Nanaimo news

• Inquest to be held in shooting death of neurodivergent B.C. teen

  09-12-2025 17:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The B.C. Coroners Service (BCCS) has announced they will hold an inquest in the shooting death of Clayton Heights teen Chase de Balinhard.
  In a Dec. 8 press release, BCCS announced the inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of Chase de Balinhard will be held in the new year.
  “A presiding coroner and a jury will hear evidence from witnesses under oath to determine the facts surrounding this death,” Holly Tally, BCCS communications manager wrote in the release. “The
  
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• Fundraiser started for burn patient after Nanaimo motorhome fire

  10-12-2025 22:10 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The daughter of a man who was severely burned in a motorhome fire near Nanaimo has asked the public for help with her father’s recovery.
  Britney Marshall set up a GoFundMe fundraiser after her father’s motorhome was completely destroyed by a fire Tuesday, Dec. 9. It had been parked for some time at the summit of South Forks Road, southeast of Nanaimo. Witnesses to the blaze saw the man with his clothes on fire when he exited the motorhome and he managed to snuff out the flames by div
  
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• What’s On, Dec. 10

  10-12-2025 22:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  MUSIC
  Piano Heist A Very Merry Heistmas will be at the Port Theatre for two shows Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Featuring Nico Rhodes and Patrick Courtin. Tickets $32-58 or $20 for students at www.porttheatre.com.
  Lavender and Lefty play the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 256 on Dec. 11 from 6-8 p.m. Call 250-754-8128 for reservations.
  Pookiefest featuring Last Years Wishes, Poor Sport, Night Mirrors, Negative Balance play an all-ages show Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Globe Live Studio. Tickets $15 in
  
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• VIDEO: New calf sighted with B.C.’s endangered orcas a ‘huge, welcome surprise’

  10-12-2025 22:02 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Christmas has come early for B.C.’s endangered southern resident killer whales.
  A newborn calf has been sighted with the social group known as K pod.
  “We are very excited about this discovery, since this is the first calf born into K pod since K45 Prosper in 2022,” said a social media post by Washington-based organization Orca Conservancy.
  The sighting was made Tuesday (Dec. 9) as the pod travelled southbound from Shoreline, Washington.
  Orca Conservancy’s director of deve
  
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• B.C. First Nation denounces ‘Spirit Bear Pipeline’ name as offensive misuse of cultural symbol

  10-12-2025 20:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation on B.C.’s central coast is condemning what it calls an “egregious” misuse of its protected cultural symbol, after an Alberta-based oil advocate launched a campaign to rename the cancelled Northern Gateway pipeline the Spirit Bear Pipeline.
  In a statement released Dec. 2, the Nation’s elected chief and council, alongside Hereditary Chiefs, denounced the unapproved use of the official mark “Spirit Bear” by Robbie Picard Media an
  
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• Beefs Bouquets, Dec. 10

  10-12-2025 20:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  BOUQUET To the teams from Southern Vancouver Island Railway, the City of Nanaimo and many others who have built a wonderful walking trail from Fifth Street to Seventh Street parallel to the railway tracks. It is beautifully done and a joy to go dog walking on. Thank you.
  BEEF To Nanaimo city council for failing to keep property tax increases to a reasonable level. My salary sure didn’t go up in the past year. Did anyone’s?
  BOUQUET To the caring, well-prepared women who had emergency
  
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• Ucluelet, Victoria, Kamloops top 10 trending domestic Canadian winter destinations

  10-12-2025 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A pair of Vancouver Island communities are among the most travelled this winter, based on lodging searches.Ucluelet – up 45 per cent – and Victoria – up 30 per cent – land fourth and sixth in a list of trending domestic destinations for Canadians, according to Expedia’s Winter Travel Outlook. PEI, Jasper and Kitchener top the trending list, with Charlottetown in fifth.
  Kamloops, in seventh was the other B.C. destination cracking the national top 10.
  Trending destina
  
