https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/en-caCopyright (C) 2026 newslocker.comTue, 27 Oct 2026 00:57:00 +0100 Ravi Parmar, who eked out a third victory for the NDP in Langford-Highlands, says voters “sent a message” that the snap election was the “wrong decision.”
“It was clearly a mistake. No question,” Parmar said in a Monday morning interview. “We spent the entire election campaign answering the question, ‘ Why did]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/clearly-a-mistake-candidates-experts-reflect-on-snap-election-call/Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:57:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/clearly-a-mistake-candidates-experts-reflect-on-snap-election-call/ This year, a few dozen zombies and macabre creatures rose from the dead once again, gathering at the same spot they have for the past two decades before taking to the capital’s streets on the afternoon of Oct. 25.
Commonly known as zombie walks, the first event of its kind took place in Milwaukee in August 20]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/photos-island-zombie-walk-rises-from-the-dead-ahead-of-halloween/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 23:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/photos-island-zombie-walk-rises-from-the-dead-ahead-of-halloween/ Tim Binnema sure wants to know.
Green Party candidate in Surrey-Fleetwood, Binnema says someone put up hundreds of unauthorized signs with his name and photo last Friday (Oct. 23), a day before final voting in the B.C. election.
“It’s somewhere between 100 and 200 (signs), I would say,” Binnema estimated Saturday. “It was shocking, to be tell you the truth. When I turned around the corn]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fake-campaign-signs-pop-up-in-bc-riding-on-election-eve/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 22:44:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fake-campaign-signs-pop-up-in-bc-riding-on-election-eve/ The incident occurred shortly before 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, at Costco, located at 6700 Island Highway North.
Police were notified that the man allegedly attempted to force open a glass jewelry display case using an unknown tool.
Surveillance footage shows the man examining the display before attempting to pry open the case.
An al]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-seek-help-identifying-man-involved-in-alleged-jewelry-theft-attempt/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 22:41:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-seek-help-identifying-man-involved-in-alleged-jewelry-theft-attempt/ This brings Ksi Lisims completed binding S]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-north-coast-lng-project-draws-nearer-to-final-investment-decision/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 22:08:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-north-coast-lng-project-draws-nearer-to-final-investment-decision/ However, the voter statistics told a different story: fewer than half of voters marked their ballots for a Conservative.
A total of 48.1 per cent of voters cast ballots for the Conservatives, while 37.4 per cent voted for a BC NDP candidate and 11 per cent supported a BC Green can]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-election-outcome-does-not-reflect-popular-vote/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 21:51:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-election-outcome-does-not-reflect-popular-vote/ The injunction requires all of the temporary structures to be cleared, a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/court-orders-penticton-unhoused-encampment-be-cleared/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 21:40:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/court-orders-penticton-unhoused-encampment-be-cleared/ According to BC Ferries, Brian Anderson, vice president of strategy and planning, has been appointed as the interim CEO, while Dallyn Willis, executive vice president and chief financial officer, assumes responsibility for strategy and planning and leads the revitalization review with oversight from the board.
“The ferry]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ferries-ceo-replaced-amid-review-of-services/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 21:40:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ferries-ceo-replaced-amid-review-of-services/ Higginson now sits at 13,380 (44.37 per cent), 13 votes ahead of Kris McNichol of the BC Conservative Party’s 13,367 votes (44.33 per cent).
Charlene Smylie of the BC Green Party sits in third place with 3,365 votes (11.16 per cent).
Elections BC noted Monday that results reported on election night are preliminary and subject to change as]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-candidate-pulls-ahead-by-13-votes-after-results-corrected-in-ladysmith-oceanside-riding-2/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 21:29:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-candidate-pulls-ahead-by-13-votes-after-results-corrected-in-ladysmith-oceanside-riding-2/ Higginson now sits at 13,380 (44.37 per cent), 13 votes ahead of Kris McNichol of the BC Conservative Party’s 13,367 votes (44.33 per cent).
Charlene Smylie of the BC Green Party sits in third place with 3,365 votes (11.16 per cent).
Elections BC noted Monday that results reported on election night are preliminary and subject to change as]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-candidate-pulls-ahead-by-13-votes-after-results-corrected-in-ladysmith-oceanside-riding/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 21:29:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-candidate-pulls-ahead-by-13-votes-after-results-corrected-in-ladysmith-oceanside-riding/ Loud noises such as doorbells ringing, unexpected visitors and open doors, fireworks, exposure to potential toxins, and discarded candy wrappers are all things that can make animals anxious or present health threats. It often leads to fear and unpredictable behaviour for animal companions and wildlife.
Planning ahead of Halloween and the holiday season gives pets a better chance at]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/tips-to-keep-pets-and-wildlife-safe-this-halloween/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 19:11:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/tips-to-keep-pets-and-wildlife-safe-this-halloween/ The city declared results earlier this week, confirming Leonard Krog received 10,368 votes to earn the mayorship, with Sarah Lovegrove, a first-time candidate, in second with 8,461. Ben Geselbracht, Paul Manly, Hilary Eastmure, Sheryl Armstrong, Andréa Coutu, Erin Hemmens, Marnie Boers and Ian Thorpe were elected as cou]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/toxic-drug-crisis-weighed-in-nanaimo-municipal-election-results-says-political-analyst/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 13:30:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/toxic-drug-crisis-weighed-in-nanaimo-municipal-election-results-says-political-analyst/ On Nov. 7, 22-year-old Ethan Reid plans to run around the clock to raise money for Movember – an annual donation drive supporting men with projects centred around suicide prevention and mental health.
“I’m raising funds and bringing awareness to men’s health this month for all the men in and out of my life,” Reid wrote on his fundraising page. “I mys]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/me-against-me-islander-running-24-hours-for-mens-health/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 13:30:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/me-against-me-islander-running-24-hours-for-mens-health/ Few (if any) people still living will remember that last provincial Conservative government, but many will be asking themselves who Lorne Doerkson is. First elected provincially in the Cariboo-Chilcotin riding in 2020, a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/from-rodeo-rider-to-premier-elect-meet-unknown-bc-conservative-leader-lorne-doerkson/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/from-rodeo-rider-to-premier-elect-meet-unknown-bc-conservative-leader-lorne-doerkson/ They’re not talking about spooks and spectres, but about ghost cars. Also known as ghost cruisers, they’re unmarked police vehicles with fewer obvious emergency lights and markings than regular cruisers, but are otherwise fully functional police vehicles. Two recent excessive speed impounds were a direct outcome of using ghost cruisers to enforce safe driving near Prince George]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/drivers-beware-police-warn-about-ghosts-on-bc-roads/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/drivers-beware-police-warn-about-ghosts-on-bc-roads/ Hughes, the superstar defenceman and former Canucks captain, was returning to Vancouver for the first time since being acquired by Minnesota on Dec. 12, 2025. He was loudly jeered every time he touched the puck, along with various derogatory chants during the game. A tribute video during a break seven m]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/boos-for-hughes-wild-win-4-2-as-ex-canucks-captain-jeered-in-return-to-vancouver/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 05:42:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/boos-for-hughes-wild-win-4-2-as-ex-canucks-captain-jeered-in-return-to-vancouver/ Today we play catch-up. Local students are well into their new school year and also into another year of extra-curricular activities. That said, let’s look back to give belated recognition to secondary school students who earned top athlete awards at the end of last school year…
Working from north to south, we’ll start]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/thorpe-report-high-school-student-athletes-celebrated/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/thorpe-report-high-school-student-athletes-celebrated/ The elections, which resulted in a landslide victory for the BC Conservatives on Oct. 24, saw the lowest turnout in the province’s history, with only 48.1 per cent of registered voters casting their ballots with 99.75 per cent of boxes reporting. The result marks an over 10 per cent decrease in voter turnout percentage compared to the 2024 provincial elect]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2026-bc-election-sees-record-low-turnout-as-conservatives-win-majority/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 22:35:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2026-bc-election-sees-record-low-turnout-as-conservatives-win-majority/ “To the British Columbians who voted for another party yesterday, I heard you,” he said. “Starting today, I am your premier as much as anyone else’s. You will have a government that listens to you, works for you, and respects you, however you marked your ballot.”
Because he was appointed to lead his party just two da]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-premier-designate-doerkson-urges-unity-and-promises-swift-action-after-decisive-victory/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 20:31:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-premier-designate-doerkson-urges-unity-and-promises-swift-action-after-decisive-victory/ And, just over 12 hours after taking the stage as elected premier-designate, Doerkson addressed the media in Vancouver.
“Today I’m your premier,” Doerkson said. “No matter how you marked your ballot.”
Doerkson is also being sent back to Victoria for the third time by the voters of his Cariboo Chil]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-premier-designate-doerkson-addresses-media-after-conservative-majority-win/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 20:31:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-premier-designate-doerkson-addresses-media-after-conservative-majority-win/ Virts, a retired colonel with the U.S. armed forces, was part of a team of volunteers that delivered more than 60 ambulances, emergency vehicles and small buses to the defence forces in Ukraine fighting the Russian invasion.
Virts’s other trips have involved two expeditions i]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-astronaut-on-space-and-politics-in-ukraine/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 19:30:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-astronaut-on-space-and-politics-in-ukraine/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/explore-winemaker-yeungs-2025-releases/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 19:12:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/explore-winemaker-yeungs-2025-releases/ “We were driving home and all of sudden this grizzly bear ran across the road in front of us. We got a quick little video of it, but it was really fast. The grizzly bear ran into the bush. It wa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/young-grizzly-spotted-near-zeballos/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 18:06:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/young-grizzly-spotted-near-zeballos/ Trendy Kids has another location in Nanaimo at 6324 Metral Drive, across from the Superstore, which opened last year, and a third location at 145 W 2nd Ave. in Qualicum Beach.
Owner Jeff Ross, who also opened a new toy store called Kidz Toys just down the hallway from Trendy Kids in Nanaimo North Town Centre earlier this year, said Trendy Kids is popular with pa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/business-notes-trendy-kids-opens-third-location/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 13:30:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/business-notes-trendy-kids-opens-third-location/ “This is obviously something I do with a heavy heart,” he told supporters gathered in downtown Vancouver on Saturday night. “But it is time for new leadership within our party.”
Eby called the snap election on Sept. 22 as the opposition Conservative Party appeared to be in disarray. Former Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findaly had stepped down just two days earlier amid a caucus uprising, and the party a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/david-eby-steps-down-as-bc-ndp-leader-after-party-loses-election/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 07:38:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/david-eby-steps-down-as-bc-ndp-leader-after-party-loses-election/ Based on preliminary numbers for Nanaimo-Lantzville, George Anderson will reclaim his seat at the B.C. legislature garnering 11,563 votes over the B.C. Conservatives’ Kelsey Pringle who received 10,697 – 866 more votes.
For Nanaimo-Gabriola Island, Sheila Malcolmson was re-elected, garnering 11,077 votes over the B.C. Conservativ]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-provincial-election-ridings-remain-ndp-province-goes-conservative/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 07:19:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-provincial-election-ridings-remain-ndp-province-goes-conservative/ With all the election day ballots reporting and three of four advance ballot boxes counted, Van Popta was ahead with 7,552 votes, or 55.44 per cent of the total cast. Holly Isaac of the NDP received 4,362 votes, or 32.02 per cent.
Green Party’s Sam Meyer received 1,107 votes for 8.13 per cent, and Kyle Stevenson of CentreBC took 586 votes, or 4.3 per cent.
The p]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/langley-walnut-grove-stays-conservative-in-bc-election/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 07:18:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/langley-walnut-grove-stays-conservative-in-bc-election/ The incumbent MLA held off Andrew Mercier, who had held the seat from 2020 to 2024 for the NDP.
“I’m feeling fantastic,” Toor said after it became clear that she was well ahead, as was her party.
“This is overwhelming,” Toor said. “People are ready for a change.”
She said her priority, one she’s worked towards whi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservatives-win-in-langley-willowbrook/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 07:13:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservatives-win-in-langley-willowbrook/ ​It was a landslide victory for the Conservative Party on Saturday, Oct. 24, over one million British Columbians went to the polls and ultimately voted for the Conservatives after nine years of an NDP government.
​Dew, who was initially voted in as an MLA for Kelowna-Mission in 2024, tells Black Press Media he is ready to advocate for change with a majorit]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/this-is-a-big-blue-wave-conservative-gavin-dew-re-elected-in-kelowna-mission-riding/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 07:02:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/this-is-a-big-blue-wave-conservative-gavin-dew-re-elected-in-kelowna-mission-riding/ With just two ballot boxes left to be counted, McCall has more than 62 per cent of the vote, according to the preliminary numbers.
“What a humbling and exciting night, I am honoured to be re-elected as your MLA and grateful for the trust our community has placed in me once again,” McCall said in an emailed statement to Black Press Media. “This is an opportunity to get results on the priorities that matter mos]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/it-is-an-honour-to-serve-you-mccall-re-elected-in-west-kelowna-peachland/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:59:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/it-is-an-honour-to-serve-you-mccall-re-elected-in-west-kelowna-peachland/ A projected Conservative majority was solidified shortly after 9 p.m., prompting loud cheers and sustained applause from supporters gathered at the party’s election-night headquarters at Rocky Mountaineer Station in Vancouver.
An estimated 500 to 600 people]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/doerkson-set-to-become-bc-premier-after-projected-conservative-majority-win/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:58:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/doerkson-set-to-become-bc-premier-after-projected-conservative-majority-win/ Singh beat out BC NDP candidate Binny Boparai, Green candidate Carter Mochinski and OneBC candidate Alexandra Wright to win the riding.
In a brief interview with media, Singh thanked volunteers and supporters.
Media, including Black Press, were barred by the Conservative campaign managers on scene from listening to Singh’s victory speech at the Fairfield Inn on Powick Road on election nigh]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-votes-2026-bc-conservative-pavneet-singh-wins-kelowna-lake-country-coldstream-riding/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:49:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-votes-2026-bc-conservative-pavneet-singh-wins-kelowna-lake-country-coldstream-riding/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/centrebc-headquarters-sturko-remain-positive-despite-election-night-results/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:35:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/centrebc-headquarters-sturko-remain-positive-despite-election-night-results/ “I’m just really thankful to my constituents, the people in Langley-Abbotsford that put their faith in me for the second time to represent them,” he told the Langley Advance Times just before he headed to Vancouver where the Conservatives were rejoicing with their new leader and premier-elect Lorne Doerkson.
Bhangu said what appeared to be a larger margin of victory was the result of learning from his first win.
“I come from a s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/video-harman-bhangu-wins-his-second-campaign-for-langley-abbotsford/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:15:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/video-harman-bhangu-wins-his-second-campaign-for-langley-abbotsford/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-votes-2026-conservative-kevin-acton-elected-as-vernon-lumby-mla/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:06:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-votes-2026-conservative-kevin-acton-elected-as-vernon-lumby-mla/ David Eby has stepped down as the leader of the B.C. NDP as the party concedes to the B.C. Conservatives.
Eby is currently leading his Vancouver-Point Grey riding with 6,902 votes at 42 per cent, while Alex McMillann of the Conservative Party is trailing behind at 40 per cent.
The now former NDP leader succeeded John Horgan on October 21, 2022.
Eby called the snap election on Sept. 22, which has now led to a historic moment for B.C. Conservatives are projected to form a majority gover]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/live-blog-eby-steps-down-as-bc-ndp-leader-concedes-to-conservatives/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 05:38:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/live-blog-eby-steps-down-as-bc-ndp-leader-concedes-to-conservatives/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cariboo-chilcotin-mla-lorne-doerkson-wins-re-election-for-third-time-in-a-row-becomes-premier-elect/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 05:18:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cariboo-chilcotin-mla-lorne-doerkson-wins-re-election-for-third-time-in-a-row-becomes-premier-elect/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cariboo-chilcotin-mla-lorne-doerkson-on-track-to-win-re-election-for-third-time-in-a-row/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 05:18:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cariboo-chilcotin-mla-lorne-doerkson-on-track-to-win-re-election-for-third-time-in-a-row/ Black Press Media is projecting a B.C. Conservative majority government in the 2026 election with 23 per cent of ballot boxes reporting.The Conservatives are leading in 63 of 93 ridings for 49 per cent of the vote.
9 p.m.
Another round of prolonged cheering and applause swept through Conservative headquarters Saturday evening as the party held leads across much of the province.
The Conservatives were leading in 63 of 93 ridings as of 9 p.m. for 49 per cent of the vote, compared with 2]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/live-blog-bc-conservatives-projected-to-win-a-majority-government/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 05:03:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/live-blog-bc-conservatives-projected-to-win-a-majority-government/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/live-blog-bc-conservatives-take-early-lead-in-2026-election/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 04:54:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/live-blog-bc-conservatives-take-early-lead-in-2026-election/ I am live at Mark MacDonald’s and Kelsey Pringle’s campaign parties at Jingle Pot Pub. #bcpoli https://t.co/HDX8hbkplX
— Misha Mustaqeem (@MishaMustaqeem) October 25, 2026]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/live-nanaimo-provincial-election/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 04:38:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/live-nanaimo-provincial-election/ Cheers erupt at Conservative headquarters as early results arrive.
Loud cheers and applause broke out at Rocky Mountaineer station as the first election results began appearing on screens.
Early results showed the Conservatives leading in Richmond-Steveston, a riding won by the NDP in 2024. As of 8:10 p.m., the NDP led in two ridings and the Conservatives in one, with only four of the province’s 93 constituencies reporting any votes.Supporters continued watching the screens as count]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/live-blog-bc-conservatives-take-early-lead-in-2026-bc-election/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 04:36:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/live-blog-bc-conservatives-take-early-lead-in-2026-bc-election/ Polls have closed across B.C., and counting has started except in Grassy Plains, on the Southside of Francois Lake in the Nechako Lakes riding of Northwest B.C., where the polling station will remain open until 10 p.m.
Elections B.C. confirmed that voters on the Southside would have the extra two hours tonight after the polls opened late this morning, after 10 a.m.
________
Today, Oct. 24, is the final day to vote in the provincial election.
British Columbians are heading to the p]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/polls-now-closed-in-bc-election-counting-underway/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 04:16:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/polls-now-closed-in-bc-election-counting-underway/ Polls have closed across B.C. and counting has started except inGrassy Plains, on the Southside of Francois Lake in the Nechako Lakes riding of Northwest B.C., where the polling station will remain open until 10 p.m.
Elections B.C. confirmed that voters on the Southside would have the extra two hours tonight after the polls opened late this morning after 10 a.m.
________
Today, Oct. 24, is the final day to vote in the provincial election.
British Columbians are heading to the poll]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/polls-now-closed-in-bc-election-counting-beings/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 04:12:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/polls-now-closed-in-bc-election-counting-beings/ The B.C. Conservatives are leading in 53 of 93 electoral districts with 52.56 per cent of the vote.
B.C. NDP are leading in 14 at 8.57 per cent and B.C. Greens in four at 6.09 per cent.8:10 p.m.
CentreBC leader Elenore Sturko has arrived at her party headquarters in South Surrey.
“I’m excited. I feel positive. We’re a brand-new party. It’s historic for CentreBC — the first time we’ve ever fielded any candidates in any election,” she said.
“For me to have gotten the pri]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/live-blog-bc-conservatives-leading-in-election-results/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 03:59:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/live-blog-bc-conservatives-leading-in-election-results/ CentreBC leader Elenore Sturko has arrived at her party headquarters in South Surrey.
“I’m excited. I feel positive. We’re a brand-new party. It’s historic for CentreBC — the first time we’ve ever fielded any candidates in any election,” she said.
“For me to have gotten the privilege of being their leader through this time has been really exciting, rewarding, and I’m incredibly proud of the work that we’ve done as a team: 35 amazing candidates, and a fully costed pl]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/live-blog/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 03:59:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/live-blog/ The final voting day is Saturday, Oct. 24. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., local time.The race pits the New Democrats, led by David Eby, against Lorne Doerkson’s B.C. Conservatives and Emily Lowan’s B.C. Greens. Provincial party newcomers, CentreBC, led by Elenore Sturko, and OneBC, led by Dallas Brodie, also have dozens of c]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/live-blog-inside-party-headquarters-for-bcs-44th-election/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 03:23:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/live-blog-inside-party-headquarters-for-bcs-44th-election/ Victoria Fire Department crews were called to the building at Blanshard Street and Queens Avenue at about 4 a.m. on Oct. 24 after receiving reports of alarm bells, followed by multiple 911 calls reporting a fire.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames extending up the exterior of the building, said Deputy Fire Chief Ajay]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/photos-firefighters-battle-major-blaze-at-former-travellers-inn-in-victoria/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/photos-firefighters-battle-major-blaze-at-former-travellers-inn-in-victoria/ “I have your bike,” a Victoria police officer told her on Monday (Oct. 19), nearly two months after it was stolen from her downtown condo building.
“You do not,” Gabaldon replied. “It’s been two months.”
But the officer was right. Her Pedego e-bike, dubbed Bella, had been returned to the Victoria Police Department with its leather panniers intact.
Gabaldon said she was in disb]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/i-have-your-bike-victoria-woman-gets-stolen-e-bike-back/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/i-have-your-bike-victoria-woman-gets-stolen-e-bike-back/ In a social media post, the service said it is asking the public to provide any information related to the incident which occurred at Wildlife Place and Bird Sanctuary Drive, near Buttertubs Marsh, between 3:30 and 4 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 23.
Using guns in residential areas is extremely dangerous, it said, and according to a City of Nanaimo by]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservation-officials-ask-for-publics-help-after-deer-shot-killed-in-nanaimo/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 23:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservation-officials-ask-for-publics-help-after-deer-shot-killed-in-nanaimo/ The collective agreement between USW Local 7619 and HVC expired on Sept. 30. Negotiations regarding terms and conditions for a new collective agreement began on June 9, with meetings continuing throughout July, August, and September.
On Oct. 8, the union broke off talks with HVC to seek a strike mandate, and union members took part in a two-day str]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nearly-1300-workers-at-teck-highland-valley-mine-near-kamloops-on-strike/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 23:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nearly-1300-workers-at-teck-highland-valley-mine-near-kamloops-on-strike/ The re-election of Leonard Krog as Mayor of Nanaimo may not be the good news some think it is, especially for the residents of Electoral Area A.
While Mayor Krog focuses on Nanaimo’s urban core, his apparent support for rezoning land adjacent to Cable Bay to heavy industrial use poses a direct threat to our neighbouring community’s environment and quality of life.
Cable Bay is a cherished natural ecological jewel. It serves as a vital recreational corridor, wildlife habitat, a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/letter-to-the-editor-cedar-experiences-the-brunt/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/letter-to-the-editor-cedar-experiences-the-brunt/ The flower has come to symbolize the sacrifice members of the Canadian Armed Forces have made. The campaign officially begins Saturday, Oct. 24, according to Lynn Redekopp, Legion Branch 10 (Harewood) poppy chairperson.
Poppies can be worn until Nov. 11, Remembrance Day at around noon, she said, and then put on the cenotaph at Dallas]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/royal-canadian-legion-branches-in-nanaimo-and-area-to-begin-poppy-fundraiser/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/royal-canadian-legion-branches-in-nanaimo-and-area-to-begin-poppy-fundraiser/ The Clements Centre is a non-profit that provides programs and support services for people with developmental disabilities, and one of the services they provide is to collect socks for unhoused people as the weather turns cold and wet each year.
I would have assumed that winter jackets and sweaters would be higher priorities to help people without ho]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-unhoused-people-need-dry-and-warm-socks-and-footwear-in-colder-weather/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-unhoused-people-need-dry-and-warm-socks-and-footwear-in-colder-weather/ In Canada, bears are part of the country’s wildlife and have also found a place in stories and folklore.
How much do you know about bears, where they live, what they eat and the roles they play in culture?
Put your knowledge to the test with these 12 questions.
Good luck.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quiz-watching-out-for-bears/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 13:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quiz-watching-out-for-bears/ Polls open at 8 a.m. and will close at 8 p.m., local time.
British Columbians will be heading to the polls to vote for MLAs in 93 ridings across the province.
The snap election was called Sept. 22 by NDP Leader David Eby after about a week of speculation as the provincial Conservative party dissolved into chaos, and Kerry-Lynne Findlay quit as party leader.
Lorne Doerkson was named interim leader of the B.C. Conservatives in th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/polls-now-open-for-bc-election/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/polls-now-open-for-bc-election/ Polls open at 8 a.m. and will close at 8 p.m., local time.
British Columbians will be heading to the polls to vote for MLAs in 93 ridings across the province.
The snap election was called Sept. 22 by NDP Leader David Eby after about a week of speculation as the provincial Conservative party dissolved into chaos, and Kerry-Lynne Findlay quit as party leader.
Lorne Doerkson was named interim leader of the B.C. Conservatives in th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/final-voting-for-bc-election-is-today/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/final-voting-for-bc-election-is-today/ Backup QB Dru Brown tossed a pair of late touchdowns, lifting the Bombers to a 34-10 win over the host B.C. Lions in CFL action Friday at BC Place.
The Bombers needed a win in their last game of the regular season to advance to the playoffs and were listless for two-plus quarters, trailing the Lions (who had already clinched a playoff spot and were resting many of their starters) 10-3. Then starting]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/winnipeg-blue-bombers-clinch-cfl-playoff-spot-with-34-10-win-over-bc-lions/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 07:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/winnipeg-blue-bombers-clinch-cfl-playoff-spot-with-34-10-win-over-bc-lions/ Former B.C. Liberal leaders Kevin Falcon, Andrew Wilkinson and Gordon Campbell all represented the riding for a spell.
Recently, OneBC Leader Dallas Brodie, elected as a B.C. Conservative before she was ejected from the party, has held the seat.
But with her running as a far-right alternative, and Carson Binda of the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation running for]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-steps-in-to-campaign-effort-to-take-onebc-leader-brodies-riding-for-the-ndp/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-steps-in-to-campaign-effort-to-take-onebc-leader-brodies-riding-for-the-ndp/ The item from the Nov. 15, 2008 issue, reported on a bust that took place in the south end of Nanaimo, with the local RCMP’s Green Team and 30 other personnel executing four warrants on four residences on Roberta Road West and James, White and Main roads.
“Police seized a large amount of cash, more than eight kilograms of dried marijuana,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/headline-history-harkening-back-when-there-were-grow-up-busts-in-nanaimo/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 03:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/headline-history-harkening-back-when-there-were-grow-up-busts-in-nanaimo/ The item from the Nov. 15, 2008 issue, reported on a bust that took place in the south end of Nanaimo, with the local RCMP’s Green Team and 30 other personnel executing four warrants on four residences on Roberta Road West and James, White and Main roads.
“Police seized a large amount of cash, more than eight kilograms of dried marijuana,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/headline-history-harkening-back-when-there-were-grow-op-busts-in-nanaimo/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 03:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/headline-history-harkening-back-when-there-were-grow-op-busts-in-nanaimo/ Final voting day is Saturday, Oct. 24. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., local time.The race is on between the New Democrats, led by David Eby, and Lorne Doerkson’s B.C. Conservatives and Emily Lowan’s B.C. Greens. Provincial party newcomers, CentreBC, led by Elenore Sturko, and OneBC led by Dallas Brodie also have dozens of ca]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/follow-along-here-saturday-evening-for-live-bc-election-coverage/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 02:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/follow-along-here-saturday-evening-for-live-bc-election-coverage/ “People are very surprised and frustrated by the election call,” he told reporters in Surrey on Friday. “I should have done a better job of letting them know how stalled out the legislature was.”
His opponents have capitalized, with leaders of both the Conservative and Green parties calling it a “cyni]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-explains-bc-election-call-makes-his-last-pitch-to-voters-in-sit-down-interview/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 02:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-explains-bc-election-call-makes-his-last-pitch-to-voters-in-sit-down-interview/ Eby met with Langley-Willowbrook NPD candidate Andrew Mercier and Langley-Walnut Grove’s hopeful Holly Isaac on Friday, Oct. 23, in Langley City, visiting several local stores and chatting with people on the street in the final hours before the provincial election.
Asked about the promised local facility, which was to be built on the ground]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-promises-langley-long-term-care-facility/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 02:16:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-promises-langley-long-term-care-facility/ Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, a spokesperson for Nanaimo RCMP, said the man was reported missing after he was overdue returning from a fishing expedition on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
In a press release, he said that just before 7:30 p.m. that day, Nanaimo RCMP received a report that the man had not returned home after leaving to fish earlier that morning.
“Concern grew when family and friends were unable to loc]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/missing-senior-fisher-found-alive-in-nanaimo-lakes-area/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 01:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/missing-senior-fisher-found-alive-in-nanaimo-lakes-area/ B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson held a raucous rally in the Surrey-Newton riding in front of hundreds of fired-up supporters.
Several local political heavyweights attended, including newly elected mayor Doug McCallum and former mayors Linda Hepner and Dianne Watts. Former premier Christy Clark]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/leaders-focus-on-crucial-surrey-ridings-as-bc-election-nears/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 01:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/leaders-focus-on-crucial-surrey-ridings-as-bc-election-nears/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/williams-lake-woman-calling-for-action-after-family-dog-killed-in-baited-snare/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 01:24:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/williams-lake-woman-calling-for-action-after-family-dog-killed-in-baited-snare/ While promoting new drama series Yaga, filmed in and around Victoria, Heated Rivalry actor Hudson Williams offered a less-than-favourable review of B.C.’s capital when asked to name the city’s “hot spots.”
“A lot of hot spots of, like, old people on their little scooters, people retiring,” he told Etalk. “Like, it’s Victoria]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/university-fires-back-at-heated-rivalry-star-for-scathing-bc-capital-review/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/university-fires-back-at-heated-rivalry-star-for-scathing-bc-capital-review/ Jeff Seabrook, a resident of Chase-Falkland Road that was supposed to have asphalt resurfacing, said they’re literally getting dinged by the “bait and switch” project, and their vehicles are paying the price.According to a June 9 media release from the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT), more than $136 million was invested this year to resurface interior highways and local roads to ensure “driver]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rural-shuswap-residents-frustrated-with-slapstick-downgrade-leaving-road-covered-in-loose-rock/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rural-shuswap-residents-frustrated-with-slapstick-downgrade-leaving-road-covered-in-loose-rock/ Losing your ninth straight game isn’t either.
But that’s exactly what happened to the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night as they dropped a 5-2 decision to the Detroit Red Wings at Rogers Arena.
Everyone knew there would be some disastrous stretches during the Canucks’ rebuild. It’s just that no one expected them to come this early in the season.
“It’s the same stuff game after game. I don’t know where the disconn]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-moj-canucks-look-to-establish-identity-amid-9-game-winless-streak/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 23:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-moj-canucks-look-to-establish-identity-amid-9-game-winless-streak/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bald-range-wildfire-victims-bc-spca-plead-for-more-pet-friendly-housing/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 21:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bald-range-wildfire-victims-bc-spca-plead-for-more-pet-friendly-housing/ Opera Nanaimo’s Ghosts, Ghosts, Ghosts will be performed on Saturday, Oct. 24 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at 7 p.m.In addition to three soloists, Carol Fetherston, Opera Nanaimo’s artistic director, said audiences will hear Vancouver-based composer Roan Shankaruk’s horror opera U-29, which tells the story of a sinking submarine. The opera was previously commissioned by Vancouver’s Opera Unbound.
Performers throughou]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/audiences-will-experience-ghost-stories-at-opera-nanaimos-upcoming-performance/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 21:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/audiences-will-experience-ghost-stories-at-opera-nanaimos-upcoming-performance/ A former Vernon pharmacist found guilty of a “brutal and prolonged beating,” during which he ended up killing his partner in 2018, has been ordered to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vernon-killer-confined-to-halfway-house-after-drinking-alcohol-while-on-release/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 21:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vernon-killer-confined-to-halfway-house-after-drinking-alcohol-while-on-release/ “The Conservative leader has been missing an action for the last few days,” NDP Leader David Eby said on Thursday. “I understand he’s appearing today. I’m glad he’s okay.”
Eby accused Doerkson of prioritizing time with wealthy donors over the media, and called him out for restricting reporters to a single question without the customary f]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-criticized-for-limiting-media-access-in-lead-up-to-election-day/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 20:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-criticized-for-limiting-media-access-in-lead-up-to-election-day/ Geoff Whiting, a deputy chief with Nanaimo Fire Rescue, said firefighters responded to the call at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, and a crew from the Protection Island fire hall quickly brought the fire under control.
He said the fire appears to have started in the deck area behind the house and caused damage to the deck and exterior of the house]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/house-fire-on-protection-island-quickly-dealt-with/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/house-fire-on-protection-island-quickly-dealt-with/ Longevity John Falkner, the man behind the dream is keeping as cool as a cucumber considering he found out the Showroom will have to find a new place to live after Dec. 31 just hours before flying to the Folk Canada Conference in Hamilton to solicit performers to play both his Showroom and festival stage for the year ahead.
Falkner found o]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/duncan-showroom-closing-its-doors-after-building-sold/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 19:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/duncan-showroom-closing-its-doors-after-building-sold/ Researchers from Washington-based Center for Whale Research observed a “very young whale” travelling with J35, better known as Tahlequah, on Oct. 19.
Based on the calf’s appearance and previous sightings of Tahlequah, the newborn, designated J65, is believed to be less than a week old.
Drone footage helped the team confirm the calf is male.
“The team saw no signs of health issues in this]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-calf-born-to-bc-endangered-orca-who-carried-dead-newborn-for-17-days/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 19:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-calf-born-to-bc-endangered-orca-who-carried-dead-newborn-for-17-days/ Get fed like Audrey II as Daphne and Rick Swift scare up a good time for their 7th annual Big Shop of Horrors which oozes back to the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds from Oct. 15 to Oct. 30.
Oh the horror!
The non-profit society which scares up funds for a variety of charities has grown over the years since the couple’s first event. They are grateful to the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds who, since 2019, have provided more than 3,000 square feet of multiple rooms that ooze with eer]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/good-will-haunting-big-shop-of-horrors-takes-over-cowichan-exhibition-grounds/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 19:34:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/good-will-haunting-big-shop-of-horrors-takes-over-cowichan-exhibition-grounds/ The solicitors claim the funds are needed to support repairs following the 2024 school fire, but local officials say neither the school nor SD72 has authorized any door-to-door or public fundraising campaigns on Carihi’s behalf.
“While we are grateful for the community’s ongoing support of Carihi Second]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sd72-warns-of-unauthorized-carihi-secondary-fire-repair-fundraisers/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 19:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sd72-warns-of-unauthorized-carihi-secondary-fire-repair-fundraisers/ “This is due to the short timeframes and complex operational logistics of a snap election,” Elections BC said in a statement.
So far, 891,348 advance votes have been cast, out of 3,738,182 registered voters. Two years ago in the last provincial election, 1,001,331 early votes were cast, and four years prior to that,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ballots-cast-on-bcs-election-day-to-be-mostly-hand-counted-potentially-delaying-results/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:22:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ballots-cast-on-bcs-election-day-to-be-mostly-hand-counted-potentially-delaying-results/ Sheila Malcolmson – B.C. NDP
Sheila Malcolmson ready for election campaign, Sept. 24, by Robert Barron
The snap election that B.C. Premier David Eby called for Oct. 24 came as no surprise for Sheila Malcolmson.
Malcolmson, the N]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-gabriola-island-election-profiles/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-gabriola-island-election-profiles/ “We’re going to ensure that we’re putting the minimum nurse-to-patient ratios into legislation, into the law, to make sure that the health authorities know, that the hospital managers know, that everybody knows that this is where the government is goi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-makes-last-minute-bc-election-promise-to-legislate-nurse-to-patient-ratios/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-makes-last-minute-bc-election-promise-to-legislate-nurse-to-patient-ratios/ George Anderson – B.C. NDP
George Anderson will be representing the B.C. NDP in the Nanaimo-Lantzville riding, Sept. 24, by Jessica Durling
George Anderson said he plans to seek re-election in the Nanaimo-Lantzville riding, following]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-lantzville-election-profiles/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-lantzville-election-profiles/ William Wallinder, Emmitt Finnie and Surrey’s Michael Rasmussen also scored for Detroit (4-3-3), with Michael Brandsegg-Nygard adding two assists. John Gibson made four saves to pick up the netminding win. He left with an injury after two periods and was relieved by Michal Postava, who stopped seven of eight shots.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/raymond-scores-2-as-red-wings-dump-struggling-vancouver-canucks-5-2/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 06:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/raymond-scores-2-as-red-wings-dump-struggling-vancouver-canucks-5-2/ Former tug-boat captains Bill McKay and Ron Burchett spoke on behalf of the group at a Nanaimo council meeting last month, stating that they are working towards rebuilding a club that was dedicated to radio-controlled model boat activities on Loudon Park’s Long Lake a number of years ago.
“If we can reform the club and legitimize it, we would then form a society,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/group-wants-space-in-nanaimos-loudon-park-for-radio-controlled-model-boats/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 01:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/group-wants-space-in-nanaimos-loudon-park-for-radio-controlled-model-boats/ Recent polls from Angus Reid Institute and Mainstreet Research indicate the Conservatives are ahead of the NDP by three or six percentage points, respectively. The Angus Reid poll had a margin of error of three points, putting the Conservatives anywhere from 43 to 49 per cent support and the NDP in the r]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservatives-remain-ahead-in-polls-as-bc-election-day-nears/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservatives-remain-ahead-in-polls-as-bc-election-day-nears/ In a press release, City of Nanaimo confirmed that Leonard Krog will serve another four-year term as mayor, joined at the table by returning councillors Ben Geselbracht, Paul Manly, Hilary Eastmure, Sheryl Armstrong, Erin Hemmens, Ian Thorpe and newcomers Andréa Coutu and Marnie Boers.
For the Regional District of Nanaimo rural areas, Lauren Mela]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/results-from-2026-municipal-election-in-nanaimo-made-official/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:11:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/results-from-2026-municipal-election-in-nanaimo-made-official/ B.C. and Yukon RCMP held a ceremony at the BC RCMP headquarters in Surrey where they welcomed 13 peace officers on Oct. 20 into its new Experienced Peace Officer (ExPO) program.The 13 cadets have joined the RCMP from B.C., Yukon and Ontario and bring previous experience from various provincial, territorial and federal agencies,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/peace-officer-cadets-to-start-new-shorter-rcmp-training-program-in-chilliwack/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 23:57:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/peace-officer-cadets-to-start-new-shorter-rcmp-training-program-in-chilliwack/ Dylan S. bought the ticket at Mason’s Store.
“I’m super excited. Before, I was happy to just win a free play!” he said.Dylan was outside a gas station when he checked his lottery ticket on his phone. He was in complete shock when he realized that he won a $100,000 MAXPLUS prize from the Oct. 13, 2026 Lotto Max draw.
“I scanned [the ticket on the BCLC Lotto! App] and freaked out,” said the bi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/shawnigan-lake-lottomax-winner-gets-100k-windfall/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 23:23:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/shawnigan-lake-lottomax-winner-gets-100k-windfall/ The officer, who is not named, had been on the force since 2008. While working in 2016 as a general duty officer for the Quesnel RCMP, the officer suffered severe abdominal pain and distention to the point that he could not put his duty belt back on. He began to feel a fever, chills and severe pain. His family doc]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quesnel-rcmp-officer-unable-to-wear-duty-belt-denied-disability-benefits/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 22:52:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quesnel-rcmp-officer-unable-to-wear-duty-belt-denied-disability-benefits/ Clearly the city is a key battleground for votes as candidates promise to make major projects happen in Surrey, if elected.
Thursday (Oct. 22), Conservative Party of BC leader Lorne Doerkson hyped the party’s Surrey Success Plan, focused on health care, transit and transportation, to recognize Surrey’s “rightful status as the economic powerhouse it is and should be.”
Meanwh]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/party-leaders-love-surrey-in-final-days-of-bc-election-campaign/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 22:04:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/party-leaders-love-surrey-in-final-days-of-bc-election-campaign/ Susan Mowbray, partner in MNP’s Vancouver consulting practice, presented the 2026 State of the Island Economic Report at the annual summit organized by the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance on Wednesday, Oct. 21, giving business and municipal leaders a glimpse at the current state of the economy and the short-term outlook.
“]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-needs-more-certainty-economic-report-suggests/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 21:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-needs-more-certainty-economic-report-suggests/ ​Billie Christiansen, the founder of the Little Kitchen Company, will be featured on an upcoming episode of Dragons’ Den, a reality TV series where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas and inventions to a panel of venture capitalists in hopes of securing financial investment and mentorship.
​Christiansen tells Black Press Media her latest creation is built around demand-driven innovation by developing original and practical products tha]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-woman-set-to-appear-on-dragons-den-2/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 20:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-woman-set-to-appear-on-dragons-den-2/ ​Billie Christiansen, the founder of the Little Kitchen Company, will be featured on an upcoming episode of Dragon’s Den, a reality TV series where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas and inventions to a panel of venture capitalists in hopes of securing financial investment and mentorship.
​Christiansen tells Black Press Media her latest creation is built around demand-driven innovation by developing original and practical products tha]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-woman-set-to-appear-on-dragons-den/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 20:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-woman-set-to-appear-on-dragons-den/ There are hundreds of volunteers who step up to campaign for their various people and parties. Government staff, advertising agencies, reporters, sign makers all add an extra load to their daily duties amid an election.
Plus there are those dutifully serving at polling stations, such as the fine gentlemen in the attached history photo.
Geo. A. Meeres captured the photo of election officials tall]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/historic-photo-a-salute-to-bc-election-workers/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 20:39:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/historic-photo-a-salute-to-bc-election-workers/ Neumann and Lake Cowichan officials signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a framework for negotiations toward a formal Medical Clinic Agreement on Oct. 13.
Following the paperwork and backed by Mayor Tom McGonigle]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-medical-facility-opens-in-lake-cowichan/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 20:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-medical-facility-opens-in-lake-cowichan/ In late September, Seble G. of Vancouver picked up a Lotto 6/49 ticket from the Canco on the corner of Highway 7 and Hot Springs Road in Agassiz.“I was at a gas station picki]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/second-million-dollar-ticket-purchased-in-agassiz-in-two-months/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 20:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/second-million-dollar-ticket-purchased-in-agassiz-in-two-months/ “It’s really wonderful because it’s one of those things that has kind of slipped under the cracks for su]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cenotaph-at-duncans-charles-hoey-park-to-get-makeover-in-time-for-remembrance-day/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 20:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cenotaph-at-duncans-charles-hoey-park-to-get-makeover-in-time-for-remembrance-day/ James Cody Bryant, 30, appeared in the Western District of Washington Court in Seattle on Oct. 22 before Magistrate Judge Michelle L. Peterson to be arraigned on the charge of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country.The charge, as read out by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg, alleges that beginning or before August 2025 that Bryant had c]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/american-charged-as-co-conspirator-in-tumbler-ridge-shooting-pleads-not-guilty/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 19:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/american-charged-as-co-conspirator-in-tumbler-ridge-shooting-pleads-not-guilty/ Dubbed the Pup MLA (Most Licked Ass-et), a high-stakes election night will decide who deserves the most licking rights.
Just like the real deal, advance voting is now underway at the Long Shot Pub in Christina Lake. On Saturday, Oct. 24, the pub will host an election results party celebrating with karaoke and declaring the noble furry leader. Voting closes at 8 p.m.
Residents have a wide slate of]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/canine-dates-instead-of-candidates-puppy-mla-elections-in-christina-lake/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 19:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/canine-dates-instead-of-candidates-puppy-mla-elections-in-christina-lake/ With no place to take]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-spca-takes-in-46-animals-from-farm-all-available-for-adoption-soon/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 19:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-spca-takes-in-46-animals-from-farm-all-available-for-adoption-soon/ On Wednesday, Oct. 21 at about 5 p.m., Nanaimo Fire Rescue responded to a fire on Selby Street.
Troy Libbus, Nanaimo Fire Rescue assistant chief of operations, said that when they arrived, the occupant, who was the son of the homeowner, was just exiting the building with his dog, and heavy smoke could be seen rising from the attic.
“We tried to go for a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/candle-fire-engulfs-south-nanaimo-home/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 19:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/candle-fire-engulfs-south-nanaimo-home/ The ICF shared in a recent Facebook post: “We’re excited to share that work has started on another nature path beside rail project along the Island corridor.”
The new trail will connect Beach Road to Memorial Avenue, providing a link in the active transportation network stretching from Laburnum to Qualicum Road.
“Th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/island-corridor-foundation-starts-construction-on-new-trail-in-qualicum/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/island-corridor-foundation-starts-construction-on-new-trail-in-qualicum/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/adam-mann-found-guilty-of-2nd-degree-murder-of-surreys-tori-dunn/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/adam-mann-found-guilty-of-2nd-degree-murder-of-surreys-tori-dunn/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sooke-rcmp-officers-cleared-of-serious-harm-in-march-arrest/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 17:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sooke-rcmp-officers-cleared-of-serious-harm-in-march-arrest/ As their faces begin to grey and their movements slow, our role shifts. We become their guides, making sure they’re safe, comfortable, and still finding joy in each day.
As our dogs age, the world around them can begin to feel different. The things they once did effortlessly]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sharing-life-with-a-senior-dog-deeply-moving/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sharing-life-with-a-senior-dog-deeply-moving/ Speaking at Vancouver Island Economic Summit in Nanaimo on Wednesday, Oct. 21, B.C.’s 35th premier said the mayoral results in a number of local governments in the Lower Mainland were not what many people expected.
Several incumbent candidates went down in defeat in the elections across the Lower Mainland,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/christy-clark-says-bc-facing-challenges-opportunities/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/christy-clark-says-bc-facing-challenges-opportunities/ Adam Troy Mann, 43, is charged in connection with Dunn’s June 16, 2024 death. He has pleaded not guilty, and took the stand on Tuesday (Oct. 20) to testify in his own defence.
Mann told court when he got off a bus approximately]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lawyers-give-closing-arguments-in-surrey-2nd-degree-murder-trial/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 02:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lawyers-give-closing-arguments-in-surrey-2nd-degree-murder-trial/ According to Kim Godidek, she was in her own yard when a bully breed dog from a neighbouring property broke through its owner’s fence and pounced on her.
She said she was knocked to the ground by the canine, which reportedly inflicted four gashes on her upper thigh and broke both bones in her wrist, according to a GoFundMe page set up for her.
The GoFundMe, with a go]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/woman-claims-she-was-viciously-attacked-by-dog-in-grand-forks/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 02:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/woman-claims-she-was-viciously-attacked-by-dog-in-grand-forks/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-moj-bc-lions-locked-into-position-ahead-of-cfl-playoffs/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 01:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-moj-bc-lions-locked-into-position-ahead-of-cfl-playoffs/ Eight CRSAR members responded to an urgent callout on Oct. 15 to Sayward junction – White River Resort after 79-year-old Janet Baur dislocated her hip in the backcountry.
By the time searchers found her on the west side of the White River, it was roughly 4:18 a.m. on Oct. 16.
“Two of our members… were searching down a particular fores]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/campbell-river-sar-members-find-injured-senior-off-logging-road-near-sayward/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 01:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/campbell-river-sar-members-find-injured-senior-off-logging-road-near-sayward/ Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson, said the man cooperated fully with investigators.
“Through the cou]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/no-criminal-intent-in-case-of-man-suspected-of-following-girls-in-nanaimo-say-rcmp/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/no-criminal-intent-in-case-of-man-suspected-of-following-girls-in-nanaimo-say-rcmp/ In recent years, the NDP worried most often about a third-party challenger, with viable left-wing candidates running for the B.C. Greens in many ridings.
But after two years of turmoil within the B.C. Conservative Party, more challengers have popped up, including CentreBC, a moderate vehicle helmed by former Conservative Elenore Sturko, and OneBC,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/experts-weigh-in-on-vote-splitting-possibilities-in-bc-election/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/experts-weigh-in-on-vote-splitting-possibilities-in-bc-election/ A luncheon hosted by the Mining Association of B.C.(MABC) in partnership with the Williams Lake & District of Commerce as part of its BC Chambers Mining Roadshow, took place on Oct.14, at Chances Signal Point Gaming.
The BC Chambers Mining Roadshow is MABC’s series of visits to communities, working with local chambers of commerce]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/jobs-growth-workforce-challenges-of-cariboos-mining-sector-discussed-in-williams-lake/Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/jobs-growth-workforce-challenges-of-cariboos-mining-sector-discussed-in-williams-lake/ It’s a sharp new look for the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) team, which starts the 2026-2027 season at home Dec. 5 vs. Seattle Torrent.
The jersey design prominently features the Goldeneyes logo, “a textured golden eye encircled by wings and pointing to the Pacific Northwest,” team officials note.
“The five earthy bronze lines o]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/photos-new-goldeneyes-jerseys-worn-by-vancouvers-pwhl-team-starting-dec-5/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 22:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/photos-new-goldeneyes-jerseys-worn-by-vancouvers-pwhl-team-starting-dec-5/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mental-health-addiction-treatment-key-election-issues-for-locals-cmha-vernon/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 21:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mental-health-addiction-treatment-key-election-issues-for-locals-cmha-vernon/ Garrett, who lived in the Boundary Park area of Surrey, played goaltender for the Canucks and other teams during his NHL days, 1979 to 1985, before moving to the broadcast booth at Rogers Arena.
Last April Garrett died suddenly, saddening fans who fondly remember his hockey knowledge, sense of humour, warm personality and love o]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/video-cheech-tribute-at-canucks-game-celebrates-beloved-broadcaster-surrey-resident/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 21:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/video-cheech-tribute-at-canucks-game-celebrates-beloved-broadcaster-surrey-resident/ “Lately, we’ve noticed quite a bit of misinformation being shared in Facebook groups about which species Wild ARC will and will not accept, and how we will handle specific c]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/let-us-speak-for-ourselves-south-island-wildlife-rehab-squashes-online-misinformation/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 20:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/let-us-speak-for-ourselves-south-island-wildlife-rehab-squashes-online-misinformation/ Saturday evenings spent wandering the aisles of a video rental store, searching for the perfect movie to accompany a cosy night in was a familiar ritual for generations of families from the mid-70s through to the early 2010s.
These days, the ritual looks a little different, replaced by endless scrolling through streaming services, only to find something most in the room will watch with one eye, the other fixed on their phone.
But in one Langford home, time]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/be-kind-rewind-bc-couples-nostalgic-nook-presses-pause-on-90s-era/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 20:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/be-kind-rewind-bc-couples-nostalgic-nook-presses-pause-on-90s-era/ It’s been converted into a municipal parking area, but there will be a small ceremony and community members are encouraged to attend.“We have three or four former telephone operators that will be in attendance,” said organizer Coun. Carolyne Austin.
The structure formerly located at 49 South Shore Rd., was fi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hold-the-phone-dedication-to-historic-site-in-lake-cowichan-oct-23/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 20:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hold-the-phone-dedication-to-historic-site-in-lake-cowichan-oct-23/ &]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/video-youtuber-draws-the-viewer-under-the-salish-sea-in-sidney/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 20:11:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/video-youtuber-draws-the-viewer-under-the-salish-sea-in-sidney/ March 20, 1936 ~ October 16, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joe. Predeceased by his wife, Jane and sisters, Cookie and Thelma. He leaves to mourn his 3 children, Lisa (Frank), Neville (Roxanne) and Sheenagh, 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. A heartfelt thank you to the nurses and HCAs at Chartwell Care Residence for the amazing care they provided in his final months. ‘Aloha’ until we meet again. No service by request]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/joseph-george-banak/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 20:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/joseph-george-banak/ Tim McNary will be performing folk at Ladybug’s Mew in Yellow Point Farm and Garden Store Concert Stage on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at https://ladybugsmewinyellowpoint.ca.Jody Glenham, Samantha Savage Smith with Nancy Pitte will be performing folk, indie rock and pop at the Vault Cafe on Oct. 22 at]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/whats-on-oct-21/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 20:02:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/whats-on-oct-21/ The premier issued the address following Oct. 19’s provincial referendum, where more than 75 per cent of Albertans voted to keep the province in Canada.
