Nanaimo news

• More than 50 BCWS members continue to battle Bradley Creek wildfire in Vernon

  20-08-2026 14:51 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  While the Bradley Creek wildfire has been classified as ‘being held’ for 12 days now, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) continues to have a large presence on scene to get the blaze under control.
  In its latest update, which came on Wednesday, Aug. 19, around 2:30 p.m., BCWS has 47 firefighters, five pieces of heavy equipment, and two helicopters on scene.
  As of Thursday morning, Aug. 20, one evacuation order and two evacuation alerts remain in place.
  At the blaze, BCWS crews are continuing
  
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• Killer welcome: Vancouver Island newcomer checks orca encounter off bucket list

  20-08-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Living next to one of the Great Lakes of North America, Janice Ward saw plenty of wildlife, but she was always left wanting more.
  What she really wanted to see was an apex predator not found in the lakes of Ontario: an orca.
  To achieve that dream, it would take a lifetime and a move over 4,200 kilometres west.
  “Lake Huron is one of the world’s largest lakes, but nothing near as exciting as the ocean,” she said.
  Ward moved to East Sooke two months ago to begin her retirement wit
  
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• Theft of critical wildfire equipment hinders firefighting efforts in Summerland

  20-08-2026 19:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Amidst wildfire suppression efforts in Summerland, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is urging residents to be on the lookout for stolen critical equipment.
  In a press release by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS), BCWS reported that critical wildfire suppression equipment, including pumps, have been stolen.
  “Theft of wildfire suppression equipment is affecting firefighting operations on the Bald Range Wildfire,” the release reads.
  “Officials emphasized that the equi
  
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• Historic pubs in Chemainus, Saltair and Ladysmith listed for sale through court-ordered process

  20-08-2026 19:39 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Three Vancouver Island pubs owned by businessman Dave Prakash have been listed for sale as part of a court-ordered sales process.
  Vancouver realtor James Barnes, who is handling the listings, confirmed the properties are being sold through a court-ordered process but said the situation is “not technically a foreclosure.”
  Among the properties is the historic Horseshoe Bay Inn in Chemainus, which has been listed for $2.85 million. The landmark hotel, known locally as ‘The Shoe,&r
  
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• Heated Rivalry phenomenon heats up classrooms at B.C. capital’s university

  20-08-2026 19:35 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  There’s no stopping the runaway success of Heated Rivalry.
  The tale of two rival hockey players who secretly fall in love has gone from page-turner to must-see TV — and now it is making the leap into classrooms at the University of Victoria (UVic).
  Two courses launching this fall will take a deep dive into the show’s themes and how they intersect with some of today’s most pressing issues.
  At UVic’s Faculty of Law, Heated Rivalry will be the focus of its Law 357: Que
  
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• Fire at Comox Valley bike shop caused by lithium battery

  20-08-2026 19:26 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The investigation into a Cumberland fire on Aug. 16 has been completed.
  The culprit was a lithium battery that seemingly exploded while charging overnight.
  “A reminder for everyone to avoid leaving electric batteries charging overnight while unattended. Being present while charging can help you detect any issues early and may help prevent a fire. Stay safe and take care when charging lithium batteries,” reads the release.
  Cumberland Fire Rescue was dispatched to an alarm activation i
  
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• VIDEO: Residents suppress wildfire near Chilliwack Lake

  20-08-2026 19:23 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Residents close to a wildfire near Chilliwack Lake were quick to help extinguish the flames before they got further out of control on Aug. 19.A wildfire was reported at about 5 p.m. in the Chilliwack River Valley, and fire crews from the local hall as well as BC Wildfire Service were dispatched. Among the response crew was the River Valley hall’s Squad 1 vehicle, a 4×4 vehicle designed to handle forest service roads.Crews headed to the site, which was reported to be about 5 km off th
  
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• Sextortion on the rise in Kelowna: RCMP

  20-08-2026 19:20 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Kelowna RCMP is making the public aware that reports of sextortion is on the rise.
  Because of this, the RCMP is encouraging the public to learn how to recognize sextortion, protect themselves online, and know where to turn for help.
  “Sextortion, also known as sexual extortion, is a form of online blackmail where an offender threatens to share intimate images or videos of a victim unless they provide money, additional images, or other demands,” stated a Kelowna RCMP press release.
  
