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.

Eco Team in the Comox Valley sorts event litter out

A volunteer-led Eco Team hopes to cut landfill waste by 50 per cent at this year's Comox Nautical Days through improved systems of recycling and composting.

Comox ValleyJeannie LinJuly 16, 2026Comox Valley, environment, Food waste, Recycling

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.

New bridge improves safety, linking west and east Courtenay for cyclists and pedestrians

More Comox Valley adults with developmental disabilities will soon be able to live together semi-independently and connect with others in their community. The Anchorage Project is expected to open early to mid 2027.

Comox ValleyJeannie LinJuly 3, 2026Comox Valley, Jeannie Lin, housing, Inclusion BC

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

Anchorage Project breaks ground in Comox Valley, supporting people with intellectual disabilities

More Comox Valley adults with developmental disabilities will soon be able to live together semi-independently and connect with others in their community. The Anchorage Project is expected to open early to mid 2027.

Comox ValleyJeannie LinJune 30, 2026Comox Valley, Jeannie Lin, housing, Inclusion BC

‘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.

Ribit, working to eliminate invasive bullfrogs in Comox Valley

The Tsolum River Restoration Society is working to clear out invasive American bullfrogs in the Comox Valley, due to their ability to choke out native species.

Comox ValleyJeannie LinJune 29, 2026Comox Valley, invasive species, Jeannie Lin

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.