250717
City Councillors gave a big, fat no Wednesday to a proposed fence around two city hall parking lots. Staff expressed safety concerns and recommended a nearly-two-metre wrought-iron fence around the parking lot on the south side of City Hall and the neighbouring Service and Resource Centre on Dunsmuir Street. Public Safety Director Dave Laberge said the $412,000 project stems from repeated incidents connected with the closeby overdose prevention site. The committee, led by Coun. Janice Perrino, rejected the recommendation and voted unanimously to leave the project in limbo. Perrino said the long-term future of the drop-in hub, as well as the Overdose Prevention Site at 250 Albert St. must be addressed first. MORE
Nobody talked about fencing in the overdose prevention site.
And then council extended funding for the Victoria Road daytime drop-in for eight months. Staff reported back on alternative locations and options. During a finance meeting Wednesday, councillors supported a $125,000 allocation from homelessness initiatives to extend the existing service agreement with United Way and fund the daytime operations until the end of next March. United Way B.C. would ensure continued service as a daytime warming centre through the winter of 2025-26. The recommendation included staff to work with service providers and United Way to find a more suitable location that would also include a shower service.
Here we go into Week Two of the Nanaimo Marine Festival with the Nanaimo Child Development Centre’s Silly Boat Regatta Sunday morning. The target is to raise $125,000. Teams register and build boat out of recycled or recyclable material and navigate the course at Sway A Lana Lagoon. The race is open to everyone – companies, families and groups. There have been some pretty creative and outlandish creations over the years.
Vancouver Island Paddling is launching a new annual Westwood Lake Dragonboat Regatta this Saturday and Sunday. President Tom Arnold said Westwood Lake is beautiful, has sufficient water depth, and protection from elements. He added there is potential to create a premier race event at Westwood, one that is exciting for Island teams, and will attract athletes from the Pacific Northwest. The sport sort of hit the rocks last year until dragonboat teams, V.I. Paddling and the Downtown Nanaimo Business Association combined for a regatta at Maffeo Sutton Park. Westwood Lake will be able to accommodate 200-m and 500-m courses. Thirty-one teams are scheduled to race one or both days. MORE
The Bathtub parade was almost driven to the curb after new safety regulations related to April’s Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver. The new rules created a major challenge for the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society and their race weekend, July 25 to 27, particularly the parade through the downtown. But a late deal with a traffic management company saved the parade. Commodore Greg Peacock said Universal Group basically cut their cost in half. MORE
RCMP are looking for a suspect after a cedar planter was set on fire on a porch in the 600 block of Kennedy Street The homeowner saw the flames, doused the fire and called 911. Nanaimo Fire Rescue responded and prevented any damage to the the home. A neighbour’s surveillance camera captured the fire and a possible male suspect. Police are asking anyone with surveillance and dashcams to check for any images to look for the suspect wearing a light-coloured shirt, dark knee-length shorts, dark shoes, and a backpack between 11:30 pm on July 11 and 12:30 am on July 12. Call the RCMP at 250-754-2345 if you have information.
If you watched the Major League all-star game earlier this week, yes that was Nanaimo’s Lauren Spencer-Smith performing O’Canada in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s another feather in her cap for the multi-time Juno nominated singer who represented our fair city on American Idol, reaching the top 20 in the competition. MORE
QUOTABLE – The start of another great day, I’ve made it from the bed to the coffee maker.
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When we have no driveable roads left we’ll need no parking spots. Public parking across the city is in the spotlight. Consultant Urban Systems is studying the entire parking inventory, availability and future demand to create a plan for future developments. Urban System’s transportation planner Dan Casey said parking is a broad-ranging issue creating opportunity through parking-related regulation to reach broader City policy objectives. It’s not strictly parking, but areas around housing affordability, environmental sustainability, health and well-being. MORE
The Coastal Fire Centre has banned campfires starting at noon on Thursday. Campfires will be prohibited on Vancouver Island and throughout the Coastal Fire Centre region with some northern exceptions. Existing open fire prohibitions in the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction enacted May 30 will remain in place, and fireworks and burn barrels are restricted in most areas. The ban and earlier burning bans will remain until Oct. 31 or until the orders are rescinded. To report a wildfire, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone, or report via the B.C. Wildfire Service App.
Road rage has landed a man in jail for five and a half years for a shooting two years ago. Forty-six-year-old Reza Rahiman pleaded guilty earlier to intent to endanger lifeina 2023 altercation, in which he fired a gun at another driver on Northfield Road. BC Supreme Court Justice Robin Baird said Rahiman put the victim and numerous witnesses in danger because he was unable to control his road rage. MORE
QUOTABLE – It’s tough doing nothing, you never know when you’re done.