“The people of Alberta cast their votes in an open and democratic referendum, and the resulting vote from Albertans has given our government a clear manda]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/danielle-smith-says-there-wont-be-another-separation-referendum-while-shes-premier/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 19:58:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/danielle-smith-says-there-wont-be-another-separation-referendum-while-shes-premier/ Troika, led by CEO Renee Merrifield, has launched a new branch in Boise, Idaho, dubbed Troika USA. Like its Canadian counterpart, the American venture will also be working in the construction field, offering “general contracting and construction management for commercial, multifamily and institutional projects” in the Treasure Valley region.
Troika USA is being headed by its pre]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/okanagan-developer-expands-into-united-states/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 19:06:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/okanagan-developer-expands-into-united-states/ BC Hockey issued a warning on Oct. 13 after seeing a high volume of suspicious emails appearing to come from minor hockey associations and possibly the provincial governing body.
“We’re seeing a high volume of suspicious tournament invitations that appear to come from minor hockey associations and possibly BC Hockey,” the Saanichton-based organizat]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fraudulent-hockey-tournament-invites-circulate-across-greater-victoria/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 19:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fraudulent-hockey-tournament-invites-circulate-across-greater-victoria/ Elliott Lemire is competing in Stan Lee’s Super Kid, a North American contest offering a chance to appear in a comic book, meet his favourite superheroes at Los Angeles Comic-Con and take home a US$25,000grand prize.
The Grade 1 student at École John Stubbs Memorial School is hoping to advance to the quarter-finals, with his family encouraging the commun]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kindness-is-a-superpower-for-bc-boy-chasing-comic-book-dream/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 18:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kindness-is-a-superpower-for-bc-boy-chasing-comic-book-dream/ Shuji Tabata passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, after a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Born in Wakayama, Japan, he moved to Kamloops at age eleven, where he discovered Judo—a passion that shaped his entire life. He competed nationally and later became a dedicated sensei and referee, deeply involved with the Nanaimo Judo Club. He worked throughout BC as a welder and pipe fitter before teaching for 30 years at Malaspina College/VIU, helping t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/shuji-tabata/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 18:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/shuji-tabata/ Mōnad at the OV Arts Centre on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m, kicking off the Crimson Coast Dance Society’s 29th season. Online, the society describes it as “what happens when hip hop history meets raw theatrical power.”
Mōnad consists of Alexandra ‘Spicey’ Lande, and Jai Nitai Lotus.Landé is a Montreal-based choreographer, dancer as well as teacher, and had previously toured]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/two-hip-hop-artists-from-quebec-will-perform-at-nanaimos-ov-arts-centre/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/two-hip-hop-artists-from-quebec-will-perform-at-nanaimos-ov-arts-centre/ At the time, it said a tennis bubble would be removed, with the courts subsequently available for public use, but according to a Tuesday, Oct. 20 city press release, council now favours kee]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/tennis-bubble-near-westwood-lake-in-nanaimo-remains-non-profit-operator-sought/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/tennis-bubble-near-westwood-lake-in-nanaimo-remains-non-profit-operator-sought/ Kelowna-Mission MLA candidate Gavin Dew welcomed the packed room, before addressing outgoing Kelowna city councillor Maxine DeHart and her recent health scare, in which she collapsed on Oct. 16, the day before the municipal election.
“She had fallen, she was bleeding and she was hurt,” Dew said.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-address-healthcare-taxes-during-kelowna-rally/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 08:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-address-healthcare-taxes-during-kelowna-rally/ Jackson Blake added three assists for the defending Stanley Cup champs (8-2-1), while Pyotr Kochetkov made 14 saves to earn the win in goal. Linus Karlsson, Jonathan Lekkerimaki and Max Sasson replied for the Canucks (2-8-1) who are winless in eight games. Jake DeBrusk chipped in with two as]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/three-players-net-2-apiece-as-hurricanes-dump-vancouver-canucks-6-3/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 06:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/three-players-net-2-apiece-as-hurricanes-dump-vancouver-canucks-6-3/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/video-vancouver-giants-tv-series-gets-positive-reviews/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/video-vancouver-giants-tv-series-gets-positive-reviews/ Busy with extra-curriculars – as many kids his age are – such as hockey and baseball, it’s hard to believe he started an unimaginable battle for his life just three months shy of his first birthday.
“Enough time has passed that you’]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/just-the-happiest-kid-clinical-trial-brightens-future-for-bc-boy/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 02:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/just-the-happiest-kid-clinical-trial-brightens-future-for-bc-boy/ “We share so many of the same values,” Fry said. “Some of the things that Emily’s fighting for are things that resonate with folks in Vancouver and really mean a lot to my community.”
The Green Party has held the riding since 2017, but the seat was vacated when incum]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-mayor-elect-pete-fry-out-door-knocking-to-support-bc-greens-leader-lowan/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 02:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-mayor-elect-pete-fry-out-door-knocking-to-support-bc-greens-leader-lowan/ We believe community forestry offers a tested and proven way forward and should be on the mi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/opinion-community-forests-offer-a-practical-path-forward-for-bc/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 01:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/opinion-community-forests-offer-a-practical-path-forward-for-bc/ Fifty-seven-year-old Randy Peters was first reported missing on Oct. 14. The RCMP stated he is unhoused and generally contacts his family at least once a week, but his family has not heard from him in eight weeks.
He is described as six-feet tall and 180 lbs, with brown eyes and a brown and grey beard. He has a slim build.Anyone with information on the whereabouts ofPeters, is asked to call th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-seek-help-locating-57-year-old/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 01:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-seek-help-locating-57-year-old/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-area-conservative-condemns-onebc-post-about-2006-stayed-charges/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 01:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-area-conservative-condemns-onebc-post-about-2006-stayed-charges/ Mario Canseco of Research Co. regularly polls British Columbian voters to ask which issues they care most about. For the past three years, housing has led. This year, it is cost-of-living.
“It’s something that everybody can relate to,” he said.
In a poll conducted on Oct. 13, the economy/jobs was the top issue for 25 per cent of r]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/where-the-parties-stand-on-the-major-issues-heading-into-the-bc-election/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 01:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/where-the-parties-stand-on-the-major-issues-heading-into-the-bc-election/ The women M’s captured the Pacific Western Athletic Association title in 2025/26, en route to a bronze medal at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association in Niverville, Man. The men were runners up in the PacWest championship and took fourth place at the CCAA nationals in Edmonton.
Grace Brisebois, Regan Ingram and Edan Wade have moved on and Shane Hyde, women’s coach,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/viu-mariners-volleyball-teams-seek-return-to-provincials-and-national-titles/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 01:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/viu-mariners-volleyball-teams-seek-return-to-provincials-and-national-titles/ This is the 28th year for the holiday event which sees two trains – one which travels a predominantly Canadian route and the other mostly in the U.S. – making stops in different communities to offer free concerts, and raise money and collect non-perishable food items for food banks across North America.Cars on each of the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sam-roberts-band-owen-riegling-to-headline-when-the-cpkc-holiday-train-crosses-bc/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sam-roberts-band-owen-riegling-to-headline-when-the-cpkc-holiday-train-crosses-bc/ In a press release, Nanaimo RCMP said it seeks the public’s help in identifying the person, who is alleged to have stolen the vehicle from the Country Grocer store at 1800 Dufferin Cres. on Saturday, Oct. 17, around 10 p.m.
The person was wearing a black hoodie with the hood pulled up, the press release noted, with a light-coloured face covering; loose, light-coloure]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/masked-suspect-sought-after-12-year-olds-scooter-stolen-from-nanaimo-store/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:06:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/masked-suspect-sought-after-12-year-olds-scooter-stolen-from-nanaimo-store/ The same day, the BC Conservatives announced their own promise of 11 UPCCs. Although none were in the Interior, where, alongside Oliver, the BC NDP had also promised an additional UPCC in Penticton.
The Penticton UPCC was one of the first to open in B.C., and was pitch]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndp-conservatives-pitch-dozens-of-urgent-primary-care-centres-as-healthcare-solution/Tue, 20 Oct 2026 22:52:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndp-conservatives-pitch-dozens-of-urgent-primary-care-centres-as-healthcare-solution/ Issued by Island Health on Oct. 20, an alert follows a higher rateof drug poisonings in a community.
More information can be found online at https://towardstheheart.com/alerts.The alert comes out one day after a similar alert was issued by Interior Health in Kootenays, citing the the drug mixture “down” containing “high amounts of fluorofentanyl and medetomidine” resulting in multiple overdoses.
“The combinati]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/drug-poisoning-alert-for-nanaimo-issued/Tue, 20 Oct 2026 22:34:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/drug-poisoning-alert-for-nanaimo-issued/ Country music fans will be saying giddy up as they hit the road for ‘The Great Canadian Road Trip Tour’ with Doc Walker, Jason McCoy, and Michelle Wright on Oct. 22
“Cowichan loves country,” said theatre marketing specialist Janelle Escott. “We want to bring people more of what they want to see in the valley, and these three Canadian country acts are sure to provide a fun night of stellar country tunes, and stories.”
It’s a &lsqu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-great-canadian-road-trip-tour-brings-country-stars-to-duncan/Tue, 20 Oct 2026 22:26:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-great-canadian-road-trip-tour-brings-country-stars-to-duncan/ Marc White, Reid’s father, is now pushing for accountability. He launched a petition on Oct. 14 to bolster protections against heavy machinery for unhoused individuals.
“Safety was completely thrown out of the window … There’s no way this isn’t negligence by absolutely any means. That’s why I started the petition … homeless people]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-father-advocates-for-increased-protections-for-unhoused-after-daughters-death/Tue, 20 Oct 2026 22:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-father-advocates-for-increased-protections-for-unhoused-after-daughters-death/ Xiao Dong Liu was fined $4,500 in Port Hardy Provincial Court on July 29, 2026, after being convicted of exceeding the daily fish quota and fishing during a closed period. Co-accused Yongjie Li was fined $4,250 after being convicted of the same offences, as well as failing to produce a licence.
The charges followed a complaint to the Observe, Record and Report line in March of 2025 regarding s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/port-hardy-pair-fined-8750-for-illegal-rockfish-fishing/Tue, 20 Oct 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/port-hardy-pair-fined-8750-for-illegal-rockfish-fishing/ The new $1.5-million health-care facility was developed through community partnerships and philanthropy to expand access to primary and specialty care in Oceanside, according to a news release from the Mid Island Health Alliance.
The new medical centre, located at 661 Primrose Ave. in Qualicum Beach features nine examination rooms and two procedure rooms.
Four family physicians and one nurse practitioner are joining the c]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/primrose-medical-centre-to-open-doors-on-nov-2-in-qualicum-beach/Tue, 20 Oct 2026 19:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/primrose-medical-centre-to-open-doors-on-nov-2-in-qualicum-beach/ According to a press release from BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC), Richard Z. was relaxing at home when he learned someone had won the Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball Jackpot with a ticket purchased in Quesnel.
He decided to check his own ticket and discovered he had won the $46-million jackpot in Dec. 20, 2025 draw.
“The ticket was only visually validated,” Richard s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quesnel-resident-claims-46-million-lottery-prize-from-december-draw/Tue, 20 Oct 2026 19:16:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quesnel-resident-claims-46-million-lottery-prize-from-december-draw/ Mounties are asking the public to be vigilant after receiving a report of the email, which claims a package had been intercepted and would only be released upon payment of a fee.
In this incident, a Vancouver Island resident contacted the Campbell River RCMP after receiving an email purportedly from FedEx.It said a package addressed to them had been intercepted south of Campbell River.The email asked for a $1,200 payment to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/campbell-river-rcmp-warns-about-fraudulent-intercepted-package-scam/Tue, 20 Oct 2026 19:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/campbell-river-rcmp-warns-about-fraudulent-intercepted-package-scam/ Maclean’s magazine has named UVic the second-best mid-sized university in Canada in its 2027 annual rankings, placing it behind only Simon Fraser University.
Mid-sized institutions are defined as having between 10,000 and 30,000 full-time students.
The publication evaluated universities on four main criteria.
Student resources and support made up 32 per cent of the overall score, followed by student experience]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/uvic-ranked-second-among-canadian-mid-sized-universities/Tue, 20 Oct 2026 19:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/uvic-ranked-second-among-canadian-mid-sized-universities/ Live Nation Canada announced show dates including March 14 at Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey, Feb. 23 at Nanaimo’s Port Theatre and Feb. 24 at Kelowna Community Theatre.Darcy & Jer, self-described “idiots on the internet,” have reached a global audience with comedy about their relationship, mental health]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/idiots-on-the-internet-comedy-duo-darcy-and-jer-in-surrey-kelowna-nanaimo-on-tour/Tue, 20 Oct 2026 18:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/idiots-on-the-internet-comedy-duo-darcy-and-jer-in-surrey-kelowna-nanaimo-on-tour/ Due to a misstep by one of the horses in Sunday’s race at the Desert Park Raceway, that equine team went down. The racers following were unable to stop in time, resulting in a multi-horse crash, as operators at the track described it.
Paramedics received a call at 3:33 p.m. on Sunday, confirmed Brian Twaites, BC EHS paramedic public information officer.
Five ambulances with primary care paramedics]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lower-mainland-harness-driver-killed-in-crash/Tue, 20 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lower-mainland-harness-driver-killed-in-crash/ Gerson, an Albertan journalist, political commentator and co-founder of The Line, was hosted at Vancouver Island University on Oct. 14 by Michael MacKenzie, VIU’s Jarislowsky chair in trust and political leadership, joined by Andy Percy, a Conservative member of U.K. Parliament who supported the separation of the U.K. from the European Union, known as Brexit.
The vote on Monda]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-albertan-separatism-movement-has-no-clear-end-goal-argues-political-commentator-at-viu/Tue, 20 Oct 2026 17:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-albertan-separatism-movement-has-no-clear-end-goal-argues-political-commentator-at-viu/ Referendum question 10 on Oct. 19 asked Albertans:
Should Alberta remain a province of Canada, or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial r]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/albertans-overwhelmingly-vote-to-remain-part-of-canada/Tue, 20 Oct 2026 14:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/albertans-overwhelmingly-vote-to-remain-part-of-canada/ Five, which is being presented by the Yellow Point Drama Group, will be performed at Cedar Community Hall, with opening night on Friday, Oct. 23.
The name of the five plays are Time Enough for Love, The Depot, For Heaven’s Sake, Genie-ous Solution, and GeoCaching.
Jim Zurcher, member-at-large of the board, said that in each play, there is som]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/yellow-point-drama-group-will-be-performing-five-plays-in-one/Tue, 20 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/yellow-point-drama-group-will-be-performing-five-plays-in-one/ Á’a:líya Warbus, MLA candidate for Chilliwack-Cultus Lake, and Heather Maahs, MLA candidate for Chilliwack North, were both present at the event but did not speak alongside Doerkson.
Doerkson did not take questions from the media.
The event was held at the Serene Stay & Play Cafe.Doerkson said th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservative-whistle-stop-brings-doerkson-to-chilliwack/Tue, 20 Oct 2026 02:05:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservative-whistle-stop-brings-doerkson-to-chilliwack/ The Conservative platform assumes 2.5 per cent growth this year, 2.8 per cent next year, and 3.2 per cent in 2029. This growth level would far exceed most current economic forecasts.
Ross Hickey, an associate professor]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-costed-platform-relies-on-economic-growth-that-beats-all-forecasts/Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:26:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-costed-platform-relies-on-economic-growth-that-beats-all-forecasts/ A press release from the City of Nanaimo states that the building’s final design reflects the extensive planning, technical review, and community engagement undertaken throughout the design-development process.
The building has been designed to provide a balance of community amenities and spaces that support flat-water training, while ensuring the broader]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/redevelopment-of-nanaimos-loudon-park-hits-milestone/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 23:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/redevelopment-of-nanaimos-loudon-park-hits-milestone/ Doerkson shook hands with workers at Waldun Forest Products in east Maple Ridge, in the riding of BC Conservative incumbent candidate Lawrence Mok, where he said he will give the sector more predictable access to fibre, speed up the permit process, and eliminate unnecess]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/video-bc-conservative-leader-promises-support-for-forest-industry-during-lower-mainland-campaign-announcement/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 23:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/video-bc-conservative-leader-promises-support-for-forest-industry-during-lower-mainland-campaign-announcement/ Adam Troy Mann, who was charged with second-degree murder in June of 2024, “is going to take the stand and he is going to give you his defence,” defence counsel Casey St. Germain told the jury in an opening statement.
“Now it’s time to hear the other side of the story.”
St. Germain first asked Mann a little ab]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/man-accused-in-surrey-killing-testifies-in-own-defence/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 22:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/man-accused-in-surrey-killing-testifies-in-own-defence/ Adam Troy Mann, who was charged with second-degree murder in June of 2024, “is going to take the stand and he is going to give you his defence,” defence counsel Casey St. Germain told the jury in an opening statement.
“Now it’s time to hear the other side of the story.”B.C. Supreme Court Justice David Layton is presi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/it-wasnt-me-man-accused-in-surrey-killing-testifies-in-own-defence/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 22:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/it-wasnt-me-man-accused-in-surrey-killing-testifies-in-own-defence/ The Vernon Vipers gave their largest crowd of the season plenty to cheer about, completing a weekend sweep of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks with a 6-4 victory at Kal Tire Place Oct. 17.
“More than 2,200 fans packed the building for Hockey Fights Cancer Night, and the Vipers delivered another impressive offensive performance to improve to 9-1-1-0 and take over top spot in the BCHL stan]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/weekend-sweep-lands-vernon-vipers-at-top-of-bchl/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 22:02:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/weekend-sweep-lands-vernon-vipers-at-top-of-bchl/ Po]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/judge-dismisses-alberta-mans-appeal-of-court-decision-for-fatal-sicamous-collision/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 21:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/judge-dismisses-alberta-mans-appeal-of-court-decision-for-fatal-sicamous-collision/ The Surrey South candidate was at a Newton grocery store to reveal party plans “to put money back in British Columbians’ pockets, saving a typical two-income family approximately $540 a year.”
Promised are lower taxes, a rate-of-inflation cap on residential BC Hydro rate increases, 20,000 new $10-a-day child care spaces by 2030 and a new re]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sturko-reveals-centrebcs-affordability-plans-at-another-surrey-campaign-stop/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 21:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sturko-reveals-centrebcs-affordability-plans-at-another-surrey-campaign-stop/ The Venture is the smallest cruise ship to visit Victoria this season – which started with the Nieuw Amsterdam on April 10 – and it was the last, marking a recor]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/victoria-boasts-record-332-calls-1m-passengers-as-cruise-ship-season-ends/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 20:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/victoria-boasts-record-332-calls-1m-passengers-as-cruise-ship-season-ends/ Prime Minister Mark Carney gave an update in the House Monday (Oct. 19) about what is currently known and what is not yet known about the fatal fire that occurred during a training exercise. He spoke about the situation following a moment of silence and leaders of the other parties also spoke to the situation after him.
“On Saturday after]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-british-columbians-soldiers-among-4-killed-in-fire-at-cfb-wainwright-in-alberta/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 20:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-british-columbians-soldiers-among-4-killed-in-fire-at-cfb-wainwright-in-alberta/ Prime Minister Mark Carney gave an update in the House Monday (Oct. 19) about what is currently known and what is not yet known about the fatal fire that occurred during a training exercise. He spoke about the situation following a moment of silence and leaders of the other parties also spoke to the situation after him.
“On Saturday after]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-british-columbian-soldiers-among-4-killed-in-fire-at-cfb-wainwright-in-alberta/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 20:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-british-columbian-soldiers-among-4-killed-in-fire-at-cfb-wainwright-in-alberta/ Police say speed and impairment are suspected factors in the head-on incident, which occurred on Highway 5 at around 8:30 a.m.
According to a news release, BC Highway Patrol responded to “multiple complaints about a vehicle driving southbound in the northbound lanes.”
“While en route to intercept the vehicle, police learned of a head-on c]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/one-dead-three-seriously-injured-in-head-on-collision-near-merritt/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 19:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/one-dead-three-seriously-injured-in-head-on-collision-near-merritt/ Ella Dyck and Jasper Petersen had just rung their items through the self-checkout when Dyck noticed flames shooting up towards the back of the store.
“We were just grabbing our groceries and I look over and was like that’s fire – that’s not supposed to be there. At first I thought I was seeing things” Dyck says.
T]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/courtenay-walmart-closed-after-fire-in-infant-clothing-section/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 18:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/courtenay-walmart-closed-after-fire-in-infant-clothing-section/ Canadian Blind Hockey and the Victoria Royals are teaming up to bring an adapted version of Canada’s game to the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. A Try Skating and Blind Hockey event will take place on Oct. 21 for anyone in the community who is blind or partially sighted.
Volunteers from the Royals will hit the ice alongside the new Victoria Canucks Blind Hockey Team, an all-ages program supported by the Canu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/blind-hockey-returning-to-victoria-with-help-from-royals/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 18:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/blind-hockey-returning-to-victoria-with-help-from-royals/ Lake Cowichan born and raised, Knott was in his early twenties when he first joined the department as a volunteer, in 1979. He had friends with the department at the time, and]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lake-cowichan-fire-chief-retires-after-48-years-of-service/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lake-cowichan-fire-chief-retires-after-48-years-of-service/ City council gave the fourth and final reading to an amendment to the municipality’s building bylaw at its meeting on Oct. 5 to remove fire-sprinkler protections for certain buildings that would otherwise not have been required to have sprinklers under the B.C. Building Code.
That means building-permit applications to the city will no]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fire-sprinkler-regulations-for-some-nanaimo-construction-projects-removed/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fire-sprinkler-regulations-for-some-nanaimo-construction-projects-removed/ Doerkson was asked about the platform by a reporter at a media event held in Delta to announce the party’s “Thriving Kids Plan.” Doerkson was joined by Conservative candidates from around the region including Delta South’s Ian Paton – whose farm provided the backdrop for the event – and Delta North’s Monica Mohan. Also]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fully-costed-bc-conservative-platform-coming-sunday-doerkson-promises-in-delta/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fully-costed-bc-conservative-platform-coming-sunday-doerkson-promises-in-delta/ Doerkson was asked about the platform by a reporter at a media event held to announce the party’s “Thriving Kids Plan.” Doerkson was joined by Conservative candidates from around the region including Delta South’s Ian Paton – whose farm provided the backdrop for the event – and Delta North’s Monica Mohan.Among the plank]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fully-costed-bc-conservative-platform-coming-today-doerkson-promises-in-delta/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:22:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fully-costed-bc-conservative-platform-coming-today-doerkson-promises-in-delta/ Vancouver Island faces a contradiction between the public services residents expect and the housing they will accommodate.
We want staffed emergency departments, available daycare spaces, reliable home support for seniors and businesses that stay open. Those expectations require people. Those people need somewhere to live.
Yet propose apartments or townhouses in an estab]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-vancouver-island-needs-housing-for-the-workers-its-communities-rely-on/Sun, 18 Oct 2026 23:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-vancouver-island-needs-housing-for-the-workers-its-communities-rely-on/ Dana Gray, owner of the shop that is devoted to all things mystical and spiritual, said up to 70 witches will perform the Witches’ Dance at 2 p.m. on Oct. 31 in front of Lobelia’s Lair, located at #8 321 Wesley St.
But Gray pointed out that the dancing witches are not associated with the devil and evil doings, as so many people have been taught to believe.
&ldquo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/business-notes-get-ready-for-the-annual-witches-dance-at-lobelias-lair-on-halloween/Sun, 18 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/business-notes-get-ready-for-the-annual-witches-dance-at-lobelias-lair-on-halloween/ Fry beat out incumbent Ken Sim, of ABC Vancouver, by more than 20,000 votes as of 11:20 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 17).
As of 11:20 p.m., Fry had 70,183. Sim had 49,780 votes. There had been 106 out of 149 polling locations counted at that point.
Fry took to the stage for his winning speech shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 17). At that time, 75 out of 149 polling locations had been counted.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ken-sim-out-as-vancouver-mayor-voters-move-left-with-pete-fry/Sun, 18 Oct 2026 08:22:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ken-sim-out-as-vancouver-mayor-voters-move-left-with-pete-fry/ Preliminary results from the municipal election on Oct. 17 indicates that Krog won the mayoral race with 10,368 votes, handily beating out contenders Sarah Lovegrove (8,461 votes), Anne Marie Dryden (6,084 votes) and Brunie Brunie (327 votes).
Six incumbent Nanaimo councillors will also retain their seats.
They include Ben Geselbracht (12,399 votes), Paul Manly (12,052 votes), Hilary Eastmure (10,660 votes), Sheryl Armstrong (9,3]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/leonard-krog-wins-re-election-as-mayor-of-nanaimo/Sun, 18 Oct 2026 07:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/leonard-krog-wins-re-election-as-mayor-of-nanaimo/ Preliminary results from the municipal election on Saturday, Oct. 17 indicates that Krog won the mayoral race with 10,368 votes, beating out contenders Sarah Lovegrove (8,461 votes), Anne Marie Dryden (6,084 votes) and Brunie Brunie (327 votes).
Six incumbent Nanaimo councillors will also retain their seats.
They include Ben Geselbracht (12,399 votes), Paul Manly (12,052 votes), Hilary Eastmure (10,660 votes), Sheryl Armstrong (9]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/leonard-krog-wins-re-election-as-city-of-nanaimo-mayor/Sun, 18 Oct 2026 07:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/leonard-krog-wins-re-election-as-city-of-nanaimo-mayor/ According to Civic Info BC, Taylor received 780 votes to Tyler Johnsen’s 312 and Glen Innes’ 106.
The Penticton Western spoke with Taylor shortly after he received the news himself.
“I feel good,” said Taylor. “I think it was a decisive result, and I look forward to being able to benefit the community with having some experience in government.&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bcs-newest-municipality-okanagan-falls-elects-inaugural-mayor-and-council/Sun, 18 Oct 2026 07:16:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bcs-newest-municipality-okanagan-falls-elects-inaugural-mayor-and-council/ The preliminary results, issued on Oct. 17 show that Scott Mack has received the most votes for councillor, 990 votes; followed by John Westby, 938 votes; incumbent Jonathan Lerner, with 881 votes; and Lee Forsyth with 843 votes.
As there are four councillors set to be elected, it means that if these results hold, Mack, Westby, and Forsyth will be elected to council, while Lerner will be]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lantzville-council-election-results-show-almost-no-incumbents-re-elected/Sun, 18 Oct 2026 06:58:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lantzville-council-election-results-show-almost-no-incumbents-re-elected/ McGuinty provided the update in a late-night news conference in Ottawa Saturday.
“I’m saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base.
McGuinty couldn’t provide specific numbers on those dead or injured. He called it an “active and delicate situation.”
Wainwright RCMP]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fatalities-injuries-after-fire-at-canadian-forces-base-wainwright-in-alberta/Sun, 18 Oct 2026 05:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fatalities-injuries-after-fire-at-canadian-forces-base-wainwright-in-alberta/ — Karl Yu (@KarlYuBulletin) October 18, 2026View this post on InstagramA post shared by Karl Yu (@karlyubulletin)]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/live-nanaimo-council-election/Sun, 18 Oct 2026 05:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/live-nanaimo-council-election/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/calgary-stampeders-keep-playoff-hopes-alive-after-32-13-win-over-bc-lions/Sun, 18 Oct 2026 03:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/calgary-stampeders-keep-playoff-hopes-alive-after-32-13-win-over-bc-lions/ Nikita Kucherov (2) and Pontus Holmberg had the other goals for the Lightning (6-2-0), with Dennis Hildeby making 12 saves to earn the win in goal.
Linus Karlsson and centre Elias Pettersson replied for the Canucks (2-7-1), who finished winless on a six-game roa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kucherov-tallies-2-as-lightning-rally-to-double-vancouver-canucks-4-2/Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kucherov-tallies-2-as-lightning-rally-to-double-vancouver-canucks-4-2/ Recently I read the federal government was going to indefinitely exclude people suffering from mental illness from access to MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying). The restrictive MAiD regulations have been drafted by callous, self-righteous people who are willing to turn a blind eye to the ongoing suffering of others.
Numerous people, especially seniors, have fears about the future; namely, becoming physically or mentally incapacitated (partially or severely) and then being forced to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/letter-to-the-editor-maid-a-travesty-of-justice/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/letter-to-the-editor-maid-a-travesty-of-justice/ When Torgerson can resume his political duties is unknown.
Torgerson’s case came before Judge Cassandra Malfair in Prince George Provincial Court on Friday, Oct. 16. He was not there, but his lawyer, Jay Michi of Kamloops, appeared via videoconference on his behalf.
Malfair agreed to Crown prosecutor Lisa Sukkau’s application for a publication ban to protect the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/valemounts-acclaimed-mayor-powerless-due-to-sexual-assault-charge/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 19:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/valemounts-acclaimed-mayor-powerless-due-to-sexual-assault-charge/ She said the well-used camera, which I’ve dragged around me with during the last 26 years of my writing career and produced thousands of photos that ended up in publication, is now taking grainy pictures due to its advancing age.
My editor said that, generally, most cameras have a life span of about 10 years, so I guess mine should be in a museum somewhere.
I was surprised because to my k]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-my-cameras-getting-old/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-my-cameras-getting-old/ Elsewhere, some parts of the country are already dealing with winter conditions.
In past years, Canada has experienced some extreme blizzards and winter storms, in many parts of the country.
Canada tends to prepare for snowy driving conditions, spending more than $1 billion a year to clear snow from streets.
Are you prepared for the winter driving season]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quiz-preparing-for-winter-driving-conditions/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 13:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quiz-preparing-for-winter-driving-conditions/ These calls are a phone scam, where the fraudster appears genuinely connected to the Kelowna RCMP, in order to deceive individuals into providing sensitive personal and financial information.
After receiving a significant number of reports from people claiming to have received fraudulent calls from the Ke]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/phone-scam-spoofing-kelowna-rcmps-non-emergency-line-targets-canadians/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 03:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/phone-scam-spoofing-kelowna-rcmps-non-emergency-line-targets-canadians/ James Cody Bryant, 30, was indicted Wednesday (Oct. 14) by a grand jury sitting in the Western District of Washington for conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country for Bryant’s alleged role in the school shooting that left seven people, including the shooter, dead at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Feb. 10. The charge is spe]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/tumbler-ridge-shooter-alleged-co-conspirator-indicted-by-us-grand-jury/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 02:42:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/tumbler-ridge-shooter-alleged-co-conspirator-indicted-by-us-grand-jury/ As British Columbians prepare to vote in municipal and provincial elections, affordability is understandably]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/opinion-access-to-sport-shouldnt-depend-on-where-you-live-in-bc/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 02:23:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/opinion-access-to-sport-shouldnt-depend-on-where-you-live-in-bc/ As British Columbians prepare to vote in municipal and provincial elections, affordability is understandably]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/opinion-access-to-sport-in-bc-shouldnt-depend-on-where-you-live/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 02:23:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/opinion-access-to-sport-in-bc-shouldnt-depend-on-where-you-live/ The Nanaimo News Bulletin story, which was published on Sept. 1, 2007, described the finding of the first two feet, with the initial one discovered washed up on a beach on Jedidiah Island, located on the Sunshine Coast north of Nanaimo, and the other one was found on a beach on Gabriola Island a week later.
Both were right feet with socks still on them and in]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/headline-history-detached-feet-found-on-beaches-near-nanaimo-made-global-news/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 02:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/headline-history-detached-feet-found-on-beaches-near-nanaimo-made-global-news/ The incident occurred just before 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, on Walbank Road, near Sechelt Drive, according to a Nanaimo RCMP press release.
The youths, ages 12 and 13, reported that after passing an unknown man, they became concerned when he began walking quickly in their direction.
Trusting their instincts, they ran to a nearby residence and s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-seeks-help-in-search-of-man-who-scared-young-girls/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 01:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-seeks-help-in-search-of-man-who-scared-young-girls/ But he says the remarks are being taken out of context.
Hicks said in an interview that he meant that, by law, if a First Nation is unconquered, treaties must be negotiated.“In law, as I understand it, English law, you can’t just move into an area and take it over; you either have to conquer the First Nations in a war or s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservative-candidate-says-first-nations-conquered-comment-taken-out-of-context/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:37:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservative-candidate-says-first-nations-conquered-comment-taken-out-of-context/ She said the new classroom spaces will be in place by 2031, with the districts with the most portables and fastest growth targeted first.
“We’ll keep class size and class composition limits in teachers contacts and fund them fully,” Sturko said.
Among her promises was to bring back letter grades for stud]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sturko-promises-25k-new-school-spaces/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sturko-promises-25k-new-school-spaces/ The candidates at the forum, which was hosted by the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 13, were asked what role the provincial government should play in dealing with these issues.
Sheila Malcolmson, the NDP representative for Nanaimo-Gabriola Island, started the disc]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/provincial-candidates-for-nanaimo-discuss-addictions-homelessness-at-forum/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/provincial-candidates-for-nanaimo-discuss-addictions-homelessness-at-forum/ At a press conference in Port Moody Friday morning (Oct. 16), Doerkson expanded on the previous day’s press release wherein the party committed to scrapping the planned eight-lane replacement tunnel in favour of a 10-lane “George Massey Bridge,” completing the Surrey Hos]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-say-massey-bridge-plan-would-pay-for-new-hospital/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-say-massey-bridge-plan-would-pay-for-new-hospital/ According to the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) report, around 4:54 a.m. on Aug. 24, 2025, a civilian witness called 911 to report the sounds of someone “screaming and smashing stuff” in a neighbouring home.
First on scene were three officers wearing body cameras who wer]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/prince-george-rcmp-cleared-of-criminal-wrongdoing-in-2025-mans-death/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/prince-george-rcmp-cleared-of-criminal-wrongdoing-in-2025-mans-death/ December 1, 1952 – August 31, 2026
Cathy Whitehead, 73, of Nanoose Bay, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026.
Cathy made every day an adventure and had a knack for finding an amusing anecdote in almost all things. Everything could be a story and any story she told was prone to being rendered incoherent by her uncontrolled laughter at what she was about to say.
Her story began in Burnaby General on December 1, 1952, and continued with a childhood in Burnaby and later]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cathy-whitehead/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cathy-whitehead/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/crown-rests-its-case-in-surrey-2nd-degree-murder-trial-for-adam-mann/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/crown-rests-its-case-in-surrey-2nd-degree-murder-trial-for-adam-mann/ NDP candidates Loyal Wooldridge (Kelowna Centre), Niki Sharma (Vancouver-Hastings), Binny Boparai (Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream), Harwinder Sandhu (Vernon-Lumby), and Tina Lee (Penticton-Summerland) gathered at Kerry Park in downtown Kelowna to make the announcement on Friday, Oct. 1]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndp-vow-to-create-75-involuntary-care-spaces-at-okanagan-correctional-facility/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndp-vow-to-create-75-involuntary-care-spaces-at-okanagan-correctional-facility/ Brian Abrosimo, 63, was sentenced to 14 years and four months in prison in 2006 for sexual assault, kidnapping, unlawful confinement, assault with a weapon, and other charges.
One of his victim was an 11-year-old Aldergrove girl. Abrosimo rammed the girl and a friend off their bikes with a van, to kidnap her. She]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/violent-aldergrove-sex-offender-must-remain-in-halfway-house-parole-board/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 22:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/violent-aldergrove-sex-offender-must-remain-in-halfway-house-parole-board/ In a Facebook post from the Greens, Phillip said he was honoured to endorse Lowan for being a “strong and courageous ally for Indigenous peoples in B.C.” and for approaching “environmental stewardship with full]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/grand-chief-stewart-philip-endorses-greens-leader/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 21:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/grand-chief-stewart-philip-endorses-greens-leader/ The family of Richard Walter Jones are sad to announce that Rick passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and friends at the age of 72.
Rick will be remembered for his years of dedicated service, his love of family, and the simple pleasures he enjoyed in retirement.
He devoted more than 35 years of his life to the fire service, retiring from Nanaimo Fire Rescue in 2007. His long career was a testament to his commitment to helping others and se]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/richard-walter-jones/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/richard-walter-jones/ Seven large campaign signs along Chemainus Road, just south of Henry Road, were discovered extensively damaged on the morning of Monday, Oct. 12. Three additional signs were found knocked down, while further damage was reported at the Lakes Road roundabout.
According to a press release issu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/election-signs-vandalized-across-north-cowichan/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 20:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/election-signs-vandalized-across-north-cowichan/ Air Canada is planning aerial filming with its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, which will fly alongside a Phenom 300 jet as the airline captures promotional footage.
“We’re planning to do air-to-air filming around #YVR, the Lower Mainland, and throughout Vancouver Island on Friday, Oct. 16. You may see our new @Airbus #A321XLR aircraft together with a #Phenom300 jet fl]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/air-canada-filming-to-put-new-plane-in-the-spotlight-over-vancouver-island/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 19:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/air-canada-filming-to-put-new-plane-in-the-spotlight-over-vancouver-island/ In a Friday, Oct. 16 press release, the CHL stated that the tournament, which was held in Kelowna in May, brought in $50.9 million, the largest recorded economic impact for a Memorial Cup host community.
“We’re thrilled at the results of the economic impact study. We saw the excitement throughout the tournament, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that reflected]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/memorial-cup-brings-in-509m-for-greater-kelowna/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 19:04:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/memorial-cup-brings-in-509m-for-greater-kelowna/ These opening words by former Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw Kukpi7 (Chief) James Tomma set the tone for Ashes in the Current: hope and recovery in British Columbia’s most famous salmon river, a short film recently released on YouTube by the Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF).The film is about the Adams River, the impact the 2023]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/video-collaborative-work-sets-stage-for-revival-of-famous-shuswap-sockeye-run/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 17:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/video-collaborative-work-sets-stage-for-revival-of-famous-shuswap-sockeye-run/ Now, seven games into the 2026-27 WHL regular season, the Royals have shown that their off-season shuffling wasn’t for show.
They have started their campaign with six wins out of their first seven and hold the second best point percentage in the WHL. The team, which went through an off-season overhaul this past summer, has had everything go right thus far.
Of the 25 players]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/off-season-moves-pay-immediate-dividends-for-victoria-royals/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/off-season-moves-pay-immediate-dividends-for-victoria-royals/ His solution was to build one himself.
At the end of August, the Victoria resident officially launched Camena, a company offering self-guided audio tours. Its free Inner Harbour route automatically plays stories as walkers reach 27 downtown stops, with narration available in eight languages.
Camena also offers th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/something-every-place-should-have-self-guided-audio-tour-launched-in-victoria/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/something-every-place-should-have-self-guided-audio-tour-launched-in-victoria/ The challenges include installations of heat pump and electric-vehicle chargers in the homes, according to a report funded by B.C. Hydro presented at the city council meeting on Oct. 5.
Jeremy Holm, the city’s director of planning and development, told council that the Crown corporation funded the study to iden]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/some-nanaimo-manufactured-home-communities-facing-limited-electrical-capacity/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/some-nanaimo-manufactured-home-communities-facing-limited-electrical-capacity/ Advance voting begins Friday, Oct. 16 and continues for six days until Wednesday, Oct. 21. Voting places are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., local time, each advance voting day.
Elections BC will publish advance voting turnout statistics throughout the advance-voting period. The statistics will be available on its website.
Elections BC says advance voting is open for all eligible voters, and most]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/advance-voting-for-bc-election-begins-today/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/advance-voting-for-bc-election-begins-today/ Seth Jones had a pair of assists for the winners (4-2-2), while Akira Schmid made 15 saves to earn the win in goal.
Liam Öhgren and defenceman Elias Pettersson replied for the Canucks (2-6-1), while goalie Leevi Merilainen was outstanding, making 36 saves.
The Panthers carried the play early in the first pe]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/tkachuk-nets-3-as-florida-panthers-rally-to-edge-vancouver-canucks-3-2/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 03:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/tkachuk-nets-3-as-florida-panthers-rally-to-edge-vancouver-canucks-3-2/ Just after 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 17, a woman reported that she had been walking southbound after crossing Front Street near Port Place Shopping Centre when an unknown man suddenly grabbed her, according to a release from Nanaimo RCMP.
Immediately afterwards, the man boarded Transit bus #40 that takes passengers to Vancouver Island University]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimorcmp-seeking-help-finding-man-involved-in-alleged-unwanted-touching-incident/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 01:33:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimorcmp-seeking-help-finding-man-involved-in-alleged-unwanted-touching-incident/ The three local neurologists will finish their time at the hospital in N]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/open-letter-warns-of-hospital-specialist-exodus-over-interior-health-policy/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 01:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/open-letter-warns-of-hospital-specialist-exodus-over-interior-health-policy/ Chris Smit, CSRD’s senior bylaw enforcement officer, presented a report on the outcome of a court decision on Luna, a dog that after several incidents, was designated a dangerous dog and subsequently euthanized.The first such case for the regional district, Luna was declared a dangerous dog because she had seriously injured people and was likely to do so again. Smit said it is important]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/more-than-a-year-passed-before-court-approved-euthanization-of-dog/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 01:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/more-than-a-year-passed-before-court-approved-euthanization-of-dog/ Chris Smit, CSRD’s senior bylaw enforcement officer, presented a report on the outcome of a court decision on Luna, a dog that after several incidents, was designated a dangerous dog and subsequently euthanized.The first such case for the regional district, Luna was declared a dangerous dog because she had seriously injured people and was likely to do so again. Smit said it is important]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/80k-spent-by-columbia-shuswap-regional-district-on-dangerous-dog-case/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 01:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/80k-spent-by-columbia-shuswap-regional-district-on-dangerous-dog-case/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-drag-star-gets-approval-to-push-forward-with-defamation-suit/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-drag-star-gets-approval-to-push-forward-with-defamation-suit/ The prominent 0.62-acre site sandwiched between Terminal Avenue North and Stewart Avenue was the site of a Husky gas station which was closed after a fire in 2020, and demolished in 2022.
The site has been remediated to make it ready for development, but it has remained empty since the demolition of the gas station.
Usag]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/six-storey-apartment-building-proposed-for-downtown-nanaimo/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/six-storey-apartment-building-proposed-for-downtown-nanaimo/ The Ecoforestry Institute (EIS) has launched its ‘Burn the Mortgage’ campaign to help pay down the mortgage it took out to purchase Wildwood in 2016.
Originally, the campaign was planned for September but has since been extended through October after a donor offered]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/wildwood-ecoforest-looks-to-community-to-help-burn-the-mortgage/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/wildwood-ecoforest-looks-to-community-to-help-burn-the-mortgage/ Ryan posted screenshots of the posts on Thursday (Oct. 15), in which DeathNight is shown saying that Hitler did not specifically hate Jews, and that “Lots of Jews died because there were]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-remove-vancouver-candidate-after-alleged-hitler-posts/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 23:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-remove-vancouver-candidate-after-alleged-hitler-posts/ With heavy hearts and many fond memories, we say goodbye to John Johnsen, affectionately known as Johnny, who passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, aged 77. If Johnny were here, he would tell us not to make a fuss, but he gave us too many good stories not to share a few and celebrate the life he lived.
Born in Vancouver, BC, to Oscar and Elizabeth Johnsen, Johnny moved with his family to Nanaimo, BC, where they built strong roots in the neighbourhood of Wellington. He]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/john-johnsen/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 23:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/john-johnsen/ The party issued a press release Thursday morning (Oct. 15) committing to a 10-lane George Massey Bridge, completing the Surrey Hospital in Cloverdale (already underway and set to open in early 2030), and building a new Women and Children’s Hospital in Surrey.
Original plans by t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservatives-pledge-to-scrap-new-massey-tunnel-build-bridge-instead/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 23:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservatives-pledge-to-scrap-new-massey-tunnel-build-bridge-instead/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/more-police-prosecutors-centrebc-unveils-public-safety-plans/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 22:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/more-police-prosecutors-centrebc-unveils-public-safety-plans/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/loss-of-control-led-to-2022-fatal-float-plane-crash-near-port-hardy-tsb/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 22:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/loss-of-control-led-to-2022-fatal-float-plane-crash-near-port-hardy-tsb/ Duane Tresnich, search manager for Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR), left for Reykjavík, Iceland on Wednesday, Oct. 14 as he’s been invited to be a guest speaker at the 18th annual Rescue26 International Search and Rescue Conference.
“Duane will speak about the important connection between search and rescue and social media, explorin]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/central-okanagan-search-and-rescue-manager-to-speak-on-international-stage/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 21:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/central-okanagan-search-and-rescue-manager-to-speak-on-international-stage/ Central Saanich Police announced the update on Wednesday, one day after officers responded to a report of a body found at the facility.
Efforts are underway to notify the woman’s next of kin, police said in a media release.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death, with assistance from Central Saanich Police.
&ldq]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/police-identify-woman-found-dead-at-central-saanich-landfill/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/police-identify-woman-found-dead-at-central-saanich-landfill/ “That means she works with trauma-exposed professionals as part of an organization, rather than being paired wi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/victoria-police-dog-trained-in-stress-intervention-celebrates-6th-birthday/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/victoria-police-dog-trained-in-stress-intervention-celebrates-6th-birthday/ Wilson, who taught Grade 7 at Chemainus Secondary School last year, has been named one of 16 finalists for the 2026 Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching for a project developed in partnership with the Chemainus Valley Historical Society and Chemainus Museum.
The recognition comes after a project roughly two years in the marking that began w]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/chemainus-teacher-named-finalist-for-governor-general-award/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:16:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/chemainus-teacher-named-finalist-for-governor-general-award/ Justice K. Wolfe also found the Provincial Rental Housing Corporation (PRHC) breached the agreement by stopping rent payments after Sept. 2022, despite the hotel’s 34 rooms having been gutted and never restored.
The]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-court-finds-housing-corporation-breached-agreement-over-former-duncan-ramada/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:11:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-court-finds-housing-corporation-breached-agreement-over-former-duncan-ramada/ Influenza A and COVID are already spreading. Another flu season in B.C., another round of vaccination arriving too late.
Last week, the Provincial Health Officer finally announced that flu vaccination for the higher risk population will start on Oct. 13. Thereafter the general public will be receiving vaccination notifications until early November.
Of course, Dr. Bonnie Henry is well aware that it takes another two weeks after vaccination for full antibody protec]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-bc-flu-and-covid-vaccine-rollout-is-too-little-too-late/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-bc-flu-and-covid-vaccine-rollout-is-too-little-too-late/ The incident occurred in the 700 block of Goldstream Ave., around 7:30 p.m.
“Witnesses reported that one of the males had pointed what appeared to be a firearm, while the other male deployed what appeared to be bear spray,” West Shore RCMP said in an emailed statement to the Goldstream Gazette.
Police located the man seen with the fire]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-mounties-called-to-fight-involving-replica-gun-bear-spray/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:02:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-mounties-called-to-fight-involving-replica-gun-bear-spray/ That’s why MacDonald, an award-winning writer and publicist, decided to run for the B.C. Conservative Party in the riding of Nanaimo-Gabriola Island.
“When Eby called this snap election, I saw it as a chance to get him and the NDP out of office,” he said.
“The province currently has a $13.8-billion deficit and our taxes are way up. Under Eby&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mark-macdonald-running-as-conservative-candidate-in-nanaimo-gabriola-island/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mark-macdonald-running-as-conservative-candidate-in-nanaimo-gabriola-island/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-vows-to-cut-45-charge-for-low-income-seniors-bus-pass-bring-in-surrey-charter/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 19:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-vows-to-cut-45-charge-for-low-income-seniors-bus-pass-bring-in-surrey-charter/ Greater Victoria drink makers dominated the 2026 Canada Beer Cup in Calgary on Thursday (Oct. 8) night, bringing home 13 medals from the national competition.
Seven capital region producers combined for five gold, five silver and three bronze awards at the sold-out industry gala.
The fifth annual competition drew 1,900 entries from more than 400 craft breweries and cideries across Canada. The event first launched in 2022.
A]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/greater-victoria-drink-makers-capture-13-awards-at-national-competition/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 19:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/greater-victoria-drink-makers-capture-13-awards-at-national-competition/ Emergency responders were called to the waterfront near the James Bay boat ramp, in the 70-block of Dallas Road, shortly before 9 a.m.
“BC Emergency Health Services notified police of a request for an ambulance, after a witness reported seeing a sedan drive into the ocean,” the Victoria Police Department said in a statement to Black Press Media.
Multi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/police-investigating-after-vehicle-found-submerged-in-ocean-in-victoria/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 19:24:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/police-investigating-after-vehicle-found-submerged-in-ocean-in-victoria/ ​Field helped the UBCO Thunderbirds win back-to-back CIS National Championships in 2008 and 2009, en route to earning the 2009 May Brown Trophy as UBC’s Outstanding Graduating Female Athlete.
​On the international stage, Field represented the Senior National Team fo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-athlete-to-be-inducted-into-the-volleyball-bc-hall-of-fame/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 19:23:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-athlete-to-be-inducted-into-the-volleyball-bc-hall-of-fame/ Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, a spokesman for Nanaimo RCMP, said the incident took place at approximately noon on Wednesday, Oct. 14, and the student that was sprayed did not require medical assistance.
The student who is alleged to have sprayed him will have a court date pending to answer to the change.
“Both youths are 15-y]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-student-faces-charge-after-allegedly-discharging-bear-spray-at-another-student/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 19:02:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-student-faces-charge-after-allegedly-discharging-bear-spray-at-another-student/ Council announced Tuesday (Oct. 13) it was firing Felice Mazzoni, hired for the role in 2023, after an independent investigator determined a “breakdown in trust” caused staff work issues district-wide.
North Saanich said the district received multiple complaints regarding Mazzoni – who is also running for mayor]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/i-have-done-nothing-north-saanich-planner-and-mayoral-candidate-refutes-firing/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 18:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/i-have-done-nothing-north-saanich-planner-and-mayoral-candidate-refutes-firing/ Arabian Nights, the opening concert for Vancouver Island Symphony’s 32nd season, will be happening at the Port Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 17, with a pre-concert talk at 6:30 p.m., and the concert itself at 7:30 p.m.
Guest conducting the concert will be Jonathan Girard, director of orchestras at the University of British Columbia and artistic dir]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-symphony-kicks-off-new-season-with-arabian-nights-concert/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-symphony-kicks-off-new-season-with-arabian-nights-concert/ Pringle, the candidate for the Conservative Party of B.C. in Nanaimo-Lantzville, said that despite the fact that it was urgent that her husband receive the help he needed in Victoria because the local health system was unable to provide it, he was kept two days in Nanaimo before finally being transported there for treatment.
She said that, to top it off, there is no post-h]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelsey-pringle-steps-up-for-conservatives-in-nanaimo-lantzville/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelsey-pringle-steps-up-for-conservatives-in-nanaimo-lantzville/ The doorbell keeps ringing. People who normally look familiar are suddenly wearing masks and costumes. Children are running up to the house, there are unusual noises outside, and there is a constant stream of activity that your dog doesn’t normally experience.
Some dogs take it all in stride. Others need more support.
The best thing you can do is think about your dog’s individual needs an]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/help-your-dog-have-a-better-halloween/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/help-your-dog-have-a-better-halloween/ He says the NDP’s one-vote majority simply wasn’t cutting it, forcing his colleagues — some sick with cancer, others new parents — to vote from hospital beds just to keep the government from falling.
“This was not a government that was able to deliver the big swings that yo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-defends-his-record-doerkson-tries-to-gain-trust-during-bc-election-debate/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 05:59:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-defends-his-record-doerkson-tries-to-gain-trust-during-bc-election-debate/ Accused James Cody Bryant, a Bellingham resident, was in U.S. District Court in the Western District of Washington courthouse in Seattle Tuesday (Oct. 13) for a detention hearing. Judge Mary Alice Theiler ordered Bryant to be detained and remanded in custody. Bryant is next scheduled for a preliminary examination on Oct. 20 at 1 p.m.
