Premier rejects call for non-prescribed safe supply as BC sets drug death record

A total of 112 people In Nanaimo died from unregulated drugs in 2023, a 43 per cent increase over the previous year.

VIU students make space to talk about mental health

January 24th is Bell Let’s Talk Day, a day started to bring awareness and support to those experiencing mental health problems.

NewsLauryn MackenzieJanuary 24, 2024Nanaimo, VIU, Vancouver Island University, mental health

Art therapist helps teens envision their goals

Amélie Blanchard, a registered art therapist, is facilitating a drop-in vision board session for teens at the Nanaimo Art Gallery on Wednesday, January 24.

ArtsMick SweetmanJanuary 23, 2024Nanaimo Art Gallery, mental health

Green Party Indigenous affairs critic guilty of contempt of court

The Green Party of Canada’s Indigenous affairs critic Angela Davidson, also known as Rainbow Eyes, was convicted of seven counts of criminal contempt of court on January 18 for her participation in an anti-logging blockade near Fairy Creek on West Vancouver Island in 2021 and 2022.

NewsMick SweetmanJanuary 23, 2024Fairy Creek, old growth, logging, Angela Davidson, Ben Issit, crime

Qualicum Beach finds a new proposed location for pickleball courts

Pickleball has been a hot topic over the last couple of years for council members on Vancouver Island. From both the growth in popularity and the noise it can cause, towns like Qualicum Beach are finding ways to embrace the sport.

NewsLauryn MackenzieJanuary 19, 2024Qualicum Beach, Pickleball

Second AAP for Nanaimo Operations Centre starts

The City of Nanaimo is holding an Alternative Approval Process starting on January 18 to seek approval from voters for a $48.5 million loan for the first phase of the Nanaimo Operations Centre.

NewsMick SweetmanJanuary 18, 2024City of Nanaimo, Nanaimo Operations Centre, AAP, Alt, Sandy Bartlett, Bill Sims, Sheryl Armstrong

Heavy snow closes schools and stops transit in Nanaimo

It’s a snow day for students in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith, Qualicum and Comox Valley School Districts as all classes are cancelled today.

NewsMick SweetmanJanuary 17, 2024weather, snow

Paige Pierce named Nanaimo’s Youth Poet Laureate

Paige Pierce, 21, is Nanaimo’s new Youth Poet Laureate after being appointed to the position by Nanaimo city council for a two-year term.

ArtsMick SweetmanJanuary 16, 2024poetry

Nanaimo council approves letter of support for Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island

At a Nanaimo city council meeting on Monday, council voted in favour of writing a letter of support to Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island for a future project in the city.

Trudeau does not support premise of South Africa’s genocide case against Israel

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters on Friday that Canada supports the International Court of Justice, but does not agree with the premise of South Africa’s genocide case against Israel.

NewsMick SweetmanJanuary 12, 2024Israel, Palestine, protest, Sara Kishawi, International Court of Justice, Justin Trudeau

Night work to affect late night and early morning sailings for those on Gabriola Island

Gabriola islanders will want to double-check how they will be commuting to Vancouver Island and back starting next week, as BC Ferries starts night work on both terminals.

NewsLauryn MackenzieJanuary 12, 2024Nanaimo, Federal services, HPV, Cervical Cancer, cancer, HPV test

BC to offer Canada’s first self-screening kit for cervical cancer

Better prevention and detection for cervical cancer is now possible as BC becomes the first province in the country to launch at-home self-screening kits for the human papillomavirus also known as HPV.

NewsLauryn MackenzieJanuary 12, 2024Nanaimo, Federal services, HPV, Cervical Cancer, cancer, HPV test

Nanaimo warming centres extend hours during cold weather

With temperatures forecast to drop to -10C overnight and a special weather statement for significant snowfall, two of the three warming centres funded by the City of Nanaimo will be extending their hours to help keep people out of the cold.

NewsMick SweetmanJanuary 11, 2024warming centre, weather, City of Nanaimo, Risebridge, Homelessness, Tyler Brown

Significant snowfall expected for East Vancouver Island

Environment Canada has issued a special weather report for East Vancouver Island, stating that it expects “significant snowfall” to start on Thursday afternoon.

NewsMick SweetmanJanuary 11, 2024City of Nanaimo, weather

Jen Gerson to talk at VIU about free speech and the Online News Act

Jen Gerson, national commentator and co-founder of The Line, will be speaking at Vancouver Island University on Wednesday, January 10 on “Free speech in the digital age.”

NewsMick SweetmanJanuary 10, 2024Vancouver Island University, Online News Act, Muslim Women's Club, Meta, Google

Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP to host mobile office events

Starting tomorrow Tuesday, January 9th, MP for Nanaimo-Ladysmith Lisa Marie Barron will host mobile office events for those unable to see her at her Nanaimo office.

Bus service extending to Hullo ferry terminal

Passengers looking for a ride to the Hullo Ferries and Helijet terminals in the Nanaimo Port Authority will have a public transit option starting on Sunday, January 7.

NewsMick SweetmanJanuary 5, 2024Hullo, BC Transit, Nanaimo, trans, pub

Craig Evans recognized for his legacy in the community

The late Craig Evans, known for his work in sustainability and food security in the Nanaimo community, is being honoured with the Medal of Good Citizenship.

NewsLauryn MackenzieJanuary 5, 2024Nanaimo, environment, Craig Evans