Nanaimo news

• PODCAST: Build Smartr; Building with Steel

  02-05-2023 14:40 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  TODAY IN BC: HAVAN’s podcast ‘Measure Twice, Cut Once’
  
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• Woman who sped through construction zone near Nanaimo and killed man sentenced

  09-01-2026 21:08 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The woman who disregarded traffic control on the Trans Canada Highway near Nanaimo and killed a paving crew worker has received a sentence with no prison time.
  In August, Christianne Marie Boufford, 53, was guilty of dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm for a Sept. 23, 2021 incident on the highway, near Kipp and Minetown roads – B.C. Supreme Court justice Douglas Thompson rendered his decision Friday, Jan. 9 at the law courts in Nanaimo.
  Sentencing bega
  
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• Neurologist shortage in Kelowna affects all of Interior Health: Doctor

  09-01-2026 19:40 via nanaimobulletin.com
  While Interior Health (IH) has confirmed that there is currently a neurologist shortage at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH), Dr. Pete Bosma said more neurologists are needed across the region.
  Currently, KGH has six-and-a-half full-time neurologists, and coverage when it comes to strokes is not affected.
  Kelowna has been a “go-to” because neurologists at KGH also provide general neurological advice that was available on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week – something not all other
  
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• North Island wind warning upgraded to Yellow with gusts up to 120 km

  09-01-2026 19:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Residents of the North Island are being advised to secure loose objects and if outside, protect themselves from flying or falling debris as well as stay away from fallen power lines.
  The forecast of strong winds combined with heavy precipitation starting the evening of Jan. 8 and heading into the weekend was upgraded to a Yellow wind warning early Friday morning.
  Environment Canada has issued a warning concerning the atmospheric river making landfall on the Island and North Coast as far as Princ
  
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• Headline history: Theft an issue says Nanaimo RCMP in 1991 and 2026

  09-01-2026 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Property crime in Nanaimo is an issue today as it was 35 years ago.
  A Wednesday, Jan. 7 press release from Nanaimo RCMP noted that theft from vehicles, as well as from sheds and garages, have risen from 2024 with respective increases of 15- and six-per cent.
  A story from the Jan. 7, 1991 edition of the Nanaimo News Bulletin, recounts over 67 cases of vandalism and theft involving vehicles, as well as 32 calls for break-ins between Christmas and New Year’s days. Among items stolen, a televi
  
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• Alberni Valley firefighters extinguish evening blaze at former sawmill site

  09-01-2026 18:29 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Alberni Valley firefighters battled a blaze at the former APD Sawmill site Wednesday (Jan. 7) night.
  Port Alberni Fire Chief Mike Owens said the initial call to 911 was around 10 p.m; firefighters found what he called a “fairly substantial” fire on the exterior of the building. That caused a mutual aid call, bringing in firefighters from Beaver Creek, Cherry Creek and Sproat Lake to assist with fighting the blaze.
  “Crews arrived on scene and then just put in considerable effort
  
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• VIDEO: Children’s cemetery keepsakes trashed in B.C. cleanup

  09-01-2026 18:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Music from a few dozen windchimes hanging in the trees above children’s graves at Maple Ridge Cemetery have been muted forever.
  Handpainted beach rocks placed carefully around the gravestones of some of the 50 or so kids – in the same dedicated children’s section of the cemetery – have vanished.
  Flower – both live and plastic – placed in cemetery-specific vases next to several engraved headstones, have been removed from the ground.
  A few framed pictures, vario
  
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• B.C. teacher denies wrongdoing in defamation claim launched by former PAC president

  09-01-2026 17:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  An elementary school teacher has filed a response to a civil claim made against her by a former PAC president who said she was intentionally trying to ruin his reputation.
  In her response, Yennadon Elementary School teacher Janine LeBlanc denied making any defamatory posts against former Yennadon Elementary PAC president Craig Towers and called Tower’s actions as “unnecessary, frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of the process of the court,” saying the claim should be dismissed w
  
