Electricity demand raises
questions about data centre

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Why we have such

a shortage of doctors

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DEI – all about finding the

lowest common denominator

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Longer amortization will be

expensive in the long run

Tim Horton has sweet campaign
to raise cash for operating rooms

Welcome the Cookie Monster, the annual Smile Cookie campaign is back at Tim Horton’s all week until Sunday. The money raises is going to a great cause, the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation for lighting upgrades to operating rooms at the hospital. The perinatal operating room needs upgraded equipment and the specialized maternity ward is especially important, as it means a quicker transition for newborns needing specialized care. All that is going to cost most of the $60,000 raising target, so go ahead, spend a buck and a half for a cookie and indulge yourself. Or buy a couple, who will know? MORE

The number of people relying on food banks is still rising but Rick Templeton and his wife continue feeding dozens at the Nanaimo Alliance Church. There’s been a 40-per-cent increase in the number of people they are feeding. Loaves & Fishes use continues to climb as people are unable to make ends meet. If there’s any good news the demand is up only 14 per cent from a year ago compared to 30 per cent the year before. About 10,000 monthly visits fed 4,500 people in March. Executive director Peter Sinclair credits the food bank’s recovery program that collects food from grocery stores and the help of volunteers to sort it. MORE

Kerry Wallace Chang, 55, was judged guilty Monday of drug possession for the purpose of trafficking. The verdict came on charges from a raid four years ago at a south Nanaimo home. Chang has a lengthy criminal record with 35 convictions, including offences involving drugs, property crimes and violence. MORE

How much garbage do we leave behind? More than 120 tonnes was collected in the Ladysmith Sportsmen’s Club’s ninth annual outdoor cleanup on Saturday around Spruston Road, Timberlands area and Peerless Road. More than 140 volunteers picked up refuse including building material and abandoned vehicles. Co-ordinator Dave Judson has a message, if you see anyone disposing of garbage in the bush or on the side of the road, turn them in, call the Ministry of the Environment’s hotline at 1-877-952-7277. MORE

Cock-a-doodle-doo. There is a way to fight soaring grocery prices – grow your own. A city bylaw that has been around for about a decade allows 12 poultry birds on some residential properties. The city’s governance and priorities committee is happy to keep the current rules, with a little tinkering. I remember one negative from when the bylaw was originally passed and it was the attraction of vermin, specifically rats. Councillors heard that some people are flouting the bylaw with as many as 150 chicken and some roosters, which are not allowed. Any changes will go to full council for approval. MORE

While we’re talking food prices, if you own shares in Loblaws your quarterly dividend rose by 15 per cent as first-quarter profit and revenue rose compared with a year ago. Loblaws and Shoppers Drug Mart says it earned a profit available to common shareholders of $459 million, up 9.8 per cent from the same quarter last year. Revenue for the quarter was $13.58 billion, up from $13 billion a year earlier. MORE

Private property rights take another hit today as new rules on short-term rentals come into effect, limiting where people can book short-term accommodation. The government is using the bans to free up housing in the province. The new short-term rental ban affects more than 20 communities on Vancouver Island. The rules apply for any community with a population of at least 10,000 and some communities under that can opt into the program as 10 communities have. MORE

Hurry up and wait, the federal government wants more information before deciding whether to revise British Columbia’s pilot project on drug use. Premier David Eby asked Health Canada to recriminalize drug use in public spaces, such as hospitals and parks. Mental Health and Addictions Minister Ya'ara Saks says she's asked B.C. to respond to Ottawa's questions quickly, but would not say what information she's requested. MORE

It remains to be seen whether we get relief at the gas pumps as the $34-billion Trans Mountain oil pipeline expansion finally starts pumping crude oil. The government-owned expanded pipeline runs from Alberta to the B.C. coast, twinning the existing pipeline. The expansion increases capacity to 890,000 barrels a day from 300,000 and will help open up global export markets for Canadian oil. MORE

The price tag for a couple of 2026 FIFA World Cup games in Vancouver could be more than half a billion dollars. An updated estimate shows the cost is now pegged at between $483 million and $581 million, nearly double the original range provided when Vancouver was named a host city two years ago. Inflation and updated FIFA requirements contributed to the increased costs. The province expects to offset much of the expenses with $116 million in federal funding. MORE

Female athletes in B.C. will have to continue to compete against transgender athletes in their sports. B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad’s bill to use biological sex to classify participants in publicly fundedsportsteams and events was shot down at first reading in the Legislature on the strength of NDP and Green party opposition. MORE

Report outlines community safety but who will pay?