Bryant was arrested Oct. 7 in Bellingham, Wash. and ch]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/tumbler-ridge-shooting-accused-co-conspirator-denied-bail-us-judge/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 02:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/tumbler-ridge-shooting-accused-co-conspirator-denied-bail-us-judge/ Costing estimates include added spending for projects and priorities and added taxes for the wealthiest 3.88 per cent of residents. This keeps the deficit on a similar track as the last provincial budget.
The platform also relies on projected economic growth, the speculation and vacancy tax and a proposed unsold condo tax to fill coffers.
The projected budget deficit would be]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndp-releases-costed-platform-with-added-spending-new-taxes-on-wealthy/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 02:37:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndp-releases-costed-platform-with-added-spending-new-taxes-on-wealthy/ Costing estimates include added spending for projects and priorities and added taxes for the wealthiest 3.88 per cent of residents. This keeps the deficit on a similar track as the last provincial budget.
The platform also relies on projected economic growth, the speculation and vacancy tax and a proposed unsold condo tax to fill coffers.
The projected budget deficit would be]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndp-release-costed-platform-with-added-spending-new-taxes-on-wealthy/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 02:37:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndp-release-costed-platform-with-added-spending-new-taxes-on-wealthy/ “The provincial campaign has swallowed the local one,” he said in a social media video released Wednesday. “Healthcare, public safety, and the cost of living are all critical issues, and the people running for your city hall or your school board deserve their own moment to discuss them.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-promise-separate-municipal-provincial-election-periods-if-they-win/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 02:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-promise-separate-municipal-provincial-election-periods-if-they-win/ Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, a spokesman for Nanaimo RCMP, said that just after 3 p.m. on Oct. 7, police were contacted after a caller witnessed a parent pull into a parking lot so his two young boys could answer an urgent call of nature behind the vehicle.
“The caller was reportedly baff]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/dad-vs-bladder-emergency-leads-to-nanaimo-rcmp-call/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 01:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/dad-vs-bladder-emergency-leads-to-nanaimo-rcmp-call/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-moj-bc-lions-watch-intently-as-cfl-teams-jockey-for-playoff-position/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-moj-bc-lions-watch-intently-as-cfl-teams-jockey-for-playoff-position/ The southern B.C. city placed fifth on Skyscanner’s list of the most-searched destinations.
According to the U.K.-based travel booking platform, Penticton saw a 137 per cent increase in travel searches year-over-year, placing it alongside high-profile tourism destinations in Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.
Penticton and Tofino, on B.C.’s Vancouver Island,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/penticton-named-top-canadian-city-on-new-global-travel-list-5th-overall/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/penticton-named-top-canadian-city-on-new-global-travel-list-5th-overall/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-ahead-of-ndp-despite-moderate-support-for-doerkson-poll/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-ahead-of-ndp-despite-moderate-support-for-doerkson-poll/ Saltman, who has been involved with the Communist Party since 2019, said she strongly believes this is the best choice for British Columbians.
“We want to send workers the message that we’re the party that works for them. We’re the party that most wants to empower workers, to give workers control over their daily lives in the workplace and everywhere else,&rdquo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/pepper-saltman-running-for-communist-party-of-bc-in-nanaimo-lantzville/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 23:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/pepper-saltman-running-for-communist-party-of-bc-in-nanaimo-lantzville/ At 7:45 a.m. on Sept. 26, a BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) officer stopped the rig after noting it was driving in heavy rain and darkness near Malakwa with no functioning taillights.The 46-year-old driver from Calgary had a valid Class 1 (heavy truck/air brake) Alberta licence and insurance, but he was unable to provide]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/10-safety-infractions-unrestrained-toddler-net-semi-driver-over-1600-in-fines-near-sicamous/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:37:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/10-safety-infractions-unrestrained-toddler-net-semi-driver-over-1600-in-fines-near-sicamous/ Hullo and IslandLink Bus Services have linked up to create car-free travel between the two regions.
IslandLink introduced two daily one-way bus routes on Oct. 1, timed to connect with Hullo’s daily ferry sailings at the Nanaimo terminal. The routes connect Campbell River, Courtenay, Parksville, and downtown Vancouver.
The initial schedule is strategically designed around two key Hullo sailings:
● Heading]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/islandlink-and-hullo-partner-up-to-make-travelling-to-the-lower-mainland-easier/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/islandlink-and-hullo-partner-up-to-make-travelling-to-the-lower-mainland-easier/ “One hundred sixty years is extremely impressive, especially when you realize that the Diocese of British Columbia was created only seven years prior and the Anglican Church of Canada wasn’t created until 1893,” said incumbent parish priest Theo Robinson.
Robinson, who is relatively new to the valley, made the move]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cowichan-church-celebrating-160-years-with-event-oct-24/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 20:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cowichan-church-celebrating-160-years-with-event-oct-24/ McLean was reported missing on Sept. 29, and located in the afternoon hours of Oct. 1 following a concerted search effort by Burns Lake RCMP and Burns Lake Search & Rescue.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family, friends and colleagues of John Philip McLean during this difficult]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-driller-found-deceased-in-northwest-bc-near-burns-lake-mourned/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 20:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-driller-found-deceased-in-northwest-bc-near-burns-lake-mourned/ The B.C. Coroners Service released the latest data for July and August fatal overdoses on Wednesday (Oct. 14).
There were 113 deaths reported in July and 126 in August, an average of 3.6 and 4.1 deaths per day, respectively.
In total, there have been 1,015 unregulated drug deaths in B.C. between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31. July had the second-fewest deaths in a month so far this year.
In July and August, F]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/239-people-died-in-bc-from-toxic-drugs-in-july-august-coroner/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 20:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/239-people-died-in-bc-from-toxic-drugs-in-july-august-coroner/ The B.C. Coroners Service released the latest data for July and August fatal overdoses on Wednesday (Oct. 14).
There were 113 deaths reported in July and 126 in August, an average of 3.6 and 4.1 deaths per day, respectively.
In total, there have been 1,015 unregulated drug deaths in B.C. between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31. July had the second-fewest deaths in a month so far this year.
In July and August, F]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/239-people-died-in-bc-from-toxic-drugs-in-july-august-bc-coroners-service/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 20:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/239-people-died-in-bc-from-toxic-drugs-in-july-august-bc-coroners-service/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/whats-on-oct-14/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/whats-on-oct-14/ Skardina stepped off Norwegian Encore at Ogden Point on Tuesday (Oct. 13) alongside her husband, Gary, as Victoria marked the milestone for the first time in a single cruise season.
“Geri and Gary, like Chip ‘n’ Dale, but cuter,” Gary joked.
Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, the couple, who now live in]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/were-blessed-california-couple-marks-victorias-millionth-cruise-passenger/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 19:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/were-blessed-california-couple-marks-victorias-millionth-cruise-passenger/ The AN-124 that touched down on Oct. 12 is perhaps the largest aircraft ever to do so at CFB Comox. With a wingspan of 73 metres (roughly six transit buses end-to-end) and a freight payload of 120,000 kg, this aircraft is designed for hauling the kind of large items that wouldn’t fit in a standard commercial or military c]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/massive-ukrainian-cargo-plane-pays-vancouver-island-air-force-base-a-thanksgiving-visit/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 19:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/massive-ukrainian-cargo-plane-pays-vancouver-island-air-force-base-a-thanksgiving-visit/ July 23, 1941 ~ October 10, 2026
Bob passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Surrey Memorial Hospital, following a respiratory illness and a weak heart. He was surrounded during his final moments by his loving wife, Lalita Ben Lal, and his family. He was predeceased by his parents, Magan Lal and Ratan Ben. Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lalita Lal; sons Ashok (Dipika), Umesh (Daksha), and Danny (Tamarae); grandchildren Shahil, Janelle, Z]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/babu-bob-champak-lal/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 19:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/babu-bob-champak-lal/ ​The Kelowna-based company captured a video of the experience with Rex Hawthorne for their YouTube channel, showing what’s possible with the Halo Phantom.
​“Days like this are why we do what we do,” said Halo EFoils’ founder and CEO Carey Missler.
​“Watching Rex get out there with the crew, progress on the board an]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/surfing-okanagan-lake-a-super-unique-experience-for-paraplegic-man/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 19:04:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/surfing-okanagan-lake-a-super-unique-experience-for-paraplegic-man/ Coming to their aid were the Metchosin Fire Department, supported by Metchosin Search and Rescue and the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron.
The incident occurred on the trail system at Sugarloaf Mountain.
“Firefighters and rescue personnel hiked into the location, carrying the equipment necessary to access, treat and safe]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hiker-falls-50-feet-down-vancouver-island-mountain-cliff-rescued-by-crews/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 19:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hiker-falls-50-feet-down-vancouver-island-mountain-cliff-rescued-by-crews/ Some drivers even fled from police and allegedly engaged in other criminal behaviour.
The RCMP say they received reports of riders performing stunts on Highway 19A and Dingwall Road on the evening of Sept. 25. One report said that an object had been thrown from one rider at a passing vehicle, causing damage.
Officers located the two ride]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/comox-valley-rcmp-make-arrests-after-series-of-dangerous-electric-dirt-bike-and-scooter-stunts/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 18:58:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/comox-valley-rcmp-make-arrests-after-series-of-dangerous-electric-dirt-bike-and-scooter-stunts/ Bill was born in Holland, Manitoba, first son of John and Gwendolyn (nee Higgs). Bill became a member of RCMP at age of 19, and served in the then-Queen Charlotte Islands, then Kitimat where his son Craig was born. After which he moved to Ladysmith where daughters Mandy and Bobbi were born.Bill also served in Nanaimo, Delta-Richmond, and finally Parksville before retiring fromRCMP in 2003. Bill is survived by his wife Barb, ‘forever love’ sharing many happy years t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/willard-scharff/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 18:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/willard-scharff/ The animal was first seen two kilometres from the shores of Metchosin at Race Rocks Ecological Reserve in October last year. However, it did not stay in the area long enough for rescuers to intervene, said the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society.
When the sea lion reappeared in September, members of Pearson College UWC’s Eco-Guardian program began monitor]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-crews-free-sea-lion-with-thick-rubber-band-cutting-into-neck/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 18:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-crews-free-sea-lion-with-thick-rubber-band-cutting-into-neck/ Police responded and learned the woman was “upset about a steak that was not how she wanted it.”]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/patron-irate-over-steak-banned-from-restaurant-salmon-arm-rcmp/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 17:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/patron-irate-over-steak-banned-from-restaurant-salmon-arm-rcmp/ After in-camera discussion Tuesday (Oct. 13), council unanimously agreed to terminate the employment of Felice Mazzoni, who has been the district director of planning since 2023.North Saanich received multiple complaints regarding Mazzoni, who is also running for mayor, under its Respectful]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/north-saanich-fires-planning-director-who-is-also-running-for-mayor/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/north-saanich-fires-planning-director-who-is-also-running-for-mayor/ After in-camera discussion Tuesday (Oct. 13), council unanimously agreed to terminate the employment of Felice Mazzoni, who has been the district director of planning since 2023.North Saanich received multiple complaints regarding Mazzoni, who is also running for mayor, under its Respectful]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/north-saanich-fires-director-of-planning-after-report-outlines-lack-of-respectful-communication-skills/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/north-saanich-fires-director-of-planning-after-report-outlines-lack-of-respectful-communication-skills/ Gabelmann died on Oct. 3 aged 82, after a brief illness.
He was North Island MLA from 1979 to 1996, the last five of those years as BC Attorney General.
“Colin was one of the finest and most principled people and leaders that I ever knew,” Mike Harcourt, B.C. Premier from 1991 to 1996, said. “His attention to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/remembering-north-island-mla-colin-gabelmann/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/remembering-north-island-mla-colin-gabelmann/ At a special mayor’s leaders’ table on Sept. 25, the MP for Nanaimo-Ladysmith Tamara Kronis, and Sheila Malcolmson, the former MLA for Nanaimo-Gabriola Island, asked the table members why they hadn’t been brought into the conversation, which began last year.
Conceptualized by the mayor’s leaders’ table last year, the accord d]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-mp-former-mla-want-more-participation-in-nanaimo-accord/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-mp-former-mla-want-more-participation-in-nanaimo-accord/ Nanaimo District Teachers’ Association hosted an all-candidates forum at Beban Social Centre Thursday, Oct. 8. The NDTA provided candidates with 16 topics beforehand and queried candidates on seven, ranging on a number of subjects – the public did not ask questions.
All candidates – Tania Brzovic, Adrianne Cafariello, Kailey G]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-ladysmith-teachers-union-host-trustee-candidates-in-election-forum/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-ladysmith-teachers-union-host-trustee-candidates-in-election-forum/ The Isles opened the scoring 14:57 into the first period. After a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/palmieri-scores-2-as-islanders-edge-struggling-vancouver-canucks-3-2/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 04:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/palmieri-scores-2-as-islanders-edge-struggling-vancouver-canucks-3-2/ Brennan Day, the Conservative candidate for Courtenay-Comox and former Opposition Critic for Rural and Seniors Health, made the announcement at Nanaimo’s Millstone Medical Building on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
He said the construction of a cardiac cath lab at the NRGH is long overdue.
&ld]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservatives-commit-60-million-towards-new-cardiac-catheterization-laboratory-at-nrgh-if-elected/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 01:58:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservatives-commit-60-million-towards-new-cardiac-catheterization-laboratory-at-nrgh-if-elected/ Brennan Day, the Conservative candidate for Courtenay-Comox and former Opposition Critic for Rural and Seniors Health, made the announcement at Nanaimo’s Millstone Medical Building on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
He said the construction of a cardiac cath lab at the NRGH is long overdue.
&ld]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservatives-commit-60-million-towards-new-cardiac-cath-lab-at-nrgh-if-elected/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 01:58:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservatives-commit-60-million-towards-new-cardiac-cath-lab-at-nrgh-if-elected/ The woman is believed to be in her 30s and is approximately 5’9” with a heavy build, brown hair with blonde highlights and a horizo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/woman-found-dead-at-vancouver-island-landfill/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 01:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/woman-found-dead-at-vancouver-island-landfill/ NDP Leader David Eby continued working to assuage concerns about the recent contract to build four new BC Ferries ships in China, promising that if his government is re-elected, he will work with Ottawa to build a new shipyard in the province.
“We can build B.C. Ferries here at home, driving economic]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-party-leaders-lay-out-economic-visions-at-board-of-trade-event/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 01:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-party-leaders-lay-out-economic-visions-at-board-of-trade-event/ The annual photographic census of the killer whales, conducted by Washington-based Center for Whale Research, found that as of July 1, there were 76 living individuals, up two from last year’s 74.
During the census period, four calves were born, with only two surviving.
“J64 survived for less than a month, while L129 was only photographed during a single encounter,&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-southern-resident-orca-census-counts-76-in-2nd-year-population-growth/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 01:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-southern-resident-orca-census-counts-76-in-2nd-year-population-growth/ For decades, MBDCS volunteers have been trapping and then physically assisting a run of Coho salmon during their migration above a series of waterfalls on Shawnigan Creek where it enters the Salish Sea near Mill Bay.The sediment release was due to a ruptured]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/catastrophic-sediment-dump-threatens-spawning-salmon-at-shawnigan-creek/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/catastrophic-sediment-dump-threatens-spawning-salmon-at-shawnigan-creek/ Climate action groups across the province have posted positions at a new website: Vote4Tomorrow.ca. The survey platform was developed by My Sea to Sky with input from the South Island Climate Action Network.“Climate change is already harming our communities, and driving up costs for everyday people,&rdqu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/candidates-share-climate-views-across-bc-ridings/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/candidates-share-climate-views-across-bc-ridings/ “We made that decision because we didn’t feel that we needed that benefit,” he told reporters in Vancouver on Tuesday. “We wanted other families to benefit.”
Since 2024, the total amount donated, including the amount the fa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndps-eby-says-he-donated-back-bc-childcare-subsidies-wont-say-if-he-got-tax-benefit/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndps-eby-says-he-donated-back-bc-childcare-subsidies-wont-say-if-he-got-tax-benefit/ “We made that decision because we didn’t feel that we needed that benefit,” he told reporters in Vancouver on Tuesday. “We wanted other families to benefit.”
But he dodged questions about the donation amount, or whether he]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndps-eby-says-he-donated-back-bc-childcare-subsidies-but-wont-give-details/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndps-eby-says-he-donated-back-bc-childcare-subsidies-but-wont-give-details/ “Rural communities in the province understand very intimately where their water comes from. It comes from the watershed,” Eby said. “They understand that if their community is to survive, if it is to have the water that it needs for agriculture, for food, for drinking, then the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-promises-some-of-the-toughest-rules-in-north-america-on-ai-data-centres-and-watershed-protection/Tue, 13 Oct 2026 23:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-promises-some-of-the-toughest-rules-in-north-america-on-ai-data-centres-and-watershed-protection/ While the main jobs of municipal council is taxes, water, sewer and zoning, other issues that fall on their lap include health care investments, homelessness and numerous others.
Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
Doctors for Safer Drug Policy gave grades to each of the candidates, along with a short explanation describing each grade. Those who didn’]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-municipal-candidate-scorecards-and-questionnaires-from-across-the-community/Tue, 13 Oct 2026 23:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-municipal-candidate-scorecards-and-questionnaires-from-across-the-community/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/man-enters-guilty-pleas-nearly-3-years-after-kelowna-teens-death/Tue, 13 Oct 2026 21:37:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/man-enters-guilty-pleas-nearly-3-years-after-kelowna-teens-death/ On Tuesday morning, Oct. 13, the NDP’s Kelowna Centre candidate Loyal Woolridge proposed that an NDP government would invest $20 million into YLW, supplementing a previously announced $22.4 million from the Federal government which will help construct infrastructure needed to unlock the airport’]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-conservatives-both-propose-big-investment-into-kelownas-airport/Tue, 13 Oct 2026 21:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-conservatives-both-propose-big-investment-into-kelownas-airport/ The venue was Latimer Rooftop, which was located on a lowrise office building at 84 Avenue and 200 Street. The venue appeared in 2023.
According to an Oct. 9 ruling of the B.C. Civil Resolution Tribunal, the bride booked the venue in late 2023, for a Sept. 1 2024 wedding. The price was to be $3,4]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bride-wins-4300-judgment-against-langley-venue-for-wedding-cancellation/Tue, 13 Oct 2026 21:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bride-wins-4300-judgment-against-langley-venue-for-wedding-cancellation/ First announced in 2018, the project proposed widening 1.7 kilometres of the highway near the provincial park, plus the installation of over 1.5 kilometres of a median barrier.
The province said it would improve the safety and reliability of the Malahat corridor.
Conce]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/saving-salmon-v-highway-upgrades-victoria-students-explore-perspectives/Tue, 13 Oct 2026 20:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/saving-salmon-v-highway-upgrades-victoria-students-explore-perspectives/ Dead juvenile salmonids were scattered through the stream.
“I collected 31 samples in a short time over 18 metres of the stream,” Crandall said in his report. “They were young coho juveniles, steelhead/rainbow fry, and a few two-year-old brown trout.”
Based on the condition of the fish, Crandall said they]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fish-kill-near-cowichan-lake-prompts-investigation-into-possible-roof-moss-runoff/Tue, 13 Oct 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fish-kill-near-cowichan-lake-prompts-investigation-into-possible-roof-moss-runoff/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/duncan-residents-classic-car-and-plan-to-pass-it-on-go-up-in-flames/Tue, 13 Oct 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/duncan-residents-classic-car-and-plan-to-pass-it-on-go-up-in-flames/ Sturko, who is running as the CentreBC candidate for Surrey South, announced that her party would add 600 more practitioners in B.C. by 2030 and add 100 more residency positions by the same year.
She also said CentreBC would double B.C.’s assessment program for internationally trained family doctors, from 96 to 200 per year by 2028.
Sturko]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/centrebc-health-plans-include-more-nurse-practitioners-internationally-trained-doctors/Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:58:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/centrebc-health-plans-include-more-nurse-practitioners-internationally-trained-doctors/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-dead-in-plane-crash-en-route-to-idaho-from-bc/Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-dead-in-plane-crash-en-route-to-idaho-from-bc/ Haywood was first elected to North Cowichan council in 1999 and served 11 years as a councillor (1999-2002 and 2004-2011).
While sitting on North Cowichan’s council, he sat on numerous committees, boards, and commissions and supported improvements to the Evans Park ball fields, the move of the Cowichan Exhibition to its current location, the creation of the Cowichan Sportsplex, and the purchase]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/north-cowichan-freeman-dave-haywood-dies/Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/north-cowichan-freeman-dave-haywood-dies/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/juan-de-fuca-sar-wishes-hiker-a-speedy-recovery-after-friday-afternoon-callout/Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:16:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/juan-de-fuca-sar-wishes-hiker-a-speedy-recovery-after-friday-afternoon-callout/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/volunteers-dive-into-sidney-pier-waters-to-clean-up-crab-trap-debris/Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/volunteers-dive-into-sidney-pier-waters-to-clean-up-crab-trap-debris/ LRCA announced it will end its role as operator of the emergency shelter at 631 First Ave. On Dec. 13. The organization stressed that it is not closing the shelter and said BC Housing, which owns the building and funds the shelter service, is working to identify a replaceme]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lrca-to-transition-out-of-operating-ladysmith-emergency-shelter-amid-rising-costs/Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lrca-to-transition-out-of-operating-ladysmith-emergency-shelter-amid-rising-costs/ The performance comes hot after Lee’s recent album release, 72RHR, reaching number one on the National Electronic Music chart, and its remix 72RHR Unlock The Pain, featuring mixes of songs produced by Joni Void, Olga, Lee Paradise and Lazer Luke.
Her album, jooj two, created with A]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-vj-musician-and-filmmaker-will-be-performing-at-nanaimos-vault-cafe/Tue, 13 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-vj-musician-and-filmmaker-will-be-performing-at-nanaimos-vault-cafe/ Council voted at its meeting on Oct. 5 to direct staff to submit an application for the funding from B.C.’s mental health and climate change community action program to address the growing mental health impacts of climate change.
According to a staff report written by social planner Emily Notley and senior financial analyst Deanna Walker, if the funding request is successful, the projec]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-looks-to-strengthen-food-resiliency-expand-access-to-recreation/Tue, 13 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-looks-to-strengthen-food-resiliency-expand-access-to-recreation/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/5-south-island-second-act-sleuths-craft-mystery-anthology/Tue, 13 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/5-south-island-second-act-sleuths-craft-mystery-anthology/ “It’s actually been a funnel for some of the greatest jazz talent in Canada that’s passed through that band, and is still doing so today,”]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-musicians-associations-big-band-performing-at-simonholt-restaurant/Tue, 13 Oct 2026 02:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-musicians-associations-big-band-performing-at-simonholt-restaurant/ Council unanimously voted for the report at its meeting on Oct. 5, after hearing from frontline workers of the harm they cause in the community in regards to fires, displacement of people and causing at least one death in the city.
Staff are being asked to explore ways in which the city could regulate the retail sale of the lighters, and other proactive measures to inc]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/staff-report-requested-on-possibility-of-nanaimo-banning-continuous-flame-butane-lighters/Mon, 12 Oct 2026 22:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/staff-report-requested-on-possibility-of-nanaimo-banning-continuous-flame-butane-lighters/ The city’s governance and priorities committee voted unanimously at its meeting on Sept. 28, to recommend that council invest most of the remaining $1,110,000 in the 2026 active transportation unallocated budget to support the completion of partially funded projects, and the implementation of speed-reduced measures near select elementary schools.
Those schools include]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/six-elementary-schools-on-nanaimos-list-for-speed-management-measures/Mon, 12 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/six-elementary-schools-on-nanaimos-list-for-speed-management-measures/ Alexis Lafrenière and Gabe Perreault also scored for the Rangers (5-2-0) while former Canuck J.T. Miller and Mika Zibanejad had two assists apiece. Dylan Garand made 19 saves to earn the win in goal.
Jake DeBrusk and defenceman Elias Pettersson scored for the Canucks (2-5-0), who]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-york-rangers-score-4-unanswered-goals-in-6-2-win-over-vancouver-canucks/Mon, 12 Oct 2026 02:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-york-rangers-score-4-unanswered-goals-in-6-2-win-over-vancouver-canucks/ Anna Mary McKenzie, a member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation (Manitoba), has resided in Nanaimo for eight years with family that are part of Snuneymuxw First Nation and told the News Bulletin she is well-versed in a variety of issues.
“I am really wound up for a lot of the political ways of the world right now … As]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mla-candidate-fighting-for-better-youth-in-care-supports-in-nanaimo-gabriola-island-bid/Sun, 11 Oct 2026 22:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mla-candidate-fighting-for-better-youth-in-care-supports-in-nanaimo-gabriola-island-bid/ Sharleen Weatherly is the Nanaimo-Lantzville B.C. Green Party candidate, who is a high school teacher, former data scientist and outdoor professional, with experience in engineering, statistics and environmental education, according to her profile.
She told the News Bulletin she has first-hand experience with a number of environmental phenomena in the province the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/climate-crisis-at-heart-of-bc-green-nanaimo-lantzville-candidates-election-bid/Sun, 11 Oct 2026 19:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/climate-crisis-at-heart-of-bc-green-nanaimo-lantzville-candidates-election-bid/ Roughly 40 people gathered at the park on Oct. 10 to hear Tseycum Nation (W̱SÍḴEM) Hereditary Chief Vern Jacks, or XÁLÁȾE, and Tsawout (SȾÁUTW̱) Hereditary Chief Eric Pelkey, or WIĆKINEM, speak about the ongoin]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hereditary-chiefs-call-for-closure-of-park-on-vancouver-island-over-ancestral-graves/Sun, 11 Oct 2026 18:03:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hereditary-chiefs-call-for-closure-of-park-on-vancouver-island-over-ancestral-graves/ In a delegation at the city council meeting held on Oct. 5. Association president James Boak pointed out that of particular concern to the association is the preservation of the Rock City wetland, an approximately three-hectare groundwater-fed peatland ecosystem located near Rock City Road and Linley Valley in Nanaimo’s north end.
Boak said the wetland is drying out, but,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimos-rock-city-neighbourhood-association-seeks-to-protect-wetlands/Sun, 11 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimos-rock-city-neighbourhood-association-seeks-to-protect-wetlands/ Hosted at the Vernon Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical Services Pickleball Complex at Marshall Field, the four-day tournament will feature a $10,000 total prize purse, with the Open Division expected to deliver some of the most competitive and exciting pickleball ever]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/canadas-best-pickleball-players-volley-in-vernon/Sun, 11 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/canadas-best-pickleball-players-volley-in-vernon/ The day is a time for families to gather and enjoy a meal together. It is also a day off from school and work.
How much do you know about Thanksgiving traditions and customs in Canada? Put your knowledge to the test with these 10 questions.
Good luck.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quiz-a-season-of-thanksgiving/Sun, 11 Oct 2026 17:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quiz-a-season-of-thanksgiving/ In a press release, Vancouver Island Ferry Company announced Louisa Bell as its new chief executive officer beginning in January. She takes over for acting CEO Marco Ahrens, who will continue on as general manager of the Nanaimo-Vancouver foot-passenger ferry service.Bell has a wealth transportation business experience, the press release noted, most recently as chief commercial officer of P&O Ferries, a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bell-assumes-ceo-duties-for-hullo-ferries-in-new-year/Sun, 11 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bell-assumes-ceo-duties-for-hullo-ferries-in-new-year/ Jesper Bratt and Jesper Boqvist also scored for the Devils (2-2-0), with Jack Hughes adding a pair of assists. Jake Allen made 20 stops to pick up the win in goal.
Linus Karlsson had the lone goal for Vancouver (2-4-0), with Leevi Merilainen taking the loss in goal, stopping 31 of 34 shots. Kevin Lankinen made two sav]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hischier-nets-2-as-devils-dump-visiting-vancouver-canucks-4-1/Sun, 11 Oct 2026 00:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hischier-nets-2-as-devils-dump-visiting-vancouver-canucks-4-1/ Council unanimously voted for the motion that was put forward by Coun. Ben Geselbracht at its meeting on Oct. 5.
“We give out more than $2.7 million in permissive tax exemptions (each year), and there has been a few cases where I feel that our policies are a little bit broad,” Geselbracht said.
“I don’t want to be overrun with applications, and the policy might not be aligned with]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/city-of-nanaimo-will-review-its-permissive-tax-exemption-policy/Sat, 10 Oct 2026 22:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/city-of-nanaimo-will-review-its-permissive-tax-exemption-policy/ The world’s No. 1-ranked curler is among the 24 skips at the Nufloors Penticton Curling Classic until Oct. 11.Schwaller, coming off an Olympic bronze medal and his first-career Grand Slam title, is leading his team into playoff action on Saturday after going 4-0 in round-robin play.
“This was a no-brainer for us coming]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/world-no-1-schwaller-canadian-legend-koe-battle-on-bc-ice-best-spiel-there-is/Sat, 10 Oct 2026 21:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/world-no-1-schwaller-canadian-legend-koe-battle-on-bc-ice-best-spiel-there-is/ When formed in 1945 to replace the League of Nations after World War II, the objectives of the United Nations were to maintain international peace and security; to protect human rights; to deliver humanitarian aid; to support sustainable development; to uphold international law. It’s always a hypocritical contradiction when political leaders meet for their annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in a place designed to bring peace, but instead they invariably talk abou]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/letter-to-the-editor-crazy-times-in-the-world/Sat, 10 Oct 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/letter-to-the-editor-crazy-times-in-the-world/ On the other end was Softball Canada, calling to tell the North Saanich athlete she had earned a spot on the U18 Women’s National Team.
“It was amazing to hear,” Coppinger said. “It was probably the best phone call I’ve ever gotten for sure.”
Coppinger, a Grade 11 student, had to keep the news quiet for another few weeks before Softball Canada officially announced the roster on Oct. 1.
Now,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/north-saanich-athlete-selected-for-team-canada-u18-softball-team/Sat, 10 Oct 2026 19:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/north-saanich-athlete-selected-for-team-canada-u18-softball-team/ Taneda Karate Dojo sent a contingent of 42 competitors to Gold Coast, Australia in August to compete in the 2026 International Chito-Ryu Soke Cup. The Soke Cup is held once every three years and draws practitioners of the Chito-Ryu style of karate from all around the world.The Okanagan dojo took home 45 medals during the competition, including 12 gold, 18 silver and 15 bronze.“Th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/okanagan-karate-dojo-brings-home-haul-of-medals-at-international-competition/Sat, 10 Oct 2026 16:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/okanagan-karate-dojo-brings-home-haul-of-medals-at-international-competition/ Despite getting some vague input into where Stark, a former slave in southern U.S., was buried in the cemetery, it still took some time to stumble across the old and faded flat marker designating where he was laid to rest in 1895.
A part of me felt Stark wanted me to find him to bring some light]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-story-of-louis-stark-should-be-more-known/Sat, 10 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-story-of-louis-stark-should-be-more-known/ Quarterback Nathan Rourke threw for 360 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Lions to a 41-20 win over the visiting Ottawa Redblacks in CFL action Friday at BC Place. With the win over the winless Redblacks, the Lions clinched a post-season berth.
Zander Horvath rushed for 89 yards and two touchdowns for the Lions (10-6), with James Butler, Stanley Berryhill, Jevon Cottoy and Keon Hatcher also adding majors. Kicker Sean Whyte added five extra points. B.C. has]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-lions-clinch-cfl-playoff-spot-with-41-20-win-over-winless-redblacks/Sat, 10 Oct 2026 07:05:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-lions-clinch-cfl-playoff-spot-with-41-20-win-over-winless-redblacks/ Leonard Hil Marriott had already been banned from practicing law for 10 years due to past findings of professional misconduct when the BC Law Society published this latest finding Sept. 24.Misappropriation is a legal term which essentially means stealing. The Law Society says it is &l]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/disgraced-vernon-lawyer-misappropriated-116k-from-elderly-client-with-dementia/Sat, 10 Oct 2026 03:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/disgraced-vernon-lawyer-misappropriated-116k-from-elderly-client-with-dementia/ The party has plans to offer free transit passes for youth under 25 and seniors aged 65 and older, as well as boost bus service, increase funding for ferries and expand its infrastructure and develop passenger rail.
Valeriote, the incumbent for West Vancouver-Sea-to-Sky, said bringing transit to his riding is a “no brainer.”
“Const]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-greens-release-transportation-plans-includes-free-transit-for-youth-seniors/Sat, 10 Oct 2026 01:24:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-greens-release-transportation-plans-includes-free-transit-for-youth-seniors/ That’s the message from CentreBC leader – and Surrey South candidate – Elenore Sturko, who made the announcement during a campaign stop in Bridgeview in North Surrey on Friday morning (Oct. 9).
She said that, if CentreBC forms a government following the Oct. 24 provincial election, it plans to double B.C.’s Manufacturing Jobs Fund to $60 million, providing new funding stream]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/centrebcs-sturko-promises-manufacturing-boost/Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/centrebcs-sturko-promises-manufacturing-boost/ The party’s plan for seniors includes: reversing the NDP’s changes to the property-tax deferment program, building more long-term care beds, supporting at-home aging, expanding HandyDART, providing free shingles vaccines for seniors, improving access to hearing aids, among other promises.
He said seniors are the people who “buil]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-pledge-to-build-more-long-term-care-beds-in-plan-for-seniors/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 23:59:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-pledge-to-build-more-long-term-care-beds-in-plan-for-seniors/ On Sept. 22, David Eby announced that voters will head to the polls on Oct. 24 to decide the next members of legislative assembly to govern at the B.C. legislature in Victoria.
B.C. NDP’s George Anderson and Sheila Malcolmson, respective Nanaimo-Lantzville and Nanaimo-Gabriola Island riding incumbents, have announced their bids for re-electi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mla-candidates-vying-to-represent-nanaimo-gabriola-nanaimo-lantzville/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 21:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mla-candidates-vying-to-represent-nanaimo-gabriola-nanaimo-lantzville/ If you are not on the list of electors, you may register to vote at the time of voting by completing the application form available at the voting place and making a declaration that you meet the requirements to be registered as set out below:
RESIDENT ELECTORS:
To register as a resident elector, you must:be]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/notice-of-election-by-voting-notice-of-advance-voting-notice-of-mail-ballot-voting/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/notice-of-election-by-voting-notice-of-advance-voting-notice-of-mail-ballot-voting/ Assent voting will be held on the following question:
Are you in favour of the Regional District of Nanaimo adopting “Nanoose Bay Peninsula Water Service Area Carmichael Road Watermain Replacement Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 1969, 2026”, which will authorize the Regional District of Nanaimo to borrow up to one million, seven hundred and fifty-three thousand, nine hundred and twenty-four dollars ($1,753,924), plus interest, repayable over a period o]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/carmichael-road-watermain-replacement-assent-voting-referendum-within-the-nanoose-bay-peninsula-water-service-area-in-a-portion-of-electoral-area-e/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/carmichael-road-watermain-replacement-assent-voting-referendum-within-the-nanoose-bay-peninsula-water-service-area-in-a-portion-of-electoral-area-e/ Ann Gillian Campbell Known to most as Gillian or Gilly July 27, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ann Gillian Campbell on July 27, 2026, after living for five years with progressive supranuclear palsy.
Gillian was intelligent, independent, entrepreneurial, generous and kind. A wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, businesswoman and community leader, she had an uncommon ability to bring people together, see possibilities where others did not, an]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ann-gillian-campbell/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 18:57:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ann-gillian-campbell/ He says an NDP government would open new health care clinics, extend hours for same-day appointments and train international medical graduates so they can practice in B.C.
“Our plan will get qualified internationally trained doctors and nurses onto the front lines while we extend hours in clinics so it’s easier to get]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-election-eby-vows-to-fast-track-intl-medical-grads-bring-more-docs-to-rural-areas/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 18:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-election-eby-vows-to-fast-track-intl-medical-grads-bring-more-docs-to-rural-areas/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/david-eby-visits-lantzville-says-he-will-work-to-bring-water-to-the-community/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/david-eby-visits-lantzville-says-he-will-work-to-bring-water-to-the-community/ November 2, 1958 – October 2, 2026
It is with profound sadness we say goodbye to our beloved Elaine. A lovely and beautiful lady inside and out, she found her greatest joy in being a loving wife to her husband Gordon of 48 years, a Mom to her sons Saul ( Alice ), Heath, and Tookie to her grandchildren: Benjamin, Annabelle, Finn and McKinley.
She leaves her most precious memories with her Mother Hellen, sister Karen (Glenn) brother Wayne (Colleen), in-laws Belle and Glen,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/elaine-louise-hilchey-nee-flathers/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 17:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/elaine-louise-hilchey-nee-flathers/ Alex was born May 13th, 1976, and is survived by her son Austin McEwan; mother, Lynn Shewaga, father, Stan Shewaga; her stepmother, Sue Vohanka; her brothers, Michael Shewaga, Chris Shewaga, and Shane Sampson; and her sister, Michelle Shewaga; nieces Nicole Shewaga, Jamie Shewaga, Gillian Chambers, and nephew Andrew Sh]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alexandra-lynn-shewaga/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 17:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alexandra-lynn-shewaga/ The Motorsports Spectacular will take over the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre for its 40th anniversary tour on Jan. 16 and 17, 2027.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (@sofmcvic)Before the car-crushing stunts begin, a 30-person crew will spend 36 hours transforming the arena floor into a muddy battleground.
The weekend lineup will feature fan favourite truc]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/monster-trucks-and-dirt-bikes-to-take-over-victoria-arena-in-january/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/monster-trucks-and-dirt-bikes-to-take-over-victoria-arena-in-january/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/election-2026-nanaimo-ladysmith-school-trustee-candidate-questionnaires/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/election-2026-nanaimo-ladysmith-school-trustee-candidate-questionnaires/ 1942 – 2026an
With profound love and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joseph Robert Pirozzini on September 23rd 2026.
Joe lived a life of deep devotion. He walked hand in hand with his wife Claudette creating a home filled with love and laughter. His two cherished sons Dean and Darrell were his greatest achievements and he loved them beyond measure.
Joe was born in Cumberland B.C., and was very proud to live in “Dodge City”. Joe and Claudette transfer]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/joseph-joe-robert-pirozzini/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 06:42:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/joseph-joe-robert-pirozzini/ Logan Stankoven scored three times and Andre Svechnikov added two more, leading the host Carolina Hurricanes to a 7-2 win over the Canucks in NHL action Thursday at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Mark Janikowski and K’Andre Miller also scored for the defending Stanley Cup champs (3-1-1), with Sean Walker adding four assists and Pyotr Kochetkov making 18 saves to earn the win in goal. Jake DeBrusk had both goals f]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/stankoven-nets-3-as-hurricanes-crush-vancouver-canucks-7-2/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 03:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/stankoven-nets-3-as-hurricanes-crush-vancouver-canucks-7-2/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-central-okanagan-educators-earn-prime-ministers-award/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 02:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-central-okanagan-educators-earn-prime-ministers-award/ The show, according to The Queen’s, will bring a killer lineup of headliners and rising stars from across Canada for one night, and promises a show that is “raw, unfiltered and funny.”
The show is brought to Nanaimo b]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/trio-of-comedians-will-be-performing-at-nanaimos-the-queens/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 02:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/trio-of-comedians-will-be-performing-at-nanaimos-the-queens/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ferry-to-ferry-cowichan-valley-nightmare-takes-pack-of-cyclists-from-nanaimo-to-north-saanich/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 02:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ferry-to-ferry-cowichan-valley-nightmare-takes-pack-of-cyclists-from-nanaimo-to-north-saanich/ Anigbo appeared in B.C. Supreme Court in Kelowna on Oct. 8 for the second day of his sentencing hearing. The 27-year-old was convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter on Aug. 14 after standing trial for first-degree murder in the death of Naramata’s Kathleen Richardson.
Justice Alison Beames fou]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/12-years-to-life-decision-awaits-in-2021-naramata-manslaughter-sentencing/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 01:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/12-years-to-life-decision-awaits-in-2021-naramata-manslaughter-sentencing/ NICHOLAS GREER
Age 51 – Lawyer, mediator and commercial arbitrator, Area C resident, and law firm director in the Old City Quarter. Local councillor in Australia, before moving to Nanaimo nine years ago.
What will your priorities be if you were elected? 1. Protect Area C’s rural character 2. Save Aquifer 211 3. Oppose continual property tax increases above a municipal price index 4. Strong action on wildfire protection.
How do you plan to manage taxes and spending? R]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/election-2026-regional-district-of-nanaimo-candidate-questionnaires-area-c-e-amp-f/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/election-2026-regional-district-of-nanaimo-candidate-questionnaires-area-c-e-amp-f/ As daylight hours decrease and weather conditions change, pedestrians become increasingly difficult to see. Distraction adds another layer of risk, and one simple action can make a significant difference – put your phone away.
Looking down at a cellphone while walking distracts from seeing an approaching vehicle, noticing a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/heads-up-phones-put-pedestrians-at-increased-risk-vernon-rcmp/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/heads-up-phones-put-pedestrians-at-increased-risk-vernon-rcmp/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-polling-as-frontrunners-2-weeks-ahead-of-election/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-polling-as-frontrunners-2-weeks-ahead-of-election/ Leader David Eby announced in Richmond Thursday (Oct. 8) that an NDP government would freeze ICBC rates for another three years against the backdrop of a banner that he said would show the difference in insurance rates between an NDP and a Conservative government.
He said that under Leader Lorne Doerkson, the B.C. Conservatives would double car insurance costs in B.C.
ICBC now not only breaks even, Eby said, but]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-promises-to-freeze-car-insurance-rates-for-3-years/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 22:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-promises-to-freeze-car-insurance-rates-for-3-years/ On Thursday, Oct. 8, Shah posted a number of screenshots on X of three of Agou’s social media posts, one sympathizing with Donald Trump, Elon Musk and other right-wing politicians from the U.S. and Europe, a second about London, U.K.’s Pakistani population and a third support]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/victoria-candidate-kicked-from-bc-conservatives-after-resurfaced-social-media-posts/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 22:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/victoria-candidate-kicked-from-bc-conservatives-after-resurfaced-social-media-posts/ On Feb. 12, the woman was arrested after police received a complaint about an intoxicated person damaging property and assaulting staff at an addiction and mental treatment centre in Nanaimo.
The woman had left the centre by the time police arrived and was located in a nearby pub before the RCMP transported her back to the centre,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/investigation-finds-no-fault-with-nanaimo-rcmp-officer-over-woman-injured-while-in-custody/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:33:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/investigation-finds-no-fault-with-nanaimo-rcmp-officer-over-woman-injured-while-in-custody/ Campaigning in Surrey for the second day in a row, on Thursday, October 8, party leader Lorne Doerkson said B.C.’s basic personal tax exemption would be raised to $32,000 from $13,216, the “most generous in Canada.”
This, he said, would put $1,000 per year “back in the pockets of working British Columbians, and $2,000 for the average couple.”
Doerkson said peop]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservatives-promise-1k-tax-cut-doerkson-says-in-surrey/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservatives-promise-1k-tax-cut-doerkson-says-in-surrey/ Campaigning in Surrey for the second day in a row, on Thursday, October 8, party leader Lorne Doerkson said B.C.’s basic personal tax exemption would be raised to $32,000 from $13,216, the “most generous in Canada.”
This, he said, would put $1,000 per year “back in the pockets of working British Columbians, and $2,000 for the average couple.”
Doerkson said peop]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-promise-1k-tax-cut-doerkson-says/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-promise-1k-tax-cut-doerkson-says/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/this-is-abnormal-clearwater-residents-note-bear-sightings-and-encounters-in-town/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/this-is-abnormal-clearwater-residents-note-bear-sightings-and-encounters-in-town/ Equestrian Canada and Thunderbird Show Park (tbird) announced the crash on Wednesday.
“We mourn the loss of three horses, with the fourth having been immediately transported for veterinary treatment,” a statement from Equestrian Canada said.
According to James Hood, a spokesperson for Equestrian Canada, the crash took place near Revelstoke.
According to S]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/3-horses-en-route-to-langleys-tbird-killed-in-highway-1-crash-near-revelstoke/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:06:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/3-horses-en-route-to-langleys-tbird-killed-in-highway-1-crash-near-revelstoke/ Off camera, Ben Lanyon collapsed from his chair 38 minutes into the debate at the Tidemark Theatre.After a delay, Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce chair Corey Magowan informed the audience that Lanyon was being taken care of and was asked to take the rest of the evening off.
“We&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/campbell-river-city-council-candidate-suffers-medical-emergency-during-all-candidates-debate-2/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 20:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/campbell-river-city-council-candidate-suffers-medical-emergency-during-all-candidates-debate-2/ Off camera, Ben Lanyon collapsed from his chair 38 minutes into the debate at the Tidemark Theatre.After a delay, Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce chair Corey Magowan informed the audience that Lanyon was being taken care of and was asked to take the rest of the evening off.
“We&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/campbell-river-city-council-candidate-suffers-medical-emergency-during-all-candidates-debate/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 20:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/campbell-river-city-council-candidate-suffers-medical-emergency-during-all-candidates-debate/ John Dunn did not return the News Bulletin’s questionnaire.2022 election questionnaire answers:Age 76 (updated) – 50-year resident of Lantzville. Retired commercial fisherman/owner-operator. Presently the president for the past 35-plus years of the Streamkeepers stewarding our local streams in conjunction with Snaw-Naw-As First Nation.
What will be your priorities if you are elected? My priorities will be to work to the best of my abilities for the community and be a voice]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/election-2026-lantzville-council-candidate-questionnaires/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 18:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/election-2026-lantzville-council-candidate-questionnaires/ It is with profound sadness that we announce Lisa’s passing on October 1 2026. Her heart failed. Lisa leaves behind her husband (Christopher), sister and family (Jo Ann, Lee and Mackenzie), mother (Phyllis), mother-in-law (Deanna), two fathers (Ron and John), and big extended families who offered much love and support (Horn’s, Chivers’, Howard’s, Dawson’s, Nanaimo Association for Community Living and Milano’s Ristorante) and countless friend]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alisia-nadine-dootson-nee-chivers/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 18:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alisia-nadine-dootson-nee-chivers/ The Morning Star salutes its 62 carriers on 42 routes on this International Newspaper Carrier Day, Thursday, Oct. 8.
The days comes during National Newspaper Week, and helps emphasize the vital role newspapers still play in communities.
“Newspaper carriers, young and old, play a crucial part in ensuring that this important form of communication reaches us, come rain or shine,” said daysoftheyear.com.
The importance of International Newspaper Carrie]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/newspaper-carriers-saluted-in-historic-vernon-photo/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 18:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/newspaper-carriers-saluted-in-historic-vernon-photo/ May 24, 1949 – September 24, 2026
It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of such a beautiful, kind soul. Tony was predeceased by his Father Harold, mother Marjorie and Brother Billy. Tony is survived by his loving and supportive wife Gwen, daughters Melanie (Tim) Paula (Chad).
Grandchildren: Emily, Quinn, Grace, Ryder and Cole. Great Grandchildren; Xander, Xoey, Mia and Sophia. Extended; The Murcheson and Briggs Families.
Tony grew up in South Nanaimo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/tony-randle-howard-anthony-randle/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 17:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/tony-randle-howard-anthony-randle/ February 16, 1936 – October 3, 2026
Freda passed away peacefully on the morning of October 3rd as the sun rose over NRGH’s Palliative Care Ward. A kind and gentle soul, she went by many titles – Fritz, Friddle, Doll, the “German Girl” at Charlie Brown’s Healthfood store in Port Place Shopping Center, where she worked proudly for fifteen years. But the names which brought her the greatest joy were Mom, Little Grandma and Great Granny. She wil]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/freda-ethel-louise-maybin-nee-smith/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 17:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/freda-ethel-louise-maybin-nee-smith/ July 28, 1923 – September 29, 2026
It is with great sadness and much love that we announce the passing of Audrey Isabella Curtis on September 29, 2026, at the remarkable age of 103.
Audrey was born on July 28, 1923, on Wesley Street in Nanaimo, British Columbia, to Jane and George Addison. She spent her childhood in Nanaimo and, in 1945, married the love of her life, Bill Raymond Curtis. Together they began their journey in Port Alberni and Horsefly before returning to N]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/audrey-isabella-curtis/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 17:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/audrey-isabella-curtis/ Because the once-a-month evening meeting is generally open to all residents of any municipality, to speak on any topic for up]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/i-did-not-do-this-lightly-victoria-mayor-pulls-palestine-item-from-city-council-agenda/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 15:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/i-did-not-do-this-lightly-victoria-mayor-pulls-palestine-item-from-city-council-agenda/ Age 48 – I’ve lived in Nanaimo my entire life. I have a BA from VIU. I’ve been a blue collar worker until I recently published my first novel.
What will your priorities be if you were elected? I want to see a safer, more affordable community. I also believe a more accountable, open, and transparent local government should be a top priority.How do you plan to manage taxes and spending? Spending should be focused on needs, such as water and sewer upgrad]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/election-2026-nanaimo-council-candidate-questionnaires/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/election-2026-nanaimo-council-candidate-questionnaires/ At first, these tools can appear to work. The pulling stops and the lunging decreases. But what often looks like improvement is actually suppression. The behaviour may disappear on the outside while the dog’s fear, anxiety or stress remain]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/what-every-dog-owner-should-know-about-shockprong-collars/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/what-every-dog-owner-should-know-about-shockprong-collars/ “What the acquisition provides is something Lake Cowichan has historically had very little of: strategically located municipal land and the flexibility to plan for the future,” said Mayor Tim McGonigle. “We’ve been working on this for over two years, and we certainly appreciate Mosaic’s help in helping us acquire these lands.”
The]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/town-of-lake-cowichan-acquires-nearly-100-acres-of-opportunity-from-mosaic/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/town-of-lake-cowichan-acquires-nearly-100-acres-of-opportunity-from-mosaic/ The comedy is a production of Mike Delamont, a critically-acclaimed and award-winning Victoria comedian. Previously, he performed three other iterations of God is a Scottish Drag Queen, including a Christmas special.
The original iteration of the show won 18 Best of the Fest awards, and his website says that audiences hav]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/god-is-a-scottish-drag-queen-halloween-spooktacular-to-be-performed-in-nanaimo/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 02:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/god-is-a-scottish-drag-queen-halloween-spooktacular-to-be-performed-in-nanaimo/ Henry said during a news conference in Victoria Wednesday (Oct. 7) that officials are already starting to see influenza circulating in the province and now is an important time to start booking appointments to get immunized.
The province has secured nearly two million doses of the 2026-27 influenza vaccine, and 1.5 million]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vaccine-notifications-going-out-now-in-bc-as-respiratory-illness-season-begins/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 01:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vaccine-notifications-going-out-now-in-bc-as-respiratory-illness-season-begins/ But Doerkson says his government would take measures to limit costs and the levels that lawyers will be able to charge.
“We will be introducing, when we go forward with our platform, limits on the costs and the levels that lawyers will be able to charge in this province, so we are definitely co]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/leaders-clash-over-bc-conservative-letter-to-reverse-icbc-no-fault-insurance/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 01:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/leaders-clash-over-bc-conservative-letter-to-reverse-icbc-no-fault-insurance/ Ron Kubek, owner of Lightning Rock Winery in Summerland, has initiated Petition e-7258, a petition in support of MP Dan Albas’s Bill C-262.
The petition was presented in the House of Commons on Sept. 25, and the federal government has 45 calendar days to respond.
This petition came around the time new U.S. restrictions were imposed on many packaged Canadian wines,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-winery-owner-calls-for-improving-interprovincial-alcohol-sales/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-winery-owner-calls-for-improving-interprovincial-alcohol-sales/ A proposed 250-bed facility slated for the 5800 block of Okanagan Landing Road has been pulled by the property owner, Park Place Seniors Living, a Vancouver-based organization who confirmed the project’s cancellation with the Morning Star.
