Nanaimo news

• Un-baa-lievable: Lamb fleeing Summerland wildfire rescued by firefighters

  17-08-2026 21:03 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A lamb trying to escape the flames from the Summerland wildfire hitched a ride with a member of the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.
  The Conservation Officer Service posted the rescue story on Facebook.
  “Firefighters working in the area rescued a domestic lamb and turned it over to a member of the B.C. Conservation Officer Service,” reads the post.
  “The unusual passenger even spent part of the trip in the truck’s prisoner seat, making for a memorable photo and a positiv
  
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• Wildfire-related evacuation alert cancelled for areas including Boston Bar

  26-08-2026 16:57 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  An evacuation alert has been cancelled by the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) for North Bend, Fishblue Lake, Canyon Alpine, Nahatlatch, Boston Bar, Scuzzy Creek FSR, and south of Boston Bar.
  According to a news release from the FVRD, the cancellation comes at the recommendation of BC Wildfire Service (BCWS). The evacuation alerts were originally issued on Aug. 5, when they were downgraded from evacuation orders.
  The Brunswick Complex, which includes the 67,722-hectare Ainslie Creek wildfi
  
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• ‘Not enough beds’ Nanaimo hospital expansion highlighted in provincial budget consultation report

  26-08-2026 14:40 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  An expansion to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital was among the list of priorities expressed throughout B.C. for the upcoming 2027 provincial budget.
  Released on Aug. 11, the Budget 2027 Consultation report by the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services serves to identify key priorities for the next fiscal year, using input received through its consultations.
  Communities consulted included Smithers, Dawson Creek, Prince George, Cranbrook, Kelowna, Castlegar, Burnaby, Mission
  
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• Crews conducting mop-up duties inside fire’s edge at Bald Range blaze by Summerland

  26-08-2026 14:33 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Progress is being made at the Bald Range wildfire, but more smoke and flame could be visible on Wednesday, Aug. 26, due to the forecasted high of 31 C.
  As of Wednesday morning, six evacuation orders and three evacuation alerts remain in place.
  On Tuesday, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) crews worked inside the fire’s perimeter around much of the blaze.
  On the west flank, north of Isintok Lake, crews have been mopping up and extinguishing heat 25 feet in from the fire’s edge where it&rsquo
  
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• UPDATE: Wildfire in Peachland now considered held

  26-08-2026 03:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE: (8:25 p.m.)
  The BC Wildfire Service and Peachland Fire and Rescue have brought a brush fire along Lipsett Road under control.Peachland Mayor Patrick Van Minsel and the BC Wildfire Service posted updates confirming that the fire had been brought under control after 8 p.m., with crews still on scene dealing with remaining hot spots.“My thanks goes out to the fire departments for their fast action, keeping Peachland safe,” said Van Minsel.
  The exact cause of the fire has not yet
  
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• BC Wildfire Service pulls air support from Peachland over drone

  26-08-2026 03:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE: (8:00 p.m.)
  The BC Wildfire Service is assisting Peachland Fire and Rescue with a fire along Lipsett Road that sparked in the evening of Aug. 25.According to the BCWS, aerial resources that had been deployed to assist the fire had to be grounded after a drone was seen operating in the area.Under Canadian Air Regulations, the space around all wildfires — a radius of five nautical miles around any smoke or fire — is automatically considered restricted, with drone operators faci
  
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• Plans for large Revelstoke heli-ski lodge rejected following public opposition

  26-08-2026 03:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A Revelstoke heli-skiing company won’t be proceeding with long-sought plans to rezone and transform a rural lot north of town into an all-season lakefront lodge.
  The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) has denied Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing (STHS) a third reading on its Mars Creek Wilderness Lodge proposal, which required a zoning bylaw and official community plan (OCP) amendment for Area B.
  STHS’s application for the property — 65 hectares located at Mars Creek off High
  
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• UPDATE: Bald Range wildfire still out of control, grows west of Summerland

