Environment

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

COVID-19 precaution sees most fires banned in Nanaimo, province

NANAIMO - The Coastal Fire Centre, along with other fire districts across B.C. are implementing new fire regulations effective Thursday, April 16.Beginning at noon, most fires will be banned in Britis...

Apr 16, 2020 The BC Government is prohibiting most fire types ahead of the summer to limit human caused fires during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Needpix)

People in Nanaimo told to adjust donation & recycling habits

NANAIMO - While it's business as usual for curbside collection and recycling depots, the landscape for certain post-use products has been adjusted.Recent images of overflowing Diabetes Canada donation...

Apr 15, 2020 Items piled up outside Diabetes Canada bins in Nanaimo late last week. Most of the mess has since been cleaned up. (Kirsten Gellein)

All B.C. provincial parks shut down until further notice

NANAIMO - All provincial parks are closed indefinitely in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy said on Wednesday, April 8, the decision was ...

Apr 08, 2020 Rathtrevor Provincial Park is one of more than 600 provincial parks to shut down until further notice. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Brightest supermoon of 2020 a chance to be together, apart

NANAIMO - Gazing up at the night sky can offer a communal experience which is hard to come by these days. VIU astronomy professor Dr. Gregory Arkos recommends everyone step outside and look up at the ...

Apr 07, 2020 The supermoon on April 7 will be the brightest and largest of 2020. (The Canadian Press)

Nanaimo beekeepers monitoring for any sign of invasive Asian giant hornets

NANAIMO - Local beekeepers are closely watching for the potential return of Asian giant hornets after the invasive insect first appeared in the province in Nanaimo late last summer.John Holubeshen and...

Apr 06, 2020