Nanaimo news

• Humidity, cooler temperatures moderate fire behaviour in Brunswick Complex

  27-07-2026 15:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Humidity and cooler temperatures moderated fire behaviour in the Brunswick Complex near Boston Bar over the weekend.
  According to the latest update from BC Wildfire Service on Sunday (July 26), the conditions are expected to persist early this week.
  “Wind continues to influence fire behaviour in areas where wind direction and slope align,” BCWS.The three wildfires that make up the Brunswick Complex remain out of control at over 35,000 hectares combined. The Anderson Creek fire is lis
  
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• RDN warning curbside contamination ‘above allowable limits’

  27-07-2026 23:59 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Regional District of Nanaimo is asking the public for help in reducing curbside contamination rates, which is above allowable limits, according to the district.
  In a news release sent out earlier this month, the regional district said that they have increased public education and outreach efforts to reduce contamination in curbside recycling, as the contamination rate had exceeded acceptable thresholds for an extended period in 2025, and remain above allowable limits.
  Should this contamination r
  
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• Carney calls 3 byelections, including 1 in B.C.

  27-07-2026 23:39 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A byelection is set for August for the federal North Vancouver-Capilano riding.
  Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Sunday (July 26) three byelections for Aug. 31: North Vancouver-Capilano in B.C., Beaches—East York in Ontario and Chicoutimi—Le Fjord in Quebec.The North Vancouver-Capilano has been pending since former Liberal MP Jonathan Wilkinson announced April 30 that he accepted Carney’s invitation to serve as Canada’s Ambassador to the European Union.
  During his tim
  
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• Canoe races an important part of Snuneymuxw culture and heritage

  27-07-2026 22:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The three-day Snuneymuxw Days that was held July 24-26 began with canoe races that were held at The Point, located on reserve lands along the waterfront near Needham Street, on Friday afternoon.
  It was one of several sports featured during the event, which brought together teams from across the Island, and even into the U.S.Canoes have been a symbol of Coast Salish culture for centuries, representing tradition, heritage and a connection to the land and waterways.
  Canoe races are seen as a vital
  
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• Crews coming from Yukon, Alberta, Mexico to help with B.C.’s wildfires

  27-07-2026 21:55 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C. Wildfire Service will be getting some out-of-province help in battling the ongoing wildfires.Personnel from Yukon Protective Services, Alberta Wildfire and Mexico are set to arrive in the coming days, B.C. Wildfire Service said in a situation report on Monday (July 27).
  The crews, the update adds, will help to strengthen response capacity alongside B.C. Wildfire Service crews, contractors, industry and aviation resources.There are currently 885 personnel working on wildfires across B.C., al
  
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• ‘Grazie mille’: Vancouver Island deli sold after 4-decade run

  27-07-2026 21:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A beloved downtown lunchtime staple is changing hands.
  Owners Maurizio and Massimo Segato took to social media over the weekend to announce the sale of Italian Food Imports on Blanshard Street.
  “Our family started the Italian Deli in 1985 as a way to bring a piece of Italy to Victoria. Throughout the years, we have had the privilege to share our lives with you and vice versa,” they shared on Instagram.
  Since the post went up, hundreds of comments have poured in, with many patrons sha
  
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• B.C. begins 6-week engagement on ALR changes for food processing

  27-07-2026 20:53 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The province is looking to get a taste from people and industry around the province on a proposal to expand food processing in the Agricultural Land Reserve.
  B.C. has launched a six-week engagement with the province’s agricultural and food-processing industry, local governments and First Nations. People can provide feedback by email to [email protected] until Sept. 3.
  Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham said in an emailed statement to Black Press Media that the proposed changes a
  
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• 2 lightning-caused Southern Vancouver Island wildfires declared out

  27-07-2026 20:47 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Wildfire crews made short work of two lightning-caused fires in Greater Victoria.
  By the end of Sunday (July 26), both wildfires in Langford and Sooke were declared out by BC Wildfire Service.
  The small wildfire in Goldstream Provincial Park was first discovered Thursday (July 23) evening, with wildfire crews and aviation resources responding. It was reported as being 0.009 hectares in size.
  Its location was near the Skirt Mountain Trail within the park, northeast of the Goldstream Provincial Pa
  
