Nanaimo news

• North Saanich fires planning director who is also running for mayor

  14-10-2026 16:27 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  North Saanich council has decided to fire the district’s director of planning after an independent investigation determined a ‘breakdown in trust’ is causing staff work issues district-wide.
  After in-camera discussion Tuesday (Oct. 13), council unanimously agreed to terminate the employment of Felice Mazzoni, who has been the district director of planning since 2023.North Saanich received multiple complaints regarding Mazzoni, who is also running for mayor, under its Respectful
  
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• Eby defends his record, Doerkson tries to gain trust during B.C. election debate

  15-10-2026 05:59 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Right off the top during the first and only televised leaders’ debate before British Columbia’s provincial election, NDP Leader David Eby was forced to defend his early election call.
  He says the NDP’s one-vote majority simply wasn’t cutting it, forcing his colleagues — some sick with cancer, others new parents — to vote from hospital beds just to keep the government from falling.
  “This was not a government that was able to deliver the big swings that yo
  
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• Tumbler Ridge shooting accused co-conspirator denied bail: U.S. judge

  15-10-2026 02:46 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The alleged Washington State co-conspirator in the fatal mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge has been denied bail.
  Accused James Cody Bryant, a Bellingham resident, was in U.S. District Court in the Western District of Washington courthouse in Seattle Tuesday (Oct. 13) for a detention hearing. Judge Mary Alice Theiler ordered Bryant to be detained and remanded in custody. Bryant is next scheduled for a preliminary examination on Oct. 20 at 1 p.m.
  Bryant was arrested Oct. 7 in Bellingham, Wash. and ch
  
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• NDP release costed platform with added spending, new taxes on wealthy

  15-10-2026 02:37 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The NDP released a fully costed party platform just hours ahead of a scheduled debate between party leaders on Wednesday.
  Costing estimates include added spending for projects and priorities and added taxes for the wealthiest 3.88 per cent of residents. This keeps the deficit on a similar track as the last provincial budget.
  The platform also relies on projected economic growth, the speculation and vacancy tax and a proposed unsold condo tax to fill coffers.
  The projected budget deficit would be
  
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• B.C. Conservatives promise separate municipal, provincial election periods if they win

  15-10-2026 02:18 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson promises that if his party wins the snap election on Oct. 24, he will introduce a bill to ensure local and municipal election periods never overlap again.
  “The provincial campaign has swallowed the local one,” he said in a social media video released Wednesday. “Healthcare, public safety, and the cost of living are all critical issues, and the people running for your city hall or your school board deserve their own moment to discuss them.
  
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• ‘Dad vs. bladder emergency’ leads to Nanaimo RCMP call

  15-10-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Two youngsters with full bladders forced to pee behind their dad’s car was just one of the many far-ranging calls-for-service Nanaimo RCMP responded to in one week at the beginning of October.
  Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, a spokesman for Nanaimo RCMP, said that just after 3 p.m. on Oct. 7, police were contacted after a caller witnessed a parent pull into a parking lot so his two young boys could answer an urgent call of nature behind the vehicle.
  “The caller was reportedly baff
  
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• THE MOJ: B.C. Lions watch intently as CFL teams jockey for playoff position

  15-10-2026 00:44 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  PLAYOFFS? DON’T TALK ABOUT PLAYOFFS! With all due respect to Jim Mora Sr., yes, we are talking playoffs and they start this weekend for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Calgary Stampeders. Those three teams are jockeying for third place in the West and a crossover berth into the Eastern Division. The Riders and Bombers sit at 8-8 while the Stampeders, who the Lions play this Saturday in Calgary (4 p.m., 730 CKNW; Sher-E- Punjab Radio AM 600) are at 8-9. If the Stamps
  
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• Penticton named top Canadian city on new global travel list, 5th overall

  15-10-2026 00:44 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Penticton is one of just two Canadian cities to crack a new travel and tourism list ranking the trendiest destinations worldwide.
  The southern B.C. city placed fifth on Skyscanner’s list of the most-searched destinations.
  According to the U.K.-based travel booking platform, Penticton saw a 137 per cent increase in travel searches year-over-year, placing it alongside high-profile tourism destinations in Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.
  Penticton and Tofino, on B.C.’s Vancouver Island,
  
