Nanaimo news

• Netflix opens casting call for Love is Blind Canada

  11-08-2026 21:42 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The pods are coming to Canada.
  On Tuesday, Aug. 11, Netflix announced its popular dating show Love is Blind is coming to Canada, and anyone who’s looking for love can register.
  Netflix posted the casting call online as the show is looking for single people across the country who want to find love and see if love is truly blind.
  The first season of Love is Blind in the United States premiered in 2020, and there have been 10 seasons in total.The Canadian version of the show will be the 13th
  
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• B.C. woman’s thesis examines wildfire misinformation amid Meta news ban

  12-08-2026 03:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  When the Bush Creek East wildfire was destroying homes in the Central Okanagan and raining embers upon Kelowna in the summer of 2023, the event was shocking not only to evacuees, but to observers across the country.Blair Visscher was shocked for more reasons than one.Visscher, a Vernon resident, had her eye on Facebook as many at the time did, looking for information about the rapidly unfolding emergency.What she saw there was troubling. Images of flames, smoke and destruction aside, she found a
  
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• VIDEO: B.C. first responders and legion welcomes the Rolling Barrage

  12-08-2026 02:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Rumbling motorcycles will be heading into Aldergrove on Saturday, Aug. 22, as the Rolling Barrage’s cross-Canada ride makes its final stop at the local legion, which will be welcoming about 170 riders.
  As their 22-day journey through 10 provinces, starting from St. John’s, Nfld., comes to an end, the Rolling Barrage Foundation raises awareness about post-traumatic stress and fundraises for programs supporting Canadian Armed Forces members and first responders.
  Langley RCMP Const. Den
  
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• Ainslie Creek fire moving towards Highways 5 and 8 as more orders, alerts issued

  12-08-2026 01:41 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  More evacuation orders and alerts have been issued in response to the Ainslie Creek wildfire, which is burning towards Highway 8 at on its northeast flank and towards Highway 5 (Coquihalla) on its southeast flank.
  On Monday (Aug. 10), the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) placed 118 properties in Electoral Area “N” on evacuation alert. The affected properties are south of Comstock Road, south of Brookmere, and north of Juliet Drive on the fire’s southeast flank, and the
  
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• Off-road vehicles prohibited on Crown Land in parts of Coastal Fire Centre

  12-08-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Off-road vehicles are prohibited on Crown Land in the Coastal Fire Centre, as of Aug. 10, with exceptions in the North Island/Mid Coast, Mid Island and Sunshine Coast, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
  Off-road vehicles remain permitted in:portions of the South Island Forest District, including the Regional District of Nanaimo and the Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot;
  North Island Central Coast Forest District;
  Campbell River Forest District;
  Sunshine Coast Forest District; and
  Haida G
  
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• Penticton Search and Rescue asks travellers to be prepared before braving backroads

  12-08-2026 00:59 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  With Highway 97 closed for the foreseeable future due to the Bald Range wildfire, drivers are being directed to take alternate routes, with the rough terrain catching some by surprise.
  DriveBC is currently advising drivers to take either Highway 33 to get to Kelowna, or, as long as they are not a commercial vehicle driver, to use the unpaved backcountry 201 Forest Service Road.
  Drivers are also reportedly being directed by GPS and apps to use backroads around Chute Lake and Big Bear Lake, which
  
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• Drugs, money and weapons seized in police operation in Nanaimo’s Diana Krall Square

  12-08-2026 00:44 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo RCMP made 10 arrests and seized drugs, money and weapons during a two-day enforcement operation at the Diana Krall Plaza in downtown Nanaimo.
  In a statement, police said they were responding to community concerns raised by residents, business owners and community stakeholders regarding open-drug use, social disorder and public-safety issues at the plaza.
  During July 29-30, officers of the Nanaimo RCMP bike unit, working in close partnership with the specialized enforcement team, conducte
  
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• BC Wildfire officials brace as fires blaze and more dry lightning expected