Park Place cited uncertainty around future operating costs and funding for the Landing Road project, which had been]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/seniors-care-project-cancellation-draws-concerns/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/seniors-care-project-cancellation-draws-concerns/ Nanaimo RCMP is offering a few simple precautions that can help make morning walks safer.
Reserve Constable Gary O’Brien said it’s important that students in the city be seen, so they should wear bright or reflective clothing and consider carrying a flashlight.
He said they should also make sure they use sidewalks and crosswalks.
“Cross at marked intersections whenever pos]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-urges-caution-as-morning-commutes-get-darker/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-urges-caution-as-morning-commutes-get-darker/ A proposed 250-bed facility slated for the 5800 block of Okanagan Landing Road has been pulled by the property owner, Park Place Seniors Living, a Vancouver-based organization who confirmed the project’s cancellation with the Morning Star.
Park Place cited uncertainty around future operating costs and funding for the Landing Road project, which had been]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cancellation-of-long-term-seniors-care-project-in-vernon-sparks-provincial-concerns/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cancellation-of-long-term-seniors-care-project-in-vernon-sparks-provincial-concerns/ According to an RCMP press release, Mounties were called to the school located at 444 Hill Ave. after a bomb threat report at the school around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Cpl Jennifer Cooper, BC RCMP spokesperson for Northern B.C., said RCMP take all threats to public safety very seriously, especially involving schools.
“Out of an abundance of caution, staff and]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bomb-threat-at-secondary-school-in-prince-george-prompts-evacuation/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 23:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bomb-threat-at-secondary-school-in-prince-george-prompts-evacuation/ KEDC is the business and economic development organization for the K’ómoks First Nation (KFN). The KEDC says this acquisition represents a significant achievement in the corporations’s growth strategy and further strengthens its position within the tourism and hospitality]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kmoks-economic-development-acquires-comox-valley-winery-and-events-centre/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 23:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kmoks-economic-development-acquires-comox-valley-winery-and-events-centre/ Anigbo was convicted on Aug. 14 of manslaughter for the killing of 57-year-old Kathleen Richardson, despite having stood trial for first-degree murder.The victim was found dead in the basement of her Naramata home on June 9, 2021. The court heard]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/crown-seeking-life-sentence-for-man-guilty-of-manslaughter-in-2021-naramata-death/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 23:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/crown-seeking-life-sentence-for-man-guilty-of-manslaughter-in-2021-naramata-death/ Age 84 – I love this city and this is my city, and I feel responsible for speaking up on certain issues like saving all the trees that are in this city.What will your priorities be if you were elected? My priorities are growing food, big time. High-tech greenhouses for affordable, healthy food. That’s the biggest health care we can possibly do, and greenhouses on every development.
How do you plan to manage taxes and spending? The economy is not booming and we have to l]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/election-2026-nanaimo-mayoral-candidate-questionnaires/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 22:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/election-2026-nanaimo-mayoral-candidate-questionnaires/ Frenkel and former Kamloops councillor Arjun Singh are using the run-up to the Oct. 17 local elections to host their YouTube podcast Day to Day Democracy, about how local government works, what it struggles with and who is trying to make it work.
The show describes local government as the place where “potholes get filled, water comes]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/a-masterclass-in-local-government-politics-2-bc-veterans-launch-podcast/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 22:06:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/a-masterclass-in-local-government-politics-2-bc-veterans-launch-podcast/ Lowan launched the major platform while in Vancouver on Wednesday (Oct. 7). It was her first stop on the mainland since the election campaign began.
The four areas include stronger regional economies, abundant clean power, more value made in B.C. and a tax system where the ultrawealthy and the largest corporations pay their fair share, says a summary of the plan from the party.
“So]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lowan-launches-greens-economic-vision-for-bc/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 21:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lowan-launches-greens-economic-vision-for-bc/ Some of the questions and answers have been e]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/okanagan-one-on-one-with-david-eby/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 21:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/okanagan-one-on-one-with-david-eby/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/whats-on-oct-7/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 21:04:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/whats-on-oct-7/ Doerkson made a campaign stop at Crown Building Supplies in Newton, where he took aim at BC NDP leader David Eby and announced a package of “pro-business” policies.A campaign release says a Conservative government would:
• scrap the PST on immediate investment machinery, equipment and business software for]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-doerkson-announces-plan-to-supercharge-bc-economy/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 20:42:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-doerkson-announces-plan-to-supercharge-bc-economy/ That would take funding for public libraries from $14 million to $28 million per year.
The three candidates were Courtenay-Comox’s Will Cole-Hamilton, North Island’s Sara Lopez, and Vancouver-Little Mountain’s Christine Boyle. The trio were also joined by library truste]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-promises-to-double-funding-for-libraries-to-28-mil-per-year/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 20:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-promises-to-double-funding-for-libraries-to-28-mil-per-year/ This 60-show schedule includes just two Canadian stops, with the only B.C. show taking place at Rogers Forum in Abbotsford.
The live show of Dancing with the Stars features an all-new choreographed performance by the professional dancers who have spent the last few years paired with some of North America’s biggest celebrities.
Return]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/dancing-with-the-stars-tour-announces-abbotsford-stop/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 20:33:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/dancing-with-the-stars-tour-announces-abbotsford-stop/ Mill Bay rugby star Emma Narraway, 16, and Duncan speed climber Jack Whitney, 21, were both invited to the last stage of the Canadian Olympic Committee’s annual official cross-country talent search after competing in an April qualifier, where they will join the Training Ground’s top 98 other athletes to battle for one of 35 funding opportunities.
Narraway i]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-cowichan-athletes-named-rbc-training-ground-finalists/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-cowichan-athletes-named-rbc-training-ground-finalists/ A female orca was observed carrying a dead newborn calf on its nose near Sombrio Point in the Strait of Juan de Fuca on Oct. 3.
The death was confirmed by researcher Mark Malleson from Washington-based Center for Whale Research, who encountered the orca identified as J31 – also known as Tsuchi – travelling with her immediate family.
“It’s unclear whether the newborn was a male or fem]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/endangered-southern-resident-orca-seen-pushing-dead-calf-in-bc-waters/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/endangered-southern-resident-orca-seen-pushing-dead-calf-in-bc-waters/ The completed technical study was presented to Duncan council at an open meeting on Sept. 28 and received for information. No decision has been made to pursue a boundary change, and the two boundaries examined in the report were]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/duncan-boundary-realignment-study-finds-limited-financial-impact-on-municipalities/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 19:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/duncan-boundary-realignment-study-finds-limited-financial-impact-on-municipalities/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-moj-bc-lions-continue-roll-with-unusual-win-over-toronto/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 19:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-moj-bc-lions-continue-roll-with-unusual-win-over-toronto/ Now with more than 1,000 stores around the world, carrying more than 7,000 items ranging from clothing and household goods to food and even houses, Muji brings its minimalist approach and vast array of goods to Victoria with the company’s fifth shop in the province.
The Mayfair Muji hosts a grand o]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/japanese-retailer-muji-opens-5th-bc-location-at-mayfair-centre-in-victoria/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 19:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/japanese-retailer-muji-opens-5th-bc-location-at-mayfair-centre-in-victoria/ The waterfront capital took first place in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards by Condé Nast Traveler, beating out renowned global hotspots including Porto, Dubrovnik, Amalfi and San Sebastián.
The award recognizes cities with populations under 350,000.
Nearly 800,000 readers across the United States took part in the annual survey to rate their trave]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/four-peat-victoria-named-worlds-best-small-city-once-again/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 19:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/four-peat-victoria-named-worlds-best-small-city-once-again/ Eby is in Surrey Wednesday morning (Oct. 7) as leaders continue their provincial tours in advance of the Oct. 24 B.C. election.Eby also announced that the BC NDP will also introduce a new tax credit for businesses that provide a young person with their first job, as well as expanding support for those businesses that want to expo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-promises-new-support-for-small-businesses-hit-by-us-trade-war/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 18:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-promises-new-support-for-small-businesses-hit-by-us-trade-war/ Tony Bryce and Matt Kuzminski, last season’s respective women’s and men’s bench bosses, have both moved on, making way for Luke Holmes, Bryce’s assistant, and Eric D’Andrea, who previously played for Kuzminski.
The women’s team captured both Pacific Wes]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-coaches-to-steer-viu-mariners-basketball-teams-for-202627-season/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 18:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-coaches-to-steer-viu-mariners-basketball-teams-for-202627-season/ Emergency services were on scene just before 9 a.m. after a driver managed to straddle a concrete barrier in a single-vehicle incident on Highway 17.
Chief Stacey Lee of the Central Saanich Fire Department said the collision involved three vehicles and resulted in the closure of both fast lanes. He says two people have been transported to hospital.
The highway opened up again just past 10 a.m.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vehicle-incident-snarls-pat-bay-highway-traffic/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 18:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vehicle-incident-snarls-pat-bay-highway-traffic/ Emergency services were on scene around 9 a.m. after a driver managed to straddle a concrete barrier in a single-vehicle incident on Highway 17.
More to come …]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/single-vehicle-crash-snarls-pat-bay-highway-traffic/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 18:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/single-vehicle-crash-snarls-pat-bay-highway-traffic/ The West Coast Giants capped a perfect season by winning the National Ball Hockey League (NBHL) Tier 2 championship, finishing an undefeated six-game run with a 5-2 victory over the South Jersey Soul on Sept. 20.
It was a dominant tournament for the club, which plays out of Eagle Ridge Community Centre in Langford.
The Giants also went 10-0 during the regular season against]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ball-hockey-team-completes-undefeated-run-to-capture-national-title/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ball-hockey-team-completes-undefeated-run-to-capture-national-title/ “Our focus is on moving this project forward responsibly as the need for more year-round tennis opportunities in Kelowna has not changed,” said Doug Nicholas, City of Kelowna sport and event]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/break-point-kelowna-to-continue-with-indoor-tennis-court-plan-after-terminating-contract-with-partner/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 17:39:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/break-point-kelowna-to-continue-with-indoor-tennis-court-plan-after-terminating-contract-with-partner/ She Composed, Herself: The Life and Music of Mel Bonis will debut Saturday, Oct. 10 at 2:30 p.m. at the Port Theatre by The Quill & Scroll Ensemble, combining storytelling with live cello and piano to explore the life of French composer Melanie “Mel” Bonis.
The original production has been more than two years in th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ladysmith-storyteller-brings-forgotten-female-composers-story-to-the-stage/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 17:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ladysmith-storyteller-brings-forgotten-female-composers-story-to-the-stage/ But seeing it at 25 kilometres an hour changes the landscape entirely. When you’re spending hours in the saddle with the wind in your face, the Island you thought you knew starts to shift.
Over 14 days, our team pedalled more than 1,000 kilometres from Port Alice to Greater Victoria. Together, we raised more than $700,000 for childhood cancer research and support programs.
So]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-island-looks-different-from-the-highway-shoulder/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 16:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-island-looks-different-from-the-highway-shoulder/ Simple Plan will bring its Bigger Than You Think! Canada Tour to Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on Jan. 26, 2027, with Marianas Trench and Bowling For Soup joining the Montreal-based band for the Victoria stop.
The show will mark the first stop of the 15-city Canadian tour, which runs through January and February.
“Canada, it’s FINALLY your turn,” the band wrote in a social media announcement Tuesday]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/pop-punk-heavyweights-simple-plan-bringing-tour-to-victoria/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 16:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/pop-punk-heavyweights-simple-plan-bringing-tour-to-victoria/ I’ll cry. I’ll smile and enjoy a flood of happy memories. I’ll phone my sister and lament the what ifs and celebrate the what was. I’ll listen to some old tunes.I hate Oct. 7 for what it means. I love Oct. 7 for what it meant. I wish I never had to think about Oct. 7.Oct. 7 marks the anniversary of the day (39 years ago) we lost Mum. She was just 44. Cancer.It boggles my mind she’s been gone so long, given it still seems li]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/wolf-remembering-mum-nearly-40-years-later/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 14:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/wolf-remembering-mum-nearly-40-years-later/ In a Facebook post, the Stanley family and its Stanley’s Legacy Productions, said the family and organizers of the haunted house, which had been held in Beban Park in recent years and has served a fundraiser for the Vancouver Island Exhibition, are too busy this year to give the hau]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/business-notes-popular-nanaimo-haunted-house-not-organizing-this-year/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/business-notes-popular-nanaimo-haunted-house-not-organizing-this-year/ Chapman – who had been listed as the OneBC South Surrey candidate prior to Saturday – is missing from the Elections BC candidate list, as is his wife, Kerry-Lynne Findlay, who stepped down as Conservative Party of BC leader on Sept. 20 after several MLAs left, or were asked to leave, t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/chapman-findlay-step-away-from-bc-politics-after-threats-and-abuse/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 03:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/chapman-findlay-step-away-from-bc-politics-after-threats-and-abuse/ The suspect has been identified as Halil Abrahim Akbalik, according to a news release from Vancouver police Tuesday. He is wanted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for charges of rape and other offences. Police added that Akbalik is also the subject of an ongoing investigation by Toronto Police Service’s fugitive team
A Vancouver police officer stopped a w]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/philadelphia-fugitive-wanted-on-international-warrant-arrested-in-bc-traffic-stop/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 02:06:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/philadelphia-fugitive-wanted-on-international-warrant-arrested-in-bc-traffic-stop/ The Nanaimo Chinatown Heritage Foundation and some members of the community appeared as a delegation at the council meeting on Monday, Oct. 5, asking that 880 and 997 Hecate St., which were in the centre of Nanaimo’s last Chinatown before a fire in 1960 destroyed much of the buildings in the area, be placed in the regis]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-not-committing-to-heritage-designation-for-chinatown-properties-at-this-time/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 01:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-not-committing-to-heritage-designation-for-chinatown-properties-at-this-time/ Ke]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/experts-to-talk-water-in-kelowna-at-environmental-flows-conference/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 01:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/experts-to-talk-water-in-kelowna-at-environmental-flows-conference/ Eby promised to add eight new MRI machines, including one at Eagle Ridge Hospital in Coquitlam near where his announcement was Tuesday (Oct. 6) and 10 CT scanners. He also promised, if his government is re-elected, to introduce co-ordinated regional surgical waitlists that let patients choose the shortest wait.
The B.C. NDP, in a news release, touted that since first forming government in 20]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-promises-faster-health-care-with-new-diagnostic-equipment/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 01:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-promises-faster-health-care-with-new-diagnostic-equipment/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservative-ndp-leaders-rally-election-support-in-vernon/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 01:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservative-ndp-leaders-rally-election-support-in-vernon/ Doerkson said a B.C. Conservative government would bring “order, security, and compassionate care back to British Columbia’s streets,” adding the time to act is now.
He promised to deploy more police to hard-hit neighbourhoods to deal with street-level crime. That includes hirin]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-plan-to-hire-more-police-stop-illegal-drug-use-in-hospitals-shelters/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-plan-to-hire-more-police-stop-illegal-drug-use-in-hospitals-shelters/ City staff informed the finance and audit committee meeting at its meeting on Sept. 23 that the municipality is preparing a grant application to the Build Communities Strong Fund for up to $1 million towards the approximately $3.1-million East Wellington Road transportation and mobility-upgrade project.
Staff also told the committee that it has already subm]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-hopes-for-almost-2-million-in-grants-to-help-fund-two-infrastructure-projects/Tue, 06 Oct 2026 21:33:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-hopes-for-almost-2-million-in-grants-to-help-fund-two-infrastructure-projects/ The two-time World Junior Curling silver medalist rallied from an early 4-0 deficit to defeat Japan’s Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi 7-6 in an extra end in Monday’s final.
With the victory, Hoesli will join Prestige Classic women’s champ Eunji Gim of Korea in the field at the Grand Slam of Curli]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/international-rinks-earn-curling-prestige-in-bc/Tue, 06 Oct 2026 21:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/international-rinks-earn-curling-prestige-in-bc/ The animal spent Sunday night (Oct. 4) stranded on a cliff-face ledge on its owner’s property after tumbling over the edge and finding itself unable to scramble back to safety.
To the rescue came the Metchosin Fire Department.
Firefighters and trained rope rescue technicians were called to the property early Mon]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cliffhanger-bc-firefighters-offer-helping-hoof-to-stranded-goat/Tue, 06 Oct 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cliffhanger-bc-firefighters-offer-helping-hoof-to-stranded-goat/ According to the municipality, 399 net new units were added between Aug. 1 2025 and July 31, 2026, bringing the total number of new units delivered since the provincial target was introduced to 540.
That puts North Cowichan at 44 per cent of its five year target of 1,233 new housing units.
Of the units added so far, 68 per cent have two or more bedrooms and 60 pe]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nearly-400-new-housing-units-added-in-north-cowichan-over-past-year/Tue, 06 Oct 2026 20:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nearly-400-new-housing-units-added-in-north-cowichan-over-past-year/ That changed in the final 18 holes of the 2026 Srixon/Cleveland Golf Club Professional Championship Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Vernon Golf and Country Club.
Stinson, from Chilliwack’s Cheam Mountain Golf Course, fired a bogey-free 7-under-par 65 to finish at seven-under 137 for the 36-hole event.
He overcame a three-shot deficit, earning a four-shot victory over Padraic O’Rourke (Marin]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/chilliwack-golfer-storms-from-behind-to-win-pga-of-bc-event-in-vernon/Tue, 06 Oct 2026 19:59:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/chilliwack-golfer-storms-from-behind-to-win-pga-of-bc-event-in-vernon/ The suspect is a 30-year-old from western Washington State, according to a news release from acting United States Attorney Charles Neil Floyd.U.S. law enforcement officials and RCMP officials will be holding a news conference at noon to provide more information.
More to come.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/person-from-washington-state-arrested-in-connection-with-tumbler-ridge-shooting/Tue, 06 Oct 2026 19:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/person-from-washington-state-arrested-in-connection-with-tumbler-ridge-shooting/ The Sooke Bike Club will celebrate the grand opening of the Bear Necessities trail on Oct. 24, following months of volunteer trail building and community dig days.
The trail is the first purpose-built adaptive mountain bike trail in the Sooke region. It was designed to accommodate adaptive mountain bikes, hand cycles and newer riders, while also being suitable for two-wheel bikes an]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sooke-bike-club-builds-regions-first-adaptive-mountain-bike-trail/Tue, 06 Oct 2026 19:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sooke-bike-club-builds-regions-first-adaptive-mountain-bike-trail/ Burnaby RCMP received a call at 5:54 a.m. that an adult male’s body was lying in the eastbound lanes of Highway 1, just east of Kensington Avenue, according to a news release from B.C. Highway Patrol.
Police say the man was “obviously deceased,” with injuries consistent with being hit by a vehicle.
B.C. Highway Patrol has taken over the investigation because the v]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/body-found-on-highway-1-in-burnaby-police-seek-witnesses/Tue, 06 Oct 2026 19:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/body-found-on-highway-1-in-burnaby-police-seek-witnesses/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rock-slide-blocks-road-to-zeballos/Tue, 06 Oct 2026 19:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rock-slide-blocks-road-to-zeballos/ Looking to serve residents living on the streets and in parks, a motion penned by Mayor Marianne Alto, Couns. Matt Dell and Susan Kim asks council to consider having staff look at safer, more appropriate places for folks to go during the day to connect with others and with health, housing and other supports.Up for discussion during the Oct. 8 committee of the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/victoria-could-explore-safer-daytime-alternatives-supports-for-residents-living-rough/Tue, 06 Oct 2026 19:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/victoria-could-explore-safer-daytime-alternatives-supports-for-residents-living-rough/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lower-mainland-legion-placed-under-trusteeship-amid-concerns-with-governance/Tue, 06 Oct 2026 18:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lower-mainland-legion-placed-under-trusteeship-amid-concerns-with-governance/ On Sunday Oct. 4, families got to look at the trucks, try out a fire hose or fire extinguisher, and had opportunities to tour both the trucks and the hall.Fire Prevention Week, which runs from Oct. 4-10, is a nationwide event encouraging Canadians to take time to learn how to stay safe in case of a fire.
This year, the theme is “Charge into Fire Safety”, which is focus]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fire-hall-open-house-held-in-lantzville-at-beginning-of-fire-prevention-week/Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fire-hall-open-house-held-in-lantzville-at-beginning-of-fire-prevention-week/ Adam Troy Mann, who was charged with second-degree murder on June 28, 2024 in connection with Dunn’s death, appeared in court Monday (Oct. 5) in a light-coloured, collared shirt, sporting a full beard.B.C. Supreme Court Justice David Layton is presiding over the trial, which is expected to last about three weeks.
Several of Dunn’s family members were in attenda]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-court-hears-about-fatal-attack-on-surreys-tori-dunn/Tue, 06 Oct 2026 05:11:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-court-hears-about-fatal-attack-on-surreys-tori-dunn/ Butterfly Run Vancouver Island took place Saturday, Oct. 3 at Westwood Lake, hosted by Butterfly Support Network, and Erin Sowerby Greene, sponsorship coordinator, said it was a beautiful turnout.
As of Saturday morning, there had been approximately $13,000 in donations and she said there are supports available for people that have experienced inf]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bubbles-only-part-of-butterfly-run-at-westwood-lake-in-nanaimo/Tue, 06 Oct 2026 02:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bubbles-only-part-of-butterfly-run-at-westwood-lake-in-nanaimo/ Lorne Doerkson, the Conservative Party of B.C.’s interim leader and the incumbent MLA for the Cariboo-Chilcotin, made the announcement in 100 Mile House on Monday, Oct. 5, outside the District General Hospital. Doerkson also pledged not to cut the 2026 healthcare budget and to make healthcare funding a priority in future budgets, if elected premier.
&l]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lorne-doerkson-pledges-to-create-50m-fund-to-address-emergency-room-closures/Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lorne-doerkson-pledges-to-create-50m-fund-to-address-emergency-room-closures/ According to a Parole Board of Canada decision on Sept. 22, Keith Gregory Wiens, now 71, had his day parole extended for a second time as he approached a year on limited release to a halfway house in Ontario.
Wiens was first approved for day parole in September 2025 for six months, then extended in March 2026 for six more months.
In 2011, Wiens shot and killed his common-law pa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-bc-cop-who-murdered-wife-gets-day-parole-extended-again/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 23:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-bc-cop-who-murdered-wife-gets-day-parole-extended-again/ Reserve Constable Gary O’Brien, with the Nanaimo RCMP, said police were called to the scene on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 4 at approximately 1 p.m..
He said the woman was refused boarding onto the ferry.
“She apparently took exception to that and may have produced a knife,” O’Brien said.
“She had left the s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/woman-arrested-after-allegedly-threatening-hullo-ferry-workers-with-weapon/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 23:03:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/woman-arrested-after-allegedly-threatening-hullo-ferry-workers-with-weapon/ As a veteran of the Korean War, it only seemed right that Ager would get the kind of funeral service befitting a Canadian veteran.
Pacholuk said she attempted to figure out how to make this happen without many resources at her disposal, and eventually discovered what she was looking for after talking to former Royal Canadian Legion Branch 228 president Ian Will]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hope-veterans-death-shines-spotlight-on-little-known-legion-service/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 23:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hope-veterans-death-shines-spotlight-on-little-known-legion-service/ “In terms of health care, though, when I think about groups that are particularly concerned about and interested in the future of health care in the province, it’s the people who helped build this province, the seniors,” he told media. For seniors in our province,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndp-announces-seniors-health-care-plan-at-victoria-stop/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 22:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndp-announces-seniors-health-care-plan-at-victoria-stop/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-general-hospital-foundation-raises-over-45m-to-improve-care/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 21:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-general-hospital-foundation-raises-over-45m-to-improve-care/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/options-being-considered-for-bcs-historic-okeefe-ranch/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 21:03:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/options-being-considered-for-bcs-historic-okeefe-ranch/ “A monument does not restore homes, businesses, fish boats, property or years that were taken, but it can make a positive record permanent,” said Japanese Canadian Legacies Society President Paul Kariya. “Here in granite, in the provincial capital, the names of those who were uprooted will endure.”
The centrepiece of the monument, located at]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/life-behind-each-name-victoria-monument-honours-japanese-canadians-interned-during-ww2/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 20:57:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/life-behind-each-name-victoria-monument-honours-japanese-canadians-interned-during-ww2/ He began playing at the age of 12. Now in his 20s, a German-based multigenre guitar maestro with eight album projects under his belt, plus global tours.
Aft]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fingerstyle-guitar-prodigy-brings-jaw-dropping-technique-to-vancouver-island/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 20:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fingerstyle-guitar-prodigy-brings-jaw-dropping-technique-to-vancouver-island/ This is according to Dr. David Forrest, head of infectious disease and critical care at NRGH, who pressed the need for a cardiac cath lab and new patient tower, to attendees at the Fair Care For All Public Health Forum on Sept. 24.Forrest said recently, medical staff responded to a case of a 65-year-old woman who collapsed in the washroom, which was heard by her husband, who found her barely b]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/this-happens-all-the-time-mid-island-resident-died-without-access-to-modern-cardiac-care-nrgh-doctor-reports/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 20:54:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/this-happens-all-the-time-mid-island-resident-died-without-access-to-modern-cardiac-care-nrgh-doctor-reports/ With its white, curly feathers, Sebastopol goose Lucky was hard to miss as visitors streamed through the Luxton Fairgrounds for the three-day event, held Oct. 2 to 4.
Lucky was one of many farmyard animals on display, alongside a packed lineup of entertainment, antique farm equipment, historic steam machinery and the usual thrills and spills of the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/photos-thousands-of-vancouver-islanders-flock-for-gander-at-116th-fall-fair/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 20:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/photos-thousands-of-vancouver-islanders-flock-for-gander-at-116th-fall-fair/ Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a single-vehicle crash on the highway, just north of the Floe Lake trailhead, on Friday around 11:10 p.m., according to a news release from B.C. Highway Patrol.
Police found a black Nissan Maxima on its side after leaving the road and travelling down an embankment.
The female driver wasn’t “seriously hurt,” police said, but the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/1-dead-in-single-vehicle-crash-on-highway-93-in-kootenay-national-park/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 20:22:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/1-dead-in-single-vehicle-crash-on-highway-93-in-kootenay-national-park/ Giuseppe Gaspari, a software developer by day, has recently found himself more interested in the workings of the City of Kelowna ever since the birth of his child this year.
“I really care about the kind of city that my son is going to be growing up in,” he said.
For around two weeks, after his work and responsibilities, Kelowna born-and-raised Gaspari would]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-man-creates-local-election-quiz-to-help-increase-voter-turnout-in-kelowna/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 20:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-man-creates-local-election-quiz-to-help-increase-voter-turnout-in-kelowna/ The 2024 Women’s World Curling bronze medalist and her Korean teammates earned a spot in the Grand Slam of Curling’s Co-Op Invitational Oct. 13-18 in Victoria by capturing the women’s championship at the Prestige Hotels and Resorts Curling Classic.
Gim, a 15-time Korean women’s champion, defeated Japan’s Yuina Miura 5-2 in the championship Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Vernon Curling Club. The victory earned Gim a s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/curling-classic-wraps-today-in-vernon/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/curling-classic-wraps-today-in-vernon/ Alaaddin Koc, from Windsor, Ont., pled guilty to possession of cannabis for the purpose of exportation on July 27 following an investigation by the RCMP’s Federal Policing Pacific Region. He was given a one-year prison sentence and a lifetime firearms ban on Sept. 1.
Koc, 56, was caught attempting to smuggle cannabis in his luggage on a flight from Vancouver Internatio]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ontario-man-sentenced-for-attempting-to-smuggle-cannabis-on-vancouver-london-flight/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 19:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ontario-man-sentenced-for-attempting-to-smuggle-cannabis-on-vancouver-london-flight/ Candidate nominations for the provincial election later this month closed at 1 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 3). There are 93 ridings across B.C.
There are 335 candidates for the snap election, with 340 of those representing 10 political parties. Fifteen candidates are running as independents or unaffiliated, Elections BC said in a news release Sunday.
The B.C. Conservatives is the only party to h]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/candidates-finalized-in-all-93-ridings-for-bc-election/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:39:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/candidates-finalized-in-all-93-ridings-for-bc-election/ January 2, 1935 – September 19, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, husband, brother, grandfather and friend who passed away peacefully with his family by his side.
Born in Pordenone, Italy he immigrated to Canada in 1954 to begin a new life, working as a Heavy Duty Mechanic in the forest industry, where he was known for his hard work, dedication and ability to fix just about anything.
Ignazio shared 67 wonderful years of mar]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ignazio-jimmy-babuin/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ignazio-jimmy-babuin/ July 27, 1932 – September 22, 2026
“Jackson Quinten Harding”, a refined English gentleman who was renowned for the twinkle in his blue eyes, his charming smile and his photography, departed after a short struggle with his health on September 22, 2026. His family held his hands as he breathed his last on earth and took his next breath in the heaven that awaited him. His journey began in the east end of London, England, on July 27th, 1932. During the war to esc]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/jack-harding/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/jack-harding/ Their biggest Halloween event yet: this year, the BCFDC is offering 12 nights aboard the popular train, which organizers say will be 100 acres chock-full of chills, new surprises, and even more fun for even more families.The fun begins Friday, Oct. 16 and goes until Tuesday, Oct. 20, and then returns Friday, Oct. 23 and runs until Monday, Oct. 26, and again]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/halloween-train-at-bc-forest-discovery-centre-in-cowichan-sure-to-draw-a-crowd-this-october/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 16:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/halloween-train-at-bc-forest-discovery-centre-in-cowichan-sure-to-draw-a-crowd-this-october/ The Nanaimo’s finance and audit committee unanimously recommended at its meeting on Sept. 30, that council purchase the art from Chinese Canadian artist Jackie Wong for $15,000, and include them in the city’s permanent public art collection.
Coun. Hilary Eastmure, who made the motion at a special council meeting on July 27 to direct staff t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-considers-purchase-of-lost-intersections-art-pieces/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-considers-purchase-of-lost-intersections-art-pieces/ Mitch Marner and Victor Olofsson also scored for Vegas (2-1-0), with Adin Hill making 17 saves to pick up the goaltending victory.
Paul Cotter and Jonathan Lekkerimaki replied for the Canucks (2-2-0). Kevin Lankinen stopped 25 of 28 shots and took the loss.
Lankinen, who gave up eight goals in his last start against Edmonton, wa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/gatcomb-nets-winner-as-golden-knights-earn-3-2-win-over-vancouver-canucks/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 05:47:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/gatcomb-nets-winner-as-golden-knights-earn-3-2-win-over-vancouver-canucks/ If elected, Eby will increase income tax for the top two tax brackets and create a new bracket for those earning $1 million or more.
“We’re going to be honest with people about how we’re going to pay for these things, because these things do in fact cost money,” he told the crowd gathered in the Fernwood Neighbourhood House Sunday evening (Oct. 4).
“Can&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-leader-eby-promises-tax-hike-on-wealthy-to-fund-health-care/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 05:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-leader-eby-promises-tax-hike-on-wealthy-to-fund-health-care/ At the Cache Creek stop, Doerkson emphasized that while he is the interim party leader, he was there campaigning to be the MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin, the riding he has represented since first being elected in 2020.
“I’ve enjoyed being your MLA. I’m unbelievably committed to the Cariboo-]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservative-party-leader-lorne-doerkson-hits-campaign-trail-in-cariboo-chilcotin/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 02:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservative-party-leader-lorne-doerkson-hits-campaign-trail-in-cariboo-chilcotin/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-metal-band-named-best-in-western-canada/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 02:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-metal-band-named-best-in-western-canada/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/photos-bc-witches-take-to-the-waters-of-semiahmoo-bay/Sun, 04 Oct 2026 22:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/photos-bc-witches-take-to-the-waters-of-semiahmoo-bay/ In a letter to Rick Daykin, interim director of RDN Recreation and Parks, the volunteers said the growing rabbit population has resulted in the loss of numerous plants, including some grown from seed by the garden’s original benefactor, Eswyn Lyster.
Established in 2009, Eswyn&rs]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rabbit-population-threatens-vancouver-island-alpine-garden/Sun, 04 Oct 2026 21:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rabbit-population-threatens-vancouver-island-alpine-garden/ Founded in 1976, according to the gallery, it started as the Madrona Exhibition Centre, established by a group of faculty members at the then-Malaspina College, now Vancouver Island University.
Carolyn Holmes, gallery executive director, has been involved since 2000. She said that it started as one of many centennial exhibition spaces across Canada.
“It was set up so that travelling exhibitions, science exhibitions, history exhib]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-art-gallery-celebrating-golden-anniversary/Sun, 04 Oct 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-art-gallery-celebrating-golden-anniversary/ Co-owner Tricia Samaroo said the last day at the popular family-owned restaurant, long known for its old-fashioned homestyle comfort food, all-day breakfast, and a warm, welcoming community atmosphere, is set for Oct. 11.
She said MGM, which is located at 240 Nicol St. in the city’s south end, was first opened by her parents, Helen and Tony Samaroo, who were uneducated immigrants when they first came]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/business-notes-mgm-restaurant-is-closing-after-42-years/Sun, 04 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/business-notes-mgm-restaurant-is-closing-after-42-years/ Liam Ohgren, defenceman Elias Pettersson, Drew O’Connor and Aatu Räty scored for the Canucks (2-1-0), with Linus Karlsson and Tom Willander each dishing out a pair of assists. Leevi Merilainen made 23 saves to earn the win in goal, his first as a Canuck.
Matt Coronato had the lone goal for Calgary (0-2-0), with]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/third-period-explosion-lifts-vancouver-canucks-to-4-1-win-over-calgary-flames/Sun, 04 Oct 2026 07:11:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/third-period-explosion-lifts-vancouver-canucks-to-4-1-win-over-calgary-flames/ The finance and audit committee unanimously voted to recommend that council register the city as a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Network at its meeting on Sept. 23.
The international Sunflower program supports people with non-visible disabilities, including neurological, cognitive, developmental, or sensory conditions such as autism, ADHD, brain injuries, dementia, anxiety disorders and mor]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-considers-making-facilities-more-receptive-for-those-with-hidden-disabilities/Sun, 04 Oct 2026 01:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-considers-making-facilities-more-receptive-for-those-with-hidden-disabilities/ Whyte’s eight three-pointers set a B.C. franchise record for field goals and eclipsed his previous personal best of seven.
Quarterback Nathan Rourke threw for 254 yards and ran for 50 more for the Leos (9-6), who won their third straight game and are two games ba]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/whyte-boots-8-field-goals-as-bc-lions-hang-on-for-24-17-win-over-toronto-argonauts/Sat, 03 Oct 2026 23:58:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/whyte-boots-8-field-goals-as-bc-lions-hang-on-for-24-17-win-over-toronto-argonauts/ The band, which will be performing at Simonholt Restaurant on Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m., consists of keyboardist Alex Chadsey, bassist Farko Dosumov, and percussionist]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/duende-libre-to-perform-at-simonholt-restaurant-in-nanaimo/Sat, 03 Oct 2026 22:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/duende-libre-to-perform-at-simonholt-restaurant-in-nanaimo/ In a Facebook post, 365 Pro Wrestling released the following statement about the man commonly known as “Cousin Eddie”, who spent the first 17 years of his life in Campbell River:
‘With many heavy hearts and a tremendous amount of sorrow, we are sad to announce the passing of our great friend and leader Eddie Osbourne. For over two decades he entertained a continent, not onl]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/campbell-river-wrestling-scene-loses-coach-promoter/Sat, 03 Oct 2026 22:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/campbell-river-wrestling-scene-loses-coach-promoter/ Rosenthal spoke to city council at its meeting on Sept. 21, in a successful effort to gain the city’s support and commitment to work with the association in its efforts to renew the Old City Quarter business improvement area, which the association]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/old-city-quarter-association-growing-and-developing/Sat, 03 Oct 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/old-city-quarter-association-growing-and-developing/ With approximately 7,500 residents, Area A is a diverse and growing community with significant residential, agricultural, commercial, transportation and infrastructure interests. Yet local governance remains the responsibility of an unincorporated electoral area represented by a single RDN director.
Incorporation wou]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/letter-to-the-editor-should-area-a-become-a-municipality/Sat, 03 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/letter-to-the-editor-should-area-a-become-a-municipality/ It’s not meant as retribution for hated bosses (and I’m sure there are a lot of those out there), but as a fundraiser for the Nanaimo Brain Injury Society.
The 6th annual Toss the Boss event hoped to raise $75,000 for the society, and it also allows the non-profit NBIS, a registered charity, to s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-brain-injuries-are-life-changing/Sat, 03 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-brain-injuries-are-life-changing/ On the eve of Friday, Oct. 2, riders completed their last leg of the tour and ended up at Ship Point to meet their families and celebrate their achievements over the two weeks – meeting with community members and raising over $700,000 for childhood cancer research and support services at the Canadia]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/a-special-day-tour-de-rock-wraps-up-in-downtown-victoria/Sat, 03 Oct 2026 04:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/a-special-day-tour-de-rock-wraps-up-in-downtown-victoria/ Brandon Davina appeared in a Kelowna Supreme Court on Friday, Oct. 2, to be sentenced for the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-man-faces-life-sentence-for-2023-murder-parole-eligibility-to-be-decided/Sat, 03 Oct 2026 01:57:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-man-faces-life-sentence-for-2023-murder-parole-eligibility-to-be-decided/ Interim Leader Lorne Doerkson and Penticton-Summerland candidate Tracy St. Claire met Faulder resident Joel Patan at his burned-out family home on Oct. 2.
The house and the surrounding area were destroyed by the Bald Range wildfire that erupted on Aug. 7.
“At 5:25 that evening, my neighbour texted me that there was a fire about 11 kilometres west of us]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/an-investment-bc-has-to-make-conservatives-aim-to-increase-wildfire-protection/Sat, 03 Oct 2026 01:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/an-investment-bc-has-to-make-conservatives-aim-to-increase-wildfire-protection/ In Loving Memory ~
May 9, 1950 – September 28, 2025
I thought of you with love today But that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday And days before that too.
I think of you in silence
I often speak your name All I have are memories And your picture in a frame. Your memory is my keepsake With which I’ll never part God has you in His keeping I have you in my heart.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/gail-hall-nee-matte/Sat, 03 Oct 2026 01:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/gail-hall-nee-matte/ He said a B.C. family of four is spending more than $17,500 on groceries each]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-announces-bc-grocery-price-guard-during-kelowna-visit/Sat, 03 Oct 2026 01:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-announces-bc-grocery-price-guard-during-kelowna-visit/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-ndp-in-tight-election-race-polling-suggests/Sat, 03 Oct 2026 01:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-ndp-in-tight-election-race-polling-suggests/ The project’s budget includes $3.9 million in provincial and federal government funding, with City of Nanaimo contributing the rest.
During the summer, the municipality completed significant work throughout the facility, including the installation of a new interactive and accessible water feature, replacem]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-aquatic-centre-reopens-oct-5/Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-aquatic-centre-reopens-oct-5/ Leader Emily Lowan made the two separate announcements in Greater Victoria Thursday (Oct. 1), alongside former B.C. chief coroner Lisa Lapointe, the party’s candidate for Saanich South.
Lapointe will be going up against NDP candidate Richard Zussman, a former journalist, and Conservative Cathie Ounsted. The seat was held by Lana Popham, who was first electe]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-greens-release-food-production-toxic-drug-crisis-policies/Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-greens-release-food-production-toxic-drug-crisis-policies/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/headline-history-reminiscing-about-the-2008-nanaimo-municipal-election/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 23:39:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/headline-history-reminiscing-about-the-2008-nanaimo-municipal-election/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/1-arrested-released-in-kelowna-after-alleged-lower-mainland-kidnapping/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 23:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/1-arrested-released-in-kelowna-after-alleged-lower-mainland-kidnapping/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-greens-propose-ai-data-centre-moratorium-greater-oversight/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 22:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-greens-propose-ai-data-centre-moratorium-greater-oversight/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/video-five-men-face-extortion-gun-explosives-charges-in-langleysurrey-case/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 22:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/video-five-men-face-extortion-gun-explosives-charges-in-langleysurrey-case/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndp-calls-for-conservatives-to-drop-chilliwack-candidate-over-lgbtq-remarks/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 21:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndp-calls-for-conservatives-to-drop-chilliwack-candidate-over-lgbtq-remarks/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/underwater-demolition-training-to-take-place-in-waters-off-metchosin-in-october/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 20:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/underwater-demolition-training-to-take-place-in-waters-off-metchosin-in-october/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/polling-stations-in-nanaimo-opening-for-early-voting-in-2026-municipal-election/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 20:42:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/polling-stations-in-nanaimo-opening-for-early-voting-in-2026-municipal-election/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/car-found-in-kootenay-river-with-human-remains-linked-to-2004-disappearance/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 20:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/car-found-in-kootenay-river-with-human-remains-linked-to-2004-disappearance/ Dunn, 30, was found with life-threatening injuries after what her family repor]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/trial-for-man-accused-of-killing-bc-woman-tori-dunn-set-to-start-monday/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/trial-for-man-accused-of-killing-bc-woman-tori-dunn-set-to-start-monday/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cougar-suspected-in-36-livestock-killings-on-vancouver-island/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cougar-suspected-in-36-livestock-killings-on-vancouver-island/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/man-attacked-by-black-bear-in-castlegar/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 19:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/man-attacked-by-black-bear-in-castlegar/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/morning-landslide-in-campbell-river-no-injuries-reported/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 19:26:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/morning-landslide-in-campbell-river-no-injuries-reported/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rcmp-warn-vancouver-islanders-of-bait-and-switch-free-mobile-phone-scam/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 19:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rcmp-warn-vancouver-islanders-of-bait-and-switch-free-mobile-phone-scam/ “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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rainbow-gatherings-to-screen-award-winning-documentary-the-1950s-pride-movement-in-comox/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 19:04:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rainbow-gatherings-to-screen-award-winning-documentary-the-1950s-pride-movement-in-comox/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-ladysmith-public-schools-gaining-traction-in-bid-for-new-ndss-says-chair/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-ladysmith-public-schools-gaining-traction-in-bid-for-new-ndss-says-chair/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mcdavid-tallies-5-points-as-oilers-hang-on-for-9-7-win-over-vancouver-canucks/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 07:04:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mcdavid-tallies-5-points-as-oilers-hang-on-for-9-7-win-over-vancouver-canucks/ 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.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alberta-to-bc-pipeline-listed-as-project-of-national-interest-by-carney/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 01:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alberta-to-bc-pipeline-listed-as-project-of-national-interest-by-carney/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-teacher-caught-in-creep-catchers-style-sting-banned-from-teaching-for-7-years/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-teacher-caught-in-creep-catchers-style-sting-banned-from-teaching-for-7-years/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndp-calls-on-conservatives-to-fire-north-island-candidate-over-2022-vaccine-claims/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 23:03:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndp-calls-on-conservatives-to-fire-north-island-candidate-over-2022-vaccine-claims/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/woman-dogs-helped-home-by-west-kelowna-firefighters-after-scooter-battery-dies/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 23:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/woman-dogs-helped-home-by-west-kelowna-firefighters-after-scooter-battery-dies/ “In Tune with …” was created by Sasha Koerbler earlier this year, with the aim of bringing musical education back to Nanaimo, following t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/violinist-and-harpsichordist-will-be-featured-for-music-session-in-nanaimo/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/violinist-and-harpsichordist-will-be-featured-for-music-session-in-nanaimo/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-brewery-fires-co-owner-over-show-me-the-evidence-shirt/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-brewery-fires-co-owner-over-show-me-the-evidence-shirt/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-brewery-co-owner-sparks-backlash-over-show-me-the-evidence-shirt/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-brewery-co-owner-sparks-backlash-over-show-me-the-evidence-shirt/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-bc-chief-coroner-running-in-saanich-south-for-green-party/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 21:57:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-bc-chief-coroner-running-in-saanich-south-for-green-party/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/questions-arise-over-lumby-mayors-double-election-campaigns/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:52:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/questions-arise-over-lumby-mayors-double-election-campaigns/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-grocery-store-manager-assault-sign-of-growing-danger-in-workplace/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-grocery-store-manager-assault-sign-of-growing-danger-in-workplace/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-chemainus-mural-honours-japanese-canadian-community/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-chemainus-mural-honours-japanese-canadian-community/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/elk-damages-car-during-rut-at-lake-cowichan/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/elk-damages-car-during-rut-at-lake-cowichan/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/seven-nanaimo-elementary-schools-chosen-for-regulated-speed-limits-in-first-phase/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:57:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/seven-nanaimo-elementary-schools-chosen-for-regulated-speed-limits-in-first-phase/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/missing-parts-from-fatal-fort-simpson-nwt-plane-crash-found-by-investigators/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/missing-parts-from-fatal-fort-simpson-nwt-plane-crash-found-by-investigators/ The Port Hardy resident was driving home when she witnessed two mature bull elk locking antlers at roughly 3:15 a.m. Monday on Highway 19 near Port McNeill.The headlights of her vehicle illuminated the battle, which she caught on video with her phone.
“It was exciting,” Bell said.“We’re driving home and we just saw something on the side of the road and I decided to do a (U-Turn) and]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/video-north-island-driver-captures-elk-encounter-on-highway-19/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/video-north-island-driver-captures-elk-encounter-on-highway-19/ The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is now accepting applications to the following advisory bodies:To obtain an application form and view the various Terms of Reference, visit:
www.rdn.bc.ca/board-appointments
Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026
For further information, contact Legislative Services:
250-390-4111 or toll free at 1-877-607-4111
inquiries@rdn.bc.ca
rdn.bc.ca/board-appointments]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/regional-district-of-nanaimo-applications-for-advisory-committee/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/regional-district-of-nanaimo-applications-for-advisory-committee/ City of Nanaimo, District of Lantzville, Regional District of Nanaimo, and School District 68
Saturday, October 17, 2026 – Voting Places Open 8 am to 8 pm *10 am – 6 pm on Protection Island
See information provided by each organization for details on advance voting opportunities
Voter Qualifications
Applies to City of Nanaimo, Regional District of Nanaimo, District of Lantzville and School District 68
If you arrive on voting day to vote and you are not on the li]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/city-of-nanaimo-voter-qualifications-and-election-details/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/city-of-nanaimo-voter-qualifications-and-election-details/ His pledge, called a temporary fix amid a tariff fight with the U.S., also includes a “price guard” to empower BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) to enforce “strict pricing rules and cap excess industry margins” at a time when regular gas sells for]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndps-eby-promises-gas-tax-cut-and-price-guard-to-stop-corporate-gouging-at-pumps/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 18:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ndps-eby-promises-gas-tax-cut-and-price-guard-to-stop-corporate-gouging-at-pumps/ Eby is in Surrey on Thursday morning (Oct. 1) making an announcement at the Surrey-Fleetwood campaign office.
Eby’s promise includes cracking down on “corporate price gouging” to help save drivers up to 30 cents a litre and as much as $20 on every tank of gas.
“Big oil and gas companies have been exploiting conflicts overseas to make]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-leader-david-eby-promises-gas-tax-relief/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 18:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-leader-david-eby-promises-gas-tax-relief/ If you are not on the list of electors, you may register at the time of voting by completing the application form available at the voting place and making a declaration that you meet the req]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/city-of-nanaimo-2026-general-local-election-notice-of-election-by-voting/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 18:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/city-of-nanaimo-2026-general-local-election-notice-of-election-by-voting/ It was the sixth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Sept. 30 has extra meaning for the 66-year-old who has been a survivor, in every sense of the word, from the day he was born.
“I was taken out of my home at three years old,” shared the residential school survivor from Port Alberni.
He added that he was born with clu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alberni-residential-school-survivor-overcomes-lifetime-of-struggle/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alberni-residential-school-survivor-overcomes-lifetime-of-struggle/ James Goodwin, a landscape architect at LANARC Consultants, and Vanessa McMaster, a hydraulic engineer with Northwest Hydraulic Consultants, told the city’s governance and priorities committee at its meeting on Monday, Sept. 28, that rising sea levels could ultimately l]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-recommended-to-begin-making-plans-for-rising-sea-levels-need-to-raise-front-street/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-recommended-to-begin-making-plans-for-rising-sea-levels-need-to-raise-front-street/ It can seem like your dog knows who they can “get away with it” with. But there is more going on.
Every person interacts with a dog differently. We move differently, use different voices, hold the leash differently, walk at different speeds and follow diff]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/context-matters-dogs-respond-to-our-cues/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/context-matters-dogs-respond-to-our-cues/ By late Wednesday (Sept. 30) morning, the 22-person peloton had made it over.
Day 12 of the 14-day journey saw riders cover 60 kilometres from Shawnigan Lake School into Greater Victoria, pushing their total distance north of 910 kilometres since leaving Port Alice on Sept. 20.
After nearly two weeks on Vancouver Island roads, the biggest takeaway for community rider Ashka Wirk has had little to do with the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/power-of-a-team-tour-de-rock-summits-malahat-nears-victoria-finale/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 01:57:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/power-of-a-team-tour-de-rock-summits-malahat-nears-victoria-finale/ The CCAA, a governing body for college sports in Canada, granted 28 VIU Mariners academic all-Canadian award honours, recognizing “outstanding student-athletes who have successfully combined academic excellence with high-level athletic performance throughout the (2025/26) college season,” stated a Sept. 14 press release.
Grace G]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-university-athletes-recognized-by-ccaa-for-academics/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-university-athletes-recognized-by-ccaa-for-academics/ As part of City of Nanaimo’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation observance on Wednesday, Sept. 30, a work from Noel Brown, Snuneymuxw First Nation master carver, entitled Strength and Perseverance, was officially unveiled. Featuring an eagle, bear and salmon, it encompasses the entire basketball playing surface at Deverill Square Park.
Brown, whose usual medium is wo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/snuneymuxw-master-artist-work-unveiled-in-nanaimo-on-truth-and-reconciliation-day/Wed, 30 Sep 2026 21:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/snuneymuxw-master-artist-work-unveiled-in-nanaimo-on-truth-and-reconciliation-day/ Delta Police said the “serious collision” on TFN lands in South Delta sent four people to hospital, and that it appears to be “a medical incident” in a social media post.
For National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Tsawwassen First Nation was hosting a community walk that sstarted at 9:30 a.m. at the TFN Recreation Centre. Tha]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/serious-collision-ends-tsawwassen-first-nation-truth-and-reconciliation-event-in-bc/Wed, 30 Sep 2026 21:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/serious-collision-ends-tsawwassen-first-nation-truth-and-reconciliation-event-in-bc/ The Tsawwassen First Nation has ended its National Truth and Reconciliation Day ceremony early on Wednesday, Sept. 30, after what Delta Police are calling a “serious collision” in the parking lot at Tsawwassen Mills, on TFN lands in South Delta.
The crash happened shortly befor]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fatal-tsawwassen-crash-not-an-intentional-attack-on-bc-truth-and-reconciliation-event-police/Wed, 30 Sep 2026 21:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fatal-tsawwassen-crash-not-an-intentional-attack-on-bc-truth-and-reconciliation-event-police/ Delta Police said the “serious collision” on TFN lands in South Delta happened shortly before 10:30 a.m. Wednesday (Sept. 30).
“Four pedestrians were struck and, tragically, two people have died as a result of their injuries,” Delta Police said in a release. “Preliminary information indicates the driver]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-dead-after-serious-collision-on-tsawwassen-first-nation-land/Wed, 30 Sep 2026 21:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-dead-after-serious-collision-on-tsawwassen-first-nation-land/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/whats-on-sept-30/Wed, 30 Sep 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/whats-on-sept-30/ Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue was activated by BC Emergency Health Services around 4 p.m. on Sept. 26 for the injured man, who suffered a lower-limb injury.
Search and rescue volunteers arrived at the scene, where they assessed and treated the man before splinting his injury and preparing him for evacuation.
