Category Archives: Nanaimo
Fatal overdose numbers steadily decline in Nanaimo
NANAIMO - The number of illicit substance overdoses in Nanaimo was cut by more than half since the height of the crisis. Twenty-two people lost their lives in 2019, down from 56 in 2017. It's nearly d...
Feb 24, 2020 The number of illicit drug deaths in Nanaimo has reached the lowest number since the crisis began. (File photo/The Canadian Press)
Available treatment beds remain unfunded, City staff to continue seeking provincial funding
NANAIMO - Five open and available treatment beds will remain unused for the near future after a City of Nanaimo task force passed on funding the service. The decision to provide $70,500 in one-time fu...
Feb 24, 2020 A City of Nanaimo task force has recommended city staff continue the course of asking for provincial money which likely isn't coming. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
'They're seeing themselves in a different way:' volunteers offer prom outfits to Nanaimo students
NANAIMO - A volunteer-run group is making prom more affordable and environmentally friendly, one outfit at a time.For the sixth year in a row, Prom Closet Nanaimo is offering up their inventory of ove...
Feb 23, 2020 Prom closet volunteer Theresa Ratzlaff shows a selection of the over 500 prom dresses available for girls in the Nanaimo region. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Nanaimo singer earns top Juno nomination, American Idol appearance
NANAIMO - The last 12 months have been a whirlwind of fame and good fortune for a young Nanaimo singer, culminated by being recognized as one of Canada's best up and coming performers.Lauren Spencer-S...
Feb 22, 2020 Nanaimo's Lauren Spencer-Smith was nominated for a Juno Award for best adult contemporary album in late January. (Lauren Spencer-Smith Facebook)
Lockdown lifted at Dover Bay Secondary following early morning threat
NANAIMO - RCMP officers have scaled back their response and removed the lockdown of Dover Bay Secondary after an early morning threat.Shortly before 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, Nanaimo RCMP establishe...
Feb 21, 2020 Nanaimo RCMP officers patrolled the outskirts of Dover Bay Secondary School on Friday, February 21 in response to a threat received by Nanaimo RCMP. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Removal of temporary bridge to result in another Hwy. 4 closure near Tofino, Ucluelet
PORT ALBERNI - Travellers on Hwy. 4 between Tofino/Ucluelet and Port Alberni must deal with another closure this weekend.Construction crews plan to shut down the road beginning 11 a.m. on Saturday, Fe...
Feb 21, 2020 A rock slide forced a lengthy closure of Hwy. 4 east of Tofoni/Ucluelet in late January, cutting off supply lines for the two western Vancouver Island communities. (Ministry of Transportation)
Nanaimo's best honoured at 15th Sport Achievement Awards
NANAIMO - The city's best in sport and competition was recognized at the 15th annual Nanaimo Sport Achievement Awards at the Coast Bastion Inn on Thursday, Feb. 20.A total of 20 different awards were ...
Feb 21, 2020 The top local contributions in sport were recognized at the Nanaimo Sport Achievement Awards. The ceremony was held on Feb. 20 at the Coast Bastion Inn. (Dan Marshall/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Man with same first and last name sentenced for mid island crime spree
NANAIMO - A man wanted on several warrants pleaded guilty to four charges will spend the next 45 days in jail. Forty-five year-old John Wilfred Miller John will spend the time for weapons charges, fra...
Feb 21, 2020 John Wilfred Miller John was sentenced to 75 days in jail, which works to 45 days due to credit for time already served. (Nanaimo RCMP)
Survey to help guide funding, community discussion about homelessness in Nanaimo
NANAIMO - An upcoming point-in-time count will help paint an accurate picture of homelessness and poverty in Nanaimo and the mid island. Several hundred people experiencing homelessness in the city ar...
Feb 20, 2020 Those experiencing homelessness will fill out surveys at an event on March 12 and also receive the services they need.(submitted/United Way)
'Low-key, humble' man honoured for helping Nanaimo RCMP officer
NANAIMO - Police officers don't encourage the public to assist them when making arrests, but it's certainly appreciated when a helping hand is offered. Superintendent Cameron Miller and Inspector Lisa...
Feb 20, 2020 The man who helped out a Nanaimo RCMP officer prefers to stay out of the spotlight, but did consent to some photos with Inspector Lisa Fletcher and Superintendent Cameron Miller. (submitted/Nanaimo RCMP)