In Nanaimo, Deverill Square Park at 200 Irwin St. will host a free community event from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., starting with a traditional blessing by Snuneymuxw First Nation Elder Lolly Good, along with new artwork being unveiled by artist Noel Brown.

After the ceremony, the field will host several inflatables, along with sports and games for all ages, with interactive community stations being hosted by VIU Hockey, Caged Athletics, and Nanaimo Science, with food trucks also on site.

Free swimming will be available at Beban Pool, along with free weight room access, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., with limits on capacity.

Free family skating will also be available at Frank Crane Arena from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., with a brief pause at 12:45 p.m.

Full details of events taking place in Nanaimo on Sept. 30 are available on their website.

Signs and orange dresses were displayed along Commercial St. in downtown Nanaimo in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

In Oceanside, a community gathering and walk is planned starting at 10 a.m. at ts’xwelikwshenawtxw (Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Education Centre, at 124 West 2nd Ave. in Qualicum Beach, for “coffee, tea, conversation and reflection,” according to their poster, before making their way to the Qualicum Beach Museum where they’ll hear from local First Nation elders and dignitaries.

More details on the Qualicum event can be found here.

On Gabriola Island, residents can take in a community commemoration event starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Gabriola Museum Timberframe at 505 South Rd., with more details available here.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, commonly referred to as Orange Shirt Day, has drawn increased attention to the harms Canada’s residential school system had on Indigenous children, families and communities.

There were 140 federally run residential schools in Canada between 1867 and 1996.

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PARKSVILLE — Much like the trajectory of Parksville’s outgoing mayor, a city councillor is looking to leap into the city’s top spot.

Mary Beil, a two-term city councillor, is one of three mayoral candidates hoping to replace Doug O’Brien.

Beil said she was approached by numerous people, including those representing valued local organizations, urging her to run for mayor.

Having eight years of experience as a Parksville city councillor, which included a liaison role involving business, arts, education and tourism, Beil said it refined what the local issues are to her.

“All of those lenses and those different perspectives brings together a very fulsome picture of the community, of the needs and wants,” the 40-year Parksville resident told NanaimoNewsNOW.

With extended water restrictions and ever-escalating service rates a concern, Beil stated without hesitation that water availability is a top worry people have locally.

She said the City is committed to securing additional supply, pointing to phase one of a water management study completed in response to climate change and population increases.

“It has identified a target, a number of 2.2 million cubic meters of additional water that will be needed to improve reliability rates going into the future, so this is not just short-term, but long-term.”

Beil expanded on other focus areas she hopes the next iteration of Parksville city council tackles.

Continuing with active transportation improvements, such as a pending overhaul of Stanford Ave. East, was mentioned by Beil as a template for other streets when funding and staff time arise.

While she didn’t state specifics, Beil pointed to the need to further invest in recreation amenities to benefit the entire community, including young families.

Expanded non-market housing stock was also mentioned by Beil as a required focus moving forward.

She said numerous local organizations representing a wide variety of interests have a common goal of enhanced affordable housing availability.

“This would really help, in particular young families come into the area, it would help address commercial needs — we have business owners who have difficulty finding and retaining staff, for healthcare workers that might be wanting to come into our area.”

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Carved by Snuneymuxw First Nation artist Noel Brown, the yellow and red cedar artwork was officially unveiled on Tuesday, Sept. 29, during a whole-school ceremony outside the main entrance on Departure Bay Rd.

Wellington Secondary principal Michelle Smith told the crowd of students, staff, and invited guests the pole carries deep significance and responsibility.

“We also recognize the honour and responsibility of caring for it and carrying forward the teachings it represents. This pole will stand here long after today’s ceremony. It will greet students each morning and let every student know they are welcome and they belong here at Wellington Secondary.”

The pole was carved by Snuneymuxw’s Noel Brown, and features both red and yellow cedar. (Image Credit: Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Installed at the school in recent weeks, students and staff were on hand for the formal unveiling ceremony.

The event included singers and dancers from Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh Community School.

Smith said the timing of the pole project is significant, finishing just before Wednesday’s annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

“Truth and reconciliation is not something we recognize in a single day, it is a commitment we carry with us every day as educators, students, leaders, and members of this community.”

School District 68 board chair Leanne Lee said the pole is meant to represent the fact all students, staff, and visitors are welcome at the school, serving as a tangible representation of the District’s goals to “move beyond words and commit to meaningful action.”

“Schools have not always been welcoming places for Indigenous students, families, and communities. Too many learners experience exclusion, harm, and lack of belonging. We’ve committed to taking meaningful steps towards truth and reconciliation. We’ve asked all District staff to make personal and professional commitments to this work because reconciliation is not a destination, it is an ongoing responsibility.”