City Council knows it needs more community safety measures but it’s a question of who’s going to pick up that tab. Council reviewed an independent consultant’s report on Monday, that examined the Downtown Nanaimo Community Safety Action Plan implemented in 2022. It costs $2.5 million annually with 12 Community Safety Officers. Among the recommendations in the report was an expansion to 20, 24 or 30 CSOs and covering more than

just downtown. Mayor Leonard Krog said we would see

a cleaner downtown, but it still would not be enough. The real solutions to save us from the misery on our streets is not going to come from the City, Krog said. MORE

On that topic, Victoria has had enough of paying for services under the province’s jurisdiction. The city will begin billing the province for the costs incurred. In March, council approved $100,000 for Our Place’s storage facility and operation of their community centre. When Coun. Stephen Hammond asked if there was any indication that the province will pay, Mayor Marianne Alto replied, “Absolutely none. I’m being very frank, this is a new direction.” MORE

It will be business almost as usual while Downtown Nanaimo goes Hollywood and stars in a major television series, The Last of Us. Production crews have begun hauling in equipment and closing areas in Diana Krall Plaza. Work is expected to focus around the Plaza, Commercial, Skinner and Wharf Streets for a month. Filming is scheduled for May 12 to 14. Crews will then spend the final two weeks of May cleaning up the area. Some Commercial Street businesses will close for short periods to allow for final preparations and filming. MORE

Nanaimo News NOW has an excellent feature about 82-year-old Charlie Pickard who has been hand-crafting gnome doors and bird houses, a hobby turned passion. Speaking from the garage of his Brechin Hill home, he said the reason he’s dedicated himself to this cause is simple: to make people smile. It makes for uplifting reading amid a lot of gloom. MORE

Farmers markets are a big deal for local economies. An analysis from the B.C. Association of Farmers Markets points to the economic impact. Kate Poirier, of Cedar Farmers Market, says Vancouver Island was far above average in almost every metric. The Cedar market, from mid May to late October, brought $3.6 million of economic impact, $2.4 million in direct sales and $626,000 in spending at local businesses in 2023, says Poirier. There were 58,900 visits last year, she said.

The Day of Mourning for the 175 lives lost to injuries or illnesses suffered at work didn’t capture the headlines. WorkSafeBC reported work place death statistics for the year on Sunday. More than two dozen ceremonies were held in communities across B.C. MORE

Politcal parties are now conducting nominations based on new federal electoral district boundaries that come into effect for the next election. So in the meantime, some people may be losing their MPs or some may be gaining one they never voted for. However, the new ridings take effect after next year’s election.

Cucaracha! A pest control contractor is monitoring Saanich Peninsula Hospital after cockroaches were recently spotted inside. Island Health says there haven’t been any since April 22. The contractor  continues to visit the site twice a week to monitor traps. The roaches measure about 1.3 to 1.6 cm long, are tan to light brown and have wings, but cannot fly. MORE

RCMP are monitoring a pro-Palestinian protest encampment at the University of British Columbia where protesters erected tents outside the UBC Alma Mater Society building early Monday. Protester Naisha Khan says the demonstrators are calling on the school to divest from a variety of companies they say are complicit in the war since the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

Premier David Eby has joined other politicians denouncing remarks at a demonstration in Vancouver where protesters chanted “long live Oct. 7.”  The rally on Friday was told by a speaker that the attacks by Hamas that killed more than 1,200 people were heroic and brave. Eby says it was the most hateful he could imagine. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim posted on social media that people who spew this vile hatred are not welcome in the city. MORE

Today is a very special day – my Aunt Margaret is 100 years old. She is the first ever on both sides of my family to reach the century mark. Happy Birthday.