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• $1.68M committed to address Indigenous youth violence, gang involvement in Kelowna

  27-07-2026 20:06 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  In an effort to address Indigenous youth safety in Kelowna, the federal government announced a $1.68 million investment to the Strong Roots Initiative: “Empowering Youth, Families and our Community for Safer Futures” project in Kelowna.
  The initiative is set to support Indigenous youth aged six to 13 in the Central Okanagan by addressing factors linked to gang involvement, violence, criminal activity, school disengagement, bullying, cyberbullying and other high-risk behaviours, as we
  
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• Fire Levels Viper Fuels building in Chemainus

  27-07-2026 19:48 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A long-established Chemainus business’s building was left devastated after a massive fire destroyed it over the weekend.
  The North Cowichan Fire Department responded to a structure fire at Viper Fuels on Henry Road at approximately 1:40 a.m. on Sunday.
  Fire Chief Ron French said more than 20 firefighters responded to battle the blaze, with assistance from the RCMP and BC Emergency Health Services.
  Sarah Day, who lives in Duncan but works as a bus driver for wine tours and weddings througho
  
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• 97-year-old dead after being struck by charter bus in Kelowna

  27-07-2026 19:24 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A collision between a mobility scooter and a charter bus has led to the death of a 97-year-old man.
  On Sunday, July 26, around 1:30 p.m., Kelowna RCMP were called to assist BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) for a crash on Benvoulin Road, near Rampone Road.The individual on the scooter, identified as a 97-year-old man, was transported to Kelowna General Hospital with serious injuries and later succumbed to those injuries.No bus occupants were injured.
  “The victim was a 97-year-old male l
  
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• Nanaimo’s Great International World Championship Bathtub Race crowns competitor who went worst-to-first

  27-07-2026 19:20 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A man went from worst to first to win the Great International World Championship Bathtub Race.
  Jack Schlitz, who commanded his bathtub which was assigned to the number 805, finished first place with the time of about 1:24:00 during the event, held in Nanaimo on Sunday, July 26.
  Second place went to Justin Lofstrom, of bathtub number 340, who had finished with the time of about 1:34:00, while third place went to Brandon Leigh of bathtub number 555, who had finished with the time of about 1:36:00.
  
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• Boston Bar water system vandalized inside wildfire evacuation area: FVRD

  27-07-2026 18:55 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Boston Bar water system was vandalized last week as wildfires continued to impact the area, according to a news release from the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD).
  The alleged vandalism occurred inside an area under an evacuation order due to the Brunswick Complex wildfires.
  The FVRD said it received a high flow alarm at about 11:30 p.m. on Thursday (July 23), indicating that the Boston Bar water system’s valve riser was opened, feeding it with water.
  Per the news release, the Bos
  
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• Man caught travelling 172 km/h on Okanagan Connector in test-drive vehicle

  27-07-2026 18:12 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Test-driving a vehicle has its limits.
  That’s what a Vancouver man recently learned after he was caught speeding on the Okanagan Connector, more than 300 kilometres from the dealership, in a vehicle he was test-driving.
  Around 6:15 p.m. on Friday, July 17, a member of the BC Highway Patrol pulled over a grey Toyota sedan on the Connector, near Elkhart, after it was clocked travelling 172 km/h in an 110 km/h zone.
  “The driver told police that he and his girlfriend were on an overnight
  
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• Major sewer upgrade in Nanaimo put on hold

  27-07-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  City of Nanaimo wants to crunch the numbers more before it begins the next stage of the Millstone Trunk Sanitary Sewer Upgrades project.
  Philip Stewart, the city’s manager of engineering products, told Nanaimo’s finance and audit committee at its meeting on July 15, that staff want to review the infrastructure project this summer after tender bids for the initiative were received which were significantly above its approved budget.
  The project is an ongoing, multi-phase infrastructure
  
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• Vancouver Island golfer Knight sets sights on reaching PGA Tour

