Nanaimo news

• PROGRESS 2026: Coulson Aviation’s night vision firefighting helped battle summer fires on Vancouver Island

  30-06-2026 01:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  In a historically bad year for wildfires across Canada, B.C. had 1,350 fires with an estimated 886,360 hectares of land burned across the province. When it came to fighting two of the worst fires in Vancouver Island’s history, BC Wildfire Service took advantage of Coulson Aviation’s successful night vision aerial firefighting program.
  Almost 15 years to the day after testing how effective a helicopter could be dropping water on hot spots at night, the Wesley Ridge fire broke out betw
  
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• North Vancouver volleyball coach charged with multiple sexual offences

  02-07-2026 22:17 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A North Vancouver volleyball coach is charged with multiple counts of sexual offences from alleged assaults dating back to 2016, with some involving youth.
  Iraj Mozaffari is facing 10 counts, including three counts of sexual interference of a person under 16, two counts of touching a young person for sexual purpose and five counts of sexual assault, North Vancouver RCMP announced Thursday (July 2).
  The offences are alleged to have occurred between January 2016 and December 2024.
  North Vancouver
  
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• MP Tamara Kronis given shadow positions for supply chains and food inflation

  02-07-2026 22:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Tamara Kronis, MP for Nanaimo-Ladysmith, wants to make food more affordable for people in her riding and across Canada.
  She has recently been appointed by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to the official opposition shadow cabinet as shadow minister for supply chains, as well as chair of the newly formed Food Affordability Task Force.
  This dual appointment is meant to directly connect the vulnerability of Canada’s transportation, port, and logistics networks with soaring grocery costs h
  
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• B.C. nurses begin job action following 72-hour strike notice

  02-07-2026 21:46 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C. Nurses’ Union members have officially begun job action.
  The union issued the 72-hour strike notice to the employer – the provincial government – on Monday, noting that job action would begin Thursday, July 2 at 12:01 p.m.
  The union says its now beginning targeted job action at worksites across the province.
  That means beginning Thursday nurses will no longer perform non-nursing duties, which the union says will allows nurses to “focus on the work they were trained to
  
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• VIDEO: Chilliwack motorcyclist crashes in Vancouver after passing RCMP on shoulder

  02-07-2026 21:14 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  RCMP have released a video showing a Chilliwack motorcyclist crashing his bike, and police are reminding drivers it’s illegal and dangerous to pass on the shoulder following an incident in Vancouver.
  The collision happened in heavy traffic westbound on Highway 1 near East 1st Avenue in Vancouver on June 18 at 9:22 a.m.
  A BC Highway Patrol officer was passed by a black Harley-Davidson motorcycle on the right shoulder. When the police officer activated his lights and siren, a blue pickup tru
  
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• Organizers cancel 2026 Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival

  02-07-2026 21:01 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival will take a year off before an anticipated return in 2027, according to organizers.
  The festival, hosted by Nanaimo Paddling Centre, was scheduled for Saturday-Sunday, July 11-12 at the waters off Maffeo Sutton Park, but Holly Wylie, paddling centre president and operations manager, said teams are heading to other races, leaving the Nanaimo festival short.
  “The reason why we have to defer our festival is because we couldn’t get the teams right, becaus
  
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• Growing e-dirt bike trend prompts safety warning from North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP

  02-07-2026 20:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are reminding the public that the use of e-dirt bikes on public roadways is not permitted under the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act.
  The use of electric-assisted bikes is growing in popularity but has raised safety concerns, according to police.
  “It is important for riders and parents to understand that e‑dirt bikes are not the same as street‑legal e‑bikes and are subject to different rules under the BC Motor Vehicle Act,” said a press release issu
  
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• B.C., feds agree to keep North Coast tanker ban, but still clear way for new pipeline

