AAP target number was likely reached

24-11-06

We have to deduce that sufficient alternative approval forms were submitted – 7,974 – and that the verification process is under way. It is natural to conclude enough forms were submitted because it would not be necessary to verify them if the process had failed to achieve the required number. How’s that for a word salad? So be patient, it’s a precise process and city staff are working diligently to ensure a proper process.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue responded twice to a house fire on Hillside Avenue Tuesday morning. Fire broke out shortly before 4:15 a.m. and one person was rescued. Smoke rising from the building brought fire crews back at about 10 a.m. Flames shooting from the home are believed to have started outside the building. Capt. Alan Millbank said crews found three sides of the building fully involved. The second call resulted after material in an attic combusted. MORE

Cadet units will conduct an around-the-clock vigil at the Nanaimo Cenotaph, beginning at 11 a.m. on Sunday, until the Nov. 11 Remembrance Day services. 205 Collishaw Royal Canadian Air Cadets Capt. Dave Ruel other units across Canada will conduct similar events. He told NanaimoNewsNow it’s designed to honor those who sacrificed, adding things would be a lot different if we didn’t have the freedoms that we have. MORE

An all-party committee is likely to investigate mistakes during the election vote tally and an uncounted ballot box and unreported votes in three-quarters of the 93 ridings. Premier David Eby proposed the committee after B.C. Conservative leader earlier called for an inquiry. Chief electoral officer Anton Boegman blamed extreme weather, long working hours and a new voting system for human errors behind the mistakes. None were large enough to change the initial results. MORE

B.C. port shutdown could impact holiday shopping plans

Video shows transport truck toppling over on B.C. highway during windstorm

B.C. veterans to ride transit for free this Nov. 11

B.C. man charged with the murder of his estranged wife

Drunk driver crashed, switched seats with passenger – who also crashed

Victoria woman sentenced for embezzling $340,000 from employer

WEB QUOTE – Old age is like underwear, it creeps up on you.

Nov. 5, 2024

B.C. ports come to halt

after employer lockout

British Columbia ports are behind a lock out in a dispute with about 700 unionized foremen. The BC Maritime Employers Association says it locked out members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 after the union began strike activity yesterday. Political and business leaders are concerned with another work stoppage at the ports, after a strike by railways earlier this year and a 13-day strike in a separate labour dispute last year. The two sides have been without a contract since March 2023. MORE

BC Hydro crews have been busy restoring power after nearly 150,000 customers were affected by strong winds Monday. Some were left without power overnight. Many of the outages appeared on the south Island in the Greater Victoria region. MORE

Enrolment continues to grow in Nanaimo-Ladysmith schools. Our district has15,284 full-time students, compared with 15,036 last year at this time. A number of schools adjusted due to class size and composition – Chase River, Gabriola, Forest Park, Cilaire, Rock City and Frank J. Ney elementary schools. École North Oyster had a French immersion class removed and an English division added. MORE

There’s a new face at Lantzville Municpal Hall. Sundance Topham is the new interim post of chief administrative officer, until a permanent CAO can be found. He’s relieving Glenn Morphy, who is expected to return to his director of public works role. Topham anticipates remaining in the role the next couple of months until council determines the next steps. MORE

Salmon are making a big comeback in the Nanaimo River after slow returns in recent years. Restoration efforts began in the early 2000s and now more than 40,000 chum are expected to return to the river this fall, aided by heavy rains and human efforts in the region. Hundreds of people attended the open house at the Nanaimo River Hatchery on Sunday to seethe spawn, release fry, and support the hatchery’s annual fundraiser. MORE

Elections BC says ballot box containing 861 votes uncounted

It’s not just obesity. Drugs like Ozempic will change the world

Three arrested during protest outside Surrey, temple

WEB QUOTE – Stupid is knowing the truth, seeing the truth, but still believing the lies.

One man in hospital
after targetted hit

A man is in hospital with serious injuries after being shot in a targeted hit near Long Lake on Saturday. Shots were fired at a home on Corunna Avenue around 6 p.m., reports R/Const. Gary O'Brien. He said police responded and found an adult man with a gunshot wound. He was treated, taken to the hospital. No suspects were found. He said there is no further threat to the public. If anyone has information, including dashcam video from between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m., call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line. MORE

Down for the count? Almost 7,000 AAP opposition forms were submitted to the city opposed to a new public works yard by a citizen campaign.In round numbers, 8,000 forms are needed to end the project, but opponents are hopeful that enough forms were submitted directly by voters to top up their campaign. The deadline was last Thursday. If the 8,000 number is passed, the votes have to be verified. If they didn’t hit that level, it’s over and the project can go ahead.

