Category Archives: Nanaimo
Empty Bowl fundraiser targeting Nanaimo food insecurity
NANAIMO - A student-led initiative at a local high school is returning to raise thousands for the region's food bank. Student Council representatives, along with those enrolled in the pottery program ...
Feb 5, 2026 Charlotte Wiggers (left) and Olivia Espey (right) show off some of the bowls available at this year's Empty Bowl fundraiser, raising money for Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes Food Bank. (Image Credit: Submitted photo)
Oceanside temperature record broken amid unseasonably warm February
QUALICUM BEACH - A 15-year-old temperature record is no more after a February blast of warm air hit the region.Temperatures reached 14.5 degrees at Qualicum Beach Airport on Wednesday, Feb. 4, far sur...
Feb 5, 2026 Multiple temperature records were set across Vancouver Island and B.C. on Wednesday, including a 15-year-old mark in Qualicum Beach. (Image Credit: Dreamstime)
Nanaimo's 'thumbs up guy' heals from passing drivers
NANAIMO - Simple, friendly gestures from motorists zipping up and down a Nanaimo hill are leaving a profound impression on a local man who's now in a much better place. Kyle Strand, 49, is a regular f...
Feb 5, 2026 Commuters on Hammond Bay Rd. west of Fillinger Cres. have likely noticed a smiling Kyle Strand. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Newcomer Wellness Fair returns to Nanaimo
NANAIMO - Harbour City newcomers can find all the health and wellness services they need and more, all in one location. The fourth annual Newcomer Wellness Fair takes place on Thursday, Feb. 5, from 1...
Feb 4, 2026 The annual Newcomers Wellness Fair takes place on Thursday, Feb. 5, at Beban Park Social Centre, offering a wide-range of health and wellness resources for those who recently moved to Nanaimo. (Image Credit: Submitted)
Art market planned for revamped 'Soundworks' in downtown Nanaimo
NANAIMO - Local artists and makers will have pride of place when a revamped pillar of the city's downtown re-opens this spring. The Pacific Arts Market will be one of the major tenants of Soundworks, ...
Feb 4, 2026 A new arts market will feature heavily in the redesign of the former A&B Sound building in downtown Nanaimo, now dubbed 'Soundworks'. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)
'Not there:' housing needs weighed against area aesthetic for Parksville apartment building
PARKSVILLE - A proposed apartment complex is facing some pushback in the early stages due to its proposed height and design. Developers want to build a four-storey, 76-unit building with a mix of one,...
Feb 3, 2026 A four-storey apartment building with 76 one, two, and three-bedroom units is being proposed for 360 Pym St. N. at the Island Hwy. W. intersection in Parksville, but City Council has concerns about the building's proposed height and design. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Nanaimo boat barricader allegedly returns to dock after release
NANAIMO - Andrew Reynolds was cleaning up the damaged interior of his custom-made converted tugboat when an unwelcomed guest reappeared at Cameron Island Marina. Reynolds' 65-foot boat was ransacked d...
Feb 3, 2026 Andrew Reynolds is upset the man accused of breaking into his custom-made tugboat, Trend D Foam, was released from custody and returned to the scene the same afternoon. (Image Credit: Submitted photo)
New cell towers approved for north and rural Nanaimo
NANAIMO - Amid a flurry of similar projects over recent years designed to improve connectivity, two additional locations are eyed for cell towers. City Councillors, on Monday, Feb. 2, unanimously supp...
Feb 3, 2026 Two City-owned sites are poised to feature cell phone towers after approval by City Councillors Monday night. (Image Credit: FreePik)
'Very proud of the work we do:' Island Crisis Care Society seeks new executive director
NANAIMO - A dedicated leader of a local non-profit is stepping down after 15 years at the helm. Violet Hayes whose been with the Island Crisis Care Society (ICCS) since 2010 and serving as executive d...
Feb 2, 2026 Executive director of the Island Crisis Care Society Violet Hayes announced she's retiring from her role after 15 years. (Image Credit: Island Crisis Care Society)
Vancouver Island marmot predicts six more weeks of winter
NANAIMO - Local critter weather predictors say winter will stick around for another six weeks, in tune with what their more famous American counterpart is saying.February 2 is Groundhog Day, with the ...
Feb 2, 2026 Local groundhogs are predicting six more weeks of winter, while their counterparts in Eastern Canada claim an early spring is coming. (Image Credit: Canadian Press)