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Anything is possible when we work together. The Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation's latest campaign raised enough to fund a $2.9-million SPECT-CT scanner. It was the foundation's largest fundraiser in their history for a single piece of equipment. Foundation CEO Ellis-Perry said the funds came from multiple sources including more than 1,000 individual donations, some more than $100,000, estate gifts, and events including the Tom Harris Community Classic golf tournament which raised more than $100,000. Way to go, Nanaimo. MORE
The City plans to fence off its staff parking lot. Wednesday’s finance committee meeting will look at a 1.8-metre, $412,000 fence to protect staff from disorder from an overdose prevention site next to city hall. Staff point to intimidation and harassment of those working early or late, damage to vehicles, fires, human waste, and a general deterioration of the site. The wrought iron barrier is 60 cm taller than the permitted 1.2-metre height. Mayor Leonard Krog said the municipality has a legal obligation to protect its staff and property. MORE
Hudson’s Bay is in back to court today to gain approval of its deal with Woodrove Centre owner Ruby Liu to buy up to 25 of its leases. Restore Capital LLC opposes the deal arguing lit would minimizehow much it will be able to recover from the collapsed retailer. The Bay said it doesn’t need more oversight because it’s properly governed. It maintains the Liu deal is the best shot it has at recovering more cash for creditors. MORE
The local real estate market is humming along quite nicely. John Cooper’s weekly report show more than 50 new single family homes listed each week, 54 last week. Sales have been steady with approximately 30 single-family homes selling each week – 29 last week. This is a very sustainable pace for the Nanaimo real estate market, says John. He sees prices staying steady for the next 12 to 24 months, making market conditions ideal for making moves.
All turned out well after an unmarked package was left on the steps of the RCMP detachment on Friday afternoon turned out to be toys and books. The alert shut down the facility while police investigated. The sender had wrapped the package in duct tape and had mailed it locally to the building with no return address. The RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit examined the package and found no danger. The sender was located and apologized for the alarm caused by the package.
Anything is possible when we work together. The Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation's latest campaign raised enough to fund a $2.9-million SPECT-CT scanner. It was the foundation's largest fundraiser in their history for a single piece of equipment. Foundation CEO Ellis-Perry said the funds came from multiple sources including more than 1,000 individual donations, some more than $100,000, estate gifts, and events including the Tom Harris Community Classic golf tournament which raised more than $100,000. MORE
Lantzville has imposed a total fire ban in light of the dry and hot conditions which are expected to continue through much of the week. Provincial officials have urged caution over water use. The ban affects all outdoor burning and campfires on public or private property. That cmes after a brush fire ignited Sunday morning off Superior Road. MORE
QUOTABLE – For the record, there is no cure for COVID but it can be killed by hand sanitizer?
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Plannned Woodgrove urban centre will bring changes
Accessibility and inclusivity are top of mind for City planners as they elicit public input on the design. The Woodgrove urban hub is intended to be a full community where you can live, work and play and access daily needs, goods, services and transit within a 15-minute walk or bike ride and reduce the reliance on cars. The community engagement stage, seeking feedback from businesses and residents in the Woodgrove urban centre area other parts of the city. A survey process ends on Wednesday. MORE
Traffic was detoured on Monday as firefighters fought a brush fire close to the Island Highway in Lantzville. The B.C. Wildfire Service classified the fare as out of control at one point, but is no longer listed. Lantzville Fire Rescue posted on social that crews were working a fire and to please avoid area to not impede on fire operations. Northbound highway traffic at Ware Road was detoured due to the fire. RCMP said the fire is under investigation.
QUOTABLE – Before you give someone money, hug him/her, it may be the last time you’ll ever see her/him.
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A tip of the old chapeau to a pair of Nanaimo ball hockey teams for bringing home medals from the provincial championship. Island Sting took gold in the B division while the Huskies collected silver in D division. Both teams play in the 11-team Nanaimo Ball Hockey League between early April and the end of June at Nanaimo Ice Centre and Frank Crane Arena. The provincial medals are the first in league history.
