Nanaimo news

• QUIZ: In praise of communication

  22-02-2026 14:20 via nanaimobulletin.com
  International Mother Language Day on Feb. 21, is a United Nations initiative to promote the preservation and protection of all languages.
  There are thousands of languages spoken around the world. Some, including English, Mandarin, Hindi, Spanish and Arabic, have hundreds of millions of speakers. Others, including many Indigenous languages, are considered endangered with few speakers remaining.
  In addition, the institutions known as residential schools in Canada have had a long-lasting effect on
  
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• Robert Stanley Arkell

  12-06-2026 17:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  In Loving Memory ~
  Robert Stanley Arkell passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026, at the age of 71, at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria.
  Bob is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Nancy; his beloved sons, Scott and Graeme; his sister, Linda (Ray); and many cousins, nephews, in-laws, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Ted and Pauline Arkell of Parksville.
  He devoted his life to caring for family and enjoying the company of friends. With over 35 years of service at BC Ferri
  
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• WORLD CUP DAILY, June 12: Canada to play historic first game at noon today

  12-06-2026 17:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Daily soccer match updates and news about the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which continues until July 19.
  All eyes are on Toronto today for Canada’s historic first match of the World Cup, noon start vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina on the TSN network.
  This will be the co-host nation’s first World Cup action on home soil, in the opener for Group B.
  For coach Jesse Marsch’s team, the match is a huge opportunity to establish rhythm early in the 104-game tournament, which opened Thursday with a
  
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• Meet Cuatro, a B.C. emu born with 4 legs and adopted by ducklings

  12-06-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Cuatro has a couple of extra legs, but that doesn’t dampen the outgoing personality of the small emu, who remains eager to meet people and snuggle with his adopted duckling siblings.
  Born south of Nanaimo on Saturday, June 6, to Celina Knuff, who breeds emus at Back To Nature Acres farm, Knuff said she first thought an extra limb sticking out of the freshly hatched chick was an umbilical cord.
  Soon it became clear he had two extra non-functioning back legs. One hangs out to the side, point
  
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• Beloved employee retires after 28-plus years with Quality Foods

  12-06-2026 03:20 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Mark Watson has retired after 28-and-a-half years with Quality Foods.
  The popular employee celebrated his retirement on May 1, with store staff and town council members in Qualicum Beach, complete with a cake and card.
  “I had a wonderful time at Quality Foods. I have been a great worker. I really love my job,” Watson said. “I really like to help customers with the groceries and helping around the grocery store. I want to say thank you for the goodbye cards. I want to say thank
  
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• RDN launches Stage 3 outdoor watering restrictions

  12-06-2026 03:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Stage 3 outdoor watering restrictions are set to come into effect for customers for all Regional District of Nanaimo water service areas.
  Announced through a press release on Thursday, June 11, the restrictions come into effect Friday, June 12 – and come exactly a week after the City of Nanaimo initiated Stage 3, citing the lack of rainfall.
  Decourcey and Surfside water service areas, which are at Stage 4, will remain at Stage 4.
  Stage 3 restrictions limits lawn sprinkling to one day per w
  
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• Abbotsford Canucks name Richard Seeley as new general manager

  12-06-2026 02:59 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Abbotsford Canucks have looked to a division rival for a new general manager.
  The club announced the hiring of longtime Ontario Reign general manager Richard Seeley as the both the Abbotsford general manager and an assistant manager for the Vancouver Canucks.
  The team shared the news on Thursday (June 11) late-afternoon and Seeley becomes the second general manager in team history.
  The 47-year-old Powell River product has spent the last eight season as the Reign’s general manager and t
  
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• TROZZO: What a doctor on Canada’s bench in ’86 bench taught me about the World Cup

