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Bob Rowledge left a lasting impression,

Former city finance director dies at 95

We lost another good one when Bob Rowledge died on Monday at 95 years of age. Bob began his career at the City in 1953 and retired as the Director of Finance in 1988. A city announcement said he was dedicated, hard-working and valued former employee.

Bob was very active in the community, and was a member of many clubs and societies including the Nanaimo Lions Club. In 1988, Bob was recognized for his extensive community contribution and was named Freeman of the City. Building on that recognition, in 1992 he was named Citizen of the Year by the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, and in 2000 he was one of seven citizens awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal for his many years volunteering.

The City statement, on behalf of Mayor and Council, said Bob made a lasting impression and had a positive impact on those who knew him; his kindness was contagious, his passion for our community was never-ending, and Nanaimo is a better place for having known him.

City preparing for second

alternative approval process

Opponents of the city’s alternative approval for a new public works centre may get a second kick at the cat due to an administrative error the first time around. The timing of the advance notice did not meet the Province's legislative requirements. Staff now recommends a second AAP in January. Council will consider options at the Dec. 4 Council Meeting. Following that, the City will outline next steps in the proposed project. MORE

The Holiday/Christmas Season brings out the best and unfortunately, the worst in people. Every year criminals await the opportunity to steal your hard-earned money, rob you of recently purchased gifts and squash those memories that would have been created. Don’t let this happen to you! To assist with keeping you safe this Holiday Season, the Nanaimo RCMP presents 12 tips to a safe holiday season. SEE THE LIST

Hundreds of British Columbians appear to have lost faith in the plan to help British Columbians with breast and prostate cancers to get radiation treatment in Bellingham. It would pay the expenses for 50 patients per week because wait times in B.C. Since the program began, 1,310 patients were referred for radiation in Bellingham, but only 533 were actually eligible and agreeable to going to the United States for their radiation. Only 310 have started it, an average of just under 12 patients per week. FULL STORY

The B.C. Branch of the Canadian Bar Association takes umbrage with Attorney General Niki Sharma’s recent comments after a sentencing decision in a voyeurism case. News reports say the perpetrator got a conditional discharge after pleading guilty to installing a camera in a bathroom used by an international student living in his home. "It’s important that all actors in our justice system understand a trauma-informed approach to dealing with sexual abuse. To the survivors of predators, you’ve done nothing wrong and it is not your fault," Sharma was quoted. Scott Morishita, president of the Bar Association, says the impact of Sharma's comments were to cast doubt on the judge's decision in the case. "These comments, made with the weight of your office, risk undermining the public’s confidence in the criminal justice system." (My comment to Mr. Morishita, the public confidence ship sailed a long time ago.) MORE

The public and the media attending Vancouver City Council meetings are now screened with metal-detector and bag searches. The stepped up security comes in part from an increase in harassment, threats and violence directed at elected officials. Chief Safety Officer Magnus Enfeldt citied the evolving security environment and similar measures that are in place in other cities like Calgary and Toronto. MORE

Quote – If you’re too big to do the small things then you are too small to do the big things

You should be able to see

clearly by about noon today

The fog is expected to lift by noon today after Environment Canada extended its fog warning with near-zero visibility expected. The warning covers East Vancouver Island, Metro Vancouver, Greater Victoria, the Sunshine Coast, and the Southern Gulf Islands. People are being encouraged to monitor conditions by checking online. MORE

The annual Steve Marshall Ford Give and Go gift donation kicks off the Christmas season Friday evening at the dealership at 3851 Shenton Rd. The donated gifts of food, clothes and toys go to Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank and the Salvation Army. Warm clothing, such as jackets, socks, mittens and tuques and non-perishable food items are really welcome. And cash is always welcome.

Heads up, not everyone is in the spirit of giving at this time of year, many are in the spirit of scamming. Better Business Bureau President Rosalind Scott cautions to make sure that any online transactions are legitimate, safe and secure website. She adds that scams never stop, 24/7 365. BBB always recommends shopping locally with real people in a real store and supporting local businesses. MORE

Barsby Bulldogs are off to their version of the Grey Cup, they will play for the provincial championship Subway Bowl this weekend. Coach Rob Stevenson noted the core of the team has been playing together since peewee and now the Grade 12 players are in their last week of high school football.

Local professional wrestling fans hit their own high spot by donating more than a quarter ton of food to Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling’s Headlocks for Hunger event. Fans brought donations resulting in 562.8 pounds of food for the Nanaimo Food Bank.

A Nanaimo high school teacher has lost his job after remaining in contact with a former female student, exchanging sexually-charged messages. He was assessed a five-year ban from teaching in the province. A consent resolution agreement with the B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation was published online and signed by Curtis Vizza. MORE

Allison Ducluzeau of Saanich got the dreaded message nobody wants to hear – she had stage-four abdominal cancer. A BC Cancer Agency, surgeon informed her that surgery was not an option and chemotherapy would not be effective. “Go home and get your affairs in order. Talk to your family about your wishes,” says Allison. She took that to be a reference to Medical Assistance in Dying. She took her health into her own hands and found a doctor in Baltimore. She spent $200,000 for the surgery, where all visible tumours were removed before administering chemotherapy. That was almost a year ago and now she is battling with the BC Cancer Agency for financial assistance. FULL STORY

The BC SPCA has seized 44 animals from a home on an island off the coast of Vancouver Island. An SPCA news release stated the main floor was covered in  a carpet of feces and there were incredible amounts of garbage in many of the rooms. Senior Protection Officer Eileen Drever said the animals were found everywhere, including inside the walls. Thirty nine small-breed dogs and five cats were rescued. They were taken to Nanaimo and will be cared for at BC SPCA centres across Vancouver Island. MORE