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• B.C.’s road to curling’s Brier runs through provincial championships on Vancouver Island

  10-12-2025 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The provincial curling spotlight is sliding back onto Esquimalt, with the Archie Browning Sports Centre set to host a packed week of championships that will send B.C.’s best to some of the sport’s biggest national stages.
  From Dec. 29 to Jan. 4, the Esquimalt Curling Club will become the hub for teams chasing berths at the 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, the 2026 Brier and the U20 national championships.
  This marks the second time in three years that Esquimalt has hosted the prov
  
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• Elenore Sturko says she will not run for B.C. Conservative leadership

  10-12-2025 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Elenore Sturko says she will not be a candidate in the B.C. Conservative leadership race to replace John Rustad.
  “I won’t be running,” Sturko told Black Press Media.
  Sturko said that she feels the best way for her to have an impact is to focus on the major issues facing her constituents, not on a leadership race.
  “I hope that in some way I will have a role to play with how we move our province ahead in the future, but I think that the best thing for
  
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• Albertans and British Columbians race in record Biathlon Cup

  10-12-2025 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Sovereign Lake Nordic Club played host to a record-setting biathlon event last weekend, and there were some strong results among local athletes.
  A total of 230 racers took part in the B.C. Cup/Odlum Brown Western Series races at the Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7.
  That smashed the previous record for number of racers in this event, which was 177, set last year, also at Sovereign Lake.
  The Odlum Brown Western Series is a joint event between B.C. and Alberta biathlo
  
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• 7,600 voices help guide Mosaic as it revamps its Island backcountry access strategy

  10-12-2025 18:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Mosaic Forest Management is moving forward with plans to modernize its access program, following a well-responded survey earlier this year.
  In May, a survey drew 7,600 respondents and “clearly indicated Islanders want well-managed public recreation access,” a release from Mosaic says. To that end, the forestry company hired RC Strategies and Legacy Tourism Group.
  The two firms will build a stronger system for managing recreation on Mosaic lands, balancing public access with environme
  
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• From blood donor to living kidney donor: A B.C. mum’s heartfelt journey

  10-12-2025 17:24 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A White Rock, B.C. mum is encouraging eligible Canadians to roll up their sleeves and donate blood.
  Donating blood has been an essential part of Soon Nick’s life for many years, and Thursday (Dec. 4) was a particularly special blood donation, as it was her 19th time donating blood and the first time she had given blood after donating her kidney to someone she had first heard about in a Facebook group.
  In April 2025, Nick saw a post in the ‘South Rock Moms’ Facebook group that c
  
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• Old-growth advocates serenade forest minister outside his Langford office

  10-12-2025 16:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  About 35 members of Elders for Ancient Trees and their supporters gathered outside Forests Minister Ravi Parmar’s office on Dec. 8 to call for stronger protections for old-growth forests.
  Despite the pouring rain, organizers said the message was worth delivering.
  “We stand together with the brave and intrepid forest defenders protecting the Walbran,” said organizer Jackie Larkin. “If the NDP government won’t protect these precious forests, we will.
  “Once these
  
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• Old-growth advocates gather serenade forest minister outside his Langford office

  10-12-2025 16:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  About 35 members of Elders for Ancient Trees and their supporters gathered outside Forests Minister Ravi Parmar’s office on Dec. 8 to call for stronger protections for old-growth forests.
  Despite the pouring rain, organizers said the message was worth delivering.
  “We stand together with the brave and intrepid forest defenders protecting the Walbran,” said organizer Jackie Larkin. “If the NDP government won’t protect these precious forests, we will.
  “Once these
  
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• Shareholders overwhelmingly endorse minerals merger of B.C.’s Teck, U.K’s Anglo

  10-12-2025 16:03 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Teck Resources Ltd. shareholders have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a proposed merger of equals with United Kingdom-based Anglo American, clearing a key hurdle for the creation of a new critical minerals company called Anglo Teck.
  At a special meeting held Tuesday, Dec. 9, Teck said 99.7 per cent of votes cast by Class A common shareholders supported a special resolution approving the plan of arrangement for the merger.
  Among Class B subordinate voting shareholders, 89.7 per cent of votes ca
  