The injured hiker was transported by a Royal Canadian Marine]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hiker-rescued-after-15-foot-fall-at-salt-spring-island-park/Wed, 30 Sep 2026 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hiker-rescued-after-15-foot-fall-at-salt-spring-island-park/ At its meeting on Sept. 23, Nanaimo’s finance and audit committee unanimously voted to recommend for council to consider further funding for the municipality’s vandalism relief grant program next year, and that an option be considered to make it accessible to businesses across the city for the first t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-considers-continuing-vandalism-grant-program-for-businesses-in-2027/Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-considers-continuing-vandalism-grant-program-for-businesses-in-2027/ Marco Rossi, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, centre Elias Petterson and Max Sasson also scored for the Canucks, who finished last overall a season ago and were playing their first game under new head coach Manny Malhotra. Filip Hronek added two assists for Vancouver a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cotter-nets-winner-as-canucks-edge-edmonton-oilers-6-5-in-ot-thriller/Wed, 30 Sep 2026 07:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cotter-nets-winner-as-canucks-edge-edmonton-oilers-6-5-in-ot-thriller/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-encampment-in-place-for-20-years-should-be-cleaned-up-neighbours-say/Wed, 30 Sep 2026 06:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-encampment-in-place-for-20-years-should-be-cleaned-up-neighbours-say/ Adkens was last seen at about 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 26, 2001, while waiting for a bus near Sooke Road and Idlemore Road.
She had left a friend’s home shortly after 9 p.m. and was walking the short distance to the bus stop. She never boarded the bus and has not been seen since. At the time, Adkens was living with a friend in downtown Sooke and attending Edward Milne Community School.
She had moved]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/25-years-later-sooke-teens-disappearance-remains-unsolved/Wed, 30 Sep 2026 03:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/25-years-later-sooke-teens-disappearance-remains-unsolved/ Now 65, the Sidney resident is nearing the end of a 14-day ride across Vancouver Island that has taken the 22-person Tour de Rock team 850 kilometres from Port Alice to Shawnigan Lake.And after 10 days on the road, he is still taking it all in.
“It’s been a bit of an emotional ride,” van Deth said. “But it’s such a great experience.”
The Tour de Rock team travelled 60 kilometres f]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/if-you-can-do-this-do-it-tour-de-rock-nears-finish-in-shawnigan-lake/Wed, 30 Sep 2026 02:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/if-you-can-do-this-do-it-tour-de-rock-nears-finish-in-shawnigan-lake/ This was not the plan.
Experts now warn that NDP leader David Eby’s snap election call could backfire as his justification for going to the polls has so far rung hollow and a new Conservative leader has deftly shifted the narrative away from internal party chaos.
University of British Columbia political science lecturer Stewart Prest called it a “potentially significant miscalculation.”
Jord]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/was-ebys-snap-election-call-a-bad-bet-for-the-bc-ndp/Wed, 30 Sep 2026 01:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/was-ebys-snap-election-call-a-bad-bet-for-the-bc-ndp/ Lantzville Fire Rescue responded to a fire in the Clark Drive neighbourhood, today, Sept, 29, but according to Kyle Knox, assistant fire chief, it was under control by the time the crew arrived on scene. The 10×10 shed was destroyed, but fast thinking ensured the majority of the fire was out by the time the crew arrived and it didn’t spread, Knox s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/neighbours-homeowner-in-lantzville-prevent-shed-fire-from-spreading/Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/neighbours-homeowner-in-lantzville-prevent-shed-fire-from-spreading/ Officers were patrolling near East Hastings Street and Dunlevy Avenue when they first noticed the occupied BMW with an Alberta licence plate, according to a news release from Vancouver police Tuesday (Sept. 29).
“Inside, a front-seat female passenger appeared visibly distraught,” the release says.
Police said officers, who were worried]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alberta-driver-arrested-after-police-chase-in-downtown-vancouver/Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alberta-driver-arrested-after-police-chase-in-downtown-vancouver/ The newly minted party leader was speaking at Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery in rural Langley, with all three local incumbents for the Langley area ridings – Harman Bhangu, Misty Van Popta, and Jody Toor – standing alongside him.
“My Conservative government will remove PST temporarily at th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/doerkson-promises-to-cut-pst-on-canadian-alcohol/Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/doerkson-promises-to-cut-pst-on-canadian-alcohol/ In a statement released on Monday, Sept. 28 from Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory, the Okanagan Nation Alliance said Syilx and Secwépemc people are]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/okanagan-nation-alliance-blasts-white-nationalist-group-seen-in-kamloops/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 23:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/okanagan-nation-alliance-blasts-white-nationalist-group-seen-in-kamloops/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/all-burning-bans-rescinded-across-coast/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 23:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/all-burning-bans-rescinded-across-coast/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-nanaimo-museum-exhibit-focuses-on-black-history-in-british-columbia/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 22:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-nanaimo-museum-exhibit-focuses-on-black-history-in-british-columbia/ Families are searching for “classics” such as well-known resort villages and lake towns, according to a news release by Airbnb, including Parksville.
“A Vancouver Island beach town where the tide goes out for a kilometre, with old-growth Douglas fir trails behind the sand and goats grazing on the roof at Coombs Old Country Market just up the road,” the release said.
Searche]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/parksville-a-top-destination-for-families-airbnb-data-shows/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 21:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/parksville-a-top-destination-for-families-airbnb-data-shows/ As a result, there is concern for his safety and overall well-being.
Lunn is unhoused and is believed to be in the Nanaimo area.
He is described as Caucasian, 6 ft 1 in, and 200 lbs with brown, buzz-cut hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Lunn is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-eme]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-seeks-help-locating-missing-man/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 20:26:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-seeks-help-locating-missing-man/ Based on murder mystery maven Agatha Christie’s Poirot Investigates, the script by Steven Dietz provides a tale with twists and turns, an iconic detective and enough laughter to make one wonder how the time went by so fast when the house lights come up for intermission, then again at the end of the show.
The lighthearted touch of director Mark Du]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/review-peril-in-the-alps-delivers-mystery-and-humour-at-chemainus-theatre/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 20:24:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/review-peril-in-the-alps-delivers-mystery-and-humour-at-chemainus-theatre/ A year after the Games were held in Nanaimo, the 2026 iteration took place in Kamloops from Sept. 8-12 and Sheila King took 8-Ball gold in the 75-plus women’s division at the Kamloops Billiards Club.
She told the News Bulletin she has worked hard, practised a lot and was “very, very excited” to be at the top of the podium, more so as she also took gold in 2025.
“The comp]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-athlete-sinks-8-ball-for-gold-at-2026-55-bc-games/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-athlete-sinks-8-ball-for-gold-at-2026-55-bc-games/ A review recently published in Canadian Psychology by UBCO researchers argues that bringing psychologists into the public healthcare sector would lead to reduced healthcare costs, better treatment for patients, and increased access to mental-healthcare.
“In the Interior region, one-in-three primary emergency department visits now is for people in]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ubc-okanagan-researchers-call-to-integrate-psychologists-into-canadas-primary-care-system/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 19:19:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ubc-okanagan-researchers-call-to-integrate-psychologists-into-canadas-primary-care-system/ Shayla Day, CEO of DayHomes, said BC Housing cannot confirm funding without municipal approvals and an opening date set. Day said a late opening date raised concerns about the cost per mat, if the shelter was only open for a short part of the season.
“It brings me devastating sadness to say that the timelines aren’t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/devastating-non-profit-says-timelines-wont-allow-parksville-shelter/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 19:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/devastating-non-profit-says-timelines-wont-allow-parksville-shelter/ On Sept. 22, Christopher, Precious, and their little son Aeden Magpantay received the key to their new home in the Lake Trail neighbourhood with a ceremony, speeches, laughter, and a veritable feast to share with everyone in attendance.
Both Christopher and Precious work in health care, and Christopher is also studying to be a nurse. This busy]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/habitat-for-humanity-vancouver-island-north-celebrates-newest-home-owning-family/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 18:57:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/habitat-for-humanity-vancouver-island-north-celebrates-newest-home-owning-family/ The incident occurred Sunday (Sept. 27) near the park’s duck pond at around 4:50 p.m.
The suspect is described as a tan-skinned man in his late 40s. He is approximately 5’11” to 6′ tall with a large build, balding grey hair, and tattoos on the right side of his neck and right cheek.
He was wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans, and a silver chain.
Anyone who witnessed the inciden]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/police-appeal-for-witnesses-to-vancouver-island-city-park-assault/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 18:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/police-appeal-for-witnesses-to-vancouver-island-city-park-assault/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-soccer-star-named-to-team-canada-roster-for-fifa-u-17-womens-world-cup/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 18:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-soccer-star-named-to-team-canada-roster-for-fifa-u-17-womens-world-cup/ LNG Canada made the announcement in a news release Monday (Sept. 28) ahead of a scheduled press conference in Vancouver with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday morning.
Chris Cooper LNG Canada president, said with the final investment decision secured, Phase 2 will double LNG Canada’s capacity from 14 million tonnes a year to 28 million tonnes.
He added t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lng-phase-2-in-kitimat-gets-go-ahead-in-final-investment-decision/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 17:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lng-phase-2-in-kitimat-gets-go-ahead-in-final-investment-decision/ Taking place on Wednesday, Sept. 30, the theme this year is “Wellness Unites: A Community Event for Health and Reconciliation.”
The day will offer opportunities for community members of all ages to gather, reflect and connect through recreation, wellness and community activities.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a statutory holiday recognizing the victims and surv]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-events-for-nanaimo/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-events-for-nanaimo/ He called it B.C.’s “superpower plan.”
“If a project is good for British Columbia, it is going to get a yes,” he said. “In fact, it’s going to get a very quick yes.”
NDP candidate Ravi Parmar, the incumbent Forests minister, called it a “ChatGPT plan,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservative-leader-pledges-to-triple-lng-production/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 02:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservative-leader-pledges-to-triple-lng-production/ It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Judy Ann Croasdale, on August 23, 2026, at the age of 82.
Mum dedicated her life to her family, that is where she found her greatest happiness. Her love, kindness, and devotion will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She leaves to cherish her memory her children Catherine (Nic) and Alex, 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and her sister Margaret. She was predeceased by her beloved son Michael.
As Mum n]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/judy-ann-croasdale/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 01:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/judy-ann-croasdale/ Council approved up to $10,000 from the Council Contingency Fund for the installation of a security camera at the park.
This is in response to correspondence from residents living near Ken Forde Park.
The residents say they’re dealing with ongoing disturbances in the area.“We’ve had a lot of correspondence on Ken Forde, the parking lot out there and]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/security-camera-planned-for-campbell-river-boat-launch-to-deter-troublemakers/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:54:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/security-camera-planned-for-campbell-river-boat-launch-to-deter-troublemakers/ But Charlotte Davis, the city’s acting director of parks, recreation and culture, told the advisory committee on accessibility and inclusiveness at its meeting on Sept. 9 that Nanaimo wants to see the LEAP program r]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-city-of-nanaimo-looks-to-increase-participation-in-leap-program/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-city-of-nanaimo-looks-to-increase-participation-in-leap-program/ At the airport, Kelowna MP and Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr announced the YLW Economic Enabling Infrastructure Project is receiving a federal investment of $22.4 million through the Build Communities Strong Fund.
This project and the funds will go towards the construction of new utility infrastructure at YLW, which will remove servici]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-international-airport-receiving-224m-from-federal-government/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 23:56:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-international-airport-receiving-224m-from-federal-government/ Victoria 5 Nanaimo 4
A pair of third period goals enabled the defending Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League champion Victoria Cougars to edge the Nanaimo Buccaneers on Friday, Sept. 25, in a rematch of last season’s playoff final in front of 260 fans at Nanaimo Ice Centre.
Following a 2-2 first period tie, Nanaimo led 4-3 heading into the third period in the battle between the league’s division leaders. First star Carter Zeeben’s goal halfway thr]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vijhl-roundup-cougars-edge-buccaneers-in-rematch-of-playoff-final/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 23:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vijhl-roundup-cougars-edge-buccaneers-in-rematch-of-playoff-final/ The Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League contest at Rod Brind’Amour Arena on Friday (Sept. 25) had to be postponed until a later date due to what the league described as a “rink glass malfunction.”
This came after a thunderous hit by the Storm’s Foster Armstrong on an Islander defender damaged a section of glass behind t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vijhl-game-postponed-due-to-rink-glass-malfunction/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 23:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vijhl-game-postponed-due-to-rink-glass-malfunction/ The agreement between Langford, Tsartlip First Nation and Tseycum First Nation establishes a process for ongoing collaboration, including annual government-to-government meetings between elected leaders, quarterly staff-level meetings, and the development of a shared work plan to guide joint initiatives and measure progress on agreed-upon priorities]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/island-city-local-first-nations-agreement-commits-to-shared-long-term-goals/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 22:39:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/island-city-local-first-nations-agreement-commits-to-shared-long-term-goals/ On Sept. 28, the Greens gathered at Browning Park to announce Carolyn Howe for Victoria-Swan Lake.
Howe is a teacher and has been president of the Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association for nearly three years.
“Carolyn, I’m so excited. I’m so thr]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-greens-announce-new-candidate-for-victoria-swan-lake-childcare-plans/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 22:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-greens-announce-new-candidate-for-victoria-swan-lake-childcare-plans/ Council unanimously voted to issue the permit for the development, located at the corner of Boxwood Road and Northfield Road, with no discussion at its meeting on Sept. 21.
The project will still require a building permit from the city to proceed
According to a staff report, the developer proposes to construct a phased development at the site, including two six-storey multi-family-apartm]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-211-unit-housing-project-on-nanaimos-northfield-road-issued-development-permit/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 21:59:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-211-unit-housing-project-on-nanaimos-northfield-road-issued-development-permit/ Satinderjeet Singh is wanted for a variety of federal violations, including murder, extortion and drug distribution, FBI Los Angeles field office assistant director in charge Patrick Grandy announced Monday (Sept. 28). Singh is also known as Goldy Brar and other aliases.
He is wanted for his alleged involvement in the Lawrence Bishnoi gang t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fbi-offers-1m-reward-for-information-on-suspect-in-bc-gurdwara-killing/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 21:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fbi-offers-1m-reward-for-information-on-suspect-in-bc-gurdwara-killing/ Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir, in a statement Sunday (Sept. 27), said that the group, which has been linked to white supremacist and white nationalist ideology, was seen and documented in the community.
“The presence of individuals associated with white supremacist and white nationalist activity]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/masked-men-gather-near-former-bc-residential-school-nation-issues-safety-warning/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 21:34:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/masked-men-gather-near-former-bc-residential-school-nation-issues-safety-warning/ “Hannah Maynard’s photographic p]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/by-the-book-bc-museum-honours-victorias-first-female-photo-entrepreneur/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/by-the-book-bc-museum-honours-victorias-first-female-photo-entrepreneur/ Matt McIntosh, owner of McBaked bakery and pizzeria, and his son Cameron, 13, came up with the idea after the recent Weezer show in Vancouver.
“Great special effects, songs were amazing. I had a blast,” said Cameron, who has been a fan for three or four years and bought all the Weezer records he can find.
“One of our specialities is the deep dish pizza and we wer]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-pizza-shop-offers-deep-dish-challenge-to-weezer-frontman/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-pizza-shop-offers-deep-dish-challenge-to-weezer-frontman/ The 6th annual “Toss the Boss” event, on Friday, Oct. 2, asks teams to rally their supporters, raise funds, and cheer on their brave boss or courageous colleague to bungy jump in support of brain injury survivors and families.
“Behind every bungy jump is a story,” said Kix Citton, executive director at the society.
“Some sto]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/annual-wildplay-nanaimo-toss-the-boss-bungy-jump-fundraiser-takes-place-this-week/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 19:59:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/annual-wildplay-nanaimo-toss-the-boss-bungy-jump-fundraiser-takes-place-this-week/ “B.C. has an abundance of critical minerals other countries need,” the BC NDP leader said. “Getting them to world markets means less dependence on the U.S. while creating family-supporting jobs and the prosperity needed to strengthen health care and public services.”
Eby outlined a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-promises-to-double-critical-minerals-exports-during-campaign-stop-at-prince-rupert-port/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 19:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-promises-to-double-critical-minerals-exports-during-campaign-stop-at-prince-rupert-port/ Gasper announced her intention to seek the Conservative Party of B.C. nomination for the riding in a video posted to social media on Thursday (Sept. 24).
“I was the MLA once before and I plan to be the MLA again. I can’t wait for this race,” Gasper said.
In August, Gasper re]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/recently-resigned-abbotsford-mission-mla-fails-to-land-bc-conservative-nomination/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/recently-resigned-abbotsford-mission-mla-fails-to-land-bc-conservative-nomination/ Eby is scheduled to make an announcement at DP World Prince Rupert’s Fairview Terminal today (Sept 28) alongside regional B.C. NDP candidates. The announcement is focused on job creation and building B.C.’s economy, a press release stated.Davidson, seeking 100 signatures as she prepares for]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/david-eby-joins-prince-rupert-ndp-candidate-for-campaign-office-opening/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:24:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/david-eby-joins-prince-rupert-ndp-candidate-for-campaign-office-opening/ “There is no update on the missing paddleboarder on Okanagan Lake since Friday,” Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Tania Finn told Black Press Media on Monday morning. “Unfortunately, the search area is large, and the water in that location is really deep.”
Just before 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, RCMP were notified and called to assist a man and woman on p]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/paddleboarder-remains-missing-on-okanagan-lake/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:42:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/paddleboarder-remains-missing-on-okanagan-lake/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/scammer-targeting-candy-cane-lane-event-warns-greater-victoria-festival-society/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/scammer-targeting-candy-cane-lane-event-warns-greater-victoria-festival-society/ On Sept. 25,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/meet-quackers-crd-looks-to-rehome-random-free-duck/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:33:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/meet-quackers-crd-looks-to-rehome-random-free-duck/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hundreds-of-officers-march-to-bc-law-enforcement-memorial-in-victoria/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hundreds-of-officers-march-to-bc-law-enforcement-memorial-in-victoria/ The 22-person peloton rolled into Nanaimo on Sunday (Sept. 27) after a modest 40.5-kilometre ride from Parksville, bringing the 2026 Tour into its final five days, and surpassing the 700-kilometre plateau.
This leg followed a heavy 103-kilometre trek to the Island’s west coast the day before. On Sept. 28, the riders head to Dunca]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/it-renews-my-hope-in-humanity-tour-de-rock-reaches-nanaimo/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/it-renews-my-hope-in-humanity-tour-de-rock-reaches-nanaimo/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-overnight-earthquakes-remind-vancouver-island-residents-to-be-prepared/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 16:04:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-overnight-earthquakes-remind-vancouver-island-residents-to-be-prepared/ The rest of Greater Victoria and the Island can expect a mix of]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rainfall-warning-sooke-to-kyuquot-could-see-100-mm-of-rain-monday/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rainfall-warning-sooke-to-kyuquot-could-see-100-mm-of-rain-monday/ The review comes after residents raised concerns following four crashes in less than a week in late August, including two fatal collisions that claimed three lives.
In an Aug. 27 letter to Ladysmith-Oceanside MLA Stephanie Higginson, federal MP Gord Johns and Regional District of Nanaimo board members, N]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/highway-19-safety-review-launched-following-nanoose-lantzville-crash-concerns/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/highway-19-safety-review-launched-following-nanoose-lantzville-crash-concerns/ Nanaimo District Teachers’ Association union will host an all-candidates forum at Beban Park Social Centre on Thursday, Oct. 8 beginning at 6 p.m.
Megan Simmer, union president, said all candidates have RSVP’d and it will be a town hall-type of format.
“We’re going to have]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/prospective-nanaimo-ladysmith-school-trustees-to-be-queried-at-election-forum/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/prospective-nanaimo-ladysmith-school-trustees-to-be-queried-at-election-forum/ The space is a collaboration between the Orange Short Society, B.C. Pavilion Corporation (Pavco) and the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Located in the centre’s Harbour Concourse, the space features educational content from the Orange Shirt Society, connecting annual remembrance with broader learning about truth-telling, reflect]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-vancouver-convention-centre-space-honours-orange-shirt-society/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 01:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-vancouver-convention-centre-space-honours-orange-shirt-society/ Smith recorded 41 saves for the Cleveland Guardians this season and that tied for the most in baseball in 2026 with Bryan Baker of the Tampa Bay Rays. The 41 saves are the most by any pitcher from British Columbia in one season. The previous record was 33 by Sechelt’s Ryan Dempster with the Chicago Cubs in 2005.H]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/abbotsfords-cade-smith-ties-for-tops-in-major-league-baseball-for-saves/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/abbotsfords-cade-smith-ties-for-tops-in-major-league-baseball-for-saves/ It was one of a variety of recent scams that continue to plague PQB residents. On Aug. 21, another resident reported losing $77,000, responding to telephone caller purporting to be the
police and inadvertently allowed access to their cryptocurrency accounts. The day before, a resident reported losing $6,000 after responding to a telephone call purportedly, from a
ph]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-residents-lose-more-than-220k-to-scammers/Sun, 27 Sep 2026 23:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-residents-lose-more-than-220k-to-scammers/ The two people are scheduled to appear in court at a later date, according to Sgt. Shane Worth of the Oceanside RCMP.
“As no charges have been laid, no names are being released,” Worth added.
The break-in at the school’s gymnasium happened over the weekend of Sept. 19 to Sept. 20 and resulted in damage to the school building and equipment.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/arrests-made-related-to-vancouver-island-secondary-school-break-in/Sun, 27 Sep 2026 22:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/arrests-made-related-to-vancouver-island-secondary-school-break-in/ Jennifer Houghton, campaign director for the New Forest Act and her team presented the framework to the ministers and senior-level government staff on Sept. 9.
She said that the ministers and staff were highly receptive during the presentation, asking questions and productively discussing th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-forest-act-developed-in-grand-forks-presented-to-the-province/Sun, 27 Sep 2026 21:19:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-forest-act-developed-in-grand-forks-presented-to-the-province/ Doerkson, joined by Surrey candidates in Bridgeview Park, took the microphone to promise that a future Conservative government would not raise taxes or introduce new taxes.
“We don’t need fancy solutions to fix this. We need to go back to basics,” Doerkson said.
A Conservative Party of B.C. press release targets multiple NDP moves th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/no-new-taxes-bc-conservative-leader-brings-fiscal-message-to-surrey-campaign-stop/Sun, 27 Sep 2026 20:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/no-new-taxes-bc-conservative-leader-brings-fiscal-message-to-surrey-campaign-stop/ Born in 1952 outside of Rome to Italian parents, Porretta then moved to the town of Hemel Hempstead, which is around 40 minutes north by train from London, England.
“It’s a beautiful area, actually, we lived out just outside of town in the countryside there, so it was very pleasant,” Porretta recalled.Porretta h]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/human-interest-luis-porretta-has-been-a-follower-of-jazz-throughout-life/Sun, 27 Sep 2026 19:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/human-interest-luis-porretta-has-been-a-follower-of-jazz-throughout-life/ The pop-up shop, located in Nanaimo North Town Centre where Urban Outfitters was once located, opened in August and manager Tara Jenson said customers have been flocking to the store ever since.
“Halloween is always popular, so people like to start getting ready for it early,” she said as youngsters hurriedly led their parents through the shop, excitedly whooping as they went.
“We have a lot of scary home décor in stock and some]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/business-notes-spirit-halloween-set-for-the-scary-season/Sun, 27 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/business-notes-spirit-halloween-set-for-the-scary-season/ In Alberta, separatism is on the ballot in a provincial referendum in a vote on Oct. 19.
From October to December, municipal elections will be held in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and the Northwest Territories.
Elections are important, and at times there are some unusual moments in politics at all levels.
How much do you know about elections and politics in Canada? Put your]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quiz-a-time-to-celebrate-democracy/Sun, 27 Sep 2026 13:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quiz-a-time-to-celebrate-democracy/ On Sept. 21, chief election officer Delcy Wells announced in a declaration that Mark Swain had been elected as mayor by acclamation for a four-year term.Acclamation occurs when no one runs against a person standing in an election, whether or not they are incumbent, meaning the person would win the election by default.Swain, in an interview with the News Bulletin, said that it’s a humbl]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lantzville-mayor-mark-swain-acclaimed-for-third-term/Sat, 26 Sep 2026 22:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lantzville-mayor-mark-swain-acclaimed-for-third-term/ To the editor,
Finally, a light is turned on. I find it amazing that the coast has reduced itself to exporting raw logs because all the processing is gone.
There has been a free-for- all in the logging industry for years. Sustainability, in its present form, is a joke. Allocation in cubic meters and planting in units. “3 for 1” is the mantra. Time was never dealt into the model. We have over-harvested, trying to balance]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/letter-to-the-editor-free-for-all-in-the-logging-industry/Sat, 26 Sep 2026 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/letter-to-the-editor-free-for-all-in-the-logging-industry/ They include a 63-unit housing complex on a 1.03-hectare site located at 6060 Nelson Rd. in the city’s north end, a 43-unit project on a 1.14-acre lot at 2335 Departure Bay Rd., and a four-storey building with 46-housing units on a half-acre lot at 1575 White St. in central Nanaimo.
Despite what many perceiv]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-public-needs-more-say-in-housing-densification-in-nanaimo/Sat, 26 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-public-needs-more-say-in-housing-densification-in-nanaimo/ The PGA of BC Srixon/Cleveland Golf Club Professional Championship presented by Nike Golf and Mobilicab is open to all members serving in the roles of head, executive or head teaching professionals within the association. The 36-hole event will run Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 28 and 29, at the historic Vernon Golf and Country Club.
“It is always a great honour to host my fellow professionals from around the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/top-bc-club-golf-pros-tee-it-up-in-vernon/Sat, 26 Sep 2026 05:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/top-bc-club-golf-pros-tee-it-up-in-vernon/ March 1st, 1929 – Sept.11th, 2026
Juanita Grace (Poole) Wilkins passed away at age 97 on Friday Sept.11th, 2026 at Dufferin Place Long Term Care Home in Nanaimo BC.
She was born March 1st, 1929 in Burdett, AB. and grew up alongside her dear brother, Bill, on their parents’ farm south of Burdett. She attended school in the Burdett area and later attended Normal School (Edmonton) to prepare for teaching, gradually adding summer courses at University of Calgary to bec]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/juanita-grace-poole-wilkins/Sat, 26 Sep 2026 01:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/juanita-grace-poole-wilkins/ Doerkson was appointed interim leader, and party rules stipulate that an interim leader cannot run to be permanent leader. But the party’s board of directors released a statement on Wednesday pledging to do what it takes to change the constitution]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-works-to-tie-doerkson-to-former-conservative-leader-findlay/Sat, 26 Sep 2026 01:06:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-ndp-works-to-tie-doerkson-to-former-conservative-leader-findlay/ Police are investigating the incident that happened shortly after midnight on Friday, Sept. 25.Video footage obtained by RCMP from the locations that showed two people placing the signs before leaving the area in a light coloured Chevrolet or GMC pickup truck with a lift kit and mud flaps.Some of]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/west-kelowna-rcmp-investigating-campaign-signs-moved-to-2-residential-properties/Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/west-kelowna-rcmp-investigating-campaign-signs-moved-to-2-residential-properties/ Chapman announced earlier this week that he is moving to the OneBC]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-name-incumbent-white-rock-mayor-as-surrey-south-candidate/Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-name-incumbent-white-rock-mayor-as-surrey-south-candidate/ Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 25.People are being reminded that a downpour of rain could cause flash floods and reduced visibility. Drivers should use extra caution on the roads.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/okanagan-south-thompson-under-thunderstorm-watch/Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:03:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/okanagan-south-thompson-under-thunderstorm-watch/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-urged-to-disclose-bids-in-prospera-place-management-deal/Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:03:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-urged-to-disclose-bids-in-prospera-place-management-deal/ The fate of a former Nanaimo youth pastor, accused of sex crimes against minors, is now in the hands of B.C. Supreme Court justice.
Ryan Richard James Morgan, 43, stands charged with counts of sexual interference of a person under 16 years old and sexual assault for incidents that took place in Bella Bella, Nanaimo and Courtenay in 2017 and 2020, involving two girls who were minors at the ti]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/decision-in-ex-nanaimo-pastor-accused-of-sex-interference-expected-in-december/Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/decision-in-ex-nanaimo-pastor-accused-of-sex-interference-expected-in-december/ This new “unsold condo tax” would charge a levy equal to two per cent of a condo’s assessed value if it is left vacant for more than one year, with an additional one per cent added each year it remains empty.
If re-elected, Eby says an NDP government would also increase the speculation and vacancy tax by one per cen]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-promises-increase-to-bcs-speculation-tax-create-new-unsold-condo-tax/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 23:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-promises-increase-to-bcs-speculation-tax-create-new-unsold-condo-tax/ Lydia Koot is the chair of the Hope Mountain Black Bear Committee, and she recently published an email to the provincial government regarding the decisions made about the curious bears.
The black bear and her cub walked into the Hope Pharmasave on Sunday (Sept. 20) and wandered around]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hope-conservationist-demands-answers-to-why-bear-cub-was-released-alone/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 22:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hope-conservationist-demands-answers-to-why-bear-cub-was-released-alone/ The AI chatbot reportedly produced “hypothetical” mass-shooting scenarios for Van Rootselaar, described what types of guns can have the most devastating impact in school shootings, answered queries on what time of day other high-profile shootings have occurred, and even expla]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/us-news-outlet-reveals-details-from-tumbler-ridge-shooters-chatgpt-account/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 22:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/us-news-outlet-reveals-details-from-tumbler-ridge-shooters-chatgpt-account/ Sturko, who was elected to the Surrey South riding in a 2022 byelection when former MLA Stephanie Cadieux left electoral politics to become Canada’s first Chief Accessibility Officer, said she just recently made the decision.“This is where I was first elected in 2022 in a byelection, and this is where I live. So I wanted to come back to my h]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/centre-bc-leader-elenore-sturko-running-in-surrey-south-for-provincial-election/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 22:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/centre-bc-leader-elenore-sturko-running-in-surrey-south-for-provincial-election/ Waltman, an RCMP officer with the Nanaimo detachment, and the other 22 riders in the annual fundraiser to help kids with cancer pulled into Parksville after a long day of riding on Thursday, Sept. 24, just when rain began to fall after a long day of riding.
He said his butt hurt for the first two days after leaving Port Alice at the beginning of their long and arduous 14-day, approximately 1,200-kilom]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmps-josh-waltman-enjoying-tour-de-rock-so-far/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 22:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmps-josh-waltman-enjoying-tour-de-rock-so-far/ Baby, you’re much too fast
Apologies to late singer/songwriter Prince, but Vernon North Okanagan RCMP did have to deal with a couple of issues involving a red Corvette.
Shortly after 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, a red Corvette clocked at 120 kilometre/an hour was westbound on Highway 6 when it ripped past an unmarked BC Highway Patrol car going the same way.
“The officer tried to stop the car, but the speedy driver didn’t notice the lights and siren behin]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/red-corvette-zooms-past-unmarked-rcmp-patrol-car-near-vernon/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 21:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/red-corvette-zooms-past-unmarked-rcmp-patrol-car-near-vernon/ On Nov. 20, 2004, the City of Nanaimo asked voters to borrow up to $30 million towards the construction of the VICC, but the issue divided the community since the city announced the referendum early in 2004.
The municipality and the supporters of building the conference centre said the project was an integral part of plans to revitalize Na]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/headline-history-referendum-on-conference-centre-barely-passed/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 20:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/headline-history-referendum-on-conference-centre-barely-passed/ The BC Wildfire Service said Friday morning (Sept. 25) that the rain has reduced fire behaviour to “mainly Rank 1,” which they describe as a “smouldering ground fire with no open flame.”
“No significant growth” has been observed and the size remains at 276.19 hectares. While the fire is still listed as “out of control,” the service is hopeful for more favourable weather.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/overnight-rain-holds-mount-jack-wildfire-near-sooke-at-276-hectares/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 20:42:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/overnight-rain-holds-mount-jack-wildfire-near-sooke-at-276-hectares/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/city-of-nanaimo-notice-of-tax-sale/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/city-of-nanaimo-notice-of-tax-sale/ It’s a warm, clear day for mid-September, and Vernon Jack sits in dappled sunlight behind his Peninsula home. Moving in formation, a wedge of geese flies overhead, while a kitten hops in circles through a nearby patch of straw-yellow grass. Just out of sight, cars passing along West Saanich Road hum softly.
It was j]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-first-nations-man-recounts-life-at-kuper-island-residential-school/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-first-nations-man-recounts-life-at-kuper-island-residential-school/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-finance-minister-josie-osborne-will-run-for-re-election/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 18:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-finance-minister-josie-osborne-will-run-for-re-election/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/school-district-to-support-kelowna-families-children-affected-by-crash-involving-2-students/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 18:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/school-district-to-support-kelowna-families-children-affected-by-crash-involving-2-students/ Jenny Garceau, who oversees housing programs for the mid-Island branch of Canadian Mental Health Association, expressed concerns by CMHA over the issue at the city council meeting on Monday, Sept. 21.
She said that in the aftermath of fires caused by continuous-flame butane lighters in CMHA’s supportive-housing building at 437 Wesley St., in addition to supporting community partners and service users th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/group-calls-for-torch-lighter-ban-in-nanaimo/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/group-calls-for-torch-lighter-ban-in-nanaimo/ Council made the unanimous decision at its meeting on Monday, Sept. 21, after agreeing to have the municipality enter into a housing agreement with the society that would see its Sxwutculi Lelum (Hummingbird House), which provides short-term housing for Indigenous women in need, fit the criteria for a tax exemption.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/tillicum-lelum-now-eligible-for-permissive-tax-exemption-from-city-of-nanaimo/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/tillicum-lelum-now-eligible-for-permissive-tax-exemption-from-city-of-nanaimo/ Click on the resulting links to either the organization’s website or Facebook page, and you’ll find they go nowhere.
These destinations disappeared from the internet shortly after the Observer contacted Bird Sanctuary of Shuswap, a registered non-profit society (confirmed by Service BC), regarding concerns in the community about the group, its goals and fundraising effort]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/earmarks-of-a-scam-shuswap-bird-society-goes-dark-after-rcmp-raises-concerns/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/earmarks-of-a-scam-shuswap-bird-society-goes-dark-after-rcmp-raises-concerns/ The team of 22 law enforcement, emergency services personnel and media members started its day in Courtenay, before making its way to Magnolia Court in Bowser.
They stopped at Quality Foods, Kwalikum Secondary School and Arrowsmith Elementary School in Qualicum Beach, as well as Thrifty Foods and Berwick in Parksville.
Victoria Ne]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hometown-rider-cruises-through-parksville-qualicum-beach-on-tour-de-rock/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 04:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hometown-rider-cruises-through-parksville-qualicum-beach-on-tour-de-rock/ Riding a horse named Kung Fu, which he described as a “huge” animal, Doerkson’s hand suddenly slipped out of his rigging, and he began to fall backwards.
“It bucked just as my hand let go of the rigging,” he said.He landed hard on his shoulder, and the other]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-rodeo-rider-doerkson-seeks-to-buck-off-eby-in-bc-election/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 02:22:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-rodeo-rider-doerkson-seeks-to-buck-off-eby-in-bc-election/ According to a Sept. 2 Parole Board of Canada decision, Shane Robert Ertmoed – convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the Oct. 1, 2000 death of Heather Thomas – applied for the UTA “for personal development for r]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/surrey-child-killer-granted-unescorted-absence/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 02:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/surrey-child-killer-granted-unescorted-absence/ With speculation about a possible provincial election circulating at UBCM, held in Vancouver Sept. 14 to 18, the general consensus was not favourable with local governments, including the District of Sicamous.
“David Eby calling an election in the middle of a municipal election is disrespectful,” Mayor C]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/running-simultaneous-with-municipal-race-sicamous-mayor-calls-snap-election-disrespectful/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/running-simultaneous-with-municipal-race-sicamous-mayor-calls-snap-election-disrespectful/ Canada’s 100 athletes form the eighth-largest delegation at the event.
Sharkey is no stranger to the world stage.
He has worn the Team Canada uniform at the 2023 ITF World Cha]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/4-vernon-taekwon-do-athletes-ready-to-take-on-world-cup-in-spain/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/4-vernon-taekwon-do-athletes-ready-to-take-on-world-cup-in-spain/ “The preliminary investigation indicates an eastbound Toyota collided with a westbound Jeep. Emergency responders attended the scene and located four occupants involved in the crash. Two individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene,” media relations officer Cst. Clyde Feero of the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alcohol-is-believed-to-be-a-contributing-factor-in-double-fatality-on-wr-bennett-bridge/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 23:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alcohol-is-believed-to-be-a-contributing-factor-in-double-fatality-on-wr-bennett-bridge/ It is a d]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/buy-canadian-campaign-announcement-made-by-david-eby-at-lower-mainland-stop/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 22:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/buy-canadian-campaign-announcement-made-by-david-eby-at-lower-mainland-stop/ “An extensive search of the area where the person was last seen has been conducted on the water and from the air,” RCMP media relations officer Constable Chris Terleski told Black Press Media. “The paddleboard was located yesterday but the person remains missing.”
Just before 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, RCMP were notified and called to assist]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/search-for-missing-paddleboarder-on-okanagan-lake-paused-after-extensive-search/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 22:22:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/search-for-missing-paddleboarder-on-okanagan-lake-paused-after-extensive-search/ ​
The restaurant chain is expanding to the Interior of B.C. for the first time with its new restaurant at 150-1950 Harvey Ave., officially opening its doors to customers on Wednesday, Sept. 30.
​
“Opening in Kelowna, the cultural hub of the Okanagan Valley, brings Chipotle closer to residents, students and visitors across the region,” said managing director Anat Davidzon.
​
“O]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/chipotle-mexican-grill-nears-opening-day-in-kelowna/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 21:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/chipotle-mexican-grill-nears-opening-day-in-kelowna/ Goodeve lives in Kimberley, a community in eastern B.C. that was impacted by multiple wildfires this past summer. Three large-scale fires were ignited in succession after lightning storms, starting on July 18. All three fires were in close proximity to the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kimberley-developer-urges-municipal-election-candidates-to-consider-emergency-response/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 20:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kimberley-developer-urges-municipal-election-candidates-to-consider-emergency-response/ The Fur-Bearers non-profit offered the reward after a raccoon was found dragging the trap by Brookswood resident Louise Pilon on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
“He was in our backyard, sitting on the fence,” she said.
Her husband noticed he was stuck and had something on his leg. He couldn’t mov]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/1000-reward-to-find-person-who-trapped-langley-raccoon/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 20:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/1000-reward-to-find-person-who-trapped-langley-raccoon/ The Fur-Bearers non-profit offered the reward after a raccoon was found dragging the trap by Brookswood resident Louise Pilon on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
“He was in our backyard, sitting on the fence,” she said.
Her husband noticed he was stuck and had something on his leg. He couldn’t mov]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/1000-reward-for-person-who-trapped-langley-raccoon/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 20:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/1000-reward-for-person-who-trapped-langley-raccoon/ The fire started at approximately 1 a.m. on Sept. 24, and according to Bianca Colonna (née Dewitt) it was “fully engulfed in 10 minutes.”
She added that the fire department was amazing and were able to contain the blaze so it didn’t reach the cows, tho]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/structures-calves-lost-in-devastating-fire-at-landmark-sicamous-dairy/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 20:41:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/structures-calves-lost-in-devastating-fire-at-landmark-sicamous-dairy/ When Cyril Morris (wəqʷaqʷələq) talks about his two children, he can’t help but smile.
Ask about his three grandsons, and that smile grows bigger still.
From drumming and singing together to sharing his extensive collection of 1980s memorabilia and diving into the world of comics, Morris has plenty of ways to connect with his grandchildr]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/breaking-the-cycle-bc-first-nations-community-healer-turns-pain-into-purpose/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/breaking-the-cycle-bc-first-nations-community-healer-turns-pain-into-purpose/ December 26, 1963 – September 1, 2026
Andrea Morrow passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at the age of 62, surrounded by her family, following a courageous journey with dementia. Andrea was a proud member of the Tla’amin Nation, and her connection to her family, community and heritage was an important part of who she was.
She was the daughter of Len Bob and Marie Newton, granddaughter of Henry and Theresa Bob, and great-granddaughter of Johnny and Emily Bob]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/andrea-morrow/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/andrea-morrow/ Scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, Anderson confirmed he will be once again representing the B.C. NDP, after his first term in office was cut short.
“My view right now is that the premier has called an election at a point that is extremely serious for British Columbia,” Anderson said. “We continue to face uncertainty from the United States,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/george-anderson-will-be-representing-the-bc-ndp-in-the-nanaimo-lantzville-riding/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 20:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/george-anderson-will-be-representing-the-bc-ndp-in-the-nanaimo-lantzville-riding/ For Robertson — now 104 years young — her secret to a long and healthy life is found in the power of song.
“When I turned 100, people kept asking, ‘What’s the secret of you living to be 100?’ And I had to think, because both of my parents died young,” she said. “But I came to two conclusions: I’ve had a rest after lunch for most of my adult life; and the second]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/comox-valley-resident-celebrates-104th-birthday/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 19:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/comox-valley-resident-celebrates-104th-birthday/ “I was given three days’ notice to join the team in Japan,” he said.Originally from New Zealand, Fri]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lake-cowichan-councillor-juggles-election-campaign-with-canadian-rugby-call-up/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 19:06:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lake-cowichan-councillor-juggles-election-campaign-with-canadian-rugby-call-up/ An update from the BC Wildfire Service Thursday morning (Sept. 24) listed the human-caused fire as 276.19 hectares.
The service said there has been “some modest growth” over the last 24 hours, mainly to the east, driven by prevailing winds, slope and dry fuels.
“The east flank remains the most active portion of the fire,” they said.
Recent fire behaviour, including this morning, is consider]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mount-jack-fire-near-sooke-grows-to-276-hectares-light-rain-forecast/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 19:02:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mount-jack-fire-near-sooke-grows-to-276-hectares-light-rain-forecast/ The ferry, the MV Rhododendron, was built in 1947 in Chesapeake Bay, USA, before moving to Washington State in 1951, shuttling passengers in Puget Sound until its retirement in 2012.
The ferry was then auctioned off to Qualicum Beach business Island Scallops in 2013 and brought to where it is moored today in Fanny Bay.
The Rhody, as it was affectionately calle]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/where-do-old-boats-on-bcs-coast-go-to-die/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 18:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/where-do-old-boats-on-bcs-coast-go-to-die/ Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, the media relations officer for the Nanaimo RCMP, said the man and woman who were arrested were unhoused individuals, and they have been remanded in police custody until they appear in court, which is scheduled for Sept. 29.
“It took awhile to piece it all together, but we finally had enough to make the arrest and l]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-arrest-two-for-theft-from-downtown-liquor-store/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 18:24:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-arrest-two-for-theft-from-downtown-liquor-store/ The band features Franco-Ontarian fiddler Pierre Schryer, North American folk dance specialist Danielle Enblom, as well as B.C. guitarist Adam Dobres.Schryer told the News Bulletin that the concert is going to be honouring Doug Creba, one of the founders of the Harbour City Conc]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/trio-of-celtic-musicians-will-be-performing-as-part-of-harbour-city-concert-series/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/trio-of-celtic-musicians-will-be-performing-as-part-of-harbour-city-concert-series/ Tour de Rock is not one of those things.
Wednesday (Sept. 23), our team travelled from Campbell River to Courtenay, covering 73 kilometres and bringing the trip total to 413 km. Collectively, the team has helped raise more than $352,000 towards the goal of $1 million.
Those numbers are quite large. But there are community heroes scattered across this Island who do more than their fair share of collecting.
Today, f]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/big-numbers-bigger-hearts-as-tour-de-rock-lands-in-courtenay/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/big-numbers-bigger-hearts-as-tour-de-rock-lands-in-courtenay/ Malcolmson, the NDP MLA for Nanaimo-Gabriola Island, said the B.C. Conservatives, the province’s official opposition party, has been calling for an election for the past two years, and most recently called for one three weeks ago.
She said that with just a one-seat majority in the Legislative Assembly, and with the recent death of Joan Philip, the NDP MLA for Vancouver-Strathcona, ND]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sheila-malcolmson-ready-for-election-campaign/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sheila-malcolmson-ready-for-election-campaign/ Trigger stacking happens when m]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-trigger-stacking-understanding-the-build-up-before-the-blow-up/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-trigger-stacking-understanding-the-build-up-before-the-blow-up/ “Under his leadership, our party grew from less than two percent of the vote to Official Opposition. The Conservative Party of BC would never have reached where it is today without his conviction, hard work an]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-bc-conservative-leader-john-rustad-not-seeking-re-election/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-bc-conservative-leader-john-rustad-not-seeking-re-election/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-deaths-confirmed-in-serious-crash-on-kelownas-bennett-bridge/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 02:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-deaths-confirmed-in-serious-crash-on-kelownas-bennett-bridge/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/inaugural-harvest-table-brings-island-food-and-community-to-cowichans-keating-farm/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 02:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/inaugural-harvest-table-brings-island-food-and-community-to-cowichans-keating-farm/ Two out of the five parties with seats in the legislature have new leaders. Several prominent incumbent party cabinet members say they are bowing out of the race. And the B.C. Conservative Party seems to be quickly reassembling a formidable centre-right coalition.
It is now shaping up to be a five-way race.
Here are the major players and]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/party-leaders-set-for-a-five-way-race-to-bc-election-day/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 01:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/party-leaders-set-for-a-five-way-race-to-bc-election-day/ Two out of the five parties with seats in the legislature have new leaders. Several prominent incumbent party cabinet members say they are bowing out of the race. And the B.C. Conservative Party seems to be quickly reassembling a formidable centre-right coalition.
It is now shaping up to be a five-way race.
Here are the major players and]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/parties-leaders-set-for-a-five-way-race-to-bc-election-day/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 01:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/parties-leaders-set-for-a-five-way-race-to-bc-election-day/ After outlining several NDP achievements and investments while]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-focuses-on-us-health-worker-recruitment-at-surrey-border-stop/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 01:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-focuses-on-us-health-worker-recruitment-at-surrey-border-stop/ The party’s board of directors said Wednesday (Sept. 23) that if interim Leader Lorne Doerkson leads the party to a victory on Oct. 24, he will remain as party leader.
The board says it will take the appropriate steps under the party’s constitution and bylaws and the Societies Act to make that change.
To amend the constitution, the party board would ne]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lorne-doerkson-to-remain-as-bc-conservative-leader-if-elected-premier/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 00:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lorne-doerkson-to-remain-as-bc-conservative-leader-if-elected-premier/ Kevin Lindsay, director with the hub, told the News Bulletin, he felt they received a “great representation of a lot of views and a lot of priorities” in addition to commitments on climate action in different ways.
“We wanted to hold this forum because … climate change and h]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/22-nanaimo-council-candidates-address-climate-crisis/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 23:54:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/22-nanaimo-council-candidates-address-climate-crisis/ When Vlad Priadko decided to take the mobile aspect of his mobile Vancouver coffee shop to another level by trekking across the country and back with it, the journey included a first-hand reckoning with that reality.Priadko is the owner of Coffee Bike World, which he started in Vancouver and grew into an international mobile espress]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-man-experiences-okanagan-wildfire-season-on-cross-country-coffee-bike-tour/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 22:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-man-experiences-okanagan-wildfire-season-on-cross-country-coffee-bike-tour/ Starting this month and taking place in phases over three years, Living Lakes Canada, the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) and Westbank First Nation (WFN) will be working with many industry partners to survey all 290 kilometres of Okanagan Lake’s shoreline.
The survey, which Living Lakes Canada coins as a “physical exam” will involve checking land use, shoreline condition, vegetation, streams, and human-made structures.
“Human ac]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/phased-project-surveying-to-determine-overall-health-of-okanagan-lake-shorelines/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 22:22:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/phased-project-surveying-to-determine-overall-health-of-okanagan-lake-shorelines/ “I don’t think there was a Canadian who didn’t see the TV story in the evening news]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hundreds-gathered-in-bowen-park-for-terry-fox-run/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 21:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/hundreds-gathered-in-bowen-park-for-terry-fox-run/ Bailey, who was first elected in 2020, made the announcement in a social media post Wednesday (Sept. 23).
More to come.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-bc-finance-minister-brenda-bailey-not-seeking-re-election/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 21:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-bc-finance-minister-brenda-bailey-not-seeking-re-election/ Bailey, who was first elected in 2020, made the announcement in a social media post Wednesday (Sept. 23).
“I am proud of the work I have done in every portfolio I have been given, but I am especially proud of the work we did to create and protect good jobs and to build B.C.’s technology, innovation and life sciences sectors. We invested in talent. We worked to help B.C. companies grow here and creat]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bailey-out-another-member-of-ebys-cabinet-not-running-in-bc-snap-election/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 21:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bailey-out-another-member-of-ebys-cabinet-not-running-in-bc-snap-election/ Coun. Chris Istace brought the motion forward at the Sept. 2 meeting, describing it as a proactive measure in response to the rapidly evolving data-centre industry, particularly facilities associated with cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
“I think the resident]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/north-cowichan-moves-to-require-public-hearing-for-potential-data-centres/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 20:59:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/north-cowichan-moves-to-require-public-hearing-for-potential-data-centres/ Police were called to a Vancouver-based company on July 21 after staff found 14 duffle bags of drugs hidden among boxes of T-shirts, according to a news release Wednesday (Sept. 23). Police added the shirts were a legitimate order to the company.
“Obviously, the business was shocked by what it found. They called police right away and are in no way associated with the seized cocaine,” S]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/328-kilograms-of-cocaine-worth-58m-seized-from-vancouver-shipping-container/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 20:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/328-kilograms-of-cocaine-worth-58m-seized-from-vancouver-shipping-container/ All Ages Punk and Alternative Show will be happening at The Globe Live Studio on Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at www.theglobelivestudio.com.AMPLIFY: Bear Grease The Musical will be playing at Port Theatre on Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.porttheatre.com.Celebrating John Coltrane turns 100 hosted by Hans Verhoeven and special guests will be playing at The Vault Cafe on Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. Cost is $15.
The Andrew Michael Blues Band will be playing at The Queen]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/whats-on-sept-23/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 20:34:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/whats-on-sept-23/ September 29, 1941 – June 13, 2026
Moseley, Patricia Mary (nee Clarke) born September 29, 1941, deceased June 13, 2026. Pat was loving wife to Peter, mom to Gordon (Jo), Tina (Michael), grandmother to Harrison (+Jamie) Horne, Emerald (+Karl) Bonnici and Marabel (+Evan) Jeske. Aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Patsy was born in Victoria but raised in Hot Spring’s Cove. Later, she settled in Victoria and married Peter on October 3rd, 1964. She and Peter then moved to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/patricia-mary-moseley-nee-clarke/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/patricia-mary-moseley-nee-clarke/ October 24, 1946 – August 04, 2026
Grace passed away peacefully on August 4 at the young age of 79. Just a few months before her 80th Birthday.
Grace was born and raised in Nanaimo, B.C., and graduated from N.D.S.S. in 1964.
Grace went on to pursue a career in Banking, working for the Royal Bank for 37 years.
As fate would have it, Larry also worked for the Royal Bank and that is where she met the love of her life. Along with Larry, Grace acquired 3 wonderful step daught]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/grace-elizabeth-baumel-mathews/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/grace-elizabeth-baumel-mathews/ August 19, 1938 – September 4, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we the Gogo family announce the passing of Edward William Gogo.
Ed was known to be a hardworking man his entire life, as well as being a kind and generous person as well.
Ed is predeceased by his former wife Yvonne Gogo-Coombs, his sister Marjorie, and his brothers Ken, and Ron.
