Nanaimo news

• Marcelle Marie Betz (nee Belliveau)

  26-06-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  April 20, 1946 – June 12, 2026
  We are saddened and heartbroken to announce the loving spirit and life force of Marcelle Marie Betz (knee Belliveau) passed suddenly on the evening of June 12, 2026.
  Marcelle was born in Ponteix, Saskatchewan, on April 20, 1946. She spent her early school years in Sylvania, Saskatchewan later attending Bosco High School in Regina.
  Marcelle was beloved by many and touched countless lives with her thoughtfulness, humour, and generous spirit. She truly was beaut
  
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• Vandals damage headstones at historic Sooke cemetery

  27-06-2026 03:10 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Residents are expressing frustration after several headstones were damaged at Sooke’s historic cemetery on Maple Avenue, marking what some say is the worst case of vandalism the site has experienced.
  The damage came to light after a community member shared photos on social media showing broken and toppled headstones. The post urged residents to respect the cemetery and report suspicious activity to help protect the historic site.
  Among the damaged monuments was the grave of John Muir, a pr
  
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• Former Victoria Royals defenceman Verhoeff selected 9th overall in 2026 NHL draft

  27-06-2026 03:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A towering defenceman has shattered the Victoria Royals franchise record at the NHL entry draft.
  The San Jose Sharks selected Keaton Verhoeff ninth overall in the first round of the 2026 draft on Friday (June 26), making the right-shot blue-liner the highest drafted player to ever come through the Victoria organization.
  View this post on InstagramA post shared by Victoria Royals (@victoriaroyals)The selection eclipses the previous benchmark set just last year when the Calgary Flames took Cole Re
  
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• Regional District of Nanaimo transfer station, landfill fees waived after curbside service disruption

  27-06-2026 03:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Curbside waste collection in the region will resume this weekend, after a fire disrupted the collection process.
  Earlier this week, the Regional District of Nanaimo announced that a fire at solid waste partner Waste Connections of Canada’s Parksville facility, which caused notable damage, would lead to delays and possible non-collection of waste, compost and recyclables, with areas north of the City of Nanaimo among those affected.
  But in a Friday, June 26 press release, the RDN said &ldqu
  
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• Researchers say Kitimat LNG facility’s flare problems causing massive pollution plume

  27-06-2026 02:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A group of environmental researchers says LNG Canada’s broken flare system is spewing more toxic gases into the atmosphere than the company has disclosed, presenting imaging evidence to back up their claims.
  “These are unheated, uncombusted, massive emissions,” said Tim Doty, a researcher from Texas who worked in a monitoring program for nearly 30 years at that state’s oil and gas regulator.
  Doty used an optical gas imaging camera to photograph a plume of unburned gases e
  
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• Wildfire near Lillooet still out of control, sees minimal growth

  27-06-2026 02:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Riley Creek wildfire south of Lillooet remains out of control, but the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) reports minimal growth over Thursday night.
  The fire was discovered on Wednesday, June 24, and sized at 50 hectares.
  It remains 50 hectares as of Friday, June 26, according to the BCWS’ latest update at 11:04 a.m.
  The wildfire service provided a response update on Friday.
  They say helicopters are assigned to the incident.
  “There was minimal growth to this fire overnight,” they
  
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• Vancouver Canucks select Caleb Malhotra with No. 3 pick in 2026 NHL draft

  27-06-2026 01:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Another Malhotra family member is headed to Vancouver.
  With the third pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft on Friday, June 26 in Buffalo, the Vancouver Canucks selected centre Caleb Malhotra from the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League.
  Caleb’s dad Manny was recently named as head coach for the Canucks.With the 3rd overall pick, the Vancouver Canucks are proud to select Caleb Malhotra!#NHLDraft | @UberEats pic.twitter.com/G23nrNouwf
  — Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) June 26, 202
  
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• B.C. man gets consecutive life sentences for failed murder plot in California

