Registration required
Register at recreation.nanaimo.ca or call 250-756-522
Sept. 17, 2024
A stinky situation. Residents in a wide are of the north end held their noses while emergency crews determined the source of a gas leak in the Nanaimo transit yard. It happened just after 2 p.m. on Monday in the area behind Costco. Nanaimo Fire Rescue tracked a leak to a pipe in the transit yard. RCMP closed Calinda Street at both Applecross and Hammond Bay Road as a precaution. A number of buses were delayed from their routes. MORE
The mid-Island is not the only region making noises about health care. Emergency room doctors at Surrey Memorial Hospital have warned Fraser Health that deteriorating conditions are leading to substandard care. The letter is signed by the emergency department’s entire staff of physicians, is addressed to Fraser Health CEO Dr. Victoria Lee. The doctors say they’ve made repeated and urgent attempts to alert Fraser Health and provincial health leadership of worsening conditions in the emergency department, but have received little response. MORE
Out with the old and in with the new appears to be the theme at BC Ferries moves ahead to build seven new vessels. The procurement for the first five ferries is now under way, with the remaining two to be built in a later phase. The corporation still needs approval from the ferry commissioner.The new ships are designed to to carry up to 2,100 passengers and 360 standard-sized vehicles. The current vessels can hold up to 1,500 passengers and 310 vehicles. Ferries says the goal is to address projected population growth. The first ship is expected to start service in 2029, with all five in service by 2031. MORE
The collapse of the BC United Party has left a lingering odor – taxpayers may have to pick up the tab for caucus staff severance pay. Those are the staffers in the Legislature as opposed to the party offices. Two dozen caucus staffers are being laid off and there is some doubt whether there is enough money in the BC United caucus funds to pay that severance. An all-party committee at the legislature met Monday to determine where the funds will come from. They committee voted to have it come primarily from the BC United caucus funds. If there’s still a shortfall, it would come from constituency coffers, and if there is still not enough, the remainder will come from the legislative assembly. MORE
Two people walked away uninjured after the A small plane in crashed and burst into flames on landing at the Qualicum Beach Airport on Monday afternoon. The two people in the plane were not injured. The 1977 Piper Arrow crashed after an issue during landing and the fire was easily extinguished. MORE
WEB QUOTE – David Eby is calling John Rustad a liar and Rustad is calling Eby a liar. Until definitive fact checking, our best option is to believe both of them.
Sept. 16, 2024
Drug treatment:
will it be real this time?
Many are dubious about Premier David Eby’s commitment to involuntary treatment for severe drug addicts and metal illness. Eby announced the move on Sunday to come into being “in the months to come.” What raises questions is his promise during his NDP leadership bid to do exactly that, and then backed out. There are questions about whether this is another ploy only to be abandoned after October 19 provincial election. Watch out for weasel words in political announcements. Give us YOUR VIEW.
Commercial Street reconstruction has created upheaval for downtown so street parking will be free with a two-hour time limit during Commercial Street reconstruction. The revitalization for the area is expected to continue until May. This includes a curb-less street, buried structural soil cells for trees so their roots don't damage the sidewalk, street furnishings with integrated artwork, and retractable bollards along the gutter line. The Downtown Nanaimo Business Association has asked for the parking change after the loss of about 30 parking space on Commercial Street. MORE
Another Nanaimo icon is fading into history with a gutter ball. Brechin Lanes, Nanaimo’s only five-pin alley is closing. Owners Ray and Tianna Brittain said the decision was actually very logical, but emotionally, it was very hard. The bowling alley started in 1956 with six lanes. John and Louise bought it in 1967, eventually building 16 lanes. bowling alleys were the rage in the late 1970s and early ’80s. John says property taxes went up 55 per cent this year and when your product is bowling at $6.99, that’s a lot of games of bowling. MORE
As earthquakes go, 6.5 magnitude rattles the ground pretty good. The Haida Gwaii region rumbled just after 2 p.m. Sunday, 276 km from Port McNeill and 421.8 km from Campbell River. A second quake was reported about an hour later. The U.S. Geological Survey did not issue any tsunami alerts and no damage reports were expected.
WEB QUOTE – Turn signals come free with vehicles. Use them.
