Lauryn Mackenzie

BC’s housing minister Ravi Kahlon says that a recent report by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation shows that the government can’t rely on the private market to address the housing crisis.

February first is the start of Black History Month and the local Nanaimo group, Nanaimo African Heritage Society (NAHS) is kicking off the celebration and honouring the history of black pioneers from Vancouver Island 

The average price for a vacant two-bedroom apartment in Nanaimo has jumped to just under $2,000 according to the latest rental market report by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Victims who have had intimate images shared without their consent can now access new supports to stop the distribution and to take back control of their images.

The province of British Columbia and the City of Nanaimo have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that outlines the shared responsibility for reducing homelessness in the city. The province also announced that it finalized a lease at 1300 Island Highway South and 10th Street for a temporary transitional housing project. Prefabricated buildings will be used to house up to 50 people in the Chase River neighbourhood.

Amongst the bustling downtown area, neighboring locally owned shops and restaurants, in an old bank building is the Vault Cafe. The cafe that has been known as a hub for coffee and community, is celebrating their ten-year anniversary this weekend.

B.C.’s Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe announced on Wednesday that 2,511 people in the province died from unregulated drugs in 2023. A total of 112 people In Nanaimo died from unregulated drugs, a 43 per cent increase over the previous year.

January 24th is Bell Let’s Talk Day, a day started by the telecommunications company Bell to bring awareness and support to those experiencing mental health problems.

Amélie Blanchard, a registered art therapist, is facilitating a drop-in vision board session for teens at the Nanaimo Art Gallery on Wednesday, January 24.

The Green Party of Canada’s Indigenous affairs critic Angela Davidson, also known as Rainbow Eyes, was convicted of seven counts of criminal contempt of court on January 18 for her participation in an anti-logging blockade near Fairy Creek on West Vancouver Island in 2021 and 2022.

Pickleball has been a hot topic over the last couple of years for council members on Vancouver Island. From both the growth in popularity and the in noise it can cause, towns like Qualicum Beach are finding ways to embrace the sport.

The City of Nanaimo is holding an Alternative Approval Process starting on January 18 to seek approval from voters for a $48.5 million loan for the first phase of the Nanaimo Operations Centre.

It’s a snow day for students in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith, Qualicum and Comox Valley School Districts as all classes are cancelled today.

Paige Pierce, 21, is Nanaimo’s new Youth Poet Laureate after being appointed to the position by Nanaimo city council for a two year term.

At a Nanaimo city council meeting on Monday, January 15th, council voted in favour of writing a letter of support to Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island for a future project in the city.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters on Friday that Canada supports the International Court of Justice, but does not agree with South Africa’s case against Israel.

Gabriola islanders will want to double-check how they will be commuting to Vancouver Island and back starting next week, as BC Ferries starts night work on both terminals.

Starting tomorrow Tuesday, January 9th, MP for Nanaimo-Ladysmith Lisa Marie Barron will host mobile office events for those unable to see her at her Nanaimo office. 

With temperatures forecast to drop to -10C overnight and a special weather statement for significant snowfall, two of the three warming centres funded by the City of Nanaimo will be extending their hours to help keep people out of the cold.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather report for East Vancouver Island, stating that it expects “significant snowfall” to start on Thursday afternoon.