  27-06-2026 01:14 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A North Vancouver man’s failed murder plot that involved posing as an Amazon delivery person has landed him a lengthy prison sentence.Devin Wolfgang Vanderhoef, 26, was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences by Judge Mark E. Hood in the Superior Court of Monterey County in California on Thursday (June 25), Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced.
  The two life sentences are for the “willful, deliberate and premeditated attempted murder of two people,&rdquo
  
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• Town of Ladysmith calls for provincial help to curb ‘escalating crisis’ in watershed

  27-06-2026 01:01 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Town of Ladysmith is calling on the province to address what it calls “an escalating crisis” at the Banon Creek Forest Service Road, within the municipal watershed.
  The road was closed by the Town of Ladysmith and the provincial government earlier this year, in an attempt to curb unauthorized camping, and illegal activities including dumping.
  “The situation along Banon Creek Forest Service Road is becoming increasingly dangerous and the town is concerned that continued inac
  
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• New study backs B.C. harm reduction measures

  27-06-2026 00:53 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A new study has found that take-home naloxone helped to prevent 78 per cent of potential fatal overdoses from 2019 to 2024.
  The report looks at widespread take-home naloxone use and how it averted the majority of potential opioid poisoning deaths in B.C. during that time period. Naloxone is a fast-acting medication that’s used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.
  The take-home naloxone program was established in 2012 by the B.C. Centre for Disease Control to provide nalo
  
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• B.C. Premier Eby leaving Saturday on trade mission to China

  27-06-2026 00:39 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Premier David Eby is embarking on his first trade mission to China on Saturday (June 27) as he continues the effort to diversify B.C.’s trade relationships.
  “We’re seeking to reduce our reliance on the United States and obviously, Asian markets have been a major focus for us,” Eby said Thursday.
  This includes the goal of doubling trade to non-U.S. markets within the next 10 years.
  “China will be part of that,” Eby said.
  He mentioned investment in LNG Canada, p
  
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• Sounds of Summer at Nanaimo’s Old City Quarter every weekend

  27-06-2026 00:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Sounds of Summer will be delivering a new free concert every Saturday throughout July and August.
  Kicking off with a paid ticket event on Saturday, June 27, at 6 p.m. in St. Andrew’s United Church with a night of live music, the performances will continue every weekend throughout the summer between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
  The kick-off event will feature artists Cari Burdett, Ryan McMahon and Band, The Bills, and special guest Funkanometry.
  For July, John Gogo will be taking the stage on July
  
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• Manly Price

  27-06-2026 00:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  November 1, 1928 – June 8, 2026
  Manly Price, 97, of Nanaimo, BC, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026.
  Born in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan, November 1, 1928.
  Manly’s family moved from Moose Jaw in 1934, to spend a few years in Victoria before settling in Dunbar area of Vancouver.
  He graduated from Lord Byng High School in 1946 and graduated from UBC Faculty of Law (LLB) in 1952. Manly joined Zurich Insurance Company in 1953 working his way up the ranks, becoming BC Branch Manager in 196
  
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• Judge denies jury trial bid for Kelowna man accused of sexual assault

  27-06-2026 00:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A Kelowna man has lost his right to be tried by a jury of his peers after he failed to show up to court.
  Brandon Hildebrand Acosta appeared in person in the B.C. Supreme Court in Kelowna to file an application to retain his right to be tried by both a judge and a jury after he did not show up at the start of his jury trial.
  Hildebrand Acosta was scheduled to appear for the selection of a jury and the start of a sexual assault trial on Sept. 29, 2025. The Justice adjourned the matter to Oct. 1, 2
  
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• William (Bill) James Barratt

  26-06-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  In Loving Memory ~
  It is with heavy hearts, but with immense gratitude for a life beautifully lived, that we announce the passing of William (Bill) James Barratt on May 10, 2026, at the age of 73.
  Bill will be long remembered for his warmth, his easy smile, his gift for storytelling, and his lifelong passion for hockey. He has finally hung up his skates, taken off his gear, and left behind his many cherished teammates. For Bill, it wasn’t just about the game; he truly loved the camaraderie
  
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• ‘Phenomenal’ Salmon Arm veterinarian awarded for elevating standard in community care

