Nanaimo news

• Pat Bay Highway reopens after Monday evening motorcycle crash

  07-07-2026 15:20 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Pat Bay Highway is open Tuesday morning after crash closed the major thoroughfare Monday (July 6) evening.Saanich police closed Highway 17 northbound near the Quadra Street exit for a serious crash around 6 p.m.Drivers were diverted northbound between Quadra and Royal Oak Drive until shortly before 11 p.m.Witnesses at the scene reported a motorcycle involved in the crash. 
  About the Author: Christine van Reeuwyk
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• Vancouver Island rugby team crowned big winners at Abbotsford provincials

  07-07-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  While the Fraser Valley rugby squads had their fair share of victories at the recent Provincial Regional Championships in Abbotsford, it was the Vancouver Island teams who emerged as the overall winners.
  These youth competitions took place at Rotary Stadium on July 4 and 5, with teams from four B.C. regions going head-to-head in three different age groups.In the U19 division, which was the oldest of the groups, both the boys and girls finals came down to the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island&rs
  
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• Police seeks help from public locating stolen e-bike

  07-07-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a stolen e-bike.
  The theft occurred sometime between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, July 6, in the 2700 block of Country Club Drive.
  According to a press release, the owner told police she left her bike outside of a home of a friend who was experiencing an emergency.
  In her rush to help, she forgot to lock it, and when she returned, the bike was gone.
  The bike is described as a Liv e-bike with a thick chain wrapped around it, dar
  
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• Climb for Ali in Duncan brings awareness to rare genetic disorder

  07-07-2026 20:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Ali Platt, once a climber herself now faces the challenges of chronic pain, a fainting disorder, and limited mobility due tohyper-mobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome; a group of 13 inherited genetic disorders that weaken the body’s connective tissues, primarily affecting the skin, joints, and blood vessels by disrupting collagen production.
  Ali’s mom Sydney, who was diagnosed with the same condition this year, suffers from chronic pain as well. EDS runs in the family on Sydney’s moth
  
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• B.C. nurses allege employer threats and intimidation due to job action

  07-07-2026 19:18 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Striking nurses are reporting “widespread employer intimidation” as job action ramps up.
  “Nursing managers have started to threaten nurses, saying, ‘If you don’t clean a stretcher or if you don’t pick up something or stock something — these sorts of extra duties — then we’re going to report you to the College,’” B.C. Nurses’ Union President Adriane Gear told Black Press Media on Tuesday, July 7. “It’s been a lot
  
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• Vancouver Island golf superintendent achieves Canada’s highest industry honour

  07-07-2026 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Only 31 Canadians have earned the highest professional designation available to golf course superintendents. T-Jay Creamer is now one of them.
  The sixth-year superintendent at Olympic View Golf Club has earned the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association’s (CGSA) Master Superintendent designation, recognizing excellence in management, leadership and professional development.
  “It’s been really neat to have a lot of recognition, people reach out and such,” Creamer said. &l
  
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• Crackdown set to begin on illegal use of off-road bikes in Nanaimo

  07-07-2026 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo RCMP plans a major crackdown on the illegal use of e-bikes, dirt bikes and other off-road cyclist vehicles that have become a problem in the city.
  RCMP spokesman R/Const. Gary O’Brien said there has been a substantial increase in youths illegally driving around Nanaimo speeding, doing stunts like wheelies and driving recklessly on the bikes, putting themselves and the public at risk.
  “It’s just a matter of time before someone dies, so we’re giving fair warning tha
  
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• B.C. retains legal counsel in California to potentially sue OpenAI over Tumbler Ridge

  07-07-2026 18:56 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C. is retaining legal counsel to explore its options to sue OpenAI in California for the company’s failure to notify police about the alleged Tumbler Ridge shooter’s flagged online activity.
  This would add to several suits already filed by victims’ family members in the state.
  “We will use the courts to pursue accountability and ensure that British Columbians are not left bearing the costs of corporate wrongdoings,” B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma said at a Tues
  
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• WORLD CUP DAILY, July 7: Belgium advances, U.S.A. eliminated

  07-07-2026 16:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Daily FIFA World Cup soccer match updates and news for Black Press Media publications.
  All three host nations of the 2026 World Cup have been eliminated in the round of 16. Canada was eliminated July 4, Mexico on July 5th and the United States on July 6.
  The United States were outplayed by Belgium and was defeated 4-1 on Monday (July 6) in Seattle, WA.
  Portugal was also eliminated after losing to Spain 1-0 earlier on Monday. Portuguese soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed after the match
  
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• Assault on woman in downtown Victoria has police seeking witnesses, video

  07-07-2026 15:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Victoria Police Department is asking for the public’s help after an unprovoked assault on a woman waiting for a bus in downtown Victoria late Sunday (July 5).
  A woman was waiting for a bus in the 600 block of Johnson Street around 10:30 p.m. when she was struck in the head by stranger, VicPD said in a news release.
  The suspect walked away, heading south. He is described as a man in his 30s or 40s with a medium build, wearing a baseball cap, a dark hoodie or jacket and pants.
  Investigators
  