Sept. 15, 2024
Eby approves involuntary drug treatment centre
After extended public pressure, British Columbia will place people with severe addictions in involuntary care under the Mental Health Act. In making the announcement, Premier David Eby says the first site will also provide care for people with mental illness and brain injuries. It will be located at the Alouette Correctional Centre for Women in Maple Ridge in the coming months with plans to expand throughout the province. The move comes three months after Eby appointed Dr. Daniel Vigo as chief scientific adviser for psychiatry, toxic drugs and concurrent disorders. MORE
A Packed house at a Fair Care Alliance rally on Thursday heard calls for government to fund a catheterization lab and a new patient tower at NRGH but NDP candidates were nowhere in sight. Conservative, Green Party and independent candidates were there to support the cause. Isn’t that strange in view that there’s a provincial election going on? Our hospital has 346 in-patient beds and about 70 specialists ranging from cardiology and gastrointestinal care, to respiratory and psychiatric. Two hospitals south of the Malahat feature a combined 844 in-patient beds and nearly 290 specialists. Alliance chair Donna Hais said it’s not about what political party you belong to, what race you are or gender, it’s about you as a human being. MORE
Tim Harris won the School District 68 byelectiion on Saturday. He won 594 to 224 over the only other candidate, Joan Brown. He is a former teacher, educational assistant and principal. MORE
Okay, you can resume air travel plans – Air Canada and its pilots have negotiated a new labour deal and averted a countrywide shutdown. The deal ended the possibility that the 5,200 Air Canada pilots could be locked out or walk off the job. Any such move would have forced the airline to suspend nearly all operations, a prospect that raised concerns among business groups, and passengers. MORE
Have you seen anyone staggering around with a 180-pound cast-iron dragon? One was stolen from a Nanaimo home last week. Police have interviewed neighbours and reviewedsurveillance footage but haven’t found any evidence, so they are turning to the public for tips. If you know anything about this case call Nanaimo RCMP's non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, citing file No. 2024-18813. MORE
Carl Michael Francis, 36, has been sentenced to six years in jail for violently sexually assaulting and forcibly confining a 19-year-old woman three years ago. B.C. Supreme Court Justice Carla Forth said Francis showed no remorse and she was unsure if he would be open to attending rehabilitation programs while incarcerated.Francis was found guilty of three offences during an eight-day jury trial over the summer: unlawful confinement, sexual assault causing bodily harm, and assault causing bodily harm. MORE
Just a Minute. Voters in Monday’s federal byelection in Montreal will have a lot of candidates to choose from – there are 91 names on the metre-long ballot. Most of the candidates appear aligned to a group protesting Canada’s first-past-the-post voting system. Limited polling shows a three-way race between the Liberals, New Democrats and Bloc Québécois. A Mainstreet Research poll this week put the Bloc in the lead. MORE
WEB QUOTE – Once you’ve matured you will realize that silence is more important than proving a point.
Sept 14, 2024
Third approval process
starts for works yard
Will the third time be a charm? The city is launching its third attempt Wednesday to get approval for a public works facility. Voters have a 42 days to oppose the borrowing bylaw by filling out an elector response form which they can pick up at City Hall or the City's website. If you are in favour of borrowing for this project, no action is required. The City is conducting tours of the Public Works Yard. Register for a 45-minute guided tour online at recreation.nanaimo.ca – click "Register for a Program" and search "Public Works" or call 250-756-5200. Tours take place Wednesday, Oct. 2, Saturday, Oct. 5 and Wednesday, Oct. 23 between, all 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. MORE
It's time for fun at the fair, but the VIEX needs volunteer ticket sellers. The fair will donate donate $700 to community groups that volunteer. VIEX runs next Friday to Sunday at Beban Park. Groups manning ticket booths will be responsible for providing at least two peopleat all timesfrom 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 20-21 and from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 22. Shifts can vary depending on the number of volunteers available but plan for shits between four to sixhours per person. MORE
What has become a summer tradition on Vancouver Island, the Tour de Rock takes off next week. This year’s 1,200 km. ride will begin on Sept. 21 in Port Alice and end on Oct. 4th in Greater Victoria. First responders ride to raise money for life-saving childhood cancer research. Tour de Rock began in 1997 as part of Cops for Cancer, raising more than $54 million since then, surpassing $1 million last year. Donations for this year’s tour can be made here.
The federal government is kicking in $230,000 for a travelling exhibit with theNanaimo and District Museum Society. The bilingual exhibit, calledEsquimalt & Nanaimo (E&N) Railway Land Grants: 140 Years Later, will cover the effects and history of the E&N Railway and associated land grants on Vancouver Island. MORE
HMCS Yellowknife and U.S. Coast Guard officers seized more than 1,400 kilograms of cocaine during an anti-drug-trafficking operation in Central America. The haul southwest of Acapulco, Mexico last week is estimated to be worth US$44.2 million. MORE
My heart-felt appreciation for all the well wishes after my cancer diagnosis. I've undergone five sessions of chemotherapy – two more and then a 21-day hiatus before starting all over again. The cancer clinic staff have been fabulous and I can’t say enough about the Volunteer Cancer Driver program. They have been great. I am feeling good and don’t expect any major changes in the next little while. It’s the long run that I have to contend with. The next blood test on Sunday will be revealing.
WEB QUOTE – The greatest threat to society is the gullibility of many among us.
Sept. 13, 2024
Politics as usual is turning off voters
Voter turnouts for all elections have been dwindling for years and that should concern all of us. We’re not getting the best possible participation in what we call a democracy when only a proportion of us take part. Many voters are simply disgusted and don't bother voting.
Take a look at the U.S. presidential election and you may figure out what the reason is for people staying home. The campaign is nothing but bull manure tossed by both sides. Lying is now an accepted part of campaigning.
We’re seeing the same right here at home for the October 19 provincial election campaign. We’ve got misrepresentation, outright lying and character smearing as part of the campaign diet. Some would be libelous if it were not part of an election campaign.
A good example is the NDP dragging out the old abortion canard, accusing their opponents of planning to restrict abortion access. That is a lie because it’s a federal issue, the government in Ottawa controls abortion. B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad has stated emphatically that there will be no changes.
This type of distraction from the real issues turns people off, no wonder they stay at home on election day. Eby has something positive he can tout about women’s health that his party have accomplished. He can take pride for providing free birth control, invitro fertilization assistance and more. That’s something positive to lay out there.
To lay all the cards on the table, the Conservatives are little or no better with the incendiary language spattered throughout their election communications.
The NDP have a lot to answer for, not the least of which is the health care crisis we’re in with emergency departments closed on a regular basis. And they have to admit failure in the homeless and mental health portfolios.
The NDP needs to come clean about the housing shortages caused in part by government actions like development red tape, property transfer taxes and sales tax on housing materials.
