Nanaimo news

• Project proposing 17 new housing units on Nanaimo’s Diver Lake issued development permit

  20-08-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo’s city council has voted unanimously to issue a development permit for a mixed-use project that would include 17 housing units on Diver Lake.
  Council gave the green light for the project, located at 3679 Shenton Rd., to proceed at a special council meeting on July 27.
  The property is located on the north side of Diver Lake and is currently vacant with several mature trees.
  The three-storey building would include office space and a mix of studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments.
  Sur
  
  Read more

• More than 50 BCWS members continue to battle Bradley Creek wildfire in Vernon

  20-08-2026 14:51 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  While the Bradley Creek wildfire has been classified as ‘being held’ for 12 days now, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) continues to have a large presence on scene to get the blaze under control.
  In its latest update, which came on Wednesday, Aug. 19, around 2:30 p.m., BCWS has 47 firefighters, five pieces of heavy equipment, and two helicopters on scene.
  As of Thursday morning, Aug. 20, one evacuation order and two evacuation alerts remain in place.
  At the blaze, BCWS crews are continuing
  
  Read more

• Difficult terrain, ‘stubborn fire behaviour’ causing challenges at Bald Range blaze near Summerland

  20-08-2026 14:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  As the battle of the Bald Range wildfire continues, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said a combination of factors made some suppression efforts difficult on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
  Throughout Wednesday, BCWS experienced “hot and dry conditions” which led to increased fire activity. At this time, the fire is listed at 22,693 hectares.
  “Difficult terrain coupled with stubborn fire behaviour in the south and western portions of the fire is challenging suppression efforts,” stated BCW
  
  Read more

• Accused testifies he feared for his life in Grand Forks manslaughter trial

  20-08-2026 06:36 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The man accused of a 2023 Grand Forks area death took the stand at his manslaughter trial on Wednesday, detailing the moments leading up to and after he pulled the trigger of his gun.
  Sean Tiessen, 47, is facing one count of manslaughter in the death of Joshua Lockwood, 33, following an incident that took place at a home shared by the two and Lockwood’s girlfriend, Keera Roberts, after midnight on April 16, 2023.
  Tiessen is claiming self-defence.
  Court hears two audio recordings
  Wednesday
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Expect smoke, flame overnight as crews remain on scene of Summerland wildfire

  20-08-2026 06:03 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE: 9 p.m.
  The Bald Range wildfire remains active on Wednesday night, with northwesterly winds gusting up to 30 km/hr.
  Despite some residents being allowed to return home on Tuesday, as the evacuation order was downgraded to an alert, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is warning those in the area to expect to see smouldering ground flames as well as smoke from within the perimeter of the blaze over the coming weeks.
  Overnight on Wednesday, BCWS small-scale ignitions willl be underway on the nor
  
  Read more

• Potential for aggressive fire behaviour at Brunswick Complex fire in Fraser Canyon

  20-08-2026 05:42 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE Aug. 19 8:35 p.m.
  Warmer and drier weather conditions anticipated over the next few days will result in increased activity across the Brunswick Complex that remains out of control, says BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
  In the latest update BCWS noted going into the weekend there is the potential for aggressive fire behaviour due to increased winds and warmer temperatures. A current ridge of high pressure is expected to break down bringing high winds and the potential for thunderstorms on Satur
  
  Read more

• Potential for aggressive behaviour at Brunswick Complex fire in Fraser Canyon

  20-08-2026 05:42 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE Aug. 19 8:35 p.m.
  Warmer and drier weather conditions anticipated over the next few days will result in increased activity across the Brunswick Complex that remains out of control, says BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
  In the latest update BCWS noted going into the weekend there is the potential for aggressive fire behaviour due to increased winds and warmer temperatures. A current ridge of high pressure is expected to break down bringing high winds and the potential for thunderstorms on Satur
  
