Nanaimo news

• Shifting winds could increase activity on Quilpituk Creek wildfire

  10-08-2026 18:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Quilpituk Creek wildfire remains out of control, with afternoon winds potentially increasing activity later in the day on Aug. 10.
  The fire remains at an estimated 1,238 hectares in size, unchanged from the previous update by the BC Wildfire Service on Sunday, Aug. 9.
  Heavy smoke from the fire is expected to remain in the area through the day.Controlled burns that were planned to remove 100 hectares of unburnt fuel between the fire perimeter and established control lines on Aug. 9 weren&rsqu
  
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• Highway 97 opens between Penticton and Peachland for ‘through traffic only’

  13-08-2026 20:26 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  DriveBC says Highway 97 is opening between Penticton and Peachland for “through traffic only” as the region continues to contend with the out-of-control Bald Range wildfire.
  There will be no stopping in the area except for vehicles with approved permit holders at Prairie Valley Road, the provincial road service said.
  The stretch of highway will be open to public traffic from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to allow crews to access the site overnight.
  Speeds have also been reduced to 70 km/h in the
  
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• BC SPCA working to save stranded animals in wildfire zones

  13-08-2026 20:12 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The BC SPCA has boarded over 100 animals as wildfires rage across B.C.
  Nearly 110 wildfires are active in the province right now, spurring 51 evacuation orders in different communities.
  The BC SPCA said many people have had to leave their home and “make the impossible decision” to leave their animals behind.
  Those worried about their marooned animals in evacuation zones have a helping hand, as the BC SPCA’s Animal Protection Service team is offering support by going beyond the
  
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• Schematic designs underway for future Nanaimo south end community centre

  13-08-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The City of Nanaimo is moving forward with schematic designs for the new and long-anticipated south end community centre.
  Lisa Bhopalsingh, Nanaimo’s general manager of community services and deputy CAO, told the joint inter-jurisdictional Special District 68 Sports Field and Recreation Committee at a recent meeting that quite a bit of work has been done by city staff since the announcement of the purchase of the land for the centre in July, 2025.
  She said some of the elements that council
  
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• Many of Nanaimo’s recreational facilities being upgraded

  13-08-2026 19:58 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The City of Nanaimo is spending millions of dollars this year on its recreational facilities.
  Charlotte Davis, the city’s acting director of parks, recreation and culture, told the joint inter-jurisdictional Special District 68 Sports Field and Recreation Committee at a recent meeting that there are a number of priorities that are being dealt with at a number of facilities.
  They include an $11.7-million multi-year project to replace and renew the sloped roof and structural components at th
  
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• Vancouver Island aviation manufacturing company receives $1M in tariff-relief funding

  13-08-2026 19:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A Parksville-area company will receive $1 million in funding, part the federal government’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative, which includes $30.5 million for 24 B.C.-based companies.
  The investment will help COTA Aviation, a majority Indigenous–owned company that manufactures specialized parts for aircraft and defence applications, purchase and install advanced equipment to produce gears for use in aircraft and defence systems in B.C., according to a news release by Pacific Econo
  
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• Lifejackets save lives: Rise in B.C. drownings prompts reminder from EHS

  13-08-2026 19:42 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  British Columbia is seeing a rise in accidental drowning deaths this summer, prompting a renewed public safety push across the province.
  ​Data from the BC Coroners Service shows 40 accidental drowning deaths between May 1 and July 16, including six drowning-related deaths on Okanagan Lake, with five of them being confirmed drownings. This number is up from the 26 deaths that occurred during the same time period last summer.
  Of note, Okanagan Lake is the deadliest lake in the province.
  R
  
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• Bear country roars for All-Stars: Grizzlies host BCHL’s best at Island event

  13-08-2026 19:16 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The BCHL’s best will be gliding into Colwood in January.
  Next season’s All-Star weekend will be hosted by the Victoria Grizzlies at the Q Centre.
  Across two days, action on the ice will include a Canada versus the World All-Star game, plus a skills competition and an alumni and friends game. BCHL alliance leagues the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League and the Western International Junior Hockey League will also participate in the event.
  “We are incredibly honoured that the B
  
