Nanaimo news

• RCMP warn Vancouver Islanders of ‘bait and switch’ free mobile phone scam

  02-10-2026 19:10 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  West Shore RCMP is warning residents about a multi-step “bait and switch” scam offering folks a free mobile phone.
  The detachment says they have received reports of individuals posing as telecommunications staff contacting residents to inform them they are eligible for a free device.
  After being encouraged to order the device, the mobile phone is then delivered to the victim’s home.
  “However, shortly after the phone arrives, the scammers contact the victim again, claiming
  
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• Headline history: Reminiscing about the 2008 Nanaimo municipal election

  02-10-2026 23:39 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Four mayoral choices will be on the ballot when voters in the City of Nanaimo head to the polling stations in the next two weeks, just like 18 years ago.
  Leonard Krog (incumbent), Brunie Brunie, Anne Marie Dryden and Sarah Lovegrove are all vying to be mayor, similar to 2008, when four other people sought the mayorship.
  Back then, Gary Korpan (incumbent) sought another term as mayor, with John Ruttan, Diane Brennan and Larry Iwaskow also on the ballot. When the votes were counted, Korpan receive
  
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• 1 arrested, released in Kelowna after alleged Lower Mainland kidnapping

  02-10-2026 23:12 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A person who is not believed to be involved in criminal activity was allegedly kidnapped from the Lower Mainland and taken to Kelowna to reportedly “exert pressure on an associate.”
  The individual told police they were being held against their will at a Kelowna residence before they managed to escape and call Kelowna RCMP on Sept. 28.
  Mounties arrived on scene at about 11:30 p.m. after a report of suspicious circumstances in the 400-block of Sands Court, where officers discovered an
  
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• B.C. Greens propose AI data centre moratorium, greater oversight

  02-10-2026 22:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The B.C. Greens are proposing a province-wide moratorium on artificial intelligence data centres and new safeguards for AI use in schools, workplaces and online platforms.
  Party leader Emily Lowan announced the proposals in Victoria, as part of the Greens’ AI and technology platform, which calls for greater oversight of the technology’s effects on public safety, privacy, workers and the environment.
  The proposed moratorium would pause the construction and operation of AI data centres
  
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• VIDEO: Five men face extortion, gun, explosives charges in Langley/Surrey case

  02-10-2026 22:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Authorities arrested one man as he came off the plane at Pearson Interntional Airport and four others in Surrey in the ongoing fight against extortions in Canada.
  Langley RCMP led a 16-month investigation called Project E_PURSUANCE after hearing from the co-owners of an auto dealership, who were victims of significant extortion demands. This was followed by two targeted attacks on the business involving arson and shootings, at their Surrey and Langley locations in summer 2025.
  “The project
  
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• NDP calls for Conservatives to drop Chilliwack candidate over LGBTQ+ remarks

  02-10-2026 21:25 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The B.C. NDP is once again calling on the B.C. Conservatives to drop a candidate over previous remarks ahead of Saturday’s deadline.
  Vancouver-West End NDP incumbent Spencer Chandra Herbert called on Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson Friday to drop Chilliwack North incumbent Conservative candidate Heather Maahs over her comments about LGBTQ+ people and conflating it with grooming and pedophilia.
  “Heather Maahs, as a B.C. Conservative candidate, has been clear in her hatred, her name
  
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• Underwater demolition training to take place in waters off Metchosin in October

  02-10-2026 20:49 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Residents and visitors are being warned to expect to see military personnel, boats and other military assets in the area of Whirl Bay, off Metchosin, throughout October.
  According to the Royal Canadian Navy and Maritime Forces Pacific, the underwater demolition range at Whirl Bay will be active from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 1 to 2, 5 to 9, 13-16 and the 19 to 22.Whirl Bay, on the south shore of Rocky Point, is bordered by Pedder Bay to the northeast, Race Passage to the south, and Beecher Bay to
  
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• Polling stations in Nanaimo opening for early voting in 2026 municipal election