Mid-Island residents are on alert after a wolf-dog crossbreed killed a small dog near a campground in Coombs on Saturday. The animal has been roaming in the Coombs area, but has evaded capture for weeks. It is unclear where the animal came from or how it ended up in the area. Following Saturday’s attack, some trails in the area were closed, and residents have been warned to keep a close eye on pets and children. MORE

Natural Gas will soon flow to Kitimat in Canada’s first pipeline to the West Coast in over 70 years. The Coastal GasLink pipeline is now complete, stretching across northern B.C. Coastal GasLink’s team is in the field getting ready to deliver gas to the LNG Canada processing and export facility in Kitimat. It was originally estimated to cost $6.2 billion, but hit $14.5 billion in the most recent price tag released by TC Energy this year. MORE

The public and the media are now screened with metal-detecting wands and bags searches before entering Vancouver City Council chambers. The stepped up security comes in part from an increase in harassment, threats and violence directed at elected officials. Chief Safety Officer Magnus Enfeldt citied the evolving security environment and similar measures that are in place in other cities like Calgary and Toronto. MORE

Quotable – How did doctors come to the conclusion that exercise prolongs life, when a rabbit is always jumping but lives only two years. A turtle doesn’t exercise at all but lives more than 200 years. So, rest, chill, eat, drink, and enjoy life!

A failing grade on health care

Ho hum, another weekend closure of a hospital emergency department in B.C. Nicola Valley Hospital in Merritt shut down due to limited physician availability.

Let’s look at that again, with the operative word being emergency. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as “a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.”

This past weekend, Nicola Valley residents requiring immediate action were directed to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops. All other services at the hospital continued as normal at Nicola Valley Hospital.

A preliminary diagnosis of health care shows that it is in dire straits, and that is not good enough in a province like ours. In government everything is about money, even more than politics. But it is the politics that directs spending. Too much is spent on frivolous things to gain political favour with special interests.

It’s a question of priorities. What is more important than life and death emergencies? You don’t have to be an expert to suggest that cost should not be the determining factor on whether emergency medical services are provided.

The provincial health department needs to look at importing emergency personnel when necessary. Bring staff in from larger centres for short-term duty, regardless of the cost. You can’t put dollar figures on a life saved in an emergency, it is worth whatever it might cost.

Heading into an election in eleven months, the B.C. government is failing on the health care portfolio. They have a lot of work to do, and the sooner the better.

Get set to have your say
on City's financial plan

Everybody seems to have an opinion on the city’s financial plans. Here’s your chance to sound off by participating in an eTown Hall on Monday, Dec. 4. The Regular Council meeting that evening will begin at 7 p.m. with a overview of the proposed budget followed by a one hour eTown Hall to engage with Council. You can do your homework before then by going to the budget ONLINE. To participate in the eTown Hall, submit questions through the City website, on X (formally known as Twitter) using the hashtag #NanaimoTH, and on Facebook. If you find that too newfangled, call the City at 250-754-4251, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also ask a question in person or send it in online. FULL REPORT

The Milner Christmas Magic annual festive light display returns Dec. 1 to 3, 8 to 10, and 15 to 20 from 5 to 8 pm, with viewing up until 8:30 pm. Admission is by a suggested donation of $8 for adults, $4 for children and $20 for a household, or give what you can. Milner Gardens & Woodland Operations Co-ordinator Emily Weeks says it has become a staple in so many families’ holiday traditions, with more lights than ever. This year marks the 20th anniversary. You can buy gifts and enjoy hot food and beverages. Really get into the light displays with holographic light glasses. And the Jolly of fat guy in the red suit and Mrs. Claus will also drop in. FULL REPORT.

A woman on a mobility scooter was struck by a van on Front Street near the Gabriola Ferry Terminal on Monday afternoon. RCMP said fire crews had to help free the victim, who had become pinned under the vehicle. Paramedics with BC Ambulance Service then transported her to hospital.

A two-vehicle crash Monday on the Trans Canada Highway at Morden Road sent one driver to hospital. The crash sent an SUV off the highway and down an embankment. Cranberry Volunteer Fire Department, RCMP and B.C. Ambulance Service attended the scene after a pickup truck and an SUV collided.

Quotable – You know you are getting old when friends with benefits means having someone who can drive at night.

Seniors are hardest hit

by housing affordability

The golden years, the golden years. There’s nothing golden for many of our senior citizens as they battle through the housing crisis. Seniors are being hit hardest, says a report on Aging in Uncertainty, produced by the United Way BC with a coalition of provincial non-profit community-based seniors organizations, highlighting the struggles seniors face to secure affordable housing. See the FULL REPORT

The Festival of Trees is back at Woodgrove Centre until December 8 where you can bid on decorated trees, ready for you living room. All proceeds support Loaves & Fishes Community Food Bank. To bid on your favourite tree, visit HERE. The Festival of Trees is a partnership with Inland Truck & Equipment, Loaves & Fishes, Nanaimo Clippers, and Woodgrove Centre.

Goodbye Q-Card, hello More Rewards. Quality Foods has shut down it’s loyalty card and transferred the balance to the Save-On Foods card. The Jim Pattison Group, which owns Save-On, bought Quality Foods and its 13 Island stores in 2017. The Q-card was the first grocery store loyalty program in Canada. More Rewards points is greater so a conversion rate of 22 QF points to one More Reward was used. MORE

That breakfast cantaloupe could you kill you. One person has died after a salmonella outbreak linked to Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes. There have been 63 confirmed salmonella cases across Canada linked to the outbreak and 17 people hospitalized. Cases have been identified in five provinces including British Columbia. U.S. health officials said two people had died and 45 people were hospitalized nationwide due to the outbreak as of Friday. MORE

Have you done your share? The Salvation Army kettle campaign still has a lot of volunteer slots available. HERE IS A LIST of shifts that need staffing. Call Kettle Coordinator BrendaLea Dudley at-250-740-1004 or on her cell 250-716-6595 to get your spot on the calendar.

