Prevent drowning, be Water Smart all year long

British Columbians are being asked to be water smart this summer. This comes after three drownings in May in Nanaimo.

NanaimoNadia FontaineJuly 24, 2026Swimming, Drowning, Safety, Prevention, National Drowning Prevention Week

Silly Boat Regatta makes a splash for its 40th anniversary race

All things fun and silly came together on Sunday afternoon for a regatta like no other.

Nanaimo honours Japanese Canadian history with new legacy projects at parks

The City of Nanaimo is honouring the history of the Japanese Canadian community with the development of two projects at local parks. The City has been working with the Central Vancouver Island Japanese Canadian Society, also known as 7 Potatoes on the projects.

100 years of change with the Royal Canadian Legion anniversary

The sun was shining, hot dogs were on the grill, and 50/50 tickets were being sold at the Legion’s 100th anniversary barbecue at their Mount Benson 256 branch on July 18th. Anniversary events for the Legion were held at branches all across Canada, honouring the sacrifices of veterans from the First and Second World Wars and other conflicts through to today.

NanaimoNadia FontaineJuly 21, 2026Legion, Nanaimo, Nadia Fontaine, 100th Anniversary

Canada Cycles for Kids and the NRGH in Nanaimo

Cyclists on a mission to raise money for children’s health care, rode to Nanaimo’s hospital on Friday morning.

Where did the gay bars go?

Gay bars were once a staple of the queer community. But where have they gone?

NanaimoCynthia deConinckSmithJuly 16, 2026Queer Community., 2SLGBTQ, Nightlife, Pride

Landmark Cinemas renovates and introduces IMAX amidst rise in streaming

Woodgrove Centre’s Landmark cinema has teamed up with IMAX to try to bring movie lovers back to the big screen. The long standing entertainment centre is investing several millions of dollars into renovations including new IMAX and Laser Ultra auditoriums, heated recliner seating and upgraded sound systems.

Gotta Catch em all! Pokémon Trainers descend upon Nanaimo for GO Fest

Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo became a hot spot for Pokémon Trainers as part of the global celebration for Pokémon GO’s 10 year anniversary, GO Fest.

Construction and improvements underway at Nanaimo’s Rotary Bowl

The City of Nanaimo has begun improvements to the Rotary Bowl Track and Field Facility, near the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. Work started at the end of June and is expected to continue until October, to meet community demand and possibly attract larger track and field competitions.

Nanaimo prepares alignment of Off Street Parking bylaw with City Plan

The City of Nanaimo is updating its Off Street Parking Regulations, in a move aimed at making the city more friendly to pedestrians and transit users. Last Monday, June 22 the City of Nanaimo’s councillors voted to update the 2018 “Off Street Parking” regulations.

Community shows up to paint mural for Old City intersection

An intersection in Nanaimo’s Old City neighbourhood got a makeover this weekend.

Habitat for Humanity opens new pop-up shop in Nanaimo to support community projects

Wanting to reduce waste and support housing projects in Nanaimo, Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island has opened a pop-up shop offering low cost furniture and clothing.

Nanaimo’s own Ora Cogan makes the Polaris Prize Long List

A Nanaimo artist has been long listed for the Polaris Music Prize, an annual music award given on artistic merit to Canadian Artists. On June 11th the Polaris Long List was released and alongside 39 other albums was Hard Hearted Woman, by Nanaimo’s own Ora Cogan. Cogan now has a chance to win the $30,000 Polaris Prize.

Come on in the water’s fine! Testing water at beaches resumes for summer

Nanaimo began its yearly summer water quality monitoring program on June 16, informing citizens that regular testing will continue throughout the season. Every year, the City of Nanaimo performs routine water testing of the area’s bodies of water and beaches, checking for bacteria to ensure they are safe for the public.

STAUC brings new energy to Sounds of Summer concert series in Old City Quarter

Nanaimo’s Old City Quarter was filled with music this past weekend as the annual Sounds of Summer concert series kicked off with a special event.

NanaimoLauryn MackenzieJune 30, 2026Nanaimo, Lauryn Mackenzie, Old City Quarter, Live Music, Music, Dance

‘Fútbol’ to be more accessible? City of Nanaimo applies for mini pitch funding through Mini Peaks Legacy Project

Amidst the excitement of the FIFA World Cup, The City of Nanaimo is hoping to score a spot in a provincial program and bring a mini pitch to Beban Park. The Mini Peaks Legacy Project, aims to create mini soccer pitches in communities across the province.

Be your own barnacle: Nanaimo’s Temporary Arts Program sees public participation

An overlooked yet pivotal feature of the coastal landscape has inspired a new public art project, and the community is invited to take part. Encrustation: Barnacles of Belonging is a new participatory exhibit from Twyla Exner, inspired by the sharp seaside staple.