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• Removing barriers for the homeless ultimate goal of B.C. soccer program

  09-01-2026 17:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A new soccer program is coming to Saanich, but it won’t look like anything you’ve seen on the pitch before.
  Launching Jan. 22, the Canadian Street Soccer Association (CSSA) will host weekly Sunday night sessions, offering a fast-paced, inclusive version of the game for people experiencing homelessness, poverty, or social isolation.
  Saanich is the eighth city in Canada to get a CSSA program, and the third on Vancouver Island, after Courtenay and Port Hardy.
  Brandon Green, who manages
  
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• Removing barriers for homeless ultimate goal of B.C. soccer program

  09-01-2026 17:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A new soccer program is coming to Saanich, but it won’t look like anything you’ve seen on the pitch before.
  Launching Jan. 22, the Canadian Street Soccer Association (CSSA) will host weekly Sunday night sessions, offering a fast-paced, inclusive version of the game for people experiencing homelessness, poverty, or social isolation.
  Saanich is the eighth city in Canada to get a CSSA program, and the third on Vancouver Island, after Courtenay and Port Hardy.
  Brandon Green, who manages
  
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• Victoria police seek footage after hit-and-run sends woman to hospital

  09-01-2026 16:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  VicPD is seeking footage and witnesses after a woman suffered serious injuries in a hit-and-run with a driver on Wednesday (Jan. 7) evening.Police were called in by BC Emergency Health Services just before 6 p.m. after a pedestrian was struck at the intersection of Hillside Avenue and Quadra Street.The pedestrian suffered serious injuries.The suspect fled the scene, and investigators are canvassing the area for video footage.Anyone with information is asked to call the VicPD non-emergency line a
  
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• B.C. councillor defends texts to police chief over golf course impairment checks

  09-01-2026 15:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A Surrey city councillor feels she didn’t do anything wrong when she alerted Surrey Police Service Chief Const. Norm Lipinski about concerns regarding impairment checks outside of Morgan Creek Golf Course — and other Surrey golf courses — last summer.
  Coun. Linda Annis, who is running for mayor in the 2026 municipal election, said she had received a number of calls about the impairment checks — meant to catch drivers who have been drinking alcohol — at Morgan Creek
  
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• Malnourished B.C. Chihuahua cross survives weeks alone after owner dies

  09-01-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A small dog survived on her own for more than two weeks after her owner died over the holidays.
  Chenelle is an eight-year-old miniature pincher cross Chihuahua.
  RCMP found her while conducting a wellness check at a Vernon home Jan. 3 and found her owner had passed away. Police contacted the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) dog control to take custody of Chenelle.
  “When our officer arrived on site, it was clear that the animal needed medical attention, so they contacted the Okanag
  
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• Don’t ‘tough it out’: Mental health program for young men available across B.C.

  09-01-2026 13:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A new virtual mental health support program is now available for young men throughout the province.
  On Jan. 7, the YMCA of Southern Interior BC announced Y Mind for Men, a seven-week virtual program for young male adults ages 18-30. The program focuses on providing tools to cope with these challenges while building healthy connections and resilience.
  “Men often feel pressure to ‘tough it out’ when they’re struggling, but that can lead to isolation and worsening mental hea
  
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• Patrick Kane scores 500th career goal as Red Wings dump Canucks 5-1

  09-01-2026 03:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Patrick Kane scored twice, including the 500th goal of his NHL career, leading the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-1 win over the visiting Canucks Thursday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
  Axel Sandin-Pellikka, J.T. Compher and Lucas Raymond also scored for the Wings (26-15-4), with James van Riemsdyk adding a pair of assists. John Gibson stopped 25 of 26 shots to earn the goaltending win.
  Jake DeBrusk had the lone goal for the Canucks (16-22-5), with Kevin Lankinen taking the loss in goal, making 2
  
