Category Archives: Nanaimo
'An investment in the future:' RDN working to make bus rides free for youth
NANAIMO - The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is working on a plan to make BC Transit bus rides free of charge for anyone 18 years old and younger. During the Tuesday, March 17, RDN Committee of th...
Mar 20, 2026 The Regional District of Nanaimo is working on a plan to allow those 18 years of age or younger to ride a BC Transit bus free of charge. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Cathedral Grove parking/safety concerns remain on government radar
PORT ALBERNI - No firm plans or budget are in place, but discussions are ongoing to improve public safety at popular Cathedral Grove. Located within 740-acre MacMillan Park, Cathedral Grove is an inte...
Mar 19, 2026 Median pickets to prevent unsafe turns at Cathedral Grove represent a series of minor traffic calming projects, while limited parking remains an outstanding issue. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Cath lab planning commences after Nanaimo hospital district push pays off
NANAIMO - Following extensive advocacy and discussions, the first tangible steps toward modern cardiac care on the mid-Island are being taken. The provincial government has officially accepted an offe...
Mar 19, 2026 The clock is officially ticking on development of a catheterization lab at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, with the province accepting an offer from the Nanaimo hospital district to front the costs of early planning. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Nanaimo drug trafficker faces 9-year prison sentence
NANAIMO - A prolific offender is scheduled to be sentenced later this year after entering guilty pleas to nine criminal code charges, including serious drug trafficking offences. Roger Ian Der, 46, pl...
Mar 19, 2026 Nanaimo RCMP say these items we seized from the truck Roger Ian Der was driving during a June 13, 2024 south Nanaimo traffic stop. (Image Credit: Nanaimo RCMP)
Terminal upgrade work underway on Gabriola Island
GABRIOLA ISLAND - Work to extend the life of BC Ferries' terminal at Descanso Bay is underway.Crews were on site at the start of March and are scheduled to work at the terminal until the end of May 20...
Mar 18, 2026 Replacement of the apron and other terminal upgrades are underway on Gabriola Island, mirroring work done in Nanaimo late 2025 and into January. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
'Several weapons were produced:' two bearsprayed in downtown Nanaimo attack
NANAIMO - An altercation between two unhoused people in the city's downtown and a group of men led to three arrests and minor injuries.Members from the Nanaimo RCMP, along with Nanaimo Fire Rescue and...
Mar 18, 2026 Two people were hit with bear spray at Port Place Shopping Centre on Wednesday night, in an attack involving up to four men. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)
RCMP body camera rollout hits halfway mark, technology yet to deploy in Nanaimo
NANAIMO - While local detachments are still waiting, body cameras continue to be rolled out across RCMP detachments in B.C. As of last month, 90 of the province's 185 detachments are wearing and activ...
Mar 17, 2026 Body worn cameras continue to be deployed across the B.C. RCMP, however detachments in Nanaimo and Oceanside are awaiting the technology. (Image Credit: RCMP)
Apartments 'out of the question' for south Parksville properties, but development still possible
PARKSVILLE - An envisioned apartment complex didn't leave the starting blocks Monday, however development is still likely on the unique south-end property. City councillors failed to find much support...
Mar 17, 2026 Three adjoining lots on Pioneer Cres. and the Island Hwy. at Mills St. are slated for redevelopment, however it's unlikely the initial vision of a four storey apartment block will come to fruition. (Image Credit: Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)
SFN takes full control of Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo hotel
NANAIMO - Following a co-ownership model when a landmark downtown hotel opened three years ago, Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo is now wholly owned by Snuneymuxw First Nation's economic arm. Petroglyph ...
Mar 17, 2026 SFN's economic development division has assumed complete ownership of Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Changes coming to Nanaimo Parkway/Jingle Pot/Mostar intersection
NANAIMO - Notable traffic pattern adjustments are being made to enhance vehicular capacity and flow at an increasingly busy Nanaimo Parkway intersection. The Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MT...
Mar 17, 2026 Traffic proceeding through the Nanaimo Parkway from the north Jingle Pot Rd. exit will soon have more capacity with the addition of a dedicated left turning lane and two lanes to Mostar Rd. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)