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• Scooter involved in crash in Nanaimo

  20-08-2026 19:08 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A man riding a scooter was involved in a crash with a vehicle at the intersection of Graham and Boundary crescents in Nanaimo.
  At approximately 8:44 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, two ambulances responded to the incident, and the man was taken to hospital with undetermined injuries.
  No other information is available at this time.
  
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• Tubers rescued on Courtenay’s Puntledge River

  20-08-2026 18:53 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Two women were rescued on August 18 after first responders were called to ‘swimmers in distress’ along Courtenay’s Puntledge River.
  According to Deputy Fire Chief Jonathan Welsh, crews were initially called to the 200 block of First Street around 7 p.m. but quickly had to re-locate their rescue efforts.
  “Multiple people were reporting changes in locations as they were moving downstream” Welsh says.
  Firefighters carrying throw-bags were positioned at various points a
  
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• Nanaimo-based junior Pirates put out Blaze, win provincial baseball title

  20-08-2026 18:31 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Youth baseball players from Nanaimo and area are revelling at being the best in B.C.
  The junior Mid-Island Pirates, of the B.C. Premier Baseball League, captured the provincial title going 4-0 in the championship tournament in Langley from Aug. 5-9. Two of their victories came against the Langley Blaze and Brandon Dornan, team coach and general manager, told the News Bulletin he was proud of his team’s play.
  The Pirates opened against the Delta Blue Jays on Aug. 5, grabbing a 2-0 victory a
  
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• Alberta driver caught going 142 km/h in a 70 zone on northern B.C. highway

  20-08-2026 18:14 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  An Alberta driver got her vehicle impounded for seven days after police caught her excessively speeding on a northern B.C. highway.B.C. Highway Patrol stopped a black Chevrolet Trax on Highway 97, south of Taylor, on Aug. 13 around 12:45 p.m. after the vehicle was clocked going 142 km/h in a 70 zone, police said in a news release Thursday (Aug. 20).
  The 21-year-old woman from Athabasca was issued a $483 ticket for excessive speeding in addition to the seven-day impound.Police added she was also
  
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• From recovery to the podium: Cowichan’s Barry sets Canadian record at water ski worlds

  20-08-2026 14:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Sixteen months after a concussion left her unable to water ski, North Cowichan’s Damaris Barry stood on the podium with a silver medal at the 2026 IWWF World Over 35 Waterski Championships.
  Still battling overstimulation from a concussion, Barry competed for Team Canada at the championships in Calgary from July 19 to 26. Competing in the women’s over-65 jump event, she leapt 14.3 metres (47 feet) to earn the silver medal, becoming the first Canadian woman in her age group to establis
  
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• Difficult terrain, ‘stubborn fire behaviour’ causing challenges at Bald Range blaze near Summerland

  20-08-2026 14:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  As the battle of the Bald Range wildfire continues, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said a combination of factors made some suppression efforts difficult on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
  Throughout Wednesday, BCWS experienced “hot and dry conditions” which led to increased fire activity. At this time, the fire is listed at 22,693 hectares.
  “Difficult terrain coupled with stubborn fire behaviour in the south and western portions of the fire is challenging suppression efforts,” stated BCW
  
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• Project proposing 17 new housing units on Nanaimo’s Diver Lake issued development permit

  20-08-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo’s city council has voted unanimously to issue a development permit for a mixed-use project that would include 17 housing units on Diver Lake.
  Council gave the green light for the project, located at 3679 Shenton Rd., to proceed at a special council meeting on July 27.
  The property is located on the north side of Diver Lake and is currently vacant with several mature trees.
  The three-storey building would include office space and a mix of studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments.
  Sur
  