  26-06-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  This Veterinary Appreciation Day, Salmon Arm Dr. Taryn Cass received an extra special honour.
  On June 18, Cass was recognized by North American pet insurance provider Trupanion as Western Canada’s 2026 Veterinary Professional of the Year.
  The Uptown Animal Hospital owner and veterinarian was one of about 2,000 people nominated for the award, honoring a a veterinary professional “whose skill, compassion, and commitment help elevate the standard of care within their hospital and commun
  
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• UPDATE: Traffic slowly resumes after Malahat collision near Goldstream Park

  26-06-2026 22:51 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Traffic flow is slowly returning to normal after a collision near Goldstream Provincial Park.
  West Shore RCMP said they responded to a report of a collision between a dump truck and a pickup truck with a trailer, Friday (June 26), shortly after 12 p.m.
  Police said the collision occurred in the southbound lanes in the 3500 block of the Trans-Canada Highway, near Goldstream Park.
  No injuries were reported, they confirmed in an emailed statement.
  “There was a large amount of oil spilt as a re
  
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• Malahat collision snarls traffic near Goldstream Provincial Park

  26-06-2026 22:51 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A collision near Goldstream Provincial Park is slowing traffic.
  Shortly before 1 p.m. Friday (June 26), West Shore RCMP said they are responding to a collision in the 3500 block of the Trans Canada Highway.
  “Traffic will be slow-moving in both directions as crews attend the scene,” the detachment said. “Thank you for your patience.”
  Drive BC cameras at the park’s Finlayson Arm Road entrance show northbound traffic backed up shortly after 1 p.m.
  More to come.
  
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• Headline history: Canada Day at Maffeo Sutton decades old tradition

  26-06-2026 22:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Canadians are celebrating the country’s 159th birthday, following the Constitution Act, 1867.
  To acknowledge the anniversary, in less than a week, on Wednesday, July 1, Nanaimo residents are expected to fill Maffeo Sutton Park for live entertainment, food trucks and interactive community booths.
  This is far from a new tradition.
  In 1989, the community celebrated one of “the largest Canada Day turnouts in recent years” with thousands of attendees. During the festivities, local M
  
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• BC Lions practice at Kelowna’s Apple Bowl ahead of Saturday’s game

  26-06-2026 22:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The BC Lions were at the Apple Bowl in Kelowna on Friday morning for practice, getting a feeling for their new home away from home as they get set to take on the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday, June 27.
  ​Lions Head Coach, Buck Pierce, believes the team has a great opportunity to pick up their first win of the season in front of thousands of new fans, who he expects will bring significant energy.
  ​“We’re excited to be here. We are excited to go out and play,” said Pi
  
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• Investigation opened in B.C. after StubHub ticket complaints for FIFA World Cup

  26-06-2026 21:32 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Consumer Protection BC has reportedly opened an investigation following complaints from people who purchased FIFA World Cup tickets but did not receive them.
  B.C.’s Attorney Niki Sharma said in a statement Friday (June 26) reports that people in B.C. purchased FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets from StubHub and did not receive them “are deeply concerning.”
  “Major events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 should be an exciting experience and people should not have to worry about whethe
  
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• Indie-rock band’s push to keep Hockey Night in Canada on CBC hits B.C.

  26-06-2026 21:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  When Blu Beach Band takes the stage at Coda on July 11, the Regina-based indie-rock group will arrive in Victoria with more than guitars and a new album.
  It will also bring a growing national campaign that has already convinced more than 10,000 Canadians to sign a petition calling on CBC and Rogers Sportsnet to restore Hockey Night in Canada (HNIC) to free, public television.
  View this post on InstagramA post shared by Change.org Canada (@change.org_ca)The band’s performance in Victoria wi
  
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• VIDEO: B.C. firefighters catch World Cup fever

  26-06-2026 20:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Harrison Hot Springs Fire Department really got into the World Cup spirit during one of their recent drills.
  Clad in more than 60 pounds of gear each, Harrison firefighters ran an air tank consumption drill by playing a pick-up game of soccer.
  “By playing a fast-paced game of soccer in full turnout gear and on air, we get a realistic look at how fast we burn through our tanks when we’re working hard and exhausted on a fire scene,” the HHSFD said. “It forces us to pra
  
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• Deaf community ‘deeply concerned’ over centre closures in Victoria, Nanaimo

  26-06-2026 20:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  All roads lead to closure for those looking for help from the Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre (IDHHC) Association.IDHHC has provided hearing health services to thousands of clients on Vancouver Island through offices in Greater Victoria and Nanaimo. Now, all links to aid on its website leads to a large, and interpreted for those who are hard of hearing, announcement of the closure of both locations, on Quadra Street in Saanich and Applecross Road in Nanaimo.“Serving Deaf, DeafBlind,
  
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• CBSA removes 81 individuals linked to extortion from Canada since August 2025

  26-06-2026 20:48 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has removed 81 people from Canada since August 2025 who have been linked to “extortion-related activities.”
  In the latest update, issued Thursday (June 25), the CBSA stated that the majority of those removed have been in the Pacific region, which includes B.C. and the Yukon. In total, 46 individuals were in the Pacific region, 17 in the Greater Toronto Area, and 18 in the Prairie region.
  The CBSA is part of a B.C. extortion task force that was
  
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• Justice for Tatjana: North Okanagan man found guilty of murdering ex-wife

  26-06-2026 20:47 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  WARNING: this article contains content related to a domestic violence murder trial which may be distressing to some readers. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has been harmed by domestic violence (gender-based violence), contact Archway Society for Domestic Peace at 250-542-1122 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
  A month-long North Okanagan murder saga has come to a close with a jury finding Vitali Stefanski guilty of second-degree murder in relation to the death of his ex-w
  
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• Trespassing charge stayed for activist arrested at UVic in 2025

  26-06-2026 19:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A controversial residential schools skeptic announced that a trespassing charge was stayed after her arrest at an unsanctioned event the University of Victoria in December 2025.
  On June 24, the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announced Frances Widdowson’s $115 ticket under the Trespass Act was stayed – stemming from the chaotic UVic event on Dec. 2, 2025.
  That day, OneBC party leader Dallas Brodie was joined by Widdowson in an attempt to “engage the campus community
  
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• Man stabbed at Nanaimo’s Port Place mall on Thursday

  26-06-2026 18:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo RCMP is investigating a stabbing near Port Place Shopping Centre.
  On Thursday, June 25, reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP media relations officer, said a man was stabbed in the area of the transit hub at the mall’s south end at approximately 8:30 p.m.
  “He was taken to hospital to be treated for (non-life threatening) injuries,” he said.
  “It was an isolated incident and that is currently under investigation.”
  There has been a number of assaults
  
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• Beloved 4-legged Nanaimo emu ‘Cuatro’ dies

  26-06-2026 17:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The four-legged Nanaimo emu, that captured the hearts of families across B.C. with his unique mutation, has died.
  On Sunday, June 21, Celina Knuff euthanized Cuatro, after it became apparent he was beginning to suffer.
  The emu, born on June 6, hatched with two extra non-functioning back legs, as well as a disfigurement on one of his functioning legs that was able to be corrected with leg braces.
  As the time passed, he learned to walk normally and developed a love of blueberries.
  On Friday, June
  
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• WORLD CUP DAILY, June 26: Six matches today include New Zealand vs. Belgium in Vancouver, 8 p.m.

  26-06-2026 16:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Daily FIFA World Cup soccer match updates and news for Black Press Media publications.
  Today another six matches are scheduled to avoid fixing on the final day of play for Groups G, H and I, with two games in each group played simultaneously at noon, 5 and 8 p.m.
  In Vancouver, New Zealand plays Belgium at 8 p.m. Friday in a Group G match, timed with an Egypt-Iran encounter in Seattle.
  Group I battles are France vs. Norway in Boston and Iraq vs. Senegal in Toronto, noon starts Friday.
  Group H act
  
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