Budget simulator: City of Courtenay invites public input

The City of Courtenay has asked residents to share their priorities for City spending. The City recently launched a virtual tool giving residents a DIY approach to simulate financial planning, and an opportunity to influence budget choices for 2025.

Heather WatsonJanuary 7, 2025Comox Valley, Housing, Recreation, City of Courtenay, Budget, public opinion, finance

CVRD invites residents to unified AAP information session January 9th

The Comox Valley Regional District has sent out an open invitation to residents for an information session. The session will cover upcoming unified Alternative Approval Process initiatives

New Haida documentary The Stand premieres in Nanaimo on January 5th

Haida filmmaker Christopher Auchter’s debut feature film The Stand will premiere in Nanaimo on Sunday, January 5th at 4pm, at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.

Heather WatsonJanuary 2, 2025Nanaimo, Film, Premiere, Haida Nation, Event, NFB

Nanaimo Youth Poet Laureate reflects on year of growth, connections, and writing

It has been a busy year for Paige Pierce as she finishes up her first year as the City of Nanaimo’s Youth Poet Laureate.

Lauryn MackenzieDecember 31, 2024Nanaimo, City of Nanaimo, poetry, Poet Laureate, Youth poet laureate

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.

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, 2024Comox Valley, VIRL, Library, Holidays

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