New exhibit at the Nanaimo Art Gallery reexamines life at Nanaimo’s Chinatowns

It has been over six decades since the last remaining Chinatown in Nanaimo was destroyed by a fire. Now, a new exhibit reflects on what was and what is now.

NanaimoLauryn MackenzieJanuary 23, 2026Nanaimo, Nanaimo Art Gallery, Chinatown, Chinese, Hate crime, art, history

What is up with all this fog in Nanaimo?

Fog horns sound throughout Nanaimo as thick, cold fog has made a prolonged appearance on the coast.

NanaimoLauryn MackenzieJanuary 22, 2026Nanaimo, environment, Fog, Fog horn, climate change

Jenn Strub to connect young people with poetry as Nanaimo’s new Youth Poet Laureate

Growing up, poetry was not something Jenn Strub connected with very much. But after figuring out how poetry could be a tool to express herself, she now wants to help other youth find the same connection.

Local poetry press creating space for indie, alternative and local writers

Getting published can be a dream come true for many writers and poets. So after years of working in the poetry scene, two Nanaimo locals are starting a press to make that dream more accessible.

NanaimoLauryn MackenzieJanuary 13, 2026Nanaimo, Arts and Culture, Writing, Poetry, Vault cafe, publishing, A Square House, Press

Avi Lewis, NDP Leadership contestant, launches town hall tour on Vancouver Island

Nanaimo was the second stop on a town hall for federal NDP leader hopeful Avi Lewis, where he spoke about affordability, health care, and a Canadian Green New Deal.

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