Getting rid of the evidence is a cinch at the annual Crime Stoppers’ shredding event. This year it will be on Sept.6, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers and their volunteers will be at the Country Grocer parking lot on Dufferin Crescent. Record Express will shred any paper documents confidentially and professionally. It’s only twenty bucks for a bankers box full. And if you want to fill your face, for a five-buck donation Country Grocer provides hotdogs and burgers served by Crime Stoppers volunteers. We’ll keep reminding you before that date. MORE
If you want to be surrounded by happy people, move to Quebec. A Leger poll found that Quebecers are the happiest people in Canada. Here in B.C. we’re in seventh place. Quebecers rated their happiness at an average of 72.4 out of 100, well above the national average. Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador had happiness levels above the national average of 68.7. They were followed, in order, by Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba and P.E.I. MORE
What’s up Nanaimo? The Daily Buzz posts free listings of community events by local non-profit organizations. Check it out.
QUOTABLE – Somehow mosquitoes have decided I’m the flavor of the month.
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Heat wave expected to
stretch into next week
We’re in a heat wave with the temperatures nudging close to 30 degrees. Environment Canada calls for highs six to seven degrees above normal for the central Island next week. Drink lots and protect yourself from sunburn. The Coastal Fire Centre is urging the public to report wildfires early, with forecast high winds, dry and hot conditions increasing the risk of wildfires. MORE
The latest telephone fraud – scammers are using a "City of Nanaimo" call display in targeting residents. The city issued a notice that the calls are not coming from city hall. City employees do not call to ask for payment information and will not ask for a social insurance number or password over the phone. As with all suspect calls, hang up the phone and call the city’s main phone number 250-754-4251 for verification. And always call the RCMP.
It’s going to be busy right here in Fun City for the rest of this month. The over-all Marine Festival kicks off this weekend with the Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday and Sunday, at 9 a.m. daily off Maffeo Sutton Park. There will be lots of fun on shore as well with entertainment, food, a beer garden and activities for kids. The Silly Boat Regatta follows the next weekend. It’s the major fund raiser for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre. And silly it is as teams build their own floating contraptions before the race. Then it’s Bathtub Weekend July 25 to 27.
The RCMP detachment was closed to the public Friday afternoon after an "unclaimed package" was left on the front steps, according to an RCMP press release. The mystery item was at about 3 p.m. The RCMP explosive disposal unit was brought in to handle the package.
The city issued a black bear alert for Buttertubs Marsh, prompting visitors to exercise caution. The city posted the warning on Facebook, informing people of the sighting. This is the second time this year that Yogi has visited the park after an adult and a cub were spotted in May. Three male black bears were killed by B.C. conservation officers this week in the Ucluelet area to ensure public safety.
What’s up Nanaimo? The Daily Buzz features free listings of community events by local non-profit organizations. Check it out, we invite your listing. It's free.
QUOTABLE – Have I pissed people off? You bet. Am I going to stop speaking my mind? Not a chance!
250711
Parking restrictions no longer impede development in the downtown core. All off-street parking requirements have been removed with the new off-street regulations amendment bylaw approved by city council. Off-street parking requirements across the city vary tied to the type of dwelling, business or facility. Parking requirements for multi-family residential developments within transit-oriented areas and for all uses in the downtown urban centre is now zero. Downtown is the first urban centre to have off-street parking requirements removed. MORE
A Parksville man has been sentenced to close to six months in jail after pleading guilty to possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material. Michael William Strawson, 36, emigrated from the United Kingdom as a teenager, becoming a permanent resident, is at risk of being removed from Canada as a result. MORE
A Cops for Cancer rider has died after he was struck in a hit-and-run in Prince George this week. RCMP said two Tour de North riders – an RCMP officer and a community rider – were taken to hospital with serious injuries. Police said the community rider, Shane Kelly, had succumbed to his injuries. Besides the Tour de North, Kelly was also a supporter of other cancer charities and fundraising events, including the Relay for Life, the Wheeling Warriors, and Tour de Cure. MORE
Ten-dollar-a-day child care remains a fantasy for many B.C. parents. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) predicts the federal government will miss its 2026 deadline to reduced child care services across the country. B.C. communities are paying the highest fees, $38.94 a day in Richmond. The CCPA analysis concluded that just six provinces and territories are meeting the $10 target. The B.C. Conservatives say the provincial NDP will bear much of the blame, saying it is unattainable. Party critic Reann Gasper said the province needs to remove red tape to allow for child-care operators to increase spaces. MORE