Quotable – I have many hidden talents. I just wish I could remember where I hid them.

Ambulance loses wheel

while transporting patients

When you hear that the wheels are coming off the health care system you don’t expect that literally. That’s what happened after 76-year-old Randal Krall of Nanaimo had angioplasty surgery in Victoria, and was being transported to Nanaimo. A wheel came off the ambulance  transporting him and two other patients in the privately-contracted medical transport at highway speed on Nov. 21. Krall told Global News he was strapped into a stretcher in the back of the ambulance when he sensed something was wrong shortly after the ambulance left Victoria, but he had no way of alerting the driver. MORE.

The Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation has launched a $1-million Winter Giving campaign for equipment for NRGH and the Oceanside Health Centre. The emergency department at NRGH serves nearly 70,000 patients a year. Foundation chief Administrative Officer Barney Ellis-Perry says the 348-bed hospital is far too small and health care professionals are in constant need of equipment upgrades. “We’re running way over capacity, it’s insane and what we’re asking for now is for the community to say ‘Hey, we know that there’s needs for new equipment and supports for healthcare workers and we’d like to give back,” Ellis-Perry said. MORE

The Salvation Army kettle campaign still has a lot of volunteer slots available next Wednesday and Thursday. Call Kettle Coordinator BrendaLea Dudley at-250-740-1004 or on her cell 250-716-6595 to get your spot on the calendar.

Traffic is up on B.C. Ferries, but so are expenses. In the quarter ended Sept. 30, Ferries carried 7.8 million passengers and 3 million vehicles, compared to 7.5 million passengers and 3 million vehicles the year before. Year-to-date, numbers are also up as with 13.6 million passengers and 5.5 million vehicles, an increase of 5 per cent and 2 per cent, compared to 2022. Year-to-date, revenue was $668.4 million, up 10 per cent impacted by changes in overall traffic levels, traffic types and tariff rates. Year-to-date, expenses from operations increased eight per cent. MORE

Rugged Coast Research Society of Nanaimo has received a $1.9 million grant to clean up 629 km of the coast along western Vancouver Island. The area is listed as “high marine-debris accumulation areas”. The money is part of $10.5 million for five groups for cleanup work along our coasts. MORE

Quotable – For those of you who don’t want Alexa or Siri listening in on your conversation, they are making a male version – it doesn’t listen to anything.

A bit of that climate change

is headed our way this winter

It's not going to be Palm Springs, but here’s some good news – we’re going to enjoy some of that global warming this winter. Derek Lee of Environment Canada predicts a near-100-per-cent probability that the El Nino weather pattern will persist, particularly on our coast. While predicting warmer-than-normal temperatures he could not say whether it will be drier or wetter. He added the presence of El Nino increases chances of reduced amounts of snowfall. MORE

BC Ferries has issued a Request for Expressions of Interest to shipbuilders to replace six retiring ships seven with new hybrid vessels. The new ships would replace vessels such as the Queen of New Westminster and Queen of Coquitlam, which serve major routes between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Hybrid vessels will have the ability to run on either diesel or electric power. The project is expected to go to the board of directors for approval next summer. MORE

Letting it all hang out. RCMP seek public assistance to identify a man who reportedly exposed his family jewels to staff and customers at a fitness facility in Country Club Centre late last month.. The man was refused entry for being intoxicated. Staff reported the suspect was also carrying a sword. PICTURE

Building on success? The B.C. government has filed court documents to seize 10 properties in Prince George for their alleged use in a years-long drug trafficking operation. The province says the properties owned by Daniel Prediger should be handed over to the government because of their use in unlawful activity. The civil forfeiture lawsuit says Prediger is a member of a drug trafficking organization who bought properties with illicit proceeds from activities in Prince George. MORE

Preliminary city budget

shows 6.4-per-cent tax hike

And so it begins. The City’s budget deliberations have begun with a 6.4-per-cent tax hike as the opening salvo. Councillors got their first peak Wednesday at the 2024-28 draft financial plan that had the increase as the starting point. And more bad news, there’s a 7.4-per-cent increase on the horizon for 2025 before easing to a 4.6-per-cent rise in 2026, and 2.6 per cent the following two years. User fees ar not immune with a four-per-cent hike expected for sewer, six per cent for water, and 3.2 per cent curbside collection. MORE

If you’ve still got some money left, the province is expanding its intrusion into private property rights with its speculation and vacancy tax it claims is designed to turn empty units into homes. Five Island communities are in the 13 new ones subject to the tax – Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland. Finance Minister Katrine Conroy said homes shouldn’t be left empty and they shouldn’t be used as investments. That’s the point in the housing shortage, taking private investors out of the equation. MORE

While we’re on a roll, here comes Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland still spending more than government is taking in. A financial update on Tuesday showed government spending on borrowed money continues to increase debt costs in Canada, with various figures tossed around. It forecasts billions in new spending, and projects going $40 billion deeper in debt in 2023­-24. DETAILS

A 17-year-old woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Nanaimo. An RCMP officer came upon the incident at Norwell Drive and the old Island Highway. The vehicle was travelling south on the Island Highway and was approaching the Norwell intersection on a green light in the right-hand lane,” said reserve Const. Gary O’Brien. “A woman ran out onto the road, against the red light and not in a crosswalk.” MORE

Non profits are seeing greater demand this year, and Hamperville is no exception. The Christmas hamper program is operated by Salvation Army and Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank. They need more volunteers and donations of food and money as they prepare for the Christmas season. Hamper pickup times are being booked now in preparation for distribution beginning Dec. 4 through Dec. 23. Hampers contain grocery store gift cards, potatoes, carrots and eggs, detergent and soap and non-perishable food items. The most sought items include canned meat, fruit, vegetables and fish, peanut butter, pasta and rice. MORE

Quotable – Weight loss goal: To be able to clip my toenails and breathe at the same time. 

