• Technical tips to improve hearing aid performance

    Technical tips to improve hearing aid performance
    Background noise distracting from the speech you’re trying to hear? 3 tips to try
  • James (Jim) Stewart Fiddick

    In Loving Memory ~
    February 2, 1940 – February 6, 2026
    On February 6, 2026 James (Jim) Stewart Fiddick passed away peacefully, surrounded by his daughters, after a courageous two-year long battle with cancer.
    He was born and raised in Nanaimo BC on February 2, 1940 to George and Doris Fiddick. Jim spent his working life in Gold River BC and retired back in Nanaimo (Cedar-by-the-sea).
    His wife Anne (Davidson) of 60 years predeceased him by three and half years. He is survived by his daughte
  • Florence Lillian Riley

    In Loving Memory ~
    Oct. 1, 1919 – Dec. 28, 2025
    Our remarkable Florence passed peacefully at NRGH and is now with her life adventure partner Ron and we are left with memories of a woman of incredible stamina, generosity and kindness who having survived the Depression never wasted anything.
    She was the devoted secretary to the late Robert Strachan, leader of the BC CCF, later the BC NDP and both her and Ron were honoured as Life Members. Ron and Florence together built and operated the Ruth
  • Ugandan humanitarian work changes B.C. chiropractor’s life

    Dr. Marco De Ciantis has been to the type of places that most Canadians will never see. He has traveled to remote villages where there is no medical care, no electricity, no running water. He has spent tens of thousands of dollars to sleep in odd places, skip meals and endure physical discomforts.
    But the Castlegar chiropractor says it is all worthwhile.
    Since 2019, De Ciantis has been volunteering with Bridge to Health, an international non-profit organization that delivers mobile medical care
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  • B.C. Interior locals supporting Nordic skiers behind the scenes at Paralympics

    For Jess Kryski, an exercise physiologist who’s lived in Nakusp for five years, traveling with Team Canada to Italy next Sunday, Feb. 22, will mark the start of her third Paralympics.
    While not competing as an athlete at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, running from March 6 to 15, Kryski will play an integral role behind the scenes for cross-country and biathlon events as an integrated sport team lead and physiologist.
    “It will be nice to be a non-COVID games,”
  • McDavid, MacKinnon lead Canadian men to 5-1 Olympic win over Switzerland

    Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon each had a goal and an assist, as Canada continued its chase for gold at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games with a 5-1 win Friday over Switzerland.
    Thomas Harley, Macklin Celebrini and captain Sidney Crosby also scored for Canada, which moved to 2-0 in Group A preliminary action at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Cale Makar added two assists for the winners, with Logan Thompson making 24 saves in goal.
    Pius Suter scored the lone goal for the
  • Suspicious fire destroys Nanaimo Rotary Bowl pole vault facility

    Nanaimo RCMP and Nanaimo Fire Rescue are investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed the pole vault facility at the Rotary Bowl sports complex.
    Firefighters responded to the fire Monday, Feb. 9, shortly before 4:30 a.m., which completely destroyed the pole vault foam mats and standards that hold up the pole vaulting bar and other equipment and the shed which was leveled by the fire.
    “Just before 5 a.m., fire services requested that we attend to the rear area of Serauxmen Stadium for a
  • Kelowna man guilty of drone interfering with helicopter during McDougall Creek wildfire

    A Kelowna man has been found guilty of operating a drone that interfered with a helicopter that was dousing the McDougall Creek wildfire in 2023.
    Derek Leippi was deemed guilty by Judge C. Heinrichs in Kelowna Provincial Court on Monday, Feb. 9, about two and a half years after the incident.
    On Aug. 27, 2023, Leippi was in his boat and operating a miniature drone just off the shore of Okanagan Lake Resort. Leippi was using the drone to take video of the wildfire with a focus on the damage to the
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  • Origin of firearm used in Tumbler Ridge school shooting ‘unknown’: RCMP

    In wake of the Tumbler Ridge shooting, many support services are available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 310-Mental Health Support at 310-6789; Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868; Suicide Crisis Helpline: 988; KUU-US (Indigenous) Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717; Métis Crisis Line: 1-833-638-4722; Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868.
    B.C. RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald says police have prioritized the analysis of firearms seized at both the resid
  • B.C. government names company behind hydrocarbon spill near Cable Bay

    B.C.’ s Ministry of Environment and Parks has identified the company responsible for a hydrocarbon spill near Cable Bay that occurred in early January.
    Environmental 360 Solutions, located at 1080 Maughan Rd., in Duke Point, has been named by the province as the company determined responsible for the spill, estimated at between 350- and 1,600 litres that was discovered Jan. 5.
    “Environmental 360, the business the province has determined to be the responsible person for the spill, eng
  • Kelowna sees steepest decline in 1-bedroom rents across Canada

