Nanaimo news

• Premier David Eby re-commits promise to end ‘no pet’ rental clauses

  05-06-2026 17:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Premier David Eby said that before the current four-year term ends, his government still intends to introduce legislation to end ‘no pet’ clauses in purpose-built rental housing.
  The premier’s comments were directed at media, following a keynote address at Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference on Wednesday, June 3.
  “It’s part of our commitment over the four years to deliver this and we will deliver it,” Eby said.
  Previously, in an e-mail on May 13, a Mi
  
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• One B.C. forced to move venues in Kamloops after $7.7K security bill from city

  06-06-2026 02:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Free speech is in the spotlight after the City of Kamloops jacked up the price for controversial politician Dallas Brodie to speak at a publicly-owned venue — forcing her One B.C. party to scramble and change locations just days before the event.
  The city wanted Brodie, who represents Vancouver-Quilchena in the legislature and is the sole sitting member of One B.C., to pay more than $7,700 to cover security costs for a two-hour appearance at the municipally-owned Sandman Centre on Sunday,
  
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• Vehicle severs power pole on Nanaimo’s Norwell Drive

  06-06-2026 02:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Power went out in some areas around Country Club Centre Friday afternoon shortly after 4 p.m. after a SUV ran into a power pole on Norwell Drive and completely severed it.
  Firemen on the scene said speed was definitely a factor in the crash, which occurred just east of the Bowen Road/Highway 1 intersection, and left the vehicle several damaged
  At least one person was taken to the hospital.
  
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• Vehicle severs pole off highway in Nanaimo, knocking out power

  06-06-2026 02:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Power went out in some areas around Country Club Centre in Nanaimo after a SUV ran into a power pole and completely severed it.
  First responders were called out to the 2800 block of Norwell Drive on Friday, June 5, just before 3 p.m., after a report of a motor vehicle incident. Firefighters on the scene said speed was definitely a factor in the crash, which occurred just east of the intersection on Bowen Road and Old Island Highway, and left the vehicle severely damaged.
  At least one person was
  
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• PHOTOS: B.C.’s Science World fully transforms into FIFA World Cup match ball

  06-06-2026 02:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The “Beautiful Dome,” Vancouver Science World’s transformation into the FIFA World Cup match ball, is now complete.
  The design includes 131 panels installed to create a 360-degree, 40-metre-diameter re-creation of the Adidas Trionda, the official match ball of the 2026 World Cup, a joint release from Destination Vancouver, Science World and the B.C. government.
  Trionda, meaning “three waves” in Spanish, pays homage to the three host countries, a previous news releas
  
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• A third of B.C.’s drowning deaths in 2025 happened in the summer months

  06-06-2026 01:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  There were 93 accidental drownings in B.C. in 2025, updated B.C. Coroners Service data shows.
  The B.C. Coroners Service updated its accidental drowning deaths report on Thursday (June 4), detailing deaths from 2015 to 2025. The 93 deaths in 2025 were a five-per-cent decrease from the 98 deaths reported in 2024.
  Thirty-six of the deaths in 2025 were reported during the summer months, with 10 in June, 11 in July and 15 in August. There were drowning deaths reported every month in 2025, with the fe
  
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• Surrey mayor breaks silence on police chief firing maelstrom

  06-06-2026 00:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke is distancing herself from the media maelstrom that’s followed the Surrey Police Board’s ouster of founding Surrey Police Service’s chief constable Norm Lipinski earlier this week and subsequent resignation of the board’s chairman and another director.
  Her political rivals are slamming her as a notorious intellectual author of Lipinski’s departure. Former mayor Doug McCallum, who is again seeking the mayor’s chair with his Safe Surrey
  
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• Graham Clowes

  06-06-2026 00:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  1938 September 16 Toowooba, NSW.Aust.
  2026 February 25 Nanaimo, B.C.
  Survived by children Stuart, Laura (Brad), Robin (Caitlin), Tim (Dana) and grandchildren, stepson Andrew (Chelsea) and grandchildren and stepdaughter Alyson. Also survived by his wife Elaine.
  He will be missed.
  Celebration of Life: Yates Funeral Home
  (1000 Allsbrook Road, Parksville)
  on July 9, 2026 at 2:00 pm.
  
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• B.C. adds 25,000 jobs in May, but still falling behind Canada as a whole

  06-06-2026 00:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C. rode a Canadawide jobs wave in May, adding 25,000 for the month as part of the 88,000 added across the country.
  Canada’s unemployment rate dropped to 0.3 points to 6.6 percent, while B.C.’s rate remained steady at 6.8 per cent due to an increased number of people in the labour pool.
  Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon says the numbers show a “significant uptake” in full-time jobs, and an “obvious, clear opportunity” for work in B.C.
  This is also the message he hear
  
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• 2 mosquito species in B.C. show results for virus that can cause human illness

  06-06-2026 00:25 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Two mosquito species that were tested as part of a surveillance project have shown positive results for a virus that can cause illness in people.
  The surveillance project was launched in summer 2025 in response to a cluster of pediatric encephalitis cases – swelling of the brain – in the Whistler area where invasive species and evidence of California serogroup virus among mosquitoes in the Sea-to-Sky region was detected. Three pediatric cases were identified in 2024.
  The pilot projec
  
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• Nanaimo RCMP police chase results in two in custody on Friday

  06-06-2026 00:18 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A police chase through Nanaimo on Friday has resulted in two people taken into custody, drugs seized and a stolen vehicle recovered.
  On Friday, June 5, at about 1:30 p.m. Nanaimo RCMP Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said RCMP observed a “suspicious vehicle” leaving an area known to police for criminal activity in North Cowichan.
  As police had a helicopter nearby, it was assigned to track the vehicle. It was followed by police dog services.
  The vehicle was tracked to an end road in th
  
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• UFC pay-per-view era in Canada ending with move to Paramount Plus in 2027

  06-06-2026 00:13 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Ultimate Fighting Championship fans in Canada have a new home to watch the promotion’s biggest events starting in 2027.
  The mixed martial arts organization announced on Thursday (June 4) that they are moving away from the traditional pay-per-view model in Canada and will be offering its numbered events on the Paramount Plus streaming platform.
  The deal runs for the next six years and the shows are included on all Paramount pricing options. Plans start at $7.99 per month. UFC pay-per-views
  
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• VI Raiders open 2026 BCFC season with home tilt against Okanagan Sun

  05-06-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Vancouver Island Raiders begin their opening drive of the 2026 football campaign next month.
  The Canadian Junior Football League’s 2026 regular season schedule has been released and the Raiders begin B.C. Football Conference play with their home opener against the Okanagan Sun on July 18 at Q’unq’inuqwstuxw Stadium.
  The team travels to play the Prince George Kodiaks at Masich Place Stadium on July 25, followed by a three-game home stand with a game against the Westshore Reb
  
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• Comox Valley RCMP seize 10 knives and imitation handguns from impaired driver

  05-06-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Comox Valley RCMP had a productive afternoon on April 30, seizing a sizable amount of weapons and cash, including 10 knives.
  At 12:29 p.m., the police responded to a report of two individuals believed to be using drugs in a parked vehicle at the Aquatic Centre parking lot.
  Officers located the vehicle. The driver, a male, was in and out of consciousness behind the wheel. The keys were still in the ignition. A female associated with the vehicle was observed displaying signs of drug impairment
  
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• Anthony Alessandro Iormetti

  05-06-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  January 30, 1982 – May 13, 2026
  We are heartbroken to announce the sudden passing of our beloved son, who left us far too soon at the age of 44. Born in Lethbridge, AB, raised in Burnaby and Nanaimo, BC, and spent most of his adult life in Vernon, BC.
  Anthony is survived by his loving parents, Joanne and Alex Iormetti and his sister, Pamela Iormetti (Jen). He will be fondly remembered by his Zia Jenny and Uncle Cliff, who were a big part of his life. Also remembered by Albert (Brooke), Vin
  
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• Defamation suit filed in relation to 2025 shooting of 2 dogs in B.C.