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• No charges in snowplow collision that killed 8-year-old near Castlegar

  10-12-2025 16:02 via nanaimobulletin.com
  One year after a vehicle collision with a snow plow claimed the life of an eight-year-old Nelson boy near Castlegar, the B.C. Prosecution Service has announced that it will not be approving any charges related to the crash.
  A Dec. 8 statement issued by BCPS provides details of the complex incident, which took place on Dec. 7, 2024 near the Paulson Summit on Highway 3 and involved multiple vehicles as well as the striking of a pedestrian.
  The boy and his brother were travelling in the back seat o
  
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• Doctors offering virtual care at 4 rural B.C. hospitals in medical trial

  10-12-2025 15:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Four Interior Health hospital emergency departments will be trialing a new program that will see some care provided by physicians working elsewhere in the province.
  According to the IH announcement, patients seeking emergency care at the Lillooet Hospital, Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital (Clearwater), Arrow Lakes Hospital (Nakusp) and Princeton General Hospital will have the possibility of seeing the new pilot at work as of the week of Dec. 9.
  “Integrating virtual care into emergency servic
  
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• New scam targets B.C. Hockey League teams and potential vendors

  10-12-2025 14:06 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The B.C. Hockey League is warning of a new email scam that targets its teams.
  League officials said in a social media post on Dec. 8 that they have received multiple reports over the past week of scam emails impersonating BCHL team staff.
  The scam is said to involve people pretending to be team staff while reaching out to local businesses.
  “Unless you are receiving communication from an official team domain or a trusted contact, do not share information, send money or click on links,&rdquo
  
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• Support Christmas causes in Nanaimo like Coins for Kids

  10-12-2025 14:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  There is great need in Nanaimo, and it’s something that we mustn’t forget during a busy and bustling time of year.
  This season of giving, we hope community members will be able to give not only to the loved ones on their Christmas lists, but also to those in need of charity in Nanaimo. Many non-profits and community partners are working together on fundraisers and drives at this time of year, and we will bring attention to as many as we can on the News Bulletin’s pages this mon
  
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• Petition asks Cortes Islanders if they’re interested in forming a municipality

  10-12-2025 05:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  If Cortes Island wants to chart its own direction, residents may want to consider forming a municipality.
  Last week, Mark Vonesch, regional director for the large island east of Campbell River, launched a petition to officially assess the interest of residents in inviting the province to initiate a fact-finding process, which would explore the possibility of incorporating the island’s local governance structure.
  Vonesch is seeking public feedback on residents’ interest in becoming a
  
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• Canadian Sport School honour bestowed on Vernon goalie

  10-12-2025 05:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  First at the rink. Ready to compete. Outstanding student.
  Vernon’s Emma Ward is the embodiment of a participant in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL).
  Ward, a goalie for the North Shore Warriors’ U18 Female Prep team is the U18 Female West Division’s Player of the Month for November.
  This award is aimed at recognizing the student-athletes within the CSSHL and acknowledges their hard work, dedication, commitment, leadership, academics and community impact.
  “Em
  
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• B.C. First Nations not pleased to be sidelined by pipeline political maneuvers

  10-12-2025 02:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  While it may just be the subject of political gamesmanship in Ottawa, for representatives of B.C.’s First Nations, a pipeline built without consultation challenges the sanctity of their territory, their way of life and their economic livelihood.
  On Tuesday, federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre introduced a motion in the House of Commons supporting the construction of a B.C. oil pipeline in an apparent attempt to use an agreement signed by the prime minister and Alberta to divide th
  
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• Delayed Kelowna murder trial back in court

