Environment

Researchers look for unique ways to collect data as COVID-19 changes methods

Aaron Fairweather has 27 colonies of ants to keep happy in the living room by getting the temperature, humidity and light just right although the environment at home may not feel quite as comfortable ...

Aug 01, 2020

Busy weekend for BC Ferries with reservations in high demand

NANAIMO - If you don't have a reservation you could be waiting a while at a BC Ferries terminal this BC Day long weekend.The busiest weekend of the summer is expected as communications manager Tessa H...

Jul 31, 2020

Nanaimo, eastern Vancouver Island dazzled by overnight lightning show

NANAIMO - Early risers or light sleepers were treated to a special show overnight.The summer's first major thunderstorm saw hundreds of lightning strikes occur over a five hour period, beginning aroun...

Jul 31, 2020

Expansion of Alberta coal mine will need federal review: environment minister

OTTAWA - The federal environment minister is backtracking on a previous decision to keep Ottawa out of the approval process for a major coal mine expansion in Alberta. The existing Vista mine, which i...

Jul 30, 2020

Documents reveal doubts on Alberta plans to close, deregulate parks

EDMONTON - Top advisers to Alberta's environment minister were cautious about the government's plans to shrink the province's parks system and made recommendations he didn't follow.An access-to-inform...

Jul 23, 2020

Nanaimo space buffs dazzled by brightest comet in decades

NANAIMO - A rare show featuring a large, bright and resilient comet is capturing the attention of local stargazers.A five kilometre long, recently discovered comet named Neowise is producing impressiv...

Jul 17, 2020

Feds urged to do own review of proposed Alberta coal mine expansion

OTTAWA - A lawyer at the centre of a lobbying effort to stop a coal mine from expanding in Alberta says the federal government's refusal to do its own environmental review of the project is ...

Jul 15, 2020

'Stunning:' Scientists surprised at Fort McMurray fire's long impact on rivers

EDMONTON - Four years after its flames guttered out, the record-breaking Fort McMurray wildfire continues to astound - this time with its lasting impact on an extensive river system. "It's actual...

Jul 10, 2020

RDN gets its bins in a row for automated garbage rollout

NANAIMO - An implementation plan has been unveiled to transition to automated garbage collection for 30,000 mid island households.A Regional District of Nanaimo staff report tabled at a committee meet...

Jul 08, 2020

Local camping, outdoor recreation picks up as industry manages COVID-19 roller coaster

NANAIMO - While most industries continue taking a beating from COVID 19, some local businesses are managing to keep busy thanks to people getting reacquainted with the outdoors. Nanaimo area campgroun...

Jul 06, 2020