City eases enforcement of
codes for emergency shelters

The City will ease up on building code and fire code enforcement to make it easier for emergency shelters and warming and cooling centres. The approach was proposed with an eye to the city’s liability for buildings used for warming and cooling centres and emergency shelters that don’t fully meet building and fire codes for those uses. MORE

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. A woman with mental health issues is accused of  using a toy gun during a robbery at the attempt Co-op gas bar on Victoria Crescent. Karlee Ann Pelletier, 29, was charged when she produced what the clerk perceived was a fake pistol while demanding cash. She was arrested next to the scene. Pelletier spent four months behind bars for a similar offence in October, 2022 at the same store. MORE

The Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter is launching an ambitious fund raising campaign to celebrate its 15th birthday. The goal is toraise$150,000 to help pay for therenovations and other operational costs. It is necessary for the shelter to continue. They’ll have an Open House at theUnitarian Hall, 595 Townsite Rd., Saturday, Dec. 2, 1:15to 3:15 pm. There’llbe a cake with 15 candles, one for each year theshelter has been in operation,music by singer/songwriterTony Turner,testimonials from shelter staff and formershelterguests.

Before you toss the old shoebox in your closet, consider using it for someone in need. The Shoebox Project for Women is a campaign to fill shoeboxes with items for homeless women. High-quality toiletries, winter wear, and other small gifts can be included, along with a message from the heart, says local co-ordinator Laura Kelsey. “An encouraging note. We find those are just as special as something that is a material item. A note just saying ‘I’m thinking of you’, something encouraging.” MORE

Here's a novel idea. When you mail out your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to Any Canadian Forces Member

PO Box 5140 Stn Forces

Belleville ON K8N 5W6

No postage required

If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards will be sent overseas to these wonderful, special, brave people, who have sacrificed so much.

Quotable – They say cows are bad for the environment all they do is eat plants and pass gas – just like vegans.

Manley sets record straight

on link with Unitarian Shelter

A Daily Buzz reader inquired about Paul Manly’s role as a city councillor and executive director of the Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter. Paul provided an excellent, detailed clarification on his roles and the program. It should be read by all of our readers. The extreme weather program has been an excellent service for our citizens for 15 years. Please read PAUL’S RESPONSE

Full disclosure: I have a personal interest. As a city councillor in 2008, Coun. Fred Pattje and I initiated the first emergency funding by the city for the Unitarian extreme weather program. 

A reported bush fire turned out to be a little more than expected when Nanaimo Fire Rescue and RCMP responded to a call on the weekend. The location was in the woods near the Nanaimo Parkway and Northfield Road on Sunday afternoon where they found a pickup truck on fire.

Congratulations to Nanaimo District Secondary’s senior AAAA girls’ volleyball team – they are the new Vancouver Island champions. It wasn’t easy, they were extended to five sets as they beat Mt. Douglas Rams at the Dover Bay Secondary School gym.

Mission Mounties will likely have to wait a while before the owner of a stash of cocaine comes forward to claim the dope. The drugs were found in the ceiling of a public bathroom and RCMP believe the coke was put there by a drug dealer for another dealer to pick up. Injecting a little humour the cops wrote: “If the drugs are yours and you want to report them lost or stolen, call Mission RCMP at 604-826-7161, We will set up an interview in jail cell number 3. Please bring proof of purchase, or some other form of evidence so we can confirm the drugs are yours.”

What the

heck is it?

City councillors are looking for more money

Council needs bucks to fund a winter warming centre. One avenue they are snooping around is the money raised through the online accommodation platform tax. The maximum three-per cent tax is levied on online sales of hotel rooms and other short-term rental accommodations. Wasn’t that tax designed to raise money for tourism promotion?

Fishing is an expensive sport, but it can become a whole lot costlier if you break the rules. Michael Donald Spoor was fined $6,500, had his fishing gear seized, and is banned from fishing for nine months after pleading guilty in a Nanaimo court to federal fishing violations. This case is similar to another in Nanaimo court a week earlier, where a 74-year-old man pleaded guilty to four federal fisheries violations, also being fined $6,500 along with a two-year fishing ban. Numerous notable Federal Fisheries Act violations have been resolved in court in Nanaimo this year, including several fishermen caught for illegally catching salmon. MORE

Regional district honours
dozens of top performers

The Regional District has recognized dozens of people for the Performance Recognition Program. Athletes, musicians and performers were feted for the first time since 2020at a ceremony on Thursday. It salutes individuals and members of teams and organizations who have won first-place or gold-medals at provincial, inter-provincial or national title for sport, artistic or cultural performance. Among those honoured was top senior golfer Shelly Stouffer and Nicholas Bennett, male swimmer of the year and winner at the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships earlier this year. MORE

Influenza and RSV are on the rise while COVID-19 is declining. The weekly update from the Centre for Disease Control says there were 25 deaths of patients with COVID last week, down from 70 three weeks earlier. Influenza A is behind a rise in flu activity, accounting for 96 per cent of tested cases this season, while positive test rates for respiratory syncytial virus are also up, particularly among children. MORE

A Maple Ridge councillor initiated a citizen’s arrest of a break-and-enter suspect, and now he’s critical of how police handled the incident. Coun. Ahmed Yousef caught a man on his property. When the police arrived, he heard one of the officers tell the suspect that they were placing him under arrest for breaking and entering. The suspect countered that he didn’t break anything, so Yousef was told by the officer that most probably Crown counsel will not pursue charges, so the suspect was able to ride away on his bicycle. MORE

City creates public safety committee to focus on crime

When you have a problem that won’t go away, identify the root cause. That’s the idea behind city council’s move to establish a public safety committee. It will advise City Council on safety programs, policies and strategic initiatives. Mayor Leonard Krog told NanaimoNewsNOW people feel alienated from the political process. This is way to be become involved in a direct, meaningful and helpful way. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, you can apply through the Citywebsite. The deadline is Friday Dec. 1 at 4:30 p.m.

