Nanaimo news

• Nanaimo accepting applications for social development grants program.

  17-09-2026 00:27 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo is now accepting applications for the 2027 social development grants program.
  The program strives to support initiatives that enhance social cohesion, address the root causes and effects of poverty, contribute to the vitality of the community, and foster social inclusion and social equity.
  A total of $85,000 is available under the grant program.
  Eligible organizations include non-profit societies, recognized religious groups and/or neighbourhood associations recognized by the city that p
  
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• Complainant recounts alleged attack in Kelowna sexual assault trial

  17-09-2026 03:03 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  WARNING: This article contains details about a criminal sexual assault trial and may be disturbing to some readers. If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence, contact the Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society at (250) 763-4613 or the RCMP.
  The trial for a Kelowna man charged with one count of sexual assault stemming from a reported incident in 2021 began in a Supreme Court in Kelowna on Sept. 15.
  Brandon Hildebrand Acosta is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in her h
  
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• Federal Conservatives raise affordability, spectre of EU taxation ahead of B.C. caucus retreat

  17-09-2026 03:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A pitch for affordability was at the centre of the Conservative Party of Canada message ahead of the party’s caucus retreat in Penticton.
  A brief press conference by Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman on Sept. 16 was followed by an address by Party Leader Pierre Poilievre.Lantsman’s portion was focused on responding to recent reports that Prime Minister Mark Carney had approached the European Union about Canada becoming an association member, news that was first shared by the Wall Street
  
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• Injured cat back with family following Summerland wildfire

  17-09-2026 01:21 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A black cat, found alone and injured during the Bald Range wildfire, has been treated and is now reunited with his family.
  The injured cat was discovered by someone working behind the fire line. The rescuer scooped up the cat and rushed him to a veterinary hospital.
  Examination there revealed severe burns on the bottom of the cat’s feet, along with dehydration and a painful ear mite infestation.
  The veterinary team began treatment, providing pain medication, fluids, wound care and regular
  
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• Nanaimo accepting applications for social development grants program

  17-09-2026 00:27 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo is now accepting applications for the 2027 social development grants program.
  The program strives to support initiatives that enhance social cohesion, address the root causes and effects of poverty, contribute to the vitality of the community, and foster social inclusion and social equity.
  A total of $85,000 is available under the grant program.
  Eligible organizations include non-profit societies, recognized religious groups and/or neighbourhood associations recognized by the city that p
  
  Read more

• Low flying helicopter checks Fortis gas lines for leaks across B.C.

  16-09-2026 23:19 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Low-flying helicopter sightings are keeping work water cooler and social media conversations abuzz in Greater Victoria.Those talks will continue across the province as FortisBC performs its aerial inspections in B.C.
  To make sure the gas system continues to operate safely and reliably, FortisBC confirmed it’s performing aerial inspections of gas transmission lines across the province, the company confirmed to Victoria News.“As part of our integrity management program, we inspect all
  
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• Fernie woman faces 9/11’s fallout, 25 years later

  16-09-2026 23:08 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Thousands of people lost their lives in the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Centre 25 years ago, but the long-term impacts to people who experienced it are still being uncovered.Patti Sonntag was a student studying at university in New York on Sept. 11, 2001 when she volunteered to help the medical team and emergency services deliver aid at Ground Zero. More than two decades later, she has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called retroperitoneal liposarcoma, linked to toxic dust at the si
  
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• UBCM president delivers sharp rebuke to provincial government in annual address

  16-09-2026 22:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Union of B.C. Municipalities President Cori Ramsay blasted the provincial government in her annual address on Wednesday, expressing deep frustration on a wide range of issues.
  “If I were to characterize how our members are feeling right now, the word that comes to mind is frustration,” Ramsay told local government delegates at the UBCM convention in Vancouver.
  UBCM presidents serve one-year terms. This conference concludes Ramsay’s time in the role, and Squamish Coun. Jenna Sto
  
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• Okanagan curling team second at Saville Shootout in Edmonton

  16-09-2026 22:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  New rink, nice result.
  Vernon’s Jim Cotter returned to competitive men’s team curling with a second-place finish at the 20-team Saville Shootout in Edmonton.
  Cotter, 51, fell 5-4 in the final Monday, Sept. 14, to Benny Kapp of Fuessen, Germany. The Cotter rink collected $4,000 for second place. Kapp pocketed $6,000.
  Playing with Cotter are third Jared Kolomaya of Kamloops, second Connor Deane of Kelowna, lead Erik Colwell of Vernon, and alternate player Brad Wood of Penticton.
  The ne
  
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• B.C. Rail Corridor Alliance presses province for funding, governance

  16-09-2026 21:37 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Members of the BC Rail Corridor Alliance renewed their calls for the B.C. government to take a more active role in preserving the rail corridor between Squamish and Prince George at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM).
  On Tuesday, Sept. 15, members of the BC Rail Corridor Alliance, which is made up of government and First Nations representatives, met with the province to discuss the railway. In 2025, CN Rail had announced its intention to discontinue the line, prompting the formation of the a
  
