Category Archives: Nanaimo
'Not a very good news story:' warm and dry April a sign of things to come
NANAIMO - Fresh off one of the warmest winters 124 years, the hot and dry conditions appear to be continuing well into the spring. The mean temperature last month was an even 10 degrees Celsius in Nan...
May 03, 2026 The month of April was unusually warm and dry for much of Vancouver Island, conditions which are expected to persist for much of the year. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)
City of Nanaimo, volunteers attack invasive plants
NANAIMO - While removing invasive plants isn't exclusively a fair-weather activity, the spring bloom sprouts all kinds of damaging species. Numerous neighbourhood-level work parties are chipping away ...
May 03, 2026 Despite extensive efforts clearing wide areas, Scotch broom still has a presence throughout Nanaimo, including Linley Valley. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Larger dry grad planned for Nanaimo and Ladysmith students
NANAIMO - Following its resurrection last year, volunteer organizers are preparing for a bigger, and better dry grad for local students this June.The entire Beban Park complex will be fenced off and s...
May 02, 2026 The entire Beban Park complex will be devoted to Nanaimo Dry Grad celebrations on June 26, helping graduating students end their high school phases on the best possible note. (Image Credit: Nanaimo Dry Grad)
Fire heavily damages Parksville car dealership
PARKSVILLE - Crews responded to a significant fire impacting a Parksville car dealership on Island Hwy. East. Parksville Fire Rescue was called to Winchelsea Motors on the Highway at McVickers St. on ...
May 02, 2026 A fast response from Parksville Fire Rescue limited the damage of a severe fire at a used car dealership just south of Parksville's downtown. (Image Credit: Submitted photo)
Nanaimo steel manufacturer advancing expansion plans
NANAIMO - Already Vancouver Island's largest commercial steel manufacturer, a Nanaimo company is moving forward with an ambitious growth strategy despite turbulent geopolitical headwinds.Niik Steel, l...
May 01, 2026 Niik Steel's fabrication plant transforms raw beams into custom designed and cut structural pillars for a variety of commercial and institutional building uses. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
United Way BC wants to make menstrual products as accessible as toilet paper
NANAIMO - United Way BC (UWBC) is once again collecting menstrual products for those in need, with last year's donations unable to match the high demand. The Period Promise Campaign starts on Friday, ...
May 01, 2026 United Way BC's 2026 Period Promise campaign starts on Friday, May 1, and runs until the 30. (Image Credit: Submitted/United Way BC)
Three cats killed, no other injuries in south Nanaimo house fire
NANAIMO - A morning house fire has claimed the life of three cats and badly damaged a south end home. Calls to 9-1-1 came around 10:10 a.m. on Friday, May 1, regarding a home on Haliburton St. between...
May 01, 2026 A family home on Haliburton St. was badly damaged by fire Friday morning, while three pets inside the home did not survive. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Revisions requested following marathon Cable Bay public hearings
NANAIMO - After nearly 12 hours of public hearing submissions across three days, a proposed rezoning application will go back behind closed doors for further discussions.A third public hearing session...
May 01, 2026 Discussions will continue between Nanaimo Forest Products, City staff and other stakeholders after a marathon three-day, 11 and a half hour public hearing was adjourned Thursday, April 30 without a vote on third reading of a proposed zoning amendment. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
'A year with some water challenges:' seasonal restrictions in effect across Nanaimo & Oceanside
NANAIMO - Seasonal water restrictions are now in effect, with more likely on the way in the weeks and months ahead.Most areas of the Regional District of Nanaimo, including the City of Nanaimo, City o...
May 01, 2026 Seasonal water restrictions are in place for most of the mid-Island with areas like Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville and Nanoose Bay all at stage two. (Image Credit: Dreamstime)
Nanaimo OPS drug bust results in guilty pleas, primary accused faces lengthy jail sentence
NANAIMO - Late guilty pleas cancelled a pending BC Supreme Court trial following a high-profile drug and weapons bust with arrests made at a local overdose prevention site. Gerid James Gregory-Allen a...
Apr 30, 2026 Both the people involved in a drugs and weapons bust outside the Albert St. overdose prevention site in downtown Nanaimo have entered guilty pleas, with at least one likely to spend considerable time in jail for their role. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)