We’ve barely got the last city property tax bill out of the way and already preparations are under way for the city’s next financial plan. Taxpayers will have a number of opportunities to review, ask questions and provide input leading up to a budget-focused eTown Hall on Dec. 4. Council will begin reviewing draft budgets and project plans over four meetings beginning Nov. 22. All meetings are open to the public at the Shaw Auditorium. If you don’t take part, do not complain later. MORE

It's one more step forward for the Sandstone project in the south as it passes third reading of the rezoning application. The application spans both sides of the Trans-Canada Highway in the Cinnabar Valley, Cedar and Duke Point. That will allows Seacliff Properties to develop the area over more than two decades with 800 single-family homes, 500 townhouses, 900 condos or apartments, plus commercial space in Cedar and industrial land in Duke Point. MORE

The Richmond Sockeyes did it up in style on Thursday when they retired former Sockeye and Nanaimo Clipper player Ray Sawada’s number 27. He played the Sockeyes in 2001-2003 joining the Nanaimo Clippers in 2003-2004. He was drafted by the Dallas Stars in 2004. The former Burnaby firefighter died suddenly at age 38 during a recreational hockey game in April. A scholarship has been created in his honour, and Thursday’s event raised more than $27,000 for the fund. AGoFundMewas created at the time of his death to help support his family. It has raised more than $370,000, far exceeding its goal of $50K. MORE

Oh how sweet it isn’t. A strike at the Rogers Sugar refinery in Vancouver threatens to take the sweetness out of the holiday season for bakers and candy-makers. Small businesses dependent on sugar are struggling with shortages and higher costs as the strike stretches into a seventh week. The sugar supply issues being experienced in Western Canada stem from the Vancouver refinery, where 138 striking workers have been off the job since Sept. 28. The Vancouver refinery continues to operate, but at a reduced level. MORE

Quotable – Airports at higher altitudes require a longer airstrip due to lower air density.

Now there's an app for that

on Nanaimo Transit buses

Bus riders don’t need cash when travelling in the Regional Dsitrict. Yhe Umo electronic bus fare payment system, allowing transit customers to pay with a reloadable tap-card or mobile phone app via a scanner on buses is now available at designated vendors and the mobile app is downloadable through app stores. Tap credit and debit cards will also be able to be used in the near future.

The Halloween decorations are stored for another year, and here comes Christmas. There are signs that consumers are feeling the Scrooge effect and are not in a high-spending mood. Deloitte Canada says Canadians are reining in their holiday spending. Deloitte predicts they’ll shell out 11 per cent less this season compared to last year, for an average of $1,347. MORE

Stay clear of cantaloupes bought between mid-October and now due to a rare strain of salmonella. The Centre for Disease Control says imported cantaloupes with the “Malichita” label should go into the garbage. The outbreak came in various health regions, including Island Health. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and sometimes fever, nausea and vomiting. MORE

Baby stroller porch pirate. Police in Langley report a complaint, with video, of a woman with a baby stroller stealing a package from a doorstep and putting it into the bottom of the stroller. During the theft, a small dog is seen making its way out of the woman’s purse, which she placed on the ground. Police said they have received three theft reports in the area with similarities including suspect descriptions. MORE

The Salvation Army Christmas kettle campaign needs more volunteers to help ring the bells. Look at the list and choose when and where you can step in to serve. Call Kettle Co-ordinator BrendaLea Dudley at 250-740-1004 to sign up. You’ll meet a lot of really wonderful people at the kettles. It will give you a great feeling. The chart shows where the greatest opportunity is to tend the kettles.

Quotable – When I lost the fingers on my right hand, I asked the doctor if I would still be able to write with it. He said, “Probably, but I wouldn’t count on it”.

It will cost more for a real Christmas tree this year

Even Ken Gogo can’t escape inflation. The owner of Gogo’s Christmas Tree Farm has raised his prices by five bucks due to rising costs. He says supplies and quality are abundant on Vancouver Island, but everything’s up –  gasoline, fertilizer, labour and more. This is the first time in a decade he’s raised his price but doesn’t know how much extra tree lots will charge to cover their rising costs. MORE

One hundred police officers were deployed to a restaurant where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was dining Tuesday night after protesters demanded a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. Protesters were waving Palestinian flags, shouting slogans and jeering Trudeau outside the restaurant in Chinatown. Police arrested one man for assaulting an officer, and another for obstruction. The officer was taken to hospital after being punched in the face and her eyes gouged. Trudeau was heckled earlier at a  restaurant in a different part of the city. MORE

Don’t rely on porch shopping for Christmas if you live across the pond. New Westminster Police are likely to give you free room and board in the crowbar hotel over the holidays if they catch you. They’re stepping up a bait package program where they place boxes and envelopes in strategic locations waiting for porch pirates to strike on doorsteps, outside stores, and in apartment building mailrooms. The program was launched about a year ago, and the number of incidents is down 30 per cent from last year. MORE

Maple Ridge is cashing in with a $1.05-billion lithium-ion battery plant which will create 450 permanent jobs. Surprise, Maple Ridge is represented by a Conservative member of Parliament. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier David Eby made the announcement Tuesday, touting the partnership with E-One Moli as a step toward developing B.C.’s clean economy. The battery cells will be used in consumer electronics and power tools to medical devices. The plant will anchor E-One Moli’s North American operations and create a B.C. hub in the global battery component supply chain. MORE

Quotable – The rights of the majority are dictated by the demands of the minority.