  Read more

• Coulson Aviation’s CC-130H Hercules purchase could be a boon to Island city

  20-08-2026 02:04 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  News that the federal government sold 10 retired military aircraft to Coulson Aviation to convert into aerial firefighting tankers means the company’s operation at the Alberni Valley Regional Airport is about to get busier.
  The announcement was made at Cascade Aerospace on the ground of Abbotsford’s airport prior to the start of the Abbotsford Airshow on Aug. 7.
  The 10 CC-130H Hercules aircraft are among a fleet of 12 that were retired by the Royal Canadian Air Force in January 2026.
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• A dumpster fire near Wilson Street and Tranquille Road under investigation

  20-08-2026 01:57 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Kamloops RCMP Detachment is investigating a dumpster fire on North Shore amid frequent suspicious fires around the city.Police received a report of the dumpster fire near Wilson Street and Tranquille Road at approximately 12:46 a.m.
  Mounties arrived at the scene and attempted to put out the fire with continued patrols of the areas.Officers are looking into the circumstances surrounding the blaze and looking for the suspect responsible for the fire.Corporal Dana Napier, spokesperson for the K
  
  Read more

• A dumpster fire in Kamloops under investigation

  20-08-2026 01:57 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Kamloops RCMP Detachment is investigating a dumpster fire on North Shore amid frequent suspicious fires around the city.Police received a report of the dumpster fire near Wilson Street and Tranquille Road at approximately 12:46 a.m.
  Mounties arrived at the scene and attempted to put out the fire with continued patrols of the areas.Officers are looking into the circumstances surrounding the blaze and looking for the suspect responsible for the fire.Corporal Dana Napier, spokesperson for the K
  
  Read more

• High-risk sex offender arrested twice in six days

  20-08-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A man deemed a high-risk sex offender was arrested twice by Langley RCMP in the span of six days for trespass and breaking into an apartment.
  Back in 2020, Vancouver Police issued a public notice about Michael Wayne Carpenter, who had convictions for three counts of sexual assault with a weapon, three counts of forcible confinement, and three counts of utter threat to cause death/harm. The convictions relate to crimes in 2005 in Kamloops.
  “Carpenter poses a risk of significant harm to the
  
  Read more

• Campbell River businesses targeted by vandals

  20-08-2026 00:59 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Campbell River RCMP is investigating after several local businesses were targeted in an overnight vandalism spree where glass windows or doors had been smashed.
  At least four businesses were the target of broken glass windows between roughly 1:30 and 2:00 a.m. on Aug. 14.
  A suspect wearing all black with one yellow glove and one grey glove and associated with a red bicycle was captured on video surveillance.
  On Saturday, Aug. 15, at around 6:15 a.m., another business was targeted with a window s
  
  Read more

• Campbell River businesses targeted by vandalism

  20-08-2026 00:59 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Campbell River RCMP is investigating after several local businesses were targeted in an overnight vandalism spree where glass windows or doors had been smashed.
  At least four businesses were the target of broken glass windows between roughly 1:30 and 2:00 a.m. on Aug. 14.
  A suspect wearing all black with one yellow glove and one grey glove and associated with a red bicycle was captured on video surveillance.
  On Saturday, Aug. 15, at around 6:15 a.m., another business was targeted with a window s
  
  Read more

• Tariff deal on the horizon, but outlook still uncertain for B.C. forestry

  20-08-2026 00:55 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to appear with both Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump signalling a trade deal is in the works to avoid punishing 50 per cent U.S. tariffs on many Canadian goods.
  Trump and Carney spoke late Tuesday night and had what the president called a “very good conversation.”
  “As you know, the 50 per cent tariffs across the board were going on against Canada today, and they called yesterday, and they gave us the points
  
  Read more

• RCMP nab 32 impaired drivers on Vancouver Island’s highways during summer campaign

  20-08-2026 00:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  RCMP officers apprehended 32 drivers who were either impaired by alcohol or drugs on Vancouver Island’s highways during this year’s Summer Impaired Driver Campaign, which ran during a six-week period from June 15 to July 31.
  Across all of B.C., 229 impaired drivers were taken off the road during the campaign.
  The numbers are down from last year’s campaign, which saw 131 drivers on Vancouver Island pulled over while driving impaired during the initiative, and 626 overall across
  