RCMP are asking for help to identify the man in the photo. The suspect is seen in a video approaching two youths outside MacDonald's restaurant on Bowen Road. As he nears, he throws a cup of water and then a jacket at one of the youth. He grabs the bike and takes off. The suspect was last seen heading toward Dufferin Street. Officers carried out extensive patrols for the bike and suspect but were unable to locate them. The bike was later turned in to police. If anyone has information on the identify of the suspect, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345. VIDEO
QUOTABLE– Great minds think alike. Unfortunately, so do stupid ones
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Full Dragonboat Festival returns this weekend
Looking for something exciting to do this weekend? Take in the full-fledged Nanaimo Dragonboat Festival, back to full-size this year. It’s Saturday and Sunday at Maffeo Sutton Park, with hundreds of competitors coming here. The Fairway Gorge Paddling Club rescued the festival in 2024 due to increasing costs and lack of government funding, resulting in a one-day regatta organized by dragon boat teams, V.I. Paddling and the Downtown Nanaimo Business Association. This year, Fairway Gorge is partnering with the Nanaimo Paddling Centre to equip the local club to take over a greater role in future festivals. MORE
Invasive plants are a pain for everyone, including City Council which is developing a bylaw to ban their sale within city limits. Council’s direction also wants staff to work with local garden retailers and community organizations on a public awareness campaign about native and non-invasive alternatives and the proper disposal of plant waste. The villain plant species impacting local parks, natural areas and private properties include Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, Himalayan blackberry, English ivy, daphne and Scotch broom. MORE
We’re always admonished that walking is good for you. That’s what a pair of speeding drivers along the Island Highway learned recently. Ladysmith RCMP clocked a pair of speeders, one doing 141 km/h in a 90 km zone. He got a number of tickets and had is car impounded, so he’ll be getting in his exercise. A week later a driver still under “new driver” restrictions, hit 137 km/h along the highway. His vehicle was also impounded and he got additional tickets due to his restricted license. And he’ll be walking as well. MORE
Firefighters from multiple regional departments responded to a substantial house fire in Coombs on Tuesday. Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ron Schildroth, said they were alerted to the Station Rd. Blaze at about 9:10 p.m. About 30 firefighters fought the blaze. No one was inside the uninhabited older home that was under renovation at the time. MORE
Keep your shoes on. Passengers at American airports no longer need to remove their shoes during security screenings and Canada is aligning regulations to keep in step. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Tuesday that passengers at American airports no longer need to remove their shoes. Transport Canada says it will ensure requirements are aligned. MORE
QUOTABLE – If I’m ever on life support, unplug me. Then plug me back in and see if that works.
250710
A little blowback for Yanks We've always known some people have more gall than brains. Six U.S. Republican lawmakers are raising a stink over Canadian wildfires sending smoke drifting across the international border into their states. Oh, how terrible! They point to our forest management and arson as possible factors behind the fires. And shockingly, they did not resort to blaming climate change. They should engage that great fence builder President Donald Trump for his vast knowleged border walls. Walls have two sides so they could come in handy for other uses as well. MORE
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High bacteria levels have resulted in a number of Lantzville beach areas closed for swimming. Tests show a dangerous level of enterococci – a bacteriological indicator of fecal contamination. Island Health advises people to avoid water contact in the impacted areas. Signs inform people of the beach closure. MORE
Nanaimo RCMP are trying to locate the owner of a bike which they recovered. Const Sherri Wade reports that an officer found a man acting suspiciously in the 1200 block of Junction Avenue on July 7 riding a bicycle with a child carrier. The officer recognized him from other interactions and knew he did not have any children. It’s a black Schwinn which was not reported stolen so police have not been able to identify the owner. It was not registered on Garage Project 529 and will be stored at the Nanaimo detachment for 90 days. To claim it you will need proof of purchase with a serial number.
Don’t panic if you see a double billing of your Regional District utility bills. The RDN is fixing the problem after some ratepayers were charged twice. Some customers who pay bills with pre-authorized payment were debited twice due to a bank system error. Customers should start to see the credits to their accounts up to July 14. If you have questions call the finance department at 250-390-6528 or e-mail finance@rdn.bc.ca. If you can't get through, leave a voicemail and the RDN respond as quickly as possible. MORE
City council has given three readings for a rezoning application for 34 townhouse units at 3397 Tunnah Road over seven free-standing buildings. About 15 area residents expressed some concerns during a public information meeting in April. The raised concerns about on-street parking and insufficient pedestrian facilities. MORE
B.C. Conservative MLA Brent Chapman has given up his opposition critic role as he undergoes throat cancer treatment. The MLA for South Surrey said he was diagnosed recently and has begun treatment with BC Cancer. He will keep his seat in the Legislature. MORE
QUOTABLE – Smart phones, smart cars, smart TVs. When will they start making smart people?