  12-08-2026 00:25 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Wildfire officials are warning British Columbians to brace for more days of difficult fire conditions.
  Dry lightning is in the forecast in south-central B.C. later this week, and all four major wildfires burning in the province continue to exhibit “explosive” fire behaviour, said BC Wildfire operations director Cliff Chapman in the latest provincial situation update on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
  “We are not seeing significant wind on our fires in the last 48 hours, but we are seeing sig
  
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• UPDATE: Evacuation orders, alerts to remain in place Quilpituk Creek wildfire

  11-08-2026 23:36 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE: 2:25 p.m.
  All remains status quo at the Quilpituk Creek wildfire as all evacuation orders and alerts will remain on place for now, said Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 11).
  Throughout the day, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) crews have been working to contain the fire along the southern edge.The EOC reconfirms that plans for re-entry and a safe and coordinated way home for residents is making progress. In preparation for residents to return, the E
  
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• Louise Roberta Brittain

  11-08-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  March 2, 1944 – July 21, 2026
  It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Louise Brittain: Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. Louise, retired teacher and former co-owner of Brechin Bowling Lanes, passed away at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the age of 82, surrounded by family in the peaceful surroundings of the outdoor garden. Born on March 2, 1944, in North Vancouver, BC, Louise was the only child of Robert Douglas and Evelyn Maude Lennie.
  Growing
  
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• Lidia Luciana Vecchiato Niamath

  11-08-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  January 25th, 1940 – June 30th, 2026
  Lidia Luciana Vecchiato Niamath. 86 years old. Surrounded by the immense love of her family, Lidia peacefully left us on June 30th 2026 at NRGH.
  She is survived by her husband, Albert, children, Tina-Marie and Lance, step daughters, Ingrid, Kathleen and Susan, sisters Debi and Loredana and a large circle of cherished extended family. Lidia was born on January 25th 1940 in Tripoli, Libya. From Tripoli to Treviso, Italy. Then Port Alberni to Victoria, whe
  
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• Kathy Brown

  11-08-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Kathy Brown passed away peacefully with her family by her side, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, devotion, and quiet strength. She was a woman who found joy in the simple things—time spent with loved ones, the satisfying rhythm of bowling, and the beauty she nurtured in her garden. Kathy’s life was defined by the love she gave and the connections she cherished.
  She is survived by her son, Steven Brown; her brother, Ray Clarke; and her nieces, Jill McDonald (Grant) and Lee Toomer
  
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• Barbara Bulcock

  11-08-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  29 April, 1943 – 20 July, 2026
  It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Barbara Bulcock on July 20, 2026.
  She is survived by her loving sister, Lily Thorsen and cousins in South Africa and Australia.
  After emigrating from South Africa, Barbara lived and worked in Washington, DC. She then came to Toronto, Canada and attended the University of Toronto where she obtained her BA (Art History) and her ESL teaching certificate.
  Barbara travelled extensively and had many friends wh
  
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• Burned pig among animals saved from Okanagan wildfires

  11-08-2026 23:02 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  While people have been able to escape the wildfires burning on Westside, most have been forced to leave their animals behind.
  “My family had less than five minutes to leave, my youngest not even able to grab her shoes. The field next to us caught fire. My horses were turned loose,” said Devyn McMillan.“I’m glad my family made it out but devastated my horses and cat are running wild around the flames.”
  Nowlin Kazimir doesn’t live on the Westside, but couldn&rsq
  
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• Free food, boarding available for pets of B.C. wildfire evacuees

  11-08-2026 23:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says help is available for wildfire evacuees and their pets.
  The wildfire season so far this year has seen more than 3,000 square kilometres of land scorched, forcing hundreds of people to leave their homes and land.
  A news release from the organization says free pet food and supplies are available at B.C. SPCA animal centres.
  It adds temporary and free emergency boarding and care is available for pets for those displaced by w
  
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• Cowichan region firefighters answer the province’s call for help

