Long weekend a good test

for B.C. Ferries before summer

Hundreds of thousands are hitting the waves this long weekend kicking off a projected record-breaking summer season for B.C. Ferries which is expecting eight million passengers and 3.2 million vehicles between June 1 and Sept. 5. Nearly 600 new staff are on board for the summer to work on board ships and terminals. MORE

Drive up and donate for diabetes
The long weekend coming up is a great time to get your house in order by decluttering. The best part of that is you’ll be helping nearly 12 million Canadians with pre-diabetes and diabetes. You can drive up and donate gently used clothing and small household items Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Diabetes Canada Clothing Collection Centre, 4166 Departure Bay Rd. MORE

Cone Zone campaign urges drivers to slow down 

Hey, we’re all in a hurry behind the wheel, but tens of thousands of roadside workers and millions of drivers in B.C. share a common goal. They all want to get home safe each day. The annual Cone Zone safety awareness campaign reminds drivers to avoid speeding, aggressive and distracted driving, and to obey flag persons and traffic signs. If you’re under the impression that it’s not a problem, a traffic enforcement event saw 42 tickets issued in two hours – with at least 31 drivers using cell phones. MORE

Healthamongus getting kids in shape
A sure sign of spring is school kids swarming fields for games and physical activity for Healthamongus Week. The new artificial turf fields at Harewood Centennial Park are the perfect setting after a four-year hiatus. They’re engaging in soccer, relay races, tug-of-war and other activities geared toward teaching children fundamental movement skills, such as running, jumping, kicking, throwing and dribbling. Healthamongus is a feature of the city and local schools. MORE

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Funkanometry second in Canada's Got Talent

Congratulations to dance duo of Jacksun Fryer and Carlow Rush for coming second in Canada’s Got Talent on Tuesday on the season finale. Known as Funkanometry, they left much of their final performance up to the judges, letting them control the pace and flow of the dance. Judges flipped paddles with ‘Faster’ or ‘Slower’ with Rush and Fryer adjusting to match. MORE

Rest in peace, Wayne Campbell

Just got the sad news this morning that Wayne Campbell, former editor of the Nanaimo Daily Free Press, has died at age 75 in Welland, Ont. Condolences to his family.

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BC Ferries adds more sailings, ends fuel surcharge

BC Ferries' four-per-cent fuel surcharge will disappear June 1. That’s an enticement for more people to sail as they add 350 more sailings this summer trying to avoid a repeat of last summer's travel frustrations caused by mechanical problems and staff shortages. Many of its former casual staff positions, and current casual staff have been given better compensation and working conditions to help remedy the crew shortages. The company hired 1,200 new staff last year and 500 more this year. MORE

North End house damaged in fire, no injuries

No injuries were reported after fire damaged a house an scorched landscaping and caused some on Hammond Bay Road Tuesday afternoon. Emergency personnel responded to the 5200 block Hammond Bay Road at 3 p.m. and quickly doused the flames which burned a fence and landscaping and damaged the siding of the home. MORE

Suspicious device was not a pipe bomb

Pleasant Valley Elementary School went into shelter-in-place Monday afternoon after discovery of a suspiciousdevice found near a school. Police determined that the “pipe with caps on both ends” was in fact not dangerous. The shelter-in-place was initiated out of an abundance of caution, police said. 

Wow, what a windfall! Class action pays $7.86

A number of Nanaimoites will not be going on any world cruises now that they’ve received their share of the Life Labs class action settlement. The $9.8-million settlement was shared by more than 900,000 Canadians, getting $7.86 each by direct deposit or $5.86 by cheque. Somewhere there’s about $2 million difference between the two figures. KPMG administered the claims and lawyers were also involved. MORE

Record-breaking aviator to address Aviation Council dinner 

World-renowned aviator Zara Rutherford will be the headline speaker at the BC Aviation Council’s annual conference in Nanaimo May 28. She is a record-breaking pilot and a passionate advocate for women. She is the youngest woman to solo circumnavigate globe in a small aircraft in 2022. Her family is deeply rooted in aviation, and Zara is dedicated to inspiring young women to pursue their aspirations. Tickets for the dinner at the Conference Centre are $99 per person, available through bcaviationcouncil.org.

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School district gets funding for one-stop child-care

Nanaimo-Ladysmith is one of three school districts to get one-stop child-care programs at local elementary schools this fall. Premier David Eby says offering parents before-and-after-school child care at the same location will save families time and money, create less stress for parents and is an efficient use of school space and resources. Early childhood educators and school district support staff will provide learning and care for children in classrooms and school spaces they are familiar with. The province will provide $2 million to the three districts over two years, creating 180 new licensed child-care spaces. MORE

Back to class after lockdown at Pleasant Valley school

The coast is clear for a return to classes at Pleasant Valley Elementary School this morning after a shelter-in-place disruption Monday. No details have been released. The designation involves a potential environmental hazard, according to the District’s emergency procedures. Everyone has to remain inside the school with the principal tasked with monitoring access to the school. MORE

New municipal tax bills are in the mail

Get ready for a little shock therapy as your 2024 Nanaimo tax bills hit local mail boxes in the next few days. The 7.7-per-cent increase talked about to date applies only to the city portion of your tax bill, school board, regional district and others have their own increases.