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The future south end community centre now has a place to go, to the AgeCare Malaspina care home. The city paid $3.85 million for the land with some of the cost picked up by senior governments. Mayor Leonard Krog said the City has committed a further $1.25 million for a required parking lot. Krog added Oliver Woods and Beban Park are crowded, they are being well used and there is much need in our community. MORE
QUOTABLE – Smart phones, smart cars, smart TVs. When will they start making smart people?
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Motorcyclist hits 193 km/h speeding through Parksville
A biker who mistook the Parksville’s main drag for a missile launch site was clocked doing 193 km/h in a 60 zone will be cooling his heels after his bike was seized. As well, he was doing wheelies at more than 130 km/h a 50-zone and now faces criminal charges. Cpl. Michael McLaughlin told NanaimoNewsNOW that people think they’re having fun, but they’re putting themselves and other drivers at risk. MORE
Recreational Shellfish harvesting in Nanoose Bay could become a little more challenging as the province considers banning parking along the water side of the Island Highway. The Transport Ministry is reviewing what to do in the area known as Nanoose Flatts. Nothing is final as the Ministry reviews its options on locations, limits, signageand related measures. MORE
QUOTABLE – It’s not a conversation when one person does all the talking.
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The Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival returns to Maffeo Sutton Park July 11-13. However, they need a host of volunteers to make it a success.
Here's what you can sign up for.
Set-up – Prep the site before and during the event
Site Support – General maintenance and tidiness
Security / Ambassadors – Guide parking & assist with site needs
Clean-up – Keep things fresh and litter-free
Dock Crew – Help paddlers in/out of boats
Boat Holders – Hold boats steady at the dock
Marshalling – Guide crews to the dock
Volunteer Support – Help co-ordinate volunteers
Tear-down – Pack up on Sunday (3–8 p.m.)
Sign up:
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Serving the public is no piece of cake. Just ask Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma whose constituency office was blasted open with an explosive last week. She’s been an MLA for eight years and says she has received about half a dozen death threats over the years. And she is aware of other elected officials who have been the subject of such threats. RCMP are investigating the explosion that blew open the front door of her North Vancouver constituency office. MORE
International recording artists Rite will record their next album in our fair town, and they’ll stage a concert as well. Rite is Sweden’s saxophonist Mats Gustafsson and Italy clarinetist Zoe Pia. Locals Dave Read and Arlen Thompson will back them up, creating a real Island flavour. They will perform on July 15 at the Vault Café at 8 p.m. Advance tickets available on Eventbrite. Joining them will be Wind Harp, an experimental trio utilizing cello, accordion and electronics.
QUOTABLE – Here I was just minding my own business and then all of a sudden 1975 was fifty years ago.
250704
Emergency wait lists are missing the point
Island Health Authority’s introduction of online emergency waiting times has the Opposition B.C. Conservatives calling for the program to be available province wide. It sounds great on the surface, but what will it really solve with the service which is in such utter disarray?
Rural hospitals are still shutting down emergency departments over weekends due to staffing shortages. The provincial government appears to be unable to solve the problem, nothing is happening. To give them credit, they are trying to recruit more doctors, but that’s a slow process, like a waiting line itself.
Since emergency service lineups continue to stretch out in both urban and suburban hospitals, it begs the question of what the root cause is. Are there that many real emergencies or are emergency rooms being used as walk-in clinics?
It would be enlightening to see the breakdown of how many visits are genuine emergencies. That could help health authorities set their priorities by separating emergencies from routine doctor visits. Perhaps it’s time to separate the two by opening walk-in services to take the load off real emergencies.
Posting the wait times for such walk-in clinics would be helpful, leaving emergency departments to focus on things that need immediate attention.
Rod Hancock
So, same old-same old. No action by the police for crimes, more revolving door of justice cases and feds giving away more "homeless" funds for the province to misallocate. As for hospitals, my only question is why the two walk in clinics can't do what the single Caledonia Clinic was so successful at. It was efficient, an actual drop in clinic and it got things done. You are right, most people are fed up with the two failures we have here and go to the hospital for what are minor problems due to the difficulty of getting into a walk in clinic. In that way, the clinics are a failure.