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• B.C. Conservatives ahead of NDP, despite moderate support for Doerkson: Poll

  15-10-2026 00:44 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The B.C. Conservatives hold a slight edge over the NDP less than two weeks ahead of the Oct. 24 provincial snap election, despite a lack of strong support for leader Lorne Doerkson, a new poll suggests.Research Co. conducted a weighted online survey of 808 B.C. voters from Oct. 9 to 11. The poll found 44 per cent of decided likely voters would support the Conservatives while 42 per cent would cast a ballot for the New Democrats. With a margin of error of 3.7 percentage points, the poll indicates
  
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• Pepper Saltman running for Communist Party of B.C. in Nanaimo-Lantzville

  14-10-2026 23:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Pepper Saltman is running in the Nanaimo-Lantzville for the Communist Party of B.C., with the aim to support workers.
  Saltman, who has been involved with the Communist Party since 2019, said she strongly believes this is the best choice for British Columbians.
  “We want to send workers the message that we’re the party that works for them. We’re the party that most wants to empower workers, to give workers control over their daily lives in the workplace and everywhere else,&rdquo
  
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• 10 safety infractions, unrestrained toddler net semi driver over $1,600 in fines near Sicamous

  14-10-2026 22:37 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A laundry list of safety infractions including bad brakes, bald tires and an unrestrained toddler resulted in a semi truck being pulled from the road and the driver fined over $1,600.
  At 7:45 a.m. on Sept. 26, a BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) officer stopped the rig after noting it was driving in heavy rain and darkness near Malakwa with no functioning taillights.The 46-year-old driver from Calgary had a valid Class 1 (heavy truck/air brake) Alberta licence and insurance, but he was unable to provide
  
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• IslandLink and Hullo partner up to make travelling to the Lower Mainland easier

  14-10-2026 22:21 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Travelling from Vancouver Island to the Lower Mainland has gotten a lot easier.
  Hullo and IslandLink Bus Services have linked up to create car-free travel between the two regions.
  IslandLink introduced two daily one-way bus routes on Oct. 1, timed to connect with Hullo’s daily ferry sailings at the Nanaimo terminal. The routes connect Campbell River, Courtenay, Parksville, and downtown Vancouver.
  The initial schedule is strategically designed around two key Hullo sailings:
  ● Heading
  
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• Cowichan church celebrating 160 years with event Oct. 24

  14-10-2026 20:36 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Anglican Church of St. Peter Quamichan will be hosting an evening celebration called ‘Past, Present, and Future’ marking 160 years in the community.
  “One hundred sixty years is extremely impressive, especially when you realize that the Diocese of British Columbia was created only seven years prior and the Anglican Church of Canada wasn’t created until 1893,” said incumbent parish priest Theo Robinson.
  Robinson, who is relatively new to the valley, made the move
  
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• B.C. driller found deceased in northwest B.C. near Burns Lake mourned

  14-10-2026 20:31 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A 68-year-old man located deceased near Ootsa Lake, approximately 50 kilometres south of Burns Lake, has been identified by the company he worked for as John Phillip “Phil” McLean.
  McLean was reported missing on Sept. 29, and located in the afternoon hours of Oct. 1 following a concerted search effort by Burns Lake RCMP and Burns Lake Search & Rescue.
  “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family, friends and colleagues of John Philip McLean during this difficult
  
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• 239 people died in B.C. from toxic drugs in July, August: Coroner

  14-10-2026 20:12 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  More than 1,000 people in B.C. have died from toxic unregulated in the first eight months of 2026.
  The B.C. Coroners Service released the latest data for July and August fatal overdoses on Wednesday (Oct. 14).
  There were 113 deaths reported in July and 126 in August, an average of 3.6 and 4.1 deaths per day, respectively.
  In total, there have been 1,015 unregulated drug deaths in B.C. between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31. July had the second-fewest deaths in a month so far this year.
  In July and August, F
  