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• B.C. seeks public feedback on Williams Lake timber supply and future harvest levels

  13-08-2026 18:42 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The public is being invited to provide feedback on the timber supply review for the Williams Lake timber supply area before early October.
  According to a B.C. government press release, residents can share their thoughts on the discussion paper by submitting their comments before Oct. 5.
  The B.C. government said the discussion paper provides the results of a timber supply analysis and describes the current legal requirements, geography, natural resources and forest management practices of the Wil
  
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• Three arrested in Port McNeill after drug trafficking investigation, drugs, cash and guns seized

  13-08-2026 18:24 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Port McNeill RCMP and Island District General Investigation Section (GIS) have arrested three people and seized a substantial amount of illicit drugs, cash, firearms, contraband tobacco, and vehicles connected to a drug trafficking investigation.
  RMCP and GIS officers executed multiple search warrants on residents and vehicles in the North Island area during the investigation. The three arrested individuals are believed to be involved in trafficking controlled substances.
  Officers seized mor
  
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• 3 arrested in Port McNeill after RCMP and GIS seize illicit drugs, cash, firearms

  13-08-2026 18:24 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Port McNeill RCMP and Island District General Investigation Section (GIS) have arrested three people and seized a substantial amount of illicit drugs, cash, firearms, contraband tobacco, and vehicles connected to a drug trafficking investigation.
  RMCP and GIS officers executed multiple search warrants on residents and vehicles in the North Island area during the investigation. The three arrested individuals are believed to be involved in trafficking controlled substances.
  Officers seized mor
  
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• UPDATE: Quilpituk Creek wildfire being held, area being assessed before residents can return home

  13-08-2026 17:34 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE 8:23 a.m.
  The Quilpituk Creek wildfire is being held, according to BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
  Being held means that “based on fuel and weather conditions and resource availability, to remain within the current perimeter, control line or boundary.”
  At this time, all evacuation orders and alerts remain in place. However, the Central Okanagan Emergency Management EOC will be deploying “a rapid damage assessment team to assess readiness for re-entry.”
  “Significa
  
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• UPDATE: Smoky conditions could be seen at being held Bradley Creek wildfire

  13-08-2026 17:23 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE 8:12 a.m.
  Much like the Quilpituk Creek wildfire, smoke might become more visible and fire behaviour may increase due to the expected weather conditions at the Bradley Creek wildfire on Thursday, says BC Wildfire Service.
  “During the afternoon, temperatures and relative humidity may reach levels that can increase fire behaviour,” said BCWS. “Smoke haze may be present this morning but is expected to clear by mid-morning, resulting in improved visibility and cleaner air ov
  
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• Challenging conditions expected for Brunswick Complex wildfires on Thursday

  13-08-2026 17:19 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Challenging conditions are expected for the Brunswick Complex wildfires on Thursday (Aug. 13) before more moderate conditions return on Friday (Aug. 14).
  The Brunswick Complex is comprised of the 61,618-hectare Ainslie Creek wildfire and the 8,818-hectare Brunswick Creek wildfire.
  According to the latest update from BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the challenging conditions are expected across the Ainslie Creek fireground on Thursday.
  Fire behaviour increased on the south flank of the fire on Wednes
  
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• UPDATE: Warm temperatures could increase fire activity at Quilpituk Creek wildfire

  13-08-2026 17:06 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE 7:58 a.m.
  Smoke might become more visible and fire behaviour may increase due to sunny, warm, and dry conditions expected on Thursday, says BC Wildfire Service.
  “During the afternoon, temperatures and relative humidity may reach levels that can increase fire behaviour,” said BCWS. “Smoke haze may be present this morning but is expected to clear by mid-morning, resulting in improved visibility and cleaner air over the fire complex.”
  On Thursday, BCWS crews are conti
  
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• Extinguishing hot spots, mop-up duties taking place at being held Bradley Creek wildfire