  12-06-2026 02:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Four days before Canada kicked off its 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar, my Uncle Ed passed away.
  He only got to see Canada at the World Cup once. The difference is, he wasn’t watching from the stands or a couch, he was on the bench.
  Dr. Ed Johnson, known simply as ‘Uncle Ed’ to my brother Luigi and me, was one of the biggest soccer purists I have ever known. Born in England and devoted to Newcastle United, he settled in Canada, spending 38 years as a doctor.
  He also becam
  
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• Vancouver Island community mourns loss of beloved therapeutic horse

  12-06-2026 01:53 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The community at Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association (VTRA) in Central Saanich is mourning the loss of their beloved therapeutic horse, Karl, who died at the end of May during a therapeutic session.
  Liz Gagel with VTRA spoke to Peninsula News Review to walk through the memories of 15-year-old Karl and the special connection he shared with the community.
  The association purchased Karl from Alberta in 2022 because he was in perfect shape, size, and personality for therapeutic riding.
  Karl was
  
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• Indigenous graduates in Nanaimo recognized in Semélshun ceremony

  12-06-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Graduation week celebrations at Vancouver Island University concluded with a ceremony for Indigenous students.
  Semélshun Indigenous Graduation Ceremony took place Thursday, June 11 at the Nanaimo campus, with 39 graduates being recognized.
  According to the university, it was “a chance to incorporate protocol when recognizing the achievements of [its] Indigenous graduates,” with some students donning the traditional regalia of their home nation.
  Jenny Allen, who hails from Inte
  
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• B.C. says social media bill falls short, expert calls it ambitious

  12-06-2026 01:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  With much still left to be determined in the federal government’s newly proposed social media restrictions, experts and officials are parsing the details to figure out how the legislation might work, where the roadblocks could be, and what’s missing.
  B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma says the province wants more, including rules that her government had proposed forcing artificial intelligence companies to report activity to police when someone is threatening themselves or the communi
  
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• Two musical acts will come together for concert at St. Paul’s Anglican Church

  12-06-2026 00:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  To reign in the summer, the Sinclair Singers as well as Just Us will be performing for the Old City Arts Hub.
  The concert, Seasons and Synchronicity, will be at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Friday, June 12 at 7 p.m. The concert is the last for the Old City Arts Hub before summer.
  Sinclair Singers is led by Sharon Sinclair and is Nanaimo’s audition-only young adult choir. People are asked to expect everything from enchanting Renaissance pieces to energetic Pentatonix covers, to s
  
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• Alison George Abbott

  11-06-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Alison George Abbott, born April 23, 1934, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026.
  Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Al was predeceased by his parents, Tom and Corona Abbott; his beloved first wife, Gwen; his sister, Anita; his brother, Harry; and his granddaughter, Aydan.
  Al leaves behind a loving and devoted family who will cherish his memory: his wife, Judy; his brother Reg and family; his children, Michael (Diane), Susan, Nancy (Bill Patus), and James (Leslie) and his stepchildren, Mich
  
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• Bailey’s Law, on intimate partner violence, moves forward in Senate

  11-06-2026 23:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Another step forward to amending the Criminal Code surrounding intimate partner violence was made on June 9.
  Bailey’s Law passed its second reading in the Senate.
  The act, Bill C-225, was first presented to the House of Commons by B.C. member of parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Nicola, Frank Caputo, after a Kelowna woman, Bailey McCourt, was attacked in broad daylight outside her workplace on July 4, 2025. McCourt’s estranged ex-husband, James Plover, has been charged with first-degr
  
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• B.C. rideshare service brings mountain shuttle back for Parks Canada

  11-06-2026 22:40 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Revelstoke’s popular new rideshare service is taking passengers to new heights this month by getting the green light from Parks Canada to reinstate shuttle service up Mount Revelstoke National Park.
  Revy Rides, which launched its three-van shuttle fleet last November, has been expanding its rider reach well beyond town with new routes to Martha Creek Provincial Park and the Skunk Cabbage and Giant Cedars boardwalk.
  On May 27, the company announced that it would also kick off service up the
  
