Category Archives: Nanaimo
Woman jailed for vehicle break-ins, identity theft in Nanaimo
NANAIMO - A law-abiding woman until her late 30's who became consumed by a life of drugs and crime is off to jail for the next four months.Michelle Jessica McCallum, 42, pleaded guilty and was sentenc...
Feb 26, 2020 Michelle Jessica McCallum, 42, pleaded guilty to five charges and was sentenced for breaking into vehicles in Nanaimo and stealing ID. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Kindness, not pink shirts, will help erase bullying: student advocates
NANAIMO - A board in the foyer of John Barsby Secondary School specifically used for Pink Shirt Day was barely used. Only a handful of students on Wednesday, Feb. 26 had written nice things on it, in ...
Feb 26, 2020 Students pledged many things on Pink Shirt Day, but advocates say much more is needed than token words of support. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)
'That would qualify as a price war:' Nanaimo gas stations trade pricing blows
NANAIMO - Several area gas stations are duking it out ahead of the busy summer driving season, with motorists being the real winners.Gas prices for Nanaimo have dropped steadily since the Family Day l...
Feb 26, 2020 Two stations along Wakesiah Ave. in Nanaimo on Sunday, Feb. 23 show a nine cent per litre price difference. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Early parole hearing denied for convicted Nanaimo murderer
NANAIMO - A BC Supreme Court judge ruled "persistent serious character concerns" prevent a convicted murderer from an early parole hearing.Kelvin Kingsbury Purdy, 51, presented his case before Justice...
Feb 25, 2020 Kelvin Kingsbury Purdy's application for an early parole hearing was denied by a B.C. Supreme Court judge. Purdy continues denying the fatal stabbing ambush of his estranged wife Denis Purdy, on Dec. 12, 2003 in north Nanaimo. (CHEK News)
Lantzville residents tee off on proposed changes to secondary suites, traffic volumes
LANTZVILLE - Interest in sweeping land zoning changes proposed in Lantzville is so high a public hearing had to be moved to accommodate large crowds.Public opposition to the bylaw featuring efforts to...
Feb 25, 2020 Speaker after speaker addressed Lantzville Council with concerns regarding potential new zoning rules. Council postopned voting on third reading of Zoning Bylaw 180 until March 9. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Coldest Night of the Year event raises over $60,000 for valuable programs
NANAIMO - Night are getting warmer and another Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser has come and gone. Roughly 300 people either took part in the walk or volunteered on Saturday, Feb. 22. Those who wa...
Feb 25, 2020 These two did their part in the group Runners of Compassion, who walked on the Coldest Night of the Year. (submitted/Corrie Corfield)
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)