Nanaimo news

• Fur-Bearers say bringing back Bear Smart sends ‘clear message’ at UBCM

  21-09-2026 19:49 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A B.C. wildlife protection group is calling on municipalities to reactivate Bear Smart.
  The Fur-Bearers identified earlier this year through freedom of information (FOI) requests that the province’s Bear Smart program was understated, not communicating its status, and, it said in a media release, “generally in disarray – all while numerous municipalities were attempting to achieve or renew their status.”
  According to the release, “bring back Bear Smart was the clear
  
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• Sooke wildfire grows to 15 hectares, smoke visible across South Island

  22-09-2026 00:09 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A human-caused wildfire near Sooke continues to grow in size with smoke visible across Greater Victoria.
  First discovered Sunday (Sept. 21), the fire is located within the Sooke Hills, four kilometres west of Sooke River, south of Mount Jack.
  Initially listed by the BC Wildfire Service as two hectares in size, Monday afternoon (Sept. 21) the fire had grown to 15 hectares.
  The fire is listed as ‘out of control’, meaning it is spreading or is expected to spread beyond the current perim
  
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• Lantzville council directs staff to confer with fire chief about temporary uses of new fire hall property

  22-09-2026 00:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Lantzville council is directing staff to talk to the fire chief about additional uses of the property proposed to become the new fire hall.During the Sept. 9 meeting of Lantzville council, councillors unanimously passed a motion directing staff to confer with Neil Rukus, Lantzville’s fire chief, to determine additional fire department uses of the property at 7915 Clark Drive ahead of the planned construction.
  In a report added to the council agenda, the land is slated to be the location of
  
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• Nanaimo RCMP asking for public’s help locating missing woman

  21-09-2026 23:52 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 48-year-old Jody Watkin, who has not been seen since July 26.
  Watkin was reported missing to the police on Aug. 18.
  Investigators have followed up on several investigative avenues, but have been unable to locate Watkin.
  Police are concerned for her health and well-being as she is currently unhoused and requires medication that she may not have access to.
  Watkin is described as a Caucasian woman, 5 ft 4 in tall and 180 lbs with
  
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• No criminality: Woman’s body found 10 years after disappearance near Salmon Arm

  21-09-2026 23:21 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The remains of a woman missing for more than 10 years have been found.
  The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP announced Monday that Deanna Wertz was located on Sept. 13 in a vast wooded area in the 2000 block of Yankee Flats Road in Salmon Arm.
  Civilian dog trainers were working in the area when human remains were found around 12:30 p.m.The remains were removed and positively identified as those of missing person, Deanna Mildred Wertz.Wertz was originally reported missing to police in the Yankee Flats a
  
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• MLA McInnis rejoins Conservatives

  21-09-2026 23:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Scott McInnis is rejoining the Conservative Party of B.C. after briefly sitting as an independent amid internal caucus turmoil.
  McInnis left the party on Sept. 2, citing he could no longer support the “direction, judgement and decisions” of newly-elected party leader Kerry Lynne Findlay.Findlay resigned as party leader on Sept. 20 after an exodus of over a dozen Conservative MLAs since the summer, as common issues included concerns with her leade
  
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• Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA McInnis rejoins Conservative caucus

  21-09-2026 23:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Scott McInnis is rejoining the Conservative Party of B.C. after briefly sitting as an independent amid internal caucus turmoil.
  McInnis left the party on Sept. 2, citing he could no longer support the “direction, judgement and decisions” of newly-elected party leader Kerry Lynne Findlay.Findlay resigned as party leader on Sept. 20 after an exodus of over a dozen Conservative MLAs since the summer, as common issues included concerns with her leade
  
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• B.C. Conservatives appoint Lorne Doerkson interim leader as ousted MLAs rejoin party