  27-07-2026 04:10 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Fresh off a standout collegiate career at Boise State University, Parksville’s Gavyn Knight is taking the next step in his golfing journey.
  The former B.C. junior champion is focusing on one day earning a spot on the PGA Tour.
  “I wouldn’t be trying to play golf for any other reason,” Knight said of his long-term goal.
  Knight leaves Boise State after recording 11 top-25 finishes over his collegiate career. He already is off to a good post-college start, as he captured the
  
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• Royal Canadian Legion in Canada celebrates 100 years

  26-07-2026 22:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Royal Canadian Legion branches in Nanaimo and across the country celebrated their centenary last week.
  Founded a year previous, the Legion was officially incorporated after a special act by Parliament on July 17, 1926 and has advocated and fundraised for war veterans throughout the years.
  Legions across the country marked the occasion, including Branch 10 Nanaimo in Harewood, the oldest in Nanaimo. Jason Lott, branch president, said the number 10 signifies that it was the 10th branch incorporate
  
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• Massive wildfires near Clinton merge to create own weather system

  26-07-2026 21:08 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Four fires comprising the massive Big Bar complex near Clinton have now merged, or will do shortly, according to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
  The Pear Lake, Fiftynine Creek, and French Bar Creek wildfires in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD), and the Bonanza Creek wildfire in the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, make up the Big Bar complex, which as of Sunday morning (July 26) had an estimated combined area of 88,812 hectares.
  The Fiftynine Creek fire has impacted Highway 97 at
  
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• Business Notes: Two more Nanaimo businesses offering U-Haul services

  26-07-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  JBM Custom Contracting is one of two businesses in Nanaimo that have recently signed on to be U-Haul neighbourhood dealers.
  JBM, located at 2243 McGarrigle Rd., provides concrete work, demolition, site prep, yard cleanup, junk removal, pressure wash and exterior cleaning and has recently teamed up with U-Haul Co. (Canada) Ltd. to offer services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, and moving supplies.
  The other local business to recently partner with U-Haul Co. is the Home Saver Depot
  
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• Acclaimed singer-songwriter Steve Poltz takes Duncan City Square stage on July 29

  26-07-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  You are in the ‘Wrong Town’ if you are not in Duncan on Wednesday, July 29 to see Canadian-American singer-songwriter Steve Poltz take the City Square stage as part of the 39 Days of July music festival.
  “I love the symmetry of 39 Days of July,” said Poltz. “It feels like the universe is showing off, I can’t wait.”
  Poltz, who was born in Halifax and grew up in Southern California, now calls San Diego home, but jokes he mostly lives out of a guitar case.
  
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• QUIZ: A time for summer’s heat

  26-07-2026 13:20 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  During the hot days of summer, some Canadians are at the beach, basking in the warmth, while others are looking for cool spaces or seeking out deals on air conditioners.
  As the summer temperatures continue to soar, there are some places that get hotter than anywhere in Canada, and also some places known for being cold.
  How much do you know about heat, cold and summer? Put your knowledge to the test with these 10 questions.
  Good luck.Loading…
  
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• Kelly, Polk combine for 2 TDs as Argos dump B.C. Lions 26-12

  26-07-2026 04:10 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Quarterback Chad Kelly tossed a pair of first-half touchdowns to Makai Polk, helping the visiting Toronto Argonauts to a 26-12 win over the struggling B.C. Lions in CFL action Saturday at BC Place.
  Kelly was 15-for-18 for 197 yards before leaving the game late in the first half after taking a hit from B.C.’s Darnell Sankey. Backup Nick Arbuckle came in and finished 13-for-20 for 134 yards for the Argos (3-4). Rookie kicker Brady Lidster, in his CFL debut, added four field goals and two con
  
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• Vancouver Island-Central Coast hold tight medal lead in Kelowna BC Summer Games

