Journey of self-governance: K’ómoks appoints Dr. Marion Buller, first Justice of the Peace

On December 4th, 2024, K’ómoks First Nation appointed Dr. Marion Buller as their Justice of the Peace; a first in First Nations history in Canada. This historic moment is the next step in a long journey for the K’ómoks First Nation toward self-determination, building on previous steps like signing to the Framework Agreement in 2014, and voting to approve their land code in 2016.

Chief Louie of Westbank First Nation and the Lands Advisory Board spoke to CHLY about what it means to be a land code First Nation, how that lead to this landmark moment, and what this means for the future of K’ómoks First Nation, as well as other communities across the country.

Heather WatsonDecember 27, 2024CVRD, Comox Valley Regional District, Comox Valley, environment, Salmon, Fish

Celebrating a 5th anniversary by winter birding on the BC Bird Trail

While the temperature drops and the sun sets earlier in the day, no matter the weather, Oceanside birder Bonnie Mullin is encouraging people to keep an eye out for wintering birds as the BC Bird Trail celebrates its 5th anniversary.

Lauryn MackenzieDecember 27, 2024Birding, Bird Watching, Oceanside, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Birds

Gift-wrapped library books lend holiday spirit

Librarians are lending out the festive spirit at the Courtenay branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library this holiday season.

Heather WatsonDecember 23, 2024CVRD, Comox Valley Regional District, Comox Valley, environment, Salmon, Fish

New drop-in daytime hub and nighttime shelter to open in Nanaimo

After an outcry from concerned citizens wondering where daytime warming shelters are for the unhoused, the City of Nanaimo has announced a year-round daytime drop-in hub set to open next month.

Lauryn MackenzieDecember 20, 2024Nanaimo, City of Nanaimo

CVRD grants “chummy” future to Oyster River salmon

A local salmon enhancement project is making waves. On Monday, December 16th, the Comox Valley Regional District’s Electoral Area Services Committee met to discuss final actions for the year.

Heather WatsonDecember 20, 2024CVRD, Comox Valley Regional District, Comox Valley, environment, Salmon, Fish

Options for Sexual Health fears closures across the province

For almost 50 years the Options for Sexual Health clinic in Nanaimo has offered sexual and reproductive health services for all ages and genders, but now the clinic is fearing it may have to close in the next couple of months.

Lauryn MackenzieDecember 19, 2024

Need for Food Shed grows in Cumberland

Shelves were empty in the first week of December at the Cumberland Food Shed due to high demand.

Heather WatsonDecember 12, 2024

Rally outside City Hall: Where are the daytime warming centres?

In December 2023, there were three City of Nanaimo-funded daytime warming centre. Now a year later, with none yet open, local concerned citizens are wondering why that is.

Lauryn MackenzieDecember 11, 2024Nanaimo, warming centre, City of Nanaimo

Nanaimo toy drive sees a decrease in donations despite increase in registration

As it sees the highest number of registrations ever in its history, the Great Nanaimo Toy Drive is calling for donations.

Lauryn MackenzieDecember 10, 2024Nanaimo, Commercial Street, Holidays, Toy drive, Great Nanaimo Toy Drive

Winterfest shows that downtown Nanaimo’s heart is still beating

For the first time in recent history, a Christmas tree has been lit at Diana Krall Plaza, kicking off the holiday season for downtown Nanaimo.

Baby boom! Vancouver Island marmots break records for 2024

boom has taken over Mount Washington as the critically engaged species, the Vancouver Island Marmot, welcomed over 100 newly born pups.

Lauryn MackenzieDecember 4, 2024Nanaimo, Marmots, Vancouver Island marmots, Endangered species

Following denied AAP, Nanaimo council abandons borrowing bylaw

Nanaimo City Council will not immediately go to referendum and is now reevaluating options following the failed attempt to borrow money for its Public Works Yard project via an alternative approval process, also known as an AAP.

Lauryn MackenzieDecember 3, 2024Nanaimo, AAP, Alternative Approval Process, Public Works Yard

City of Nanaimo AAP to borrow $90 million for Public Works Yard fails

After three attempts by the City of Nanaimo to seek the consent of the voters to borrow funds to upgrade its Public Works Yard, the city’s third AAP has been denied.

Lauryn MackenzieNovember 29, 2024Nanaimo, AAP, Alternative Approval Process, Public Works Yard

Nanaimo postal workers collecting Santa letters despite strike

Despite an ongoing labour dispute, Nanaimo postal workers are making sure Santa Claus still receives letters from children for Christmas.

Lauryn MackenzieNovember 29, 2024Nanaimo, Canada Post, Strike, CUPW, Santa Claus, Letters to Santa

Gender-affirming clothing event to support those on gender journeys

Supporting diversity and those on gender journeys, local pride group The Coast is Queer is hosting a free clothing event with gender-affirming styles and accessories this weekend.

Lauryn MackenzieNovember 28, 2024Nanaimo, The Coast is Queer, Transgender, 2SLQBTQIA+, Event