A pet chasing its tail can be amusing, the faster the chase, the less likelihood of finally catching it. The more money we spend the more the need increases, never being able to catch up. A lot of our financial challenges are rooted in government spending which has to be paid sooner or later by rising taxation. The rising tax is a burden on everything from food costs to housing and virtually everything else we do. FULL COMMENTARY

North end petition calls for cell tower once rejected

Oh my, how times change. When I was a city councillor about a dozen years ago a cellular phone transmission tower was proposed along Hammond Bay Road. But area residents came out in force to oppose it because of fears of brain injury through radiation waves from such a tower. It came with the regular NIMBY arguments. Now a neighbourhood group is begging for such a tower to improve cellular coverage for the area. Sandra Miles has started a petition saying the lack of service not only affects the quality of communication but also poses potential risks during emergencies. She says she often has to rely on wi-fi for cell service. MORE

Don’t jump out of your skin – The province is conducting it usual fall test of the emergency alert system tomorrow, Nov. 15. The alert will sound at 1:55 p.m. as part of a Canada-wide test of the National Public Alerting System. It will go to all compatible cell phones, as well as interrupt radio and television broadcasts. Click for more info: www.emergencyinfobc.ca/test.

Registration begins today for The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive. Parents and caregivers can register to make children’s Christmas wishes become real. To find out the details and registering online, go to the Toy Drive website. The toy drive is in its fourth decade helping make more than 1,000 children’s Christmas a lot brighter. Toys are collected from the drop-off points and organized at the Maranatha Gospel Community Church in the north end. Distribution begins Dec. 11 until Dec. 16. Cash donations are also very helpful and you can volunteer your time to be a Santa’s helper. MORE

British Columbians with HIV might be better off living elsewhere. In our province they have less access to an injectable drug compared to elsewhere in Canada where they could get a shot every two months instead of taking a daily pill. Dr. Brian Conway questions why the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS — and not a person’s doctor — decides who qualifies for Cabenuva. He said the centre declined all 15 patients he has applied for since the spring, some simply because they were deemed to be responding well to the drug in a pill form. MORE

JUST A MINUTE, testing, testing, testing. BC United MLA Elenor Sturko had an interesting comment after she was recorded while commenting about the drug harm reduction program. Her defence was that she didn’t know she was being recorded. Would being recorded bring a different comment than one she couldn’t be held account to? When an elected representative waxes eloquent it should always be the same, recorded or not. Besides, what she is quoted as having said would be considered a legitimate comment by many.

Quotable – We celebrated last night with a couple of adult beverages – Metamucil and Ensure.

HULLO Ferries sailing again

Hullo ferry sailing between Nanaimo and Vancouver resumed after two sailing cancellations Monday morning while crews worked to repair one vessel. The fix was finished before 9:30 a.m., paving the way for the 11 a.m. from Nanaimo as scheduled.

Monday's cancellations followed a weekend without service for Hullo. it was forced to cancel all departures Saturday and Sunday after one vessel sustained minor damage during Friday's windstorm. MORE

Milk is flowing again after a mechanical malfunction at Island Farms' Victoria plant was resolved. The plant’s milk separator malfunctioned last week resulting in production being stopped while repairs were made. Empty store shelves are being restocked. MORE

There’s a new look in store for the Nanaimo Nissan property. The property at the Island Highway and 107th Steet has been granted a development permit for redevelopment. Plans include a 52-stall underground vehicle storage area and a ground-level showroom and offices. There will be 10 service bays, wash and auto detailing areas and a service drive through. MORE

Power restored for most

after weekend wind storms

The lights are back on for most of the thousands who were stuck in the dark during the windstorm over the weekend. Crews have restored power to 99 per cent of the 235,000 customers affected. Dozens of power poles and lines have been replaced across the Island. BC Hydro issued a statement Sunday that it expects power to be fully restored by the end of the day. MORE

Hullo Ferries shut down over the weekend, cancelling all sailings between Nanaimo and Vancouver Saturday and today. Gale force winds resulted in minor damage to one ferry while the other is in drydock for pre-scheduled maintenance. Hullo operates four daily sailings in each direction with sepcial late-night sailings for special events such as sports and concerts in downtown Vancouver.

B.C. Ferries cancelled sailings late Friday due to weather conditions. Ferries announced Saturday that pay parking facilities at Departure Bay and Duke Point terminals were full. So check before you leave home. If travelling as a foot passenger, consider taxi service, or being dropped off at the terminal. For the most up-to-date sailing and departure information, customers can follow our@BCFerries X Account, check Current Conditions or visit bcferries.com

In case you missed the Remembrance Day ceremony from downtown on Saturday morning, Island Radio has a video of the whole show HERE.

Quotable – The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The realist adjusts his sails.

