• Mervin Ward Osler

    Mervin Ward Osler
    In Loving Memory ~
    July 7, 1948 – May 26, 2026
    It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mervin Ward Osler.
    In 2023 Merv suffered a spinal cord injury which left him a quadrapeligic.
    He was a fighter and never complained about being confined to a wheelchair.
    Unfortunately he suffered with many issues due to his paralysis and on May 26, 2026 with his wife and son by his
    side he passed away. A kind and loving husband to Irene and a proud devoted father to Ryan.
    Born July 7, 19
  • Caltrops found in dirt on popular Comox Valley trail

    Caltrops found in dirt on popular Comox Valley trail
    Comox Valley RCMP and Comox Valley Search & Rescue (CVSAR) have both released safety notices to local trail users after a cluster of metal spikes were found hidden in the dirt on a trail along the Puntledge River pipeline.
    Mountain biker Eric Roy’s tire was punctured on June 14. The rider returned to check the trail the next day, only to find several more of the metal devices, called caltrops, obscured in the dirt. The caltrops were found near the Stotan Falls Fish Passage area and Pow
  • US$15.7 billion floating LNG facility proposed for northwest B.C.

    US$15.7 billion floating LNG facility proposed for northwest B.C.
    A US$15.7-billion floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project proposed for Prince Rupert has attracted one of the world’s largest shipbuilders and offshore energy companies.
    South Korea-based Hanwha Ocean announced June 16 it signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Vancouver-based Kanata Clean Power & Climate Technologies regarding the proposed development.
    Kanata estimates the project would have an export capacity of up to 12 million tonnes of LNG annually,
  • Former U.S. homeland security secretary Noem joins B.C. mining company’s board

    Former U.S. homeland security secretary Noem joins B.C. mining company’s board
    Kristi Noem, the former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, has joined the advisory board of a B.C. mining exploration company.
    NovaRed Mining Inc. announced Tuesday (June 16) that Noem has joined the company “in a strategic advisory role to support NovaRed’s mission of acquiring and advancing critical mineral exploration opportunities through its artificial intelligence-enhanced technology platform.”
    Noem said she looks forward to “supporting the company’s strateg
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  • Hudbay opens New Ingerbelle Expansion near Princeton

    Hudbay opens New Ingerbelle Expansion near Princeton
    Hudbay Minerals Inc. has celebrated the opening of the New Ingerbelle Expansion Project at the Copper Mountain Mine near Princeton.
    The official opening was held on June 16 and was attended by Jagrup Brar, B.C.’s Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, Chief Charles Allison of the Upper Similkameen Indian Band, as well as local and regional stakeholders.
    “This is an important day for the Copper Mountain Mine, for Princeton and for the Similkameen region,” said Peter Kukielski
  • BC Hydro unveils plan to increase capacity by 7% through dam upgrades

    BC Hydro unveils plan to increase capacity by 7% through dam upgrades
    B.C. is continuing its push for more power with planned upgrades to several dams throughout the province that the energy minister says will provide as much as 1,000 megawatts of new capacity, a seven-per-cent boost.
    “The least expensive thing to do is squeeze every electron out of the network of dams, substations, transmission and distribution systems to ensure we have the capacity we need,” said Adrian Dix, B.C.’s energy minister, at a Wednesday (June 17) press conference.
    For
  • Brentwood rows to 5 golds en route to 2nd place national finish

    Brentwood rows to 5 golds en route to 2nd place national finish
    Brentwood College School’s 59 student-athletes and their coaches placed second overall at the 79th Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association (CSSRA) National Championships, held June 5 to 7 in St. Catharines, Ont.
    The national high school regatta featured 130 clubs and 651 entries, including crews from multiple U.S. states.
    “It was a great day for the sport of rowing in Canada and a great day for Brentwood rowing,” said legendary Brentwood coach Brian Carr. He stepped in to
  • Four derelict boats to be removed from Cowichan waterways