  05-06-2026 23:25 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Legal action for defamation is being taken against eight Sooke residents in connection with the unsolved October 2025 shooting of two dogs that left one dead and one in critical condition on Farmer Drive.
  On Oct. 19, 2025, RCMP responded to the shooting that left 15-year-old Norwegian elkhound-shepherd mix Silo dead, and three-year-old Australian shepherd Riptide with a bullet in his body and a long road to recovery. The dogs’ owners, Gabe Nelson and Kaylee Peaker called it one of the &ldq
  
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• Williams Lake council backs forum on controversial jail closure proposal

  05-06-2026 23:17 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The City of Williams Lake will be scheduling an emergency public meeting for the consideration of temporarily closing the city’s jails following a councillor’s recommendation to transport what he described as “parasites” to other communities.
  After a delegation by Williams Lake RCMP Staff Sgt. and Officer in Charge Brad McKinnon on Tuesday, May 26, Coun. Scott Nelson continued to express his ongoing frustration with street disorder and mischief, primarily including smashe
  
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• 17 people died while hiking, climbing in B.C. in 2025

  05-06-2026 22:27 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Seventeen people died while hiking or climbing in B.C. in 2025, the latest B.C. Coroners Service data shows.
  The coroners service released the “Hiking/Climbing Related Deaths in BC, 2016-2025” on Thursday (June 4). In the 10-year period, there were 143 deaths, equating to approximately 24 deaths per year.
  The report shows that 2019 had the most deaths with 21, followed by 20 deaths in 2023 and 19 in 2016. The fewest deaths were in 2020 with eight.
  Most of the deaths happened between
  
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• Philanthropist couple donates $40M to Surrey’s SFU school of medicine

  05-06-2026 22:11 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Simon Fraser University’s school of medicine has received a whopping $40 million gift from the Stephens family, after whom the school in downtown Surrey will be named.
  This, the largest single donation in SFU’s history, was revealed Friday on behalf of the family, led by Ratana and Arran Stephens – co-founders of Nature’s Path and principals of Que Pasa.
  Their gift to the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine will support research and innovation, training for students as
  
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• Kelowna kitchen nightmare: IH shuts down restaurant over ‘critical’ violations

  05-06-2026 21:52 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A string of violations discovered during a recent inspection has led to an Indian food restaurant in Kelowna being ordered to closed.
  An inspection report released by Interior Health (IH) on Wednesday, June 3 stated that Ustaad G76 Indian Cuisine, located on Rutland Road, has been ordered to close.
  The inspection named a series of concerns including temperature control, pest prevention, hygiene, and contamination issues.
  In total, the report lists three ‘critical’ questions not in co
  
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• Headline history: Flag theft from old Nanaimo hockey barn a suspected prom prank

  05-06-2026 21:01 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Graduation and prom time are approaching for students in Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district, who have historically pulled some fun, and not so fun, pranks to acknowledge the milestone.
  The May 3, 2001 edition of the Nanaimo News Bulletin has a brief about vandalism at the old Nanaimo Civic Arena, and other areas of the city, the weekend previous, with flag poles at front of the rink “bent over and the flags stolen.”
  The incident was suspected to be a prank on prom night, the brief fur
  
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• Fight against highly invasive weed continues for Vancouver Island man

  05-06-2026 20:36 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A year after launching a crusade against an invasive weed capable of causing death, Saanich resident Terry Smollett is still fighting its spread.
  After discovering the plant in his backyard and throughout his neighbourhood was the Italian arum, Smollett told Saanich News the battle is far from over.
  It’s said that the broad-leafed plant, which produces clusters of bright orange-red berries, was introduced to North America from Europe as an ornamental species.The Italian arum produces a tig
  
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• Two Campbell River sailing teams set course for Alaska in gruelling 750-mile race