    Rental prices are dropping in Kelowna.
    The average monthly cost of a one bedroom apartment in the city is down 11.5 per cent year-over-year, averaging $1,690, according to apartment hunting site Zumper.
    The website’s recent statistics have Kelowna as 12th most expensive for housing rentals across the country, and the biggest annual decline among the 23 cities compared.
    Two bedroom rentals in the city are also lower in cost with the month-over-month comparison showing a dip of 6.1 per cent
  • Raymond Alexander Neil

    In Loving Memory ~
    (Dec. 1933 – Feb. 2026)
    Left to mourn, sister Sharon Cursons (Tom), children Scott (Denise) Neil & Kim (Rob) Weaver, grandchildren Zoey (Evan) Paterson & Luke Weaver (Elza), sister-in-law Cherry Neil, & nieces & nephews.
    Born in Saltcoats, Sask., Dad built his career with Beaver Lumber. He met Shirley in Prince Albert; they married in 1961.
    Dad learned to fly, & recalled flying his Cessna to Springside, & landing in Uncle Bob’s field. Family
  • Accused killer in B.C. daytime murder moving straight to trial

    This article discusses intimate partner violence and may be triggering to some readers. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse contact the Kelowna Women’s Shelter 24/7 support line at 250-763-1040 or text 236-970-0704. In an emergency, call 911.
    A Kelowna man facing first-degree murder for the death of his estranged ex-wife has waived his right to a preliminary inquiry.
    James Plover is forgoing his right to a pre-trial court hearing for charges against him after a vio
  • NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: February 19th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

    There will be a Public Hearing on Thursday, February 19th, 2026, starting at 7:00 p.m. in the Shaw Auditorium at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre at 80 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, BC to consider a proposed amendment to the “City of Nanaimo Zoning Bylaw 2011 No. 4500”.
    All persons who believe their interest in property is affected by the proposed amendment bylaw will be given the opportunity to be heard. Members of the public can participate in-person or call-in to speak to an a
  • Former Langley student one of Tumbler Ridge shooting victims

    One of the victims of the Tumbler Ridge shootings was a former Langley student, and local schools are reaching out to children and families who may have known her.
    A letter from John Hantke, principal at H.D. Stafford Middle School, was sent to parents and guardians on Thursday, Feb. 12.
    “School staff learned today that one of the students that died in the Tumbler Ridge tragedy may have been a former classmate of your child. Some students were made aware through their peers and social medi
  • Police disrupt South Island drug traffickers, seize fentanyl

    A four-day deployment of police officers on Vancouver Island has disrupted multiple drug-trafficking operations.
    From Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) – the largest integrated police program in Canada – worked alongside the West Shore RCMP and Saanich and Victoria police departments to target gang-related activity in the area.
    Officers generated more than 27 investigative files and made seven arrests, “disrupting sev
  • Prime Minster, B.C. premier to attend Friday vigil in Tumbler Ridge

    Political leaders from across Canada are heading to Tumbler Ridge, B.C., on Friday (Feb. 13) evening for a community vigil to honour the victims of Tuesday’s mass shooting.
    Prime Minister Mark Carney, Gov. Gen. of Canada Mary Simon, federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and other federal opposition leaders are expected to attend.
    B.C. Premier David Eby is heading back to the community after a visit on Wednesday night, and will be joined by B.C. Conservative Leader Trevor Halford, B.
  • COLUMN: Love for the mothers and fathers of Tumbler Ridge

    Did they say goodbye, I wonder.
    Did they give their parents a kiss and a hug on the way out the door, or did they roll their eyes and shrug off the attempt because they’re 12 and that’s what 12-year-olds do?
    Did they brush their teeth and pack their lunch and remember their homework, or did Dad have to nag them like he usually does? Did Mom yell after them to wear a coat and mittens and take a hat because it’s cold out there and I don’t care whether it makes your hair loo
  • Celebrate Valentine’s Day in a fur baby-friendly way

    Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love and passion and often, includes flowers and chocolates.
    While the gifts and treats associated with Valentine’s Day can be sweet for humans, some pose potential hazards to furry, four-legged family members.
    The BC SPCA and ASPCA offer several tips to help people keep their pets safe on Feb. 14:
    Fatal flowers
    Bouquets are a Valentine’s Day staple, but some flowers can pose a threat to pets. Most notably, all species of lily are potential
  • Free activities at City of Nanaimo Family Day-Beban Park 50th anniversary events

    During the first long weekend since New Year’s Day, local families can enjoy an event put on by the city.
    Family Day events will be held at recreational facilities in Nanaimo on Monday, Feb. 16, the city’s parks, recreation and culture department said in a press release, and it will also be an opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Beban Park.
    Free activities will be available for families to enjoy, noted the press release. Swimming will be available from noon-5 p.m. at Nan
  • Cell tower covering Hammond Bay area is now handling communications