There’s a lot more, so voters have to decide on more of the same, or live on the wild side and vote for something different.
I thought I saw a ray of hope in an NDP campaign brochure that arrived in the mail today. It featured Premier David Eby, but devoted about one third of a page focussing on Conservative leader John Rustad’s platform. That's so generous of them, especially since some of what they ascribe to him will actually encourage some people to vote for Rustad.
As well, the NDP now appear on the same page as Conservatives about the carbon tax, both Eby and federal leader Jagmeet Singh say they're ready to shut it down. But it's not as easy as flicking a switch. It is also under federal government control. Only if the federal Conservativew win the 2025 election will government axe the tax.
That's also misleading in that whenever government eliminates a revenue source they've got to find another one. Where are they going to get the billions in replacement funds if they cancel the carbon tax? It means new taxes, just shuffling the figures in the federal budget. In the end, it is we who have to make up the difference, so what would we be gaining?
For all parties, a dose of truth serum every morning, paired with decency, could improve the way we chose our elected representatives. Stick to the issues, quit impugning your opponents. More of us might turn out at the polls.
Sept. 13, 2024
Rally for health care
attracts 350 reidents
Residents spoke out loud and clear Thursday about the need for access to healthcare, equal to the south Island. About 350 people attended a rally on Thursday, organized by Fair Care Alliance, which is advocating for funding a catheterization lab (cardiac care) and a new patient tower at NRGH. Alliance chair Donna Hais said areas north of the Malahat get about one-fifth of Island healthcare funding, despite being home to more than half the Island’s population. She said it’s not about political parties, race or gender, but you as a human being. It’s about us, speaking with one voice, Hais said. MORE
Olympic gold deserves recognition, and that’s what’s in store for Nanaimo’s Ethan Katzberg as the city marks his achievements at the games in Paris. It’s on Sept. 26, at 10:30 a.m. at the Rotary Bowl honoring the men’s hammer throw gold medalist. Here's Mayor Leonard Krog's invitation.
The Moon Cake Festival is a tradition more than 3,000 years old marking the post-harvest moon on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. In China, it’s a statutory holiday that people celebrate by lighting lanterns, eating moon cakes and spending the time with family and friends. Nanaimo is having its first Mid-Autumn Festival with moon cakes, lanterns and lion dancing on Saturday, at various locations in Maffeo Sutton Park. The Festival is a joint effort of the Nanaimo Chinese Cultural Society and Nanaimo Masonic Lodge. They hope to make this an annual event. MORE
Nanaimo RCMP are investigating after a body was discovered near the curling rink in a treed area at the edge of Bowen Park Thursday afternoon. Investigators interviewed people who appear to have been living in the park as well as two paramedics from BC Ambulance. No other details are available. MORE
Snuneymuxw First Nation is planning to build 59 new affordable rental units on Warpath Road. They form part of 1,600 affordable rental homes through a partnership between B.C. Housing and Indigenous non-profit housing providers. Chief Mike Wyse said the announcement that marks a big moment in the band’s housing work, adding it addresses a long-standing on-reserve housing shortage. Wyse added that the units will be fast-tracked and ready for use in approximately two years. MORE
A former Nanaimo maid won’t spend any time in jail but was given a suspended sentence and 18 months probation for stealing jewellery and cash from three homes. The probation was part of a joint submission from Crown and defence. Penny Lee Hof, 54, had been cleaning three Nanaimo area homes for two days in February, 2023, where she stole three wedding rings, a necklace, diamond earring studs and $500 cash. The wedding rings were recovered from a Nanaimo pawn shop. MORE
The province has removed harm reduction vending machines across British Columbia while the Health Ministry reviews the low-barrier distribution model. Local Conservative candidate Gwen O’Mahony and party leader John Rustad claimed harm reduction supplies like sterile injection and snorting kits enabled addiction. The vending machines also distribute naloxone kits, which can be used to temporarily reverse an overdose; testing strips to check drugs for fentanyl or benzodiazepine contamination; and safer sex supplies and sharps containers. MORE
Premier David Eby and national NDP leader Jagmeet Singh are both on board to end of the carbon tax, but it’s a lot more difficult than it appears on the surface. If the province were to do away with the tax the federal government would have to approve. However, that fly in the ointment could disappear if the federal Conservatives win the next federal election. Leader Pierre Poilievre is promising to cancel the tax, and provincial Conservative leader John Rustad is singing the same tune. MORE
Web Quote – Stigmatization is just another fancier word to promote victimhood.
Sept. 12, 2024
South end homeless project gets council OK
City council has given the green light to what the province calls a 60-bed homeless navigation centre on Victoria Road over the opposition of councillors Thorpe, Armstrong, Eastmure and Brown. A proposed good neighbour agreement and community advisory committee have been replaced with a neighbourhood integration plan. The facility will provide accommodation, meals, health services such as referrals to mental-health and substance-use programs,stabilization services and connections to housing. MORE
A small fire west of the city is not expected to grow any larger under current conditions. Crews from the Coastal Fire Centre, along with Mosaic Forestry Management, responded to fire near Fourth Lake, around 35 kilometres west-southwest of Nanaimo. Nick Donnelly of the Coastal Fire Centre, said they learned of the fire around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday. MORE
Olympic gold deserves recognition, and that’s what’s in store for Nanaimo’s Ethan Katzberg as the city marks his achievements at the games in Paris. It’s on Sept. 26, at 10:30 a.m. at the Rotary Bowl honoring the men’s hammer throw gold medalist. See the invitation from Mayor Leonard Krog.