  26-08-2026 01:35 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE (4 P.M.)
  The Bald Range wildfire continues to grow west of Summerland.
  Eighteen days after it was discovered, the out-of-control blaze is 25,171 hectares in size.
  BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) on Tuesday said temperatures over the 24 hours will be “progressively warmer and drier.” It also noted that it is expecting higher fire activity on the active portion of the west flank, north of Isintok Lake.
  “Overall, smoke and some flame will be more visible than previous days as ou
  
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• Eby talks tough on tariffs as B.C. businesses nervously await news on supports

  26-08-2026 01:33 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Premier David Eby is continuing to take a hard line on tariffs as B.C.’s business community grapples with an escalating trade dispute between Canada and the U.S.
  “The only way to deal with a thug and a bully is to stand up to him,” Eby said at a Tuesday afternoon press conference staged in a Vancouver liquor store, a clear nod to the province’s ongoing policy to keep U.S. alcohol products off shelves. “That’s why the prime minister’s step was the right
  
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• Weekend rain helping slow growth of South Cariboo’s Pear Lake fire

  26-08-2026 00:41 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Weekend rain and humidity have helped slow the growth of the Pear Lake fire burning in the South Cariboo.
  In an Aug. 25 update, the BC Wildfire Service stated that thunderstorms brought rain to the Big Bar Complex over the weekend. While most of the area received some precipitation, amounts ranged from 2 to 18 millimetres, with the heaviest rain falling to the south and west.
  “The rain dampened fine surface fuels and slowed spread but had minimal impact on the deeper, heavier fuels, which
  
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• Nanaimo RCMP played part in arrest of man in Ucluelet for alleged sex crimes against minor

  25-08-2026 23:46 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Officers from the Nanaimo RCMP detachment were involved in the arrest in Ucluelet last weekend of a man who has been indicted in Hawaii for the alleged sexual exploitation of a child.
  The B.C. RCMP said in a press release that the Ucluelet RCMP received notification from Federal Policing – Pacific Region, in cooperation with the FBI, to be on the lookout for a sailing vessel associated with Donald Steven Lang, 62, who was wanted by the FBI for three counts of lewd conduct with a minor, and
  
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• Sara Edmondson

  25-08-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  June 1981 to August 2026It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our daughter Sara Edmondson in Nanaimo. Sara was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, niece and cousin whose life touched many people. She was deeply loved by her family and the people who knew her.
  Sara found purpose and community through her volunteer work at NANDU in Nanaimo. She passionately supported harm reduction and offered generously of her time, understanding and care to others. Her compassion and sensitivity
  
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• Helmut Gittinger

  25-08-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Dec. 10, 1934 – Aug. 8, 2026
  It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dad Helmut Gittinger on Aug 8/2026 at the age of 91. Helmut was born in Stuttgart Germany on Dec 10 1934. He came to Canada in 1956 with his wife, Hilde and began working at the pulp mill in Port Alice as a pipe fitter where he also started his family. In 1964 the family moved to Nanaimo where he began working at the Harmac pulp mill. Helmut, Hilde, and their two kids lived in Nanaimo until 1976 when
  
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• Ernest James (Jim) Slotte

  25-08-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  July 17, 1944 – August 18, 2026We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jim Slotte on August 18, 2026 while recovering from surgery in the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria.
  Jim was born in Nanaimo to Ernest Slotte and Isabella (nee Baines). He was predeceased by his sister Elve Moore (nee Beck). Jim leaves behind Astrid (nee Einarsen), his wife and partner of more than 60 years, and their three sons, Vincent, Brent and Jason.
  Jim was committed to his friends and family and was w
  
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• Donald Lloyd Hearsey

  25-08-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  March 22, 1948 – August 12, 2026It is with heartfelt sympathy that we announce the passing of Donald “Don” Lloyd Hearsey, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
  Don leaves behind his beloved wife of 50 years, Geraldine (Snuggles); his two sons, Mark (Noelle) Hearsey and Paul (Susan) Hearsey; and his cherished grandchildren, Wyatt, Tyler, Aiden, and Alyssa.
  He is also survived by his siblings, Bob (Linda) Hearsey, and Judy (John) Lachman, along with many nieces, nephews,
  