  Read more

• Brief polling lead for B.C. Conservatives quickly erodes under new leader Findlay

  20-08-2026 00:22 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Several recent polls now show an erosion in public support for the B.C. Conservative Party as clear fracture lines appear to be developing in what was once a big-tent right-wing coalition.
  “Those who maybe were expecting a significant bounce for the Conservatives after their convention, after their leadership race, are probably disappointed because this is essentially the same standing that the party had in October of last year when they decided that [former leader] John Rustad was ‘
  
  Read more

• Abbotsford police investigate viral videos of 2 littering incidents

  20-08-2026 00:20 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Videos showing a woman appearing to dump trash into Mill Lake and near Blue Jay Elementary have gone viral and are now being investigated by the Abbotsford Police Department.
  According to the statement from the police, the videos were taken on different dates, with both incidents reportedly happening sometime in late July.
  “Incidents of this nature are unacceptable and can have a significant impact on our parks, waterways, and community spaces,” said the Abbotsford Police Department.
  
  Read more

• Vehicle flips off Island Highway near Nanaimo Golf Course

  19-08-2026 23:16 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A woman and her Cairn Terrier have no visible injuries, but have been transported by paramedics as a precaution, following a vehicle collision at the Dorman Road intersection off Island Highway in Nanaimo.Traffic was backed up for about an hour in the north-bound lane on Island Highway at the Dorman Road intersection by the Nanaimo Golf Course on Wednesday, Aug. 19, following a vehicle incident at about 12:52 p.m.
  Capt. Selby Nickel, from Nanaimo Fire Rescue, said it involved a teal SUV, with on
  
  Read more

• ‘Definition of a psychopath’ rejected for parole in violent Okanagan rape

  19-08-2026 23:13 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  WARNING: This article contains details about a criminal sexual assault and may be disturbing to some readers. If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence, contact the 24-hour Sexual Assault Support Crisis line at 1-877-954-6242 or the RCMP.
  A man previously described in court as “the very definition of a psychopath” will stay in jail for the brutally violent rape of a woman at his second-hand store in Penticton 15 years ago.
  In July, the Parole Board of Canada dee
  
  Read more

• Port Hardy-mid coast ferry sailings cancelled until September

  19-08-2026 22:51 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Ferry sailings between Port Hardy and the mid- and north-coast have been cancelled into September.
  BC Ferries announced the cancellations on Monday Aug. 17, saying that they were due to an issue affecting the vessel’s stern tube shaft seal. Sailings affected are between Bear Cove in Port Hardy, McLoughlin Bay in Bella Bella, Shearwater, Ocean Falls and Bella Coola.
  The vessel will be put in dry dock to complete the repairs. Due to the time necessary to complete the work, the cancellations
  
  Read more

• Emergency preparedness is more than stockpiling water

  19-08-2026 22:38 via nanaimobulletin.com
  I just watched some footage that made me sit back and take a deep breath.
  It was a social media video of a man driving through Faulder, B.C. on Aug. 11, the entire community — minus a few houses — was gone. It was just not there anymore.
  My first thought was obviously for the people who lived in those homes. Losing absolutely everything like that is literally unimaginable to me. I have no real frame of reference to what that must be like. Over the past twenty years, I’ve been c
  
  Read more

• Push to recall Okanagan MLA Tara Armstrong on hold as campaign gathers resources

  19-08-2026 22:32 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A campaign to recall Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream MLA Tara Armstrong is being postponed for now as organizers look to accumulate the funds and volunteers they think they’ll need to have her removed from office.The number of signatures the campaign is able to gather in a period of 60 days is what will decide whether the polarizing Independent MLA will be removed, and the campaign’s organizers say they don’t have the resources yet to realistically meet the high threshold of si
  
