Nanaimo news

• Webinar series to explore big topics in B.C.’s forestry sector

  17-09-2026 21:17 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Anyone with an interest in the forestry sector may be intrigued to learn that a free webinar series is coming up that will take a deep dive into the subject.The FESBC said in a press release that it is teaming up with the BC Rural Centre to launch a new four-part webinar series this fall, running from September to December. The series will be bringing together voices from across the province for practical, community-focused conversations about forestry and its connection to the communities direc
  
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• UPDATE: Motorcyclist dies in collision that closed Harvey Avenue in Kelowna

  18-09-2026 19:16 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE: 10:10 a.m.
  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
  
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• Allen Henry Hamilton

  18-09-2026 19:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  In Loving Memory ~
  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,
  
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• Firefighters tackling wildfire near Cowichan Lake

  18-09-2026 18:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The BC Wildfire Service says a fire discovered Thursday, Sept. 17 on the west side of Bald Mountain at Cowichan Lake is in steep, challenging terrain.
  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,”
  
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• ‘Harm reduction has not failed’: Coalition calls on province for comprehensive response to drug crisis

  18-09-2026 18:02 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Drug user groups and supporters of harm reduction plan to gather for a die-in and speak-out outside the 2026 Union of B.C. Municipalities annual general meeting Friday (Sept. 18) at noon.The goal is to highlight the ongoing public health crisis posed by the toxic drug supply and to call for harm reduction, evidence-based treatment options, and a comprehensive, rational and compassionate drug policy.“We’re here today to remind Premier Eby and the municipal politicians that we are stil
  
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• UBCM endorses Nanaimo call to ban raw log exports

  18-09-2026 18:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  The Union of British Columbia Municipalities have endorsed Nanaimo’s request that the province ban raw log exports out of B.C.
  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
  
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• HOME ENERGY FINANCING PROGRAM: Applications Open

  18-09-2026 17:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Are you looking to retrofit your home with more energy-efficient options such as heat pumps, solar panels, new windows and more, but don’t have the needed funds?
  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
  
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• Conservative MPs criticize harm reduction strategy at Vernon town hall on addiction

  18-09-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Though his flight was delayed due to heavy fog in Prince George, Todd Doherty arrived at a town hall on addiction in Vernon just in time to deliver an impactful message Tuesday evening.
  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
  
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• Excitement in the air as VIEX nears

  18-09-2026 14:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The growing enthusiasm in the increasingly busy office at the Vancouver Island Exhibition office in Beban Park is palpable with the 132nd annual VIEX just days away.
  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
  
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• Kelowna RCMP investigate serious collision involving flames that shuts Hwy.97

  18-09-2026 09:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  UPDATE: 12 p.m.
  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
  
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• Gun control groups call for transparency of firearms used in Tumbler Ridge shooting

  18-09-2026 05:56 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A gun-control advocacy group says that seven months after a fatal mass shooting, the public still lacks “basic and essential information about the tools used to quickly produce such human carnage.”
  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
  
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• Attempted murder, assault charges laid against man involved in knife attack at Vancouver Island college

  18-09-2026 02:12 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Comox Valley RCMP announced that the BC Prosecution Service has approved one count of attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault against the man accused of the knife assault inside a North Island College (NIC) campus residence.
  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
  
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• Attempted murder, assault chages laid against man involved in knife attack at a Vancouver Island college

  18-09-2026 02:12 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Comox Valley RCMP announced that the BC Prosecution Service has approved one count of attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault against the man accused of the knife assault inside a North Island College (NIC) campus resdience.
  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
  
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• UBCM president urges premier to hold off on provincial election call

  18-09-2026 01:50 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Union of B.C. Municipalities is pushing back on the possibility of a snap provincial election period overlapping with local municipal elections.
  “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
  
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• Nanaimo takes a look at new electric garbage truck

  18-09-2026 01:16 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The City of Nanaimo has been checking out a new electric-garbage truck.
  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
  
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• B.C. Conservative party official allegedly hired private investigator to scrutinize MLAs

  18-09-2026 01:01 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A senior B.C. Conservative Party official allegedly hired a private investigator to scrutinize several sitting members of the legislature — some of whom still belong to the party — as well as at least one journalist.
  “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
  
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• Okanagan curling club to welcome the world

  18-09-2026 00:43 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Part of the world curling spotlight will shine on Vernon.
  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.”
  
