Commuters on Hammond Bay Rd. west of Fillinger Cres. have likely noticed a smiling Kyle Strand. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

positive vibes

Nanaimo’s ‘thumbs up guy’ heals from passing drivers

Feb 5, 2026 | 5:35 AM

NANAIMO — Simple, friendly gestures from motorists zipping up and down a Nanaimo hill are leaving a profound impression on a local man who’s now in a much better place.

Kyle Strand, 49, is a regular fixture outside his home on Hammond Bay Rd. on the hill west of Toms Turnabout.

Since moving from Ladysmith to Nanaimo last spring, Strand has regularly stood roadside offering thumbs up to passing drivers, with growing numbers of commuters returning the favour.

Returning thumbs up, smiles, waves and honks are regularly returned to the affable Strand.

“It always puts a smile on my face. Even if a guy comes by and just gives me a dirty look I still give him the thumbs up. Maybe it will change other people’s feelings or emotions,” Strand told NanaimoNewsNOW.

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Kyle Strand didn’t expect the volume of positive reaction from passing motorists (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Spreading positive vibes these days is far removed from the daily drudgery Strand previously endured.

He spent several years homeless, battling a drug addiction on the streets, primarily in Surrey, but also a stint living rough in Nanaimo.

Strand said he’s been clean from hard drugs for about seven years.

Strand concedes he gets occasional flashbacks of darker times, which he said are erased by friendly gestures from daily commuters and complete strangers.

“This just cheers me up doing this every day.”

A local commuter going through a hard time stopped to thank Strand.

“She was really down one day, and she’s like ‘Every time I get a thumbs up, it makes me even happier, and I go on with my day.’”

Strand has become a local celebrity of sorts, garnering a surge in visitors who stop to take pictures with him.

Those looking forward to increased Kyle Strand sightings in the coming months are in luck, as he avoids the street during downpours.

“I think it’s so cool, it’s good positive energy in the morning. It makes people smile.”

Ivan Hanson regularly shares friendly exchanges with Strand during his daily walking routine.

Strand is constantly a source of positive energy, Hanson said.

“He’s out there every day when I walk by on my way to Starbucks for coffee. He’s always out there smiling and waving…pretty much everybody that goes by that sees him waves or gives him a honk.”

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