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• ‘Traumatic’ Greater Victoria dog attack on children prompts police reminder

  07-07-2026 15:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Central Saanich police are reminding residents responsible pet ownership is essential to a safe community after a serious dog attack, involving two young children, on Canada Day.“This was a traumatic incident for the children, their family, and those who witnessed it,” the agency said in a news release.“During the investigation, it was determined that neither the Central Saanich Police Service nor municipal bylaw services had any previous reports or dealings involving the dog o
  
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• BC COS: Vancouver Island hunter fined, banned after altering species licence

  07-07-2026 15:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A Parksville man received a $2,500 penalty and is prohibited from obtaining a hunting licence in B.C. for two years for altering a species licence.
  In September 2025, a conservation officer was conducting hunter compliance checks in the Nanoose Bay area when a hunter produced species tags upon request that had altered expiry dates on them, according to a social media post by BC COS.
  Aaron Illes pleaded guilty in Nanaimo provincial court to altering a licence or permit under Section 82(3) of the
  
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• Mid Island’s largest bat colony totals 1,936 bats in 2026

  07-07-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  With little squeaks and the flutter of eagerly beating wings, the central Island’s largest bat colony took to the skies for the first count of the season, where volunteers averaged a slight drop in the population this year.
  Located at the North Oyster Community Centre south of Nanaimo, on June 10 volunteers averaged a count of 1,936, consisting of about 1,810 little brown myotis from the attic, and 126 in the bat boxes around the building.
  The attic, renovated years ago for the little mamm
  
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• Where the rules don’t apply: Fortis and the Christina Lake data centre controversy

  07-07-2026 02:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Faced with mounting public concern about power- and water-hungry data centres, the B.C. government has taken action to limit the amount of electricity BC Hydro is willing to supply, forcing companies to bid for the right to connect.
  But the province doesn’t just have one electrical utility: Southeastern British Columbia is served by FortisBC.
  In this area that spans the Kootenays and Southern Interior, these new rules won’t apply, and the province has far less sway over which project
  
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• Wildfire burning on Mount Prevost in North Cowichan

  07-07-2026 01:32 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A wildfire has broken out on Mount Prevost near Duncan.
  The fire was discovered on Monday, July 6, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
  The fire is listed as out of control, meaning it is spreading or expected to spread beyond the current perimeter or control line and it is currently about 1 hectare in size.
  It is suspected to be human-caused.
  As of 4:30 p.m. on Monday there were no alerts or evacuations listed due to the fire.
  
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• UPDATE: Wildfire burning on Mount Prevost in North Cowichan now at 2 hectares

  07-07-2026 01:32 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A wildfire on Mount Prevost near Duncan has now grown to two hectares.
  The fire was discovered on Monday, July 6, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
  The fire is listed as out of control, meaning it is spreading or expected to spread beyond the current perimeter or control line.
  It is suspected to be human-caused.
  As of 4:30 p.m. on Monday there were no alerts or evacuations listed due to the fire.
  BC Wildfire Service said they have responded with three initial attack crews, two water tenders,
  
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• B.C.’s estimate for Massey Tunnel replacement more than doubles to $8.5B

  07-07-2026 01:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C.’s transportation minister says the George Massey Tunnel replacement will now cost about $8.5 billion — nearly twice the 2021 estimate of $4.15 billion for a new eight-lane submersed-tube tunnel beneath the Fraser River.
  But the federal government has also promised to kick in $3 billion as part of a memorandum of understanding recently signed with the province.
  “This updated budget reflects today’s market conditions, inflation, project scope, and the realities of deli
  
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• Application for Nanaimo cannabis shop going to public hearing

  07-07-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A proposal for a new cannabis-retail store in the Brooks Landing area will go to a public hearing.
  Nanaimo city council gave the first two readings to the proposal for the store, which would be located at 2180 Highland Boulevard, at its meeting on June 22.
  The B.C. Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch is ultimately responsible for deciding who receives licenses to operate retail-cannabis operations in the province, but the branch will not proceed with a licensing application unless the local go
  
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• UPDATE: Wildfire east of Kamloops being held

  07-07-2026 00:52 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Update, 6:20 p.m.
  The wildfire east of Kamloops is now being held.
  The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) updated the public at 6:03 p.m. saying the wildfire discovered earlier on Monday near Harper Ranch Road is being held.
  The fire was first reported as four hectares but was sized at 20 hectares in the wildfire service’s last update at 5:09 p.m.
  The City of Kamloops posted to their Facebook page at 5:50 p.m. about the fire.
  “Crews have made great progress on the fire securing the perimeter
  
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• Out-of-control wildfire east of Kamloops grows to 20 hectares

  07-07-2026 00:52 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Update, 5:51 p.m.
  The wildfire east of Kamloops has grown to 20 hectares.
  The latest update came in at 5:09 p.m. from the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
  The fire near Shuswap Road north of the South Thompson River is suspected to be human caused.
  Original story
  A wildfire has been discovered east of Kamloops.
  The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says the fire is four hectares and out of control.
  The wildfire service says it is located near Harper Ranch Road. According to the wildfire map, it is north of
  