  11-08-2026 21:23 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Firefighters from around the Cowichan Valley Region are hard at work helping crews battle blazes in B.C.’s southern and central Interior regions.
  Lake Cowichan Fire Chief Doug Knott said two members of his department, Devin Loewen and Chris Nahirnick, deployed on Aug. 4. They relieved Monroe Grobe and Ty Hieta after they spent 10 days fighting the Felker fire near Williams Lake and then the Peak Lake fire in the Clinton/Cache Creek area.Knott said his department has sent one tender, which
  
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• Mental health among supports shared by minister in Okanagan amid wildfire emergency

  11-08-2026 21:16 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  At the peak of emergent wildfires in the Okanagan, and amid a provincial state of emergency, a key minister is visiting the region to speak with officials firsthand.
  Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, visited Vernon and Kelowna Monday and Tuesday (Aug. 10 and 11).
  She met with leaders such as Okanagan Indian Band Chief Dan Wilson, whose community has lost hundreds of homes to the Bradley Creek wildfire, just five years after the White Rock Creek wildfire in 202
  
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• Summerland mushroom farm destroyed in wildfire

  11-08-2026 21:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A mushroom farm in the Garnet Valley area of Summerland has been destroyed in the Bald Range wildfire.
  Brian Callow, co-owner of What The Fungus, said the entire farm was destroyed in the massive wildfire that has ravaged Summerland.
  The farm has been operating for the past 12 years, providing locally grown gourmet mushrooms and providing a mentorship program for students from Canada and the U.S. as they learn about mushroom growing.
  The wildfire was discovered on Aug. 7 and spread into Summerla
  
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• Woman missing from West Kootenay music festival offers thanks, some details of ordeal

  11-08-2026 21:08 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Kayla Boisvert is offering thanks to the many people that aided in search efforts after she went missing from the Shambhala Music Festival in the early morning hours of July 27.
  The 28-year-old posted a video on social media Aug. 8.
  While she says she is not ready to share all of the details as to what happened, she did share some information about her four-day disappearance.
  Boisvert said that she went missing on the final night of the festival (Sunday night/early Monday morning) and was found
  
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• B.C. couple conquer mountains, valleys to complete 8-year cross-Canada hike

  11-08-2026 20:55 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  When couple Simon Lanoix and Julie Chatelain took their first steps on a 15,000-kilometre journey, their future Langford home was little more than a construction site.
  Eight years and thousands of kilometres later, the couple is enjoying some well-earned time with their feet up in their Belmont condo after completing the Trans Canada Trail – tackling its vast length in stages.
  Their adventure came to an end when they arrived at the Point Zero marker at Victoria’s Clover Point on Satu
  
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• Roselyn Cathryn Barbara Mandalik (née Jaenisch)

  11-08-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  In Loving Memory ~
  January 20, 1945 – July 21, 2026
  It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Roselyn Cathryn Barbara Mandalik (née Jaenisch), a beloved mother, grandmother, wife, nurse, and friend. Roselyn was born January 20, 1945, in Jablonz, Czechoslovakia. During the Second World War, she lost her father and four brothers. In 1951, she and her mother, Henrietta, immigrated to Canada and began a new life on the East Coast, eventually settling in Powell River.
  As a
  
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• Wine Growers BC steps in to support wineries affected by Summerland wildfire

  11-08-2026 20:22 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Wine Growers BC (WGBC) has assembled support from all across the province to help out residents impacted by the Summerland wildfire.
  In a press release, WGBC expressed its concern for the community, which was evacuated on Friday, Aug. 7, due to the Bald Range wildfire.
  “Right now, the only priority is keeping people safe,” said Jeff Guignard, president and CEO of WGBC. “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been displaced or impacted by these fires, and we are deeply grateful
  
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• Rodents blamed for RV explosion that hospitalized an Abbotsford woman

  11-08-2026 20:22 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A culprit has finally been determined months after a fiery explosion destroyed the home of Abbotsford’s Sylvia Gillis.
  The March 2 incident resulted in the 68-year-old and her dog receiving severe burns and heavily damaged the RV they were living in at the time.
  After the flames had been extinguished, Technical Safety BC launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident, with the final report recently being released.
  In it, Technical Safety BC detailed the condition of the s
  
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• WOLF: Does anyone out there still drink milk every day?