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• Nanaimo Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy members hit podium at Vegas event

  09-01-2026 02:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Martial artists from a Nanaimo Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy medalled at a championship event in the U.S. to close off 2025.
  Three members of Island Top Team made it to the podium, taking four medals, at the World International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship from Dec. 11-13 in Las Vegas.
  Monica Bonczak took silver in the Master 2-female-brown-lightweight division, Sarah Kolybaba took silver in the Master 3-female-purple-lightweight division and Douglas Flockhar
  
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• National Indigenous Coaching honour hits home for B.C. woman

  09-01-2026 02:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Winning a national coaching award gave Vernon’s Michelle Webster cause for reflection.
  It was as if the longtime softball player and coach was stepping into the batter’s box for the final time of what had been a tremendous career. One foot in the box, the other outside. Taking a look around at her teammates, the opposition, the fans in the stands, the beauty of the green grass in the outfield.
  Then she steps in the box and belts the pitched ball 260 feet over the centre-field wall.
  W
  
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• Island professor sees Dry January as a springboard to a healthier lifestyle

  09-01-2026 02:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  As people look for ways to improve their health in the new year, the Dry January movement is gaining renewed attention.
  The initiative encourages people who drink alcohol to step away for the month of January as a way to reflect on their relationship with alcohol and explore healthier lifestyle choices.
  Dr. Tim Naimi, the director of the University of Victoria’s Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR) and a professor at UVic’s School of Public Health and Social Policy,
  
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• Former Vernon doctor who committed sex crimes gets full parole

  09-01-2026 02:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  WARNING: This article contains details of sexual assault which may be disturbing to some readers. If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence, contact Archway Society for Domestic Peace at 250-542-1122. All programs are easily accessible, free of charge and confidential.
  A former Vernon doctor who was sent to jail in 2024 over multiple instances of sexual assault has been granted full parole.
  Peter Inkpen, 45, was charged with three counts of sexual assault, which occurred be
  
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• B.C.’s pushback against DRIPA legislation feeds growing First Nations frustration

  09-01-2026 01:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Proposals to alter or repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) are not going over well with First Nations leaders across B.C.
  Robert Phillips, political executive of the First Nations Summit, an organization tasked with facilitating treaty negotiations, said he was “surprised” to hear the talk of amendments after six years of working to align provincial law with the declaration and basing agreements on that commitment.
  He called it an attempt to “c
  
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• B.C., Washington poised to launch bilateral discussion group later in 2026

  09-01-2026 01:20 via nanaimobulletin.com
  B.C. and Washington legislators have reached an agreement to establish an interparliamentary group between the two governments.
  Signed in Vancouver Thursday (Jan. 8), the deal establishes a bilateral group meant to “promote dialogue between the two legislators, explore solutions to common challenges, address cross-border constituency matters, and engage in discussions about areas of mutual interest and accomplishment.”
  The group will be co-chaired by B.C. Speaker Raj Chouhan and Wash
  
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• Ontario man in Vernon court for Edgewood ostrich farm assault

  09-01-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A man from the Universal Ostrich Farm (UOF) protest camp facing assault and mischief charges needs a lawyer.
  Timothy Regan’s matter was heard at the Vernon Courthouse Thursday, Jan. 8, but adjourned to Jan. 22 to allow further time for him to retain counsel. He is not in custody.
  Regan, 60 of Ontario, is charged with assault, assault with a weapon, and mischief.
  He was arrested the morning of Sept. 22, 2025 after RCMP were alerted to an alleged altercation at a property neighbouring the Ed
  
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• Gym technology first of its kind in Western Canada launches at Kelowna YMCA

  09-01-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  New, personalized cutting-edge fitness technology is now available to use at the YMCA in Rutland.
  EGYM, a smart technology system that helps make fitness more accessible to all users, motivating them to reach their goals has been installed at the YMCA located at 375 Hartman Road.
  “EGYM removes guesswork, making every workout personalized, engaging, and results driven,” said Robyn Moore, vice president of health, fitness, and aquatics at the YMCA of Southern Interior BC.
  To make train
  
