Environment

Snowpack in B.C. at lowest level since 1970

NANAIMO - Snowpack levels in B.C. mountains are at their lowest point in more than 50 years, with Vancouver Island reserves among the lowest in the province. The April 1 snow survey and water supply b...

Apr 10, 2024

One day closure prevents access to Mt. Benson's summit

NANAIMO - Managing hazardous trees on a section of a popular hiking trail resulted in a temporary closure of the primary route leading up Mt. Benson. An extended section of trail beyond the first view...

Alex Rawnsley Apr 03, 2024

Couple fined thousands for illegally harvesting shellfish in Nanoose Bay

NANAIMO - Over-fishing and lying about it was costly for a couple following an outing to a Nanoose Bay beach.Sam Lam and his wife Hieu Tran each pleaded guilty to retaining oysters and clams above the...

Apr 01, 2024

Carbon pricing 101: What today's increase could mean for you

OTTAWA - The national price on pollution will rise by $15 per tonne today. Here's some questions answered about what this could mean for you. Who pays the carbon price? Canada has two different carbon...

Apr 01, 2024

New boardwalk solves ‘ankle-breaker’ section of Linley Valley trail

NANAIMO - More than 200 meters of aluminum boardwalk now tops a challenging section of trail on the south side of Cottle Lake in the popular Linley Valley recreation area. Charlotte Davis, manager of ...

Mar 27, 2024

Fixing Nanaimo sinkhole presents unique challenges

NANAIMO - While the source of the problem isn't surprising, addressing it is proving to be trickier than expected. Discovered by a concerned resident in mid January, the City is working in coordinatio...

Daryl Major Mar 07, 2024

Injured white raven found in Qualicum; third rare bird to be treated locally in three years

ERRINGTON - For the third time in as many years, a rare white raven has come under the care of a mid-Island wildlife refuge centre. The unnamed leucitic raven was brought to the North Island Wildlife ...

Mar 01, 2024

Long desired community park coming to Cassidy

NANAIMO -Cassidy's first community park is within reach following the purchase of a Hallberg Rd. property. The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) announced the nearly half-acre lot at 3483 Hallberg Rd...

Alex Rawnsley Feb 29, 2024

'It's definitely precedent setting:' commercial prawn operator fined $250K

NANAIMO - Prawning in an environmentally sensitive area off the lower Sunshine Coast resulted in a heavy fine and fishing gear seizure against a Delta man. A recent provincial court sentencing hearing...

Alex Rawnsley Feb 23, 2024

Nanaimo area resurgence aiding comeback of Vancouver Island marmots

NANAIMO - On the cusp of being wiped out forever, Vancouver Island marmot populations are slowly, yet steadily gaining traction.Efforts by Nanaimo-based Marmot Recovery Foundation focusses on increasi...

Feb 22, 2024