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• UPDATE: First responders respond to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital after construction worker injured

  16-09-2026 21:32 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo Fire Rescue, police and B.C. Ambulance Service were on the scene at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for a rescue incident.
  First responders were called out to the cancer centre construction site just before noon on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
  According to John MacKenzie, Nanaimo Fire Rescue assistant chief of operations, it involved a man who was working at the site.
  “Our crews were called for industrial accident here at NRGH for a worker who fell, from what I’m told, approximatel
  
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• UPDATE: First responders head to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital after construction worker falls, injured

  16-09-2026 21:32 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo Fire Rescue, police and B.C. Ambulance Service were on the scene at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for a rescue incident.
  First responders were called out to the cancer centre construction site just before noon on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
  According to John MacKenzie, Nanaimo Fire Rescue assistant chief of operations, it involved a man who was working at the site.
  “Our crews were called for industrial accident here at NRGH for a worker who fell, from what I’m told, approximatel
  
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• UPDATE: First responders at site at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital after worker injured

  16-09-2026 21:32 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo Fire Rescue, police and B.C. Ambulance Service are at the scene at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for a rescue incident.
  First responders were called out to the cancer centre construction site just before noon on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
  Traffic was closed off on Dufferin Crescent by the hospital, but has since re-opened.
  According to John MacKenzie, Nanaimo Fire Rescue assistant chief of operations, it involved a man who was working at the site.
  “Our crews were called for industria
  
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• First responders head to Island hospital after construction worker falls, injured

  16-09-2026 21:32 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Fire crews, police and B.C. Ambulance Service were on the scene at a hospital on Vancouver Island for a rescue incident.
  First responders were called out to the cancer centre construction site at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, just before noon on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
  According to John MacKenzie, Nanaimo Fire Rescue assistant chief of operations, it involved a man who was working at the site.
  “Our crews were called for industrial accident here at NRGH for a worker who fell, from what I&
  
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• First responders at site of incident at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

  16-09-2026 21:32 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo Fire Rescue, police and B.C. Ambulance Service are at the scene at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for a rescue incident.
  First responders were called out to the cancer centre construction site just before noon on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
  Traffic is closed off on Dufferin Crescent by the hospital.
  More to come.
  – Files from Jessica Durling, News Bulletin
  [email protected]
  
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• $2M from province for Chemainus wood products manufacturer for expansion

  16-09-2026 20:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A Chemainus wood products manufacturer is expanding its operations with the help of up to $2 million in provincial funding.
  Ron Anderson & Sons has broken ground on an expansion of its Chemainus manufacturing facility that will increase production capacity, introduce new prefabricated wood products and create up to 35 new jobs.
  The project is being supported through the B.C. government’s BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, which is providing funding for facility expansions and equipment upgrad
  
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• What’s On, Sept. 16

  16-09-2026 20:12 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  MUSICTony McManus will be playing at Ladybug’s Mew in Yellow Point Farm and Garden Store Concert Stage on Sept. 17. Opening by Dusty Roads Duo. Tickets are available at https://ladybugsmewinyellowpoint.ca.Fleetwood Magic will be playing at the Port Theatre on Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.porttheatre.com.
  Carolyn Mack w/ Al Tuck and Manuel Focus will be performing at The Vault Cafe on Sept. 17 at 9 p.m. Cost is $15.
  Black Pontiac, Danger Box and Chronic Fatigue will be
  
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• North Cowichan’s E-Comm bill projected to reach $1.5 million by 2029

  16-09-2026 20:10 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  North Cowichan is facing a steep increase in the cost of its police call-taking and dispatch services, with its annual E-Comm bill projected to reach more than $1.5 million by 2029.
  Council received a report on the projected increases at its Sept. 2 meeting, learning the municipality’s E-Comm service fee is expected to rise from approximately $888,000 in 2026 to $1.12 million in 2027, $1.26 million in 2028 and $1.52 million in 2029.
  That represents an overall increase of about 71 per cent
  
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• RCMP investigating ATM theft in Ladysmith

  16-09-2026 20:07 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Ladysmith RCMP are investigating after an ATM was stolen following a break and enter from a business in the 1300 block of Simpson Road.
  On Sept. 9, at approximately 4:50 a.m., RCMP were notified of a break and enter in progress. Preliminary evidence gathered at the scene indicated that a red and tan coloured, single-cab, older model pick up truck was used to pull the ATM from the business.
  Two suspects wearing face coverings and gloves were observed on video surveillance.
  The suspect was later r
  
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• B.C. restaurants squeezed by rising costs: Report

  16-09-2026 19:46 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C.’s restaurant industry is absorbing cost pressures more sharply than the rest of the country, according to new data from EconoLease’s 2026 Hospitality Operator Report.
  The report reveals that the province’s hospitality sector is under financial pressure, due to tariffs, costs of upgrades to cooking equipment and disproportionately high startup costs.
  The report, released Sept. 15, surveyed 250 Canadian foodservice and hospitality operators and found that 90 per cent of B.C
  
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• Island-wide benchmark price for single-family home currently above $788K