Ed is survived by sisters Laura and Marilyn, and brothers Dan and Mike. Ed is also survived by his children: Terra Gogo-Barton]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/edward-william-gogo/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/edward-william-gogo/ More to come.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-greens-leader-lowan-to-run-in-saanich-north-and-the-islands/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 20:03:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-greens-leader-lowan-to-run-in-saanich-north-and-the-islands/ “The last week has involved some hard conversations. I left because I believed the party had lost its way. My values have not changed. But the leadership and direction over the last few weeks have. Moderation has won out over division, and it is time to focus on the much bigger challenges facing British Columbia,” Day po]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/courtenay-comox-mla-brennan-day-has-rejoined-conservative-party-as-snap-election-looms/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 19:59:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/courtenay-comox-mla-brennan-day-has-rejoined-conservative-party-as-snap-election-looms/ Warbus made the announcement in a statement made to social media on Tuesday (Sept. 22), hours after Premier David Eby called a snap election for Oct. 24.
“I left the BC Conservative caucus because I believed I had to. I could not stay silent when the direction of the party no longer reflected the kind of principled, responsible and centre-right conservatism we all ne]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/incumbent-mla-alya-warbus-returns-to-conservatives/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 19:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/incumbent-mla-alya-warbus-returns-to-conservatives/ Warbus made the announcement in a statement made to social media on Tuesday (Sept. 22), hours after Premier David Eby called a snap election for Oct. 24.
“I left the BC Conservative caucus because I believed I had to. I could not stay silent when the direction of the party no longer reflected the kind of principled, responsible and centre-right conservatism we all ne]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/chilliwack-cultus-lake-incumbent-alya-warbus-returns-to-bc-conservatives/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 19:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/chilliwack-cultus-lake-incumbent-alya-warbus-returns-to-bc-conservatives/ “The previous election, we had 17,000 people,” B.C. Chief Electoral Officer Shipra Verma said Wednesday. “We still need to hire the same amount of people to deliver the same level of service.”
Verma would not say how many people Elections BC has hired so far.Elections BC may also have some challenges securing enough polling places. Advance voting will run for the provinci]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/elections-bc-needs-to-hire-17k-workers-to-run-snap-election/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 19:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/elections-bc-needs-to-hire-17k-workers-to-run-snap-election/ Af]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-rcmp-should-review-vulnerable-prisoner-care-after-in-custody-death-inquest/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 19:19:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-rcmp-should-review-vulnerable-prisoner-care-after-in-custody-death-inquest/ The Mount Jack wildfire now stands at 210.4 hectares, according to a Wednesday morning (Sept. 23) update from the BC Wildfire Service.
First discovered Sept. 20, the fire has continued to grow, fuelled by warm, dry and windy conditions.
“Initial growth was observed towards the northeast, up the rocky slope of Mount Jack,” said an update from BC Wildfire Service Wednesday. “Additi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mount-jack-wildfire-near-sooke-doubles-in-size-to-over-200-hectares/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 18:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mount-jack-wildfire-near-sooke-doubles-in-size-to-over-200-hectares/ Stefan Vracarevic, a member of the Kelowna Crows rugby team, died after the motorbike he was riding crashed at the intersection of Harvey Avenue and Ethel Street on Thursday, Sept. 17 around 10 a.m.
The Crows posted on social media, honouring Vracarevic.“Stefan was more than just a Crows player, he was a son, a brother, a cousin, a family member, a best friend, and a warm presence within every community he]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/gone-far-too-soon-motorcyclist-who-died-in-kelowna-crash-identified/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 16:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/gone-far-too-soon-motorcyclist-who-died-in-kelowna-crash-identified/ A number of organizations are holding all-candidates forums prior to general voting day on Oct. 17, with the Fair Care Alliance inviting elected officials, candidates, as well as community leaders to a forum on health-care funding on Thursday, Sept. 24 at Vancouver Island Conference Centre (101 Gordon St.) from 5-7 p.m.
The current health-care model and a proposal t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-area-electorate-encouraged-to-attend-forums-ahead-of-municipal-vote/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-area-electorate-encouraged-to-attend-forums-ahead-of-municipal-vote/ The event was hosted by Á’a:líya Warbus, incumbent MLA for Chilliwack-Cultus Lake at The Grand Hall on Friday, Sept. 11.
“In order to push forward on the things that are needed for both Chilliwack and the region, I think we can be leaders in having the conversations, o]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/chilliwack-housing-roundtable-discusses-indigenous-development-hurdles/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/chilliwack-housing-roundtable-discusses-indigenous-development-hurdles/ Campbell River 1 Lake Cowichan 5
Lake Cowichan Kraken never trailed while earning a 5-1 win over the Campbell River Storm at the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena in Friday night (September 18) VIJHL action.
Thomas Harrow, Colby Jefferies, Matvei Lutoshkin, Blaine Wilson and first star Nikita Melnichenok, who also added two assists, dented the twine for the Kraken, which after a 1-1 first period tie, led 3-2 heading into the final stanza. Second sta]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vijhl-week-3-kraken-blows-past-storm-in-lake-cowichan/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vijhl-week-3-kraken-blows-past-storm-in-lake-cowichan/ Neal McLoughlin, superintendent of predictive services with BCWS, said fire activity in the B.C. Interior peaked in July and August.
However, while precipitation has helped, fire activity continues and underlying drought concerns remain present.
Dryer-than-normal conditions are expected during the fall, with th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bcs-fire-season-moderated-by-recent-weeks-of-cool-weather/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 03:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bcs-fire-season-moderated-by-recent-weeks-of-cool-weather/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lightfoots-music-returns-to-kelowna-12-years-after-singers-last-visit/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lightfoots-music-returns-to-kelowna-12-years-after-singers-last-visit/ On Sept. 22, the Easter Seals Drop Zone was held in the Landmark District. People came out dressed in their superhero best to soar above the clouds, rappell down the tower, and raise funds for the organization.
Could you rappel down 23 storeys? 38 brave souls in #Kelowna did today in support of @EasterSealsBCY Check it out! @KelownaCapNews pic.twitter.com/F7rEBCZ3rf
— Brittany Webster (@]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-sees-heroes-fly-in-the-landmark-district-for-easter-seals/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-sees-heroes-fly-in-the-landmark-district-for-easter-seals/ Eby triggered a snap election earlier Tuesday, saying his party needs to gain a renewed mandate to deal with the economic impact of tariffs.
Doerkson sought to put to rest any confusion about his “interim” leader tag. The party board appointed him to take over from Ker]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservative-leader-doerkson-responds-to-election-call/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 01:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservative-leader-doerkson-responds-to-election-call/ A Wings spokesperson confirmed to The News earlier this month that the partnership has been extended for the 2026-27 campaign.
The two organizations began this current collaboration back in 2023 and it was originally a one-year deal. The following year saw the affiliation renewed for two seasons. That arrangement expired this summer, but the two sides agreed to continue at some point]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/canucks-kalamazoo-wings-continuing-partnership-for-2026-27-season/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 01:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/canucks-kalamazoo-wings-continuing-partnership-for-2026-27-season/ “After three election cycles, I believe this is the right time for the next champion of North Delta to step forward and carry this work on,” Kahlon said in a social media post.
B.C. NDP Leader David Eby called a snap election earlier Tuesday.
Kahlon has served in several high-profile ministerial roles under Eby, holding the housing and jobs files before health, since taking office in 2017.
He thanked the people of Delta for]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/health-minister-ravi-kahlon-says-he-does-not-plan-to-run-in-upcoming-election/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 01:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/health-minister-ravi-kahlon-says-he-does-not-plan-to-run-in-upcoming-election/ “After three election cycles, I believe this is the right time for the next champion of North Delta to step forward and carry this work on,” Kahlon said in a social media post.
B.C. NDP Leader David Eby called a snap election earlier Tuesday.
More to come.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/health-minister-ravi-kahlon-say-he-does-not-plan-to-run-in-upcoming-election/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 01:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/health-minister-ravi-kahlon-say-he-does-not-plan-to-run-in-upcoming-election/ “I am proud to be a part of CentreBC and to continue to offer a choice for British Columbians,” Sturko, the incumbent MLA in Surrey-Cloverdale, said in a statement released by the party. “Like many people I have found a political home with CentreBC, and I am ready to fight for the people of this Province.”
CentreBC’s president, Mike Wignall, embraced Sturko as the right choice.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/surreys-elenore-sturko-named-leader-of-centrebc-as-mlas-leave/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 01:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/surreys-elenore-sturko-named-leader-of-centrebc-as-mlas-leave/ Sturko told Today In BC Tuesday (Sept. 22) that the seven others, including the party’s incoming leader Peter Milobar, had rejoined B.C. Conservatives under interim Leader Lorne Doerkson.
CentreBC’s president Mike Wignall slammed that decision in a statement.
“We are disappointed tha]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/surreys-elenore-sturko-is-the-sole-incumbent-mla-for-centrebc-ahead-of-election/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 23:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/surreys-elenore-sturko-is-the-sole-incumbent-mla-for-centrebc-ahead-of-election/ He justified the move by saying the province faces an “existential moment” as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs damage B.C.’s economy.
“Join me in saying, ‘Hell no!’ to Trump and to his politics for British Columbia,” Eby said during his Tuesday afternoon election announcement in Victoria.
Speculation about an ele]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/snap-provincial-election-called-in-bc-for-oct-24/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 21:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/snap-provincial-election-called-in-bc-for-oct-24/ Speculation about an election call percolated for about a week as the B.C. Conservative Party dissolved into chaos, and Kerry-Lynne Findlay quit as party leader.
Election day will be Oct. 24.
The election call will automatically cancel the Abbotsford-Mission byelection, which was set to conclude this Saturday. Reann Gasper had vacated that seat to give Findlay an opening to run.
B.C. NDP Leader David Eby has tried to positio]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/breaking-snap-provincial-election-called-in-bc-for-oct-24/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 21:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/breaking-snap-provincial-election-called-in-bc-for-oct-24/ A section of Dogwood Street was closed to traffic to allow paramedics, RCMP officers, and fire crews to respond to the scene at the crosswalk at Dogwood and Pinecrest Road.
Const. Maury Tyre, media relations officer and spokesperson with the Campbell River RCMP, confirmed the driver involved is facing “a couple of]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/child-taken-to-hospital-after-being-struck-by-vehicle-at-busy-campbell-river-crosswalk/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 20:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/child-taken-to-hospital-after-being-struck-by-vehicle-at-busy-campbell-river-crosswalk/ The Agatha Christie-inspired mystery runs Sept. 25 to Oct. 25, combining the familiar world of the meticulous Belgian detective with fast paced comedy, inventive staging and a cast that transforms into nearly 30 different characters over the course of the show.
Artistic director Mark DuMez, who is directing the production, said the play arr]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/peril-in-the-alps-brings-mystery-laughs-and-an-iconic-detective-to-chemainus/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/peril-in-the-alps-brings-mystery-laughs-and-an-iconic-detective-to-chemainus/ A former worker at a Nanaimo church testified that she never saw an accused ex-youth pastor sexually touch minors.
Ryan Richard James Morgan, 43, formerly of Generations Church, faces charges of sexual interference of a person under 16 years old and sexual assault for incidents that took place in Bella Bella, Nanaimo and Courtenay in 2017 and 2020. The trial, which began May 25 and adjourned]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/witness-testifies-she-didnt-see-accused-ex-nanaimo-church-official-sexually-touch-minors/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 20:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/witness-testifies-she-didnt-see-accused-ex-nanaimo-church-official-sexually-touch-minors/ A mother bear with her cub and I with my pups, Skye and Jo, met in the forest in North Cowichan on a well-trodden path near a carcass that the bears had been eating.We didn’t see each other until the last moment. My Shetland sheepdogs were a few feet ahead of me. They trotted over the lift of the hill. The cub must have smelled us before we saw it. Suddenly, silently, Skye and Jo took off. I looked up in surprise and saw the cub climbin]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/guest-column-i-charged-a-bear/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 19:39:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/guest-column-i-charged-a-bear/ Now, Vernon’s Ethel Dover – 106 years young – has a new weapon in her amusement arsenal:
A Nerf gun.
“She’s quite the mean shot,” marvelled Kim Magarvey, general manager at Dover’s home, the Aspira Orchard Valley Retirement residence, in downtown Vernon.
“She’s also an avid reader and funny as heck.”
Born April 8, 1920 in Winnipeg, Dover is being]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/centenarian-loving-life-in-vernon/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 19:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/centenarian-loving-life-in-vernon/ Ince, one of Fox’s nurses at Royal Columbian Hospital during his final days, was at the Fraser Heights Village site of the annual charity run hosted by Terry Fox Foundation.
Ince became media liaison for Fox at the hospital in New Westminster, where he died in June 1981.She remembers having to tell waiting media representatives that the Marathon of Hope hero had lost his battle with canc]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/terry-foxs-nurse-guest-at-a-surrey-run-had-to-tell-the-world-about-his-death-in-1981/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 19:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/terry-foxs-nurse-guest-at-a-surrey-run-had-to-tell-the-world-about-his-death-in-1981/ One of the more inter]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-visits-sfus-new-medical-school-in-surrey/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 19:05:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-visits-sfus-new-medical-school-in-surrey/ One of the more inter]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-visits-sfus-new-medical-school/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 19:05:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-visits-sfus-new-medical-school/ The streets and nearby park were busy with tourist activity at the time, and several videos and photos of the bears surfaced on Facebook groups, including videos of people following behind the bears. At one point in a video, the bears walk between a vehicle and a drive-thru window.In another video, the bea]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sow-that-walked-into-hope-pharmacy-put-down-confirms-bear-awareness-volunteer/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 19:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sow-that-walked-into-hope-pharmacy-put-down-confirms-bear-awareness-volunteer/ At approximately 10:20 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 21, the Nanaimo RCMP received a report that a 1954 JC Higgins Jetflow bicycle had been stolen from the home.
At the time of the theft, the bike had been locked to a bicycle rack attached to a vehicle.
The locks were defeated and the bicycle was taken.The bicycle is a very distinctive vintage model.
It has]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-asking-for-help-locating-stolen-vintage-bike/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 18:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-asking-for-help-locating-stolen-vintage-bike/ He has called a news conference at 12:15 p.m. at Government House in Victoria. This is where he must go to meet with the Lieutenant Governor to “drop the writ” and dissolve the legislature.
A provincial election called today could be as soon as Saturday, Oct. 24 – a week after the municipal elections.Eby has tried to position this as a necessary step to cement his mandate in re]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/premier-david-eby-expected-to-call-provincial-snap-election-today/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/premier-david-eby-expected-to-call-provincial-snap-election-today/ The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are investigating the collision which took place Sept. 21 around 2:15 a.m.
Police responded to a report of a single vehicle collision in the 1100 block of George Street.The investigation has determined the blue Volvo was travelling northbound on George Street when it left the road, colliding with a hydro pole and four parked vehicles in three different addresses.The 31-year-old male driver and 20-y]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/crash-kills-2-in-enderby/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:47:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/crash-kills-2-in-enderby/ B.C. Health Minister Ravi Kahlon was joined by MLAs, local government officials and elders from the Snuneymuxw First Nation in a groundbreaking ceremony at the construction site of the new $350-million facility, located at 6910 Lantzville Rd., on Monday, Sept. 21.
When completed in 2029, the long-term care home will provide 298 new beds, including an 18-bed hospice unit, a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/construction-of-new-long-term-care-facility-in-lantzville-begins/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/construction-of-new-long-term-care-facility-in-lantzville-begins/ Joining the former Beverley Hills, 90210 teen heartthrob and co-star Cindy Sampson for the new television show Private Eyes West Coast is B.C.’s capital city itself: Victoria.
And there’s no disguising the fact the comedy-drama has set up shop in the province’s ‘Garden City’.
From familiar landmarks to local bu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-capital-empress-hotel-murder-steal-spotlight-in-jason-priestley-drama/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-capital-empress-hotel-murder-steal-spotlight-in-jason-priestley-drama/ The fire, about four kilometres west of Sooke River, and south of Mount Jack continued to grow under dry conditions Monday (Sept. 21).
“Earlier this afternoon, warm and dry daytime conditions fueled fire behaviour significantly, producing a highly visib]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sooke-hills-fire-grows-to-50-hectares-smoke-visible-across-the-south-island/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 16:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sooke-hills-fire-grows-to-50-hectares-smoke-visible-across-the-south-island/ Then you break it down day-by-day, and it becomes a little more manageable. Still eventful, still tiring, but manageable.
Monday (Sept. 21) was slated to be the biggest test of the bunch. The 146-kilometre ride from Port McNeill to Sayward started with the kind of adrenaline you probably need before spending nearly 150 kilometres on a bike.
At Sunset Elementary and North Island Secondary School, students lined the way to cheer on th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/north-island-communities-make-a-long-day-on-the-bike-worthwhile/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/north-island-communities-make-a-long-day-on-the-bike-worthwhile/ Both women’s and men’s Mariners teams opened the 2026 regular season earlier this month in North Vancouver against the Capilano University Blues – a respective 3-0 win and 1-1 draw – and played their home openers on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Q’unq’inuqwstuxw Stadium – both scored 3-1 wins over the Douglas College Royals.
Emma Thornton (midfielde]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/viu-mariners-soccer-teams-make-pitch-for-pacwest-postseason-in-2026/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/viu-mariners-soccer-teams-make-pitch-for-pacwest-postseason-in-2026/ And Paul Burke put his set of pipes to great use across Canadian airwaves.
Burke, former morning man in Vernon at CICF AM radio (now The Ranch FM), died Sept. 15, one month shy of his 80th birthday.
Born in Lindsay, Ont., Burke spent much of his life sharing his voice, his stories, and his love of radio with the community.
At one point, in the early 2000s, Burke’s voice could be heard on as many as 30 different radio stations around Canada and the world, than]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/longtime-vernon-radio-voice-falls-silent/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/longtime-vernon-radio-voice-falls-silent/ At 5 p.m. on Aug. 1, police stopped the senior scooter rider on Shuswap Street for not wearing a helmet. However, the man was “previously observed making numerous short stops at known problem residences,” said Salmon Arm RCMP media relations officer Const. Andrew Hodges in a news release.The man was asked for identificati]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cocaine-cash-found-on-senior-e-scooter-rider-after-arrest-salmon-arm-rcmp/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 04:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cocaine-cash-found-on-senior-e-scooter-rider-after-arrest-salmon-arm-rcmp/ Penticton RCMP investigators have been working in partnership with the RCMP Forensic Identification Section, RCMP Fire Investigators, BC Wildfire Service, Natural Resource Officers, and the Office of the Fire Commissioner to determine the cause of the fire.
No details into the origins have been released, but a Sept. 21 news release stated that the investigation has co]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/investigation-continues-into-wildfire-that-destroyed-100-structures-near-summerland/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 04:41:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/investigation-continues-into-wildfire-that-destroyed-100-structures-near-summerland/ Dave Grohl’s band of soldiers effortlessly cranked out three decades of familiar songs on a warm, late-summer night. The stadium roof was open, filling the city with big power chords and thundering drums for close to three hours, hit after hit after hit.
Foo Fighters are now well-oiled on this tour, launch]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/concert-review-foo-fighters-bring-31-years-of-big-rock-hits-to-bc-place/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 03:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/concert-review-foo-fighters-bring-31-years-of-big-rock-hits-to-bc-place/ The Burnaby Hospital Phase 2 plan – along with eight other projects – was officially scrapped in April, following the release of Budget 2026. In the budget, timelines for the projects were to be “repaced,” but it did not reveal the cancelled contracts at the time.
Now, Ma says that “brief pause” has allowed for “a lot of fine work to occur by a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/burnaby-hospital-redevelopment-back-on-after-brief-cancellation/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 02:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/burnaby-hospital-redevelopment-back-on-after-brief-cancellation/ The BC Coroners Service reported that 13 people have been unintentionally killed by trains in the first eight months of 2026, which is a massive increase from the six who died during this same period last year.
To mark the start of Rail Safety Week, Transportation and Transit Min]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fatal-train-strikes-more-than-double-in-bc/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 01:37:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fatal-train-strikes-more-than-double-in-bc/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/charges-laid-in-2025-crash-that-killed-kelowna-senior/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/charges-laid-in-2025-crash-that-killed-kelowna-senior/ First discovered Sunday (Sept. 21), the fire is located within the Sooke Hills, four kilometres west of Sooke River, south of Mount Jack.
Initially listed by the BC Wildfire Service as two hectares in size, Monday afternoon (Sept. 21) the fire had grown to 15 hectares.
An update shortly before 5 p.m. said the fire now stands at 35 hectares.
The fire is listed as ‘out of control’,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sooke-wildfire-grows-to-35-hectares-smoke-visible-across-south-island/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sooke-wildfire-grows-to-35-hectares-smoke-visible-across-south-island/ First discovered Sunday (Sept. 21), the fire is located within the Sooke Hills, four kilometres west of Sooke River, south of Mount Jack.
Initially listed by the BC Wildfire Service as two hectares in size, Monday afternoon (Sept. 21) the fire had grown to 15 hectares.
The fire is listed as ‘out of control’, meaning it is spreading or is expected to spread beyond the current perim]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sooke-wildfire-grows-to-15-hectares-smoke-visible-across-south-island/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sooke-wildfire-grows-to-15-hectares-smoke-visible-across-south-island/ In a report added to the council agenda, the land is slated to be the location of]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lantzville-council-directs-staff-to-confer-with-fire-chief-about-temporary-uses-of-new-fire-hall-property/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lantzville-council-directs-staff-to-confer-with-fire-chief-about-temporary-uses-of-new-fire-hall-property/ Watkin was reported missing to the police on Aug. 18.
Investigators have followed up on several investigative avenues, but have been unable to locate Watkin.
Police are concerned for her health and well-being as she is currently unhoused and requires medication that she may not have access to.
Watkin is described as a Caucasian woman, 5 ft 4 in tall and 180 lbs with]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-asking-for-publics-help-locating-missing-woman/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:52:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-asking-for-publics-help-locating-missing-woman/ The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP announced Monday that Deanna Wertz was located on Sept. 13 in a vast wooded area in the 2000 block of Yankee Flats Road in Salmon Arm.
Civilian dog trainers were working in the area when human remains were found around 12:30 p.m.The remains were removed and positively identified as those of missing person, Deanna Mildred Wertz.Wertz was originally reported missing to police in the Yankee Flats a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/no-criminality-womans-body-found-10-years-after-disappearance-near-salmon-arm/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/no-criminality-womans-body-found-10-years-after-disappearance-near-salmon-arm/ McInnis left the party on Sept. 2, citing he could no longer support the “direction, judgement and decisions” of newly-elected party leader Kerry Lynne Findlay.Findlay resigned as party leader on Sept. 20 after an exodus of over a dozen Conservative MLAs since the summer, as common issues included concerns with her leade]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mla-mcinnis-rejoins-conservatives/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mla-mcinnis-rejoins-conservatives/ McInnis left the party on Sept. 2, citing he could no longer support the “direction, judgement and decisions” of newly-elected party leader Kerry Lynne Findlay.Findlay resigned as party leader on Sept. 20 after an exodus of over a dozen Conservative MLAs since the summer, as common issues included concerns with her leade]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/columbia-river-revelstoke-mla-mcinnis-rejoins-conservative-caucus/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/columbia-river-revelstoke-mla-mcinnis-rejoins-conservative-caucus/ “My focus is on moving forward,” Doerkson said. “Last night, my colleagues nominated me to become leader of the official opposition, the interim leader, which I obviously accepted.”
If Premier David Eby calls a snap election this week, as rumoured, Doerkson would be running to be the next premier.
Findlay resigned after]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-appoint-lorne-doerkson-interim-leader-as-ousted-mlas-rejoin-party/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-appoint-lorne-doerkson-interim-leader-as-ousted-mlas-rejoin-party/ “We’ve seen many tournaments and other options coming to Lake Cowichan, and with the lack of accommodations, it would appear that most people reside either in areas where short-term rentals are allowed,” explained Mayor Tim McGonigle.
He noted visitors often stay on First Nations properties on the Youbou side of Cowichan Lake or in Duncan instead of within the town becaus]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/short-term-rental-policy-pondered-by-lake-cowichan-council/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 22:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/short-term-rental-policy-pondered-by-lake-cowichan-council/ In October 2022, 47-year-old Leslie Chrusch discovered a small lump in her left breast.
She was nervous, but with no family doctor, wasn’t sure where to turn.
Thankfully, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Chrusch heard repeated commercials on the radio promoting mammograms. Each t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/castlegar-cancer-survivor-alleges-unsafe-kelowna-hospital-stay-after-surgery/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 21:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/castlegar-cancer-survivor-alleges-unsafe-kelowna-hospital-stay-after-surgery/ For the pros, the PGA season officially ended with the recent Tour Championship tournament in Atlanta. There, Scottie Scheffler capped a successful season on tour with his second FedEx Cup title and the tournament’s $10 million first-place prize money.
Not quite so lucrative, but arguably just as entertaining, were tournaments held at several local golf cours]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/thorpe-report-local-golfers-hit-long-and-straight/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 21:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/thorpe-report-local-golfers-hit-long-and-straight/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-government-files-lawsuit-against-openai-in-tumbler-ridge-shooting/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 20:41:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-government-files-lawsuit-against-openai-in-tumbler-ridge-shooting/ The crosswalk is being designed as a commemoration of local veterans, connecting the town’s pedestrian-safety improvements with its commitment to remembering those who have served.
The project will provide a safer, more visible crossing for people accessing the weekly Farmers’ Market and nearby community destinations. It]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-crosswalk-project-honours-veterans/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-crosswalk-project-honours-veterans/ The swindle targets individuals who have recently received a new cell phone through a legitimate wireless provider, RCMP said in a press release.
Victims are contacted by someone claiming to represent their service provider and are told that the wrong phone was shipped to them. They are then instructed to return the device using a prepaid shipping label sent by email.
Victims send their phones back, only]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/scammers-stealing-new-phones-cowichan-rcmp-warn/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/scammers-stealing-new-phones-cowichan-rcmp-warn/ Grappling Industries Vancouver took place at the B.C. Institute of Technology Recreation Services facility on Sept. 12 and all members of the Nanaimo-based academy captured gold, Rob Biernacki, head instructor, said in a press release.
Among the medals captured by Daniel Jin, a gold in the teen gi blue belt division and a silver in the adult no gi intermediate division. Jin had &]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-jiu-jitsu-academy-athletes-golden-at-burnaby-event/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 20:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-jiu-jitsu-academy-athletes-golden-at-burnaby-event/ Alberta RCMP marked the one-year anniversary of his disappearance on Monday with a news release.
“The Alberta RCMP recognizes that Darius’ disappearance continues to weigh heavily on his family and those who know and love him,” the release says.
“The passage of time does not lessen the importance of finding answers, and investigators remain committed to pursuing information t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/investigation-ongoing-for-boy-who-went-missing-near-bc-alberta-border-in-2025/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 20:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/investigation-ongoing-for-boy-who-went-missing-near-bc-alberta-border-in-2025/ Malhotra, a menopause and women’s health physician based in West Kelowna, was awarded with the Enid Johnson MacLeod Award, which represents national recognition for her work to advance women’s healthcare across the country.
Malhotra is well-known for her work to grow the women’s healthcare fie]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-physician-wins-womans-healthcare-award/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:58:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-physician-wins-womans-healthcare-award/ The thrift store, located in Northridge Village in the city’s north end, is open from from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays, three hours longer than Thursdays’ previous hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Manager Gerry Denis said more people are shopping at the store, which carries gently-used clothing, books, and household goods, so they experimented with extended hours on Wednesdays, which proved to be successful.
“We d]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/business-notes-nanaimo-hospital-auxiliary-thrift-store-has-extended-hours-on-thursdays/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/business-notes-nanaimo-hospital-auxiliary-thrift-store-has-extended-hours-on-thursdays/ The Fur-Bearers identified earlier this year through freedom of information (FOI) requests that the province’s Bear Smart program was understated, not communicating its status, and, it said in a media release, “generally in disarray – all while numerous municipalities were attempting to achieve or renew their status.”
According to the release, “bring back Bear Smart was the clear]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fur-bears-say-bringing-back-bear-smart-sends-clear-message-at-ubcm/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fur-bears-say-bringing-back-bear-smart-sends-clear-message-at-ubcm/ The Fur-Bearers identified earlier this year through freedom of information (FOI) requests that the province’s Bear Smart program was understated, not communicating its status, and, it said in a media release, “generally in disarray – all while numerous municipalities were attempting to achieve or renew their status.”
According to the release, “bring back Bear Smart was the clear]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fur-bearers-say-bringing-back-bear-smart-sends-clear-message-at-ubcm/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fur-bearers-say-bringing-back-bear-smart-sends-clear-message-at-ubcm/ Jason Smith (swimming), Mark Skelton (swimming), Savannah Carlow (athletics), Louis Butler (10-pin bowling), and Krista Grzybowski (bocce) all medalled, but for the athletes, the experience was about much more than competition and medals.
“The best p]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cowichan-special-olympics-athletes-podium-at-canada-summer-games/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cowichan-special-olympics-athletes-podium-at-canada-summer-games/ A fourth family physician joined the clinic this summer. The city says Dr. Swathi Ravinuthala brings with her international medical training, a strong commitment to community-based care, and a deep interest in improving access to primary health care.
Born in Ireland, Ravinuthala grew up in Newfoundland before studying medicine at the Medical University of Lublin in Poland.
“I was drawn to the Colwood Clinic model b]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/city-run-vancouver-island-clinic-welcomes-fourth-doctor-from-newfoundland/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/city-run-vancouver-island-clinic-welcomes-fourth-doctor-from-newfoundland/ At least one B.C. Conservative, Langley-Walnut Grove MLA Misty Van Popta, was able to log on to the 7 p.m. virtual meeting using the Microsoft Teams link provided.
“People were just starting to log in, and then it got really quiet,” Van Popta said. &]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservative-mla-logs-on-to-emergency-bc-ndp-meeting-after-accidental-email-blast/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservative-mla-logs-on-to-emergency-bc-ndp-meeting-after-accidental-email-blast/ Colton Silas Stump, however, received 364 days credit for time served, resulting in one day custodial sentence, served by his court appearance.
Judge Michelle Stanford found Stump guilty in September 2023 of the crimes committed between July 1 and Aug. 31, 2019. He was acquitted of a second touching for a sexual purpose charge]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quesnel-man-sentenced-for-sex-crimes-against-12-year-old-girl/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quesnel-man-sentenced-for-sex-crimes-against-12-year-old-girl/ The fire was first discovered Sunday evening (Sept. 20), hours after another smaller wildfire sparked near Juan de Fuca Provincial Park.
An update Monday morning (Sept. 21) by the BC Wildfire Service said the Leech River wildfire in the Sooke Hills had jumped from two- to 10 hectares in size.
Aviation resources are supporting response efforts to the fire, which is listed by the BC Wildfire Service as ‘out of control’,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/update-2nd-out-of-control-sooke-region-wildfire-grows-to-10-hectares/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/update-2nd-out-of-control-sooke-region-wildfire-grows-to-10-hectares/ Both fires are listed by the BC Wildfire Service as ‘out of control’, meaning they are spreading or are expected to spread beyond their current perimeter or control lines.
The Leech River wildfire in the Sooke Hills is said to be two hectares in size, with aviation resources supporting response efforts.
The cause of the fire is under investigat]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2nd-out-of-control-wildfire-discovered-in-sooke-region/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2nd-out-of-control-wildfire-discovered-in-sooke-region/ “We thank Lorne for stepping forward to serve during this important transition,” the party said in a statement. “Our caucus and party will now move forward together, focused on providing strong opposition and representing British Columbians across the province.
Findlay resigned after several tumultuous weeks in which 14 MLAs]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-appoint-lorne-doerkson-interim-leader/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservatives-appoint-lorne-doerkson-interim-leader/ September 2, 1929 – September 13, 2026
After a long, meaningful life, Heinz Bischoff passed away peacefully on Sept. 13, 2026, at age 97. Born in Raddusch and raised in Vetschau, Germany, he was ambitious and hardworking. After working as a journeyman cabinetmaker, he decided to emigrate to Canada in 1951 and landed in Halifax by ship on January 11, 1952. While in Halifax, when he was asked where in Canada he would like to live, he was shown a map. Without hesitation, an]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/heinz-gerhard-bischoff/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 17:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/heinz-gerhard-bischoff/ The 22-person riding team officially began its trip by leaving Port Alice and weaving through Port Hardy before finishing the opening day in Port McNeill on Sept. 20.Tour de Rock rider Greg Beatty had half his hair and moustache shaved by his honorary rider Weston during Sunday’s stop in Port Hardy.
The team cycled nearly 100 kilometres on the opening le]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/a-whole-new-purpose-tour-de-rock-hits-the-road-after-port-alice-sendoff/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:54:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/a-whole-new-purpose-tour-de-rock-hits-the-road-after-port-alice-sendoff/ The result was confirmed on September 17, 2026 by IH and the BC Centre for Disease Control. The skunk is believed to have been infectious between August 15 and September 4.
A number of people who may have been exposed have already been assessed and treated by IH, and IH is asking that anyone within the area who may have had contact with a skunk come forward for assessment.
Anyone who was bitten o]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/skunk-in-the-kootenay-lake-region-tests-positive-for-rabies/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/skunk-in-the-kootenay-lake-region-tests-positive-for-rabies/ The event, hosted by the Butterfly Support Network on Saturday, Oct. 3, aims to create a supportive environment for bereaved parents, and to raise awareness about the challenges many families and individuals face around infertility, pregnancy loss, infant loss, and the termination of a pregnancy due to medical reasons.
The BSN, a registered charity, has made it its mission to provide a platform for families to come]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/annual-nanaimo-butterfly-run-to-be-held-at-westwood-lake/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/annual-nanaimo-butterfly-run-to-be-held-at-westwood-lake/ The club’s fall used book sale begins on Friday, Sept. 25 and goes until Sunday, Oct. 4 at Nanaimo North Town Centre and Allan Smith, Rotarian and volunteer, says classics and poetry are big sellers.
“The biggest customers, from experience … are young women from literature at [Vancouver Island University], they’ll buy them by the flat load,” said Smith. “Yo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bookworms-take-note-rotary-club-of-nanaimo-to-hold-fall-book-sale/Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bookworms-take-note-rotary-club-of-nanaimo-to-hold-fall-book-sale/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kerry-lynne-findlay-steps-down-as-leader-of-bc-conservatives/Sun, 20 Sep 2026 22:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kerry-lynne-findlay-steps-down-as-leader-of-bc-conservatives/ “I have decided to resign from the Conservative Party of British Columbia caucus effective immediately,” Hepner wrote.Hepner said she remains committed to conservative principles,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mla-linda-hepner-leaves-bc-conservative-caucus/Sun, 20 Sep 2026 20:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mla-linda-hepner-leaves-bc-conservative-caucus/ Trade agreements, treaties and other negotiations are part of international relations, and these agreements are often complex.
At the same time, the effects of these negotiations are felt by all residents of the countries involved.
How much do you know about the present trade war and about Canada’s economy?
Put your knowledge to the test with these 10 quest]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quiz-understanding-international-trade-agreements/Sun, 20 Sep 2026 14:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quiz-understanding-international-trade-agreements/ The play, according to the theatre group’s website, has its action centre around Gail’s farm, her failing beehives as well as her neighbour Earl who wants some companionship.
Complications arise when Sarah, Gail’s daughter, a turkey farmer separated from her husband, move]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/canadian-play-focusing-on-farms-and-bees-will-be-performed-at-nanaimos-bailey-studio/Sun, 20 Sep 2026 01:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/canadian-play-focusing-on-farms-and-bees-will-be-performed-at-nanaimos-bailey-studio/ During Go By Bike Week, on until Saturday, Sept. 26, people are asked to choose bicycles as a travel method, and unlike past years, Nanaimo Area Cycling Coalition is organizing and encouraging people in Parksville, Qualicum, Gabriola Island and Ladysmith to join their Nanaimo counterparts.
People that are interested are asked to register at https://logmyride.gobybikebc.ca/register, with opportunities to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/organizers-expanding-go-by-bike-week-area-beyond-nanaimo/Sat, 19 Sep 2026 23:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/organizers-expanding-go-by-bike-week-area-beyond-nanaimo/ Gurmoh is a joyful three-year-old boy from Surrey who dreams of becoming a firefighter one day and drives his toy truck around the house while “proudly wearing his fire hat,” but his parents say time is not on his side.
Gurmoh was diagnosed with spastic paraple]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-government-partners-with-ubc-mcgill-to-develop-life-saving-gene-therapy-for-surrey-boy/Sat, 19 Sep 2026 22:19:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-government-partners-with-ubc-mcgill-to-develop-life-saving-gene-therapy-for-surrey-boy/ The police watchdog is appealing for witnesses to the arrest which took place outside a Saanich home on Woodhall Drive Sept. 18.
The IIO says Saanich Police Department responded to a call shortly after 10 p.m., about a man involved in a possible assault at the home. Members of the Greater Vict]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-arrest-involving-less-lethal-weapons-police-dog-sparks-iio-probe/Sat, 19 Sep 2026 21:37:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-arrest-involving-less-lethal-weapons-police-dog-sparks-iio-probe/ On September 8, Canada’s government implemented retaliatory tariffs on the U.S.
Since the trade talks in Washington failed a couple of weeks ago, there have been many heated exchanges between the White House and elected officials in Canada, with each side blaming the other for their last-minute breakdown. After negotiating for three weeks, the trade agreement was supposedly settled and almost ready to be signed, when suddenly it wasn’t; that’s when the poop reall]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/letter-to-the-editor-patriotism-is-the-last-refuge-of-a-scoundrel/Sat, 19 Sep 2026 20:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/letter-to-the-editor-patriotism-is-the-last-refuge-of-a-scoundrel/ Paterson attended his final in person meeting as a councillor on Sept. 8, using his last opportunity at the Committee of the Whole table to reflect on what he hopes will continue long after his departure.
In particular, Paterson spoke about the relationship between the Town of Ladysmith and Stz’uminus First Nation, saying he hopes the two communities will continue w]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/duck-paterson-bids-farewell-to-ladysmith-council-after-38-years-of-service/Sat, 19 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/duck-paterson-bids-farewell-to-ladysmith-council-after-38-years-of-service/ Mind you, I think it’s great that so many citizens in the city are civic-minded enough to want to dedicate their time and effort to the betterment of their community (at least I hope that’s the motivation), but I’ve covered municipal politics for most of my writing career, and I know what’s involved.
The workloads on Nanaimo&rsqu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-no-shortage-of-council-contenders/Sat, 19 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-no-shortage-of-council-contenders/ A story from the Dec. 21, 1995 issue of the Nanaimo News Bulletin stated that the B.C. Ministry of Health of the day provided NRGH with a $175,500 loan through the Health Innovation Incentive program to “improve efficiencies.” The money went towards the purchase of “an automated carousel inventory system to replace the fixed racking system for storage and retrieva]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/headline-history-175k-loan-to-help-boost-nanaimo-hospitals-efficiency-in-95/Sat, 19 Sep 2026 03:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/headline-history-175k-loan-to-help-boost-nanaimo-hospitals-efficiency-in-95/ The 2026 Indigenous Challenge Cup runs from Sept. 22 to 24, pitting eight of British Columbia’s top Indigenous golfers against a squad of Ontario’s best.
The match play showdown features four men and four women on each side.
In the first three editions, the home team has won all three occasions. B.C. captured the first two events at Bear Mountain in 2023 and 2024, before Ontario snagged the 2025 title at Taboo Muskoka.
The ac]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/golf-rivalry-returns-to-langford-for-indigenous-challenge-cup/Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/golf-rivalry-returns-to-langford-for-indigenous-challenge-cup/ B.C. Ambulance Service, Nanaimo Fire Rescue and Nanaimo RCMP were called to the 200 block of Albert Street just before 12:30 p.m.
Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, media liaison with the RCMP, said the victim of the stabbing suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken to hospital as a result of the incident.
He said staff at the OPS didn’t see what happen]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/arrest-made-after-stabbing-in-downtown-nanaimo/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 23:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/arrest-made-after-stabbing-in-downtown-nanaimo/ B.C. Ambulance Service, Nanaimo Fire Rescue and Nanaimo RCMP were called to the 200 block of Albert St. just before 12:30 p.m.
Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, media liaison with the RCMP, said the victim of the stabbing suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken to hospital as a result of the incident.
He said staff at the OPS didn’t see what happened, o]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/arrest-made-after-stabbing-at-nanaimo-overdose-prevention-site/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 23:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/arrest-made-after-stabbing-at-nanaimo-overdose-prevention-site/ Ontario Superior Court Justice Russell Raikes delivered his verdict on Sept. 18 as Miller appeared in person in Sarnia, where the offences largely took place.
Miller was charged in two separate cases involving three complainants of allegations dating back to the 90s, while he was a coach of the Sarnia Min]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/okanagan-councillor-guilty-used-coach-position-to-find-boys-for-companionship/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 23:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/okanagan-councillor-guilty-used-coach-position-to-find-boys-for-companionship/ Vernon’s Brady Szeman of the Hamilton Tiger Cats will make his first-ever Canadian Football League (CFL) start Friday, Sept. 18, when the Ti-Cats host the Montreal Alouettes (4:30 p.m., TSN 1/3) in the league’s annual Hall of Fame game.
It’s one of multiple moves made by Hamilton prior to the contest.
Offensive lineman Liam Dobson shifts from centre to guard, paving the way for Szeman to start under quarterback Harrison Frost. The move came after Jonath]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-player-makes-first-cfl-start/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 23:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-player-makes-first-cfl-start/ Fantastic outfits.
And an abundance of smiles.Close to 300 skaters from a dozen countries lutzed and salchowed their way to Vernon for Skate Canada’s International Adult Figure Skating Competition.
The four-day event began Wednesday, Sept. 16, and wraps up Saturday, Sept. 19, at Kal Tire Place.
“We worked on a bid together with the City of Vernon and we were selected to host this event,” said Danielle Williams,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/world-figure-skaters-land-in-vernon/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 22:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/world-figure-skaters-land-in-vernon/ At 3:50 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16, someone smashed through the glass of the front door of All Elite Cards & Games, entered the store and stole eight sealed boxes of Pokémon box sets and some other items that were worth up to $6,000.
The culprit was in and out in exactly one minute and 37 seconds, according to the store’s security cameras, and was gone before Mah a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/break-in-at-nanaimo-hobby-shop-nets-thief-almost-6000-in-pokmon-cards/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 22:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/break-in-at-nanaimo-hobby-shop-nets-thief-almost-6000-in-pokmon-cards/ Ginger was last seen in her fully fenced backyard on Deborah Drive around 7:15 p.m. on Sept. 14.“The neighbour stopped hearing her collar around 8:30 p.m.,” explained Julie Dann. Dann had been out of the house at the time.“She was in a seven-foot-tall, fully enclosed yard with a latched gate,” said Dann.
Sh]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/golden-retriever-stolen-from-secure-backyard-on-vancouver-island/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 22:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/golden-retriever-stolen-from-secure-backyard-on-vancouver-island/ Bernier, the former leader of the party, announced he would step down from the role to allow Milobar to be leader.More to come.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/milobar-taking-over-centre-bc-8-mlas-ready-to-run-as-election-call-looms/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 22:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/milobar-taking-over-centre-bc-8-mlas-ready-to-run-as-election-call-looms/ Harry, a 34-year-old Indigenous woman with black hair and brown eyes, stands five feet tall. She was reported missing on Feb. 4.Investigators have followed up on numerous leads since she was reported missing, and while they continue to seek out information as to her whereabouts, they haven’t been able to make progress.
&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rcmp-continue-search-for-duncans-rosmarie-harry/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 22:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rcmp-continue-search-for-duncans-rosmarie-harry/ After 15 years running golf operations for Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course, he’s more accustomed to seeing elk and grizzlies on the fairway.
Just weeks into his new job as golf operations director for Cabot Revelstoke, with the course set to open July 2, 2027, Sweenie met with Black Press Media to discuss where things stand.
The rolling 18-hole course at the base of Revelstoke Mountain]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/photos-cabot-revelstoke-deciding-golf-rates-mosquito-management-ahead-of-july-2027-opening/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 22:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/photos-cabot-revelstoke-deciding-golf-rates-mosquito-management-ahead-of-july-2027-opening/ PST taxes were to be added to services such as engineering and accounting. These changes were deeply unpopular in the business community.
The premier said he is reconsidering in response to the trade war with the United States, and the impact tar]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-suspends-planned-bc-pst-expansion-pledges-future-ferries-to-be-built-locally/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 21:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-suspends-planned-bc-pst-expansion-pledges-future-ferries-to-be-built-locally/ “I was elected as a BC Conservative MLA and that’s not going to change. I’m not going anywhere. I will continue to fight for the people of Skeena and British Columbia.”
In the statem]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/skeena-mla-ratte-says-shes-not-going-anywhere-slams-conservative-leader/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 20:42:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/skeena-mla-ratte-says-shes-not-going-anywhere-slams-conservative-leader/ The clerk office confirmed to Today In BC that the Office of the Speaker received notification Friday (Sept. 18) that Skeena MLA Claire Rattée, Nechako-Lakes MLA John Rustad and Surrey – White Rock Trevor Halford are no longer affiliated with the B.C. Conservative caucus.Skeena MLA Claire Rattée claims B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay is trying to furt]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/3-more-mlas-out-from-bc-conservatives/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 20:42:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/3-more-mlas-out-from-bc-conservatives/ The 36-year-old was found on Sept. 15 and was arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation, confirmed North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP spokesperson Const. Tessa McDonald.
After her arrest, the woman was held in custody and appeared in court. She was subsequently released on court-imposed conditions and is scheduled to return to court at a future date.
The search prompted the cl]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/suspect-located-after-unsuccessful-manhunt-on-mount-tzouhalem/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:56:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/suspect-located-after-unsuccessful-manhunt-on-mount-tzouhalem/ The RCMP confirmed Friday morning (Sept. 18) that the two-vehicle collision involving a motorcycle and sedan resulted in death.
According to police, the crash took place at the intersection of Harvey Avenue and Ethel Street.Upon police arrival, RCMP learned that the motorcycle rider was deceased.“The driver of the sedan remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation,” said Media Relations Officer Cpl. Steven Lang.“The circumstances of the collisi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/update-motorcyclist-dies-in-collision-that-closed-harvey-avenue-in-kelowna/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:16:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/update-motorcyclist-dies-in-collision-that-closed-harvey-avenue-in-kelowna/ May 21, 1957 – August 2, 2026
Allen Henry Hamilton, 69, of Cedar, passed away on August 2, 2026, with family at his side. Al moved his family from Surrey in 1985 and started his business, A & B Alternators & Starters, in Chase River. The shop was a gathering place, and he met many lifelong friends through its association. He later moved the business to Cassidy and eventually sold it to Steve and Dena. Al loved the outdoors: family camping trips, fishing, boating,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/allen-henry-hamilton/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/allen-henry-hamilton/ The wildfire, which was estimated at 0.57 hectares in size as of Friday morning, was classified as out of control. This refers to a fire that is spreading or is anticipated to spread beyond the current perimeter or control line.
The fire is believed to be human-caused.
“Wildfire investigations often take time and can be very complex,”]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/firefighters-tackling-wildfire-near-cowichan-lake/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 18:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/firefighters-tackling-wildfire-near-cowichan-lake/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/harm-reduction-has-not-failed-coalition-calls-on-province-for-comprehensive-response-to-drug-crisis/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 18:02:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/harm-reduction-has-not-failed-coalition-calls-on-province-for-comprehensive-response-to-drug-crisis/ UBCM met from Sept. 16-18, voting on a range of resolutions that the union will use when advocating to the province on changes to policy and law, including the banning of all raw logs and lumber from B.C.
Originally coming from the City of Nanaimo, the resolution argues that “the lack of adequate and affordable fibre supply has been identified as a key factor]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ubcm-endorses-nanaimo-call-to-ban-raw-log-exports/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ubcm-endorses-nanaimo-call-to-ban-raw-log-exports/ The City of Nanaimo’s Home Energy Retrofit Financing Program may be the perfect fit for you! Eligible homeowners can apply for an interest-free loan up to $15,000, which is then paid off over 10 years through your property taxes.
[gps-image name=”42974340_web1_260818-digitalnotice-nbu-applications-pic_1.jpg”]
The]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/home-energy-financing-program-applications-open/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/home-energy-financing-program-applications-open/ Earlier in the evening, those in attendance had been asked to raise their hand if they’d ever been directly or indirectly impacted by addiction. Pretty well everyone in the room raised their hand.The message imparted by Doherty, MP for Cariboo-Prince George, was impactful because while he was not there yet]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservative-mps-criticize-harm-reduction-strategy-at-vernon-town-hall-on-addiction/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conservative-mps-criticize-harm-reduction-strategy-at-vernon-town-hall-on-addiction/ Up to 20,000 people are expected to attend over the three days of the popular fair, which runs from Sept. 25-27 at the Beban Park Fairgrounds, and will feature live entertainment, special attractions, agricultural shows, thrilling midway rides, food venues, a beer garden and much, much more.
“The VIEX gets bigger every year,&r]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/excitement-in-the-air-as-viex-nears/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/excitement-in-the-air-as-viex-nears/ RCMP have closed down Harvey Avenue and taped off the area of Ethel Street following a collision reportedly between a motorbike and a car.
A seriously damaged black four-door sedan, with its airbags deployed, is in the northbound lanes of Ethel Street off Harvey Avenue.
Multiple RCMP are investigating what appears to be the remains of a motorbike. Metal and debris are scattered across the highway.
Three BC Ambulance crews attended and were on scene for about an hour.
–&ndas]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-rcmp-investigate-serious-collision-involving-flames-that-shuts-hwy97/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 09:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-rcmp-investigate-serious-collision-involving-flames-that-shuts-hwy97/ PolySeSouvient, a group formed following the 1989 massacre at École Polytechnique in Montreal, has once again penned a letter to RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme, dated Sept. 14, calling for more transparency around the Feb. 10 mass shooting.
It’s co-signed by representatives]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/gun-control-groups-call-for-transparency-of-firearms-used-in-tumbler-ridge-shooting/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 05:56:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/gun-control-groups-call-for-transparency-of-firearms-used-in-tumbler-ridge-shooting/ Julian Nathyn Smith from Burnaby has been identified as the accused in the assault.
“Comox Valley RCMP investigators have advanced the investigation into a violent assault at a North Island College residence building, resulting in an attempted murder char]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/attempted-murder-assault-charges-laid-against-man-involved-in-knife-attack-at-vancouver-island-college/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 02:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/attempted-murder-assault-charges-laid-against-man-involved-in-knife-attack-at-vancouver-island-college/ Julian Nathyn Smith from Burnaby has been identified as the accused in the assault.
“Comox Valley RCMP investigators have advanced the investigation into a violent assault at a North Island College residence building, resulting in an attempted murder char]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/attempted-murder-assault-chages-laid-against-man-involved-in-knife-attack-at-a-vancouver-island-college/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 02:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/attempted-murder-assault-chages-laid-against-man-involved-in-knife-attack-at-a-vancouver-island-college/ “There is a need for some sober second thoughts by all concerned,” UBCM President Cori Ramsay said. “UBCM is standing up for the public interest, and the public interest is not at all served by an overlapping provincial election.”
Premier David Eby threw election speculation into high gear on Wednesday by saying his party is]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ubcm-president-urges-premier-to-hold-off-on-provincial-election-call/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 01:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ubcm-president-urges-premier-to-hold-off-on-provincial-election-call/ The municipality was recently provided the opportunity over fours days for staff and operators to evaluate emerging zero-emission collection technology on Nanaimo’s residential-collection routes in a new fully electric McNeilus Volterra ZSL side-loader garbage truck.