QUOTABLE – A lot of people don’t like holding hands in public, especially when they don’t know you.

State of the Economy report shows
Nanaimo is doing well in most sectors

What a place to call home. Nanaimo is doing well. We’ve have significant population growth, surpassing 107,000 residents. Among those relocating to the city, 72 per cent fall within the working age range of 15 to 64 years. Building permits reached $364.7 million in 2023, with residential permits hitting the second-highest mark on record. Despite facing higher interest rates, Nanaimo consistently fulfills its annual new housing unit requirements, initiating more than 1,100 units each year. Our unemployment rate was 4.8 per cent in 2023, lower than both BC's (5.2 per cent) and Canada's (5.4 per cent). However, income and education levels in Nanaimo still lag behind the provincial average. You can download a copy of the full report HERE

All London Drugs locations across western Canada were shut down Sunday after a cybersecurity incident. The company said its stores were closed due to an operational issue late Sunday morning. A statement just after 5 p.m. said it closed out of an abundance of caution upon discovering the cybersecurity problem. There was “no reason to believe” customer or employee data has been affected. MORE

At least one Lantzville councillor wants no part of the province’s housing density direction mandating three to four units on lots zoned for single-family dwellings. Coun. Jonathan Lerner told a committee of the whole he has no interest in seeing three-storey houses on every lot in Lantzville. His concern is going from eight-metre height to 11-metre height, two-storey to three-storey on basically every lot that has sewer and water. A requirement to have setbacks that are just a couple metres from the road, maybe less. Lerner introduced a recommendation for a bylaw to instruct staff to maintain existing Lantzville site standards, such as height, parcel coverage and setback requirements. MORE

The new Discover Montessori School was the best over all project at the Vancouver Island Commercial Building Awards. They came out on top of 45 finalists to win the Judges’ Choice Best Overall Winner earlier this month. The awards recognize the Island’s best commercial, industrial, institutional and revenue-producing properties built on the central and north Island. MORE

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a series of food products due to possible Listeria contamination.  The recall is for Juewei-branded meats and vegetables, ranging from beef, duck and pork, to potato, kelp and lotus root. Some of the recalled products were sold at Kingwuu restaurant in Richmond, B.C., from April 19 to 23. Recalled products should be either thrown away or returned to the location of purchase.

QUOTABLE – Car window sign – please don’t park too close, I’m fat.

THE MONEY TREE –Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools is getting $495,000 from the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s most recent round of dollars placed in its student and family affordability fund.

The provincial government is promising $5 million through its BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund to support 10 manufacturing businesses on Vancouver Island to create jobs, strengthen local economies and promote development of “made-in-B.C.” products.

• The Ministry of Economic Development is funding capital and planning projects with up to $5 million to create new jobs in the sector and help businesses diversify their operations.

• Nanaimo-based Rootside Provisions Ltd. will get up to $156,000 to build a new facility and upgrade equipment, which will triple their beverage-production capacity and create six jobs.

• Nanaimo’s GRT Holdings Ltd. will get $735,000 for new equipment for product recycling and distribution in the construction industry.

• Aquila Cedar Products Ltd. of Parksville, will get up to $879,000 for new equipment and a retrofit of its location, to produce higher-grade wood products.

COTA Aviation Ltd. has $30,000 to plan a project and shop floor assessment to invest in Artificial Intelligence-based aircraft manufacturing equipment.

• Other companies in Cumberland, Chemainus, Campbell River, Port McNeill and Mill Bay also received money for similar projects.

Is Eby finally getting the message

on drug and street disorder backlash?

Premier David Eby’s ideological steadfastness appears to be coming to bite him in the butt on drugs and attendant crime. Public backlash to decriminalization of drug possession is finally making him change direction, if ever so slightly.