  21-09-2026 23:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The B.C. Conservative caucus voted to install Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson as interim leader after Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigned Sunday afternoon.
  “My focus is on moving forward,” Doerkson said. “Last night, my colleagues nominated me to become leader of the official opposition, the interim leader, which I obviously accepted.”
  If Premier David Eby calls a snap election this week, as rumoured, Doerkson would be running to be the next premier.
  Findlay resigned after
  
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• Short term rental policy pondered by Lake Cowichan council

  21-09-2026 22:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Town council is working hard to ensure visitors to Lake Cowichan have more legal options to stay the night.
  “We’ve seen many tournaments and other options coming to Lake Cowichan, and with the lack of accommodations, it would appear that most people reside either in areas where short-term rentals are allowed,” explained Mayor Tim McGonigle.
  He noted visitors often stay on First Nations properties on the Youbou side of Cowichan Lake or in Duncan instead of within the town becaus
  
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• Castlegar cancer survivor alleges unsafe Kelowna hospital stay after surgery

  21-09-2026 21:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A Castlegar breast cancer survivor is sharing some very personal information in the hopes that no one else will have to go through the things she experienced during a stay at Kelowna General Hospital.
  In October 2022, 47-year-old Leslie Chrusch discovered a small lump in her left breast.
  She was nervous, but with no family doctor, wasn’t sure where to turn.
  Thankfully, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Chrusch heard repeated commercials on the radio promoting mammograms. Each t
  
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• THORPE REPORT: Local golfers hit long and straight

  21-09-2026 21:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  With summer officially ending next week, the golfing season has seen year-end tournaments at both the professional and local levels.
  For the pros, the PGA season officially ended with the recent Tour Championship tournament in Atlanta. There, Scottie Scheffler capped a successful season on tour with his second FedEx Cup title and the tournament’s $10 million first-place prize money.
  Not quite so lucrative, but arguably just as entertaining, were tournaments held at several local golf cours
  
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• B.C. government files lawsuit against OpenAI in Tumbler Ridge shooting

  21-09-2026 20:41 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma said Monday (Sept. 21) that the government has filed a lawsuit in California against OpenAI in the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting.Sharma said the lawsuit stems from OpenAI’s failure to notify law enforcement after it first became aware of an “alarming” conversation between the shooter and the ChatGPT chatbot.She said the government is seeking accountability and support for community rebuilding efforts, including for a new school.More to come.
  
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• Vancouver Island crosswalk project honours veterans

  21-09-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A new commemorative crosswalk on Memorial Avenue at Fir Street is moving forward after the Town of Qualicum Beach awarded a $122,727 contract to Coastline Civil Inc.
  The crosswalk is being designed as a commemoration of local veterans, connecting the town’s pedestrian-safety improvements with its commitment to remembering those who have served.
  The project will provide a safer, more visible crossing for people accessing the weekly Farmers’ Market and nearby community destinations. It
  
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• Scammers stealing new phones Cowichan RCMP warn

  21-09-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Scammers are stealing people’s brand new cell phones, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP warn.
  The swindle targets individuals who have recently received a new cell phone through a legitimate wireless provider, RCMP said in a press release.
  Victims are contacted by someone claiming to represent their service provider and are told that the wrong phone was shipped to them. They are then instructed to return the device using a prepaid shipping label sent by email.
  Victims send their phones back, only
  
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• Nanaimo jiu-jitsu academy athletes golden at Burnaby event

  21-09-2026 20:14 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Athletes from Island Top Team Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts topped the podium at a Lower Mainland event.
  Grappling Industries Vancouver took place at the B.C. Institute of Technology Recreation Services facility on Sept. 12 and all members of the Nanaimo-based academy captured gold, Rob Biernacki, head instructor, said in a press release.
  Among the medals captured by Daniel Jin, a gold in the teen gi blue belt division and a silver in the adult no gi intermediate division. Jin had &
  
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• Investigation ongoing for boy who went missing near B.C.-Alberta border in 2025