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• 239 people died in B.C. from toxic drugs in July, August: B.C. Coroners Service

  14-10-2026 20:12 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  More than 1,000 people in B.C. have died from toxic unregulated in the first eight months of 2026.
  The B.C. Coroners Service released the latest data for July and August fatal overdoses on Wednesday (Oct. 14).
  There were 113 deaths reported in July and 126 in August, an average of 3.6 and 4.1 deaths per day, respectively.
  In total, there have been 1,015 unregulated drug deaths in B.C. between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31. July had the second-fewest deaths in a month so far this year.
  In July and August, F
  
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• What’s On: Oct. 14

  14-10-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  MUSICDunberry will be performing at The Queen’s on Oct. 14, with doors at 6 p.m. and show at 7 p.m. It is the songwriting project of Montreal-based guitarist and singer Maxime Boivin. Tickets are available at www.thequeens.ca.Fionn (19+) will be playing at The Queen’s on Oct. 15, with doors at 6 p.m. and show at 7 p.m. They are twin sisters Alanna and Brianne Finn-Morris. Please bring two pieces of ID. Tickets are available at www.thequeens.ca.The Honest Heart Collective with Poor Sp
  
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• ‘We’re blessed’: California couple marks Victoria’s millionth cruise passenger

  14-10-2026 19:43 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Geri Skardina’s latest visit to Victoria came with an unexpected distinction, as she became the city’s one-millionth cruise passenger of the 2026 season.
  Skardina stepped off Norwegian Encore at Ogden Point on Tuesday (Oct. 13) alongside her husband, Gary, as Victoria marked the milestone for the first time in a single cruise season.
  “Geri and Gary, like Chip ‘n’ Dale, but cuter,” Gary joked.
  Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, the couple, who now live in
  
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• Massive Ukrainian cargo plane pays Vancouver Island air force base a Thanksgiving visit

  14-10-2026 19:32 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  If Comox Valley residents happened to look up on Thanksgiving Day, they may have spotted a giant soaring across the valley’s skies: an Antonov AN-124-100M aircraft.
  The AN-124 that touched down on Oct. 12 is perhaps the largest aircraft ever to do so at CFB Comox. With a wingspan of 73 metres (roughly six transit buses end-to-end) and a freight payload of 120,000 kg, this aircraft is designed for hauling the kind of large items that wouldn’t fit in a standard commercial or military c
  
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• Babu (Bob) Champak Lal

  14-10-2026 19:25 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  IN LOVING MEMORY ~
  July 23, 1941 ~ October 10, 2026
  Bob passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Surrey Memorial Hospital, following a respiratory illness and a weak heart. He was surrounded during his final moments by his loving wife, Lalita Ben Lal, and his family. He was predeceased by his parents, Magan Lal and Ratan Ben. Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lalita Lal; sons Ashok (Dipika), Umesh (Daksha), and Danny (Tamarae); grandchildren Shahil, Janelle, Z
  
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• Surfing Okanagan Lake a ‘super unique experience’ for paraplegic man

  14-10-2026 19:04 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A paraplegic man in Kelowna recently rode Okanagan Lake’s waves on a hydrofoil board, promoting Halo EFoils’ latest design.
  ​The Kelowna-based company captured a video of the experience with Rex Hawthorne for their YouTube channel, showing what’s possible with the Halo Phantom.
  ​“Days like this are why we do what we do,” said Halo EFoils’ founder and CEO Carey Missler.
  ​“Watching Rex get out there with the crew, progress on the board an
  
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• Hiker falls 50 feet down Vancouver Island mountain cliff, rescued by crews

  14-10-2026 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A 59-year-old hiker found themselves in need of help after they fell 50 feet down a cliff in Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park.
  Coming to their aid were the Metchosin Fire Department, supported by Metchosin Search and Rescue and the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron.
  The incident occurred on the trail system at Sugarloaf Mountain.
  “Firefighters and rescue personnel hiked into the location, carrying the equipment necessary to access, treat and safe
  
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• Comox Valley RCMP make arrests after series of dangerous electric dirt bike and scooter stunts