  Read more

• Stephania (Sally) Urton

  19-08-2026 22:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  September 11, 1932 – August 4, 2026Stephania (Sally) Urton passed peacefully August 4, 2026, at KinVillage Lodge in Tsawwassen, BC. Sally is survived by her son Kevin, daughter-inlaw Dennette, and two grandchildren, Tyrell and Lauren. Sally is predeceased by her husband Don and son Gary. Sally was deeply loved and will be fondly remembered by family and friends. Born September 11, 1932, on a farm near Bankend, Sask. Sally was one of thirteen children to John and Mary Nazar. Sally eventuall
  
  Read more

• Linda M. Cole

  19-08-2026 22:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  It is with great sadness that we announce our dear friend Linda Margaret Cole’s final journey on July 29th at the age of 86. Linda could be described as a force of nature, and also loved nature — hiking in the mountains, wild flowers, birds and creatures of all stripes, gardens and gardening. And she was a world traveller.
  Linda was born in Leeds in the county of Yorkshire, England, setting off for Canada at the age of 21. She settled first in Edmonton, then moved to Vancouver. Start
  
  Read more

• Anne Marie McDonell

  19-08-2026 22:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  In Loving Memory
  October 27, 1956 – July 13, 2026Anne Marie McDonell passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, at the young age of 69. S
  he was predeceased by her beloved husband, Allan Dick, with whom she shared a love of adventure. Together, they explored much of British Columbia and the Yukon, and travelled widely around the world—visiting Italy, Greece, Germany, Poland, Mexico, and Hawaii, among many other destinations.
  Much of Anne Marie’s strength and spirit came from her
  
  Read more

• Ukraine’s 35th Independence year brings War Up Close VR to Kelowna

  19-08-2026 22:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  As Ukraine marks the 35th year of independence, the ”War Up Close” initiative invites people to experience a virtual reality museum and Children’s Art Showcase taking place on Aug.22.
  The exhibition has already taken place across North America and Europe. In Kelowna, it will take place at The Rotary Centre for the Arts from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  The 360-degree panoramic photography captures the adversary Ukrainian people go through every day. The exhibition takes people to the war
  
  Read more

• Iris Anne Klein

  19-08-2026 21:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Iris Anne Klein, who departed peacefully on the evening of July 5, 2026, at the Stanford Seniors Village in Parksville. A longtime resident of Cassidy and Nanaimo, Iris was a devoted member of the community. She became a licensed practical nurse at Malaspina College and worked at various nursing capacities in the region. Iris taught first aid and CPR for many years and was known for her light and humorous teaching style.
  Iris is survived by her son,
  
  Read more

• UPDATE: Summerland wildfire grows to almost 23,000 hectares as crews brace for strong winds

  19-08-2026 20:52 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE (11:30 A.M.)
  The Bald Range wildfire west of Summerland continues to grow, with crews now mapping the out-of-control blaze at 22,693 hectares in size.
  A changing weather pattern remains in the forecast for Wednesday, BC Wildfire Service said.
  Crews are also anticipating the fire area to be impacted by stronger and shifting winds on Friday, “which will increase fire behaviour, though conditions are not expected to be as severe as previously forecast,” the provincial service not
  
  Read more

• Emergency minister says Vernon cadet camp ready to house wildfire evacuees

  19-08-2026 20:32 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Vernon’s cadet camp will be ready to provide accommodations to wildfire evacuees if required, Canada’s emergency management minister said Tuesday despite previous concerns from a different federal ministry and the local MP about the suitability of the site for housing evacuees.Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski released a statement Aug. 18 saying the training centre stands ready to help people who have had to flee their homes due to wildfires.“The wildfire situatio
  
  Read more

• What’s On, Aug. 19

  19-08-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  MUSIC
  Skinny Dyck, alongside Elliot C. Way, will be performing at The Queen’s on Aug. 20, with doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.showpass.com.
  Cherub Weaponry, the Kettle Black, Wax Mannequin and KVMP will be performing at The Vault Cafe on Aug. 20 at 8:30 p.m., presented by Fake Jass. Part of a monthly experimental music series featuring noise, drone, improv punk and beyond. Cost is $15.
  Petunia and the Vipers will be performing at The Queen’s on Aug. 21, with doo
  
  Read more

Follow @news_nanaimo on Twitter!