    Four derelict boats to be removed from Cowichan waterways
    Four derelict vessels will be removed from Cowichan Valley waterways unless they are somehow dealt with before then according to Transport Canada.
    The ministry has given public notice that under the Wrecked Abandoned and Hazardous Vessels Act it intends to dispose of the ‘Valhalla’, a 45-foot black ketch, and a 21-foot red Campion power boat (BC1903505) both anchored in Maple Bay, along with a 30-foot beached white sailing vessel with a blue keel in the Cowichan Bay Estuary, and a 40
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  • Repeat offenders drive rise in property crime as Duncan sees spike in violence and fraud

    Repeat offenders drive rise in property crime as Duncan sees spike in violence and fraud
    Staff Sgt. Ken Beard, the officer in charge of the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment, presented the quarterly report covering January to March 2026 to Duncan city council at their meeting on June 8.
    Beard said Mounties were involved in “quite a cross-section of events” over the three-month span.
    Of the detachment’s 5,740 files, 1,229 — or 22 per cent — originated within Duncan city limits.
    “We were involved in some exciting things, some fun things, and som
  • Scientists watch for super El Niño’s potential impact on B.C.

    Scientists watch for super El Niño’s potential impact on B.C.
    The Yukon and Western provinces could be looking at a warmer winter next season as scientists around the world have officially declared the formation of an El Niño weather pattern.
    On June 11, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declared an El Niño year following earlier predictions by the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations.
    According to research scientist Bill Merryfield of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the formation
  • Alcohol tied to higher pancreatic cancer risk: UVic study

    Alcohol tied to higher pancreatic cancer risk: UVic study
    A new study led by researchers at the University of Victoria has added to growing evidence that alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest forms of the disease.
    The research, conducted by the university’s Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR), found a dose-response relationship between alcohol use and pancreatic cancer after accounting for several factors that can affect study results.
    The findings were published in the I
  • Williams Lake business owner devastated after delivery van fire deemed suspicious

    Williams Lake business owner devastated after delivery van fire deemed suspicious
    Emotions still ran high for Gwen Balmer early Monday morning, June 15.
    “I can’t that fix that,” she exclaimed to Black Press Media, before weeping after a suspect threw an object breaking the window of one her vans used to deliver water in Williams Lake setting it on fire a few days earlier.
    The owner of the Williams Lake Water Factory was doing a delivery to West Fraser in her other van early Saturday evening, June 13, before returning to a scene of fire trucks and firefighter
  • ‘Reason for hope’: Newborn calf spotted cruising with B.C.’s endangered orcas

    ‘Reason for hope’: Newborn calf spotted cruising with B.C.’s endangered orcas
    A month-long art project honouring all 75 of B.C.’s endangered Southern Resident killer whales has an unexpected addition to make.
    Researchers spotted a new calf on June 14, with the family group known as L pod. The newborn has been designated L130, and researchers have yet to confirm its maternity, said Washington-based Center for Whale Research.
    “We’re thrilled to welcome a new calf during our 50th year working with this endangered population,” said the organization&rsq
  • Courtenay Fire Department responds to structure fire on McPhee and Eighth

    Courtenay Fire Department responds to structure fire on McPhee and Eighth
    The Courtenay Fire Department responded to a structure fire at T’s PitStop Auto Repairs on McPhee Avenue and Eighth Street on the morning of June 17.
    One employee was working in the building at the time. Paramedics examined the individual for smoke inhalation but they did not sustain any injuries.
    Neighbours on McPhee mentioned hearing the sound of an explosion shortly before 9 a.m., promptly followed by flames and smoke coming from the automotive repair shop.
    Brandon Galandy was with his
  • North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre releases 5 black bears

    North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre releases 5 black bears
    The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre has been caring for five orphaned black bear cubs for approximately 18 months, giving them the chance to develop survival skills with minimal human interaction.
    Tuesday, June 16, brought both excitement and emotion to the NIWRA — it was finally time to return the young bears to their natural habitat.
    NIWRA founder Robin Campbell said the organization has been caring for and releasing bears for more than 25 years and the thrill never fades.
    “I
  • British Columbians reminded to be prepared for wildfire evacuations, alerts