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• Gary Melford Biggs

  11-06-2026 22:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  In Loving Memory ~
  October 11, 1951 – June 4, 2026
  In loving memory of Gary Biggs: Caring husband, amazing father, loving sibling, and great friend. Gary passed away peacefully on June 4th, 2026, at Brandt’s Creek Mews at the age of 74 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. He was a friendly and kind soul and remained as such throughout the progression of his illness. Gary is survived by his wife Donna; children Eric (Amanda) and Laura (Rob) from his marriage to Nela Biggs; s
  
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• B.C. metal plant, Metro seek judicial review of air-quality decision

  11-06-2026 22:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  Metro Vancouver and the owners of a South Surrey galvanizing plant are seeking a judicial review of a March 27, 2026 decision by the Environmental Appeal Board regarding an air-emissions permit issued to the plant nearly a decade ago, as well as a pair of subsequent amendments.
  The step is the latest in a process involving a group of area residents, non-profit societies, an association and two companies that brought 19 appeals of the permit – which authorized the annual discharge of 3.7 to
  
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• Sentencing set for former B.C. massage therapist with ties to Surrey, Penticton

  11-06-2026 22:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The sentencing hearing for a former Surrey massage therapist convicted on multiple counts of sexual assault is to take place this fall in B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster.
  B.C. Prosecution Service officials confirmed the proceedings for Leonard Krekic – who also has ties to both White Rock and Penticton – have been scheduled for Oct. 15-16, 2026, in front of Justice Lance Bernard.
  Krekic was found guilty in May of 12 counts of sexual assault; a decision that followed a 35-day tr
  
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• Wildfire documentary born in Kelowna nominated for 4 film awards

  11-06-2026 21:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A Kelowna-made documentary looking into the growing challenge of wildfires across the province has been nominated for multiple film and televsion awards.
  BC is Burning has been nominated in four short documentary categories in the 2026 Leo Awards.
  The 47-minute film has been nominated in the categories of Best Short Documentary, Best Direction, Best Picture Editing, and Best Sound.
  “We are very honoured by this recognition from the B.C. film community,” said producer and director Mur
  
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• UPDATE: Mexico wins first match of FIFA World Cup

  11-06-2026 21:39 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Mexico has won the first match of the FIFA World Cup, defeating South Africa 2-0 at home on Thursday (June 11) in Mexico City.
  Julian Quinones opened up the scoring in the ninth minute for Mexico and scored the first goal of the tournament.
  South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena was issued a yellow card in the 17th minute, followed by Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez in the 23rd minute.
  The referee has added 4 minutes of stoppage time to the first half.
  Mexico held possession for 57 per cent in the f
  
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• LIVE: FIFA World Cup kicks off with Mexico vs. South Africa

  11-06-2026 21:39 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The FIFA World Cup has officially started, with Mexico and South Africa kicking off the tournament on Thursday (June 11) in Mexico City.
  Julian Quinones opened up the scoring in the ninth minute for Mexico and scored the first goal of the tournament.
  South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena was issued a yellow card in the 17th minute, followed by Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez in the 23rd minute.
  The referee has added 4 minutes of stoppage time to the first half.
  Mexico held possession for 57 per cen
  
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• Security needs to be higher financial priority: BC Watershed Security Coalition

  11-06-2026 21:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  There is a lack of financial commitment to a strategic approach from the provincial government to help communities counter the drought conditions experienced across B.C., said the chair of the BC Watershed Security Coalition.
  Coree Tull said as the Okanagan watershed enters its fourth consecutive year of high-level drought rating, the provincial response has largely been what she calls “ad hoc,” reactive rather than pro-active to the climate change realities we face today.
  Tull added
  
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• Highly contagious parvovirus outbreak threatens Okanagan dogs