  21-09-2026 20:07 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  RCMP say the investigation into Darius MacDougall, who went missing a year ago, is still ongoing.
  Alberta RCMP marked the one-year anniversary of his disappearance on Monday with a news release.
  “The Alberta RCMP recognizes that Darius’ disappearance continues to weigh heavily on his family and those who know and love him,” the release says.
  “The passage of time does not lessen the importance of finding answers, and investigators remain committed to pursuing information t
  
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• B.C. physician wins woman’s healthcare award

  21-09-2026 19:58 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Local physician Dr. Unjali Malhotra was recently honoured by the Federation of Medical Women of Canada, earning an award for excellence in women’s healthcare research and education.
  Malhotra, a menopause and women’s health physician based in West Kelowna, was awarded with the Enid Johnson MacLeod Award, which represents national recognition for her work to advance women’s healthcare across the country.
  Malhotra is well-known for her work to grow the women’s healthcare fie
  
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• Business Notes: Nanaimo Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store has extended hours on Thursdays

  21-09-2026 19:51 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Nanaimo Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store is now open more hours.
  The thrift store, located in Northridge Village in the city’s north end, is open from from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays, three hours longer than Thursdays’ previous hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Manager Gerry Denis said more people are shopping at the store, which carries gently-used clothing, books, and household goods, so they experimented with extended hours on Wednesdays, which proved to be successful.
  “We d
  
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• Fur Bears say bringing back Bear Smart sends ‘clear message’ at UBCM

  21-09-2026 19:49 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A B.C. wildlife protection group is calling on municipalities to reactivate Bear Smart.
  The Fur-Bearers identified earlier this year through freedom of information (FOI) requests that the province’s Bear Smart program was understated, not communicating its status, and, it said in a media release, “generally in disarray – all while numerous municipalities were attempting to achieve or renew their status.”
  According to the release, “bring back Bear Smart was the clear
  
  Read more

• Cowichan Special Olympics athletes podium at Canada Summer Games

  21-09-2026 19:46 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Five Special Olympics – Cowichan Valley athletes brought home 12 medals, including four gold, five silver, and three bronze, while proudly representing the community and Team B.C. on the national stage Aug. 11 to 15in Medicine Hat, Alta.
  Jason Smith (swimming), Mark Skelton (swimming), Savannah Carlow (athletics), Louis Butler (10-pin bowling), and Krista Grzybowski (bocce) all medalled, but for the athletes, the experience was about much more than competition and medals.
  “The best p
  
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• City-run Vancouver Island clinic welcomes fourth doctor from Newfoundland

  21-09-2026 19:35 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The team at Colwood’s municipal-run medical clinic continues to grow.
  A fourth family physician joined the clinic this summer. The city says Dr. Swathi Ravinuthala brings with her international medical training, a strong commitment to community-based care, and a deep interest in improving access to primary health care.
  Born in Ireland, Ravinuthala grew up in Newfoundland before studying medicine at the Medical University of Lublin in Poland.
  “I was drawn to the Colwood Clinic model b
  
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• Conservative MLA logs on to emergency B.C. NDP meeting after accidental email blast

  21-09-2026 19:13 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A B.C. NDP caucus staffer sent out a notice of an emergency Sunday night caucus meeting to many MLAs outside the party — presumably by mistake — inviting opposition members to what appeared to be an election strategy session.
  At least one B.C. Conservative, Langley-Walnut Grove MLA Misty Van Popta, was able to log on to the 7 p.m. virtual meeting using the Microsoft Teams link provided.
  “People were just starting to log in, and then it got really quiet,” Van Popta said. &
  
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• Quesnel man sentenced for sex crimes against 12-year-old girl

  21-09-2026 19:12 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A judge in Quesnel sentenced a man to 12 months jail and two years probation on Sept. 17 for touching for a sexual purpose and invitation to touching for a sexual purpose.
  Colton Silas Stump, however, received 364 days credit for time served, resulting in one day custodial sentence, served by his court appearance.
  Judge Michelle Stanford found Stump guilty in September 2023 of the crimes committed between July 1 and Aug. 31, 2019. He was acquitted of a second touching for a sexual purpose charge
  