Operators received hands-on training and operated the American-made truck on active collection routes, collecting two days of recycling and two days of so]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-takes-a-look-at-new-electric-garbage-truck/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 01:16:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-takes-a-look-at-new-electric-garbage-truck/ “Confirmation that a private investigator was assigned and that I was being investigated only reinforces why I chose to part company with [party Leader] Kerry-Lynne Findlay and the Conservatives,” Courtenay-Comox MLA Brennan Day said in a written statement to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservative-party-official-allegedly-hired-private-investigator-to-scrutinize-mlas/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-conservative-party-official-allegedly-hired-private-investigator-to-scrutinize-mlas/ Twice.
The Vernon Curling Club has been named the hosts for the 2027 and 2029 World Mixed Fours Curling Championships.
Matches will be played at the club, with dates to be finalized.
“This is going to bring all kinds of people here to Vernon,” said curling club manager Kevin Geistlinger. “We’re hoping the events will help expose curling, especially to those in our city who have never played the sport before.”]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/okanagan-curling-club-to-welcome-the-world/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/okanagan-curling-club-to-welcome-the-world/ The artwork, which is centred around a traditional Lekwengen origin story, has been created by internationally renowned carver, artist, educator and knowledge sharer Clarence “Butch” Dick (Yux’wey’lupton).“Lekwengen Peoples are wolf people, and most Coast Salish people are wolf people,” said Dick in a news release.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-first-nation-artist-transforms-bus-into-inspiring-message/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-first-nation-artist-transforms-bus-into-inspiring-message/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/no-time-for-dithering-bc-mayors-renew-call-for-help-with-social-disorder-street-crime/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 23:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/no-time-for-dithering-bc-mayors-renew-call-for-help-with-social-disorder-street-crime/ Hosted by the Route 3 Racing Club, the annual motard event celebrated its fifth edition this year with live music, karaoke, a food truck, and a series of races that left the crowd in awe.
The event began with practice races all day on Saturday, Sept. 12, leading up to the main races on Sunday, Sept. 13, where almost 30 riders aged 7 to 64 took part.
Running the club out of passion
Angus MacNeil, the cl]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/we-are-completely-unique-everyone-welcome-at-greenwoods-route-3-racing-club/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:56:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/we-are-completely-unique-everyone-welcome-at-greenwoods-route-3-racing-club/ September 21st, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Notice is hereby given pursuant to sections 464(4) and 467 of the Local Government Act that a public hearing is prohibited for a proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw that is consistent with the Official Community Plan (City Plan) and the sole purpose of the bylaw is to permit a development that is, in whole or in part, a residential development. Council will consider first reading of the proposed bylaw on Monday, September 21st, 2026, starting]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/notice-of-first-reading-notice-of-public-hearing/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/notice-of-first-reading-notice-of-public-hearing/ The Occupant Licence to Cut and Remove, issued by the B.C. Ministry of Forests, covers approximately 50 hectares associated with the project and allows West High Yield to cut, deck and remove Crown timber.
The licence does no]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/timber-cutting-licence-issued-for-proposed-magnesium-mine-near-rossland/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:23:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/timber-cutting-licence-issued-for-proposed-magnesium-mine-near-rossland/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/webinar-series-to-explore-big-topics-in-bcs-forestry-sector/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/webinar-series-to-explore-big-topics-in-bcs-forestry-sector/ BC Ferries says the last round-trip sailing on the route will be cancelled Sunday through Thursday from Oct. 18 to Dec. 10 to allow crews additional time to work on the terminal’s lay-by berth and trestle life extension project.
A passenger-only water taxi will operate during the affected period to mainta]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/final-sailings-between-crofton-vesuvius-bay-cancelled-5-nights-per-week-until-mid-december/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 20:34:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/final-sailings-between-crofton-vesuvius-bay-cancelled-5-nights-per-week-until-mid-december/ The building’s owner, Centurion Properties, said Sept. 15 it had made the decision to tear down the building after “an extensive review of the available options.”
Because of “dangerous defects,” the 11-storey, 90-unit building has stood empty on Claude Road for over three years, after tenants were told to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/structurally-unsafe-vancouver-island-highrise-slated-to-be-demolished/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 20:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/structurally-unsafe-vancouver-island-highrise-slated-to-be-demolished/ The installation, funded by the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society and managed by the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society, is scheduled to be completed Sept. 19.
Testing is currently underway on the installation’s nighttime lighting to ensure it provides the intended effect without creating excessive light spill into the surrounding area.
“We don]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-chemainus-art-installation-to-honour-japanese-canadian-legacy/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 20:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-chemainus-art-installation-to-honour-japanese-canadian-legacy/ At around 5:30 a.m. PT on the east shore of Kootenay Lake near Grey Creek, a 3.7-magnitude earthquake struck, as reported by Earthquakes Canada.
People reported feeling the earthquake in Nelson and throughout the Kootenays, including in Cranbrook and Trail. As of now, no damages or injuries have been reported.
This came after a 3.7-magnitude earthquake struck the south of Ucluelet on Sep. 15.Camille]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/earthquakes-even-small-ones-unusual-in-the-kootenays/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 20:16:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/earthquakes-even-small-ones-unusual-in-the-kootenays/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-moj-bc-lions-set-up-nicely-for-cfls-stretch-drive/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 20:06:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-moj-bc-lions-set-up-nicely-for-cfls-stretch-drive/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/never-seen-anything-like-it-boaters-rescue-bear-cub-from-middle-of-okanagan-lake/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 20:03:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/never-seen-anything-like-it-boaters-rescue-bear-cub-from-middle-of-okanagan-lake/ The non-profit organization focuses on strengthening community connections to support people in need across the province, with fundraising for several causes run by business partners in their local community.
Ahead of the panel discussion on children, youth and exploring fam]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/need-for-fundraising-climbs-as-united-way-bc-hosts-annual-kick-off-breakfast-in-kelowna/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/need-for-fundraising-climbs-as-united-way-bc-hosts-annual-kick-off-breakfast-in-kelowna/ The North Aberdeen Plateau Wildfire and Watershed Resilience Initiative, which is a collaborative effort between The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) and District of Lake Country, received the Presidents Committee Choice Award at UBCM.
“This work is the result of pe]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/3-okanagan-governments-have-water-protection-work-recognized-at-ubcm/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/3-okanagan-governments-have-water-protection-work-recognized-at-ubcm/ “As I said in my speech just now, we have a young party. We’re still in growing pains. There were a number of MLAs who left under the original acclaimed leader John]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/embattled-bc-conservative-leader-findlay-says-shes-not-going-anywhere/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:33:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/embattled-bc-conservative-leader-findlay-says-shes-not-going-anywhere/ In a press release, City of Nanaimo said it has purchased land at 2367 Arbot Rd., where the club is currently located, for close to $3 million.
The club will close on Nov. 1 with a covering over tennis courts to be removed and the city to take ownership on Dec. 18. The expectation is to open “the site to the public shortly thereafter” and while the city won’t operat]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/land-acquisition-increases-area-of-westwood-lake-park-in-nanaimo/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 18:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/land-acquisition-increases-area-of-westwood-lake-park-in-nanaimo/ The B.C. Prosecution Service approved a charge of arson, disregard for human life, against Yu Yun Wang on Sept. 8, according to a news release from Burnaby RCMP Thursday (Sept. 17).
Wang is currently in custody in Alberta on unrelated charges, police said.
Burnaby RCMP responded to a report of a fire at Burnaby Hospital just before 6 a.m. on Nov. 16, 2020. However, police said the fire happen]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alberta-man-29-charged-with-arson-in-bc-hospital-fire-in-2020/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 18:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alberta-man-29-charged-with-arson-in-bc-hospital-fire-in-2020/ Only now she’s doing it 628 kilometres from her hometown of Trail.
Cook, 93, who now resides in Vancouver, recently received a plaque from the Terry Fox Foundation recognizing 45 years of participation in the annual run inspired by Fox’s Marathon of Hope.
For Cook, however, the plaque is less about recognition and more a reminder of why she s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/grandma-93-keeps-trail-connected-to-terry-foxs-dream-from-vancouver/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 18:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/grandma-93-keeps-trail-connected-to-terry-foxs-dream-from-vancouver/ Earthquakes Canada reported the 3.7 magnitude quake struck about 5:30 am PT on the east shore of Kootenay Lake near Grey Creek (at 49.64°N, 116.78°W), at a depth of about four kilometres.
People reported feeling the earthquake in Nelson all over the Kootenays, as far away as Cranbrook and Trail.No damage or injuries were reported.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/earthquake-near-kootenay-lake-rumbles-region/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/earthquake-near-kootenay-lake-rumbles-region/ Remarkable because Paul-Angelo had nearly fatally drowned, having been trapped underwater by driftwood for five to 10 minutes, according to the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alberta-boy-back-home-doing-well-after-near-fatal-drowning-incident-in-bc-river-2/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:39:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alberta-boy-back-home-doing-well-after-near-fatal-drowning-incident-in-bc-river-2/ Remarkable because Paul-Angelo had nearly fatally drowned, having been trapped underwater by driftwood for five to 10 minutes, according to the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alberta-boy-back-home-doing-well-after-near-fatal-drowning-incident-in-bc-river/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:39:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alberta-boy-back-home-doing-well-after-near-fatal-drowning-incident-in-bc-river/ Terry Fox, an 18-year-old from Coquitlam, B.C. embarked on his Marathon of Hope on the other side of the country (Newfoundland) in April 1980, but it was cut short due to a recurrence of cancer in Sept. 1980 – he died on June, 28, 1981.
The Terry Fox Run in Nanaimo will take place Sunday, Sept. 20 at Bowen Park (500 Bowen Rd.) hosted by City of Nanaimo, with a goal of raising $28,400 and a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/run-in-nanaimo-honouring-terry-fox-set-for-this-weekend/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/run-in-nanaimo-honouring-terry-fox-set-for-this-weekend/ Initial information provided by the RCMP states that around 10:45 p.m. on Sept. 12, police received a call about a man refusing to leave a bar on Bastion Street near the intersection with Commercial Street.
Upon arrival, officers located the man and then attempted to arrest him on the sidewalk outside the bar.
During the interaction with police, the man suffered an injury related to a broken glass]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/witnesses-sought-regarding-incident-between-police-and-man-on-bastion-street/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/witnesses-sought-regarding-incident-between-police-and-man-on-bastion-street/ The good news? Your puppy isn’t trying to attack you, dominate you, or make your life miserable.Puppies are still developing the cognitive and emotional skills they need to navigate the world. Their brains are nowhere near mature, and their ability to regulate t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/why-does-your-sweet-puppy-suddenly-become-a-land-shark/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/why-does-your-sweet-puppy-suddenly-become-a-land-shark/ The trial for a Kelowna man charged with one count of sexual assault stemming from a reported incident in 2021 began in a Supreme Court in Kelowna on Sept. 15.
Brandon Hildebrand Acosta is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in her h]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/complainant-recounts-alleged-attack-in-kelowna-sexual-assault-trial/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 03:03:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/complainant-recounts-alleged-attack-in-kelowna-sexual-assault-trial/ A brief press conference by Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman on Sept. 16 was followed by an address by Party Leader Pierre Poilievre.Lantsman’s portion was focused on responding to recent reports that Prime Minister Mark Carney had approached the European Union about Canada becoming an association member, news that was first shared by the Wall Street]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/federal-conservatives-raise-affordability-spectre-of-eu-taxation-ahead-of-bc-caucus-retreat/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 03:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/federal-conservatives-raise-affordability-spectre-of-eu-taxation-ahead-of-bc-caucus-retreat/ The injured cat was discovered by someone working behind the fire line. The rescuer scooped up the cat and rushed him to a veterinary hospital.
Examination there revealed severe burns on the bottom of the cat’s feet, along with dehydration and a painful ear mite infestation.
The veterinary team began treatment, providing pain medication, fluids, wound care and regular]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/injured-cat-back-with-family-following-summerland-wildfire/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 01:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/injured-cat-back-with-family-following-summerland-wildfire/ The program strives to support initiatives that enhance social cohesion, address the root causes and effects of poverty, contribute to the vitality of the community, and foster social inclusion and social equity.
A total of $85,000 is available under the grant program.
Eligible organizations include non-profit societies, recognized religious groups and/or neighbourhood associations recognized by the city that p]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-accepting-applications-for-social-development-grants-program-2/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-accepting-applications-for-social-development-grants-program-2/ The program strives to support initiatives that enhance social cohesion, address the root causes and effects of poverty, contribute to the vitality of the community, and foster social inclusion and social equity.
A total of $85,000 is available under the grant program.
Eligible organizations include non-profit societies, recognized religious groups and/or neighbourhood associations recognized by the city that p]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-accepting-applications-for-social-development-grants-program/Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-accepting-applications-for-social-development-grants-program/ To make sure the gas system continues to operate safely and reliably, FortisBC confirmed it’s performing aerial inspections of gas transmission lines across the province, the company confirmed to Victoria News.“As part of our integrity management program, we inspect all]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/low-flying-helicopter-checks-fortis-gas-lines-for-leaks-across-bc/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 23:19:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/low-flying-helicopter-checks-fortis-gas-lines-for-leaks-across-bc/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fernie-woman-faces-911s-fallout-25-years-later/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 23:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fernie-woman-faces-911s-fallout-25-years-later/ “If I were to characterize how our members are feeling right now, the word that comes to mind is frustration,” Ramsay told local government delegates at the UBCM convention in Vancouver.
UBCM presidents serve one-year terms. This conference concludes Ramsay’s time in the role, and Squamish Coun. Jenna Sto]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ubcm-president-delivers-sharp-rebuke-to-provincial-government-in-annual-address/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 22:05:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ubcm-president-delivers-sharp-rebuke-to-provincial-government-in-annual-address/ Vernon’s Jim Cotter returned to competitive men’s team curling with a second-place finish at the 20-team Saville Shootout in Edmonton.
Cotter, 51, fell 5-4 in the final Monday, Sept. 14, to Benny Kapp of Fuessen, Germany. The Cotter rink collected $4,000 for second place. Kapp pocketed $6,000.
Playing with Cotter are third Jared Kolomaya of Kamloops, second Connor Deane of Kelowna, lead Erik Colwell of Vernon, and alternate player Brad Wood of Penticton.
The ne]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/okanagan-curling-team-second-at-saville-shootout-in-edmonton/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 22:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/okanagan-curling-team-second-at-saville-shootout-in-edmonton/ On Tuesday, Sept. 15, members of the BC Rail Corridor Alliance, which is made up of government and First Nations representatives, met with the province to discuss the railway. In 2025, CN Rail had announced its intention to discontinue the line, prompting the formation of the a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-rail-corridor-alliance-presses-province-for-funding-governance/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:37:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-rail-corridor-alliance-presses-province-for-funding-governance/ First responders were called out to the cancer centre construction site just before noon on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
According to John MacKenzie, Nanaimo Fire Rescue assistant chief of operations, it involved a man who was working at the site.
“Our crews were called for industrial accident here at NRGH for a worker who fell, from what I’m told, approximatel]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/update-first-responders-respond-to-nanaimo-regional-general-hospital-after-construction-worker-injured/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/update-first-responders-respond-to-nanaimo-regional-general-hospital-after-construction-worker-injured/ First responders were called out to the cancer centre construction site just before noon on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
According to John MacKenzie, Nanaimo Fire Rescue assistant chief of operations, it involved a man who was working at the site.
“Our crews were called for industrial accident here at NRGH for a worker who fell, from what I’m told, approximatel]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/update-first-responders-head-to-nanaimo-regional-general-hospital-after-construction-worker-falls-injured/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/update-first-responders-head-to-nanaimo-regional-general-hospital-after-construction-worker-falls-injured/ First responders were called out to the cancer centre construction site just before noon on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
Traffic was closed off on Dufferin Crescent by the hospital, but has since re-opened.
According to John MacKenzie, Nanaimo Fire Rescue assistant chief of operations, it involved a man who was working at the site.
“Our crews were called for industria]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/update-first-responders-at-site-at-nanaimo-regional-general-hospital-after-worker-injured/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/update-first-responders-at-site-at-nanaimo-regional-general-hospital-after-worker-injured/ First responders were called out to the cancer centre construction site at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, just before noon on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
According to John MacKenzie, Nanaimo Fire Rescue assistant chief of operations, it involved a man who was working at the site.
“Our crews were called for industrial accident here at NRGH for a worker who fell, from what I&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/first-responders-head-to-island-hospital-after-construction-worker-falls-injured/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/first-responders-head-to-island-hospital-after-construction-worker-falls-injured/ First responders were called out to the cancer centre construction site just before noon on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
Traffic is closed off on Dufferin Crescent by the hospital.
More to come.
– Files from Jessica Durling, News Bulletin
karl.yu@nanaimobulletin.com]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/first-responders-at-site-of-incident-at-nanaimo-regional-general-hospital/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/first-responders-at-site-of-incident-at-nanaimo-regional-general-hospital/ Ron Anderson & Sons has broken ground on an expansion of its Chemainus manufacturing facility that will increase production capacity, introduce new prefabricated wood products and create up to 35 new jobs.
The project is being supported through the B.C. government’s BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, which is providing funding for facility expansions and equipment upgrad]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2m-from-province-for-chemainus-wood-products-manufacturer-for-expansion/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 20:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2m-from-province-for-chemainus-wood-products-manufacturer-for-expansion/ Carolyn Mack w/ Al Tuck and Manuel Focus will be performing at The Vault Cafe on Sept. 17 at 9 p.m. Cost is $15.
Black Pontiac, Danger Box and Chronic Fatigue will be]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/whats-on-sept-16/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 20:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/whats-on-sept-16/ Council received a report on the projected increases at its Sept. 2 meeting, learning the municipality’s E-Comm service fee is expected to rise from approximately $888,000 in 2026 to $1.12 million in 2027, $1.26 million in 2028 and $1.52 million in 2029.
That represents an overall increase of about 71 per cent]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/north-cowichans-e-comm-bill-projected-to-reach-15-million-by-2029/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 20:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/north-cowichans-e-comm-bill-projected-to-reach-15-million-by-2029/ On Sept. 9, at approximately 4:50 a.m., RCMP were notified of a break and enter in progress. Preliminary evidence gathered at the scene indicated that a red and tan coloured, single-cab, older model pick up truck was used to pull the ATM from the business.
Two suspects wearing face coverings and gloves were observed on video surveillance.
The suspect was later r]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rcmp-investigating-atm-theft-in-ladysmith/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 20:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rcmp-investigating-atm-theft-in-ladysmith/ The report reveals that the province’s hospitality sector is under financial pressure, due to tariffs, costs of upgrades to cooking equipment and disproportionately high startup costs.
The report, released Sept. 15, surveyed 250 Canadian foodservice and hospitality operators and found that 90 per cent of B.C]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-restaurants-squeezed-by-rising-costs-report/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-restaurants-squeezed-by-rising-costs-report/ A month ago, the number was at $927,700.
According to a press release from the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, Nanaimo’s year-over-year benchmark price increased by one per cent to $820,100. In Campbell River, the benchmark price of a single-family home was $690,000 last month, up one per cent from August 2025. The Comox Valley’s year-]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/island-wide-benchmark-price-for-single-family-home-currently-above-788k/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/island-wide-benchmark-price-for-single-family-home-currently-above-788k/ Police responded to multiple calls at 12:53 a.m. reporting an assault with an edged weapon at one of the campus’s residence buildings. Police located two victims with injuries quickly after arriving at the scene. Officers identified and arrested the suspect, a 21-year-old man from Burnaby. The man is currently in custody pending a court appearance.
As of 10 a.m., the scene]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/man-arrested-after-midnight-attacks-in-a-vancouver-island-college-campuss-residence/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:26:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/man-arrested-after-midnight-attacks-in-a-vancouver-island-college-campuss-residence/ The Saturday, May 8 date at BC Place Stadium will kick off an extended M72 World Tour, with Limp Bizkit and Avatar opening for the “Enter Sandman” band.
Metallica last played in Vancouver in August 2017, also at BC Place.
The new Live Nation-promoted tour, launched in 2023 and set to continue four years later, includes stadiums across North America, the company announced]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/metallica-will-play-in-vancouver-for-first-time-in-10-years-next-spring/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/metallica-will-play-in-vancouver-for-first-time-in-10-years-next-spring/ Gerard Saunders, who lived in New Westminster at the time of the alleged offences, is charged with possession of child sexual abuse material, making child sexual abuse and exploitation material and agreeing or making an arrangement with a person to lure a child, police said in a release Tuesday (Sept. 15).
Saunders w]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/5-children-rescued-in-the-philippines-after-bc-sexual-exploitation-case/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/5-children-rescued-in-the-philippines-after-bc-sexual-exploitation-case/ The proposed model is a co-ordinated, three-zone approach t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/no-more-band-aids-province-chooses-campbell-river-areas-for-working-forest-landscape-model/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/no-more-band-aids-province-chooses-campbell-river-areas-for-working-forest-landscape-model/ Nanaimo RCMP said the investigation is in the early stages, but can confirm that one man has died in the incident.
Kevin Shaw witnessed the event at the approximately 6:30 a.m.
He said he heard a fuel truck backing up towards the gas pumps in the parking lot of the gas station and the driver was blowing his horn to warn anyone th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/one-man-dead-after-incident-involving-truck-in-downtown-nanaimo/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/one-man-dead-after-incident-involving-truck-in-downtown-nanaimo/ NPA chair Donna Hais said the selection has been shortlisted down to four, and the final interviews are expected to be concluded by the end of September.
“We expect that we’ll be making an announcement on who our new president and CEO will be made by the middle of October,” she said.
Ian Marr, the current president and CEO of the NP]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-port-authority-shortlists-applicants-for-president-ceo-position/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-port-authority-shortlists-applicants-for-president-ceo-position/ “Our government has been contacting various leaders. They gave us ideas. And we’re making really good progress,” she told reporters at the Union of B.C. Municipalities meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday. “I wi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-attorney-general-hopeful-on-dripa-changes-this-fall-but-wont-commit/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 04:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-attorney-general-hopeful-on-dripa-changes-this-fall-but-wont-commit/ The group’s community paper shredding event took place Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Country Grocer at Bowen Road in Nanaimo, offering people a chance to come with their personal papers and have them cut up and safely disposed, for a donation.
Brian Cornborough, CVI Crime Stoppers’ president, said people were eager to have their documents and papers cut up.
“People cam]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/papers-cut-in-nanaimo-for-crime-stoppers-fundraiser/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 03:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/papers-cut-in-nanaimo-for-crime-stoppers-fundraiser/ The Silver Star Freestyle (Ski) Club (SSFC) has unveiled its new dryland training facility at SilverStar Mountain Resort.
The facility will create unprecedented training opportunities for freestyle skiers and snowboarders in B.C., Western Canada, and beyond.
“This is a really exciting moment for freestyle skiing and snowboarding in our region,” said Carson Dorward, SSFC president. &ldqu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ski-club-unveils-state-of-art-training-facility-in-vernon/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 01:39:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ski-club-unveils-state-of-art-training-facility-in-vernon/ On Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., employees were at the entrances of the gas bar with pom-poms encouraging motorists to pull in for gas, while other waited to wash their windows as they filled up their tanks.
It was all for a good cause as 10 cents for every litre of gas sold at the gas bar, as well as Mid-Island Co-op’s 16 other gas stations on the Island, during that time, went to the Children’s Healt]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mid-island-co-op-customers-fuel-up-for-a-good-cause/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 01:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mid-island-co-op-customers-fuel-up-for-a-good-cause/ In a new report created by staff at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), the two agricultural groups cited findings that they said help paint the full picture of the current state of the agricultural sector.While Statistics Canada shared that the province’s farms suffered a total loss of]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ufv-agricultural-report-shines-spotlight-on-decline-of-mid-size-bc-farms/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 01:06:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ufv-agricultural-report-shines-spotlight-on-decline-of-mid-size-bc-farms/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/video-team-leavitt-wins-pull-time-at-kelownas-annual-haul-for-hope/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:26:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/video-team-leavitt-wins-pull-time-at-kelownas-annual-haul-for-hope/ “Over this past weekend heavy damage was done to our beautiful canoe entrance at our new community entrance on York Road,” the statement read.
“Every ground light used to light up the canoes at night was smashed with rocks and a paddle was ripped from one of the two canoes and thrown on the ground. There were several]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/campbell-river-area-tlowitsis-nation-calls-for-end-to-vandalism-of-our-new-community/Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/campbell-river-area-tlowitsis-nation-calls-for-end-to-vandalism-of-our-new-community/ Around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, a VicPD officer who was on their way to work came across the burning vehicle and called 911. The Victoria Fire Department attended and extinguished the flames within minutes of arrival, police say.
“Major Crime Unit detectives are investigating and have a robust prese]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/body-found-in-burning-vehicle-in-victoria/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/body-found-in-burning-vehicle-in-victoria/ The airlines announced the proposed acquisition on Sept. 15, saying the deal would combine Harbour Air’s seaplane network with Pacific Coastal’s wheeled-aircraft network to expand regional connectivity across B.C.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and the airlines did not provide]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/harbour-air-acquisition-of-pacific-coastal-to-create-bc-regional-airline-group/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 22:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/harbour-air-acquisition-of-pacific-coastal-to-create-bc-regional-airline-group/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cbsa-removes-111-individuals-linked-to-extortion-from-canada-since-august-2025/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 21:58:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cbsa-removes-111-individuals-linked-to-extortion-from-canada-since-august-2025/ ​The City of Kelowna, Kelowna International Airport (YLW), FireSwarm Solutions and Okanagan College (OC) have launched partnerships to build a future hub for AI-enabled drone and aerospace innovation.
​A Memorandum of Understanding was recently signed by FireSwarm and the City of Kelowna, along with a second one between FireSwarm and Okanagan College.
​FireSwarm is a Canadian aerospace and defence startup]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-partnerships-bringing-drone-and-aerospace-innovation-to-kelowna/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 21:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-partnerships-bringing-drone-and-aerospace-innovation-to-kelowna/ Rt/Const. Sherri Wade, with the Nanaimo RCMP, said police were called to the scene at approximately 1 p.m. and apprehended the man.
She said the suspect had no weapons on him, and no one was injured in the incident.
“The man was released from custody under his own recognizance, and charges are pending,” Wade said.
robert.barron@nanaimobulletin.com]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/man-arrested-for-uttering-threats-in-nanaimos-north-end-at-sept-11/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 21:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/man-arrested-for-uttering-threats-in-nanaimos-north-end-at-sept-11/ This is the time of year for increased flows within Elk Falls Canyon to accommodate salmon migration and spawning.Elk Falls is a natural barrier to fish passage.The water flow in the canyon will increase from about five cubic meters per second to about 8 cubic meters per second during the migration flows.
The higher flow down the canyon requires a public safety notice in place for every Wednes]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-hydro-issues-public-safety-notice-for-increased-flows-within-campbell-rivers-elk-falls-canyon/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 21:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-hydro-issues-public-safety-notice-for-increased-flows-within-campbell-rivers-elk-falls-canyon/ According to a report released Sept. 15, the Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) says around 11 p.m., a member of the Nelson Police Department (NPD) arrested a youth who appeared intoxicated and became uncooperative with the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nelson-youth-iio-investigation-closed/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 20:47:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nelson-youth-iio-investigation-closed/ Late that Tuesday night, CRSAR members responded to an iPhone SOS activation from two people sheltering in a tent at Sandbag Lake during extreme winds and heavy rain, with concerns for hypothermia.
Sandbag Lake can be found along the Mount Myra trail, above Tennent Lake in Strathcona Provincial Park.
In a social media post, CRSAR stated that four members responded to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/campbell-river-search-and-rescue-save-pair-sheltering-from-wind-heavy-rain/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 20:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/campbell-river-search-and-rescue-save-pair-sheltering-from-wind-heavy-rain/ Sidney/North Saanich RCMP say a local man reported the fraud on Sept. 2 after receiving a call from someone claiming to be an RCMP officer.
The caller told the victim his personal information had been leaked. Using this story, the scammer convinced the man to hand over sensitive details related to his cryptocurrency account.
The victim later checked his account and discovered that almost $]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/scammer-posing-as-rcmp-officer-steals-19k-from-island-resident/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/scammer-posing-as-rcmp-officer-steals-19k-from-island-resident/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cowichan-exhibition-returns-with-new-events-favourites/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:47:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cowichan-exhibition-returns-with-new-events-favourites/ The Queen of New Westminster was pulled from service Tuesday morning (Sept. 15), so engineers could investigate an issue with its propulsion system.
Because of this, the 10 a.m. sailing from Tsawwassen and the 12 p.m. Swartz Bay sailing have both been cancelled.
Other sailings on this route are expected to proceed as scheduled, said a BC Ferries service update.
Anyone booked on on]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/update-mechanical-problems-cancel-multiple-victoria-vancouver-sailings/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/update-mechanical-problems-cancel-multiple-victoria-vancouver-sailings/ BC Ferries said one of its vessels is currently holding in dock while engineers investigate an issue with its propulsion system issue.
While work is underway, the 10 a.m. sailing from Tsawwassen and the 12 p.m. Swartz Bay sailing are both at risk of cancellation.
Other sailings on this route are expected to proceed as scheduled, said a BC Ferries service update]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mechanical-problems-put-victoria-vancouver-sailings-at-risk-of-cancellation/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mechanical-problems-put-victoria-vancouver-sailings-at-risk-of-cancellation/ Their search for answers will lead them to the Sngequ House Conference Centre in the grounds of the University of Victoria, where they will join Greater Victoria locals for the Victoria Bigfoot Town Hall.
The event brings together researchers and investigators for an evening of presentations, discussion and audience int]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sasquatch-sleuths-enthusiasts-make-tracks-for-bc-bigfoot-town-hall/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sasquatch-sleuths-enthusiasts-make-tracks-for-bc-bigfoot-town-hall/ Many players from that Coastal Conference-winning team, including goalie Eliot Séguin-Lescarbeau, have departed, but Colin Birkas, head coach and general manager, said there are new faces that can fill the void, including Hugo Laring from Goteborg, Sweden, who takes over for Séguin-Lescarbeau between the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/coastal-conference-champ-nanaimo-clippers-to-set-sail-on-new-bchl-campaign/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:33:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/coastal-conference-champ-nanaimo-clippers-to-set-sail-on-new-bchl-campaign/ The Nation marked a significant milestone in its economic development journey on Sept. 11 with a traditional land blessing and groundbreaking ceremony for a new waterfront hotel.
It will be branded a Tapestry Collection by Hilton and with a planned opening of spring 2029.The hotel is Nation-owned and will be managed by Innovation Hospitalit]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/wei-wai-kum-first-nation-breaks-ground-on-waterfront-hotel-in-campbell-river/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/wei-wai-kum-first-nation-breaks-ground-on-waterfront-hotel-in-campbell-river/ The foundation issued a social media statement after the announcement that its founder and CEO faces criminal charges of fraud and theft of more than $5,000.
“We understand that this situation has prompted thoughtful questions within our community, and we emphasize that the matter is currently before the courts. We respect the judicial process and be]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kidsplay-foundation-stands-by-its-mission-as-ceo-faces-criminal-charges/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kidsplay-foundation-stands-by-its-mission-as-ceo-faces-criminal-charges/ The foundation issued a social media statement after the announcement that its founder and CEO faces criminal charges of fraud and theft of more than $5,000.
“We understand that this situation has prompted thoughtful questions within our community, and we emphasize that the matter is currently before the courts. We respect the judicial process and be]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kidsplay-foundation-reaffirms-mission-amid-criminal-charges-against-ceo/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kidsplay-foundation-reaffirms-mission-amid-criminal-charges-against-ceo/ The University of the Fraser Valley has announced they are launching The Move Club, a 12-week virtual physical activity program.“Being diagnosed with cancer or a blood disorder as a child or adolescent is really challenging,” said Amanda Wurz, researcher and assistant professor at UFV. “It comes with a host of physical symptoms and]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ufv-to-offer-virtual-exercises-for-youth-diagnosed-with-cancer/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 18:23:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ufv-to-offer-virtual-exercises-for-youth-diagnosed-with-cancer/ The City of Nanaimo’s design advisory panel gave the proposed housing project a thumbs up at its meeting on Thursday, Sept. 10, along with 16 recommendations for improvements to the design.
After a presentation on the proposal and discussion, Coun. Hilary Eastmure, who is a panel member, raised some concerns around accessible-pa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/four-story-building-with-46-housing-units-proposed-for-central-nanaimo/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/four-story-building-with-46-housing-units-proposed-for-central-nanaimo/ Conservative Party of B.C. leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, NDP candidate Pam Alexis, CentreBC candidate Lakhwinder Jhaj, and BC Greens candidate Stephen Fowler took to the stage at Clarke Theatre in Mission on Monday (Sept. 14) to answer questions.
The Abbotsford-Mission seat opened up in late August after Conservative MLA Reann G]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mla-hopefuls-spar-in-abbotsford-mission-byelection-debate/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 07:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mla-hopefuls-spar-in-abbotsford-mission-byelection-debate/ The provincial government continued to blame outside economic factors.
“B.C.’s economy is navigating a period of significant global uncertainty,” said Finance Minister Josie Osborne, who took over the role from Brenda Bailey in mid-August and presented her first fiscal update on Monday,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bcs-deficit-rises-to-nearly-138b-after-first-quarter-report-released/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 01:19:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bcs-deficit-rises-to-nearly-138b-after-first-quarter-report-released/ The plea is for their involvement in the death of 22-year-old Taig Savage. The young man was found injured and unresponsive around 6 a.m. on Sept 5, 2021 on the track at Penticton Secondary School. Paramedics attended to Savage, but he did not survive his injuries.
Three youth and then 18-year-old Isaac Jack were arres]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/all-3-youth-pleaded-guilty-to-manslaughter-in-death-of-pentictons-taig-savage/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 01:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/all-3-youth-pleaded-guilty-to-manslaughter-in-death-of-pentictons-taig-savage/ This is the second cruise ship search and rescue (SAR) mission by the Comox-based 19 Wing squadron in less than a week. The Sept. 8 rescue, involving an injured cruise ship crew member, also took place northwest of Port Hardy.
The Sept. 12 mission was under the command of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Victoria.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/comox-19-wing-rescue-team-evacuates-cruise-ship-passenger-in-medical-distress/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 01:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/comox-19-wing-rescue-team-evacuates-cruise-ship-passenger-in-medical-distress/ The pool achieved a 71.5 per cent certification score for accessibility by an audit conducted by the City of Nanaimo based on an audit program established by the Rick Hansen Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a world without barriers for people with disabilities.
Facilities must achieve a minimum of 60 per cent in the audit to be accessibility]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/beban-park-pool-scores-best-for-accessibility-in-city-audit/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 01:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/beban-park-pool-scores-best-for-accessibility-in-city-audit/ That resilience was on display at Reg Conn Centennial Park on Saturday, Sept. 12, as the Clinton Strong event kicked off. Organized by community members during the evacuation, which lasted from July 24 to Aug. 15, it marked the first major community event in Clinton since the fire. Community members came together to enjoy free games, activities, food and live music.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/clinton-community-rallies-together-following-pear-lake-wildfire/Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/clinton-community-rallies-together-following-pear-lake-wildfire/ The dispute was over Staccato cherry trees and cherries that were marketed and sold as Glory or Omega.
The legal battle had lasted more than six years, Summerland Varieties said. It included a successful bench trial in 2024, establishing that Glory is Staccato, reinstating the Staccato patent and a stipulation made by M]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/settlement-reached-over-staccato-cherry-dispute/Mon, 14 Sep 2026 23:59:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/settlement-reached-over-staccato-cherry-dispute/ The Men’s Centre will be holding a gala Thursday, Sept. 17 at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 256, at 1630 East Wellington Rd., paying tribute to a quarter of a century of service.
The centre, located on 418D Fitzwilliam St. since the beginning, was founded by Theo Boer in response to their estrangement from their spouse and the challenges brought about for equal parenting, according to Mark]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-non-profit-celebrates-a-quarter-century-of-helping-and-counselling-men/Mon, 14 Sep 2026 23:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-non-profit-celebrates-a-quarter-century-of-helping-and-counselling-men/ Port Alberni 2 Campbell River 3 (OT)
Third star Aidan Yu’s goal at 2:30 of overtime gave the Campbell River Storm a 3-2 victory over the Port Alberni Bombers in the Storm home opener with 918 in attendance at Rod Brind’Amour Arena in VIJHL action Friday, September 11.
Xavier Hahn stopped 38 shots for the Bombers and was named first star in the goaltending duel, with Campbell River goalie Mason Hillier earning second]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vijhl-week-2-wolves-cougars-and-storm-take-overtime-tilts/Mon, 14 Sep 2026 23:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vijhl-week-2-wolves-cougars-and-storm-take-overtime-tilts/ Darko Kolundzic, owner of Impact Concrete in Alberta, has filed a civil suit against Kelowna RCMP Constable Palmer and a second unknown officer after what Kolundzic claims was an unlawful search of his vehicle and the unlawful seizure of cash, a wallet, two phones, luggage with contents inside, sunglasses, a watch, and the Range Rover Kolundzic was driving when he was pulled ove]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alberta-man-sues-kelowna-rcmp-officers-over-alleged-unlawful-search-seizure/Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alberta-man-sues-kelowna-rcmp-officers-over-alleged-unlawful-search-seizure/ At approximately 6:16 p.m., Cumberland Fire Rescue was alerted to what was initially thought to be a structure fire when residents made calls to 911 after seeing a column of black smoke in the landfill’s vicinity.
According to Cumberland Deputy Fire Chief Stephane Dionne, the landfill had closed at 5 p.m. and no one was there when th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/comox-valley-fire-crews-tackle-mattress-fire-at-landfill/Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:26:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/comox-valley-fire-crews-tackle-mattress-fire-at-landfill/ At around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, Vernon North Okanagan RCMP responded to a report of suspected human remains found in the 2000 block of Yankee Flats Road.
“Two civilian dog trainers were working in a thick, wooded area when the discovery was made,” said RCMP media relations officer Const. Chris Terleski in an email. “Frontline officers attended and sec]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rcmp-investigating-report-of-human-remains-found-near-salmon-arm/Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rcmp-investigating-report-of-human-remains-found-near-salmon-arm/ Revelstokians including Laura Stovel and Virginia Thompson gave members of Seniors’ Climate Witness (SCW) a brief but warm welcome at the Save-On-Foods parking lot the afternoon of Sept. 10.
The golden-agers travelling from Victoria, after being delayed for at least an]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/seniors-caravan-rolls-through-revelstoke-in-call-for-canada-to-tackle-climate-change/Mon, 14 Sep 2026 19:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/seniors-caravan-rolls-through-revelstoke-in-call-for-canada-to-tackle-climate-change/ “I felt like these trees have a beautiful sense of holding and support,” said Webb, owner of Madrona, a new integrative health clinic now open in Crofton. “Which is really what we want people to feel whe]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rooted-in-care-new-integrative-health-clinic-opens-in-crofton/Mon, 14 Sep 2026 19:47:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rooted-in-care-new-integrative-health-clinic-opens-in-crofton/ Merridale Cidery & Distillery has partnered with BC SPCA to make a positive change for dogs waiting for their fur-ever homes with ‘Harvest for Hounds’.It all started with Mika.Not only is Mika the rescue dog now living her best life, running around the orchard and being a part of the Docherty family, she is also now an ambassador for the BC SPCA.
“We’re hoping her stor]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rescue-dog-and-family-pet-mika-inspires-merridales-harvest-for-hounds-in-cowichan/Mon, 14 Sep 2026 19:34:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rescue-dog-and-family-pet-mika-inspires-merridales-harvest-for-hounds-in-cowichan/ Miller appeared via video in Sarnia Court on Sept. 14 to hear from Justice Howie, who stated that he was not yet prepared to render a verdict and put the case over for a decision at a later, unspecified date.
READ MORE: First historic sex crime trial wraps up for Penticton councillor as another looms
Miller is charged with multiple counts of sexual interference of a minor]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/more-waiting-in-okanagan-city-councillors-trial-for-sexual-offences/Mon, 14 Sep 2026 19:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/more-waiting-in-okanagan-city-councillors-trial-for-sexual-offences/ At the time, she was living on campus in a student residence when she consumed what she thought was cocaine. She and another student collapsed on the floor and began having seizures. While the other student survived, McIntyre-Starko did not. The drug she consumed was later found to contain fentanyl.
In the wake of her death, UVic ordered an independent review]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/were-not-here-to-judge-doctors-bring-back-to-school-drug-checking-to-uvic/Mon, 14 Sep 2026 19:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/were-not-here-to-judge-doctors-bring-back-to-school-drug-checking-to-uvic/ Wilson said she left the Conservatives because she no longer supported leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, who took the helm on May 30 after winning a razor-thin majority on the fourth ballot of member voting at a leadership convention. Wilson quit the caucus on Sept. 2.
“I said then that I was leaving a caucus, not]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-mla-wilson-becomes-7th-to-join-peter-milobars-new-party/Mon, 14 Sep 2026 18:56:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-mla-wilson-becomes-7th-to-join-peter-milobars-new-party/ This year’s festival falls on Sept. 25, but in Nanaimo festivities will take place over Friday Sept. 18 to Saturday Sept. 19 at Maffeo Sutton Park, organized by the Nanaimo Chinese Cultural Society.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Cake Festival, was started more than 3,000 years ago during the post-harvest moon on the 15th day of the eighth month of the l]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimos-mid-autumn-festival-bigger-and-better-than-ever/Mon, 14 Sep 2026 17:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimos-mid-autumn-festival-bigger-and-better-than-ever/ The presentation at Camosun College marked one of the final milestones before the 22-person team departs on Sept. 19.
They will embark on a 14-day, 1,200-kilometre cycling journey across Vancouver Island to raise funds for childhood cancer research and support programs.
The newly minted uniforms made the upcoming trek hit home fo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/this-makes-it-real-tour-de-rock-team-presented-with-official-jerseys-in-saanich/Mon, 14 Sep 2026 17:05:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/this-makes-it-real-tour-de-rock-team-presented-with-official-jerseys-in-saanich/ They regrouped, reviewed and skated away with a 5-2 win over the Seattle Kraken buoyed by a four-goal second period to put the game out of reach for the visitors.
Canucks head coach Ryan Papaioannou said Saturday’s game generated 71 clips for the coaching staff to review, but they cut]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/novotnys-three-point-game-powers-vancouver-canucks-to-5-2-win-over-seattle-kraken/Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/novotnys-three-point-game-powers-vancouver-canucks-to-5-2-win-over-seattle-kraken/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-budgets-15-million-for-firesmart-projects-in-2027/Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-budgets-15-million-for-firesmart-projects-in-2027/ The 295-foot vessel docked at the Canadian Coast Guard base after travelling from Seward, Alaska. It will remain in Victoria until Sept. 15 before continuing to San Francisco.
The ship’s arrival was marked by a welcoming ceremony attended by members of the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mexican-navy-tall-ship-arrives-in-victoria-for-training-cruise/Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mexican-navy-tall-ship-arrives-in-victoria-for-training-cruise/ The trial of Ronald Joseph Campbell, 42 when a first-degree murder charge was laid against him in 2024, began on July 20 at B.C. Supreme Court in Nanaimo and is drawing to a close. He was arrested after Yasin Khan was shot and killed at the Wendy’s restaurant parking lot at Rock City Centre on May 20, 2021.
Khan was driving a grey BMW sport-]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/defence-warns-of-dangerous-witnesses-as-nanaimo-shooting-murder-trial-closes/Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/defence-warns-of-dangerous-witnesses-as-nanaimo-shooting-murder-trial-closes/ At the international level, this was a special year, with many fans enjoying the World Cup tournament which featured some matches in Vancouver and viewing parties here in town.
Locally, Nanaimo United FC was home to men’s and women’s pro-am teams in the B.C. Premier league this spring.This was]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/thorpe-report-spring-and-summer-soccer-filled-the-net/Sun, 13 Sep 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/thorpe-report-spring-and-summer-soccer-filled-the-net/ Racing Waters, directed by award-winning Indigenous director Asia Youngman, debuts on APTN today, Sept. 13, documenting the Island Brave Canoe Club as it competes in Indigenous war canoe and outrigger racing. The nine-part docuseries will show Mike Wise Sr., Snuneymuxw First Nation chief and Island Brave coach, and team prepping for various races, including behind-]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/docuseries-featuring-snuneymuxw-first-nation-canoe-club-to-premiere-on-aptn/Sun, 13 Sep 2026 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/docuseries-featuring-snuneymuxw-first-nation-canoe-club-to-premiere-on-aptn/ April Marr, Splitsville’s events manager, said the bowling alley plans a full day of activities to celebrate.
She said there will be prizes throughout the day, a scavenger hunt, an opportunity for bowlers to design their own bowling pins, and there are also 20 per cent bowling discounts that are available on certain days and times from Sept. 14-25.
“Members of the Na]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/business-notes-splitsville-bowl-nanaimo-celebrating-20th-anniversary/Sun, 13 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/business-notes-splitsville-bowl-nanaimo-celebrating-20th-anniversary/ School also plays an important role in culture, and there are plenty of movies, television shows and songs about school life.
How much do you know about schools and education? Put your knowledge to the test with these 10 questions.
Good luck.Loading…]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quiz-preparing-for-the-school-year/Sun, 13 Sep 2026 14:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quiz-preparing-for-the-school-year/ Zander Horvath scored three touchdowns, pacing the Lions to a 48-29 win over the visiting Montreal Alouettes in CFL action Friday night at BC Place. The week before, the Als ended B.C.’s five-game win streak with a 37-30 win in Montreal.Quarterback Nathan Rourke passed for 317 yards and a touchdown for B.C. (7-6) and he also carried five times for 77 yards and a touchdown. Receiver Keon Hatcher had nine catches for 137 yards and major, Casey Sayl]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-lions-earn-revenge-thump-visting-montreal-alouettes-48-29/Sun, 13 Sep 2026 07:54:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-lions-earn-revenge-thump-visting-montreal-alouettes-48-29/ Zander Horvath scored three touchdowns, pacing the Lions to a 48-29 win over the visiting Montreal Alouettes in CFL action Friday night at BC Place. The week before, the Als ended B.C.’s five-game win streak with a 37-30 win in Montreal.Quarterback Nathan Rourke passed for 317 yards and a touchdown for B.C. (7-6) and he also carried five times for 77 yards and a touchdown. Receiver Keon Hatcher had nine catches for 137 yards and major, Casey Sayl]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-lions-earn-revenge-thump-visiting-montreal-alouettes-48-29/Sun, 13 Sep 2026 07:54:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-lions-earn-revenge-thump-visiting-montreal-alouettes-48-29/ Flashes of brilliance from promising young players on both sides, plenty of defensive gaffes, a boatload of goals and a pair of fights that brought the crowd to its feet.Seattle skated away with a 7-3 win on the back of two-goal nights from Andrei Loshko and Justin Janicke. The Kraken also got a solid]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/seattle-kraken-earn-7-3-win-over-vancouver-canucks-in-game-one-of-prospects-showcase/Sun, 13 Sep 2026 06:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/seattle-kraken-earn-7-3-win-over-vancouver-canucks-in-game-one-of-prospects-showcase/ The latest happened last week when a squid fisherman in a boat loaded down to the gunnels with squid capsized just 200 feet from the wharf he was heading to so he could unload his catch.
Apparently, he was not wearing a life jacket and reports indicate that he didn’t know how to swim.
When I was living and working as a re]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-fishermen-should-know-how-to-swim/Sat, 12 Sep 2026 21:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-fishermen-should-know-how-to-swim/ Homelessness in Canada has doubled since 2018, driven by the shrinking supply of affordable rental units for the lowest-income Canadians. According to the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, nearly a million more Canadians are on the edge of homelessness right now. So without action, the problem in our community is likely to get even worse.But we have a once-in-a-decade opportunity to change course, because Canada’s next national housing strategy is being developed right]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/letter-to-the-editor-we-need-to-prioritize-homelessness/Sat, 12 Sep 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/letter-to-the-editor-we-need-to-prioritize-homelessness/ ​Emilie Mann, who is also a 33-year-old professional ultra-endurance athlete for Merrell Canada, travelled to Chamonix, France to take a crack at racing against the world’s best trail runners, facing more than 10,000 metres of elevati]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-athlete-and-therapist-conquers-prestigious-trail-race-in-france/Sat, 12 Sep 2026 18:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kelowna-athlete-and-therapist-conquers-prestigious-trail-race-in-france/ December 9, 1964 – June 28, 2026
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Robin Allen Sirovyak of Nanaimo, B.C. on June 28, 2026 at the age of 61. Born on December 9, 1964 in Lethbridge, Alberta, Robin earned an electronic technologist certificate at SAIT in Calgary, and worked in a variety of positions in avionics and electronic manufacturing. In 1994 he moved to Vancouver, settling in Nanaimo in 2001. Robin is survived by his brothers Wayne (Twyla), David, Dar]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/robin-allen-sirovyak/Sat, 12 Sep 2026 17:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/robin-allen-sirovyak/ Lynch had been hired as a police officer in 1999, so he was still fairly new, working bicycle patrol in downt]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/remembering-911-canadians-americans-gather-at-bc-border/Sat, 12 Sep 2026 17:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/remembering-911-canadians-americans-gather-at-bc-border/ The Nanaimo Jazz Festival is first kicking off on Saturday, Sept. 12 and Sunday, Sept. 13, with free concerts at Maffeo Sutton Park, followed by two weekends of hit performances at different venues in the city.
Mary Ancheta with her group MA:Q will be performing on Friday, Sept. 18 at The Queen’s, Dee Daniels & Trio will be performing on Saturday, Sept. 19 at Coast Bastion Inn ballroom.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-jazz-festival-underway-with-several-upcoming-concerts-and-events/Sat, 12 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-jazz-festival-underway-with-several-upcoming-concerts-and-events/ The Maritime Museum of BC is debuting a restored 19th century, 16-foot Royal Navy skiff-gig that was originally serving alongside the historic HMCS Rainbow, one of the first two ships commissioned into the newly formed Royal Canadian Navy in 1910.
A skiff-gig is a traditional naval vessel, specifically a historic, light, shal]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ladysmith-maritime-societys-restored-skiff-launches-after-3000-hours-of-work/Sat, 12 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ladysmith-maritime-societys-restored-skiff-launches-after-3000-hours-of-work/ The channel acts as a funnel for ocean tides, and water speeds can reach up to nine knots in the channel during peak flows.
In 2011, Tony Irwin, head of what was Western Tidal Power Ltd., saw the potential in the tidal energy in the channel, and began exploring the possibility of harnessing the energy and directing it into t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/headline-history-dodd-narrows-was-considered-for-a-tidal-energy-project/Sat, 12 Sep 2026 03:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/headline-history-dodd-narrows-was-considered-for-a-tidal-energy-project/ On the ballot of mayor of the City of Nanaimo, Leonard Krog (incumbent), Brunie Brunie, Anne Marie Dryden and Sarah Lovegrove.
Running for City of Nanaimo council, incumbent councillors Sheryl Armstrong, Hilary Eastmure, Ben Geselbracht, Erin Hemmens, Paul Manly, Janice Perrino and Ian Thorpe.
Also on t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-and-lantzville-candidates-declared-for-2026-municipal-election/Sat, 12 Sep 2026 01:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-and-lantzville-candidates-declared-for-2026-municipal-election/ Attish Kumar Kalia committed these offences in the Comox Valley. Kalia is 36 years old, described as having dark brown hair and brown eyes, and is approximately 5’10” tall and 181 lbs.Kalia is known to travel Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainlaind.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Kalia can call the Comox Valley RCMP a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/man-wanted-for-alleged-drug-offences-in-the-comox-valley-rcmp/Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:59:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/man-wanted-for-alleged-drug-offences-in-the-comox-valley-rcmp/ The report also estimates that $413 million would have ended up in government coffers, offsetting construction costs.