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• Accused testifies he feared for his life in Grand Forks manslaughter trial

  20-08-2026 06:36 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The man accused of a 2023 Grand Forks area death took the stand at his manslaughter trial on Wednesday, detailing the moments leading up to and after he pulled the trigger of his gun.
  Sean Tiessen, 47, is facing one count of manslaughter in the death of Joshua Lockwood, 33, following an incident that took place at a home shared by the two and Lockwood’s girlfriend, Keera Roberts, after midnight on April 16, 2023.
  Tiessen is claiming self-defence.
  Court hears two audio recordings
  Wednesday
  
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• Expect smoke, flame overnight as crews remain on scene of Summerland wildfire

  20-08-2026 06:03 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE: 9 p.m.
  The Bald Range wildfire remains active on Wednesday night, with northwesterly winds gusting up to 30 km/hr.
  Despite some residents being allowed to return home on Tuesday, as the evacuation order was downgraded to an alert, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is warning those in the area to expect to see smouldering ground flames as well as smoke from within the perimeter of the blaze over the coming weeks.
  Overnight on Wednesday, BCWS small-scale ignitions willl be underway on the nor
  
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• Potential for aggressive fire behaviour at Brunswick Complex fire in Fraser Canyon

  20-08-2026 05:42 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE Aug. 19 8:35 p.m.
  Warmer and drier weather conditions anticipated over the next few days will result in increased activity across the Brunswick Complex that remains out of control, says BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
  In the latest update BCWS noted going into the weekend there is the potential for aggressive fire behaviour due to increased winds and warmer temperatures. A current ridge of high pressure is expected to break down bringing high winds and the potential for thunderstorms on Satur
  
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• Potential for aggressive behaviour at Brunswick Complex fire in Fraser Canyon

  20-08-2026 05:42 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE Aug. 19 8:35 p.m.
  Warmer and drier weather conditions anticipated over the next few days will result in increased activity across the Brunswick Complex that remains out of control, says BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
  In the latest update BCWS noted going into the weekend there is the potential for aggressive fire behaviour due to increased winds and warmer temperatures. A current ridge of high pressure is expected to break down bringing high winds and the potential for thunderstorms on Satur
  
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• Coulson Aviation’s CC-130H Hercules purchase could be a boon to Island city

  20-08-2026 02:04 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  News that the federal government sold 10 retired military aircraft to Coulson Aviation to convert into aerial firefighting tankers means the company’s operation at the Alberni Valley Regional Airport is about to get busier.
  The announcement was made at Cascade Aerospace on the ground of Abbotsford’s airport prior to the start of the Abbotsford Airshow on Aug. 7.
  The 10 CC-130H Hercules aircraft are among a fleet of 12 that were retired by the Royal Canadian Air Force in January 2026.
  
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• A dumpster fire near Wilson Street and Tranquille Road under investigation

  20-08-2026 01:57 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Kamloops RCMP Detachment is investigating a dumpster fire on North Shore amid frequent suspicious fires around the city.Police received a report of the dumpster fire near Wilson Street and Tranquille Road at approximately 12:46 a.m.
  Mounties arrived at the scene and attempted to put out the fire with continued patrols of the areas.Officers are looking into the circumstances surrounding the blaze and looking for the suspect responsible for the fire.Corporal Dana Napier, spokesperson for the K
  
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• A dumpster fire in Kamloops under investigation

  20-08-2026 01:57 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Kamloops RCMP Detachment is investigating a dumpster fire on North Shore amid frequent suspicious fires around the city.Police received a report of the dumpster fire near Wilson Street and Tranquille Road at approximately 12:46 a.m.
  Mounties arrived at the scene and attempted to put out the fire with continued patrols of the areas.Officers are looking into the circumstances surrounding the blaze and looking for the suspect responsible for the fire.Corporal Dana Napier, spokesperson for the K
  
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• High-risk sex offender arrested twice in six days