Commercial Street Night Market returns in June

Hollywood will soon be gone and downtown Nanaimo will give way to normal. That means the Commercial Street Night Market returns June 13 to launch 11 weekly markets along the street. The markets attracted more than 75,000 people in 2023. Planning for this year began right after last year’s even finished. Chamber CEO Corry Gervais promises some additions, pointing to 150 vendors and more food trucks in a designated area. MORE

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Filming production begins today in Downtown Nanaimo

Cameras were set to begin filming this morning on the two-days shooting schedule for the HBO series ‘The Last of Us.’ Most of Commercial Street has been transformed into an apocalyptic version of Seattle for the filming today and and Tuesday. Traffic controls were to begin around 2 a.m. today with film crews begin arriving at 5 a.m. Cameras were expected to begin rolling at 7 a.m. on Commercial and Skinner Streets. MORE

Cell phone use up to individual schools

Sometimes no decision is the best decision. Nanaimo-Ladysmith school board is leaving a decision on cell phones in the classroom up to individual schools until they an create over-all guidelines. The Education Ministry has ordered that as of July 1 all school districts are required to include “one or more statements about restricting the use of personal digital devices at school” within their school codes of conduct.

Fort Nelson wildfire continues to spread

A wildfire near Fort Nelson has forced thousands to flee their homes. It could spread into the town itself, warns the B.C. Wildfire Service. the Parker Lake Wildfire had grown to 4,136 hectares by Sunday afternoon, burning out of control about 3.5 kilometres from Fort Nelson. Evacuation orders remain in place for about 3,000 residents of Fort Nelson and the Fort Nelson First Nation. The fire is expected to continue spreading toward Highway 97 and the Fort Nelson First Nation with a timed impact around dinner time today. MORE

QUOTABLE – Personal attacks actually cheer me up. It means they have no logical, political argument left.

Which comes first, the chicken, the egg . . . or rules?

There’s something romantic about living in the city and growing your own food, including livestock. City council is looking at clarifying rules for backyard chickens and ducks. This was an issue in 2010 when I was a councillor. Now Public Safety Director Dave LaBerge reports that last year Nanaimo Animal Control Services got 39 calls about backyard chickens, about half for poultry at large. Other complaints centred around excessive numbers of hens or ducks, coop violations and rooster problems. There have been complaints about odor, flies and vermin attracted to coops. MORE

Cedar Farmers' Market opens today

A late reminder, if you hustle you can still get in on the Cedar Farmers’ Market which opens today and runs until 2 p.m. at the field behind the former Woodbank Elementary School on Woobank Road.

Heat records set in many parts of the province

When heat records are set it’s almost automatic to think of Lytton, and that’s where the temperature reached 33.9C on Friday, breaking the record from 2019. Penticton broke a record dating back to 1924, hitting 29.7C. The Southern Interior was not the only area feeling the heat. Dawson Creek beat its 1969 record of 25 C, reaching a new mark of  25.2 C. The heat and sunshine is a pleasant relief but not good news for the wildfire situation in the province. MORE

Fourth suspect charged in death of Sikh leader

A fourth Indian national has been charged with murder in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year. Amandeep Singh, 22, has been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The 22-year-old was already in custody in Ontario for unrelated firearms charges. Three others – 22-year-old Karan Brar, 22-year-old Kamalpreet Singh, and 28-year-old Karanpreet Singh – are facing the same charges. Those three were arrested in Edmonton earlier this month. MORE

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In politics, always blame

someone else for your mistakes

Politics is all about deflection – blaming someone else for your mistakes. Our illustrious prime minister was in the province this past week pointing a finger at Meta, aka Facebook, for depriving Canadians of local news on that social medium. That is particularly critical now with the wildfire season when British Columbians need up-to-date news reporting.

Let’s backtrack here, Mr. Prime Minister, you were the one who tried to extort Facebook and the company responded with blocking links to Canadian news. But he continues to point the finger in other directions, not recognizing that when you point a finger there are three other fingers on that same hand pointing back to you.

A look in the mirror might put things into perspective. He might see clearly whom the blame belongs to. And then again, he might not.

Industrial development approved for south end

City council has approved a development permit for a light industrial development at 924 Old Victoria Rd. It will be four buildings with 17,000 square metres of floor space on the now-vacant lot. MORE

To the dump, to the dump, to the dump

It’s garbage cleanup time and Milner Group is coming to the rescue with a charity residential yard and wood waste recycling day. It’s by donation with the proceeds going to the Nanaimo Child Development Centre. Take your load to the dump on Biggs Road between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. today.