You’ll have to wait a little longer for upgrades to the Benson View Regional Trail. Restoration work has been pushed back to next summer. The Regional District is re-routing a 700 metre section of to improve accessibility with a gentler grade, three footbridges and an out-and-back connector trail to the viewpoint. The the area now includes multiple steep, rocky sections. MORE

British Columbia ports were set to shut down today as an 8 a.m. lockout was set to go into effect. Mediators are on hand to help reach a deal in the port labour dispute. Federal labour minister Steven MacKinnon spoke with the BC Maritime Employers Association and the union representing more than 700 foremen on negotiations for a new collective agreement. He said both parties have a responsibility to reach an agreement, adding businesses, workers, and farmers are counting on them. MORE

We’re heading into the Christmas season, so naturally there’s a labour dispute at Canada Post. Talks are continuing with the union that represents postal workers and neither side has given notice of a work stoppage. The Crown corporation said Sunday that both sides have agreed not to give 72-hour notice of a strike or lockout as long as the talks are productive. Canada Post presented its latest offer last week which included annual wage increases of 11.5 per cent over four years. It also protects the pension for current employees, as well as their job security and health benefits. MORE

WEB QUOTE – Here’s to all the people with different opinions. And we’re still friends because we are adults. 24/11/04

Nov. 3, 2024

We’re about to

get drenched again

A relatively short but intense rainstorm is forecast to begin shortly after midnight. Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast for eastern Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. Environment Canada warns peak rainfall for Monday, easing by midday. The rain will vary by location, reaching between 40 and 100 millimetres. MORE

Wherever you turn, people are proudly displaying poppies in remembrance of those who died in past wars. All it takes is a donation at various tables in shopping malls and other locations throughout the city. With Remembrance Day approaching, volunteers from Royal Canadian Legion branches in Nanaimo are at numerous locations handing out poppies. The Nanaimo Remembrance Day ceremony on Nov. 11, will see multiple organizations honouring veterans at the downtown cenotaph and in Lantzville. First Nations, Métis and Inuit have their own day, Friday, Nov. 8. In the meantime, pick up a poppy and wear it with pride.

The Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district is looking to head off serious cybersecurity challenges. District Secretary Treasurer Mark Walsh says the district's information technology (IT) department is being proactive. The district has more than 15,000 devices wired to its network as well as 7,000 personal devices that log on daily. That covers tablets, laptops, surveillance cameras, heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Walsh outlined work to safeguard against online attacks, adding the district is looking at increasing security due to the countless connections to site through the system . Multi-facet authentication is one of the options. The report at the committee stage will go to the full school board. MORE

Things are about to get awfully quiet on the waterfront as a strike and a walkout loom at B.C. ports. The BC Maritime Employers Association has released the details of its final offer to the union representing more than 700 foremen ahead of a lockout on Monday. It includes a 19.2-per-cent pay increase over four years, a 16-per-cent increase to the retirement benefit, a 10-per-cent increase to employer contributions to the welfare plan and an average $21,000 lump sum backpay since the contract expired in March 2023. The union’s main issue is staffing as more automation is introduced at the ports. MORE

BITS AND PIECES

Kamloops RCMP issued the warning after a reported of a razor blade inserted into Halloween candy . . . Two teenage boys were hurt Thursday morning after someone set off a firecracker inside their school hallway. One was taken to hospital for a facial injury, while the other suffered a temporary loss of hearing . . . West Kelowna RCMP are appealing for dash cam video following a shooting that left a person in hospital. The shooting happened Friday night, West Kelowna RCMP said . . . TransLink is looking for ideas to repurpose about 150 old SkyTrain cars, which are reaching the end of their lifespan after over four decades of service since 1986.

WEB QUOTE – Beware of sellers offering "brand new" antiques.

Nov. 2, 2024

VIU memorial project

on display across city

Nanaimo soldiers who died during the First and Second World Wars will be in the spotlight from now until Remembrance day in VIU’s memorial project. It displays the names of more than 200 soldiers in locations across the city. Their names came from the Dallas Square Cenotaph. A special section highlights local Indigenous soldiers, thanks to research conducted by VIU Elder-in-Residence Geraldine Manson. See the FULL STORY.

Friends can make miracles. The First Nanaimo Scout Hut suffered a fire, vandalism and theft within two weeks. A appeal quickly raised $6,000 to cover replacing the doors and locks. By Friday they beat the target, with one single contribution of $4,000. The Hut near Comox Road and Wallace Street was built in 1926 and has been the gathering spot for countless Scouts since 1930. It almost went up in smoke Oct. 16 when someone set fire to the outside followed by a break-in with damage and theft of items including an AED. MORE

The Salvation Army kettle drive is looking for volunteers. If you’re interested but not sure what’s involved there’s an orientation session on Nov. 14. There will be two sessions on that day, one at 2 pm, and 7 pm at the church at 505 Eighth St. You need to attend only one sessions. Sports or service teams are welcome to attend as well. You don’t have to sign up in advance, there’s plenty or room. So just drop in at either session.

