Nanaimo news

• ‘No significant growth’: Wildfire between Kamloops and Merritt held, still 149 hectares

  17-06-2026 19:35 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
  Read more

• Alcohol tied to higher pancreatic cancer risk: UVic study

  17-06-2026 22:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
  Read more

• Williams Lake business owner devastated after delivery van fire deemed suspicious

  17-06-2026 21:55 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
  Read more

• ‘Reason for hope’: Newborn calf spotted cruising with B.C.’s endangered orcas

  17-06-2026 21:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Courtenay Fire Department responds to structure fire on McPhee and Eighth

  17-06-2026 21:41 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
  Read more

• North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre releases 5 black bears

  17-06-2026 21:25 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
  Read more

• British Columbians reminded to be prepared for wildfire evacuations, alerts

  17-06-2026 20:31 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
  Read more

• Nanaimo RCMP seeks help in locating stolen shotgun

  17-06-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Penticton restaurant out on cash after festival vendor scam

  17-06-2026 20:14 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
  Read more

• What’s On, June 17

  17-06-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
  Read more

• Man charged in connection to shooting incident near U.S.-Canada border

  17-06-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
  Read more

• Fresh optimism airs as B.C. town tackles wastewater odour woes

  17-06-2026 19:40 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
  Read more

• ‘No significant growth’: Kullagh Creek wildfire being held, still noted as 149 hectares

  17-06-2026 19:35 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
  Read more

• ‘Price is Right Live’ game show coming to 5 B.C. cities this fall

  17-06-2026 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
  Read more

• Wildfire west of Princeton grows to 57 hectares, evacuation alert issued

  17-06-2026 18:43 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
  Read more

• Mervin Ward Osler

  17-06-2026 18:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
  Read more

• Anthology of nature poems featuring Nanaimo writers

  17-06-2026 18:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
  Read more

• WORLD CUP DAILY, June 17: Stars shine for France, Argentina and Norway; England vs. Croatia today

  17-06-2026 16:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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.
  
  Read more

• THE MOJ: B.C. Lions need win over Ticats to avoid falling into 0-2 hole

  17-06-2026 15:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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,
  
  Read more

• NOTICE OF DISPOSITION: Household Items, Estevan Road

  17-06-2026 15:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
  Read more

• NOTICE OF AGM: Nanaimo F.O.S. Non-Profit Housing Society

  17-06-2026 15:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Monday June 22, 2026 at 6:00 pm
  6000 Oliver Road
  Oliver Woods Community Centre
  Hemlock Room
  Please join us!
  
  Read more

• Kalamoir Park wildfire in West Kelowna remains held, evacuation alert still in place

  17-06-2026 14:55 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Kalamoir Park wildfire in West Kelowna remains being held on Wednesday morning, June 17.
  While the fire is expected to stay within its perimeter, 742 properties, totalling an approximate 1,700 residents, remain on evacuation alert, meaning they have to be ready to go at any time if the fire spreads.Everyone who was placed on an evacuation order on Tuesday was able to go home just before 7 p.m. as the order was downgraded to an alert.
  On Tuesday, West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund confirme
  
  Read more

• Crews to mop up hot spots at held West Kelowna wildfire, evacuation alert still in place

  17-06-2026 14:55 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE 6:10 a.m.
  West Kelowna Fire Rescue (WKFR) will be assessing the Kalamoir Park wildfire on Wednesday morning, fire chief Jason Brolund tells Black Press Media.
  Brolund said he expects “numerous” hotspots within the fire’s perimeter, which will show smoke throughout the day.
  “Because these are within the existing perimeter, we are not concerned about growth of the fire or risk to homes,” said Brolund.
  “Although not expected, I encourage the public to repo
  
  Read more

• Feedback sought about establishment of independent Catholic school in Nanaimo

  17-06-2026 14:40 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Interest is being gauged about the desire for an independent Catholic school in Nanaimo.
  Organizers could not be reached for comment, but a social media post from St. Peter’s Catholic Church seeks feedback from parents in the area, via a survey, with information being used to inform next steps.
  Island Catholic Schools, the body governing Catholic schools on the Island, is not involved in the process, but in an e-mail, Paul Rossetti, superintendent, told the News Bulletin there are currentl
  
  Read more

• Saanich paddlers tackle Race to Alaska for 3rd time 10 years after meeting there

  17-06-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Already down three competitors, during its “proving ground” seagoing trip to Victoria, the Race to Alaska (R2AK) fleet takes off Wednesday at noon.When it does, Saanich paddlers Janice Mason and Ian Graeme are once again on the starting line of one of North America’s most unusual and demanding adventure races.The R2AK is a unique, engine-free, unsupported adventure race along the spectacular coast of B.C. and southeast Alaska. Competitors travel by sail, oar, paddle, pedal or a
  
  Read more

• Evacuation alert issued after wildfire grows to 22 hectares west of Princeton

  17-06-2026 08:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE:
  An evacuation alert has been issued for properties west of Tulameen on Lawless Creek Road and Tulameen River Road due to the Grasshopper Mountain wildfire.
  The blaze sparked Tuesday afternoon and quickly grew to an estimated 22 hectares. BC Wildfire responded to the incident with air tankers and helicopters alongside the Tulameen and District Fire Department.
  The Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen asks those living on properties under the evacuation alert to prepare to evacuat
  
  Read more

• Bailey’s Law, on intimate partner violence, passes third reading in Senate

  17-06-2026 03:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  It is now only a matter of time before Bailey’s Law can come into effect, as Bill C-225 passed its third reading in the Senate.
  After receiving its three readings in the House of Commons in April, Bill C-225 – otherwise known as Bailey’s Law – was quickly passed through the Senate, receiving its third reading on June 16.
  The act was first brought forth by Kamloops-Thompson-Nicola MP Frank Caputo and was named after Bailey McCourt, who died on July 4, 2025, following a vio
  
  Read more

• New well-being plan for children aims for better coordination in B.C. government

  17-06-2026 02:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Two years after the call for a well-being plan for children and teens, the provincial government has released an action plan.
  Children and Family Development Minister Jodie Wickens announced the new Child and Youth Well-Being Action Plan and Outcomes Framework during a news conference in Vancouver on Tuesday (June 16). She was joined by Attorney General Niki Sharma, Representative for Children and Youth Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth, and Alex Turpin, a former child in care and member of the ministry
  
  Read more

• Developer cautions Nanaimo about not keeping up with necessary infrastructure work

  17-06-2026 02:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The developer of the large Sandstone development in Nanaimo’s south end is cautioning the municipality about the consequences of not keeping up with infrastructure demands.
  Georgia Desjardins is the vice president of development at Seacliff Properties, which is developing Sandstone, a 294-hectare property located at the junction of the Trans-Canada Highway and the Duke Point Highway where the company is planning a range of housing options, as well as retail and commercial development.
  Desj
  
  Read more

• Canadian administrators honour RDN CAO Holmes

  17-06-2026 01:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Regional District of Nanaimo CAO Douglas Holmes has worked in municipal government management roles for 30 years.
  His dedication to the job and years of service were given recognition by the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators’ Long Service Recognition Awards, held in Whistler on May 26.
  “Doug’s dedication to his role has undoubtedly contributed to the advancement of your municipality, and we are pleased to recognize his achievements,” said Brenda Orchard, pr
  
  Read more

Follow @news_nanaimo on Twitter!