Environment

'May be difficult days ahead:' weather shift expected to drastically increase wildfire danger province-wide

NANAIMO - Weather patterns are imminently expected to shift dramatically across B.C. as the province warns of a drastic increase in fire risk over the next day or two.A fast-moving cold front is set t...

Aug 17, 2023

Approaching heat wave triggers calls for caution across Island and interior regions

NANAIMO - While forecasters don't expect records set in the 2021 heat dome event to be even remotely threatened, a strong ridge of high pressure making its way to B.C. is still concerning. Temperature...

Alex Rawnsley Aug 10, 2023

Cargo vessel cleared to leave Nanaimo following recent spill, shoreline clean-up continues

NANAIMO - While officials don't know how much fuel from a docked cargo ship spilled into Nanaimo's harbour late last month, no negative impacts to wildlife have been reported so far.An update on a mul...

Aug 04, 2023

Errington wildlife rehab centre has unique relationship with bear cubs

ERRINGTON - Tough love adequately describes how staff and volunteers at the renowned North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRC) treat its black bears prior to release back into the wild. Believed t...

Jul 28, 2023

VIDEO: 'I just screamed:' humpback whale nearly topples Nanaimo bathtubber during race

NANAIMO - A rookie tubber has a whale of a bathtub tale.Tara McDonald's debut in the World Championship Bathtub Race was exhilarating and frightening as the Harris Auto Group racer came within feet of...

Jul 23, 2023

Drought-like conditions extend through dry & warm June in Nanaimo

NANAIMO - It's beginning to sound like a broken record: last month was drier and warmer than normal.A somewhat typical 'Juneuary' on Vancouver Island failed to eventuate as the Nanaimo region saw a me...

Jul 05, 2023

Stage four water restrictions are now in effect for RDN

NANAIMO - Many areas of the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) are now under stage 4 water restrictions, effective immediately. This follows the provincial government increasing the drought level for ...

Jul 05, 2023

Disaster averted following latest weed-fighting torch fire in Qualicum Beach

QUALICUM BEACH - A number of garden enthusiasts in the Qualicum Beach area are taking severe risks while ridding unwanted vegetation from their properties. On Saturday, June 24 Qualicum Beach Fire Res...

Daryl Major Jun 27, 2023

'We're not seeing lot of open flames;' progress continues against Cameron Bluffs fire

NANAIMO - Crews are getting the upper hand on a wildfire churning through high-terrain timber above Cameron Lake west of Whiskey Creek. Downgraded from an out-of-control fire to one that is considered...

Jun 16, 2023

Rain aids Cameron Bluffs wildfire as detour route gives essential good carriers priority

NANAIMO - Crews continue to hold the Cameron Bluffs wildfire from spreading.The wildfire has been burning since June 3 and remains out of control, increasing from 208 hectares in size on Friday, June ...

Jun 12, 2023