  02-10-2026 20:42 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo electors will have two chances to get a jump on voting in the B.C. municipal election.
  General voting day, for Nanaimo city council, Regional District of Nanaimo electoral area directors and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools’ trustees, is on Oct. 17, but there will be two advance voting opportunities, the City of Nanaimo said in a press release.
  The first opportunity is on Wednesday, Oct. 7 and the second on Wednesday, Oct. 14 with both taking place at Beban Social Centre (2300 Bowe
  
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• Car found in Kootenay River with human remains linked to 2004 disappearance

  02-10-2026 20:09 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A vehicle containing human remains has been recovered from the Kootenay River as part of the investigation into the disappearance of a Creston-area man more than 22 years ago.
  Creston RCMP said Friday the vehicle is believed to be connected to George Franklin Davis, who was reported missing from the Creston area in July 2004.
  At the time of his disappearance, Davis was reported to have left a residence in the 1300 block of Channel Road to get cigarettes.
  Davis, who was 40 at the time, was last s
  
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• Trial for man accused of killing B.C. woman Tori Dunn set to start Monday

  02-10-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The trial for the man accused of murdering Surrey’s Tori Dunn is set to start Monday morning in New Westminster Supreme Court.Jury selection for the second-degree murder trial of Adam Mann is set to start on Saturday (Oct. 3) morning in courtroom 209, while the trial is set to commence on Monday (Oct. 5) at 10 a.m. before B.C. Supreme Court Justice Terence Shultes.The trial is expected to last about three weeks.
  Dunn, 30, was found with life-threatening injuries after what her family repor
  
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• Cougar suspected in 36 livestock killings on Vancouver Island

  02-10-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Farmers are calling for more action from the BC Conservation Officer Service after one or more cougars is believed to have preyed on more than 30 livestock animals in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area.
  Most recently, three geese were killed on Billy Jolicoeur and Garrett Jolicoeur’s farm on Garden Road in Qualicum Beach the evening of Sept. 28.
  “One was eaten in place,” said Garrett, and added the cougar has been back for the past two nights, based on distinctive “chirpi
  
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• Man attacked by black bear in Castlegar

  02-10-2026 19:53 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Conservation officers are investigating a black bear attack that happened in Castlegar Sept. 28.
  According to the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS), a man was sitting outside his home around 8:30 p.m. when he was bitten by a bear.
  The man’s injuries were not life-threatening.
  Conservation officers interviewed the victim and attended the site as part of their investigation.
  Due to public safety concerns, trapping efforts are now underway to capture the offending bear.
  BCCOS says any b
  
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• Morning landslide in Campbell River; no injuries reported

  02-10-2026 19:26 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The City of Campbell River has received a report about a possible landslide near the condominium building at 350 South Island Highway at 6:06 a.m., Oct. 2.
  No injuries have been reported, and the fire department attended the site to assess the situation. Condominium residents did not have to be evacuated.
  “Cleanup of the affected area is underway, primarily within the property’s parking area adjacent to the slope. The City will continue to monitor the site, and further assessment of
  
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• Rainbow Gatherings to screen award winning documentary the 1950s Pride movement in Comox

  02-10-2026 19:04 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Rainbow Gatherings has scheduled a community screening of the documentary Parade: Queer Acts of Love & Resistance on Oct. 16 at the Bayside Bistro.
  “This film is a bold and unflinching documentary that charts the rise of Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ rights movement through powerful first-person testimony and rarely seen archival footage,” said a press release from Rainbow Gatherings. “From drag shows and community organizing to police raids and protests on Parliament Hill, the
  
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• Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools gaining ‘traction’ in bid for new NDSS, says chair

  02-10-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  While their terms are drawing to a close, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools trustees are continuing to push provincial officials for a new Nanaimo District Secondary School.
  A recent staff report stated the school district has prioritized asking the B.C. government for a replacement of the 74-year-old high school, putting it at the top of its most recent capital plan submission to the B.C. Ministry of Infrastructure.
  At a Sept, 23 board meeting, Leanne Lee, school board chairperson, said the dist
  