Dancers and singers from Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh Community School performed at the ceremony Tuesday. (Image Credit: Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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The southbound driver north of Qualicum Beach, described in court as highly intoxicated on the evening of May 24, 2026, was Mackenzie Nicholas Blanchard.

He was a few hours away from having his driving privileges legally reinstated.

Blanchard was released at the time because he was granted bail in connection to an unrelated serious matter.

He’s attempting to appeal a two-and-a-half year prison sentence after he was convicted for the graphic sexual assault of an unconscious 16-year-old girl in 2020.

Crown counsel’s Leanne Mascolo told a provincial court sentencing hearing in Nanaimo that Blanchard’s conduct drew several 911 calls from the Bowser area, involving an erratically driven white Hyundai Genesis heading south on the old Island hwy.

One caller saw the vehicle hit a roadside concrete barrier where it lost a rear tire, but still proceeded south.

Thanks to actions by an assertive driver, Blanchard’s car was stopped at the Hwy. 19A/Kenmuir Rd. intersection.

“She had actually used her vehicle to stop the car and physically pulled Mr. Blanchard out of his vehicle. This civilian was not injured, but she did indicate that Mr. Blanchard was trying to leave the scene,” Mascolo told court.

No injuries were reported from the incident.

Multiple other concerned citizens suspecting an impaired driver followed the car to the scene.

An Oceanside RCMP officer arrived shortly after, where he saw several citizens holding Blanchard against his damaged car.

After putting Blanchard in handcuffs, the officer reported Blanchard tried to stagger away.

“He also noted that his eyes were bloodshot; he was having difficulty keeping his eyes open,” Mascolo said while outlining an agreed statement of facts.

Blanchard refused a roadside breath sample.

He was later released from custody and has been compliant on house arrest since the impaired driving incident, court was told.

Blanchard pleaded guilty to impaired and dangerous driving charges, while three other charges were dropped as part of an agreement forged between Crown counsel and Blanchard’s lawyer.

The Crown’s Mascolo said Blanchard has demonstrated rehabilitative progress since the incident.

Defence attorney Brent Anderson told court his client has longstanding issues with alcohol and illicit substances.

Anderson noted Blanchard has made strides towards his recovery in group and one-on-one counselling sessions.

Judge Christina Proteau said clearly Blanchard needs to stay away from alcohol.

“I couldn’t agree with your mother more: you can’t drink, that you are not someone that can drink alcohol, not a drop, not a single beer, it just can’t happen,” judge Proteau said.

Blanchard was handed a 12-month conditional sentence order (CSO), which features an overnight curfew between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

One year of probation follows the CSO.

Blanchard was also fined $2,000 and handed a two-year driving ban.

In addition to the sexual assault conviction under appeal, Blanchard was convicted of assault causing bodily harm for an incident in Qualicum Beach in 2024.

He declined to comment to the court, as well as to NanaimoNewsNOW.

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The group started their Monday, Sep. 28 ride at Aspengrove School in Lantzville, then headed south before arriving at the Nanaimo RCMP Detachment on Prideaux St. just before 10 a.m.

Cst. Josh Waltman of the Nanaimo RCMP told NanaimoNewsNOW the support they’ve received during the tour has been “absolutely incredible.”

“When we rolled into Nanaimo yesterday from Parksville, coming through the intersections, there was so many people honking their horns and waving, and gave not just myself, but the whole 29th team of 2026 the biggest and warmest welcome that one could imagine.

The group landed in Nanaimo on Sunday, Sep. 27th, stopping at a pair of businesses before taking in the gala dinner at the Coast Bastion Hotel that evening.

The Tour de Rock made multiple stops in Oceanside on Sunday, including at Parksville Fire Rescue, who donated $500 to their cause. (Image Credit: Cops for Cancer- Tour de Rock on Facebook.)

Waltman said it’s been a tough journey physically and emotionally so far, but he’s fully prepared for a strong finish on the last leg of the journey.

He was also wearing a beaded necklace during the ride, a tribute to children fighting cancer in the hospital, who get a bracelet with their name on it, adding a bead for every procedure they go through.

“This is our way to tie it in to what they’re going through. The kids that have gone through that awfulness, they see these bracelets and can relate to us. And on my bracelet, I actually put my two honorary riders’ names, Lucas and Arnd, and then I put my own children’s initials on it. They’ve been along the ride with me the whole time.”

