Environment

NewsAlert: National parks, historic sites partly reopening June 1

OTTAWA - Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson has announced that national parks will gradually reopen starting June, signalling the federal government's first halting steps to bringing Canada out o...

May 14, 2020

Provincial parks re-opening throughout mid-island area

NANAIMO - More outdoor recreation options are now available just in time for the Victoria Day long weekend. Most provincial parks across B.C. re-open for day use on Thursday, May 14 after closing in M...

May 14, 2020

Sports courts to re-open with restrictions throughout Nanaimo area

NANAIMO - A wide variety of sports courts are included in the first phase of returning Nanaimo to a sense of normalcy. Tennis and pickleball courts, gated off-leash dog parks and the Stevie Smith Bike...

May 13, 2020

'It felt like a horror movie:' woman attacks cougar while trying to save dog at Nanaimo River

NANAIMO - A woman came face-to-face with a cougar after the big cat attacked a small dog during an outing at the Nanaimo River.The hair-raising encounter happened the evening of Saturday, May 9 on pri...

May 12, 2020

Invasive plants under attack at pair of collection events in Nanaimo

NANAIMO - People hoping to properly get rid of damaging invasive plants free of charge are in luck.The City of Nanaimo is marking Invasive Plant Awareness Month in the province by hosting a pair of dr...

May 02, 2020 Numerous clusters of Scotch Broom are visible at Linley Point Gyro Park where an invasive plants collection event takes place Saturday, May 2 from 10 am to 2 p.m. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Environment Canada expects warmer than normal summer for mid-island region

NANAIMO - An Environment Canada projection could be viewed as softening the blow of having to spend the summer social distancing. Meteorologist Doug Lundquist expects a warmer than average summer on m...

May 01, 2020 Recent scenes like this on Little Mountain near Parksville could be more regular occurrences. Environment Canada expects mid Vancouver Island is in line for a warmer than usual May, June and July. (Jo Dzierza)

Ice jam that caused flooding in Fort McMurray melting

FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. - An ice jam on the Athabasca River is nearly half the size it was earlier this week when it caused major flooding in Fort McMurray and forced 13,000 people from their homes. The ...

Apr 30, 2020

Gabriola Island's largest park temporarily closed to the homeless

NANAIMO - A massive park on Gabriola Island's west side is temporarily exempt from a list of parks where those experiencing homelessness can camp. Regional District of Nanaimo directors voted in favou...

Apr 30, 2020 The 707 Community Park stretches out on Gabriola Island's west side and many parts are inaccessible by firefighters. (Jim Wightman)

Ice jam intel: How the Athabasca River ice buildup is flooding Fort McMurray

Ice jams can stretch for kilometres, reach several metres in height and cause rivers to rise in a matter of hours, says one river ice expert. An ice dam roughly 25 kilometres long&...

Apr 29, 2020

Nanaimoites foster environmental protection during COVID-19

NANAIMO - Local advocates hope taking better care of the environment remains a priority long after the COVID-19 pandemic passes.Wednesday, April 22 marks the 50th anniversary of globally recognized Ea...

Apr 22, 2020