Category Archives: Nanaimo
"Listening is so important, you don't need words:" long-time Nanaimo hospice volunteers
NANAIMO - For many the holidays are filled with joy, family and presents. However the Christmas season can also feel empty for those dealing with grief and loss.Those who've lost a loved one can place...
Dec 07, 2019 Penny Leins (left) and Sharon Whalen (right) kick off another year together at Nanaimo Community Hospice's Celebrate a Life event at Country Club Mall. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)
First major deadline passes for delayed downtown Nanaimo hotel
NANAIMO - A proposed hotel reinvigorating downtown Nanaimo and boosting the nearby conference centre has now missed a crucial deadline , while no timeline for construction is in place. Undeveloped pro...
Dec 07, 2019 A render of what the downtown Gordon St. hotel could look like if the project goes ahead.
Nanaimo RCMP shopping for impaired drivers this holiday season
NANAIMO - Holiday party season has arrived and so have increased police resources to nab impaired drivers.A heavy police presence will be on Nanaimo streets, particularly on weekends, as part of the I...
Dec 06, 2019 Flashing police lights will be common sights in the Nanaimo area in December for the annual CounterAttack program (CFJC)
Major donation helps fund outdoor theatre in Parksville Community Park
PARKSVILLE - A significant donation brings the dream of an outdoor theatre in Parksville closer to reality. The Island Coastal Economic Trust is supporting the effort of building the theatre in Parksv...
Dec 05, 2019 An artist's rendering of an outdoor performance arts stage at the Community Park in Parksville. (Parksville Beach Festival Society)
Christmas Angels hard at work supporting Nanaimo families in need
NANAIMO - It's a joy to receive presents at Christmas, but it's also a joy to give a present and help out a family in need.For more than five years, Jim and his family have been Christmas Angels for d...
Dec 05, 2019 The Christmas Angels program gives toys and important every day items to struggling families in need. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Baby bed program expanding to help babies sleep soundly
NANAIMO - An effort to give babies a safe place to sleep is expanding across Vancouver Island. Island Health's baby bed program is now offered throughout central and northern Vancouver Island. It was ...
Dec 05, 2019 Baby beds include the sturdy carboard box, mattress, sheets and a onesie for children. (Island Health)
Parksville man flies to Australia to fight raging bush fires
PARKSVILLE - A local man is one of 22 Canadians in Australia helping to fight devastating bush fires. Kevin Cochrane, a long-time resident of Parksville and aviation expert with the Coastal Fire Centr...
Dec 04, 2019 Parksville's Kevin Cochrane is one of seven BC fire professionals to join a 22-person Canadian contingent helping Australia's hazardous bush fire situation (Canadian Press)
Law-abiding man turned heavy crack cocaine user sentenced for terrifying rampage
NANAIMO - A middle-age man with no prior criminal history spiraled out of control due to a crack cocaine addiction, leading to a shocking crime spree in Parksville. Robert Douglas Lightle, 45, receive...
Dec 04, 2019 Allsbrook Rd. in Parksville, where Robert Douglas Lightle, 45, went on a shocking rampage after excessive crack cocaine use. (Google Earth)
Section of Blueback Stairs to be replaced, beach access temporarily closed
NANAIMO - Crews are busy replacing a portion of the stairs leading to the bottom of popular Blueback Beach in Nanaimo's north end. Al Britton, the City's manager of parks operations, expected the stai...
Dec 03, 2019 The in-ground stairs at the top of the Blueback Beach access point will be removed in exchange for an above-ground wooden staircase. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Affordable housing project announced for Harewood properties
NANAIMO - Affordable housing units will headline a vast overhaul in a focal point of Harewood through a locally driven partnership.The Te'tuxwtun Project was officially unveiled at an event on Tuesday...
Dec 03, 2019 A Snuneymuxw First Nation Elder beginning an opening prayer at Tuesdays announcement. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)