On your marks, get set, go! Hub City Soap Box Derby celebrates 5 years for CDC in Nanaimo

The Hub City Soap Box Derby prepares for its 5th annual race, rallying the community once again to help Nanaimo’s nonprofit Child Development Centre, this Saturday August 15th.

A third candidate for mayor enters the race for city hall in Nanaimo

Sarah Lovegrove has announced that she intends to run for mayor, joining Anne Marie Dryden and incumbent Leonard Krog in the race.

NanaimoJesse WoodwardAugust 10, 2026Jesse Woodward, City of Nanaimo, Local Elections 2026, Sarah Lovegrove

From Shakespeare to Dongfish, Nanaimo Fringe Festival offers something for everyone

The fringe has returned to the harbour city for 2026. The Nanaimo Fringe Festival features 18 shows, 97 performances and a variety of new community events, continuing its goal of supporting independent artists while encouraging audiences to experience live theatre in new ways.

NanaimoLiam PrendergastAugust 8, 2026Fringe Festival, Arts and Culture, Nanaimo, Port Theatre, STAUC

25 years of Culture Craze

For 25 years Culture Craze, a local Nanaimo business has been steadily growing across Canada, and for a good portion of those years, Lisa Hayward has been at the helm of it.

NanaimoCynthia deConinckSmithAugust 7, 2026Cynthia dcSmith, Business, Anniversaries

BreakOut West Returns to Victoria this fall

BreakOut West is returning to Victoria this October for the first time in more than a decade, bringing artists, music industry professionals and fans from across Western Canada together for four days of performances, networking and professional development.

NanaimoLiam PrendergastAugust 7, 2026Liam Prendergast, Breakout West, Music Festiva, Music Industry

B.C. issues changes to the driving Graduate Licensing Program

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) has announced that starting October 19th, drivers with Class 7 or 8 novice licenses and a clean driving record will not need a second road test to acquire their Class 5.Changes coming to Graduate Licensing Program for drivers in B.C.

SPCA summer camp not just fun for kids, but impactful for animals

Nanaimo’s SPCA’s summer camps are teaching the youth about animal life.

NanaimoCynthia deConinckSmithAugust 6, 2026BC SPCA, Cynthia dcSmith, summer camps, Animals

Chinatown art pieces to become a permanent fixture? A Nanaimo resident has hopes

When Amelie Sue first moved to Nanaimo she wanted to learn about the history of the area.

NanaimoLauryn MackenzieAugust 4, 2026Nanaimo, City of Nanaimo, Lauryn Mackenzie, Chinatown, History

Snuneymuxw Days returns for fifth year

The fifth annual Snuneymuxw Days brought people together on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation this past weekend to celebrate culture, community and competition.

Nanaimo to look at temporary options for vacant Jean Burns hole

It has been ten years since a fire swept through the Jean Burns building leaving a large hole in the centre of Nanaimo’s downtown.

LED lights improvements approved for Beban Park

The City of Nanaimo is seeking to partner with Nanaimo United FC to install new lighting at the Beban Park athletic fields.

64 new seats added for trades program apprenticeship at Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is ramping up its Trades program, adding 64 seats in the coming year with investment from the Province. The Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills announced VIU is expanding the skilled trades training seats in Nanaimo in 2026-27.

Gabriola Official Community Plan seeks community input

Islands Trust, the special purpose government for Gabriola Island and other Gulf Islands, is seeking community feedback on the draft of its next Official Community Plan.

NanaimoNadia FontaineJuly 28, 2026Nadia Fontaine, Islands Trust, Gabrio, Official Community Plan

Sunflower program could support those with hidden disabilities in Nanaimo

Local non-profits are encouraging the City of Nanaimo to join an internationally recognized program to support people with hidden disabilities.

The City of Nanaimo gets to the root of ongoing invasive plants issue with bylaw amendment

The City is taking a step towards banning the sale of invasive plants. Council voted to direct staff to bring forward amendments to the Business Licence Bylaw that would restrict the sale and distribution of invasive plants.