In May of 2025, BC Ferries selected a Chinese state-owned shipyard as the winning bidder to build four new massive hybrid-electr]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/building-new-bc-ferries-in-china-cost-canada-15b-in-lost-gdp-report-finds/Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/building-new-bc-ferries-in-china-cost-canada-15b-in-lost-gdp-report-finds/ The report also estimates that $413 million would have ended up in government coffers, offsetting construction costs.
In May of 2025, BC Ferries selected a Chinese state-owned shipyard as the winning bidder to build four new massive hybrid-electr]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-loses-15b-gdp-boost-by-building-ferries-in-china-report-finds/Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-loses-15b-gdp-boost-by-building-ferries-in-china-report-finds/ On Sept. 8, the wing’s 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron was deployed under the command of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Victoria to evacuate an injured crew member and accompanying medical personnel from a cruise ship sailing 182 kilometres northwest of Port Hardy.
A CH-149 Cormorant helicopter, callsign RSCU 915, and a CC-295 Kingfisher, callsign RSCU 503, were tasked and]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/19-wing-comox-involved-in-cruise-ship-medevac-180-km-northwest-of-port-hardy/Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/19-wing-comox-involved-in-cruise-ship-medevac-180-km-northwest-of-port-hardy/ The Saddle Lake Cree Nation announced it would be pursuing these measures as a response to a series of bills from the Alberta government that place severe restrictions on transgender youth and their families. The announcement was made during a Treaty 6 gathering in Fort Pitt, Sask on Wednesday (Sept. 9).
Dr. James Makokis, a Nehiyo two-spirit fami]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alberta-first-nation-moving-ahead-with-plans-to-protect-gender-affirming-care/Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:03:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/alberta-first-nation-moving-ahead-with-plans-to-protect-gender-affirming-care/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conditional-discharge-for-ex-nanaimo-mountie-who-had-sex-with-vulnerable-woman/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 23:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/conditional-discharge-for-ex-nanaimo-mountie-who-had-sex-with-vulnerable-woman/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/williams-lake-joins-firefighters-in-remembering-those-lost-in-911/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 23:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/williams-lake-joins-firefighters-in-remembering-those-lost-in-911/ “All four occ]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/one-airlifted-to-hospital-following-single-vehicle-collision-west-of-williams-lake/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 23:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/one-airlifted-to-hospital-following-single-vehicle-collision-west-of-williams-lake/ “All four oc]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/one-air-lifted-to-hospital-following-single-vehicle-collision-west-of-williams-lake/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 23:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/one-air-lifted-to-hospital-following-single-vehicle-collision-west-of-williams-lake/ September 17, 1935 – August 27, 2026
Norm Winton of Nanaimo passed peacefully on August 27, 2026, surrounded by loving family. He was incredibly well-read, loved jazz and golf, was deeply ethical and quietly brilliant. He was devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren. His passing leaves the world a sadder place, but we are grateful for everything he taught us.
Norrie was born in Perth, Scotland on September 17, 1935. He grew up with older brother, Bill (Kate), and]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/norman-easson-winton/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 22:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/norman-easson-winton/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-cattlemen-partner-with-alberta-beef-producers-to-provide-feed-to-local-ranchers-in-need/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 21:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-cattlemen-partner-with-alberta-beef-producers-to-provide-feed-to-local-ranchers-in-need/ Those living east of the creek are asked to com]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lantzville-road-to-be-closed-for-three-weeks-for-culvert-replacement/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 21:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/lantzville-road-to-be-closed-for-three-weeks-for-culvert-replacement/ “After careful consideration, I have decided to join Peter and the growing team of sitting MLAs to help build this new party,” Wat said in a news release announcing her decision. “I believe that this party can bring people together from across our province and replace the NDP as Bri]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-bc-conservative-teresa-wat-joining-peter-milobars-new-party/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 20:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-bc-conservative-teresa-wat-joining-peter-milobars-new-party/ But there was no cause for alarm.
“Before I go further, I do just want to be clear that this event has nothing to do with renaming Langford Lake,” joked Kyle Taylor from Westhills Land Corp. “Strange times that we live in and just in case anyone was nervous about that: not happening.”
The news proved much more meaningful]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/island-city-deal-secures-parkland-for-future-generations-water-loving-pooches/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 19:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/island-city-deal-secures-parkland-for-future-generations-water-loving-pooches/ Comprised of an RV sitting on a raft made of barrels, what appear to be aluminum or steel beams, and strips of plywood attached together with some kind of straps, the floating vessel is moored on the Nicomekl River in Surrey, near Nicomekl Portage Park and the old Elgin Road bridge behind the Crescent Road Esso.
On social media, photos of the project started circulatin]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/floating-rv-on-bc-river-sparks-social-media-speculation/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 19:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/floating-rv-on-bc-river-sparks-social-media-speculation/ Police have received several reports of victims obtaining a new phone through a carrier promotion, only to be contacted days later by someone claiming to represent the provider.
The caller advises that the wrong device was shipped and asks the customer to return it using a prepaid shipping label provided by email.
Believing they are dealing with their se]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimorcmp-warns-public-of-cellphone-scam/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 19:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimorcmp-warns-public-of-cellphone-scam/ Police have received several reports of victims obtaining a new phone through a carrier promotion, only to be contacted days later by someone claiming to represent the provider.
The caller advises that the wrong device was shipped and asks the customer to return it using a prepaid shipping label provided by email.
Believing they are dealing with their s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimorcmp-warns-public-of-cell-phone-scam/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 19:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimorcmp-warns-public-of-cell-phone-scam/ Cribbage players.
I don’t say that – well, yes, I suppose I do – because I’m a participant in the gruelling card game that has fractured familial relationships.
At least, in my family.
Take my late, great Uncle Norm, for example, who once infuriated his brother – my father, Bill – with, as my dad so elequently put it, “such *&^&^%$#@! luck” in a cribbage game that Bill rip]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/seniors-glory-in-the-cards-at-55-bc-games-in-kamloops/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 19:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/seniors-glory-in-the-cards-at-55-bc-games-in-kamloops/ Beachcombers Academy is a B.C. independent school and child care facility that offers care for children aged 30 months to school age and academics for students in kindergarten to grade 7. The academy is a registered non-profit operated by the Beachcombers Education Society.
The ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund supports the new child care spaces,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/little-oysters-in-fanny-bay-celebrates-expansion-of-44-new-child-care-spaces/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 18:56:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/little-oysters-in-fanny-bay-celebrates-expansion-of-44-new-child-care-spaces/ Council heard a presentation by Shayla Day, CEO of DayHomes, who said if approved the pilot project would see pre-booked guests stay for a seasonal term of up to seven months.
“It would operate 24 hours a day with a minimum of two trained staff on site,” Day said during a presentation to council’s Sept. 9 meeting. “Overnight it provides safety. During the day it prov]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/parksville-council-considers-temporary-modular-winter-shelter/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 18:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/parksville-council-considers-temporary-modular-winter-shelter/ A few days ago, Maple Ridge fire chief Dave Samson was watching one such video of New York firefighters racing into one of the towers when he caught the name on the firefighter’s turnout coat.It read “Burnside.”
Samson recognized it immediately. Turns out that back in 2001, day]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/911-a-solemn-reflection-by-a-lower-mainland-fire-chief/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/911-a-solemn-reflection-by-a-lower-mainland-fire-chief/ He said the training curriculum that all the Tour de Rock riders take part in as they prepare for the gruelling 14-day, 1,200-km charity cycling journey is set up to help ensure they succeed.
“I was told that if I follow the curriculum, then I’ll be ready, and I feel ready,” Waltman said a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/josh-waltman-says-hes-ready-for-2026-cops-for-cancer-tour-de-rock/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/josh-waltman-says-hes-ready-for-2026-cops-for-cancer-tour-de-rock/ The pair of games run on Saturday (Sept. 12) at 4 p.m. and Sunday (Sept. 13) at 1 p.m. The Canucks also host a practice at Rogers Forum on Friday (Sept. 11) at 11 a.m.
Abbotsford Canucks fans will be familiar with several of the players hitting the ice including: forwards Vilmer Alriksson, Austin Brimmer, T]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-canucks-seattle-kraken-reveal-rosters-for-prospects-showcase-in-abbotsford/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 07:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-canucks-seattle-kraken-reveal-rosters-for-prospects-showcase-in-abbotsford/ The Ministry of the Attorney General announced Thursday (Sept. 10) that the intersection cameras at some of B.C.’s highest-risk intersections will be getting the upgraded technology.
ICBC has selected Jenoptik Canada through a competitive procurement to supply and install the new cameras and to maintain them for as long as 10 years, the ministry said. The cost comes in at $67 million over the life of the contract.
With]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/icbc-to-replace-all-140-intersection-cameras-with-updated-technology/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 01:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/icbc-to-replace-all-140-intersection-cameras-with-updated-technology/ Four vehicle collisions on Highway 1 within 68 hours between Sicamous and Revelstoke resulted in at least six injuries and three fatalities, Black Press Media reported last week.
This string of crashes and hours-long closures has peaked fear among residents and travellers who rely on the highway.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/people-are-scared-bc-politicians-push-for-safer-highway-1-after-string-of-fatal-collisions/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 01:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/people-are-scared-bc-politicians-push-for-safer-highway-1-after-string-of-fatal-collisions/ Industry advocates say this would create an impossible standard, allowing employees to challenge everything from how hard they are asked to work to crew size to the way a boss speaks to them.
“Essentially, they’re saying every part of a job is a hazard, whether it]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/proposed-worksafebc-changes-would-require-employers-to-consider-psychosocial-hazards/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 01:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/proposed-worksafebc-changes-would-require-employers-to-consider-psychosocial-hazards/ At only 38 years-old, John Tallman, has been diagnosed with aggressive grade 4 astrocytoma, which is a type of Stage 4 brain cancer.
This is not Tallman’s first battle with cancer. About four years ago, he fought and beat the cancer twice; however, in July 2026, the cancer returned.Tallman received brain surgery at Foothills Hospital in Calgary at the beg]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kootenay-family-asks-for-support-after-aggressive-stage-4-cancer-diagnosis/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 23:52:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/kootenay-family-asks-for-support-after-aggressive-stage-4-cancer-diagnosis/ Announced through a press conference on Thursday, Sept. 10, Weihong (Ruby) Liu, chairperson of Central Walk, which owns Woodgrove Centre, was joined with representatives of TM Wander, a marketplace company, and H Mart, an Asian grocery store, which both expressed plans to ope]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/major-development-proposed-for-nanaimos-woodgrove-centre/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 23:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/major-development-proposed-for-nanaimos-woodgrove-centre/ SON, BROTHER, HUSBAND, FRIEND
March 23, 1960 – July 31 2026
Barry Kenneth Mullen, of Vancouver, BC, passed away on the morning of July 31 2026, at the age of 66. He was born on March 23, 1960, in Nanaimo, BC, to Ken and Evelyn Mullen. Barry attended Fairview Elementary, John Barsby Junior Secondary and Nanaimo District Secondary schools before graduating in 1978. Barry went to Malaspina College and the University of Victoria for his post secondary studies, where he explo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/barry-kenneth-mullen/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 23:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/barry-kenneth-mullen/ Three special resolutions are being introduced at the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) conference to advocate for renewed FireSmart funding, the reinstatement of $775 million in axed payouts from the Community Housing Fund, and for the provincial government to stop the “misuse” o]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ubcm-to-take-province-to-task-for-secrecy-funding-cuts-at-annual-conference/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 23:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ubcm-to-take-province-to-task-for-secrecy-funding-cuts-at-annual-conference/ A former teacher with School District 82 has agreed to a lifetime ban on teaching in any position requiring a provincial qualification certificate after admitting to having a sexual relationship with a former student.
Ted Ewald, who has taught at C]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-northwest-bc-teacher-banned-following-sexual-relationship-with-former-student/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 23:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-northwest-bc-teacher-banned-following-sexual-relationship-with-former-student/ When Councillor Tom Duncan asked about the city recently being described as “the worst community in the province,” Beard said the statistics can be misleading when applied to a community of roughly 5,700 people.
The City of Duncan’s 2025 CSI was 336, compared with 140 when the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/duncans-crime-numbers-need-context-rcmp-tells-council/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 23:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/duncans-crime-numbers-need-context-rcmp-tells-council/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/reflecting-on-10-years-of-community-forest-investment-fesbc/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 22:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/reflecting-on-10-years-of-community-forest-investment-fesbc/ Angie Jones, the church’s event coordinator, producer and administrator, said she arrived to work on the morning of Thursday, Sept. 10, to find the vacant house, situated next to St. Andrew’s on church property, had suffered significant damage]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ongoing-property-damage-at-nanaimos-st-andrews-united-church-taking-toll/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 22:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ongoing-property-damage-at-nanaimos-st-andrews-united-church-taking-toll/ The deadline to submit nomination papers is Friday, Sept. 11 at 4 p.m. at the city hall or school board office of interest.
To be eligible to run, candidates must be Canadian citizens, be 18 years or older on voting day, have lived in British Columbia for at least six months before filing nomination papers, and not disqualified.
The general election is Oct. 17.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/time-running-out-for-municipal-election-candidates-school-trustees-in-bc/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 22:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/time-running-out-for-municipal-election-candidates-school-trustees-in-bc/ Donald James Danchella re-elected Wednesday, Sept. 9, to be tried by a B.C. Supreme Court judge alone, the BC Prosecution Service confirmed.
The change came during an appearance at Rossland Law Courts, where defence counsel also sought an adjournment of Danchella’s three-week trial, which had been scheduled to begin Nov. 9.
The adjournment was granted.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/montrose-man-charged-in-murder-of-estranged-wife-opts-for-judge-alone-trial/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 21:54:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/montrose-man-charged-in-murder-of-estranged-wife-opts-for-judge-alone-trial/ That’s because he had a singular focus of fundraising for cancer research.
The 12-year-old Port Hardy boy recently had his long locks lopped off, while raising nearly $6,000 for Cops for Cancer.
As a partnership between first responders and the Canadian Cancer Society, Cops for Cancer has raised millions of dollars to fund pediatric cancer research and support children with]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/port-hardy-boy-donates-long-locks-for-cancer-research/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:56:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/port-hardy-boy-donates-long-locks-for-cancer-research/ On Aug. 25, family members, first responders, politicians and hundreds of friends and supporters gathered on Hillbank Road to mark the first anniversary of the tragedy, pledge their support to others and call for a safer community in Xavier’s memory.
Xavier’s family announced two scholarships in his name.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cowichan-boys-family-marks-1st-anniversary-of-his-death-with-scholarships-safety-push/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:05:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cowichan-boys-family-marks-1st-anniversary-of-his-death-with-scholarships-safety-push/ An officer was attempting to stop the driver on Grand Boulevard in North Vancouver on Aug. 28 at 6:11 p.m., according to a news release from B.C. Highway Patrol Thursday (Sept. 10).
However, instead of stopping, a video of the incident shows the rider going around a white Honda Civic at a stop sign, turning right and continuing on down the road as the officer attempted t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/young-electric-motorcyclist-drives-through-stop-sign-flees-from-bc-police/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 19:54:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/young-electric-motorcyclist-drives-through-stop-sign-flees-from-bc-police/ RCMP asked people to avoid the area as they searched for a 36-year-old woman, who has still not been found.
“At this time, there is no current safety risk to the public related to this investigation,” RCMP said in a press release. “As a result, members of the public may resume normal use of trails and recreational areas in]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rcmp-conclude-search-in-mt-tzouhalem-maple-bay-area-though-woman-not-found/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 19:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rcmp-conclude-search-in-mt-tzouhalem-maple-bay-area-though-woman-not-found/ “Given the terrain in the area, and the condition of the aircraft wreckage, TSB investigators will not be deploying to the site at this time,” a safety board media relation coordinator said in an emailed statement.
“We are however coordinating in the recovery efforts, and we will be examining the wreckage once it has been retrieved from t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-dead-after-bc-bound-flight-crashes-in-alberta-mountainside/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 19:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-dead-after-bc-bound-flight-crashes-in-alberta-mountainside/ That was the decision facing Sooke resident Kevin Morgan when he got a front row seat to a spectacular display of the beauty and brutality of the natural world.
After finishing work Aug. 31 near the Institute of Ocean Sciences in Patricia Bay, Morgan and his colleagues watched as a pod of]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/natural-born-killer-whales-bc-man-witnesses-orca-seal-buffet-hunt/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 19:11:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/natural-born-killer-whales-bc-man-witnesses-orca-seal-buffet-hunt/ George Shirley was a charter member of the Salmon Arm Fire Brigade in the early 1900s, before the city’s fire department was established in 1913.Frederick “Pat” Shirley followed in his father George’s footsteps, serving 40 years as master mechanic, assistant chief and then fire chief of Fire Hall #3. He served as career Deputy Chief/Fire Prevention Officer for]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/salmon-arm-fire-chief-with-long-lineage-legacy-retires-on-911-after-40-years/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 18:04:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/salmon-arm-fire-chief-with-long-lineage-legacy-retires-on-911-after-40-years/ According to an RCMP news release, at approximately 5 a.m. on Sept. 10, Quesnel RCMP located a white Ford F350 that had been reported stolen earlier that morning from Hixon, B.C.
Police approached the vehicle in the parking lot of the Quesnel Recreation Centre in an attempt to apprehend the occupants.
Mounties said the driver rammed police vehicles while trying to flee.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/4-arrested-after-stolen-vehicle-rams-police-cars-in-quesnel/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:41:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/4-arrested-after-stolen-vehicle-rams-police-cars-in-quesnel/ The resort is located along Highway 3, about 67 km east of Hope and 66 km west Princeton.
The resort’s development plan calls for expanded support services, ski areas and lodge facilities, as well as a 60-hectare expansion of its controlled recreation area (CRA). That would increase the existing CRA by 22 per cent and, according to developers, account for less than 0.07 per cent of E.C. M]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/manning-park-resort-outlines-expansion-plan-seeks-public-input/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:52:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/manning-park-resort-outlines-expansion-plan-seeks-public-input/ But there is a difficult question every pet guardian should consider: What happens to my pets if something happens to me?
It isn’t an easy thing to think about. It’s something most of us would rather avoid. But making a plan for your pet’s future is an important part of being a responsible guardian.
A couple of years ago, I went through this exercis]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-what-happens-to-your-pet-if-youre-no-longer-here/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-what-happens-to-your-pet-if-youre-no-longer-here/ Yasin Khan was shot and died in the parking lot at the Wendy’s restaurant at Rock City Centre on May 20, 2021 and Ronald Joseph Campbell, 42 when charged with first-degree murder in 2024, has been on trial in relation at B.C. Supreme Court in Nanaimo since July 20, with Justice Douglas Thompson presiding]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ample-dna-texts-prove-guilt-of-man-in-killing-at-nanaimo-fast-food-joint-says-crown/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/ample-dna-texts-prove-guilt-of-man-in-killing-at-nanaimo-fast-food-joint-says-crown/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mla-candidates-clash-on-affordability-budgets-and-future-of-abbotsford-mission/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:47:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mla-candidates-clash-on-affordability-budgets-and-future-of-abbotsford-mission/ Numbers for the Peace Arch, Pacific Highway, Lynden and Sumas ports of entry show a 49 per cent decline in the number of southbound vehicles with B.C. plates visiting Washington State during Labour Day this year, compared to 2025, and that becomes a drop of 67 per cent when compared to Labour Day 2024.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/southbound-bc-washington-border-crossings-fall-49/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:39:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/southbound-bc-washington-border-crossings-fall-49/ Residents first noticed police activity in the area on Wednesday morning, Sept. 9.
The woman search crews are looking for is described as Caucasian, 5 foot 4 inches and approximately 180 pounds, with long brown hair. She was last seen wearing black pants and a black or blue hoodie.
“The RCMP believes this to be an]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rcmp-asks-public-to-avoid-trails-on-mount-tzouhalem-maple-bay-due-to-ongoing-search/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 01:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rcmp-asks-public-to-avoid-trails-on-mount-tzouhalem-maple-bay-due-to-ongoing-search/ Cho was found suffering from a gunshot wound in his apartment following a call for a wellness check on Aug. 30 around 4 p.m. – hours after Burnaby RCMP were called to the area for a report of shots fired around 1:30 a.m. He was pronounced dead.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team first issued a release on the fatal shooting Tuesday (Sept. 8),]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/family-of-85-year-old-killed-by-stray-bullet-in-burnaby-makes-plea-for-answers/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 01:04:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/family-of-85-year-old-killed-by-stray-bullet-in-burnaby-makes-plea-for-answers/ Just after midnight on Tuesday, Sept. 8, a suspect allegedly gained entry to the Brooks Landing Mall location “by prying open the drive-thru window,” according to a Nanaimo RCMP press release.
RCMP stated that nothing appears to have been taken, and security cameras showed a masked man wearing dark clothing, gloves and a hooded sweatshirt.
The trespasser then left through the front door]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-seeking-to-identify-tim-hortons-night-time-trespasser/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-seeking-to-identify-tim-hortons-night-time-trespasser/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-moj-bc-lions-look-for-some-revenge-against-als-saturday-at-bc-place/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-moj-bc-lions-look-for-some-revenge-against-als-saturday-at-bc-place/ The Board of Education is crediting the gains to changes in teaching and assessment practices that have been developed and refined over the past several years.
In B.C., literacy encompasses a student’s ability to understand, critically analyze and create a variety of forms of communication, inc]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cowichan-valley-students-see-double-digit-gains-in-literacy-rates/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cowichan-valley-students-see-double-digit-gains-in-literacy-rates/ Save Record Ridge Action Committee is urging the B.C. government not to issue an Environmental Management Act permit that would authorize certain discharges to air and water from the proposed Record Ridge open-pit mine, located about seven kilometres southwest of Rossland.Th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/discharge-permit-for-proposed-magnesium-mine-near-rossland-draws-local-opposition/Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/discharge-permit-for-proposed-magnesium-mine-near-rossland-draws-local-opposition/ “Its mandate should be clear: get economically viable wood moving, reduce costs, remove regulatory barriers, stabilize fibre supply, protect operating businesses, and retain—not retrain—British Columbia’s skilled forestry workforce,” the letter says.
The group, w]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-forestry-groups-say-industry-at-breaking-point/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 23:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-forestry-groups-say-industry-at-breaking-point/ According to a news release by Oceanside RCMP, witnesses reported the vehicle was driven in an erratic manner prior to the crash and evidence obtained by police investigators suggests alcohol impairment by the driver as a contributing factor.
The crash involved a white Kia Forte going off the right side of the highway landing and overturned in a forested area. The mal]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rcmp-alcohol-impairment-suspected-in-parksville-highway-crash/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 23:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rcmp-alcohol-impairment-suspected-in-parksville-highway-crash/ The police incident was for naught, the Kelowna RCMP have confirmed.
Around 8:40 a.m., the RCMP responded to a report of a break and enter in progress in the 700-block of DeHart Avenue.“A resident reported to police that an unknown individual was inside their home and had barricaded themself after their presence became known,” said Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Steven Lang. “Based on the information available at the time and out of an abundance of c]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/update-no-one-in-home-break-and-enter-evidence-not-found-at-police-presence-in-kelowna/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 22:59:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/update-no-one-in-home-break-and-enter-evidence-not-found-at-police-presence-in-kelowna/ Victoria 6 Saanich 5 (OT)
Second star Dalton Toma’s second goal and third point of the night at 5:34 of overtime gave defending VIJHL champion Victoria Cougars a 6-5 decision over the host Saanich Predators in front of 176 fans at George Pearkes Arena in the opening game of the 2026-27 season Friday, Sept. 4.
First star Avery Lowe paced the Cougars with a hat trick, while captain Grady Sluggett had the other marker for Vi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-junior-hockey-league-highlights-for-week-ending-sept-6/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 22:26:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-junior-hockey-league-highlights-for-week-ending-sept-6/ Cronin said her three kids are missing their four-legged buddy that the family has had since Bowdie was a pup.
“Instead of heading back to school with happy summer memories they are absolutely crushed,” the Murrayville resident said.
A friend posted a missing poster on a community social m]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/wheres-bowdie-the-french-bulldog-from-langley/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 22:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/wheres-bowdie-the-french-bulldog-from-langley/ In a Sept. 9 post to their Facebook account, the RCMP said they will also be monitoring the safe operation of bicycles, e-bikes and other modes of personal transportation.
“You can expect to see an increased police presence around schools during drop-off and pick-up times,” said Inspector Scott Mercer, officer in charge]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/comox-valley-rcmp-ramps-up-school-zone-enforcement/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 21:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/comox-valley-rcmp-ramps-up-school-zone-enforcement/ Angel Forrest: A Beautiful Life will be happening at The Queen’s on Sept. 10, with doors at 6:30 p.m. and show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.showpass.com.Easels & Death Drops will be playing indie rock, surf and garage rock at The Vault Cafe on Sept. 10 at 9 p.m. Cost is $15.Highwaymen Show will be playing at the Port Theatre on Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. paying tribute to the great American outlaws of country music: Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kri]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/whats-on-sept-9/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 21:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/whats-on-sept-9/ An officer was on Highway 99, also known as the Sea to Sky Highway, near Porteau Cove on Monday (Sept. 7) when they clocked a white Toyota Corolla allegedly doing 133 km/h in an 80 zone, a news release from B.C. Highway Patrol Wednesday (Sept. 9) said.
Police say the Corolla was a taxi and the passenger in the back seat had allegedly just lost their own vehicle to an e]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/taxi-impounded-for-going-133-kmh-in-an-80-zone-on-bcs-sea-to-sky-highway/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 20:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/taxi-impounded-for-going-133-kmh-in-an-80-zone-on-bcs-sea-to-sky-highway/ Firefighters and RCMP were called to the structure fire off Goose Lake Road, on Raven Road, around noon Sept. 7.
Although there was significant damage to the home, no injuries were reported.
But one person was arrested at the scene in connection with the fire.
The Vernon man appeared in court and has been remanded in custody pending a bail hearing.
The investigation remains ongoing and no further details will be]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/arrest-made-in-vernon-house-fire/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 19:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/arrest-made-in-vernon-house-fire/ And for those at the start of their post-secondary journey, the advice was clear: have fun.
“Don’t shy away from experiences,” said Royal Roads student Gigi Garima. “Sometimes we get so stuck just trying to study and keeping our heads down, we sometimes miss out on unnoticed opportunities that exist around us.”
After a summer]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-students-embrace-new-opportunities-at-john-horgan-campus/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 19:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-students-embrace-new-opportunities-at-john-horgan-campus/ Police, BC EHS and Parksville Fire Rescue responded to the collision in the 100 block of Island Highway East, at the intersection with Craig Street at 1:45 p.m.
“The investigation determined a vehicle was slowly reversing from a parking stall on Craig Street, sped up and continued reversing into the wall of the bank,” said Sgt. Shane Worth. “It is believed the driver of the vehicle depressed the accelerator]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/1-person-taken-to-hospital-after-vehicle-crashes-through-wall-of-parksville-bank/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 18:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/1-person-taken-to-hospital-after-vehicle-crashes-through-wall-of-parksville-bank/ In a press release, Nanaimo RCMP stated that on Sept. 4, Nanaimo RCMP, Air 8 and regional policing partners from Oceanside and Comox undertook a traffic enforcement initiative, resulting in over 100 charges under the Motor Vehicle Act, nine warnings and more.
In one incident, a motorcyclist wa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-regional-partners-issue-100-charges-under-the-motor-vehicle-act-in-one-day-blitz/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 18:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-rcmp-regional-partners-issue-100-charges-under-the-motor-vehicle-act-in-one-day-blitz/ As thousands of students across the country prepared to return to school, the University of Victoria welcomed more than 3,000 students, including 2,400 newcomers, moving into its residences from Sept. 6 to 7.
Among them was Joseph Golbey from Vancouver, who is about to begin his undergraduate studies in psychology.
Despite the lack of sleep and tiredness from moving, the youn]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/a-new-chapter-university-of-victorias-moving-day-welcomes-3000-students/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 18:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/a-new-chapter-university-of-victorias-moving-day-welcomes-3000-students/ A wooden ‘Donald J. Trump Memorial’ plaque appeared above the washroom, quickly gaining traction online before disappearing later Sunday evening.Colleen Mycroft, a City spokesperson, said staff were alerted to the sign on Sunday (Sept. 6) and removed it at around 6 p.m.
Mycroft also said there is no CCTV footage available in the area.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/donald-j-trump-memorial-bathroom-plaque-removed-by-city-of-victoria/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 18:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/donald-j-trump-memorial-bathroom-plaque-removed-by-city-of-victoria/ September 15th, 1931 – August 27th, 2026
It is with deep sadness, yet with profound gratitude for a life well lived, that Heather, David, Susan, Scott and their families announce the death of their beloved mother and grandmother, Gwen. Mom died on Thursday, August 27th, just 2 1⁄2 weeks shy of her 95th birthday.
Mom was born in Toronto and grew up in the beach district near Lake Ontario. She graduated from Malvern Collegiate in 1949. Mom was a gifted musician and r]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rev-phyllis-gwendolynne-gwen-boyd/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/rev-phyllis-gwendolynne-gwen-boyd/ Corraini stated that in today’s time, the world seems like an exploding clown car, only without a ringmaster, that it is chaotic, senseless and uncertain. Paintings of rampaging c]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/artist-dressed-like-a-clown-showcasing-art-about-current-state-of-the-world/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/artist-dressed-like-a-clown-showcasing-art-about-current-state-of-the-world/ Homeowners at Crown Villa have been without power since April 10, when Technical Safety BC (TSBC) shut off electricity there due to a need for critical repairs to the park’s electrical system which was causing a significant safety risk. The park’s water supply relies on a pump that needs electricity to operat]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/residents-at-powerless-bc-trailer-park-form-protest-against-owner/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 02:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/residents-at-powerless-bc-trailer-park-form-protest-against-owner/ “[VIU is] on the Island, which really attracted me, and it has a lot of field-based and nature-based programs,” said Nelson.
The Nanaimo campus is “gorgeous” and “very hilly,” and Nelson s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-students-getting-the-feel-for-vancouver-island-universitys-nanaimo-campus/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 01:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-students-getting-the-feel-for-vancouver-island-universitys-nanaimo-campus/ The University of BC says the pelt, which has spent more than a century in storage, is coming the closest it has been to home since it was sent to the Smithsonian Institution in 1859.
On loan from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, it will be on display at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC from September 2026 to August 2027.
Woolly dogs were specially bred by Salish and Makah peoples for t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/woolly-dog-pelt-on-loan-to-bc-museum-from-the-smithsonian/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 01:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/woolly-dog-pelt-on-loan-to-bc-museum-from-the-smithsonian/ Rabu, a two-time Jessie Award winner, Juno nominee and recipient of the Nanaimo Arts and Culture Ambassador award, has been performing worldwide since 1983.
Nico Rhodes, who is Rabu’s son, is well-known locally for his annual Hul]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mother-and-son-duo-to-perform-in-three-concerts-across-vancouver-island/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:54:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/mother-and-son-duo-to-perform-in-three-concerts-across-vancouver-island/ Soon, they will also be informed that Canada will “NEVER be the 51st state,” disarmingly followed by an added “Sorry!”
Premier David Eby unveiled the new signage at a rally in Victoria’s inner harbour on Tuesday (Sept. 8), which included flags, face paint and a performance by Port Hardy rapper OGR-Scintilla]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-planting-new-signs-at-bc-border-to-welcome-americans-during-trade-war/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/eby-planting-new-signs-at-bc-border-to-welcome-americans-during-trade-war/ ​West Kelowna RCMP is investigating a report involving a teenage girl who was allegedly chased by a person wearing a costume resembling the fictional character.
​According to police, the girl was walking outside when the incident occurred, but she managed to return home safely.
​RCMP said wearing a costume is n]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/young-girl-chased-in-west-kelowna-by-someone-in-a-dr-seuss-costume/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:39:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/young-girl-chased-in-west-kelowna-by-someone-in-a-dr-seuss-costume/ The 30 lawsuits were filed in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California in the San Francisco division on Sept. 2. The Edelson law firm filed these suits, as well as the ones on behalf of the victims killed back in the spring.
The plaintiffs in the suits include a 19-year-old student shot in the che]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/30-more-lawsuits-filed-against-openai-altman-in-tumbler-ridge-mass-shooting/Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/30-more-lawsuits-filed-against-openai-altman-in-tumbler-ridge-mass-shooting/ The popular event, which will draw Canucks players, coaches and many other golfers to the two Northview courses on Monday, Sept. 14, is a fundraiser for Canucks For Kids Fund and Vancouver Canucks Alumni Foundation.
Last year’s tournament raised more than $676,000, “providing vita]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fans-can-winbid-on-big-prizes-tied-to-canucks-charity-golf-tourney-sept-14-in-surrey/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 23:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/fans-can-winbid-on-big-prizes-tied-to-canucks-charity-golf-tourney-sept-14-in-surrey/ The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team identified Chang Yong Cho as the victim in a news release Tuesday (Sept. 8) in an effort to advance the investigation. He is believed to have been an innocent victim hit by a stray bullet while inside his Burnaby home on Aug. 30.
This is the first news release police have issued regardi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/innocent-victim-85-killed-inside-his-burnaby-home-by-stray-bullet-police/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 22:23:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/innocent-victim-85-killed-inside-his-burnaby-home-by-stray-bullet-police/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/3-okanagan-grad-students-win-big-for-wildlife-contributions/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 21:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/3-okanagan-grad-students-win-big-for-wildlife-contributions/ The former St. Mary’s Residential School on Lougheed Highway in Mission is expected to be demolished next year.
According to a notice from the Stó:lō Collective shared by Tsawwassen First Nation on Saturday (Sept. 5), full deconstruction of the site is slated for 2027 with a proposed Interpretive Centre projected to open to the public in 2028.
“Demolish]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-bc-residential-school-to-be-demolished/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 20:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/former-bc-residential-school-to-be-demolished/ Patty Hall has spent 25 years working for coffee chain and Canadian staple Tim Hortons, with the majority of that time behind the counter at the 1820 Island Hwy. branch.
Online reviews routinely praise Hall as “the sweetest” and “the most polite person I&rsq]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-coffee-legend-serves-double-double-dose-of-friendship/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 20:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-island-coffee-legend-serves-double-double-dose-of-friendship/ Instead of looking to file a formal recall petition, the group now intends to put a spotlight on Armstrong’s actions as the MLA of the Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream riding.
“We are here because you have failed to do the job this riding elected you to do. You campaigned as a conservative on housing, affordability, and healthcare, the issues that matter mo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/campaigners-still-hopeful-to-recall-kelowna-lake-country-coldstream-mla-tara-armstrong/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/campaigners-still-hopeful-to-recall-kelowna-lake-country-coldstream-mla-tara-armstrong/ Instead of looking to file a formal recall petition, the group now intends to put a spotlight on Armstrong’s actions as the MLA of the Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream riding.
“We are here because you have failed to do the job this riding elected you to do. You campaigned as a conservative on housing, affordability, and healthcare, the issues that matter mo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/campaigners-still-hopeful-to-recall-kelowna-lake-country-coldstream-mla/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/campaigners-still-hopeful-to-recall-kelowna-lake-country-coldstream-mla/ The BC SPCA officially celebrated the grand opening of its Vancouver Island Animal Behaviour Centre, a specialized facility designed to support animals who need additional time, space and behavioural care before they are ready for adoption.
BC SPCA CEO Craig Daniell said the centre comes at a time when more animals entering the organization’s care req]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-bc-spca-behaviour-centre-opens-in-cowichan/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:22:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/new-bc-spca-behaviour-centre-opens-in-cowichan/ Charges against Dosanjh were laid on Sept. 3 and the Vancouver Police Department’s (VPD) chief constable announced more details the following day.In a statement]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-cop-who-runs-surrey-foundation-for-kids-denies-all-fraud-amp-theft-lsquoallegationsrsquo/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vancouver-cop-who-runs-surrey-foundation-for-kids-denies-all-fraud-amp-theft-lsquoallegationsrsquo/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-knowing-how-to-report-a-wildfire-is-half-the-battle/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:57:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-knowing-how-to-report-a-wildfire-is-half-the-battle/ A party that was elected at 44 seats now has just 28, and theories – and likely bets – on who is next to leave swirl around the media landscape.
The party began losing members far before the election of Kerry-Lynne Findlay as leader, but it picked up, with seven MLAs leaving just in August alone, all citing leadership concerns.
Findlay was always a divisive choice during the leadership race, de]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/editorial-findlays-bc-conservative-party-gets-thinner-and-thinner/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/editorial-findlays-bc-conservative-party-gets-thinner-and-thinner/ Sherron Soo, chair and founder of the newly formed Nanaimo Chinese Heritage Foundation, said the heritage event will mark the 66th anniversary of the fire, which occurred on Sept. 30, 1960.
The city’s third and fourth Chinatowns, located in the Pine and Hecate street area from 1908 until the fire, had a population of approximately 1,200 people at the heig]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-fire-that-destroyed-nanaimos-last-chinatown-to-be-commemorated/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-fire-that-destroyed-nanaimos-last-chinatown-to-be-commemorated/ When the district approved a concept plan for the park in 2008, the vision was relatively simple: one tennis court, plenty of open grass and space for the community to enjoy.
There was, of course, one glaring omission. Pickleball had not yet become the phenomenon it is today.
Now, 18 years after that original plan, Fowler Park is preparing for a very different future.
The district will soft la]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/here-to-stay-saanich-answers-pickleball-demand-with-fowler-park-soft-launch/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/here-to-stay-saanich-answers-pickleball-demand-with-fowler-park-soft-launch/ “It feels good,” Little told The Scoop on Port Alberni after he picked up his cheque and trophy. “We didn’t know where to go because it’s been tough fishing out there. We were staying down the canal (Alberni Inlet). We just decided to run ove]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/derek-little-the-big-winner-at-2026-port-alberni-salmon-derby/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/derek-little-the-big-winner-at-2026-port-alberni-salmon-derby/ Beginning Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, homeowners can apply for interest-free financing to retrofit their homes with energy-efficient options.
Following a successful intake in the spring of 2025 that supported 14 home retrofits to improve home comfort and lower their energy bills, the city is opening the program up again for new applications.
The program offers up to $15,000 in interest-free loans to help]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-opening-up-second-intake-of-interest-free-loans-for-green-retrofits-of-homes-program/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 03:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-opening-up-second-intake-of-interest-free-loans-for-green-retrofits-of-homes-program/ The Victoria Golf Club member fired a spectacular four-under-par 66 on Aug. 31 to win the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) Mini Tour nationals.
Chang topped a 28-player field to win the boys nine-and-10 division by four strokes. He finished the two-day tournament at Tsawwassen Springs with a 36-hole total of 139, putting him safely ahead of Richmond runner-up Robin Lai at 143.
The national title di]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-comeback-was-on-young-oak-bay-golfer-shoots-sizzling-66-to-win-national-title/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/the-comeback-was-on-young-oak-bay-golfer-shoots-sizzling-66-to-win-national-title/ Fiona Blackburn, artistic director of Malaspina Choir and Island Bel Canto Singers, put out a release, encouraging participation for health benefits.
In the release, Blackburn wrote that singing in groups lifts moods and reduces stress, promotes social bonding, improves memory, eases breathing, improves speech, aids in posture and is good for the heart and immune system. She added, singing is a life]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-choral-director-highlighting-health-benefits-of-joining-a-choir/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-choral-director-highlighting-health-benefits-of-joining-a-choir/ The hiker had a suspected lower-limb injury near an area known as the Old Steam Donkey, according to the Alberni Valley Rescue Squad, which said the location meant “a traditional stretcher carry was not an option.”
The Old Steam Donkey, near kilometre 72, sits just across the water from Port Renfrew, separated by Port San Juan.
Parks Canada’s Visito]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/injured-hiker-airlifted-from-west-coast-trail-near-port-renfrew/Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/injured-hiker-airlifted-from-west-coast-trail-near-port-renfrew/ The mural is painted on the back wall of the Misty Mountain music store. Archer said he came up with the idea after Parton’s death on Aug. 25 as a way to remember the Queen of Country music.
“After I heard about the passing, I thought it would be necessary. She was big enough and well remembered, and positive that it would be appropriate for me to do the tribute.&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/grand-forks-muralist-nears-150-murals-painted-after-dolly-parton-tribute/Mon, 07 Sep 2026 23:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/grand-forks-muralist-nears-150-murals-painted-after-dolly-parton-tribute/ In a press release, Nanaimo Historical Society said Steve Wood, a VIU student completing a bachelor of arts honours degree in history, will give the Vancouver Island University: Stories of the Early Days presentation at Bowen Park complex on Thursday, Sept. 10 beginning at 7 p.m.
Wood interviewed staff and faculty from the early days of the post-secondary institution]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/presentation-to-take-people-on-a-trip-down-vius-memory-lane/Mon, 07 Sep 2026 21:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/presentation-to-take-people-on-a-trip-down-vius-memory-lane/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/opinion-celebrating-bcs-workers-on-labour-day/Mon, 07 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/opinion-celebrating-bcs-workers-on-labour-day/ Work that CUPE Local 1858 members do at all of Vancouver Island University’s campuses, including in Nanaimo, is encompassing, Tiffany McLaughlin, local president, told the News Bulletin.
“I don’t think there’s a single department on campus that doesn’t have a CUPE worker,” she said. “We do everything from housekeeping in student residences. I think at the end of 2023, a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/union-members-cogs-that-make-the-vancouver-island-university-machine-work/Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/union-members-cogs-that-make-the-vancouver-island-university-machine-work/ The rainwater and stormwater runoff interacting with fine woody materials and galvanized mill infrastructure will shortly all be directed into an almost natural setting.“]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/saltair-sawmill-putting-in-artificial-marsh-to-filter-runoff/Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/saltair-sawmill-putting-in-artificial-marsh-to-filter-runoff/ The day is set aside each year to celebrate the achievements of working people.
It is also seen as the end of the summer season in Canada, and many students return to school immediately after Labour Day.
In honour of working people, here are 12 questions about labour and the way work is portrayed in popular culture.
How many can you answer correctly?
Good luck.Loading…]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quiz-a-celebration-of-labour/Mon, 07 Sep 2026 13:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quiz-a-celebration-of-labour/ Nanaimo Fire Rescue, RCMP and ambulance personnel have responded to the the incident, where a vehicle has reportedly driven into the front doors of a Rexall store located at the 1700 block of Dufferin Crescent.
RCMP is currently investigating.
More to come…]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/reports-indicate-vehicle-crashes-into-doors-of-nanaimo-rexall-store/Mon, 07 Sep 2026 01:03:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/reports-indicate-vehicle-crashes-into-doors-of-nanaimo-rexall-store/ Nanaimo Fire Rescue, RCMP and ambulance personnel have responded to the the incident, where a vehicle has reportedly driven into the front doors of a Rexall store located at the 1700 block of Dufferin Crescent.
RCMP is currently investigating.
More to come…]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/breaking-reports-indicate-vehicle-crashes-into-doors-of-nanaimo-rexall-store/Mon, 07 Sep 2026 01:03:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/breaking-reports-indicate-vehicle-crashes-into-doors-of-nanaimo-rexall-store/ Jim Delorme, president of the Nanaimo and District Men’s Shed, said that the goal is for the places to become a neighbourhood book exchange.
“They’re mounted at a height where kids can get at]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-mens-shed-building-dozens-of-tiny-neighbourhood-libraries-around-the-district/Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-mens-shed-building-dozens-of-tiny-neighbourhood-libraries-around-the-district/ The picnic, which is set to take place on Monday, Sept. 7 in Ladysmith, promises food, music, and fun, with bouncy castles, as well as face painting and hot dogs.John Humphrey, president of the labour council, says that the picnic allows for workers to celebrate the contributions the working class make every day, as well as to call on governments to protect the rights that help workers negotiate fair wages, s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-duncan-and-district-labour-council-will-hold-free-picnic-in-ladysmith/Sun, 06 Sep 2026 20:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/nanaimo-duncan-and-district-labour-council-will-hold-free-picnic-in-ladysmith/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/thorpe-report-youth-soccer-fills-the-pitch/Sun, 06 Sep 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/thorpe-report-youth-soccer-fills-the-pitch/ BC EHS, Parksville Fire Rescue, Nanoose Bay Fire Department and RCMP all responded to the incident, according to Capt. Eric Miller with Parksville Fire Rescue.
The northbound lanes were closed as of 9:30 a.m., according to DriveBC, with a detour in effect.
“The vehicle was northbound on Highway 19 when it went off-road right, just past the Exit 46 northbound on-]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-injured-in-single-vehicle-highway-crash-near-parksville/Sun, 06 Sep 2026 19:54:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/2-injured-in-single-vehicle-highway-crash-near-parksville/ The store specializes in gender-neutral and men’s vintage clothing from the 1990’s and older.
Owner Colby Spence said they also sell toys, books, records, CDs, magazines and other nostalgic items that fit that time period.
Cobra & Co. Vintage is not Spence’s first business venture, but it is his first vintage store.
He has been involved in several businesses since 2001, including a skateboard cl]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/business-notes-cobra-amp-co-vintage-opens-on-nicol-street/Sun, 06 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/business-notes-cobra-amp-co-vintage-opens-on-nicol-street/ First star Koen Gauthier and second star Ethan Hill both had a goal and two assists to power the Campbell River Storm to a 4-1 victory over the Comox Valley Glacier Kings in their VIJHL season opener Saturday night in front of 593 fans at the Comox Valley Sports Centre.
Third star Aidan Yu and Dublin McGuire and Aidan Yu had the other Storm scores as the visitors led 1-0 and 4-0 by periods, and received]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vijhl-storm-bombers-earn-wins-in-season-openers/Sun, 06 Sep 2026 09:03:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/vijhl-storm-bombers-earn-wins-in-season-openers/ The Elliot Freedman Group will be playing at the Simonholt Restaurant on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Luis Porretta, owner of Quadwrangle Music Productions, said that it’s a very unique lineup with the mix of musicians, and a fusion between the different styles of jazz and complex arrangements.The group consists of Elliot Freedman on baritone guitar, John Stowell on]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/elliot-freedman-group-will-be-performing-in-nanaimos-simonholt-restaurant/Sun, 06 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/elliot-freedman-group-will-be-performing-in-nanaimos-simonholt-restaurant/ My husband and I are avid cyclists and have been using the Parkway Trail regularly to get into town from our home in the Cinnabar Valley since we moved here in 2015. In the past few years, the section we use most frequently, from Mckewan Road to the Colliery Dam Park, had become increasingly hazardous, with numerous bumps and divots worsening year by year, caused by the large tree underground root system. We sometimes avoided using it because of the danger of falling.
We are very]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/letter-to-the-editor-parkway-trail-improvements-make-a-difference/Sat, 05 Sep 2026 20:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/letter-to-the-editor-parkway-trail-improvements-make-a-difference/ According to a Sept. 4 BC RCMP statement, officers from the RCMP Southeast District Emergency Response Team were assisting Creston RCMP in the execution of a search warrant on Ski Hill Road on Sept. 3 at approximately 10:11 a.m. when the incident occurred.
RCMP said officers encountered a man on the property who fled into a travel trailer after being told he was un]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-police-watchdog-investigating-rcmp-involved-shooting-near-salmo/Sat, 05 Sep 2026 19:52:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-police-watchdog-investigating-rcmp-involved-shooting-near-salmo/ It’s a road she’s unwaveringly hoping to stay on for the foreseeable future.
The 43-year-old mother of three and grandma to one was unhoused not all that long ago.
But she knew the lifestyle of drugs, alcohol and the street was not sustainable.
Joseph shared her story as someone with lived experience during Campbell River’s International Overdose Awareness Day event at Spirit Square on Aug. 31.
“I was living outsid]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sobriety-one-day-at-a-time-for-campbell-river-peer-support-advocate/Sat, 05 Sep 2026 19:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/sobriety-one-day-at-a-time-for-campbell-river-peer-support-advocate/https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/duncans-honeybee-lane-offers-up-close-bee-experience/Sat, 05 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/duncans-honeybee-lane-offers-up-close-bee-experience/ It’s only recently that I learned that handwriting is actually called “cursive”, but I always referred to it simply as writing and it was something that my peers and I learned to do at an early stage in our education.
It was integral to our learning process and I remember, as a kid, teachers drilling into our brains how to write each letter of the alphabet and then put]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-cursive-writing-should-be-taught-again-in-bc-schools/Sat, 05 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/column-cursive-writing-should-be-taught-again-in-bc-schools/ The city of Penticton, B.C. has the Peach Festival. Morden, Man. has the Corn and Apple Festival. Nova Scotia has Chowderfest. There are also other food festivals held across the country.
How much do you know about Canadian foods and food production? Put your knowledge to the test with these 10 questions.
Good luck.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quiz-a-tasty-celebration-of-food/Sat, 05 Sep 2026 13:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/quiz-a-tasty-celebration-of-food/ Victoria 6 Saanich 5 (OT)
Second star Dalton Toma’s second goal and third point of the night at 5:34 of overtime gave defending VIJHL champion Victoria Cougars a 6-5 decision over the host Saanich Predators in front of 176 fans at George Pearkes Arena in the opening game of the 2026-27 season.
First star Avery Lowe paced the Cougars with a hat trick, while captain Grady Sluggett had the other marker for Victoria, which]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cougars-bucs-and-wolves-take-vijhl-openers/Sat, 05 Sep 2026 07:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/cougars-bucs-and-wolves-take-vijhl-openers/ Quarterback Davis Alexander threw for 297 yards and a touchdown, lifting the Montreal Alouettes to a 37-30 win over the visiting Lions in CFL action Friday at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium.
A big third quarter propelled the Als (10-2) to their home triumph, as they ended a five-game win streak for the Lions, who slipped to 6-6 on the year.
Tyler Snead had a pair of touchdowns for the victors, with Liam Talbot and Tyrice Beverette also adding TDs. Kicker]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-lions-see-5-game-win-streak-end-in-37-30-loss-to-montreal-alouettes/Sat, 05 Sep 2026 04:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/bc-lions-see-5-game-win-streak-end-in-37-30-loss-to-montreal-alouettes/ Defections, firings, and resignations have happened so quickly that it’s been hard to keep up.
So here is a review: Over the first two months of Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s tenure following her May 30 leadership race win, a raft of party and caucus officials were fired or resigned.
In their place, people such as former B.C. Reform Party president Chris Delaney, former Albert]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/how-the-bc-conservatives-went-from-rising-force-to-party-in-turmoil/Sat, 05 Sep 2026 02:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/how-the-bc-conservatives-went-from-rising-force-to-party-in-turmoil/ In the Sept. 14, 2010, edition of the News Bulletin, the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union stated it was planning to appeal an arbitrator’s decision to exclude some senior positions from the union contract.
The story made the front page.
According to the arbitrator’s decision, all managers on large and intermediate vessels, senior chief engineers in]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/headline-history-ferry-workers-union-fights-for-collective-bargaining/Sat, 05 Sep 2026 01:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/headline-history-ferry-workers-union-fights-for-collective-bargaining/ Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas, West Kelowna Mayor Gord Milsom, Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield, Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming, Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen and Mary Wilbur of the Osoyoos Indian Band spoke to media outside the Okanagan Correctional Centre (OCC) in Oliver to utilize it for mandatory care for those in the grips of addiction.
&l]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/okanagan-mayors-to-bring-mandatory-care-facility-pitch-to-province-at-ubcm/Sat, 05 Sep 2026 01:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/okanagan-mayors-to-bring-mandatory-care-facility-pitch-to-province-at-ubcm/ The youth appeared in Supreme Court in Kelowna the morning of Sept. 4 to enter the guilty plea and is expected back in court Nov. 16.Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, information that could identify those who were minors at the time of an alleged offence is banned from publication.The plea is for their involvement in the death of 22-year-old Taig Savage. The youn]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/youth-pleads-guilty-to-manslaughter-5-years-after-penticton-mans-death/Sat, 05 Sep 2026 00:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-ca/region/nanaimo/youth-pleads-guilty-to-manslaughter-5-years-after-penticton-mans-death/