The Safer Drug program is likely a large influence on the latest opinion poll leading up to the October provincial election. For the first time in his term as Premier the NDP sits in second place now behind the B.C. Conservatives. The latest Mainstreet poll shows the Conservatives at 39 per cent support, three per cent ahead of the NDP. The United/Liberals remain at 15 per cent and the Greens are at seven per cent.

It's a given that politcal polls go up and down like a yo-yo, but the latest one should give the premier a message, more than half of British Columbians are not buying what he's selling.

He has given an inch when perhaps it would have been more appropriate to give a yard when the government moved to address one part of the drug problem by outlawing use in public places. It’s still drug use causing social disruption. It remains to be seen how British Columbians react to the band-aid Eby is applying.

In the past Eby was a voice for civil liberties, and that has him preaching against institutionalization and mandatory treatment of addicts. He sees the safe supply concept as an answer but that is proving false, drug deaths are still rising and those safe drugs are being resold for the street market. He keeps repeating that it is saving lives, but he provides no evidence to back that up.

With his insistence on civil liberties, we incarcerate people for many crimes. Rob a bank and you can be sentenced to jail where historically that meant rehabilitation was part of the deal. Heck, even for killing someone you might have to spend time behind bars in today’s judicial system. However, using and selling drugs is illegal but our government wants to protect their “rights” against mandatory treatment and what is known as rehab. Their civil rights are not protected when they are beyond the point of helping themselves. 

Good morning, today's offering is a bit off the wall. Since this is Craft Beer Week in Nanaimo, it is timely to mention that four B.C. brews landed on the podium at the World Beer Cup last week. Gold, silver and bronze awards were handed out for 110 categories. Four of the award winners were B.C. breweries. Victoria’s Phillips Brewing and Malting Co. won gold in the American-style sour ale category. Whistler Brewing Co. in the chocolate beer category and Kelowna’s Jackknife Brewing won a silver. Shaketown Brewing Co. in North Vancouver took home a bronze in the American-style Pilsner category.

With so many things buzzing around these days, here comes another one and it could cost you a load of money. Tuesday, April 30 is the deadline to file and pay your income tax. Canada Revenue Agency is ruthless if you don’t file. If you owe money, the late filing penalty is five per cent of what you owe, plus an additional one per cent for each full month up to 12 months that you file after the due date. That could potentially end up costing 17 per cent of your balance. On the interest portion the rate is almost 10 per cent, compounding daily, starting May 1. That’s on top of all the other penalties, so file and pay up. You can thank me later.

It may not feel like it now, but hot summer days are on their way and that means misnamed heat pumps or portable air conditioners. Many people can’t afford these pricey units, but sweat not, our provincial government has them covered with a three-year program with $10 million for B.C. Hydro to install 8,000 free portable air conditioning units in the homes of those most in need. Here’s what you need to know about applying for a free portable unit. MORE

When we travel many of us bring back something from elsewhere that we don’t have at home. Alberta is in a spat about the size of liquor bottles. One distillery is selling four-litre jugs of vodka for $49.95, one litre larger than the famous Texas Mickey. But leave it to Saskatchewan to go one better – actually 15 better – with a 18.9-litre offering – four gallons – that comes in water cooler jugs, affectionately dubbed as a Saskatchewan Mickey. No Johnny-come-lately, it has been produced by Radouga Distilleries in Blaine Lake since 2016. Cheers and check it out HERE.

Most of us have a soft spot for countless causes, so here’s something to consider. Elizabeth’s Wildlife Centerin Abbotsford says it has hit rock bottom as the number of small mammals and birds in need is overwhelming. Owner Elizabeth Melnick and her staff never turn animals away and care for injured, orphaned wild birds and small mammals and have done so since 1986. But the ability to pay for added staff and supplies has reached the breaking point. If you want to help out, go to their website – Elizabeth’s Wildlife Center

QUOTABLE – One of the biggest mysteries known to man is how God turned a rib into a loudspeaker.