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• McDavid tallies 5 points as Oilers hang on for 9-7 win over Vancouver Canucks

  02-10-2026 07:04 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  It was reminscent of an old Smythe Division shootout.
  Two nights after a surprising 6-5 season-opening loss at home, the Edmonton Oilers gained a measure of revenge, dumping the host Vancouver Canucks 9-7 when the teams met again Thursday at Rogers Arena.
  Connor McDavid had a goal and four assists for Edmonton (1-0-1). Leon Draisaitl added two goals, while Trent Frederic, Kasperi Kapanen, Evan Bouchard, Vasili Podkolzin, Ryan Shea and Owen Michaels added singles. Evan Bouchard chipped in with tw
  
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• Alberta-to-B.C. pipeline listed as ‘project of national interest’ by Carney

  02-10-2026 01:35 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Prime Minister Mark Carney has designated the West Coast Oil Pipeline, now known as Pacific Link, as a “project of national interest,” with a deadline to finalize conditions within a year.
  Carney, along with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, made the announcement in Fort McMurray Thursday (Oct. 1). The Pacific Link pipeline is expected to reduce the country’s dependency on the United States by allowing Canada to export an additional one million barrels a day to markets in Asia.
  
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• Nanaimo teacher caught in Creep Catchers-style sting banned from teaching for 7 years

  02-10-2026 00:12 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Warning: The following contains material which may not be appropriate for all readers.
  A former Nanaimo educator is barred from teaching for seven years, after he intended to meet up with a supposed 14-year-old, says the B.C. authority on teacher discipline.
  According to a B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation consent resolution agreement, released Tuesday, Sept. 29, Carlo Deni Pavan was a Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools high school teacher on March 14, 2023, when he contacted someone on Gri
  
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• NDP calls on Conservatives to fire North Island candidate over 2022 vaccine claims

  01-10-2026 23:03 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The B.C. NDP is calling on the B.C. Conservatives to drop incumbent North Island candidate Anna Kindy for her 2022 statements on the COVID-19 vaccines ahead of Saturday’s deadline.
  New Westminster-Coquitlam NDP incumbent Jennifer Whiteside re-shared the video of Kindy to social media on Thursday (Oct. 1), saying that COVID-19 vaccine misinformation made the pandemic worse and has led to Canada losing its measles elimination status.
  Whiteside also called on B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Do
  
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• Woman, dogs helped home by West Kelowna firefighters after scooter battery dies

  01-10-2026 23:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Sometimes it’s the little things that go a long way.
  That was the case for some members of the West Kelowna Fire Department this week as several firefighters helped a woman and her dogs get home after her scooter left her stranded on the side of the road.
  West Kelowna Professional Firefighters posted the incident on social media Wednesday, Sept. 30, including photos and a video of the firefighters helping the woman down the road.
  While the woman was pushed home, her two dogs can be seen in
  
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• Violinist and harpsichordist will be featured for music session in Nanaimo

  01-10-2026 22:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  “In Tune with …” is returning, with a violinist and a harpsichord player to teach classes and perform a concert.Marc Destrubé and Christina Hutten will be the featured guest musicians for the second in the “In Tune with …” series, with Destrubé playing violin and Hutten playing harpsichord.
  “In Tune with …” was created by Sasha Koerbler earlier this year, with the aim of bringing musical education back to Nanaimo, following t
  
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• B.C. brewery fires co-owner over ‘show me the evidence’ shirt

  01-10-2026 22:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Sooke Brewing Company has issued an apology after one of its co-owners reportedly wore a shirt that read “show me the evidence” at the brewery on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
  A photograph of the individual has quickly circulated on social media, garnering hundreds of reactions and comments from the community.
  Sooke Brewing Company announced on Oct. 1 just before 1:30 p.m. that John Adair has been terminated effective immediately, following the incident.
  “We stand
  
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• B.C. brewery co-owner sparks backlash over ‘show me the evidence’ shirt