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• David John Copley

  25-08-2026 23:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  March 27th, 1943 – August 8th, 2026Nanaimo BC
  It is with sadness and regret that we inform our friends and family, the passing of David John Copley. Our hearts are broken but take relief in knowing that Dad/David passed suddenly and peacefully in his home. We are grateful he did not suffer nor have to endure Hospital or long term care.
  Dad/David is survived by his loving wife of 55 wonderful years, Helen, his son and biggest admirer Bryan, beautiful Daughter in-law Heidi and sister Jean An
  
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• Majority of Gabriola Island animal rescue casualties caused by cat maulings

  25-08-2026 23:25 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  After another baby squirrel was left orphaned from a cat mauling, Gabriola Rescue of Wildlife Society (GROWLS) is pushing for cat owners to consider alternatives to letting their feline companions run wild.
  GROWLS, started in 1992 by two Gabriola Islanders, now consists of 40 rescue volunteers around the Island, who work together coordinating about 200 rescue cases a year from eagles, to songbirds, to squirrels, to fawns.“The summers are always so, so busy. In winter months you could go al
  
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• New chapter in recovery: $6.4M Bill’s Place expansion launches in Vernon

  25-08-2026 23:22 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A $6.4 million campaign has kicked off and is set to add 36 treatment beds at Bill’s Place Addiction Recovery in Vernon.Turning Points Collaborative Society announced Tuesday, Aug. 25, plans for a new 13,500-square-foot, three storey facility that will add 36 treatment beds and increase Bill’s Place capacity by 133 per cent.The Foord Family Foundation is helping pave the way for the expansion by providing Turning Points Collaborative Society (TPCS) with a $2.5 million gift to get sta
  
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• Uber incident earns response from Kelowna RCMP

  25-08-2026 23:21 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Kelowna RCMP is investigating an incident involving an Uber driver and two individuals downtown on the night of Saturday, Aug. 22.
  ​Uber driver Benton Calder posted a video on social media. The video shows him dropping off a passenger on Mill Street, backing up and turning around to leave the way he came.
  A woman captured in the video then starts chasing down the Tesla, punching it multiple times before falling. Something also appears to be thrown at her from the car.
  A man who appeare
  
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• Jean Smith

  25-08-2026 22:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  August 9, 2026It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Smith on August 9, 2026. She passed away peacefully with family by her side. Jean was born and raised in Virden, Manitoba, and worked in Brandon before marrying Larry Smith and beginning their life together. They moved to Nanaimo, B.C., where they raised their family and created a lifetime of cherished memories. Family was always at the heart of Jean’s life. She devoted many years to raising her family as a stay-at-
  
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• Prince George-Valemount MLA quits B.C. Conservatives, third to go in two weeks

  25-08-2026 22:14 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Another MLA is leaving the B.C. Conservative caucus as the exodus from the party continues under new Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay.
  Prince-George Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird is the latest to go, saying she plans to sit as an Independent.
  “This decision was not made lightly,” she said in a written statement. “Political parties play an important role in our democracy, but they are vehicles for our values: they cannot be substitutes for them.”
  Bird joins Delta South MLA Ian Pato
  
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• B.C. rescue teams free sea lion with plastic wrapped around neck

  25-08-2026 21:51 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Less than two kilometres from the shores of Metchosin, a rescue team rallied together to help a California sea lion in need.The approximately 280-kilogram adult male was first spotted Aug. 1 at Race Rocks Ecological Reserve with a plastic packing band wrapped around his neck.
  As the entanglement posed a significant risk to his health, the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society (VAMMR) launched into action.
  However, unsafe weather conditions delayed efforts.
  After waiting two weeks for a
  
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• Spill that Wine: Lightning Rock summer