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• Vancouver Island First Nation artist transforms bus into inspiring message

  18-09-2026 00:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A Songhees First Nation Elder has transformed a BC Transit bus into a moving expression of culture, identity, resilience and community connection.
  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.
  
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• No time for ‘dithering’: B.C. mayors renew call for help with social disorder, street crime

  17-09-2026 23:17 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Following a recent province-wide Save Our Streets (SOS) survey showing continued public dissatisfaction with provincial inaction on crime, public safety, addiction and mental illness and the justice system, community leaders at the Union of BC Municipalities convention in Vancouver signed a “Contract with Communities” on Sept. 17, calling for more from the province.“Our role is to see senior governments develop, implement and properly resource and manage initiatives that correc
  
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• ‘We are completely unique’: Everyone welcome at Greenwood’s Route 3 Racing Club

  17-09-2026 21:56 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Rain did not stop the racers from putting on a riveting show at the Motard event in Greenwood.
  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
  
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• NOTICE OF FIRST READING / NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

  17-09-2026 21:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  NOTICE OF FIRST READING
  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
  
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• Timber-cutting licence issued for proposed magnesium mine near Rossland

  17-09-2026 21:23 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  As a Nov. 16 court date approaches over the Mines Act permit for the proposed Record Ridge magnesium mine near Rossland, West High Yield Resources announced this week that it has received a provincial licence allowing it to cut and remove Crown timber from the project area.
  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
  
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• Final sailings between Crofton, Vesuvius Bay cancelled 5 nights per week until mid December

  17-09-2026 20:34 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The final round-trip ferry sailing between Crofton and Vesuvius Bay will be cancelled five nights a week for nearly two months this fall as construction continues at the Crofton terminal.
  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
  
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• Structurally unsafe Vancouver Island highrise slated to be demolished

  17-09-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  After looming over downtown Langford for several years, the doomed 11-storey highrise development Ridgeview Place (also known as Danbrook One) is to be demolished.
  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
  
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• New Chemainus art installation to honour Japanese Canadian legacy

  17-09-2026 20:21 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  A new art installation in Chemainus is nearing completion, bringing a piece of the community’s Japanese Canadian history into focus.
  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
  
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• Earthquakes, even small ones, unusual in the Kootenays

  17-09-2026 20:16 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The Kootenay community woke up to the rumblings of an earthquake in the early morning of Sep. 17.
  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
  
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• THE MOJ: B.C. Lions set up nicely for CFL’s stretch drive

  17-09-2026 20:06 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  CONTROLLING THEIR OWN DESTINY: The 49-28 win over the Montreal Alouettes last Saturday at BC Place was a big one for the Lions and sets them up nicely for the stretch drive. Their remaining games include Saskatchewan (home), Toronto (away), Ottawa (home), Calgary (away) and Winnipeg (home). Run the table and the Lions finish in second place in Western Division. It’s not going to be easy but it is possible. The key game is the one against the Riders which will probably determine whether or
  
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• ‘Never seen anything like it’: Boaters rescue bear cub from middle of Okanagan Lake

  17-09-2026 20:03 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  Christina Zamniuk could hardly believe what was happening when a small bear cub climbed exhausted and shivering onto her boat in the middle of Okanagan Lake over the weekend.Zamniuk, who lives in Abbotsford but spends time in the summer with her husband at their Vernon lake house, said they were out on the water heading towards Adventure Bay Saturday afternoon, Sept. 12, when they noticed something black in the water.“I think he thought it was a dog,” she said of her husband after th
  
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• Need for fundraising climbs as United Way BC hosts annual kick-off breakfast in Kelowna

  17-09-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The United Way BC kick-off breakfast took place at the Laurel Packinghouse in downtown Kelowna on the morning of Thursday, Sept. 17, welcoming a variety of businesses and supporters to begin fundraising for the 2026-27 year.
  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
  
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• 3 Okanagan governments have water protection work recognized at UBCM

  17-09-2026 19:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  The work being done to protect the primary water source in Lake Country and Vernon was recognized at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Community Excellence Awards ceremony on Sept. 15.
  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
  
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