  10-12-2025 01:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  WARNING: This story contains graphic details that some readers may find upsetting.
  After multiple delays, the murder trial for a Kelowna woman restarted on Dec. 8.
  Gabriella Sears, a transgender woman, is facing charges of second-degree murder and interference with human remains in the June 2021 death of Darren Middleton.
  Following Sears’ arrest, she confessed to police that she had killed Middleton. After a voir dire, however, the judge ruled the confessions may not be used as evidence in
  
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• ‘You do not walk alone’: Community demands accountability after Penelakut man’s death

  10-12-2025 01:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  More than 80 people packed into a room at the Cowichan Community Centre on Dec. 8, gathering in grief, anger and solidarity to support the family of Leonard Sylvester III, a 38-year-old Penelakut man who died following what his widow describes as a cascade of medical failures at Cowichan District Hospital and Victoria General Hospital.
  The event brought together grieving family members, Indigenous leaders, health advocates and representatives from the medical system involved in Leonard’s c
  
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• Accountability demanded in wake of newlywed B.C. Indigenous man’s death in care

  10-12-2025 01:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  More than 80 people packed into a room in Duncan’s Cowichan Community Centre on Dec. 8, gathering in grief, anger and solidarity to support the family of Leonard Sylvester III.
  Sylvester a 38-year-old member of the region’s Penelakut First Nation died following what his widow describes as a cascade of medical failures at Cowichan District Hospital and Victoria General Hospital.
  The event brought together grieving family members, Indigenous leaders, health advocates and representative
  
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• Masked suspects smash into Nanaimo skate shop to steal boards, shoes and hoodies

  10-12-2025 00:25 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A downtown Nanaimo business is reeling from losing several thousand dollars in merchandise from an early-morning smash-and-grab burglary.
  Pryce Watkin, an associate with Primary Skateboards, said the store lost more than $5,000 worth of products when four masked individuals smashed the front window of the store at about 3 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8, and grabbed armloads of hoodies, footwear and skateboards.
  The store opened on Victoria Crescent and operated there for about five years before moving to i
  
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• 43-year-old Ladysmith woman missing

  10-12-2025 00:04 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Police are asking for the public’s help to find a missing woman from Ladysmith.
  RCMP said in a press release that 43-year-old Jennifer Switzer was reported missing on Dec. 8.
  She was last seen in Ladysmith on the evening of Dec. 7.
  Switzer is Caucasian, 5 foot 3 inches tall, with brown hair and brown eyes.
  Police are concerned for her health and well-being.
  Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jennifer Switzer is urged to contact their local police, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-
  
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• Crews investigating site of rock slide near Summerland

  10-12-2025 00:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Crews are investigating the site of a minor rock slide on Highway 97, north of Summerland.
  The slide occurred on Monday, Dec. 8, around 4:30 p.m.
  While this is close to the site of previous rock slides, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit said the Dec. 8 incident is south of and unrelated to the existing North Beach slide site.
  One rock, roughly the size of a microwave, hit the highway, and smaller rocks were scattered around the south lanes.
  One vehicle was hit by falling rock. However,
  
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• Feds introduce justice reforms sought by family of slain Kelowna woman

  09-12-2025 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The federal government introduced a justice reform bill on Tuesday (Dec. 9) that strengthens penalties for intimate partner violence by designating femicide and hate-related killings as first-degree murder.
  A history of abuse, sexual violence or coercive control would be used to make this determination.
  This is one of the changes sought by the family of Bailey McCourt, a 32-year-old woman killed in broad daylight in downtown Kelowna last July. Her former partner, James Plover, who was released p
  
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• Abbotsford still has the cheapest rent in B.C., provincial rates dip 7 per cent

  09-12-2025 23:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Rent continues to get cheaper in Abbotsford, as well as many other parts of the province, with B.C. rental prices now sitting nearly seven per cent lower than a year ago.
  Unfortunately, even with such a large decline over the past 12 months, B.C. rental prices still remain the highest in the country.
  But the rental market in Abbotsford is a much different story, with the city having not only the lowest average asking prices in B.C. but also one of the lowest in all of Canada.
  Abbotsford’s
  
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