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• Sikh activists take to B.C. legislature steps, angered by Eby’s India trip

  09-01-2026 00:48 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A group of Sikh activists took to the steps of the B.C. legislature on Thursday (Jan. 8), waving Khalistan flags and urging Premier David Eby to cancel his upcoming India trip.
  They say the India trip sends the wrong message after the death in Surrey of fellow Sikh activist Hardeep Nijjar in 2023, allegedly shot by Indian hitmen. Four men have been arrested and charged with the murder.
  “The killers are in custody, foot soldiers are in custody, but who’s behind it?” asked Jag Si
  
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• Lawn care company gives 3,500 lbs of food to B.C. food banks

  09-01-2026 00:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Weed Man is feeding more than just people’s lawns this winter, with the North American lawn care company recently revealing the fundraising totals from this year’s Grassroots Giving campaign.
  This annual fundraiser collects food donations throughout Canada and the U.S. and then hands the contributions to food banks and other charitable organizations.
  The most recent Grassroots Giving campaign managed to gather a total of 3,540 lbs for B.C. food banks, with locations including:
  •
  
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• Nanaimo’s new urban design artist roster boasts the highest selection yet

  09-01-2026 00:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Nanaimo’s roster of urban design artists, which the city consults with to integrate art for public spaces and infrastructure, has grown from 21 to 28.
  On Tuesday, Jan. 5, the city released its 2026-2028 urban design roster list, with the names of new and returning artists and designers from across B.C. who will be influencing city designs.
  Jaime-Brett Sine, Nanaimo’s culture coordinator, told the News Bulletin the increase of artists reflects more opportunities the city has to integr
  
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• Kelowna airport’s economic impact over $2 billion in 2024

  08-01-2026 23:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is a money-making machine.
  Over $2 billion dollars ($2.076 to be exact) in economic output was generated by the City-owned airport in 2024, according to a study by the City of Kelowna.
  Economic output is calculated by taking the aggregate of labour income and other expenditures which can be considered as the contribution to GDP.
  The study in question will be handed to Kelowna City council on Monday. In the recommendation to council, the city manager said the e
  
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• B.C.-U.S. border park featured in new documentary

  08-01-2026 23:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A documentary that was four years in the making will première one year into the renewed political tensions at the Canada-U.S. border.
  Award-winning filmmaker Ying Wang is showcasing her documentary The Border on Jan. 24 in Vancouver as part of the interplay 2026 festival.
  Wang says the documentary is fitting as political tensions continue to increase the strain on the border.
  The film offers “a timely reflection on the fragility of freedom and the enduring friction between the human
  
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• Sweltering 2025: Last year was the warmest on record in Okanagan

  08-01-2026 22:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  From a sweltering extended summer to a mild start to winter, 2025 was a record-breaking year for warmth for much of the Okanagan.
  It was the warmest year on record for Vernon and Kelowna, and the fourth-warmest year for Penticton.
  Kelowna’s average temperature for the year came in at 10.6 degrees Celsius, which was 2.4 degrees above normal and tied 1988 for the city’s warmest year on record.
  Vernon’s average temperature was 10.1 C, just under two degrees above normal. That also
  
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• B.C. pastor’s fines set aside for violating in-person gathering rules during COVID lockdown

  08-01-2026 21:52 via nanaimobulletin.com
  A Chilliwack pastor ticketed for in-person worship during lockdowns has had the matter set aside in Provincial Court of B.C.
  The Alberta-based Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announced on Jan. 8 that both convictions had been “vacated” for Pastor John Koopman of the Free Reformed Church in Chilliwack.
  In 2022 Koopman was charged with participating in worship services in 2020 and 2021, violating the in-person gathering prohibition during the COVID pandemic.
  Part of the cent
  
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