The Moon Cake Festival is a tradition more than 3,000 years old marking the post-harvest moon on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. In China, it’s a statutory holiday that people celebrate by lighting lanterns, eating moon cakes and spending the time with family and friends. Nanaimo is having its first Mid-Autumn Festival with moon cakes, lanterns and lion dancing on Saturday, at various locations in Maffeo Sutton Park. The Festival isa joint effort of theNanaimo Chinese Cultural Society and Nanaimo Masonic Lodge. They hope to make this an annual event. MORE
B.C. Family doctors say offering paid sick days, vacation coverage, extended health and dental benefits and a pension plan would attract more doctors to work in the province. The BC College of Family Physicians and BC Family Doctors published a series of requests for whichever party forms the next government after the provincial election, including a call for access to basic employment standards and benefits like other health-care workers. Dr. Tahmeena Ali, a past president of BC Family Doctors said it can be hard for doctors to access high-quality benefits because each of them qualifies as self-employed rather than part of a larger group. MORE
WEB QUOTE – A socialist is someone who wants everything you have . . . except your job.
Sept. 11, 2024
Snuneymuxw buy Casino in Victoria
Snuneymuxw are expanding their holdings, buying a second casino on Vancouver Island. Chief Mike Wyse called it a steady, sustainable cash flow. The sale comes on the heels of buying Casino Nanaimo a couple of months ago, through it’s Petroglyph Development Group Ltd. This latest addition is the Elements Casino Victoria. Wyse said it will create a lot of opportunity for Snuneymuxw people. MORE
Vancouver Island marmots are lovin’ it here. They had a record number of pups to far this year, and the count continues. The Marmot Recovery Foundation says that number is expected to climb by the end of the year. Adam Taylor, the foundation's executive director, said 89 marmots have been born in the wild this year, whereas in the past, the most pups ever counted in one year was 75. MORE
A reminder that the school board byelection is this Saturday. Joan Brown and Tim Harris are the two candidates to fill the vacancy after Charlene McKay resigned in spring. You can cast ballots at McGirr Elementary School, Cedar Secondary School, Ladysmith Secondary School, or the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools administration centre on Wakesiah Avenue. Polls open at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. You can also vote in advance Thursday from 3-7 p.m. at Gabriola Elementary School, and on Friday, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the school district admin building. MORE
Check this out, you can make a big difference. HERE
In case you missed the great U.S. presidential debate last night, I can sum it up for you precisely. “You’re a liar.” “No, you’re a liar.”
WEB QUOTE – Celebrate your beliefs, just don’t try to impose them on others.
Sept. 10, 2024
No one knows what the future holds
I launched the Daily Buzz nearly seven years ago, about 2,500 daily columns, seven days a week. It’s been a labour of love, certainly not a successful financial venture. I could never bring myself to hit the pavement to sell advertising. I have posted non-profit community promotions at no charge.
It has been an avenue to deliver comprehensive news links to the original stories from other media. It has also allowed me to express my Perspective on the world we live in, and add a couple of commentators – my good friend, former Newfoundland Premier Hon. Brian Peckford and John Feldsted.
As in anything else, circumstances change and I don’t know what lies ahead. I recently heard the words nobody ever wants to hear – “you have cancer.” I have begun chemotherapy treatment to fight an incurable invader – MDS blood cancer. It has no cure, although friends keep assuring me that new treatments are being discovered every day.
Despite its warts, our health system is really coming through when it comes to cancer. When first diagnosed, I was sent for a bone marrow biopsy within days, and then an almost-immediate appointment with the hematologist to set up the chemotherapy, all in a matter of a couple of weeks.
I’m not bitter, I’ve loved life for 83 years, and I’ll face whatever lies ahead with satisfaction that it’s been a good ride. I don’t know how the daily chemo injections will affect my quality of life, I’m hoping to be able to continue informing you another day, one at a time.
“Life is what we do until we die, so we might as well do a good job of it.” – Donald J. Trump
Sept. 10, 2024
Upper Lantzville property owners have firmly rejected a plan to connect to the district’s water supply. The owners of 141 properties in The Winds neighbourhood petitioned 67 per cent against the plan by the Sept. 7 deadline. The project had $5.7 million in provincial and federal financial support. MORE
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit has a suspect as it continues to investigating the death of Tavis Cragg of Nanaimo in Lake Cowichan. Police responded to a home on Cowichan Lake Road on Sept. 3, and found Cragg’s body. He had was reported missing from Nanaimo earlier in the day. The investigation remains in its early stages but investigators believe this is an isolated incident and there is no ongoing risk to community safety. MORE
The St. John Ambulance Nanaimo Cadet Division is having registration nights – tonight and next Tuesday, Jan. 17 from 7-8 p.m. They expect a great intake of new members. Parents, guardians or adult friends who are interested in helping volunteer as training assistants can contact Divisional Superintendent William Gilbert by email: William.gilbert@sjabcy.ca for for more information. There is a need for adults with basic first aid knowledge, any teaching knowledge.
The Paralympic Games in Paris brought a bonanza of 29 medals for the Canadian team with one third coming from Vancouver Island athletes, with 11 eleven medals. Parksville’s Nicholas Bennett was the star for Canada with three medals. He got a silver in the 200m freestyle S14, a gold medal in the 100m breaststroke SB14. He earned a second gold as part of the 200m individual medley S14. The three-medal haul earned Bennett the honour of co-flag bearer along with canoeist Brianna Hennessy.