  20-08-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A man deemed a high-risk sex offender was arrested twice by Langley RCMP in the span of six days for trespass and breaking into an apartment.
  Back in 2020, Vancouver Police issued a public notice about Michael Wayne Carpenter, who had convictions for three counts of sexual assault with a weapon, three counts of forcible confinement, and three counts of utter threat to cause death/harm. The convictions relate to crimes in 2005 in Kamloops.
  “Carpenter poses a risk of significant harm to the
  
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• Campbell River businesses targeted by vandals

  20-08-2026 00:59 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Campbell River RCMP is investigating after several local businesses were targeted in an overnight vandalism spree where glass windows or doors had been smashed.
  At least four businesses were the target of broken glass windows between roughly 1:30 and 2:00 a.m. on Aug. 14.
  A suspect wearing all black with one yellow glove and one grey glove and associated with a red bicycle was captured on video surveillance.
  On Saturday, Aug. 15, at around 6:15 a.m., another business was targeted with a window s
  
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• Campbell River businesses targeted by vandalism

  20-08-2026 00:59 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Campbell River RCMP is investigating after several local businesses were targeted in an overnight vandalism spree where glass windows or doors had been smashed.
  At least four businesses were the target of broken glass windows between roughly 1:30 and 2:00 a.m. on Aug. 14.
  A suspect wearing all black with one yellow glove and one grey glove and associated with a red bicycle was captured on video surveillance.
  On Saturday, Aug. 15, at around 6:15 a.m., another business was targeted with a window s
  
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• Tariff deal on the horizon, but outlook still uncertain for B.C. forestry

  20-08-2026 00:55 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to appear with both Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump signalling a trade deal is in the works to avoid punishing 50 per cent U.S. tariffs on many Canadian goods.
  Trump and Carney spoke late Tuesday night and had what the president called a “very good conversation.”
  “As you know, the 50 per cent tariffs across the board were going on against Canada today, and they called yesterday, and they gave us the points
  
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• RCMP nab 32 impaired drivers on Vancouver Island’s highways during summer campaign

  20-08-2026 00:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  RCMP officers apprehended 32 drivers who were either impaired by alcohol or drugs on Vancouver Island’s highways during this year’s Summer Impaired Driver Campaign, which ran during a six-week period from June 15 to July 31.
  Across all of B.C., 229 impaired drivers were taken off the road during the campaign.
  The numbers are down from last year’s campaign, which saw 131 drivers on Vancouver Island pulled over while driving impaired during the initiative, and 626 overall across
  
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• Brief polling lead for B.C. Conservatives quickly erodes under new leader Findlay

  20-08-2026 00:22 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Several recent polls now show an erosion in public support for the B.C. Conservative Party as clear fracture lines appear to be developing in what was once a big-tent right-wing coalition.
  “Those who maybe were expecting a significant bounce for the Conservatives after their convention, after their leadership race, are probably disappointed because this is essentially the same standing that the party had in October of last year when they decided that [former leader] John Rustad was ‘
  
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• Abbotsford police investigate viral videos of 2 littering incidents

  20-08-2026 00:20 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Videos showing a woman appearing to dump trash into Mill Lake and near Blue Jay Elementary have gone viral and are now being investigated by the Abbotsford Police Department.
  According to the statement from the police, the videos were taken on different dates, with both incidents reportedly happening sometime in late July.
  “Incidents of this nature are unacceptable and can have a significant impact on our parks, waterways, and community spaces,” said the Abbotsford Police Department.
  
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• Vehicle flips off Island Highway near Nanaimo Golf Course

  19-08-2026 23:16 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A woman and her Cairn Terrier have no visible injuries, but have been transported by paramedics as a precaution, following a vehicle collision at the Dorman Road intersection off Island Highway in Nanaimo.Traffic was backed up for about an hour in the north-bound lane on Island Highway at the Dorman Road intersection by the Nanaimo Golf Course on Wednesday, Aug. 19, following a vehicle incident at about 12:52 p.m.
  Capt. Selby Nickel, from Nanaimo Fire Rescue, said it involved a teal SUV, with on
  
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