  16-09-2026 19:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The benchmark price for a single-family home in Parksville Qualicum Beach is up one per cent over the same period a year ago, sitting at $926,800.
  A month ago, the number was at $927,700.
  According to a press release from the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, Nanaimo’s year-over-year benchmark price increased by one per cent to $820,100. In Campbell River, the benchmark price of a single-family home was $690,000 last month, up one per cent from August 2025. The Comox Valley’s year-
  
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• Man arrested after midnight attacks in a Vancouver Island college campus’s residence

  16-09-2026 19:26 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Comox Valley RCMP are currently investigating an aggravated assault at Courtenay’s North Island College campus.
  Police responded to multiple calls at 12:53 a.m. reporting an assault with an edged weapon at one of the campus’s residence buildings. Police located two victims with injuries quickly after arriving at the scene. Officers identified and arrested the suspect, a 21-year-old man from Burnaby. The man is currently in custody pending a court appearance.
  As of 10 a.m., the scene
  
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• Metallica will play in Vancouver for first time in 10 years next spring

  16-09-2026 19:12 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Metal music trailblazers Metallica will perform in Vancouver next spring for the first time in close to a decade.
  The Saturday, May 8 date at BC Place Stadium will kick off an extended M72 World Tour, with Limp Bizkit and Avatar opening for the “Enter Sandman” band.
  Metallica last played in Vancouver in August 2017, also at BC Place.
  The new Live Nation-promoted tour, launched in 2023 and set to continue four years later, includes stadiums across North America, the company announced
  
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• 5 children rescued in the Philippines after B.C. sexual exploitation case

  16-09-2026 18:46 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A New Westminster man has been charged with multiple child sexual exploitation offences in an international investigation that led to the rescue of five children in the Philippines.
  Gerard Saunders, who lived in New Westminster at the time of the alleged offences, is charged with possession of child sexual abuse material, making child sexual abuse and exploitation material and agreeing or making an arrangement with a person to lure a child, police said in a release Tuesday (Sept. 15).
  Saunders w
  
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• ‘No more band-aids:’ province chooses Campbell River areas for Working Forest Landscape Model

  16-09-2026 18:27 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Province of British Columbia, in partnership with the Na̲nwak̲olas Council and four of its member First Nations — Tlowitsis, We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and K’ómoks — has identified areas near Campbell River as the first candidate area to explore a proposed Working Forest Landscape Model.The area was selected through targeted engagement with industry and existing land-use and forest-planning processes.
  The proposed model is a co-ordinated, three-zone approach t
  
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• One man dead after incident involving truck in downtown Nanaimo

  16-09-2026 18:25 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A man is dead following a motor vehicle incident in the parking lot of the Co-op gas bar on Victoria Crescent in downtown Nanaimo on the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 16.
  Nanaimo RCMP said the investigation is in the early stages, but can confirm that one man has died in the incident.
  Kevin Shaw witnessed the event at the approximately 6:30 a.m.
  He said he heard a fuel truck backing up towards the gas pumps in the parking lot of the gas station and the driver was blowing his horn to warn anyone th
  
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• Nanaimo Port Authority shortlists applicants for president, CEO position

  16-09-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Nanaimo Port Authority has had 186 applications from across the globe for its president and CEO position since the job was first posted in May.
  NPA chair Donna Hais said the selection has been shortlisted down to four, and the final interviews are expected to be concluded by the end of September.
  “We expect that we’ll be making an announcement on who our new president and CEO will be made by the middle of October,” she said.
  Ian Marr, the current president and CEO of the NP
  
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• B.C. attorney general ‘hopeful’ on DRIPA changes this fall, but won’t commit

  16-09-2026 04:12 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  While B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma wouldn’t commit to amending the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) this fall after a summer of consultations with First Nations, she did say she is “hopeful” a path forward can be found.
  “Our government has been contacting various leaders. They gave us ideas. And we’re making really good progress,” she told reporters at the Union of B.C. Municipalities meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday. “I wi
  
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• Papers cut in Nanaimo for Crime Stoppers fundraiser

  16-09-2026 03:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Documents and bills were cut to ribbons in a Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers in Nanaimo this past weekend.
  The group’s community paper shredding event took place Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Country Grocer at Bowen Road in Nanaimo, offering people a chance to come with their personal papers and have them cut up and safely disposed, for a donation.
  Brian Cornborough, CVI Crime Stoppers’ president, said people were eager to have their documents and papers cut up.
  “People cam
  
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• Ski club unveils state-of-art training facility in Vernon

  16-09-2026 01:39 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  It’s new. It’s state of the art.And it rests comfortably on a North Okanagan mountain.
  The Silver Star Freestyle (Ski) Club (SSFC) has unveiled its new dryland training facility at SilverStar Mountain Resort.
  The facility will create unprecedented training opportunities for freestyle skiers and snowboarders in B.C., Western Canada, and beyond.
  “This is a really exciting moment for freestyle skiing and snowboarding in our region,” said Carson Dorward, SSFC president. &ldqu
  
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