Health

'I have a passion for life again:' funded Nanaimo beds targeting mental health & addictions treatment

NANAIMO - Cost efficiencies and a focus on turning out of reach private beds into publicly funded facilities has seen Nanaimo treatment options increase.Following funding made available in early 2021,...

Dec 03, 2021

Single warming centre open for Nanaimo's vulnerable population

NANAIMO - For those experiencing homelessness during the winter months, a warming centre can be the difference between life or death.The Society for Equity, Inclusion and Advocacy (SEIA) is offering t...

Dec 01, 2021

Mask mandate increased ahead of holiday season, first omicron case confirmed

NANAIMO - After cases were first detected in eastern Canada of a new COVID-19 variant of concern, B.C. has reported its first instance of omicron.First detected in southern Africa, the newest variant ...

Nov 30, 2021

VIDEO: Vehicle ploughs into house in overnight MVI, narrowly misses sleeping girl

NANAIMO - A family has escaped disaster after a vehicle crashed into their home.RCMP and Nanaimo Fire Rescue were called to a home in the 2400 block of Highland Blvd., at the corner with Cosgrove Cres...

Nov 29, 2021

Inattentive driver sentenced for fatal rear-end crash in Nanaimo

NANAIMO - Andrew Capadouca's wife kissed him and waved goodbye as he rode off on his motorcycle headed for lunch on a clear, warm afternoon in Nanaimo.Minutes later the 73-year-old retiree was pronoun...

Nov 29, 2021

Nanaimo St. John Ambulance official hopes flooding leads to increased preparedness

NANAIMO - Damaging floods in parts of B.C. has a local emergency preparedness advocate stressing the importance of being ready for natural disasters.Six people have been confirmed killed or missing, w...

Nov 26, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine doses becoming available for five to 11 age cohort

NANAIMO - The province is beginning its distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations for kids aged five to 11.Beginning Monday, Nov. 29, invitations will go out to those registered to receive a dose of the s...

Nov 23, 2021

City of Nanaimo issues vaccine mandate for employees

NANAIMO - All City of Nanaimo employees and contractors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 10, 2022. Employees who fail to provide proof of vaccination will be given furth...

Alex Rawnsley Nov 23, 2021

Drug toxicity call volumes continue testing local emergency responders

NANAIMO - Reviving people falling victim to Nanaimo's ongoing drug toxicity crisis is having an increased impact on emergency responders. Updated Nanaimo Fire Rescue (NFR) data stated their crews resp...

Nov 23, 2021

COVID-19 outbreaks declared over at NRGH, Chartwell Malaspina care home

NANAIMO - COVID-19 outbreaks are no longer impacting a pair of Nanaimo healthcare facilities. Island Health reported Monday, Nov. 22 outbreaks at the Transitional Care Unit of NRGH and Chartwell Malas...

Nov 22, 2021