  25-08-2026 21:40 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Not one to mix wine with politics, for fear of a cranial eruption, I give thanks to those among us who are braver than I. I’m speaking of Ron Kubek, owner of Lightning Rock Wines. Ron has stepped into the ring on behalf of B.C. Winegrowers and the small businesses they support.At a recent Boyz Only tasting of Lightning Rock’s wines, we started with Lightning Rock 2024 Chardonnay. The Cross Border Collection is sourced from the Dry Lake Vineyard in Washington State. Nicely balanced, y
  
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• B.C. Conservative riding association president for Abbotsford-Mission steps down

  25-08-2026 21:34 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The president of the Conservative Party of B.C. riding association for Abbotsford-Mission has resigned and left the party as new leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay eyes the seat.
  Former Mission mayor and BC Liberal MLA Randy Hawes announced his resignation from the president role on social media Monday (Aug. 24), days after Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper stepped down to make way for Findlay.
  Hawes said Findlay represents “a huge step to the far right”. He has been the riding association
  
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• THE MOJ: B.C. Lions need to watch out for trap game against Ottawa

  25-08-2026 20:58 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  LANCASTER’S LOGIC: CFL legend Ron Lancaster had a saying – you’re never as bad as you think you are when you lose and you’re never as good as you think you are when you win. It’s a smart way of looking at things – and more importantly it makes you scrutinize the entire body of work rather than just looking at the outcome. So when I analyze the Lions’ 30-16 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders at BC Place this past Sunday, I also recognize the Riders
  
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• Findlay addresses B.C. Conservative defections, says there could be more

  25-08-2026 20:48 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay held a press conference for the first time in almost two months on Tuesday as she seeks to stabilize her caucus after two high-profile departures by long-time MLAs.“There may even be others that leave our caucus; I don’t know,” Findlay told reporters in Vancouver.
  She stood flanked by core caucus supporters within the caucus, including her husband, Surrey South MLA Brent Chapman, and Reann Gasper, the MLA for Abbotsford-Mission who h
  
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• Highway 1 closure near Hope smaller due to ‘reduced fire impacts’

  25-08-2026 20:37 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A portion of Highway 1 has reopened due to reduced fire impacts along parts of the corridor, according to Drive BC.
  However, Highway 1 remains closed for an approximately 20-kilometre stretch between Spuzzum Creek Road and Aspen Road as of Tuesday morning (Aug. 25).
  “Wildfire activity in the Fraser Canyon continues to affect Highway 1, though improving conditions have allowed adjustments to closures,” Drive BC said.
  BC Wildfire Service said rockfall continues to be a hazard and perio
  
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• 50 years of PNE history in photos by Craig Hodge, longtime fair staffer

  25-08-2026 20:17 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  It’s been a fun 50 years of photographing the PNE for Craig Hodge, who says the 2026 fair will be his final year of such freelance work there.
  He started in 1976 as a photographer with The Columbian, which evolved into Surrey Now and other newspapers, and soon took a PNE staff job to shoot the summer fair.“I started working for newspapers when I was 16, part-time, and I used to take my summers off to work at the PNE,” explained Hodge, who figures he’s taken millions of ph
  
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• Former WHL, OHL players can join legal action regarding abuse claims

  25-08-2026 20:08 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  New developments in litigation will allow former junior hockey players who competed in the Western Hockey League or Ontario Hockey League a new avenue to seek compensation for alleged bullying, harassment or abuse experienced during their tenure in the Canadian Hockey League.Skaters who have played in those leagues at any time since May 8, 1975 and say they’ve experienced abuse are eligible to join a court created opt-in process. Those wishing to join the process have until April 6, 2027 a
  
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• Two families displaced by North Cowichan duplex fire

  25-08-2026 19:46 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  On Aug. 22, at approximately 4:45 p.m., North Cowichan firefighters responded to a house fire on Drombeg Place, just off of Auchinachie Road.
  North Cowichan Fire Chief Ron French said there were around 25 members on scene, with three apparatuses from the south end, and one from Maple Bay.The fire left both sides of the duplex a total loss.
  The fire progressed quickly, French said, due to wind that afternoon, though firefighters acted quickly to contain it the blaze.
  “The crew did a great j
  
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