Don’t be chicken about shots,
encourages Dr. Bonnie Henry

COVID-19 appears to be withering but Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is still going full tilt on vaccines. The BC Centre for Disease Control reports sharp drops in hospitalization, deaths and positivity rates for the coronavirus. Dr. Henry now has a new tack – urging people on poultry farms to get vaccinations as avian flu spreads among flocks. She says while avian flu does not transmit easily from birds to humans, infections can happen and are very concerning because of the potential for the virus to mix with human influenza and mutate into something much more contagious. MORE

Hospitals are the most dangerous place for catching illnesses. Fifteen people have contracted COVID-19 while in Saanich Peninsula Hospital. A spokesman for Island Health says the hospital-acquired cases are attributed to this outbreak but all patients are experiencing only mild illness. Three other outbreaks are at Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Elk Valley Hospitals. The Saanich Peninsula Hospital outbreak was declared just over a month after 11 patients contracted the illness on an acute-care ward at nearby Victoria General Hospital. MORE

Nanaimo has one of the finest displays in Canada featuring the Spitfire fighter plane. Pat Murphy is credited with the fantastic amount of work that has gone into showing great detail at the display at the Vancouver Island Military Museum. Global News had a feature on the Spitfire yesterday. HERE IT IS.

Quotable – We live in a time where intelligent people are silenced so that stupid people won’t be offended.

Weather cancels some
late ferry sailings tonight

Due to forecast adverse weather conditions on the Georgia Strait, the following sailings on both rooutes have been cancelled for today, Friday, Nov. 10:

Tsawwassen to Duke Point – 8:15 pm and 10:45 pm

Duke Point to Tsawwassen – 8:15 pm and 10:45 pm

Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay 8:05 pm and 10:10 pm
Departure Bay 1o Horseshoe Bay 8:45 pm and 10:10 pm

New Operations Centre
gets the green light

Opposition to the City borrowing up to $48.5 million for the first phase of the Nanaimo Operations Centre failed to get enough signatures to stop the project. Only 3,035 objections (4 per cent) were received opposing the bylaw by the Nov. 3 deadline. Ten per cent – 7,799 – of electors were required to halt the project. City council can now go ahead with adoption of the borrowing bylaw. FULL DETAILS

The cenotaph is staying where it is. The City has been looking a redesignin Dallas Square Park. One suggestion was for the cenotaph to be moved to the corner of the park, local Royal Canadian Legion branches 10 and 256 said no dice. Branch 256 Mount Benson past-president Lew Forth said he would like to see the cenotaph expanded to honour veterans from other wars, including peace-keeping missions and Afghanistan. “It’s been there since 1921 so why would we want to move it?” Forth added. Nanaimo Community Archives Manager Christine Meutznerechoed that sentiment, saying the cenotaph is in an “appropriate place.” FULL STORY

The Vancouver Island Military Museum has a new display open in time for tomorrow’s Remembrance Day. It focusses on Canada’s role in NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The display recognizes military members serving and those who served in NATO’s 74-year history. Museum Vice President Brian McFadden says they did not have a NATO exhibit and Canadians were leading a battle group in Latvia. He added the increase in the number of troops and the number of countries committing to it that prompted the creation of the exhibit. The Museum is open after the Remembrance ceremonies tomorrow. FULL STORY

Nanaimo Fire Rescue quickly doused a boat fire in the harbour Thursday morning. Flames and smoke were coming from the 12-metre long craft, which was moored at Newcastle Marina. There was no one aboard the boat and there were no injuries. Damage did not spread beyond the craft. FULL STORY

Island Health issued a drug overdose advisory for Nanaimo, Campbell River and Victoria. “Overdoses are increasing in Nanaimo,” the advisory noted. “Friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from injection and inhalation.” It advises calling 911, staying with the patient, providing Naloxone if available, and giving the person one breath every five seconds. People using drugs alone should let someone know and ask them to check in, download the Lifeguard app athttp://lifeguarddh.com, or call the national overdose response service at 1-888-688-6677. FULL STORY

Nanaimo is also in the picture when it comes to the rising cost of living, becoming one of the country’s most expensive to live comfortably. The Living Wage B.C. calculated the hourly amount two working parents must each make to support themselves and two children, and pay for just basic necessities such as food, housing, childcare and transportation. Nanaimo’s rate shot up by 11.6 per cent this year $22.87 per hour. Rising housing costs are seen as the primary driver. FULL STORY

Local poppy campaign seeing positive results

The Royal Canadian Legion’s annual poppy drive in Nanaimo is doing really well in light of the economy. Barry French, of Branch 257 Lantzville, says they are very pleased with the results to date, adding it’s been a very successful campaign. Returns from Branch 256 are about the same, he says. They do not expect to reach the totals of the previous two years because they were way above the norm during the pandemic. “I think that is fabulous,” says Barry. So, when you see a poppy station in your travels around the community, drop in some cash for a good cause.

Eleven people were taken to hospital after a school bus crashed into another vehicle and then into a house in Burnaby this morning. Six ambulances, a supervisor and a link and referral unit responded. Paramedics transported 11 patients to hospital in stable condition. Burnaby RCMP said the school bus was involved in a two-vehicle collision, which caused the vehicle to crash into the house. It was a high school bus, so the children are in their teens. MORE

The BC Green Party has fired its deputy leader after a social media post comparing Dr. Bonnie Henry to Nazi doctor Josef Mengele. Leader Sonia Furstenau said she was made aware of Dr. Sanjiv Gandhi’s offensive tweet and removed him. He has also resigned as a candidate. Dr. Gandhi is former chief of pediatric cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at BC Children's Hospital and has been an outspoken critic of the government's health-care policy, including its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. MORE

The cameras will be rolling again soon when actors return to work after a lengthy strike. That’s good news for Vancouver Island as well as Holloywood. A deal was reached late Wednesday to end what was, at nearly four months, the longest strike ever for film and television actors. The contract must be approved by union members but union leadership declared that the strike would end at midnight last nigh, putting all of the parts of production back into action for the first time since spring. MORE

A BC Supreme Court jury has found Jordan Reginald White not guilty in a shooting at a central Nanaimo home. The 12-member jury found White not guilty on all four counts, including aggravated assault, in the Dec. 9, 2022 shooting at a Bowen Road duplex. He was arrested last December on another matter for which charges were dropped earlier this year. He was released from custody following the verdict. MORE

