Category Archives: Nanaimo
Number of RDN Transit buses limited in response to COVID-19
NANAIMO - Unused bus routes are being curtailed throughout the RDN as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. BC Transit announced on Tuesday, March 24 the service will switch to summer schedules, which feat...
Mar 24, 2020 There will be less RDN Transit buses on the road as unused routes are curtailed. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Nanaimo and mid-island school playgrounds now off limits
NANAIMO - The last playgrounds still open for families feeling the pressure of social distancing are now closed. The Nanaimo Ladysmith School District, Qualicum School District and Alberni School Dist...
Mar 24, 2020 The last playgrounds open during the COVID-19 crisis are now closed after both SD68 and SD69 made the decision to close school playgrounds. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Wild armed robbery goes off the rails in Nanaimo, one man charged
NANAIMO - A man was arrested following a bizarre botched armed robbery at the 7-Eleven convenience store in Harewood.Nanaimo RCMP said it happened Friday, March 20 at 4:30 p.m. when the man walked int...
Mar 24, 2020 An attempted robbery in Harewood lead to a comedy of errors for the would-be thief. The 29-year-old man faces charges and a June court appearance. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
City of Nanaimo shuts down sports courts, other outdoor rec amenities
NANAIMO - Further closures from the City of Nanaimo have been announced in efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.All of the City's outdoor sports courts, skateboard parks, bike parks and gated dog pa...
Mar 23, 2020 The pickleball court at Beban Park is one of several popular sports courts now closed by the City of Nanaimo. (Dan Marshall/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Province announces $5 billion COVID-19 aid package
NANAIMO - B.C.'s Finance Minister described a multi-billion dollar aid fund as an initial step in providing financial relief to British Columbians during the COVID-19 crisis.Carole James unveiled the ...
Mar 23, 2020 Finance Minister Carole James said a $5 billion dollar fund is an initial start to help British Columbians recover from the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. (The Canadian Press)
Province announces two additional COVID-19 cases on Vancouver Island, 472 total in British Columbia
NANAIMO - The provincial health officer has confirmed 48 new cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia.Included in the new cases are two additional cases in the Island Health region, bringing the total to...
Mar 23, 2020 Dr. Bonnie Henry announced two new cases of COVID-19 on Vancouver Island. (Government of B.C.)
Renowned track & field champion, longtime Nanaimo educator passes away
NANAIMO - A well known Nanaimo educator and decorated track and field star has passed away.Phil Olsen, 63, died Sunday March 15 after suffering a heart attack while collecting firewood in the Nanaimo ...
Mar 23, 2020 Phil Olsen of Nanaimo built a distinguished athletic career as a javelin thrower, which included an appearance in the finals of the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. He was an 11-time Canadian champion. (Nancy Olsen)
Free animal clinic celebrating one year in Nanaimo
NANAIMO - A beloved animal clinic for those without the cash to pay vet bills is celebrating a milestone. The Helping Paws community clinic has run once a month at St. Peter's Church for a year, with ...
Mar 22, 2020
City of Nanaimo close all playgrounds after public comments, concerns
NANAIMO - City officials have followed the lead of other municipalities in the region, along with pressure from Nanaimo residents and shut down playgrounds during the COVID-19 pandemic.On Friday, Marc...
Mar 21, 2020 The City of Nanaimo has closed all playgrounds under its control as a measure to stop the transmission of COVID-19. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
18th annual Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival cancelled over COVID-19 concerns
NANAIMO - There won't be dozens of dragon boats in Nanaimo waters and hundreds of spectators watching this summer. The annual Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival, in its 18th year, is cancelled for 2020. "Th...
Mar 21, 2020 Dozens of dragon boats won't be in the water this year as social distancing becomes the dominant way to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. (submitted/Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival)