Nanaimo news

• Mass-timber training hub gets $3.3M from B.C.

  25-07-2023 19:31 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  It will be located at BCIT, which has seen more than 500 students complete the program in the last 2 years
  
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• Son of NHL coach joins Vernon Vipers

  21-01-2026 06:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The Vernon Vipers have signed forward Thomas Duhamel ahead of their next B.C. Hockey League contest.
  Duhamel, 18, is a forward in his second season of junior hockey and brings experience from multiple high-level programs.
  He joins the Vipers from his hometown Drummondville Voltigeurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and previously spent last season competing for the Utah Outliers in the United States Premier Hockey League’s National Collegiate Development Conference.
  “I&rsqu
  
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• New West grand prize winner picks up new wheels in Vernon

  21-01-2026 04:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Santa Claus had a little trouble finding New Westminster resident Archie Calaguas at Christmas time.
  And, Jolly Ol’ St. Nick may have had an issue putting Calaguas’ present in his sleigh.
  Calaguas was the grand prize winner in the 2025 Knights of Columbus’ Charity Appeal raffle, collecting a new 2025 Ford Maverick XLT all-wheel drive pickup truck. He and co-ticket buyer, friend Andre Lim, flew from Vancouver to Kelowna Monday, Jan. 19, took an Uber ride to the Watkin Motors For
  
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• Crash closes northbound lanes of Trans-Canada Highway in Cowichan

  21-01-2026 01:40 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A section of the northbound lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway in the Cowichan Valley has been closed due to a vehicle crash on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 20.
  DriveBC was reporting a 1.9 kilometre northbound section of highway between Bench Road and Cowichan Bay Road remained closed as of 4:15 p.m. as people begin making their way home from work.
  A detour is available along Cowichan Bay Road.
  BC Hydro is reporting an outage affecting 244 customers in the same area, and lists a motor vehicle a
  
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• B.C. court dismisses couple’s attempt to get out of $70,000 foreign buyers’ tax bill

  21-01-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A couple attempting to skirt the rules on the foreign buyers’ tax are now being made to pay up — in the form of a $70,000 bill.
  A B.C. Court of Appeal ruling on Jan. 14 in the couple’s case makes it clear: if a person holds an ownership stake in a property on behalf of a foreign entity — regardless of the size of the stake — the entire value of the property could be subject to the tax.
  The law was introduced by former premier Christy Clark as a 15 per cent tax appli
  
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• Short-term rental expansion opinions sought in Okanagan

  21-01-2026 00:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Westside vacation home owners or those with space to offer can have their say on proposed changes that will open up opportunities for short-term rental regulations in the region.
  The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is hosting an open house at the Killiney Beach Community Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 5 to 6 p.m. and at the same time at the Wilson’s Landing Fire Hall.
  The event aims to inform residents of proposed changes to the regulations in Electoral Areas East and West, an
  
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• B.C. freestyle skier named to Olympic team

  21-01-2026 00:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Elena Gaskell will get a second crack at the Olympic Games.
  The Vernon skier has been officially named to Canada’s freestyle skiing slopestyle/big air team that will compete at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy Feb. 6 to 22.
  Freestyle Canada made the official announcement on social media Tuesday, Jan. 20.
  Joining Gaskell on the Olympic squad are Megan Oldham of Parry Sound, Ont.; Naomi Urness of Mont-Tremblant, Que.; Olivia Asselin from Lac Beauport, Que; Dylan Deschamps of Quebe
  
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• Missing: have you seen Cowichan’s Haley Trenerry?