Jim Taylor
How many people chocking the Emerg really just needed to chill at home, take two aspirin and call in the morning, if symptoms persist? I have been to the NRGH emerg about 6 times with friends. On the last two or three occasions i saw a lot of folk with self-inflicted injuries by either drinking or snorting too much. Drug-related issues are choking our society on every front, and yet, senior governments 'health' officials think free drugs is the way to deal with drug addiction. And we don't see the stupidity behind that?
250705
More federal funding
for homeless programs
The federal government will inject $1.9 million into mid-Island programs to support homeless people. It involves 11 programs in the Nanaimo, Cowichan, and Duncan areas through the federal Reaching Home program. The money will be distributed through United Way BC. Naomi Woodland of the United Way said $500,000 will go to the year-round drop-in hub at 55 Victoria Rd. in Nanaimo. MORE
The City sits at Stage 2 watering restrictions, which allows lawn watering on dedicated days – even address numbers on even days and those with odd number addresses on odd-number days. Watering is allowed for two hours a day between 7 and 10 a.m. or 7 and 10 p.m. Drip and micro irrigation, vehicle and boat washing and the sides of houses, swimming pools, fountains, hot tubs and pressure washing are also allowed. The Regional District is at Stage 3, which permits odd-number addresses to water on Mondays and even-number addresses to water on Thursdays. MORE
It’s summer time and we do more cycling, so safety is a major concern. We have helmets to protect cyclists, but some don’t measure up. Nearly 27,000 Polaris and 509-branded helmets have been recalled due to a lack of sufficient protection, posing a risk of head injuries, for models produced over the past five years. The recall by Health Canada expands the initial recall in February and affects helmets sold between January 2020 and this year. MORE
RCMP have made two arrests in their investigation into extortion cases in Surrey, but they have already been released without charge. At a press conference police refused to share details about the suspects, including age, gender or their status in Canada. That has victims frustrated. MORE
SCAM ALERT– Here’s another one to stay away from. It involves a fake B.C. Hydro website. When responding, the victims are asked for a $300 account deposit via phone. Be careful, there are a lot of bad people out there. MORE
QUOTABLE – I seriously need a speed bump between my brain and my mouth.
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City appeals $640,000 rights award to Mema
The City has filed an appeal of a BC Supreme Court confirmation of a Human Rights Tribunal's award of $640,000 to former Chief Financial Officer Victor Mema. The Tribunal ruled in 2003 that the City had discriminated against Mema who is of Zimbabwean descent. In a news release, the city stated that as the matter will be before the courts, the City will not comment further. MORE
Our city will be a busy hub this weekend for BMX enthusiast. Up to 1,000 riders will compete in the Harbour City Nationals today through Sunday at Marie Davidson BMX Park. It will be a good test for the upgraded track at Beban Park, says BMX club president Craig Hashimoto. Riders are coming from across North America, from as far away as Florida. MORE
Thankfully, good folks outnumber bad apples. The soccer goals at Errington Elementary School were recently stolen. Shockwave Seats of Sidney stepped into the breech and offered to build new ones at no cost to the school. Shockwave produces boating equipment, and also makes ScoreMaster Goals. The new goals are expected to be ready when school resumes in fall. MORE
Cheyenne Patricia Davidson, 32, won’t spend any more time behind bars after
being sentenced for stealing nearly $1,000 worth of booze and more than $200 in cosmetics from a local pharmacy. Her thefts included six thefts from Best Buy Liquor Store on Jingle Pot Road last summer and in the past several weeks. She was sentenced to time-served, having served 19 days in jail after her arrest. MORE
The wildfire near Harris Creek has spread to seven hectares. The BC Wildfire Service says the fire between the Cowichan Valley and Port Renfrew was deemed out of control at its two-hectare perimeter. By Thursday it had grown to seven hectares. BCWS says current weather conditions have all the ingredients for a fire to grow. MORE
Operations are back to normal after bomb threats caused delays and evacuations at Canadian airports early Thursday. NAV Canada, which provides air traffic control at Canadian airports, got bomb threats at Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver airports. Though operations are back to normal, the agency advised travellers all over the country to check with their airlines for possible delays. MORE
Don’t strike Telegraph Cove off your list of possible summer adventures, visitors are welcome now, half a year after the historic the boardwalk went up in flames. The fire destroyed the Old Saltery Pub, Killer Whale Cafe, Wastell Manor heritage house and the famous Whale Interpretive Centre. The hotel is open along with camping spots and food services. Wildlife tours are operating, including grizzly bear tours, whale watching, and kayaking through local companies. MORE
QUOTABLE – Why does “inclusiveness” include everything except opposing views?