  13-08-2026 14:54 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Fire crews continue to extinguish hot spots and perform mop-up duties at the Bradley Creek wildfire.
  The blaze, which was discovered on July 31, continues to be classified as ‘being held’, which means that, based on fuel and weather conditions and resource availability, the fire should remain within the current perimeter, control line, or boundary. It has been held since Saturday.
  “Within the fire perimeter, smouldering pockets of deep-burning heat produced increased smoke yest
  
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• Fire activity ‘predominantly limited’ at Quilpituk Creek wildfire

  13-08-2026 14:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  No visible open flame was observed at the Quilpituk Creek wildfire on Wednesday, Aug. 12, but weather concerns are on the horizon.
  In its latest update, which came at 6:44 p.m. on Wednesday, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said the fire activity experienced throughout the day and expected to remain the same throughout the night was “predominantly limited to smouldering ground fire, with a slow rate of spread, white smoke, and no visible open flame observed.”
  Crews continue to extinguish h
  
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• Crews continue to establish control lines at Bald Range wildfire west of Summerland

  13-08-2026 14:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Fire crews continue to work, but there are weather concerns at the Bald Range wildfire west of Summerland.
  As of Thursday morning (Aug. 13), all evacuation orders and alerts remain in place. However, in its Wednesday night update, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS)’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) said it’s working on a plan for a staged re-entry when it’s safe for residents to return home.On Wednesday (Aug. 12), fire crews continued to establish backup con
  
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• Business Notes: Dairy Queen’s Miracle Treat Day fundraiser, new restaurant and more

  13-08-2026 14:40 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  It is Miracle Treat Day again at Nanaimo’s three Dairy Queen today.
  Miracle Treat Day is an annual fundraiser in which 100 per cent of the sales from all the Blizzard Treats sold at most Dairy Queens in Canada that day go to local Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.
  Most Dairy Queens on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland contribute their proceeds from Miracle Treat Day to the B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, the only dedicated pediatric hospital in the province, in
  
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• New exhibition in Nanaimo Art Gallery focusing on effects of climate change

  13-08-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A new Nanaimo Art Gallery exhibition is focusing on the effects of climate change.
  Biophilia opened on Aug. 1 and will be running until Oct. 11. The exhibition was curated by Marianne Cloutier and Anne-Marie St-Jean Aubre, and is produced and circulated by Musée d’art de Joliette, an art museum located north of Montreal.
  Jesse Birch, Nanaimo Art Gallery curator, told the News Bulletin that the exhibit fit with the theme of this year’s showcases, answering the question, “
  
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• Lower Mainland family appreciates any excuse to devour Blizzard treats

  13-08-2026 14:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Lilah Rickson is a huge fan of anything pink, so it’s no surprise to Geoffrey that his three-year-old daughter’s new favourite DQ Blizzard flavour is cotton candy.
  The three-year-old Langley City toddler was asked to pose for a few promotional pictures for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and Dairy Queen on Monday, and during her family’s visit to the local eatery, Lilah was given her first-ever tasting of the vibrant pink and purple ice cream treat interspersed with
  
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• Deez restaurant in Qualicum Beach to close doors after 25 years

  13-08-2026 04:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Deez restaurant in Qualicum Beach will serve its last customers on Aug. 22, which will be its final day of business after 25 years.
  “We are incredibly thankful for our time at Deez. We are focusing on ensuring our team members remain employed and taken care of, and we are deeply grateful for all the stories and memories our guests have created within these walls, both during our time and before,” Eli Brennan, founder and operating partner of Moments Hospitality, told the PQB News.
  Th
  
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• Vancouver Island woman’s action helps save 4 kittens

  13-08-2026 03:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A chance encounter along a rural road south of Parksville led to the rescue of four kittens, thanks to the persistence of a local resident and the expertise of a volunteer animal rescuer.
  Nikki Welz was walking through the Nanoose Bay area July 7, when she spotted a mother cat huddled beside the road with several kittens. Sensing something was wrong, she returned a short time later to check on them. As soon as she stopped, the frightened cats disappeared into nearby bushes.
  Determined to help, W
  