Spectacular Northern Lights show expect on weekend

Northern Lights are expected to put on a dazzling display over our area through the weekend. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports a severe geomagnetic storm is set to hit Earth. The activity from the sun is expected to be so severe, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Centre issued an extremely rare storm watch, the first of its kind since 2005. Timing remains uncertain as at least seven earth-directed Coronal Mass Ejections are on their way. MORE

Nanaimo Mountie joins Tour de Rock team

Const. Ian George will represent Nanaimo RCMP in this year’s Tour de Rock bike ride where police and emergency responders bike for 14 days over 1,200 kilometres across Vancouver Island. The team has already kicked off its training and has been starting from the basics to ensure everyone is on the same page. The annual ride has been run since 1997. It raises money for childhood cancer research and for programs likeCamp Goodtimes. MORE

Cyber attacks linked to 'state or sate-sponsored actor'

B.C. Government websites, networks and servers are targeted by approximately 1.5 billion hacking attempts daily and growing. Shannon Salter, head of civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” are behind the incidents. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said there's no evidence that any sensitive personal information was accessed and assured that no ransom demands have been made. Police and federal agencies are investigating. MORE

Growing wildfire forces Fort Nelson evacuation

All residents of Fort Nelson and Fort Nelson First Nation have been ordered to evacuate in the face of an out-of-control wildfire. The blaze broke out Friday afternoon approximately 12 kilometres west of the community and has been growing rapidly. Residents were advised shortly after 7 p.m. Friday to drive to Fort St. John. The B.C. Wildfire Service said the new blaze was estimated at 50 hectares shortly before 5:30 p.m. Just an hour later, it had frown to 400 hectares. By 8 p.m. it had doubled again to 800 hectares. MORE

QUOTABLE – Message to the Gaza protestors, keep those tents, you’re going to need them after you leave university without a degree.

City's spray parks are open now

The water is flowing at the city’s water spray parks, in time for the hottest weekend of the year. Harewood Centennial Park, Departure Bay Centennial Park, Mansfield Park and Deverill Square are expecting thousands over the weekend as temperatures reach near-record levels. City manager of parks operations Charlotte Davis said final tests were completed Friday and the parks are open and ready for use this summer. MORE

Quist wins provincial leadership award

A great big congrats to Breanne Quist for winning the 2024 Women in Sports & Leadership Award from BC School Sports, comprised of 450 schools in the province. Breanne is the athletic director and a high school teacher at the Nanaimo Christian School. The Ladysmith native played virtually any sport she could, with basketball eventually being her preferred passion as she obtained her teaching degree at VIU as a student-athlete. She’s been the athletic director for eight years while doubling as a high school teacher. MORE

Six more supportive recovery beds scheduled

The Island Crisis Care Society will open a six-bed supportive recovery project this summer to provide stable housing, food, mental health resources and individualized support plans for up to 18 months at no cost to the individual. Society Director Corrie Corfield said a referral process is being finalized. MORE

55+ BC Games management confirmed by council

The Board of Directors is no in place for the 55+ BC Games in Nanaimo. President Diana Johnstone and Vice-President Mary Smith have named 11 individuals to serve as directors and all were approved by Nanaimo City Council on Monday, May 6. SEE THE FULL LIST.

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Possible party merger has
Premier’s full attention
Talk about a possible merger of the B.C. Conservative and B.C. United parties has Premier David Eby’s attention. Eby HAS warned his caucus of the potential merger, saying the fall election is shaping up to be the “starkest choice in a generation.” Conservative leader John Rustad and BCU leader Kevin Falcon have acknowledged talks behind the scenes. Eby took aim at the Conservatives earlier this week, mentioning Rustad and his party 10 times, while referring once to BC United. The legislature has adjourned for the summer, with the fall election  on Oct. 19. The standings in the legislature are 55 New Democrats, 26 BC United, two Conservatives, two Greens and two Independents. MORE

SkyTrain attacker gets
10-year prison term
A man convicted of attacking a SkyTrain attendant in 2021 has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Transit police say Howard Geddes Skelding was found guilty of assault causing bodily harm and forcible confinement. The charges stemmed from an incident in 2021. Skelding assaulted a SkyTrain attendant at Braid Station by violently attacking the attendant. She fought him off and called for help. Skelding was arrested at the scene. MORE

Rules getting tougher

for pets going across the line

Taking Rover on a jaunt to the United States soon be harder. The U.S. Center for Disease Control is bringing in new rules starting Aug. 1, intended to make sure dogs coming into the country are healthy and don't pose a risk. Among the changes, dogs must be at least six months old and healthy. They’ll also need a microchip and a CDC dog import form receipt – even if you’re just hopping over for gas or groceries.

Canucks will have to wait to learn

who’s in Game five Oiler net

South Cariboo teacher disciplined

after inappropriate classroom remarks

Former Kelowna bookkeeper guilty of fraud to spend six years in jail, pay $1M

B.C. United, B.C. Conservative merger ‘pretty unlikely’: political scientist

Obstruction charge stayed against cop linked to Indigenous man’s death