  02-07-2026 20:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The federal government will provide billions of dollars in support for B.C. projects and guarantee that the North Coast tanker restrictions will remain in place in exchange for a commitment not to oppose a new pipeline from Alberta to the coast.
  “We will not be going to court to fight a pipeline project,” B.C. Premier David Eby said in Vancouver on Thursday, July 2. “Instead, we will ensure we fulfill our constitutional obligations in good faith.”
  “Pipelines are fed
  
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• British Columbians reminded to use life jackets amid recent drowning deaths

  02-07-2026 20:29 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  There have been more than 20 fatal drownings so far this year, and a society that advocates for water safety warns it could be a record-breaking year for deaths.
  Lifesaving Society’s B.C. and Yukon branch says – by its count – there have been 27 drowning deaths so far in the province in 2026.
  Lenea Grace, executive director of the society, said there has been a recent spike in drownings in B.C., pointing to a recent reported drowning on Okanagan Lake on June 29 and the presumed
  
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• Youbou Community Bowling Alley that still uses hand-set pins celebrates 75 years

  02-07-2026 19:58 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Youbou Community Bowling Alley is on a roll, this year marking its 75th anniversary.
  A community staple, and kingpin
  Since 1951, Youbou Bowling Alley has been a cherished gathering place where generations have come together to bowl, socialize, and create long lasting memories. What makes this alley unique is that it is one of the few remaining facilities that still uses hand-set pins. Manually reset by pinsetters, they continue to preserve a rare piece of bowling history that has almost complete
  
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• North Cowichan urging province to pay for bus route to new hospital

  02-07-2026 19:48 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Municipality of North Cowichan will send a letter to the province arguing the need for funding for bus service to the new Quw’utsun Valley Hospital.
  During the regular North Cowichan Council meeting on June 17, it was recommended that council authorize Mayor Rob Douglas consider sending the letter, urging funding for transit in time for the hospital’s anticipated spring 2027 opening.
  The letter addressed to Minister of Transportation and Transit Mike Farnworth, and to Minister of
  
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• Cowichan’s Damen Marinakis awarded Canada’s largest undergraduate scholarship

  02-07-2026 19:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow and 2026 Frances Kelsey graduate Damen Marinakis is one of those leaders.
  Marinakis is one of the 50 selected to receive a $100,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship (Canada’s largest undergraduate scholarship) which will allow him to work towards a Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) at Queen’s University in Ontario.
  The Schulich Foundation supports Canada’s top STEM (Science,Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) talent through its Sch
  
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• Canada Day earthquake felt in Washington, Greater Victoria

  02-07-2026 19:09 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Over 1,500 people reported feeling an earthquake that struck south of Victoria on Canada Day.
  Originating at a depth of 25 kilometres, a 3.8-magnitude earthquake hit Washington’s Oak Harbour around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, according to the United States Geological Survey.
  Those who felt the earthquake said it was “weak” or “light” and nobody logged any damage.
  In Greater Victoria, 17 people reported feeling the earthquake, and 18 more felt it on the Lower Mainland.
  E
  
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• Nanaimo’s Chinese community want their history and heritage more recognized

  02-07-2026 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Sherron Soo, chair of the Nanaimo Chinatown Heritage Foundation, and her supporters continue to work hard for more recognition of the heritage and history of the city’s Chinese community.
  Soo and group of supporters, including Melody Ma, from the Foundation for Chinese Dignity, and Dr. Yao Xiao, a UBC scholar in Chinese diasporic migration studies, spent Monday, June 29, going door-to-door in what was once Nanaimo’s Chinatown in the Hecate Street area collecting stories and memories
  
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• Gardens can solve food and health crisis

  02-07-2026 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Over the weekend I watched the movie Farmacy of Light from Rob Herring, executive producer, which makes the case that the crises in our food system and in human health aren’t separate problems.
  They are one problem.
  The fresh produce sitting in your grocery store is measurably less nutritious today than the same vegetables grown just a few decades ago. This isn’t speculation. Researchers analyzing historical agricultural data have documented significant declines in essential vitamins
  