  11-08-2026 20:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  I tried in once in a restaurant. It was disgusting. Never again.
  I am, of course, talking about ordering a glass of milk with my dinner. I thought it would be OK, having enjoyed it with meals at home forever. However, not only did it come to the table room temperature, fully homogenized (I didn’t specify) and with the consistency of Elmer’s Liquid School Glue, it also felt like every eye on the place was on me when it came to the table.
  It actually started well.
  “Do you have mi
  
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• Saanich ball hockey player wins world championship with Team Canada

  11-08-2026 20:10 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A 33-year journey through ball hockey has landed Saanich resident Aidan Kulas at the top of the world.
  Kulas returned from the Czech Republic as a world champion after helping Team Canada capture gold at the International Street and Ball Hockey Federation (ISBHF) men’s legends (44-plus) World Championship.
  The 23-player Canadian roster went undefeated through the tournament, finishing round-robin play with a perfect 6-0 record before defeating host Czechia 4-2 in the semifinal. Canada then
  
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• OPINION: Crime stats belie Eby government’s ‘safer province’ claims

  11-08-2026 20:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Eby government claims to have a strong record on crime and safety. Nina Krieger, minister of public safety and solicitor general, recently cited new Statistics Canada data and said “B.C.’s Crime Severity Index is down for the second year in a row, nearly 12% lower than in 2023 and at its lowest level in years” due to “investments in enforcement and intervention by our government” that help “build a safer province.”
  Yet in reality, the government has
  
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• UPDATE: Summerland’s Bald Range wildfire grows another 2,000 hectares in 24 hours

  11-08-2026 19:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE: 10:45 a.m.
  The Bald Range wildfire in Summerland grew over 2,000 hectares in 24 hours as it continues to rage unabated.The latest update from the BC Wildfire Service puts the fire at an estimated 17,809 hectares in size as of Aug. 11, up from the 15,590 it was estimated at on Aug. 10.The fire grew overnight thanks to dry conditions and clearer skies.Winds are expected to shift to northeasterly, becoming northwesterly by the evening, with gusts up to 20 km/h before calmer conditions devel
  
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• UPDATE: Atmosphere could become ‘more unstable’ Quilpituk Creek wildfire

  11-08-2026 19:19 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE 10:00 a.m.
  There’s a slightly increased risk of thunderstorms at the Quilpituk Creek wildfire on Tuesday, said BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
  “The atmosphere will continue to become more unstable today as another upper-level trough moves into the area late this afternoon,” said BCWS. “Only minimal precipitation is expected.”
  Temperatures are expected to cool on Tuesday, slated to reach 24°C on Tuesday afternoon, with relative humidity dropping to around 40 p
  
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• Girl power: Female athletes with Cowichan ties finding success

  11-08-2026 19:07 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Golden Girls
  Sada Bennefield and Elora Waardenburg have won provincial gold as members of the Victoria-Esquimalt Lacrosse Association’s (VELA) U22 women’s team.
  The Cobble Hill products helped VELA capture the championship with a 5-4 victory over the Coquitlam Adanacs in the gold medal game on July 19 in Port Coquitlam.
  VELA opened the tournament on July 16 with a 5-5 tie against the host Port Coquitlam squad before dropping an 8-7 decision to New Westminster the following day.
  The t
  
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• Nanaimo man charged with arson after combustible materials piled against restaurant

  11-08-2026 18:56 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A 39-year-old man was arrested, after officers found him near combustible materials piled against the exterior of a restaurant in the 100 block of Wallace Street.
  On Aug. 4 at approximately 4:40 a.m., an off-duty RCMP officer walking to work observed an individual carrying a knife in an alley way near the restaurant.
  The officer was aware of court-imposed conditions prohibiting the man from possessing weapons of any kind.
  A short time later the officer returned with additional officers and locat
  
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