Waltman thanked senior Nanaimo RCMP management for their support and encouragement during every Tour de Rock event. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

After a quick stop at the Nanaimo RCMP detachment to grab a photo and have some snacks, the riders were back on the road, continuing their journey south through Nanaimo towards Ladysmith along Hwy. 1., finishing the day in Duncan, with the tour wrapping up in Victoria on Friday, Oct. 2.

The annual ride is a major fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society, hoping to raise $1 million toward cancer research and Camp Goodtimes this year.

The ride has raised nearly $58 million, with Waltman saying they hope to have 30 riders next year in honour of their 30th Island ride.

More information, including the ability to donate online, can be found here.

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‘imush tu hulitum (Walk of Life) is a self-guided tour of local SFN art, complete with information on each piece and artist, along with an interactive map to help guide your journey, whether it’s online or in person.

A collaboration between the City and SFN, Mayor Leonard Krog said in a release, this offers locals and tourists alike a chance to engage with local, Indigenous art in a more in-depth and personal way.

“… a meaningful way to engage with Snuneymuxw art, stories and connections to the land while strengthening learning and understanding within our community. On behalf of Council, I thank Snuneymuxw First Nation for their collaboration in developing this important project.”

Artist Richie Brown carved Indigenous-themed salmon eggs into the back of a yellow Cedar pole in front of Ecole Hammond Bay Elementary School. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

The tour includes the Welcome Pole at Maffeo Sutton Park, utility covers featuring SFN artwork from the late Joel Good, and a Welcome Pole outside of École Hammond Bay Elementary School.

“From an Ancestral lens, art holds important knowledge and reminds us of our connection and responsibilities to the natural world. We extend our gratitude to our Snuneymuxw artists who generously share their gifts with the community,” SFN chief Mike Wyse said.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

The City says the new, SFN-focused public art tour includes “sensory stops along suggested routes encourage participants to slow down, connect with the land, and develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and our relationship to it.” (Image Credit: City of Nanaimo/SFN)

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NANAIMO — Initially contemplating retirement, a candidate to be the next Mayor of Nanaimo said she “felt really compelled” to run and address problems facing the community.

Anne Marie Dryden is leaning on her experience as a financial planner and operator of a small business to lead Nanaimo and be elected as its next Mayor on Oct. 17.

Dryden told NanaimoNewsNOW she’s gotten more involved in the community in recent years, and was asked to run by members of the City of Nanaimo Oversight Society, an independent community advocacy group.

“I love the idea of serving the citizens of Nanaimo, and I love the idea of doing something meaningful to help turn the situation around and put government back in the hands of voters and to improve the situation for Nanaimo taxpayers because there’s a lot wrong in Nanaimo right now, and I feel that with my team we can solve these problems.”

Living in the Nanaimo area since 1983, Dryden also previously worked for the Canadian Coast Guard and Air Canada.

She said she’s seen more problems surfacing in the world, and locally, and wanted to address “forces that were working against people.”

“Voters are very upset with the amount of taxes that are being charged. They’re upset with the look of Nanaimo that it’s looking dirty, and that there are homeless people everywhere and people on drugs, flat out on the sidewalk, bent over. These are problems we can fix, and we have got a plan. I’m hearing from voters that they don’t feel safe walking in Nanaimo at night anymore, where we used to be able to quite easily.”

Dryden is running under the REAL Nanaimo electoral organization, or slate, in the 2026 election, alongside seven candidates for City Councillor positions.

She said the group is very well organized and has a mixture of different people with different backgrounds and ideas.

The concept of a party-style slate has little precedent in Nanaimo politics, rather an idea more common in larger cities such as Vancouver and Toronto.

“A voter does not have to vote for all of us. A voter can vote for one or three or all, it doesn’t matter. It’s their choice, not ours. Some of us may get in, some of us may not…I think most of us will. What I’m really hoping is that we don’t end up with some ideological, radical councillors who will hold back all the things that will help Nanaimo get better.”

Fiscal responsibility, changes to housing regulations, and addressing crime are all top of the list for Dryden, if she were elected.

She added the group also has plans to more directly address healthcare issues in Nanaimo through a municipal facility to offset a sector more typically handled by senior levels of government.

Dryden is running against Brunie Brunie, incumbent Leonard Krog and Sarah Lovegrove to be the next Mayor of Nanaimo.

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Environment Canada issued the rainfall warning for Metro Vancouver north of the Fraser River, Howe Sound, western Vancouver Island and the central B.C. coast, including Bella Bella and Bella Coola as well as inland portions of the North Coast.

The heaviest rain is expected along the west coast of Vancouver Island and the central coast, while Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam and the North Shore may get up to 70 millimetres.