Union and management are in a showdown over port operations in the province. The BC Maritime Employers Association has issued a lock out notice to the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514, starting Monday at 9 a.m. affecting 700 port foremen. The union had earlier issued a 72-hour strike notice to begin at 8 a.m. Monday. It will shut down all cargo operations of BCMEA Member companies across the province but will not affect longshore operations on grain vessels or cruise operations. MORE

BITS AND PIECES

Watch those horny dear now that it’s rutting season. Police on the Island are issuing a warning about deer rutting season after a dog was gored to death by a buck in Oak Bay . . . Overwhelmed RCMP had their hands full with a Halloween gathering in Mission with about 300 young people involved. Offences included assault, rocks thrown at a car, fireworks being shot at cars, and fireworks being set off in the direction of buildings. One officer was struck with a baton . . . Chief Chris Roberts of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation voiced disappointment after a Campbell River city committee rejected name changes for Discovery Passage, Quinsam River, and Tyee Spit . . . Trans-gender athlete Harriette Mackenzie of Vancouver Island University accuses Columbia Bible College's basketball coach of questioning the right to play and instructing players to target her during recent PacWest women's basketball games . . . New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone's apparently didn’t know any better when he accepted a freebe trip to Dubai for a climate conference. That violated the city's Code of Conduct, however, the breach was inadvertent and the mayor acted in good faith, ruled ethics commissioner Jennifer Devins . . .  It’s no surprise that snow is falling on highways in the Interior, prompting reminders to drive carefully. Up to 30 cm (12 inches) could fall by late Saturday . . . B.C. Supreme Court has reacted to trouble before it starts by granting a buffer zone around one of the province's largest Sikh temples in advance of expected confrontations between protesters and Indian consular officials today . . . A South Surrey landlord who evicted a long-time tenant only to rent out the same unit months later for more money has been ordered to compensate him $16,480.

WEB QUOTE – As you reach your older years remember to be careful you don’t get into accidents because spare parts for older models like you and I are no longer in stock.

Now it's wait

and see for

AAP decision

Win or lose, the group or groups spearheading opposition to the Alternative Approval Process for the Public Works facility borrowing did yeoman’s work. Now the wait begins. If the total submissions is under the required threshold that's the end of it. If the no-votes submitted passed the required number they all have to be verified in order to count, and that could take a couple of weeks. I know of one group that collected and delivered around 7,000 forms and others were submitted directly by citizens. A successful vote would show you can fight city hall. If the AAP is defeated, the city has another kick at it by holding a referendum. And council should not go there until the next election in 2026.

The Regional District will lift all water restrictions today for its service areas except Decourcey and Surfside regions which will remain at stage four. Recent significant rain through October had relieved drought conditions and reduced the seasonal water demand. Stream flows have returned to normal after peaking earlier due to heavy rains. MORE

The latest port labor dispute negotiation is reaching the eleventh hour after employers presented a final offer to the union representing foremen. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 has not responded to the B.C. Maritime Employers Association offer. Both sides confirmed earlier in the day that talks are ongoing with the help of federal mediation services. The union, which represents about 700 foremen at the ports, has said if talks break down it has a mandate from members to strike that expires on Nov. 2. MORE

The driver involved in the fatal road accident which killed Charles Tommy on Oct. 24 on Harmac Road may not be aware of the incident, says Nanaimo RCMP. Witnesses reported seeing Tommy standing on the shoulder of the road and lying on the roadway before he was struck near the Cedar Road Bridge around 7 p.m. A police statement said they have taken numerous statements and collected both dash cam footage and video surveillance from the area and are actively reviewing the video in an attempt to identify the vehicle involved.

Judicial recounts will be held next week to make a final determination on the outcome of the provincial election. The NDP won by 27 votes in Surrey-Guildford while the Conservative candidate won by 38 in Kelowna Centre. Recounts of this nature seldom result in overturning the Elections B.C. final totals. By flipping the Kelowna seat the NDP could form a majority even with appointing a Speaker.

Some of the gummies seized in a federal drug enforcement action contained 100 times the amount THC compared to licensed dispensaries. One of the dispensaries was in Lantzville. The cannabis treats pose a significant health risk to children. There have several reported cases in the past where gummies have been found mixed in with candy. Some of the effects are vomiting, agitation, confusion, slurred speech, unsteadiness on feet, slowed breathing  and muscle weakness. If you suspect that your child has ingested cannabis gummies, seek medical attention immediately. If you find gummies in your children’s candy, remove them and report the incident to the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line of the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.

BITS AND PIECES – A downtown commercial building was damaged by fire on Tuesday. Officials suggested two squatters had built a makeshift shelter which caught fire . . .  We know what’s coming, but snow in Hawaii? A blanket of snow fell on Mauna Kea summit this week, forcing the road leading to the Observatories to be closed as crews worked to clear the snow and ice . . .  If you’re a pro wrestling fan you won’t be able to tune in for your favorite WWE grappling shows on Sportsnet, starting in January. It appears Netflix has bought all the rights in a 10-year, $5 billion deal . . . RCMP have seized the "largest and most sophisticated" drug-production laboratory in Canadian history, in the Interior. The chemicals and finished fentanyl products seized could have amounted to 95 million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl . . . The Parole Board has granted another six months of day parole to Kelly Ellard who killed Reena Virk in Victoria and is serving a life sentence for drowning 14-year-old Virk in 1997.

WEB QUOTE – A bad attitude is like a flat tire, you won’t go anywhere until you change it.