  26-07-2026 04:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The 2026 BC Summer Games in Kelowna were in full swing Saturday with young athletes competing for medals in a host of different sports from all across the province.As of 5:30 p.m. July 25, Vancouver Island-Central Coast (Zone 6) leads the way with 48 medals. The zone has earned 15 gold, 20 silver and 13 bronze medals thus far.Fraser River (Zone 4) has collected 47 medals and also boasts the most gold medals with 19.Vancouver-Coastal (Zone 5) is in third place in the medal count with 43, includin
  
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• Alberni Valley wildland firefighters deploy to Merritt

  26-07-2026 03:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A wildland fire crew from Cherry Creek Volunteer Fire Department in Port Alberni has been sent to Merritt to help with fires burning in that region.
  Captain Wes Kovacs will serve as engine boss of Engine 33, a wildland-equipped fire truck from CCFD. Lieutenant Serena Pistotnika and firefighter Tyler Cheetham round out the Cherry Creek team.
  “This is an experienced crew cross-trained in structure defence, wildland and sprinkler protection,” said Captain Ryan Devries. “This crew
  
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• All’s bubbly at parade ahead of World Championship Bathtub Race in Nanaimo

  26-07-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Sailpast on Wheels Fun Parade took place in Nanaimo today, heralding the Great World Championship Bathtub Race.
  The signature event race takes place Sunday, July 26 at the waters off Maffeo Sutton Park, but as is tradition, the parade wound its way through the downtown Nanaimo streets.
  Trevor Short from Ladysmith took the bathtub title in 2025.
  
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• Fire complex near Boston Bar grows to combined 35,197 hectares

  26-07-2026 00:13 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  As the three wildfires making up the Brunswick Creek complex near Boston Bar remain out of control, the growth of one of them — the Ainslie Creek wildfire — has prompted the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) to put an evacuation order in place and expand an evacuation alert.
  The evacuation order, issued on Saturday (July 25), covers 61 addressed properties in Electoral Areas “I” and “N” near Canford. The northernmost part of the area now under order is
  
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• ‘Heart and soul’: Volunteers bringing Kelowna BC Summer Games to life

  25-07-2026 23:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  When Jennifer Jobin saw an online call-out for volunteers for the 2026 BC Summer Games in Kelowna, it immediately brought her back to her own Summer Games experience in Saskatchewan when she was a young athlete.
  “It’s kind of neat to see that come around,” the Kelowna resident and former synchronized swimmer told Black Press Media at the volunteer booth at the Rutland Recreation Park, with games of ultimate frisbee and girls’ rugby taking place on either side of her.&ldqu
  
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• Nanaimo RCMP arrest man following Nanaimo North Town Centre incident

  25-07-2026 22:37 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo RCMP have taken a man in custody following an incident at Nanaimo North Town Centre.
  The man was arrested in the parking lot of Next Home Furnishings, surrounded by seven police vehicles, on Saturday, July 25, shortly before 1 p.m.
  Jessica Barill, who witnessed the incident at Nanaimo North Town Centre, said she saw a man, fitting the arrested man’s appearance, “ramming trucks and smashing into cars” with his vehicle.
  “Then there was a row of cars parked in the pa
  
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• RV technician, carpentry trades spots coming to VIU, B.C. gov’t announces

  25-07-2026 21:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  More carpentry and recreational vehicle technician apprentices from Vancouver Island University will be trained, the B.C. government has announced.
  At a Friday, July 24 media conference at VIU’s Nanaimo campus, B.C. Minister of Post-secondary Education and Future Skills Jessie Sunner announced that 64 new trades training spots are being added to VIU for 2026/27, as part of the government’s Look West economic strategy.
  Jessie Chalmers, VIU interim dean of trades and applied technology
  
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• LETTER TO THE EDITOR: From Wildfires to Viruses

  25-07-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  To the editor,
  Recent devastating wildfire seasons across British Columbia highlight a reality we can no longer ignore: emergencies do not wait until we are ready.
  The same lesson applies to health tracking. COVID-19 showed how quickly an unforeseen crisis can overwhelm provincial healthcare systems, disrupt communities, and create staggering economic costs. Nationally, Canada spent more than $624 billion responding to the pandemic. This far outstrips the cost of proactive preparation.
  The feder
  
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