Air Canada flights could be grounded by Friday. The airline is finalizing plans to suspend most of its operations as talks with the pilot union are nearing an impasse over inflexible wage demands. Air Canada and its low-cost subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge, operate nearly 670 flights per day. A shutdown could affect 110,000 passengers daily. MORE
WEB QUOTE – Things you don’t say after age 50: I don’t care if it doesn’t look fashionable, it’s comfortable.
Sept. 9, 2024
Rally to stir election
focus on health care
The Fair Care Alliance is trying to influence politicians to make Nanaimo Regional General Hospital an election priority with a public rally on Thursday. Organizer Kim Smythe said the purpose is to get everybody's attention, everybody in the room at the same time and challenge candidates to sign a pledge to support fair care. The Alliance was formed earlier this year to advocate for a new patient tower and cardiac catheterization lab and demand equitable health care north of the Malahat. Donna Hais, head of the alliance, said there's a standard of care in Canada for cardiac patients that we don't have access to. As people become informed they're having more of a voice and we're hoping they'll use that voice in this election, Hais said. The rally is at Beban Park Social Centre on Thursday, at 6:30 p.m. MORE
The school year in Nanaimo started with 96 new childcare spaces for before and after school, as part of a provincial pilot program at four elementary schools. The ministry of education is providing $720,000 to operate the program at Gabriola Elementary, École Hammond Bay and Pleasant Valley Elementary. The existing 24-space before-and-after school program at Fairview Elementary has also been adopted into the program. MORE
There’s a whole bunch of Liberals in our town today as they plan for their future in government, so be kind if you see them around town. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is sailing a stormy sea with a strained caucus as MPs await his plan to address their political future. Last week they saw the bail out of the NDP from their sweetheart deal that prevented an early election, and the resignation of the Liberals’ national campaign director. Liberal MP Wayne Long of New Brunswick said Canadians appear to have tuned out the prime minister. MORE
Justin Trudeau is Canada’s worst prime minister of the last 50 or so years, new Research Co. survey shows. Thirty-eight per cent of those polled say Trudeau is their least favourite leader since 1968, more than double the 14 per cent showing their dislike for Stephen Harper, who placed second on the list. Behind them is Pierre Trudeau, with seven per cent followed by Kim Campbell. MORE
PEEVE FOR THE DAY – Businesses that don’t answer their phones and ask you to leave a number and they will return your call, but they never do. That's total disrespect for cutomers.
Sept. 7 & 8, 2024
Queen of New West
out for six months
The Queen of New Westminster will be out of service for about six months after its propeller fell off. The ferry was pulled from service Tuesday morning due to engine troubles, and divers discovered that its starboard propeller had sheared off from its propulsion shaft. It is not known how the ferry’s absence from the fleet will affect the Nanaimo and other routes as ships get moved around. The detached propeller was recovered from the ocean floor Saturday morning.
Premier David Eby says mental health care for those committed to involuntary cre needs to be “dignified and humane” to be effective. Eby says the 2012 closure of Riverview mental health hospital in Coquitlam put vulnerable people on the streets without adequate supports. He says there’s still a place for that but warehousing people isn’t enough and any measures taken to address the needs of people in mental health crises must be humane and respectful.MORE
Brendan Colin McBride, the man accused of killing one man and assaulting another in downtown Vancouver Wednesday, was identified by the courts as requiring counselling and forensic psychiatric services as part of a probation order in 2022. Court records also show McBride was convicted of another assault in 2023. The justice stayed his related charge of resisting or obstructing the local RCMP officer who tried to arrest him. MORE
Canadians are seeing cheaper gas prices heading into the fall, including on Vancouver Island, when compared to the same time last year. Fuel analysis website GasBuddy reported the average price in Canada on Friday was $1.519 per litre, about 11 cents cheaper than last week, and down more than 14 cents from last year. Prices on the Island are still well above the national average. The B.C. average is about $1.70 per litre. The average price in Nanaimo on Friday was $1.699. MORE
They are not going away. The United party still plans to run some candidates in the Oct. 19 election, despite suspending its campaign last week to support the BC Conservative Party. A letter to party members says despite last week’s suspension “we intend on running a select number of candidates” in the fall election. MORE
WEB QUOTE – Electric vehicle owners should be allowed to charge their cars only with solar or wind power. Otherwise it’s just pretend.
Sept. 6, 2024
Random attacks bring calls
for involuntary treatment
Mayor Leonard Krog has repeated his calls for involuntary care in a facility for people at risk to themselves or others, without their consent. His call came after two apparent stranger attacks in downtown Vancouver left one man dead and another man's hand severed. “Violent random attacks will continue until we accept as a society that there are people on our streets who should be in secure, involuntary care,” Krog said Thursday. Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West echoes that call pointing to the need to reopen Riverview Hospital, the Coquitlam mental health facility that once housed thousands, but was shut down in 2012. “We need people like this to be off the streets and in an institution,” West said. Public safety linked to drugs, mental health and bail reform is an issue during the present election campaign. MORE
Cell phones put on hold. Students in local schools have new rules for cell phone use throughout the school day. Secondary students have to turn off, or mute, digital devices – mobile phones, tablets and any device with internet access – before going to class. Elementary students have stiffer rules as digital device usage will be restricted from the start to end of the day, lunch and recess included. Devices must be kept in school bags for the whole day. Rules are not cut and dried, however, as some allowances will be made for learning, accessibility, medical and health needs. MORE
Out with the stinky port-a-potties. Flush toilets will be mandatory for construction sites beginning Oct. 1. Job sites with 25 or more workers will be required to provide flush toilets and hand-washing facilities. The rules will require toilets that are connected to a sewer system or holding tank, the use of a flow of clean water or mixture of clean water and chemicals to flush the toilet, and hand washing stations. MORE
A growing cluster of out-of-control wildfires in the British Columbia Interior has forced officials to place residents in the area under an evacuation alert. The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako says people in a remote area about 80 km south of Burns Lake, should be prepared to leave on short notice. The BC Wildfire Service says fire behaviour at the nearby Oootsa Lake complex including the Sabina Lake blaze has shown increased behaviour and remains out-of-control. MORE
Web Quote - Remember, all election promises made by politicians have to be paid by you.