  05-06-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Splashed across the race website banner is the half warning, half challenge: No engines. No support. 750 cold water miles to Ketchikan, Alaska.
  But for three teams based out of the northern half of Vancouver Island, it’s more of an invitation.
  Against Wind and Reason, Forget me Knot, and Agile Racing are all in their last week of preparation for the iconic Race to Alaska (R2AK). Against Wind and Reason and Agile Racing are both based in Campbell River, while Forget me Knot is from the Como
  
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• Dry conditions, increased usage has City of Nanaimo tightening water restrictions

  05-06-2026 20:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Dry conditions and higher demand has the City of Nanaimo tightening watering restrictions next week.
  With no meaningful rainfall in the watershed area in the last two months, levels at the Jump Lake Reservoir have been dropping, a Friday, June 5 press release stated. Additionally, water usage has been higher than average for the late spring, “placing increased pressure on available water supplies.”
  As a result, the city will enter Stage 3 restrictions come Monday, June 8, asking resi
  
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• Urgent need for orchard survival plan amid major Vernon water cuts: BC Fruit Growers

  05-06-2026 19:52 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  As the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) ramps up watering restrictions to historic levels in response to severe drought conditions, the BC Fruit Growers’ Association (BCFGA) is calling for an immediate plan to ensure orchard survival.
  Greater Vernon Water announced heightened water restrictions across the board Wednesday, June 3. Agriculture accounts for the biggest amount of water use in the area, and the sector has been hit with a restriction mandating a 70 per cent reduction i
  
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• Man suspected of Langley slaying has violent history

  05-06-2026 19:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The man facing a murder charge following a Langley shooting has a lengthy criminal record, including previous convictions for assault, court records in B.C. and Alberta show.
  Justin Rory Hopkins-Jones is facing a charge of second-degree murder after a 47-year-old was found shot to death in a quiet neighbourhood on Brydon Crescent in Langley City on May 26.
  Persons charged with a crime are innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.
  In 2011, Hopkins-Jones was found guilty of assault causin
  
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• Nanaimo RCMP seeking information after man found with significant injuries

  05-06-2026 19:35 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Nanaimo RCMP is investigating after a man was found with “significant injuries.”
  On Thursday, June 4, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a 31-year man was located with significant injuries in the parking lot of a business located at 190 Nicol St.
  Police and emergency medical services attended, but the injured man was unable to explain what happened.
  Officers searched the surrounding area and there was evidence that the victim had been in the 200 block of Victoria Road. However, the cir
  
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• RCMP confirm massive Okanagan construction site blaze was arson

  05-06-2026 19:10 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The massive construction site fire in Penticton that shut down Highway 97 for days has been deemed an arson by the RCMP.
  In a release issued on Friday, June 5, Penticton RCMP announced they are conducting a criminal investigation into the fire.
  On May 27, just after 10 p.m., the Penticton Fire Department was called to the Green Avenue property for a fire. Within six minutes they were on scene, and just another six minutes later the fire had reached third-alarm status and was visible from as far
  
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• Octogenarian Odyssey: Cyclist, 83, starts cross-Canada tour in B.C.

  05-06-2026 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  An 83-year-old is kicking off an 8,600-kilometre bicycle journey across Canada June 12 from White Rock’s iconic pier.
  Robert Fletcher, who turns 84 in August — when he’ll be in Quebec, according to his route — has cycled more than 50,000 kilometres since he turned 80, exploring several continents including North America, South America, Europe and Australia.
  Dubbed the Octogenarian Odyssey, Fletcher will also document his journey through photos, video and social media as w
  
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• Octogenaria Odyssey: Cyclist, 83, starts cross-Canada tour in B.C.

  05-06-2026 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  An 83-year-old is kicking off an 8,600-kilometre bicycle journey across Canada June 12 from White Rock’s iconic pier.
  Robert Fletcher, who turns 84 in August — when he’ll be in Quebec, according to his route — has cycled more than 50,000 kilometres since he turned 80, exploring several continents including North America, South America, Europe and Australia.
  Dubbed the Octogenarian Odyssey, Fletcher will also document his journey through photos, video and social media as w
  
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