  01-10-2026 22:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Sooke Brewing Company has issued an apology after one of its co-owners reportedly wore a shirt that read “show me the evidence” at the brewery on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
  A photograph of the individual has quickly circulated on social media, garnering hundreds of reactions and comments from the community.
  Some commenters called for a boycott of Sooke Brewing Company, while others questioned why an ownership member would wear the shirt while representing the business
  
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• Former B.C. chief coroner running in Saanich South for Green Party

  01-10-2026 21:57 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Former chief coroner of B.C. Lisa Lapointe is running under the BC Greens for the Saanich South riding in the Oct. 24 provincial election.
  From 2011 until 2024, she served as chief coroner, overseeing the independent and objective investigations of unnatural and unexpected deaths across the province. During her tenure, she became known as an advocate for evidence and public health data informing government decision-making – especially around the ongoing crisis of drug-related deaths, a top
  
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• Questions arise over Lumby mayor’s double election campaigns

  01-10-2026 20:52 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The game of ‘What if?’ is being felt around the Village of Lumby.
  What if current mayor Kevin Acton successfully campaigns to retain his seat Oct. 17? What if, one week later, in the Oct. 24 provincial election, Acton successfully campaigns to become MLA for the B.C. Conservatives in the Vernon-Lumby riding?
  Acton – who is running for both positions – has answers.
  “One of my philosophies has always been: respect the taxpayer,” he said on social media. “I
  
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• B.C. grocery store manager assault sign of growing danger in workplace

  01-10-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A Victoria Save-On-Foods manager was recently seriously assaulted while at work.
  In an open letter Monday (Sept. 28), president of Pattison Food Group Jamie Nelson said the manager “lost consciousness, sustained a concussion, and suffered significant injuries that will likely require surgical treatment.”
  The Victoria Police Department (VicPD) said officers responded to a report of a theft and an assault against an employee at the Save-on-Foods in the 1000-block of Pandora Avenue just
  
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• New Chemainus mural honours Japanese Canadian community

  01-10-2026 20:27 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Hundreds of people gathered in Chemainus on Saturday as a new mural was unveiled to honour the Japanese Canadians who once lived, worked and built a community in town before being forcibly uprooted during the Second World War.
  Approximately 200 people attended the Sept. 19 unveiling on Croft Street, with the crowd spilling into the street as the new Remembering and Honouring Japanese Canadians in Chemainus installation was revealed.
  The ceremony opened and closed with performances by Shachihoko
  
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• Elk damages car during rut at Lake Cowichan

  01-10-2026 20:21 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  While the sight of elk wandering around Lake Cowichan is generally commonplace for the folks who live in the small western Cowichan communities, the sight of an elk using a parked car as a launchpad is not.
  It took Evergreen Place resident Bruce Roach seeing his building’s security camera footage to believe what had happened to his beloved 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme on Monday, Sept. 14. And even then, he’s still shocked, he told media following the incident.
  The security camera
  
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• Seven Nanaimo elementary schools chosen for regulated speed limits in first phase

  01-10-2026 19:57 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The city is moving forward with plans to regulate speed limits near seven selected elementary schools in Nanaimo.
  Impacted schools include Fairview, Bayview, Park Avenue, Georgia Avenue, syuw̓é n̓ct school, Brechin and Frank Ney.
  Jamie Rose, Nanaimo’s manager of transportation, told the city’s governance and priorities committee at its meeting on Monday, Sept. 30, that there are areas in the city with existing signage indicating speed limits are lower than 50 km/h, i
  
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• Missing parts from fatal Fort Simpson, NWT plane crash found by investigators

  01-10-2026 19:53 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) says it has recovered the missing parts from the plane that crashed near Fort Simpson this past June and that a detailed look at what happened can now begin.
  According to an update on Thursday from the TSB, investigators who arrived on-site to examine the wreckage of the Turbo Commander 960 Bird Dog 104 noted that the plane’s left wing along with the horizontal and vertical stabilizers in the tail section weren’t there. An air search of the area
  
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