The provincial government came under fire in the legislature on Tuesday after a new report showed British Columbia is the least affordable province in Canada. The study by Westland Insurance, used data from Statistics Canada and the Canadian Real Estate Association. B.C. is the least affordable place to buy or rent housing, most expensive public transit, most expensive gas, clothing and most difficult to obtain health and dental care. BC United and the BC Conservatives targeted rising costs and the burden of the Carbon tax. But as usual, all talk and no action, nothing was solved. MORE

There have been 16 confirmed cases of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in B.C. since late October at poultry farms in the province, including at one backyard flock in Port McNeill. One other case was confirmed in Merritt, while the remaining 14 are commercial poultry farms in the Fraser Valley. There are drugs for poultry, but so far nobody has suggested that they will need to wear masks. MORE

Drug overdoses put burden
on Nanaimo fire fighters

Nanaimo Fire Rescue has responded to more than 1,500 overdose incidents since the start of the year, compared to 672 in all of 2022, a 123 per cent increase so far this year. Chief Tim Doyle reported to city council on Monday, outlining how firefighters are responding to the rising workload. He said there has been an increase attributable to the drug crisis. 

The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle drive begins Nov. 17, but some locations still need more volunteers to fill their shifts. If you can find the time there are openings at both Save On Foods stores, Superstore, Thrifty Foods, Costco and Nesvog Meats. You’ll meet a lot of really wonderful people if you sit there for even one shit. If you can volunteer at any one of these locations, call BrendaLea Dudley at 250-740-1004 or on her cell phone at 250-716-6595. You’ll feel good doing it.

Hats off to Ken Duncan after he called it a day after about 30 years as a member of Nanaimo Search and Rescue. He was honoured for his hard work and dedication Tuesday, his last day on the job. He joined SAR a few years after it was created over 30 years ago, and held many positions in the organization and on the board, including treasurer and search manager.He was awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. 

British Columbia’s minimum wage of $16.75 a hour is not enough to pay the rent or put food on the table. Figures for Vancouver show the average worker needs $25.68 per hour, and $25.40 in Victoria, driven by rising rent and food costs. A living wage is what someone working full time needs to earn to pay for essentials including food, rental housing, transportation and childcare. It is based on a household with two employed adults and two children and does not include expenses related to debt repayment or factor in saving for retirement or post-secondary education. The living wage varies by community and region. 

A growing number of immigrants to Canada are throwing in the towel after being unable to realize the great dream of a better life. The Institute for Canadian Citizenship and the Conference Board of Canada report the number of immigrants who left Canada rose by 31 per cent in 2017 and 2019. They blame the high cost of living and competition for jobs and affordable housing have driven them to look beyond Canada's borders for better prospects. 

There’s more rough water ahead for B.C. Ferries as its union makes waves over overtime. Eric McNeely, president of the BC Ferry and Marine Workers Union, representing 4,000 employees, says an ongoing conflict is compounding already low morale. He said people will be less likely to accept overtime or stay for extra long days and that could have an impact on the reliability or frequency of sailings. 

A Tofino man has been handed a 30-day jail term and $11,000 in fines for illegally killing a black bear and her cub in his backyard two years ago. Ryan Owen Millar is also prohibited from hunting and possessing firearms for 10 years for one count of killing a black bear outside of hunting season, and one count of killing a black bear younger than two years old.

The B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives cautions families about risks associated with unregistered midwives. The college said it has received 13 reports of incidents involving unauthorized midwifery over the last 18 months – including some that had tragic outcomes for parents. The title "midwife" is one of many protected in B.C. by the Health Professions Act. Legally, people cannot practice midwifery or call themselves midwives in the province without registering with the college.

The federal government will build more than 2,800 homes on government properties across the country. Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said the Canada Lands Co., a Crown corporation, is setting a new target to include at least 20 per cent affordable housing across its projects. He added the Crown corporation will make 2,800 additional units available by early 2024 in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa and St. John’s. A minimum of 300 of the units will be set aside for affordable housing. 

Quotable – Carrots are good for your eyes, but booze will double your vision

Housing, commercial

project approved near Nanaimo hospital

R.W. (Bob) Wall Ltd. has a development permit for the first phase of a planned mixed-use building with a restaurant and housing near the hospital. It will be a five-storey building at 1588 Boundary Cres.. The 200-seat restaurant will take up the ground, mezzanine and second floors, and the third, fourth and fifth storeys will have 12 one-bedroom residential units ranging from 400-500 square feet, intended for hospital staff. It is part of the comprehensive vision for the block, which already a parking garage, medical centre, pharmacy and coffee shop. A hotel and more parking are in a future phase. MORE

Royal Canadian Air Cadets ​​​​​​​205 Collishaw Squadron cadets will post an all-night guard vigil around the Nanaimo Cenotaph beginning 5 p.m. Friday. Commanding officer Capt. David Ruel said it’s a great experience for young cadets who volunteer for this honour. MORE

Witness to Duncan UFO doubts prank explanation offered in wake of stamp

B.C. crash victim sues for $60K to help pay for traditional Chinese medicine

‘Single most expensive capital project in the CRD history’ coming under fire

Police arrest fake Santa for waving replica firearm in downtown Victoria

Pharma lawyer suggests B.C. opioid class action suit too big to certify

BC Lions to play Redblacks during regular season game in Victoria

Prosecutors say accused in U.S. murder plot talked about B.C. man’s killing

A digital loonie can wait, Canadians tell Bank of Canada

Canadians say immigration feeding into housing, health care squeeze: poll

‘It hurts from smiling’: Country singer shouts out Kelowna crowd