Environment

Population growth and backyard gardens likely tied to increase in rodent numbers

NANAIMO - Experts are coming to the conclusion initiatives to become greener, increase vegetation, home gardens and having backyard hens could be driving a rat population explosion.Pest control techni...

Oct 21, 2022

Drought conditions draining for spawning mid-Island fish populations

NANAIMO - Projected rainfall is better late than never for spawning salmon strained by prolonged drought conditions causing low water levels.Pieter Van Will, Fisheries and Oceans Canada head for the w...

Oct 20, 2022

Construction tender awarded to build new Dashwood Fire Hall

QUALICUM BEACH - Improving fire protection services and the well-being of Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department (DVFD) members is at last coming to fruition.Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) board of di...

Oct 19, 2022

Wet weather relief possibly in sight for drought-stricken Vancouver Island

NANAIMO - Rain in the forecast for the Mid-Island is a welcome site after months of drier-than-usual conditions extending and increasing watering restrictions.Coastal Fire Centre staff are keeping a c...

Oct 18, 2022

Local SPCA branches slash adoption fees in half

NANAIMO - If you ever thought about adopting a furry friend, now is your chance to do it for half the price.From Oct.15 to 29, standard adoption fees at all BC SPCA locations are being cut in half.Ani...

Oct 18, 2022

Continued tinder-dry conditions prompting water conservation efforts from local fire departments

NANAIMO - Tinder dry conditions are helping put a familiar fire prevention message more into focus.Fire Prevention Week runs Oct. 9 to 15 across B.C., an annual reminder to be aware and have a plan in...

Oct 13, 2022

UPDATE: Qualicum Beach African serval cats back in their enclosure

UPDATE: Oct, 11,2022: Two African serval cats whose rural Qualicum Beach owners say were deliberately let out of their cage are now back home. The two servals, Tumaz and Luna, somehow got out of their...

Alex Rawnsley Oct 06, 2022

Increased flows on Nanaimo River to help spawning salmon

NANAIMO - Flows will be swifter than usual on Nanaimo River for the next few days.The city of Nanaimo advised river users of increased in-stream flows due to water being released from the Fourth lake ...

Oct 04, 2022

Drought conditions force Stage 4 watering restrictions for rural RDN communities

NANAIMO - The Regional District of Nanaimo announced all RDN water service areas are under stage 4 watering restrictions as of Tuesday, Oct. 4.The highest level of restrictions applies to customers in...

Oct 04, 2022

Forecaster predicts prolonged stretch of sun and warm temperatures to continue

NANAIMO - September was the fourth warmest and 15th driest on record for mid-Vancouver Island.Environment Canada meteorologist Alyssa Charbonneau said last month continued an extended run of drier and...

Oct 03, 2022