    Hammond Bay residents now have reliable high-speed wireless coverage and vital emergency 911 service following completion of a cell tower at the Greater Nanaimo Pollution Control Centre on Hammond Bay Road.
    This new cell site is among nine planned installations that are part of an extensive wireless infrastructure expansion in Nanaimo, which will be constructed by Terrion, Canada’s largest independent owner, operator, and developer of shared wireless infrastructure.
    The upgrades, set for c
  • Truck loggers feeling the effects of a lagging B.C. forest industry, critic says

    As B.C.’s forestry industry licks its wounds following a series of recent mill closures, B.C.’s forest critic says truck loggers are hurting, too.
    Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Ward Stamer attended the Truck Loggers Association’s 81st annual convention last month, and came away with a dire picture of how these B.C. workers are feeling in terms of their job security.
    “I was in the industry as a logging contractor with my dad, and they’ve always had six months, eight mo
  • Can’t buy me love: Experts share Valentine’s advice for B.C. couples

    As Valentine’s Day approaches, many couples are starting to feel it in their pockets rather than in their hearts. Advertisements for jewelry, dining experiences, and gifts can make the day to celebrate love feel like a high-pressure sales pitch.
    According to two psychology professors at the University of Victoria, this day does not have to be extravagant to be meaningful. Instead, they remind those in love to revisit their relationships and get a reality health check done.
    Psychology profe
  • B.C. counsellors are reimagining access to mental health care

    Victoria based clinical counsellor Christa Martel was driving to Montreal when her long-time friend called her to talk about a crisis she was experiencing.
    By the time she finished the three hour phone conversation, she was exhausted and alarmed.
    She didn’t mind helping a friend and directing them towards the necessary therapy, but she wondered how someone else without access to a clinical counsellor would decide where to get help.
    “Do we really not have resources that teach people h
  • 3 total violations issued against B.C. ostrich farm

    On top of losing its entire herd of more than 300, Universal Ostrich Farms was issued three violations by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
    The Edgewood farm has challenged the Health of Animals violations, two of which each come with a $10,000 penalty. It has been successful in one.
    The first came in December 2024, that Universal Ostrich failed to notify the nearest veterinary inspector of the presence of a reportable disease or toxic substance, or any fact indicating its presence. Th
  • Vancouver Island Symphony brings Cuban vibes

    Cuban culture and music will be celebrated in Nanaimo as part of Cuban Vibes: A Symphonic Festival, hosted by the Vancouver Island Symphony.
    The three-day musical festival runs Thursday-Saturday Feb. 12-14 at The Port Theatre, and will highlight Cuban artists, salsa lessons and jazz.
    “Cuban music has very deep roots into folklore and into Afro-Cuban rhymes and also into rhymes that we inherit from Spain, so it’s a very unique berth of genres in Cuba,” said Cosette Justo Vald&ea
  • Highway 4 to face 6-hour closure on Feb. 25

    Highway 4 will face several interruptions in the coming weeks due to roadwork including a complete closure from just by Coombs Country Candy in Port Alberni to Chalet Road.
    Feb. 17 to Feb. 19
    From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. drivers can expect single-lane traffic and short delays at Sutton Pass, Hydro Hill and Doyle Creek, between Port Alberni and Ucluelet, as crews will be doing a geotechnical investigation.
    Feb. 17 to Feb. 24
    From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, crews will be repairing the shoulder four ki
  • Edmonton rallies to knock off hosts in B.C. pee wee hockey tourney opener

    There was no quit in these soldiers from northern Alberta.
    The Edmonton KC Lancers rallied three times from two-goal deficits to defeat the hometown tournament hosts, the Vernon Watkin Motors Mustangs, 5-4 in overtime in the opening game of the 53rd Vernon Coca Cola Classic Pee Wee Hockey Tournament Thursday, Feb. 12, at Kal Tire Place North.
    Kaiden Brodyk’s second goal of the game at 2:50 of extra time gave the Lancers the comeback victory.
    The tournament could not have started better for
  • ‘I saw our country come together’: MP Tamara Kronis speaks on Tumbler Ridge tragedy

    Nanaimo-Lantzville MP Tamara Kronis stated that all political parties are standing in unity to mourn the victims of the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting that claimed the lives of nine people, including the suspected shooter.
    “Today in the House of Commons, I saw our country come together, five leaders normally adversaries stood and mourned in unity,” Kronis said. “Each gave thanks to the RCMP who responded within two minutes and it saved lives. Each acknowledged the first responders
  • ‘Unimaginable pain’: B.C. Lt.-Gov. mourns Tumbler Ridge shootings in amended throne speech

    The B.C. legislature was far quieter than normal as the session opened in the wake of the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, as the usual pomp and celebration that accompanies the delivery of the throne speech was cancelled in favour of a more sombre presentation.
    Instead of the normal speech outlining the government’s legislative priorities that was scheduled for Thursday afternoon (Feb. 12), Lt.-Gov. Wendy Cocchia dedicated abbreviated remarks to the people of Tumbler Ridge, who she said ar

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