News

When you think of invasive species on the West Coast, you might think of Scotch-Broom or English Ivy or European Wall Lizards. The Gabriola Island Shore Keepers Association is thinking of a different invasive species, the European Green Crab. They're hosting a talk Tuesday evening with Christine Spice about the crab and preventing their spread. Today on the program we speak with Isabel Pearsall, a volunteer of the organization, about this invasive species and also about what the association is doing more broadly in the community. We also speak with Tom Therriault from Fisheries and Oceans Canada for further information about the crab and Nick Wong from the Invasive Species Council of BC about how we can prevent their spread.

The future of a drop in centre and overnight shelter in the south end was the subject of extensive discussion at a pair of council and committee meetings this past week.

The Hub is a facility on Nicol Street and Victoria Road that offers daytime services for people experiencing homelessness run by Island Crisis Care Society, and an evening shelter run by the Nanaimo Family Life Association. Between a Finance and Audit Committee Meeting and a Regular Council Meeting, council heard from more than ten community members about the impacts they feel the service has had on their neighbourhood. Council ultimately voted to extend funding for the site through the end of next winter. Nanaimo City Councillor and south end resident Erin Hemmens spoke with Midcoast Morning about the issue.

Qualicum Beach has a plan to acquire tens of acres of green space without raising taxes. The town has reached an agreement to buy the Eaglecrest golf course for $8.5 million. The goal is to cover the purchase price by selling about ten per cent of the newly acquired lands, which would then be developed into housing. It’s anticipated there will be around 40 acres of new parkland, with a 9 hole golf course continuing to operate. The deal is subject to due diligence and public consultation. The town’s director of planning and community development speaks with Midcoast Morning about the plan.