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• Search for bear continues in Lower Mainland attack

  13-08-2026 02:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The search for an adult black bear that attacked a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge was ongoing as of 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, as BC Conservation Officers continued to gather information and observe bears in the area.
  The attack took place on Sunday, Aug. 9, at around 11:30 a.m., on a residential property in the 12300-block of 240 Street, where Anaiyah was playing outside on the deck of her home.Conservation officers said a parent, who was nearby, was able to intervene and chase the bear
  
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• Improper fish records sees man fined $8K in B.C. provincial court in Nanaimo

  13-08-2026 01:59 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Improper recording of ling cod catch has led to an $8,000 fine for a fishing guide from China caught off the waters of Nanaimo and Gabriola Island.
  Ruzheng Ma, 71, pleaded guilty to producing false records and catching and possessing illegally caught fish from an incident that occurred over a year ago, and on Wednesday, Aug. 12 pleaded guilty to both counts with Emma Reaume, Crown counsel, and Charis Liu, defence counsel, entering a joint submission to Judge Chris Churchill in B.C. provincial co
  
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• UPDATE: Evacuation orders, alerts to remain in place for Bald Range Wildfire

  13-08-2026 01:43 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE: 4:04 p.m.Evacuation orders and alerts will remain in place on Wednesday for the Bald Range Wildfire, stated the Central Okanagan Emergency Management.
  The blaze currently spans 18,450 hectares in size and saw growth toward the boundary of the Regional District of Central Okanagan and Peachland.
  The wildfire remains active and dynamic, meaning conditions could change quickly. Central Okanagan Emergency Management advised residents to follow all evacuation orders and be prepared to leave o
  
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• B.C. lawsuit against parking app settled, 35 cent payout for members

  13-08-2026 01:17 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Settlement members in a B.C. class-action lawsuit against a parking app will be receiving 35 cents each.
  Justice Shannon P. Ramsay, in a July 29 decision, found the settlement to be reasonable, with only two objectors.
  Plaintiff Tyson Larence was seeking settlement approval against Honk Mobile Inc., a parking app.
  Larence brought forward the Canada-wide class-action lawsuit for people who used the app between June 23, 2022 and July 24, 2024. He alleged that Honk was failing to disclose the servi
  
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• Legislative committee calls on B.C. to back down on PST expansion

  13-08-2026 00:29 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A legislative committee made up mostly of members of the government’s own party is recommending the province back down on a planned expansion of the provincial sales tax.
  “What we’ve seen here is the NDP members of the committee recognizing just how incredibly unpopular the PST hike is, and giving a clear signal to the Finance Minister that she needs to back away from this hike,” said B.C. Conservative MLA Gavin Dew, who is not on the committee, but has been a vocal oppon
  
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• Shakespeare improvisation play coming to Nanaimo Fringe Festival

  13-08-2026 00:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The crowd gets to take part in putting together an improvised Shakespearian epic at an upcoming Nanaimo Fringe Festival show.Spontaneous Shakespeare will be performed on Friday, Aug. 14 at 9 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15 at 1:30 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 16 at 2:45 p.m., at St. Andrew’s United Church.
  Brent Hirose, artistic director of The Spontaneous Shakespeare Company, which helps put on the play, told the News Bulletin that the show is entirely improvised Shakespearean style-plays performed in
  
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• William (Bill) Donald Manners

  12-08-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  May 31, 1955 – July 17, 2026
  With deep sorrow, we mourn the passing of Bill Manners. He is predeceased by his father, William Dawson Manners, his mother Barbara Delores Manners née Webster, and is survived by his wife, Niki Kudaka, his brother Frank Manners, his sister Sharleen (Phil) Davies and her children and grandchildren, and his half-sister Marianne Shokey.
  Born in Vancouver, Bill moved with his family to Nanaimo in 1971. He was a man of many talents and wide-ranging interests
  
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