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Two rescued from mobile home fires in Lantzville
Two people in adjoining mobile homes in Lanztville escaped injury when neighbors woke them and alerted them to fires late Tuesday evening. Lantzville Fire Chief Rukus Neil says crews arrived to heavy fire in the first trailer and it had spread to about 25 per cent to the second trailer. Crews also had to contend with weather conditions being close to the forest, and low water supplies in that area. The embers from the trailers set some of the trees on fire. Crews from East Wellington, Nanoose Bay, Errington, Cranberry and Nanaimo fire departments were all assisted. MORE
If you enjoyed the warm and dry June we just went through, there’s more of the same on the way for the rest of summer. Environment Canada’s Matt Loney said at 16.6C, June was about one degree warmer than usual in Nanaimo, but far from record territory, the 21st warmest June in 133 years, thus far from global warming. Precipitation was well below normal at 30.8 mm compared to 43.3 mm, the 46th driest. We had a one-day heat record on June 8, breaking a 122-year-old record. MORE
Waiting in the emergency room can be a pain in itself. You don’t have to guess any more, estimated wait times at emergency care facilities are now available online. Thirteen facilities are included in the new data. Island Health vice-president Marko Peljhan says it’s important for people to be able to easily find and understand the different care options so they can make the best choice. MORE
Multiple resources responded after a woman fell down a steep cliff at Maffeo Sutton Park on Monday requiring a tricky rope rescue. Cst. Sherri Wade said a woman in her late 30s who had fallen down a precarious dirt cliff and needed assistance. Ambulance and fire were called, and she was rescued with the efforts of fire, police and ambulance. The woman suffered minor scratches. Fire Rescue assistant chief Troy Libbus said multiple resources were called to form their technical rescue teamfor the high-angle rescue. MORE
BC Wildfire Services is fighting a suspected human-caused wildfire between the Cowichan Valley and Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island spotted Wednesday and deemed out of control at this time. It spans three hectares with three initial attack crews. Two helicopters and air tankers are responding, as well as two pieces of heavy equipment. MORE
What’s happening on B.C. Ferries? RCMP recommend charges against a man who was driving on board a moving BC Ferries vessel from Mayne Island on July 1. The man was attempting to drive his car on the deck while the vessel was still en route to Swartz Bay. A witness said he saw the man try to hit two people with his vehicle. In another incident last week, a ferry worker was bitten by a man. MORE
Lytton is under threat of a wildfire again four years after the village was totally destroyed. A nearby out-of-control wildfire spurred evacuation orders and alerts. The Izman Creek fire north of Lytton prompted the Regional District to issue an evacuation order for three properties and an evacuation alert for nine addresses along Highway 12 on Tuesday. The Lytton First Nation also issued an evacuation alert for a large area encompassing several of its reserves on the east side of the Fraser River. Developing story, follow HERE.
QUOTABLE – Some day I’ll be just a memory to my grandkids. My job is to ensure it will be a good one.
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Property tax deadline was Tuesday
Tax payments must be received by the City by 11:59 p.m. tonight. Postmarks are not accepted as a date of payment. Property owners should also ensure they submit their Home Owner Grant application, if eligible, by today to avoid penalties on the unclaimed amount.
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The Nanaimo real estate market remains robust. John Cooper reports sales climbing although the number of new listings dropped from the previous week. In all, 38 single family homes sold while 56 properties hit the market. Homes above $1.3M are experiencing Buyer’s Market conditions with well-priced homes under $775,000 often seeing multiple offers. Idyllic waterfront properties are also experiencing high demand.
The Nanaimo Food Hub’s Friday Farm Market is back for a second season at Discovery Montessori Farm School every Friday through August 29, 4 - 7 p.m. The weekly market offers fresh vegetables, free-range eggs, locally-raised meats, flowers, artisan breads, and other handcrafted goods grown and made in the region. Market Co-ordinator Tina Fabbro says last year was an overwhelming success. The market quickly became a community favourite, and we couldn’t be happier to share more locally grown food with our friends and neighbours, she says.
It was not exactly a routine ferry ride Saturday morning when a passenger attacked a BC Ferries employee during the 7 a.m. sailing from Tsawwassen. It began on the vehicle deck when a deckhand told the man to head up to the passenger deck when the man started a physical altercation. Eric McNeely, president of the Ferry Workers Union said when a second employee came to help, the passenger ran upstairs and jumped into an employee-only area of the Coastal Café, where he fell on his back. He started kicking and when the second worker reached to stop him, the passenger spun around and bit him on the arm, said McNeely. MORE
QUOTABLE – I’ve come to the stage where my train of though often leaves the station without me.