Sept. 5, 2024
Foremen at B.C. ports
vote to go on strike
Foreman at B.C. Ports have voted overwhelmingly to strike in an ongoing dispute with port employers. International Longshore and Warehouse Union’s Ship and Dock Foremen Local 514 says in a statement that members voted 96 per cent industry-wide in favour of authorizing a strike. No 72-hour strike or lockout notice has been issued. MORE
Parksville’s Nicholas Bennett has captured his second Paralympic gold medal, this time in the men’s 200-metre S14 individual medley. And there was no doubt as he finished 2.5 seconds faster than second-place Great Britain at two minutes 6.05 seconds. That is his third medal of the 2024 Games. MORE
So how was your summer? August was a pretty well average for much of eastern Vancouver Island. The August mean temperature in Nanaimo was 18.6 degrees, about half a degree above the norm. Environment Canada meteorologist Brian Proctor said even with long stretches of hot weather, enough rain fell to level things off. Total precipitation was 37.8 mm compared to the normal 28.4, a bit wetter than normal in the Nanaimo area. MORE
Federal Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre dropped in to Nanaimo Wednesday and did what politicians do. He said it’s not up to him whether the end of the NDP-Liberal governance agreement will lead to an early election. Earlier in the day, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh ended the supply agreement with the Liberals saying the Liberals have let people down and that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau always caves to corporate interests. Poilievre said the next steps will depend partly on this fall's parliamentary schedule. Tomorrow all three will be in different venues saying the same thing all over again. MORE
The Coombs Rodeo is under investigation by the BC SPCA after video claiming animal abuse was shared with the Vancouver Humane Society. Two instances are being investigated: the use of an electric prod on a bull and a horse being kicked in the head after it collapsed. They claim the clips showed prodding of the same animal, which is not acceptable under provincial regulations Federal regulations also forbid the use of electric prods on animals that can not move due to physical barriers. MORE
Great move, but what took so long? The B.C. government is handing out free, standardized designs for small-scale, multi-unit dwellings in an effort to cut costs and build times on new housing. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon says people will be able to build homes faster than ever. The new designs will draw parallels to the iconic “Vancouver special” cookie-cutter single-family home design built in large numbers between the 1960s and 1980s with low build cost and quick permit turnaround at city hall. MORE
WEB QUOTE – It’s not the stab in the back that hurts you. It’s when you turn around and see who who’s holding the knife.
Sept. 4, 2024
Many sailings cancelled
on Swartz Bay runs
Nanaimo ferry sailings should not be affected much by the cancellation of nearly 30 scheduled sailings on the Swartz Bay - Tsawwassen route in the coming days. Some travellers might be tempted to drive to Nanaimo to avoid the lineups. A problem with the engine on the Queen of New Westminster was discovered Tuesday morning and the vessel was returned to the mainland for repairs. As a result, seven scheduled sailings were called off. Last night, BC Ferries announced further cancellations starting Wednesday and lasting until at least Sunday. MORE
Dale Parker has been chosen to replace Viraat Thammanna as the B.C. Conservative candidate for Nanaimo-Gabriola. Parker was the B.C. United candidate before the party’s implosion. He said United was a conservative party with similar values to the B.C. Conservatives, so it's not a big shift for him.
Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone is stepping down at the end of this month, forcing a byelection next spring. He was elected mayor in 2014, and ran unopposed in the 2018 and 2022 municipal elections. He said it was a difficult decision to step down as mayor and chairman of the Island Coastal Economic Trust and co-chair of the Cowichan Watershed board. He did not provide details but said he has an opportunity that he could not pass up. MORE
Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto has a novel idea for overnight encampments – church parking lots and non-profits. Her proposal comes with reservations, but she says there’s a lot to like. She says there are giant parking lots that are not used all the time. Her motion goes in front of Victoria’s committee of the whole on Thursday asking council to explore the idea of turning portions of large parking lots into temporary overnight sheltering areas. MORE
We British Columbians apparently like to throw out weight around. Greg Stewart of Kamloops has won a Paralympic Games gold medal in shot put. The 38-year-old threw 16.38 metres on Wednesday to win the men's F46 class at the Stade de France. He defended the gold medal he won in Tokyo's Paralympics three years ago. Nanaimo’s Ethan Katz won a gold in shotput at the Paris Olympics last month. MORE
Home owners with variable-rate mortgages got good news this morning as the Bank of Canada’s cut its interest rate for the third consecutive month. For them, mortgage payments could be going down. The bank cut the key lending rate to 4.25 per cent in reaction to easing inflation. Bank Governor Tiff Macklem says if the economy continues to improve, Canadians can expect more rate cuts later this year. The next rate update is scheduled for Oct. 23.A variable-rate mortgage could drop approximately $15 per month less per $100,000 of mortgage. MORE
WEB QUOTE – The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue.