    British Columbians reminded to be prepared for wildfire evacuations, alerts
    The provincial government is reminding British Columbians to be prepared for evacuation alerts and orders.
    Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene and Forests Minister Ravi Parmar gave an update on the current wildfire and drought situation in the province, along with a reminder on how to prepare in the event of evacuations due to wildfires.
    “Being evacuated from your community in any emergency is a challenging experience, and that’s why taking simple steps now can make a big diff
  • Nanaimo RCMP seeks help in locating stolen shotgun

    Nanaimo RCMP seeks help in locating stolen shotgun
    Nanaimo RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance following the theft of a shotgun from a vehicle.
    The incident occurred sometime between midnight and 11 a.m. on June 6, from a pickup truck parked in the 100 block of Cameron Road.
    During that time, an unknown suspect smashed the rear passenger window of the parked pickup truck and removed a Mossberg 500 Mossy Oak 12-gauge pump action shotgun.
    The serial number is not available.
    The vehicle had been parked overnight near the Vancouver Isla
  • Penticton restaurant out on cash after festival vendor scam

    Penticton restaurant out on cash after festival vendor scam
    Businesses are asked to be vigilant after a local restaurant was targeted in a scam involving an individual representing the Penticton Peach Festival and offering vendor space for the event.
    Lala Ji’s was impacted by the scam, according to the festival, and submitted payment for what they believed to be a legitimate vendor opportunity.
    In a media release, Peach Fest said it has since confirmed the individual was not affiliated with the event and that no vendor space has been secured.
    &ldqu
  • What’s On, June 17

    What’s On, June 17
    MUSIC
    Steve Hill will be performing live in Nanaimo with guests at the Globe Live Studio on June 17. Doors open at 6 p.m. and music at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.theglobelivestudio.com.
    Nanaimo Idol – Final Round taking place at the Queen’s on June 17 with doors at 6:30 p.m. and show at 7 p.m.
    No Faith in Fortune, Mutual Trauma, ENDR, and Josh will be performing live in a Thursday night metal bash at the Globe Live Studio on June 18 with doors at 5 p.m. and the show at 6
  • Man charged in connection to shooting incident near U.S.-Canada border

    Man charged in connection to shooting incident near U.S.-Canada border
    The man charged in connection with a shooting incident near the U.S.-Canada border near Peace Arch Park in South Surrey will appear in court Wednesday in Seattle.
    Nathanial A. Muniz-Spry, 39, of Everson, Wash. will appear at 2 p.m. Wednesday (June 17) on a federal criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, an email from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington said.
    His appearance will be on the 12th floor of the federal courthou
  • Fresh optimism airs as B.C. town tackles wastewater odour woes

    Fresh optimism airs as B.C. town tackles wastewater odour woes
    A prolonged malodour lingering through the streets of Southside appears to be subsiding, amid ongoing work to alleviate the smell of Revelstoke’s wastewater treatment plant.
    Construction to modernize and extend the life of the lagoon-style facility from the 1970s brought extended periods of foul wastewater smells, over the last year, as individual sewage ponds are taken out of service to allow new reactors to be built.
    With at least a year of work still to go, the unpleasant odour brought
  • ‘No significant growth’: Wildfire between Kamloops and Merritt held, still 149 hectares

    ‘No significant growth’: Wildfire between Kamloops and Merritt held, still 149 hectares
    The Kullagh Creek wildfire that spread to 149 hectares on Tuesday, June 16, saw minimal growth overnight and is now being held.
    The fire above Stump Lake on Highway 5A between Kamloops and Merritt was first discovered on June 16, and initially noted as 30 hectares. By late afternoon, it grew to 149 hectares, and remains that size as of 9:58 a.m. on Wednesday morning, when BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) made its latest update.
    Shae Stearns, fire information officer at the Kamloops Fire Centre, said t
  • ‘No significant growth’: Kullagh Creek wildfire being held, still noted as 149 hectares

    ‘No significant growth’: Kullagh Creek wildfire being held, still noted as 149 hectares
    The Kullagh Creek wildfire that spread to 149 hectares on Tuesday, June 16, saw minimal growth overnight and is now being held.
    The fire above Stump Lake on Highway 5A between Kamloops and Merritt was first discovered on June 16, and initially noted as 30 hectares. By late afternoon, it grew to 149 hectares, and remains that size as of 9:58 a.m. on Wednesday morning, when BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) made its latest update.
    Shae Stearns, fire information officer at the Kamloops Fire Centre, said t
  • ‘Price is Right Live’ game show coming to 5 B.C. cities this fall

