Environment

Seismologists monitoring tremor and slip event ahead of province's largest earthquake drill

NANAIMO - It's a busy time for seismologists on the B.C. coast.The Great BC Shakeout earthquake drill is at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15 with participants encouraged to drop, cover and hold on. The...

Oct 14, 2020

Significant upgrades at Benson Creek Falls Regional Park underway, some trails closed

NANAIMO - Numerous safety upgrades at a popular mid island hiking destination are getting started, kickstarting a substantial overhaul of prized Benson Creek Falls Regional Park.The Regional District ...

Oct 13, 2020

Downed float home at Valdes Island removed, no further damage expected

NANAIMO - Federal officials don't believe any environmental impacts will result from the untimely demise of a float home just off the east shore of Valdes Island.The 65 foot long float home sank due t...

Oct 04, 2020

Widespread automated garbage rollout hits mid island streets

NANAIMO - A much discussed switch has taken effect bringing automated garbage collection fo thousands of single-family homes.Remotely controlled arms are now grabbing recycling and food waste bins wee...

Oct 01, 2020

Asian giant hornet sightings evade widespread monitoring effort

NANAIMO - Fears have eased about an invasive honey bee-killing insect making B.C.'s south coast and the pacific northwest a permanent home. Provincial apiculturist Paul van Westendorp reported no new ...

Alex Rawnsley Sep 26, 2020

3,000 hectares of land returned to Snuneymuxw First Nation, lawsuit against province dropped

NANAIMO - Snuneymuxw First Nation has grown with the return of roughly 3,000 hectares of land. The land parcels are predominantly on Mt. McKay, just south of the Nanaimo River, and on the back of Mt. ...

Sep 22, 2020

Death of mother grizzly a 'big loss' for bear population in Banff park: experts

Wildlife experts say the death of a mother grizzly bear and her two cubs - including a rare, blond-headed grizzly - in Banff National Park is a major loss to the population.Parks Canada has said that ...

Sep 16, 2020

Concern for groundwater contamination after huge scrap metal, tire fire

NANAIMO - Firefighting and cleanup efforts continue at a major fire south of Nanaimo airport.The blaze, fueled by scrap material, recyclables and tires began Thursday morning, sending a huge plume of ...

Sep 11, 2020

French Creek eagles saved with first-of-its-kind artificial nest

FRENCH CREEK - An artificial nest ensures eagles being displaced in French Creek still have a place to call home. David Hancock and his team with the Hancock Wildlife Foundation, joined by the Save Fr...

Sep 08, 2020

Campfire bans avoided in Coastal Fire Centre region for second summer in a row

NANAIMO - Strong messaging about how to avoid human-caused fires appears to be sticking in the minds of Vancouver Island campers. The Coastal Fire Centre confirmed on Thursday, Aug. 27 the number of h...

Aug 28, 2020