Sept. 3, 2024
Rustad has a mess
to clean up in a hurry
Laurel and Hardy, Kevin Falcon style – “Now that’s another fine mess you’ve gotten us into.”
BC United leader Kevin Falcon’s move to pull his party out of the Oct. 19 general election has created a mess with a lot of question about who will run where in the election.
United candidates are left hanging as to what will happen to their aspirations. Some Conservative candidates who invested a lot of time and effort have been told to take a hike.
One United MLA says he will run, and the way he understands it, his name will appear on ballots in his riding, but there will be no party designation.
It’s all about optics.
Time is running short but Conservative leader John Rustad needs to get a handle on this as soon as possible. Granted, with a virtually new party it’s a major chore to form Electoral District associations in order to hold nominations.
Appointing candidates is not the democratic way of going about it, grassroots party members must have a voice on who will represent them. Backroom annointing doesn't cut the mustard.
Surely with the stakes this high – winning the election – some fast footwork could set up nomination meetings in EDAs where both Conservative and United candidates have an interest in running. If not, the chances of winning those seats are a lot lower, especially when homeless United candidates run against Conservative candidates. After all, that’s what this was all about, getting rid of vote splitting.
Sept 3. 2024
Paralympian Bennett brings gold to Parksville
Gold is where it's at, and Parksville’s Nicholas Bennett snared a gold medal at the Paralympic Games on Monday. It’s the first time O Canada has played at the Paralympic Games in Paris. Nicholas finished first in the men's 100-metre breaststroke for his second medal in Paris, topping the silver he won in the 200-metre freestyle. Nicholas was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of three. He races in the S14 class for athletes with intellectual impairment. MORE
The first Nanaimo Family Day on Sunday could become an annual event. If you measure success by the amount of ice cream, it checked all the boxes. Sips & Sliders Food Truck sold 25 gallons of ice cream in milk shakes. Organizer Kim Smyth it was smooth sailing for a first-time event. Lots of happy families and the vendors and food trucks were smiling too. On top of that, it boosted the Rotary Club’s fund raising efforts and they want to look at making it an annual event.
It's been thus for ages, the worst offenders in speeding in school zones are parents. The 30 kilometre-per-hour school zones are in effect 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day class is in session. Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien says once parents drop off their children the seem to be in a rush and forget about the reduced speeds in school zones. MORE
More rate relief is expected to come tomorrow with a Bank of Canada rate reduction as inflationary forces continue to cool on both sides of the Canada-United States border. Markets are also calling for the U.S. Federal Reserve to start its own easing cycle later this month, a move that will help set its Canadian counterpart up for more rate cuts to come. Both the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Fed are expected to cut the rate by a quarter point in September. MORE
A French Creek short term rental property owner has been fined $10,500 Regional District land use bylaw infractions in relation to short term rentals. The owner, registered as 0770522 B.C. Ltd. illegally operated a waterfront property on Glenhale Cres. in French Creek as an STR last summer.The sentencing hearing in Nanaimo heard last week heard the five of the counts against the were for illegal short-term rentals. MORE
Health Minister Adrian Dix says everything possible is being done to fix the weekend emergency department closures throughout the province. Five ERs were shut down over the Labor Day weekend due to labor shortages. Dix said the province has hired hundreds of qualified doctors and nurses, but in many parts of B.C., those facilities are still seeing diversions. Dr. Aimee Kenrick, president of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians, said they are struggling across the system with failures across the board in all specialties. Data compiled by Global News shows emergency departments run by Interior Health and Northern Health closed 54 times in August. MORE
WEB QUOTE – What if we stopped recognizing race and judged people only by their character?
Sept. 2, 2024
There is no middle
road in B.C. politics
The illusion of a middle road in British Columbia politics has been shattered with the implosion of the Liberal/BC United party. The concept of a middle in politics has always been an illusion, it’s either left or right with a little lane wandering from the main parties. It also clears the picture for voters, they have a choice either way. Here's my PERSPECTIVE.
Sunshine wipes away the darkness. Best wishes to Sharon Krog after enduring a medical issue that saw her transferred to Victoria by air ambulance last week. Leonard tells us after the utter darkness she came through a major medical procedure with flying colors and is now in recovery. That lady has gone through more than anyone’s share of challenges. Keep on fighting Sharon, and we’ll see you home soon. If you want to send Sharon a message of cheer, send it to Dailybuzz@shaw.ca and we'll make sure she gets it.
It's back to school tomorrow but it’s no piece of cake for a lot of parents as they face the economic battle of getting ready for the classrooms. Many parents are turning to thrift stores this year, hoping to save where they can. The Vancouver Island Thrift Store estimates sales have doubled as kids prepare to go back to school. It’s a similar story at Loaves & Fishes Food Bank which had a 30-per-cent increase in people using their food banks in July compared to last year from Duncan all the way up to Port Hardy. A recent survey by the Retail Council of Canada found that 85 per cent of parents expect to maintain or increase back-to-school spending this year. See the starting day schedule HERE.
Kaden Nelson Brooks, 21, was sentenced to nine month in jail after pleading guilty to charges in a March, 2023 incident where he sped through a late-night construction zone and crashed. An agreed statement of facts stated Brooks was clocked at 131 km an hour by a Nanaimo RCMP officer’s radar gun as he sped south on the Nanaimo Parkway past the Third Street exit just after 12:30 a.m. ending in the crash. There was no explanation for his behavior. Judge Chris Churchill recommended that Brooks serve his sentence at Nanaimo Correctional Centre and encouraged him to partake in the highly-regarded Guthrie Therapeutic Community program. MORE
WEB QUOTE – I have to drive to work today to earn enough to afford the gas to drive to work again tomorrow.