  11-06-2026 21:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  An outbreak of canine parvovirus in the Okanagan and Downtown Eastside of Vancouver has prompted a warning from the Humane Societies of BC, urging dog guardians to take immediate precautions.
  The coalition of independent animal service nonprofits across the province made the announcement on Wednesday, June 10, stating that canine parvovirus, commonly known as “parvo,” is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease that primarily affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs.
  Chan
  
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• Crews transforming Kelowna’s Apple Bowl for CFL games this summer

  11-06-2026 20:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Kelowna’s Apple Bowl looks a little different than usual.
  ​The City of Kelowna and Tower Scaffold and Events are currently transforming the 2,300+-seat track-and-field space into a full-sized Canadian Football League (CFL) stadium that will host the BC Lions as they prepare to take on the Calgary Stampeders (June 27) and the Edmonton Elks (July 4).
  ​Construction crews on site have started installing temporary seating that will give the Apple Bowl a completely new look while exp
  
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• Nanaimo Correctional Centre supports dry housing in the community

  11-06-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Having dry supportive housing programs available in the community is essential for many of those with substance-abuse issues at the Nanaimo Correctional Centre to reintegrate into society upon release, according to a centre official.
  Katlyn Tolton, the deputy warden of programs at the centre, was one of a number of individuals and groups who spoke to the need for dry-housing in the community, where no drugs or alcohol use is permitted, at the City of Nanaimo’s special governance and priori
  
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• Lumby murder trial: Stefanski denies inflicting stab wounds, but can’t account for them

  11-06-2026 19:09 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  WARNING: this article contains content related to a domestic violence murder trial which may be distressing to some readers. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has been harmed by domestic violence (gender-based violence), contact Archway Society for Domestic Peace at 250-542-1122 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
  Vitali Stefanski appeared unable to explain the various stab wounds identified on his ex-wife’s body as his second-degree murder trial saw the end of a length
  
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• Impaired driving believed to have caused Nanaimo head-on collision

  11-06-2026 19:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo RCMP responded to a two-vehicle head-on collision believed to be the result of impaired driving.
  The incident was reported just before 5 a.m. on Thursday, June 11 in the 5100 block of Hammond Bay Road.
  Three individuals, the two drivers and one passenger, were assessed by emergency services and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
  As a result of the collision, a portion of Hammond Bay Road between Dunn Place and Entwhistle was closed to allow investigators to safely examine the sce
  
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• High-speed internet coming to 4,000 rural homes in B.C.

  11-06-2026 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  High-speed internet is coming to 50 rural and Indigenous communities in the Thompson Okanagan region.
  Soon.
  B.C. Minister of Citizens’ Services, Diana Gibson, was in Vernon Wednesday, June 10, at Civic Memorial Park to announce the provincial and federal governments will invest $63 million as part of a larger investment to extend fibre-optic internet to as many as 4,000 households in the region.
  The new fibre will connect communities like Falkland, Kingfisher, Silver Creek, Rock Creek, Oka
  
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• Grant to Nanaimo school to be spent on restocking library shelves with books

  11-06-2026 18:35 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A newly-opened school in Nanaimo now has $25,000 with which to restock its library shelves.
  Rutherford Elementary School re-opened in 2025 after being shuttering in 2018 and has been granted $25,000 from non-profit Indigo Love of Reading Foundation Literacy Fund Grant, which will be used to rebuild the book collection.
  According to Lene Rounis, school librarian, work has been ongoing.
  “We started last spring,” said Rounis. “One of our local teacher-librarians curated our collec
  
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• Road resurfacing projects underway in Nanaimo

  11-06-2026 17:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Road resurfacing projects are getting underway in Nanaimo.
  Highway 1 to the Duke Point Ferry Terminal as well as 33 kilometres of side roads in the Nanaimo area are being resurfaced, according to a press release by the province.
  The work, which is part of a $56.5 million investment across Vancouver Island to improve driving surfaces, will repair surfaces worn by traffic and weather, giving people smoother rides and safer driving conditions on key routes being relied on every day, according to th
  
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