Nanaimo news

• UPDATE: Some residents not following evacuation orders for Quilpituk Creek wildfire

  08-08-2026 00:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE: 3:00 p.m.
  Central Okanagan Emergency Management (COEM) is urging residents to follow the Evacuation Orders due to the Quilpituk Creek wildfire burning near Westside Road.
  ​COEM said they are aware that some residents have decided to remain in areas currently under order to evacuate and that anyone choosing to stay must evacuate immediately.
  ​“If you are in an Evacuation Order area, leave now. An Evacuation Order is not a suggestion. It is a life-safety measure,” s
  
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• Quilpituk Creek wildfire being held, assessments remain underway

  14-08-2026 14:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Quilpituk Creek wildfire remains held on Friday morning (Aug. 14), as evacuees wait for word that they can return home.
  On Thursday morning, BC Wildfire Service changed the status of the 1,275.7-hectare blaze to being held, which means that “based on fuel and weather conditions and resource availability, to remain within the current perimeter, control line or boundary.”
  At the same time, the Central Okanagan Emergency Management EOC deployed “a rapid damage assessment team
  
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• Hundreds of firefighters battling Bald Range blaze near Summerland

  14-08-2026 14:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Clearer skies and windy conditions increased fire behaviour at the Bald Range wildfire west of Summerland on Thursday, Aug. 13.
  As of Friday morning, Aug. 14, all evacuation orders and alerts remain in place. On Thursday night, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) provided an update on the staged re-entry process for evacuees.
  In its Thursday night update, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said the fire displayed Rank 3 and 4 in some places, including the Shingle Creek area to the west.
  
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• Julie Sperber selected as new CEO of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.

  14-08-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Julie Sperber has been chosen as the new CEO of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.
  Sperber, current president and CEO of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, will be taking over from interim CEO Liette Masse, who has been in the leadership role since late 2025.
  In a press release, the chamber said Sperber brings extensive experience in organizational development, regional-economic development, partnership building and community engagement to her new role.
  “Julie is a thoughtful, s
  
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• Streaking B.C. Lions win 3rd in a row, dump Stampeders 30-26 in Calgary

  14-08-2026 06:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The B.C. Lions are streaking.
  Overcoming a pair of fourth-quarter turnovers, the Lions won their third straight game, beating the host Calgary Stampeders 30-26 in CFL action Thursday night at McMahon Stadium.
  For the victors (4-5) quarterback Nathan Rourke threw for 301 yards and a pair of touchdowns to Keon Hatcher. Rourke also scrambled for a rushing TD. Running back Zander Horvath continued his run of stellar play, rumbling for 102 yards and a touchdown. Kicker Sean Whyte added a field goal a
  
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• UPDATE: Crews responding to hot spot from Bradley Creek wildfire near Vernon

  14-08-2026 02:40 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE: 5:40 p.m.
  A hot spot has been identified northwest of the Irish Creek Road South and Westside Road intersection, according to the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) in a Thursday afternoon Bradley Creek wildfire update.
  BC Wildfire crews have been notified, and resources are on the way. People are asked to stay clear of the area.
  “Boaters are asked to please keep clear of the lake. If firefighting aircraft are nearby, clear the area immediately and stay near the shore to avoid interfering
  
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• Summerland fruit growers face mounting losses as wildfire’s toll grows

  14-08-2026 02:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  When Claire Tamang was forced to flee her cherry orchard in Meadow Valley near Summerland last Friday with her 10-day-old baby, she had just enough warning to squeeze through the only exit just before the fire closed off her escape route.
  “The flames were on both sides, and we were driving through the smoke and just hoping that that was still the right choice,” she told Black Press Media.
  But her husband and 40 temporary foreign workers from Mexico were trapped on the other side.
  Tam
  
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• Harmac pulp mill receives $5.5 million federal investment

  14-08-2026 01:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Nanaimo Forest Products, which operates the Harmac Pacific pulp mill in south Nanaimo, is receiving $5.5 million in federal funds to help the mill navigate trade disruptions and seize new opportunities.
  As well, Duke Point’s Niik Steel will receive $1 million in the same funding program, and the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance is earmarked for $300,000.
  Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, made the fun
  