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Canada is 158 years old, and that calls for celebration. There a ton of family-oriented activity on hand with music and dance performances, children's games, and tours of HMCS Nanaimo. It’s all free at Maffeo Sutton Park on July 1, from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with mainstage entertainment, a cultural community stage with everything from Celtic dance to historic fencing, and a kids' and family zone. Starting at 11 a.m. it’s Unite the Beat, Barsby School of Rock, Mardi Gras Mambo, Turnpike and the Steadies. At the other end of the Harbourfront Walkway, HMCS Nanaimo will be open for tours at the visiting vessel pier from 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. There’s a whole lot more, so check it out HERE.
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Some electric vehicles
banned from B.C. Ferries
Many electric vehicles are bannedfrom sailing on B.C. Ferries due to a Transport Canada regulation preventing damaged EVs from being transported. Our province is one of the leaders for electric vehicles per capita. Towing companies on the Island haveno shortage of work handling those vehicles. Towing companies may now face a harder time accepting jobs involving electric vehicles. Towing company owners recently got a memo from BC Ferries outlining that many electric vehicles will no longer be allowed to sail onboard its vessels. “It’s a problem brewing. There’s a storm brewing,” said Don Affleck, of Peninsula Towing. MORE
Lithium-ion batteries made it difficult to control a fire Saturday at a Surrey business that sells e-bikes and e-scooters.While there’s no indication that the batteries caused the fire, their presence made conditions challenging for crews.Surrey Fire Service Asst. Chief Mike McNamara said the batteries that were part of the e-scooters were starting to catch fire which was creating significant heat and smoke. They had to pull out and just make a defensive attack. MORE
We told you about it last week,so here’s a reminder that construction work will disrupt traffic on Hammond Bay Road beginning this week. You can expect single-lane traffic for significant periods starting today. Single-lane alternating traffic will be in place Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Two people were taken to hospital with injuriesafter they fell down a steep embankment at Pipers Lagoon Park on Sunday. Fire Rescue Capt. Colin Fergusson said both hikers fell about 25 feet, ending up at the bottom of the cliff and rescue teams employed a rope rescue. MORE
QUOTABLE– I wonder if my recorded call has even been used for training or quality purposes
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The school board seeks community support for a new school to replace NDSS. The board wants politicians and other community partners to endorse the bid with letters to MLAs and the B.C. ministries of infrastructure and education and child care. The school was built in 1952 and has numerous aged-out systems requiring significant maintenance, and a new build would meet numerous B.C. government and district goals, including decreasing the carbon footprint. The district has removed NDSS from its seismic upgrade program request list. MORE
Canada is 158 years old, that calls for celebration. There's a ton of family-oriented activity on hand with music and dance performances, children's games, and a ship tour. It’s all free at Maffeo Sutton Park on July 1, from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with mainstage entertainment, a cultural community stage with everything from Celtic dance to historic fencing, and a kids' and family zone. Starting at 11 a.m. it’s Unite the Beat, Barsby School of Rock, Mardi Gras Mambo, Turnpike and the Steadies. At the other end of the Harbourfront Walkway, HMCS Nanaimo will be open for tours at the visiting vessel pier from 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. There’s a whole lot more, so check it out HERE.
Here's the latest in scams trying to separate us from our savings. The Professional Fire Fighters and the Burn Fund are raising the alarm involving phone calls requesting donations. The Burn Fund stresses that it does not solicit donations by phone, and warned people not to provide any personal or financial information if contacted. The warning follows reports of individuals being contacted by callers claiming to represent the Burn Fund or other firefighter-related charities. Never give out personal details like your social insurance number, banking information, or credit card numbers over the phone. MORE
It's an uphill battle for Ruby Liu in her bid to buy about two dozen leases from Hudson’s Bay landlords. But the the Bay still has an option to get its way. The company had agreed to sell up to 28 spaces to Liu. Three leases were transferred to her but another 25 are at held by Canada’s top commercial real estate firms. Landlords for 23 of those sites oppose the transfer saying they’ve been very troubled with their interactions with Liu intends to open a new department store in their properties. MORE
Lantzville’s public works department has found a new place to live after their building failed to meet operational requirements. The temporary new home is at 7099 Lantzville Rd. The old location was a disaster waiting to happen. MORE
QUOTABLE – If you’re offended by the things I post, just imagine the stuff I hold back.