  20-01-2026 23:59 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Haley Trenerry, 25, who was reported missing on Jan. 18.
  Trenerry was last seen on Jan. 13.
  She is described as Caucasian, 5 foot 6 inches tall, 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
  Police are very concerned for Trenerry’s health and well-being, and friends and family report that it is out of character for her to be out of contact for this long.
  Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Trenerry is urged to contact th
  
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• City of Nanaimo giving $30,000 to bridge INFilm’s financial gap

  20-01-2026 23:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The City of Nanaimo will be giving $30,000 to Vancouver Island North Film Commission to bridge its financial gap.
  At a meeting on Monday, Jan. 19, Nanaimo city council discussed a request from Joan Miller, executive director of the commission, that the organization currently needs funding to “maintain core regional services” while determining a sustainable funding model for 2027 and beyond.
  A similar request has also been sent to Parksville and Qualicum Beach, after a request to the
  
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• B.C. residents file complaint with BCUC over energy billing

  20-01-2026 23:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC) has begun proceedings against Enerpro, an energy management corporation that provides submetering service and billing services to residents of new, green developments in B.C.
  In late 2025, the BCUC began the proceedings to determine whether or not Enerpro will have status as a public utility under the Utilities Commission Act, as it currently is not classified as a public utility, meaning it isn’t regulated as a public utility.
  On the BCUC website, ther
  
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• Yukon discriminated against pregnant women by cutting midwifery: Rights panel

  20-01-2026 22:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The Yukon Human Rights Board of Adjudication has ruled the territorial government discriminated against a pregnant woman by eliminating access to midwifery for nearly three years, ordering compensation after finding the government’s actions created adverse impacts on all pregnant women in the territory.
  The decision released by the board of adjudicators concluded that the Yukon government offered midwifery as a public service under the Human Rights Act, then denied access to this service t
  
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• Ksi Lisims LNG slated to be ‘major customer’ for North Coast Transmission Line

  20-01-2026 22:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A memorandum of understanding has been signed to secure a “major customer” for the proposed North Coast Transmission Line.
  BC Hydro and Ksi Lisims LNG signed the memorandum of understanding Tuesday (Jan. 20) that is meant to provide clarity on how and when the Crown corporation will deliver as much as 600 megawatts of clean electricity to the proposed floating LNG facility of Nisga’a Treaty Lands.
  Energy Minister Adrian Dix was joined by BC Hydro CEO Charlotte Mitha and Nisga&r
  
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• City of Nanaimo piloting trail accessiblity information sign project

  20-01-2026 21:01 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Grading trails for accessibility will become a sign of the times for Westwood Lake Park.
  A trail grading system pilot program in the works for the park was presented at the Advisory Committee for Accessibility and Inclusiveness meeting Wednesday, Jan. 14., by Payton Carter, city parks and open space planner, and Charlotte Davis, parks and natural areas deputy director.
  “This project is about informing users of what they’re in for … What lays ahead of them on their journey,&rdq
  
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• B.C. town’s memorial garden bringing wind phone for quiet goodbyes

  20-01-2026 21:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A new memorial garden for seniors and other members of Revelstoke’s community will provide a space to relax, unwind, and mourn lost friends and family.
  The Revelstoke Hospice Society will collaborate with senior and assisted living residents in town to bring the dedicated space, inspired by Japanese garden landscaping and wind phones, to Moberly Park Manor starting this spring.
  “This carefully designed garden will serve as a tranquil sanctuary within the community, where visitors can
  
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• Nurses union calls patient safety crisis at Vernon hospital

  20-01-2026 20:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Unsafe staffing levels are putting patients at risk at Vernon Jubilee Hospital, according to nurses.
  The dedicated nursing staff is deeply concerned about the patient safety crisis they say has been unfolding at the hospital which serves the growing North Okanagan.
  “A shortage of hospitalist physicians responsible for overseeing the care of admitted patients is having a direct impact on the facility’s emergency department (ED),” said Adriane Gear, BC Nurses’ Union preside
  
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• Car held together by garden latch, rebar, duct tape caught speeding in B.C.