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• Sentencing begins for ex-Nanaimo Mountie who had consensual sex with woman he met with on duty

  14-08-2026 01:05 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A judge will ponder submissions before determining the fate of a Nanaimo RCMP constable who had sex with a woman after the end of a shift in 2024.
  Mark Tyler Hilland, 47, pleaded guilty to breach of trust by a public officer, and sentencing began on Thursday, Aug. 13 at B.C. provincial court in Nanaimo in front of Judge Reginald Harris, with Andrew McLean, representing Crown counsel and Brad Kielmann, defence.
  McLean sought a suspended sentence, which would result in a criminal record, while Kie
  
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• Ray Colegrave

  14-08-2026 00:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  In Loving Memory ~
  May 22, 1947 to August 4, 2026
  With heavy hearts, we announce that Raymond (Ray) Emerson Colegrave, beloved husband of Kathryn (Kathy) Colegrave, passed away on August 4, 2026 after a short but devastating journey with cancer. He was the loving stepdad of Andrew Winter (Mary Ann) and Kimberlee Johns (Steven). He will also be dearly missed by his three grandchildren, Ace, Mya and Eleanor, as well as his younger brother, Tom Colegrave (Shelley). Ray was predeceased by his father
  
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• New bike-pump track opening in Cedar

  14-08-2026 00:25 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The second bike-pump track in the Nanaimo area is set to open.
  Richard Daykin, Regional District of Nanaimo’s manager of parks services, told the joint inter-jurisdictional Special District 68 Sports Field and Recreation Committee at a recent meeting that there will be a grand opening of the new track, located in Cedar Community Park, on Aug. 31.
  He said the approximately $200,000 project is being funded entirely by the Stevie Smith Legacy Foundation.
  Stevie Smith was a professional cyclis
  
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• Mexican national charged, extradited to B.C. in connection with 1996 murder

  13-08-2026 23:38 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A Mexican man is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Muriel Lindsay in Vancouver in the mid-1990s.
  Vancouver Police Department Inspt. Ryan Smith announced Thursday (Aug. 13) the charge against Juan Manuel Rueda Salud, now 68. He was formally charged on Nov. 2, 2024 and arrested under a provisional warrant in Mexico on January 22, 2025.
  Police were awaiting his extradition.
  Rueda Salud was eligible for extradition to Canada on July 15 after 18 months in custody appealing the extradi
  
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• 100 Mile House timber supply impacted by wildfires

  13-08-2026 22:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The District of 100 Mile House received a candid look at the current and projected timber supply for the 100 Mile House Timber Supply Area last week.
  On Tuesday, Aug. 11, Kane Copley, a strategic land manager for the Ministry of Forests, attended council’s regular meeting to deliver and explain the results of the 100 Mile House Timber Supply Area Timber Supply Analysis Discussion Paper. Copley said the review was conducted this year and based on information gathered from January to May.
  In
  
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• United Way BC offering grants up to $15K for non-profits helping wildfire evacuees

  13-08-2026 21:52 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  United Way BC is handing out grants of up to $15,000 to nonprofits to help communities recover from this year’s wildfires.
  A news release from the organization on Thursday says funds will help with urgent needs such as food, transportation and mental health support.
  The 2026 wildfire season has scorched hundreds of thousands of hectares in B.C., with 109 wildfires still active as of Aug. 13.
  United Way BC says it has already given funding to local organizations, such as Shxwhá:y Vil
  
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• Red sun heralds smoky skies across lower Vancouver Island

  13-08-2026 21:36 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Smoky skies continue across Greater Victoria, with a red sun rising Thursday (Aug. 13) indicating particulates in the air.Smoke from fires burning in B.C. and south of the border will commingle over the region, getting heavier around noon Thursday, but continuing into the weekend, according to the BluSky Canada smoke forecast.
  The program at firesmoke.ca shows interactive forecasts of hourly and daily averages of fine inhalable particulate matter at ground level from wildfires.
  Environment Canad
  
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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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