Canadian Blood Services looks for new stem cell donors at VIU

Canadian Blood Services was at Vancouver Island University today calling on students to step up and get their cheeks swabbed

NewsLauryn MackenzieFebruary 7, 2024Nanaimo, stem cells, Canadian Blood Services

Bringing art and design to the streets of Nanaimo

The City of Nanaimo is welcoming 21 artists and designers from across the province to its Urban Design Roster for a two year term.

ArtsMick SweetmanFebruary 6, 2024Nanaimo, Art, City of Nanaimo, street art, public art

Crimson Coast Dance Celebrates African Culture and Connections

To celebrate Black History Month, Crimson Coast Dance is bringing a month-long event to connect those to African culture.

NewsLauryn MackenzieFebruary 6, 2024Nanaimo, Crimson Coast Dance, Bla

Lack of prescribers in Nanaimo limiting access to safer supply

A VIU nursing professor and member of the Harm Reduction Nurses Association is questioning if the plan to expand the prescribed safer supply program in British Columbia is feasible after the provincial health officer released a review of the program.

NewsMick SweetmanFebruary 5, 2024health, safer supply, drug policy, Drugs, Toxic Drugs

New Nanaimo Art Gallery exhibition looks at the stories that animate us

The Nanaimo Art Gallery will be opening its new exhibition Stories that animate us this week that will share and reflect on the importance of stories telling.

NewsLauryn MackenzieFebruary 2, 2024Nanaimo, Nanaimo Art Gallery

Minister of Housing promises middle-income housing in Nanaimo

Housing minister Ravi Kahlon says that the province is working to help people in Nanaimo with the rising cost of rent.

NewsMick SweetmanFebruary 2, 2024Housing, Nanaimo, Ravi Kahlon, vacancy control, BC Builds, affordable housing

Nanaimo African Heritage Society kicks off Black History Month

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

NewsLauryn MackenzieFebruary 1, 2024Nanaimo, Black History Month

Nanaimo councillor calls for vacancy control as rent skyrockets

A Nanaimo city councillor is calling for provincial vacancy control as the average price for a vacant two-bedroom apartment in Nanaimo jumps to just under $2,000.

NewsMick SweetmanJanuary 31, 2024Housing, rental, Hiliary Eastmure, Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation

New act, service aim to protect those whose intimate images shared without their consent

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.

NewsLauryn MackenzieJanuary 31, 2024Nanaimo, intimate images

New transitional housing project announced for Chase River

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.

NewsMick SweetmanJanuary 29, 2024Housing, Nanaimo, Ravi Khalon, Leonard Krog

The Vault Cafe celebrates 10 years

Amongst the bustling downtown area, in an old bank building is the Vault Cafe. The cafe which has been known as a hub for coffee and community, is celebrating its ten-year anniversary this weekend.

NewsLauryn MackenzieJanuary 26, 2024Nanaimo, The Vault Cafe, Music

Body of missing boater found

Nanaimo RCMP in conjunction with RCMP West Coast Marine Services and Search and Rescue are actively searching for an overdue boater, 35-year-old Ryan Pratt.

NewsLauryn MackenzieJanuary 26, 2024Missing Person, Nanaimo, RCMP

Premier rejects call for non-prescribed safe supply as BC sets drug death record

A total of 112 people In Nanaimo died from unregulated drugs in 2023, a 43 per cent increase over the previous year.

VIU students make space to talk about mental health

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

NewsLauryn MackenzieJanuary 24, 2024Nanaimo, VIU, Vancouver Island University, mental health

Art therapist helps teens envision their goals

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.

ArtsMick SweetmanJanuary 23, 2024Nanaimo Art Gallery, mental health

Green Party Indigenous affairs critic guilty of contempt of court

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.

NewsMick SweetmanJanuary 23, 2024Fairy Creek, old growth, logging, Angela Davidson, Ben Issit, crime