  20-01-2026 20:24 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A Kelowna man lost points on his driving record but received creativity marks from B.C. Highway Patrol.
  At 4 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, a RCMP officer clocked a grey Acura travelling 130 km/h in a 80 km/h zone on Highway 3 near Christina Lake.
  “It’s amazing that this particular car could go that fast without disintegrating,” said BC Highway Patrol’s Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. “The owner had put in some effort to hammer out the dents and spray paint the repairs, but his c
  
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• Northern Lights put on show above B.C. ski hill

  20-01-2026 20:20 via nanaimobulletin.com
  While citizens of Vernon were under a cloud Monday evening, Jan. 19, those above were treated to a spectacular show.
  SilverStar Mountrain Resort captured the appearance of the Northern Lights Monday, and shared their video for the world to see on social media, for which we graciously thank the resort.
  In a word, the lights were glorious. See for yourself.
  
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• B.C. Extortion Task Force sifting through 1,000 exhibits, hours of CCTV footage

  20-01-2026 20:09 via nanaimobulletin.com
  As the number of extortion-related shootings climb in Surrey and other cities, operators of B.C.’s Extortion Task Force say they’ve taken conduct of 32 files from jurisdictions across the Lower Mainland since launch day four months ago.
  Investigators are analyzing physical, digital and forensic evidence “to establish linkages and advance investigations towards enforcement into identified cluster groups,” a BC RCMP news release said Tuesday (Jan. 20).
  The Task Force has mo
  
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• Cheers and goodbye: Vancouver Island craft beer brewery issues last call

  20-01-2026 19:51 via nanaimobulletin.com
  After 27 years pouring craft beers for thirsty punters, Esquimalt-based Lighthouse Brewing has announced a last call.
  The brewery, located on 836 Devonshire Rd., will serve its last pint at its tasting room at the end of January.
  Co-owner and general manager Ben Thomas announced the “heavy-hearted” decision in a video shared on social media Monday (Jan.19).
  Over-saturation of the beer market, “unsustainable overheads,” changes in consumer habits, and the rising cost of ma
  
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• Kelowna to host 2028 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games

  20-01-2026 19:35 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The 2028 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games are coming to Kelowna
  The games will take place throughout the city from Feb. 28 to March 4. Kelowna will be the first-ever city in B.C. to host the winter games and will build on the 2024 winter games that were held in Calgary.
  “Kelowna is proud and excited to welcome the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in 2028,” said Mayor Tom Dyas in a release. “This is a major moment for our city and a reflection of Kelowna’s growing
  
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• Province appoints housing advisor as North Saanich lags well behind targets

  20-01-2026 19:06 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The District of North Saanich has been notified that the Province of British Columbia will appoint an independent housing advisor to work with the district under the Housing Supply Act.
  The advisor will review steps taken by the district to date and provide recommendations to the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs on opportunities to increase housing supply.
  The province has recognized the district’s progress, including adoption of a new Official Community Plan (OCP), ongoing update
  
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• Fog warning extended for Lower Mainland, inland Vancouver Island

  20-01-2026 18:51 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A fog advisory is expected to continue through to Wednesday afternoon in parts of the Lower Mainland and inland Vancouver Island.
  Environment Canada issued a yellow advisory Tuesday morning (Jan. 20), extending the advisory from the day before. A yellow advisory means hazardous weather may cause damage, disruption or health impacts and are more moderate, localized and/or short-term.
  Environment Canada warns of near-zero visibility in Metro Vancouver and inland Vancouver Island near Port Alberni.
  