  14-10-2026 18:58 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Comox Valley RCMP has made arrests after a series of incidents involving youth operating high-powered electric dirt bikes and scooters dangerously in Courtenay.
  Some drivers even fled from police and allegedly engaged in other criminal behaviour.
  The RCMP say they received reports of riders performing stunts on Highway 19A and Dingwall Road on the evening of Sept. 25. One report said that an object had been thrown from one rider at a passing vehicle, causing damage.
  Officers located the two ride
  
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• Willard Scharff

  14-10-2026 18:46 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  In Loving Memory ~
  Bill was born in Holland, Manitoba, first son of John and Gwendolyn (nee Higgs). Bill became a member of RCMP at age of 19, and served in the then-Queen Charlotte Islands, then Kitimat where his son Craig was born. After which he moved to Ladysmith where daughters Mandy and Bobbi were born.Bill also served in Nanaimo, Delta-Richmond, and finally Parksville before retiring fromRCMP in 2003. Bill is survived by his wife Barb, ‘forever love’ sharing many happy years t
  
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• B.C. crews free sea lion with thick rubber band cutting into neck

  14-10-2026 18:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  For at least one year, a California sea lion survived in the wild with a thick industrial rubber band cutting into its neck.
  The animal was first seen two kilometres from the shores of Metchosin at Race Rocks Ecological Reserve in October last year. However, it did not stay in the area long enough for rescuers to intervene, said the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society.
  When the sea lion reappeared in September, members of Pearson College UWC’s Eco-Guardian program began monitor
  
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• Patron irate over steak banned from restaurant: Salmon Arm RCMP

  14-10-2026 17:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A Salmon Arm restaurant blacklisted a customer for causing a scene that required police attention.At 9 p.m. on Sept. 16, Salmon Arm RCMP received a call from a 51-year-old diner who reported she’d been pushed out of a Lakeshore Drive dining establishment and wanted to press charges.Around the same time, police received another report of a disturbance involving the 51-year-old woman.
  Police responded and learned the woman was “upset about a steak that was not how she wanted it.”
  
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• North Saanich fires director of planning after report outlines lack of respectful communication skills

  14-10-2026 16:27 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  North Saanich council has decided to fire the district’s director of planning after an independent investigation determined a ‘breakdown in trust’ is causing staff work issues district-wide.
  After in-camera discussion Tuesday (Oct. 13), council unanimously agreed to terminate the employment of Felice Mazzoni, who has been the district director of planning since 2023.North Saanich received multiple complaints regarding Mazzoni, who is also running for mayor, under its Respectful
  
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• Remembering North Island MLA Colin Gabelmann

  14-10-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Campbell River, the North Island and the province have lost one of their greatest champions with the death of former North Island MLA and Attorney General Colin Gabelmann.
  Gabelmann died on Oct. 3 aged 82, after a brief illness.
  He was North Island MLA from 1979 to 1996, the last five of those years as BC Attorney General.
  “Colin was one of the finest and most principled people and leaders that I ever knew,” Mike Harcourt, B.C. Premier from 1991 to 1996, said. “His attention to
  
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• Nanaimo MP, former MLA want more participation in Nanaimo Accord

  14-10-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Senior members of government in the city want to know why they were excluded from more participation in the development of the Nanaimo Accord.
  At a special mayor’s leaders’ table on Sept. 25, the MP for Nanaimo-Ladysmith Tamara Kronis, and Sheila Malcolmson, the former MLA for Nanaimo-Gabriola Island, asked the table members why they hadn’t been brought into the conversation, which began last year.
  Conceptualized by the mayor’s leaders’ table last year, the accord d
  
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• Nanaimo-Ladysmith teachers’ union host trustee candidates in election forum

  14-10-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Prospective members of Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools’ board introduced themselves and were questioned by the teachers’ union in a Q&A.
  Nanaimo District Teachers’ Association hosted an all-candidates forum at Beban Social Centre Thursday, Oct. 8. The NDTA provided candidates with 16 topics beforehand and queried candidates on seven, ranging on a number of subjects – the public did not ask questions.
  All candidates – Tania Brzovic, Adrianne Cafariello, Kailey G
  
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