Category Archives: Nanaimo
'The sillier the better:' Nanaimo's Silly Boat Regatta ramps up, volunteers needed
NANAIMO - A popular summer staple makes its return this weekend in Nanaimo, with more volunteers sought. The 40th edition of the Silly Boat Regatta takes place on Sunday, July 19, at Nanaimo's Maffeo ...
Jul 15, 2026 The 40th annual Silly Boat Regatta takes place on Sunday, July 19, at Nanaimo's Maffeo Sutton Park. (Image Credit: File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
New ferry arrives to serve the Nanaimo Harbour-Gabriola Island route
NANAIMO - Capable of operating on electric power once on-shore charger installation work is complete, the second of two new Island Class ferries has arrived in Canadian waters from Romania.With Island...
Jul 15, 2026 BC Ferries newest Island Class vessel will undergo sea trials before entering service in the coming weeks. (Image Credit: BC Ferries)
Federal grant funding half of Ravensong Aquatic Centre upgrades
QUALICUM BEACH - A plan to upgrade Oceanside's only aquatic recreation facility is back on track after a federal funding grant covering about half of the project was recently approved.Late last year, ...
Jul 15, 2026 A revised plan to upgrade the Ravensong Aquatic Centre has been approved after the Regional District of Nanaimo successfully applied for a federal grant, which will cover about half of the renovations. (Image Credit: RDN)
Too fast up, distracted down: Research firm tracking Canadian fatal crashes
NANAIMO - Examining how people are dying in crashes on Canadian roads, a new report indicates speed is more rampant, while the scourge of distracted driving seems to be turning a corner.Traffic Injury...
Jul 15, 2026 New nationwide research showed speed related fatal crashes are trending up, while fatal distracted driving incidents is dropping. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Police investigate 'devastating' Nanaimo Judo Club fire
NANAIMO - With a cause listed as undetermined, Nanaimo RCMP is investigating a suspicious fire at a local judo club's hall. Nanaimo RCMP Res. Cst. Gary O'Brien said the fire was reported on Saturday, ...
Jul 14, 2026 Aftermath of a damaging fire under police investigation at Nanaimo Judo Club in the city's Old City Quarter neighbourhood. (Image Credit: Submitted photo)
Nanaimo council provides support for Duke Point Hwy. interchange grant
NANAIMO - The City of Nanaimo is throwing its support behind a federal grant application for a developer-driven interchange project along the Duke Point Hwy. Seacliff Properties, currently developing ...
Jul 14, 2026 The City of Nanaimo has agreed to provide a letter of support to a federal grant application by Seacliff Properties for funding assistance to build a grade-separated interchange along the Duke Point Highway. (Image Credit: Google Maps)
Troubled addict sentenced for latest round of brazen Nanaimo retail thefts
NANAIMO - A hardened offender is scheduled to be released next month following a trio of thefts impacting north Nanaimo retailers. Jason Joseph Diraddo, 49, recently pleaded guilty to three theft unde...
Jul 14, 2026 Jason Diraddo is locked up for now at Brannen Lake after recently pleading guilty to a series of daytime retail thefts in north Nanaimo. (Image Credit: Nanaimo RCMP)
'It's a priority file:' Nanaimo Mounties probe assault of jogger
NANAIMO - Exhausting all internal avenues, Nanaimo RCMP hope the public can help solve a disturbing crime last month involving a young jogger victimized east of the city's downtown. Nanaimo RCMP Res. ...
Jul 13, 2026 Nanaimo RCMP are trying to solve a disturbing assault of a young female jogger, occurring on Second St. near Pine St. on the afternoon of June 9. (Image Credit: Google)
Striking nurses set up picket lines outside Nanaimo hospital
UPDATE: 3:15 p.m.- The BC Nurses Union will pause job action, effective at the end of Tuesday, July 14, after confirming mediated bargaining between the Nurses' Bargaining Association and the Health E...
Jul 13, 2026 BCNU and several other unions such as the BC Government Employees Union and Health Sciences Association picketing outside Nanaimo hospital. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Parksville sand sculpture champs crowned, vandals disrupt event
PARKSVILLE - Following 30 hours of gruelling preparation and execution, the winners have been chosen for this year's Parksville sand sculpting competition. Staged by the Parksville Beach Festival Soci...
Jul 13, 2026 Abe Waterman took a bite out of the competition with his entry 'Walls' to win the soloist division at the annual Parksville sand sculpting competition. Over 8,600 visitors were in attendance on Sunday. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)