Sept. 1, 2024
It's family fun today
at Maffeo-Sutton Park
Sunday morning, and a great day for Family Fun today at Maffeo-Sutton Park with non-stop live entertainment, tons of attractions, games, sports demos, and educational booths. There’ll be a food truck circle, community kiosks highlighting opportunities in sports, art, education, and community services. It’s all free but you can donate to Nanaimo Rotary North Club who will have a traditional corn roast. It runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Full details are HERE
Who is in and who is out? That’s the big question for voters in Nanaimo-Gabriola. What we know for sure is Sheila Malcolmson is the NDP candidate, and then it becomes confusing. Previously-named BC Conservative candidate Viraat BK Thammanna was asked by the party to suspend his campaign. And B.C. United candidate Dale Parker said he would represent the Conservatives if asked. Parker expects the candidate review over the long weekend, with an announcement early this week. Shirley Lambrecht is the candidate for the BC Greens. MORE
A new Angus Reid poll shows the BC Conservatives are neck-and-neck with the NDP after BC United dropped out of the race. The poll found the Conservative Party in the lead with 44 per cent of decided and leaning voters, with the NDP at 43. Eleven per cent of voters are still undecided. NDP Leader David Eby remains the most popular at 43 per cent, compared to Conservatives leader John Rustad’s 33 per cent. Support for Eby is trailing Rustad’s in recent weeks, with nine per cent saying their opinion of Eby has improved, compared to Rustad’s 18 per cent. About 68 per cent of people who voted for the BC Liberals in 2020 say they will now vote for the BC Conservatives. MORE
Areas of west coast Vancouver Island will be without hydro power as B.C. Hydro performs maintenance work on a transmission line near Port Alberni. During the work period, Tofino, Ucluelet, Ahousaht, and Port Albion will be connected directly to electricity from the Ash River Generating Station on Great Central Lake, instead of through the main power grid, in a process known as islanding.
The RCMP Special Investigation Targeted Enforcement – SITE –wrapped up a short-term enforcement campaign last week targeting Wesley Street and the surrounding area. That led to a number of criminal and provincial investigations.
• An adult man was located and arrested for possession and distribution of unstamped cigarettes which are illegal under the Excise Act
• A vehicle associated to a known drug trafficker was l found with no insurance. A ticket for $598 was issued under the Motor Vehicle Act and the vehicle was towed.
• Another vehicle associated to drug trafficking was located and the driver was unlicensed. A ticket of $109 for Driving without a valid license was issued the Motor Vehicle Act.
• A suspect from a recent robbery was arrested. During the arrest, a search of the his belongings located 27 grams of methamphetamine which equates to approximately 270 individual doses.
QUOTABLE – Hate speech is a deliberately all-encompassing term to silence any views we don’t like. Just because you disagree with someone does not make it hate.
Aug. 31, 2024
Viraat Thammanna
Conservatives drop candidate in Nanaimo-Gabriola riding
The B.C. Conservative party has suspended the campaign of Viraat Thammanna as its candidate for Nanaimo-Gabriola in the provincial election. He said he got a call from the party saying he might have to hold on the campaign. Thammanna told the News Bulletin he didn't know if it was related to the recent suspension of B.C. United's provincial election campaign. His name and candidate profile have been removed from the Conservative Party website. MORE
Earthquake warnings are going to be a lot quicker now that we have a new tool to help warn us. The Earthquake Early Warning system was unveiled this week. It will detect greater than 5.0 magnitude earthquakes and send alerts through the National Public Alerting System to cellphones, radio and television stations. The alert will give people seconds to tens of seconds before strong shaking starts with more time to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” MORE
All of a sudden portable classrooms are not portables any more. Wellington Secondary School is getting a six-classroom extension for 150 students. The high school which was built for 900 students had 1,066 enrolled last September. District Secretary Treasurer Mark Walsh said the province is providing quick builds with modular, pre-made units that are full classrooms, not portables. He said the district will lay a slab, and do the civil work while all the other components are built elsewhere and then delivered in a relatively timely fashion. MORE
The number of deaths due to toxic drugs dropped to 192 in July, 6.2 per day but the number of women dying has increased. Island Health and Northern Health had the highest rates of women dying at 29 per 100,000 in Island Health and 56 per 100,000 in Northern Health. The Coroner Service reports the over all decrease in death is a 15 per cent decrease from July last year. Chief Coroner Dr. Jatinder Baidwan said toxic drugs continue to cause more loss of life in British Columbia than homicides, motor-vehicle incidents, suicides and natural disease combined. MORE
JUST A MINUTE – It’s astounding that we can put people on the moon but Telus and Rogers are unable to put a stop to scam phone calls through ghosted phone numbers. It’s was past time to do something about this. I’m getting dozens of calls a day, and they’re not funny any more.
David Eby needs to run on his record, full stop. He made many promises on many crime and addiction issues only to find a way not to do anything. His past performance is a predictor of his future performance.
Don Hubbard
It’s interesting how fear of losing an imminent election forces governments, at long last, to implement policies and programs that should have been in place years ago.
– Mandatory treatment by Eby.
– Restrictions on immigration by Trudeau.
– And carbon tax "adjustment and exemptions" by both.
Maybe we need more elections to get better governance.
Sunday, Sept. 15,
9:30 a.m. Bowen Park