    ‘Price is Right Live’ game show coming to 5 B.C. cities this fall
    An interactive, non-televised live version of an iconic game show is coming to B.C. this fall with tour stops in Surrey, Kelowna, Victoria, Duncan and Abbotsford.
    The Price is Right LIVE invites audiences members to “come on down!” to the stage for a chance to win prizes playing games such as Plinko, Cliff Hangers, spinning the Big Wheel and more.
    The games, energy and prizes are similar to what you see on TV, notes a post on the tour website, where Canadian show dates are listed. Ti
  • Wildfire west of Princeton grows to 57 hectares, evacuation alert issued

    Wildfire west of Princeton grows to 57 hectares, evacuation alert issued
    The Grasshopper Mountain wildfire has grown to 57 hectares, with an evacuation alert issued for the area.
    The blaze is located west of Princeton, near Tulameen.
    BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has been responding to the incident with air tankers and helicopters alongside the Tulameen and District Fire Department.
    The Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) issued the alert for properties west of Tulameen on Lawless Creek Road and Tulameen River Road due to the fire.
    The alert has been is
  • Anthology of nature poems featuring Nanaimo writers

    Anthology of nature poems featuring Nanaimo writers
    An anthology by a local publisher, featuring poems about Canadian nature, has recently launched.
    Eyes Wild Open is a collection of poems which documents and celebrates the natural wonders, and unites poets from B.C., Alberta, and Ontario under a common theme.
    Celebrated in a Nanaimo launch on Saturday, June 13 at the Nanaimo Harbourfront branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library, poet Ian Cognitō is the publisher and an editor on the selection committee for Eyes Wild Open, alongside D
  • WORLD CUP DAILY, June 17: Stars shine for France, Argentina and Norway; England vs. Croatia today

    WORLD CUP DAILY, June 17: Stars shine for France, Argentina and Norway; England vs. Croatia today
    Daily FIFA World Cup updates and news for Black Press Media publications.
    Favoured France booted their way to a 3-1 win over Senegal in the first of four World Cup matches Tuesday (June 16), a day when soccer superstars came to play.
    Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi all had multi-goal games on Day 6 of the tournament.
    In Group I action, Mbappe scored twice for France in New York, where Bradley Barcola added a third for the winners and Ibrahim Mbaye netted Senegal’s lone goal.
  • THE MOJ: B.C. Lions need win over Ticats to avoid falling into 0-2 hole

    THE MOJ: B.C. Lions need win over Ticats to avoid falling into 0-2 hole
    A good start.
    It was a point of emphasis by B.C. Lions general manager Ryan Rigmaiden and head coach Buck Pierce during training camp in Kamloops.
    The Lions were 2-5 after two months of play last season but rallied to finish at 11-7 and second in the Western Division.
    That start cost the Lions first place – and home field advantage against Saskatchewan in the playoffs.
    It proved to be critical as the Riders won the Western Final 24-21 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina to advance to the Grey Cup,
  • NOTICE OF DISPOSITION: Household Items, Estevan Road

    NOTICE OF DISPOSITION: Household Items, Estevan Road
    The following personal property, abandoned by KATHLEEN “KATHI” FANCE
    KATHLEEN FANCE, former tenant at #5 – 1430 Estevan Road, Nanaimo BC V9S 3Y4, will be disposed of unless claimed by Kathleen Fance or by a person who establishes a legal right to the said property before July 17th, 2026. Property includes various women’s clothing and shoes, furniture, kitchen dishes and utensils, queen bedroom set, books, boxes of personal items and 30’ tv and other various househol
  • NOTICE OF AGM: Nanaimo F.O.S. Non-Profit Housing Society

    NOTICE OF AGM: Nanaimo F.O.S. Non-Profit Housing Society
    Monday June 22, 2026 at 6:00 pm
    6000 Oliver Road
    Oliver Woods Community Centre
    Hemlock Room
    Please join us!

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