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• UPDATE: 2nd ‘out of control’ Sooke region wildfire grows to 10 hectares

  21-09-2026 18:55 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A wildfire in the Sooke Hills has grown to 10 hectares overnight.
  The fire was first discovered Sunday evening (Sept. 20), hours after another smaller wildfire sparked near Juan de Fuca Provincial Park.
  An update Monday morning (Sept. 21) by the BC Wildfire Service said the Leech River wildfire in the Sooke Hills had jumped from two- to 10 hectares in size.
  Aviation resources are supporting response efforts to the fire, which is listed by the BC Wildfire Service as ‘out of control’,
  
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• 2nd ‘out of control’ wildfire discovered in Sooke region

  21-09-2026 18:55 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Hours after a small wildfire was discovered near Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, a second sparked in the Sooke Hills Sunday evening (Sept. 20).
  Both fires are listed by the BC Wildfire Service as ‘out of control’, meaning they are spreading or are expected to spread beyond their current perimeter or control lines.
  The Leech River wildfire in the Sooke Hills is said to be two hectares in size, with aviation resources supporting response efforts.
  The cause of the fire is under investigat
  
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• B.C. Conservatives appoint Lorne Doerkson interim leader

  21-09-2026 18:46 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The B.C. Conservative caucus voted to install Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson as interim leader after Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigned Sunday afternoon.
  “We thank Lorne for stepping forward to serve during this important transition,” the party said in a statement. “Our caucus and party will now move forward together, focused on providing strong opposition and representing British Columbians across the province.
  Findlay resigned after several tumultuous weeks in which 14 MLAs
  
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• Heinz Gerhard Bischoff

  21-09-2026 17:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  In Loving Memory ~
  September 2, 1929 – September 13, 2026
  After a long, meaningful life, Heinz Bischoff passed away peacefully on Sept. 13, 2026, at age 97. Born in Raddusch and raised in Vetschau, Germany, he was ambitious and hardworking. After working as a journeyman cabinetmaker, he decided to emigrate to Canada in 1951 and landed in Halifax by ship on January 11, 1952. While in Halifax, when he was asked where in Canada he would like to live, he was shown a map. Without hesitation, an
  
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• ‘A whole new purpose’: Tour de Rock hits the road after Port Alice sendoff

  21-09-2026 15:54 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A North Island village of just 739 residents raised almost $30,000 to launch the 2026 Tour de Rock on its 1,200-kilometre journey Sunday.
  The 22-person riding team officially began its trip by leaving Port Alice and weaving through Port Hardy before finishing the opening day in Port McNeill on Sept. 20.Tour de Rock rider Greg Beatty had half his hair and moustache shaved by his honorary rider Weston during Sunday’s stop in Port Hardy.
  The team cycled nearly 100 kilometres on the opening le
  
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• Skunk in the Kootenay Lake region tests positive for rabies

  21-09-2026 15:13 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Interior Health is advising that a skunk in the Kootenay Lake region has tested positive for rabies.
  The result was confirmed on September 17, 2026 by IH and the BC Centre for Disease Control. The skunk is believed to have been infectious between August 15 and September 4.
  A number of people who may have been exposed have already been assessed and treated by IH, and IH is asking that anyone within the area who may have had contact with a skunk come forward for assessment.
  Anyone who was bitten o
  
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• Annual Nanaimo Butterfly Run to be held at Westwood Lake

  21-09-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The annual memorial Butterfly Run Vancouver Island will be held at Westwood Lake.
  The event, hosted by the Butterfly Support Network on Saturday, Oct. 3, aims to create a supportive environment for bereaved parents, and to raise awareness about the challenges many families and individuals face around infertility, pregnancy loss, infant loss, and the termination of a pregnancy due to medical reasons.
  The BSN, a registered charity, has made it its mission to provide a platform for families to come
  
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