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• Vancouver Goldeneyes and Ottawa Charge complete historic six-player trade

  20-01-2026 17:37 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The Vancouver Goldeneyes and Ottawa Charge have completed the biggest trade in PWHL history.
  The two teams announced Sunday (Jan. 18) that each would acquire three players.
  “The Goldeneyes acquired forwards Mannon McMahon, Anna Meixner and Anna Shokhina in exchange for forwards Michela Cava and Brooke McQuigge and defender Emma Greco,” noted a Goldeneyes release Tuesday (Jan. 30).
  All three forwards acquired by the Goldeneyes have spent their entire PWHL career in Ottawa. McMahon, 24
  
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• Sawmill closure cuts tax revenue in small Northwest B.C. town by 20 per cent

  20-01-2026 17:14 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The District of Houston faces a $1.2 million municipal budget shortfall due to the closure of Canfor’s Houston sawmill because the mill property is no longer considered an active enterprise, making it impossible to collect taxes based on its previous industrial assessment.
  And that could mean the District will dip into a budget stabilization reserve of $1.65 million set up in January 2023 for just such a situation.
  “A core priority of council is to minimize the financial impacts this
  
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• Review clears B.C. coach in Olympic skeleton qualifier controversy

  20-01-2026 17:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The Bobsled Canada Skeleton (BCS) team and coach Joe Cecchini were exonerated after an investigation by International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation’s (IBSF) Interim Integrity Unit (IIU).
  United States skeleton athlete Katie Uhlaender accused the former Greater Trail athlete of manipulating the system and alleges that Cecchini sabotaged her opportunity to qualify for her sixth Olympic Games.
  Uhlaneder claimed that Cecchini intentionally withdrew four Canadian athletes from the final race
  
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• B.C. woman makes scooter safety plea after Christmas day collision on way to church

  20-01-2026 17:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  It was Christmas day and Langley City resident Anita Soderquist was in her electric mobility scooter, heading for church, when she was hit by a pickup truck, narrowly escaping serious injury.
  “My first thought was, I’m going to go see God,” Soderquist recalled.
  “My second thought was, who’s going to look after the cat?”
  She said the truck had gone through a light without seeing her in the crosswalk, and while it managed a last-second stop, it still made impact
  
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• Repair work to close sections of Hwy. 1, 3 and 5 over next 3 days

  20-01-2026 16:03 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Portions of Hope highways will be closed over the next three days while urgent repair work is done on sections impacted by December flooding.
  According to a news release on Monday (Jan. 19) from the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT), the contractor will implement full closures at four locations.
  The locations include two daytime closures on highways 1 and 3 westbound between the Highway 3/5 split and the Hunter Creek Scale, and a nighttime closure on Highway 5 southbound in Merritt f
  
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• B.C. files claim for $3.6M Maple Ridge house, alleging it is the proceeds of crime

  20-01-2026 16:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The B.C. Ministry of the Attorney General has launched a civil forfeiture action against a property in rural Maple Ridge, claiming it was used for unlawful purposes, and obtained through crime.
  Bobby Shah’s 7,200 square foot home on 124th Avenue has six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, and is currently listed for sale at a price of $3.6 million.
  Shah, also known as Bahman Djebelibak, is the director of Valerian Labs and Steam Lounge Yaletown
  In October 2023, the US government announced sancti
  
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• ‘I am their voice’: B.C. woman creates social media campaign for Iranian people

  20-01-2026 15:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  An Iranian Canadian activist in Chilliwack is hoping to highlight the human rights crisis in Iran through a social media video campaign.
  Ghazaleh Nozamani has not had contact with her friends and family in weeks, as anti-government protests, ensuing violence and death, and a government-led internet blackout continue.
  “I am in the same situation as millions of Iranians who are currently disconnected from their loved ones,” she told The Progress. “We are all living under immense
  
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• East Kootenay halfpipe hero Dylan Marineau gets chance to live Olympic dream

  20-01-2026 14:51 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Fernie skier Dylan Marineau has achieved his long-time goal of competing in the Olympics.
  Marineau, 27, was recently announced to Team Canada ahead of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy. He’ll be competing in free style halfpipe skiing in Livigno from Feb. 19-21.
  Marineau made the Olympic roster after successful rankings in four World Cup competitions in the last month, where he achieved top eight scores. He narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 2022 China Olympics, so he
  
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