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• Reid Davidson Memorial Golf Tournament set for July 12 at Fairwinds

  02-07-2026 18:40 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The second annual Reid Davidson Memorial Golf Tournament is set to take place at Fairwinds Golf Club in Nanoose Bay on July 12.
  The event honours Davidson, who died in a tragic vehicular incident caused by a reported impaired driver on July 2023.
  The tournament also pays tribute to every life lost to impaired driving, for every family forever changed, for every friend left grieving and for every survivor rebuilding their life.
  “This year we are truly hoping to build more community and conn
  
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• Soil washing facility opens in Chilliwack, first of its kind in North America

  02-07-2026 18:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A mobile soil washing facility officially opened in Chilliwack and it’s the first of its kind in North America.
  Located at Shxwhá:y Village, the Shxwhá:y Soil Management Facility diverts contaminated soil from landfills by separating and cleaning it so it can be repurposed.
  The multi-million dollar Headlands Environmental facility officially opened on Tuesday, June 30. It is operated and staffed in partnership with Shxwhá:y Village.
  It was on that same site where Headl
  
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• WORLD CUP DAILY, July 2: England, USA and Belgium all advance to the Round of 16

  02-07-2026 17:21 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Daily FIFA World Cup soccer match updates and news for Black Press Media publications.
  Three matches were played Monday, including USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, as England face off against the Democratic Republic of Congo.The United States, England and Belgium have all made it through to the next round.Portugal will play against Croatia at Toronto Stadium at 7 p.m. ET. Tickets for this match are $1,996, according to ticketdata.com on Thursday morning (July 2).Thursday, July 2:
  Spain vs. Austria
  
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• WORLD CUP DAILY, July 2: England, USA and Belgium advance to the Round of 16

  02-07-2026 17:21 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Daily FIFA World Cup soccer match updates and news for Black Press Media publications.
  Three matches were played Monday, including USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, as England face off against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  The United States, England and Belgium have all made it through to the next round.
  Portugal will play against Croatia at Toronto Stadium at 7 p.m. ET. Tickets for this match are $1,996, according to ticketdata.com on Thursday morning (July 2).
  The second-to-last match at BC P
  
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• Oceanside Football Club hosts series of events to celebrate World Cup

  02-07-2026 16:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  With Canada co-hosting the world’s biggest soccer tournament this summer, Oceanside FC is celebrating with a series of community events designed to bring people together and share a love of the game.
  The celebrations began on Canada Day, July 1, when players, coaches, volunteers, families and supporters participated in the Parksville Canada Day Parade.
  “As a Canadian soccer community, we are proud to celebrate both our country and this historic moment for soccer in Canada,” sai
  
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• What to expect (and do) in the first 4 weeks with a puppy

  02-07-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming — for both the puppy and their new guardians.
  The first month is a period of adjustment, learning, and building trust. Understanding what your puppy needs during this time can help set the foundation for a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.
  Week one: Settling in
  Your puppy has just left everything they know, their littermates, familiar smells, and daily routine. It’s normal for puppies to feel uncertain, tired, o
  
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• Long-time member of Nanaimo Royal Canadian Legion branch given highest honour

  02-07-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A long-time member of Mt. Benson Branch 256 of the Royal Canadian Legion has received the highest legion honour for her contributions and service.
  During a Legion meeting held on Sunday, June 28, Joann Walton was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, which is the highest honour the Legion can bestow upon a member.
  During the ceremony, Gary Peters, command first vice-president with the Legion’s B.C. and Yukon command, went into detail about Walton’s involvement with the Royal Canadia
  
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• Nanaimo’s Rotary Bowl undergoing major upgrades

  02-07-2026 00:01 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Big changes are coming for Nanaimo’s Rotary Bowl Track and Field facility.
  For the rest of the summer and continuing until October, the City of Nanaimo will be working on the upgrade of the sports facility to meet the growing demands of the community, and give the city the ability to host higher-level track and field competitions.
  The upgrades will include a new high-jump area, a new pole-vault track, a sprint-start extension to the oval, and a new sod and irrigation system in the infield
  