The rain comes as part of an arriving frontal system that’s also expected to bring strong winds across the regions.

The system is expected to arrive Monday and pass over the north and central coast by afternoon, while Metro Vancouver and western Vancouver Island will see heavy rain lasting into Tuesday morning.

Environment Canada says the rain will cause pooling water on roads and may create a “significant” impact on commuters.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 28, 2026.

The Canadian Press

Voters will go to the polls on consecutive Saturday’s in October, voting for new municipal and regional representation on Oct. 17, then being asked to elect a new provincial government on Oct. 24.

It’s a situation with little historical precedent, according to Vancouver Island University Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership Dr. Michael MacKenzie.

“Historically, governments that have the power to call elections, like our governments do, have tried not to do this, and so this is what makes it remarkable. It’s in some ways a violation of this widely held principle, which is that you try not to interfere with elections at other levels of government.”

All eyes over mid-to-late October will be on voter turnout.

Numbers varied wildly in 2022, with around 24.4 per cent of eligible voters casting a ballot in Nanaimo, down substantially from the 40.8 per cent who participated four years prior.

Parksville had a 33.92 per cent voter turnout for their last civic election, down slightly from the 43.31 per cent in 2018.

MacKenzie told NanaimoNewsNOW he suspects a looming provincial election will keep more voters away from the local vote.

He added there is already a misconception suggesting local elections don’t matter.

“There’s a lot of choices that voters have to make in municipal elections, and it’s not always easy to get the information that you need. Voters in Nanaimo have to make decisions about 44 candidates, this is just a lot of work, and many people might decide it’s not worth doing that work or thinking carefully about who they’re going to vote for, and that might be enough to turn them off.”

Voters will also be asked to weigh in on School Board trustees, with others voting in Regional District elections.

As competing campaigns at different levels of politics evolve in the coming weeks, the noise, too, will intensify, MacKenzie added.

While committed voters and those engaged in politics will vote in both elections, those who want to get involved but don’t pay close enough attention could get lost and confused.

“Those people might just get confused about which election is happening when or which one of these people who have an election sign along the road is running for which election. You will have people who are unsure about how the process is working or who’s on the ballot, and this just makes that situation, which happens in every election, much more difficult.”

A new wrinkle for Nanaimo this local election cycle is the presence of an electoral organization, or slate.

The group of one Mayoral and seven Council candidates are running under the REAL Nanaimo banner, which MacKenzie said mirrors strategy more commonly seen at the provincial or federal levels.

He said locally, the presence of a collective group carries both positives and negatives.

“Slates can help people make sense of that (crowded candidate) landscape and make an informed choice. At the same time, there’s a real risk with slates in the municipal election because…if a slate is reasonably popular, and people vote for everybody on that slate…then it is entirely possible that you could elect a Council with either no opposition or very little opposition.”

He said a key aspect of Canadian democracy is to ensure the government has an opposition to keep them accountable.

General voting day for the municipal election is Oct. 17, with advance voting opportunities on Oct. 7 and Oct. 14.

NanaimoNewsNOW’s election page gives a complete breakdown of all the candidates running through the mid-Island.

Beginning Thursday, Oct. 1, readers can use our Know Your Vote tool to find how their opinions and viewpoints on City issues mirror those of candidates running in the local election.

Election day for the provincial vote is Oct. 24, with advance voting available between Oct. 16-21.

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On Sunday, Sept.27 Nanaimo won 4-1 over the Eagles in a game they led most of the way.

Elliot Perreault opened the scoring on an early man advantage before Kole Keen tied the game for Surrey in the first minute of the middle frame.

The tie was short-lived with Miller Kay giving the Clippers the lead back just a few minutes later.

Charles Béland scored on the man advantage to up the lead to 3-1 as he hit the back of the net for the fourth game in a row to open the season.

In the second period Nanaimo’s Pherson Leohndorf got into a scrap against Surrey’s Danny Buckley.

The Eagles Owen Fitzgerald was also tossed out of the game with a major penalty for a cross check on Hudson Gill.

Clippers forward Drew Roelofs suffered a lower body injury in the period as well, he left the game temporarily, came back for two shifts in the third, but didn’t finish the game.

Zack Carrier put the game away for the Clippers with an empty let goal in the late going to secure the team a 3-1 record after the first month of the season.

The Clippers outshot Surrey 38-28 while going 2/6 on the man advantage and killing off the only Eagles power play.

Hugo Laring grabbed his third straight win in net and lowered his goals against average to 1.76.

Nanaimo hits the road for three games in three days from Oct. 2-4 in Langley, Coquitlam and Chilliwack.

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