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• 4-hectare wildfire discovered east of Kamloops out of control

  07-07-2026 00:52 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A wildfire has been discovered east of Kamloops.
  The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says the fire is four hectares and out of control.
  The wildfire service says it is located near Harper Ranch Road. According to the wildfire map, it is north of the South Thompson River near Shuswap Road.
  Kamloops Fire Centre is assisting Kamloops and Tk’emlups Fire Rescue in responding to the wildfire.
  BCWS says there are firefighting crews and aviation resources assigned to the incident.
  Humans are the suspec
  
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• Woman missing, presumed drowned following incident at Stamp Falls

  07-07-2026 00:22 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A Port Alberni family is sending a warning to other nature lovers after witnessing a young woman get swept over the falls along the Stamp River on July 5.
  ”There’s nothing more horrible than what happened yesterday,” says James Elfstrom, who, along with his wife and son were getting ready to leave the potholes around 5:30 p.m. when a group of three women and a man, all in their early 20s, set-up just below them at an area about 30 metres (100) feet above the falls.
  The Elfstrom
  
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• Harbour Air lands in Campbell River

  06-07-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The first Harbour Air flight landed in Campbell River on the morning of July 6.
  Campbell River is the latest part of the airline’s largest seasonal expansion to date, joining other new routes like the Victoria-Seattle, and Ucluelet routes.
  “The expansion delivers on strong demand across the Pacific Northwest, adding new connections to communities like Ucluelet – named one of Expedia’s 2026 Destinations of the Year – and Campbell River, a gateway to world-class fishi
  
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• Motorcyclists dies in B.C. highway crash after allegedly speeding by police check

  06-07-2026 23:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C.’s police watchdog has been notified about a highway crash where a motorcyclist died after reportedly been observed by police speeding and driving erratically.
  A B.C. Highway Patrol officer was doing speed enforcement on Highway 99 when the officer saw two motorcyclists allegedly speeding and driving erratically around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, according to a news release from B.C. RCMP Monday.
  The release says the officer left their position along the highway and moments later foun
  
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• Motorcyclist dies in B.C. highway crash after allegedly speeding by police check

  06-07-2026 23:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C.’s police watchdog has been notified about a highway crash where a motorcyclist died after reportedly been observed by police speeding and driving erratically.
  A B.C. Highway Patrol officer was doing speed enforcement on Highway 99 when the officer saw two motorcyclists allegedly speeding and driving erratically around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, according to a news release from B.C. RCMP Monday.
  The release says the officer left their position along the highway and moments later foun
  
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• ROAR hosting Picnic en Blanc to celebrate 10th anniversary

  06-07-2026 23:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  An elegant annual garden party in Nanaimo is back and celebrating a special anniversary with dance, delicious food and a personal story from a LGBTQI+ refugee.
  Picnic en Blanc will take on Saturday, July 11 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at a private garden setting in north Nanaimo.
  The event serves as Reaching Out Assisting Refugees largest annual fundraiser, which has now spent a decade bringing persecuted LGBTQI+ people from countries around the world to Vancouver Island.
  This picnic will be the char
  
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• BC Hydro gives more details on how to get free smart thermostats starting this fall

  06-07-2026 22:46 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C. released more information on Monday (July 6) about a new program to provide free smart thermostats to BC Hydro customers with electric baseboard heaters.
  “In order to offer this program, we need the technology,” Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix said. “I’m happy to announce BC Hydro is signing agreements with two great Canadian vendors to provide that technology”
  Homeowners will be able to order up to five new Mysa or Sinopé thermostats th
  
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• B.C. businesses with temporary patios for World Cup can apply for extension

  06-07-2026 22:04 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Businesses that has temporary outdoor patios approved for FIFA World Cup can now apply to keep them open until Labour Day, the government announced Monday (July 6).
  Eligible businesses with approved FIFA World Cup related outdoor temporary extensions will be able to apply to extend those approvals through to Sept. 6.
  The release adds that this move will help businesses “build on the momentum generated by the tournament, while providing British Columbians and visitors with more outdoor dini
  
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• Wrong place, right time: Barriere helps Ashcroft fight grass fire

  06-07-2026 22:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  It’s not uncommon for fire departments to help each other out in an emergency, but the crew at Ashcroft Fire Rescue (AFR) got a big surprise when they found out who came to their assistance for a routine fire call on June 19.
  At 9:14 p.m. on Friday, June 19, AFR received a call from Kamloops Fire Dispatch about a grass fire at the junction of Cornwall Road and Highway 1 near the Esso Travel Centre. AFR Chief Josh White says crews acted quickly to reach the hall, gear up, and roll out.
  &ldq
  
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• B.C. introducing new apprenticeship, certification requirements for crane operators

  06-07-2026 20:36 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Effective July 5, all crane operators in B.C. will have one year to register as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC or take a certification exam to become a journeyperson as part of changes being rolled out by the province to strengthen site safety.
  “By expanding skilled trades certification to crane operators, we’re formally recognizing the skills these workers already demonstrate every day while strengthening safety and training standards across the industry,” said Jessie Sunn
  
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