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• What’s On, July 1

  01-07-2026 23:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  MUSIC
  Iron Kingdom, W.M.D. and Awkward will be performing at The Terminal Bar on July 2 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25.
  Cory Weeds Meets Jerry Weldon will be performing at St. Andrew’s United Church on July 2 at 7 p.m. The performance is a part of a monthly jazz concert series. Tickets are available at www.porttheatre.com.
  Saving Grace, Long Cool Cowgirl and Zuva & Izzy will be performing at The Queen’s on July 3 at 7 p.m. This is a 19+ event with two pieces of ID required for admissi
  
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• Hands Across the Border: B.C. resident co-writes song honouring Canada-U.S. bond

  01-07-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A song written by two Canadians – including one from Surrey – is celebrating the longstanding bond between Canada and the United States.
  As Canadians prepare for Canada Day on July 1, and Americans get ready for Independence Day on July 4, a new song by South Surrey’s Marc Burchell and Halifax singer-songwriter Terry Kelly highlights the friendship between the two countries.
  Kelly is an Order of Canada recipient, award-winning singer-songwriter, motivational speaker and accompl
  
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• Former Kelowna Rocket back for 3rd stint with Vancouver Canucks

  01-07-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Third time’s the charm.
  On Wednesday, July 1, the Vancouver Canucks announced the signing of defenceman Luke Schenn to a one-year, $2.25 million contract.
  For the former Kelowna Rocket, this is his third stint with the Canucks. During the 2018-19 season, the Saskatoon product played in 18 games, tallying two assists. He was also with the Canucks for two seasons, from 2021-23, where he played 121 games, scoring eight goals and adding 30 assists.
  The 2026-27 campaign will be his 19th NHL sea
  
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• Blue Jays pitcher, future hall of famer, to make start for Vancouver Canadians: report

  01-07-2026 18:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Baseball fans can get a closer look at a future Hall of Fame pitcher in Vancouver this Friday.
  Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer will make a rehabilitation start for the High-A Vancouver Canadians on July 3, according to a report by Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi on Wednesday, July 1.
  Scherzer, who is currently on the injured list with back spasms, will pitch on Friday and then join the Blue Jays in Seattle for the club’s three-game weekend series to determine next steps in his recovery
  
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• Blue Jays pitcher, future hall of famer to make start for Vancouver Canadians: report

  01-07-2026 18:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Baseball fans can get a closer look at a future Hall of Fame pitcher in Vancouver this Friday.
  Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer will make a rehabilitation start for the High-A Vancouver Canadians on July 3, according to a report by Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi on Wednesday, July 1.
  Scherzer, who is currently on the injured list with back spasms, will pitch on Friday and then join the Blue Jays in Seattle for the club’s three-game weekend series to determine next steps in his recovery
  
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• Estate of Leonard Frank Hindle

  01-07-2026 17:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  We are solicitors for the Estate of Leonard Frank Hindle, who died in Parksville, B.C. on February 4, 2026. We are attempting to locate Shauna (possibly spelled Shawna), biological daughter of the deceased, who was last known to be living in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. Please contact Raya MacKenzie at JB Lawyers LLP, 4th Floor, 1007 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8V 3K5 telephone (250) 385-5787 Fax (250) 385-4364 or by email at [email protected] if you have any helpful information. rmac
  
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• ‘Beauties and Beasts’ the theme for Parksville sand sculpting competition

  01-07-2026 16:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Parksville Beach Festival returns this July for five-and-a-half weeks of fun activities in the sand.
  The sculptors will get to work on the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition on July 9, with the gates open to the public starting at 2 p.m. on July 10. There will be 14 soloists and eight doubles, with competitors coming from across Canada, as well as the U.S., Colombia, the Netherlands, Czechia and Australia.
  Judging will take place on July 12 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the sculptures will
  
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