After near extinction, Vancouver Island Marmot population breaks milestone

A Vancouver Island conservation organization is celebrating hitting a new milestone, as the marmot population hits new peaks.

NanaimoLauryn MackenzieDecember 23, 2025Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Mamots, animals, Endangered species, wildlife

New Snuneymuxw program works to keep traditional lands flourishing for future generations

Combining his work with cultural practice has always been important for Robert Phillips. So when the opportunity to connect with community and grow his knowledge of the land came up, he jumped at the chance to become a land guardian.

NanaimoLauryn MackenzieDecember 17, 2025Nanaimo, Snuneymuxw First Nation, Snuneymuxw, Land, land guardians, wildlife, wlk, elk, deer

Nanaimo Regional Hospital District commits to covering 100 per cent to build cardiac care lab

The call for better cardiac care in Nanaimo may soon be answered, as the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District has voted to fully fund a catheterization lab in Nanaimo.

NanaimoLauryn MackenzieDecember 16, 2025Nanaimo, NRGH, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Healthcare, Cath lab, cardiac care

Risebridge wants no one to celebrate the holidays alone in Nanaimo and Oceanside

As the cost of living continues to rise and the number of those unhoused increases, a mid-island non-profit group is making sure no one is alone during the holiday season.

NanaimoLauryn MackenzieDecember 12, 2025Nanaimo, Risebridge, Poverty, holidays, unhoused, homelessness

VIU student talks about her time at COP 30 in Brazil

Every year, world leaders, scientists and climate activists meet to make decisions around addressing the climate crisis, and this year, some students from Vancouver Island University were able to witness it.

NanaimoLauryn MackenzieDecember 5, 2025Nanaimo, VIU, Vancouver Island University, COP 30, Climate change

Dress for success: new VIU ‘Career Closet’ offers free professional clothing for students

A new service through Vancouver Island University’s Career Studio is helping students dress for success for interviews, events and presentations.

NanaimoLauryn MackenzieDecember 1, 2025Nanaimo, VIU, Vancouver Island University, Career Studio, Poverty

UBCM has red flags over Bill M216 that would fast-track housing in British Columbia

MLA for Nanaimo–Lantzville, George Anderson, is currently moving forward with a private member's bill that has sparked concern among local governments.

NanaimoLauryn MackenzieNovember 28, 2025Nanaimo, Government of BC, George Anderson, Bill M216, Housing, UBCM

UVic students plan to run from Victoria to Nanaimo to raise money for men’s mental health

Two university students are training for the biggest run of their lives, while raising money and awareness about men’s mental health.

NanaimoLauryn MackenzieNovember 26, 2025Nanaimo, Run, Movember, Men's mental health, Mental health, cancer, Victoria

A new look for the former A&B Sounds building, highlighting local creatives

Owners of the Soundworks Market Hall hosted a preview of the former A&B Sound building, with the hope of seeing it again become a landmark for the downtown core.

NanaimoLauryn MackenzieNovember 24, 2025Nanaimo, Soundworks, Market hall, Local

Artwalk returns to celebrate and showcase local talent in downtown Nanaimo

Once again, downtown Nanaimo will be taken over by artists showcasing their talent and wares for purchase.

NanaimoLauryn MackenzieNovember 21, 2025Nanaimo, Nanaimo Artwalk, Art, Commercial Street

Changes to the B.C disability assistance will remove barriers for couples

Couples who receive disability assistance will now be able to be with the ones they love without having to worry about reduced support clawbacks.

NanaimoLauryn MackenzieNovember 13, 2025Nanaimo, Government of BC, disabilities, disability Assistance

"A Baker’s Dozen," Nanaimo playwright tackles mental illness at OV Arts Centre

A new play coming to Downtown Nanaimo’s OV Arts Centre is looking to tackle the tough realities of living with mental illness, addiction, and intergenerational trauma.

Nanaimo, ArtsLauryn MackenzieNovember 12, 2025Nanaimo, OV Arts Centre, Play, Western Edge

Career potter in Ladysmith gives back to ceramics community

A local potter with 40 years of experience is sharing her knowledge in a book aimed at novice potters.

Nanaimo, HealthLauryn MackenzieNovember 7, 2025Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Pottery, Art

“We are serving more people than ever before.” Nanaimo food bank faces its biggest decline in donations while seeing an increase in need

Loaves & Fishes Community Food Bank is facing unprecedented difficulties due to financial challenges and resulting in changes to this year’s Christmas Hamper program.