 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Zander Horvath rushed for 164 yards and four touchdowns, leading the streaking B.C. Lions to a 45-24 win over the host Ottawa Redblacks in CFL action Sunday at TD Place.
  B.C. quarterback Nathan Rourke was 22-for-25 for 355 yards and two touchdowns for the victors (6-5) who have won five games in a row. James Butler and Jevon Cottoy also had TDs for B.C., while Sean Whyte kicked a field goal and had six extra points.
  Jake Maier threw for 291 yards and and two touchdowns for winless Ottawa (0-11).
  
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• CentreBC announces candidate for Abbotsford-Mission byelection

  31-08-2026 01:39 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Another candidate has entered the fray in the Abbotsford-Mission byelection.
  CentreBC announced Lakhwinder Jhaj as its candidate for the Sept. 26 byelection, joining Conservative Party of B.C. leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay and NDP candidate/former MLA Pam Alexis in the race.
  Premier David Eby called the byelection on Saturday (Aug. 29), one week after outgoing Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper resigned to make way for Findlay.
  According to a news release on Sunday (Aug. 30), Jhaj is stepping forw
  
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• ‘Nothing like being home’: Evacuated Summerland seniors return from Osoyoos

  31-08-2026 00:14 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A group of seniors finally got to come home to Summerland after being evacuated for almost three weeks.
  On Friday afternoon, Aug. 28, the group of 30 seniors were able to step back home at the Summerland Seniors Village after being bussed from their accommodations in the South Okanagan.
  The seniors had been staying temporarily at the Mariposa Gardens Community and Retirement Living in Osoyoos since the Bald Range wildfire forced them to evacuate in the middle of night.
  “I wasn’t too
  
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• QUIZ: In celebration of dogs

  30-08-2026 21:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The hottest days of the year are known as the Dog Days of Summer, but for many Canadians, every day is a time to enjoy some canine companionship.These fine furry friends are a part of many households. They have also been featured in stories and popular culture.
  How much do you know about dogs and how they’ve been depicted over the years?
  Put your knowledge to the test with these 10 questions.
  Good luck.Loading…
  
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• Jumpin’ Jack Flash: Orca makes movie-myth-busting leap in B.C. waters

  30-08-2026 17:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The recent sound of cannon fire echoing across the Strait of Juan de Fuca near the Canada-U.S. border was not a sign of the times, but the thunderous breach of a 12,000-pound apex predator.
  South of Victoria, a Bigg’s killer whale known as Jack (T137A) was caught on camera Aug. 20 launching himself repeatedly from the water, leaving boaters in the area speechless.
  “It sounded like a cannon had gone off when he hit the water,” said Alex McIntire, a research and education assista
  
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