New supportive housing 

moves homeless up a step

In a bit of musical chairs, residents of Newcastle Place at 250 Terminal Avenue will move to 51 new apartments with 24/7 support services at the new four-storey, modular housing at 285 Prideaux St. It will be operated by Connective Nanaimo (formerly John Howard Society). Residents will have around-the-clock on-site staff support, including life-skills training, employment assistance and counselling, physical and mental-health resources, and referrals to other essential services. Once they move in early May, Newcastle Place will see a new population of people coming in from shelters, which will in turn free up shelter beds. MORE

The B.C. government will ban drug use in public, including parks and hospitals, as part of a major overhaul of its drug decriminalization pilot project. That comes amid public backlash over the province’s approach to the deadly toxic drug crisis, including decriminalization and “safe supply.” Premier David Eby said Friday that the province had made a formal request to Health Canada for changes. He added the change has the support of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. MORE

The local real estate market is percolating at quite a pace, John Cooper tells me. Fifty two single-family homes have hit the Nanaimo market in the last seven days, added to the 54 in the previous week. Sales are steady with 22 Nanaimo single-family homes selling in the last seven days. John sees new listings to increase every week for at least the next eight weeks with sales remaining steady and inventory remaining balanced.

Salute! Nanaimo Craft Beer Week begins today, with events throughout the city, a combination of free and paid events. Vancouver Island University is hosting two ticketed events: the Witches Brew: Homebrewing 101 for Women on today, and Raise Your Glass to the Past, examining ancient beers, on May 2. White Sails Brewing, Longwood Brewery, Longwood Brew Pub and Wolf Brewing Company – have teamed up for beer specially made for craft beer week. Check it out MORE

There’s relief in the Coombs area after reports that a wild dog/wolf hybrid may have been killed. A community member has said he shot and buried the animial March 30 and there have been no sightings. RDN director Leanne Salter said without evidence she’s not sure that it actually happened. She says there needs to be legislation to address hybrid wild-domesticated animals that sit in a jurisdictional void. MORE

QUOTABLE – It's a mathematical fact, half of all the people you know are above average. Where do you fit in?

What's the deal with E-bike sharing plan?

GOOD MORNING, what shall we talk about today? A plan to provide rental E-bike services in the city is eliciting discussion on social media. An E-bike share program will see the city partner with Evolve on a pilot project starting this spring. A lot of questions centre on whether the City is providing funding and what is the amount of tax money going into this. And since it was our tax dollars that paid for the bike lanes is this new service paying the City for use of these bike lanes?

If you’re thinking of getting a pet now is the time, BC SPCA has an open house on Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. so you can check out the list of pets waiting for you to take them home. The SPCA has a deal you can’t pass up, they’re taking 50 per cent off adoption fees leading up to “Adopt a Shelter Pet Day,” on April 30. The 50-per-cent-off deal continues until May 5. The Nanaimo branch is located at 154 Westwood Rd.

We’re familiar with man caves as a place to shut out the rest of the world in our homes. There’s a new version known as the Men’s Shed where men can gather away from home. The Nanaimo and District Men’s Shed will open Saturday at noon until 3 p.m. at 2227 McGarrigle Rd. Men’s sheds are for men 18 years of age or older to get together, hang out, work on projects, and find camaraderie with their peers. MORE

Reality is when you realize that a 60-litre gasoline fill up now totals $124.14. You warned you that it was coming.

Here's to LPs, 78s and 45s. I got a note from Jack Tielman about last weekend’s Record Show and Sale, saying it was a huge success with hundreds of collectors and music enthusiasts attending.

The orca calf that had been trapped in a lagoon near Zeballos for over a month swam past the sand bar overnight on her own. The whale swam out of the lagoon around 2:30 a.m. today during the high tide. That ended 34 days of being trapped in the lagoon along with her mother on March 23. MORE

More than 115 wildfires are burning across the province, four of them started in the past 24 hours. Residents in the Pine River area, south of Chetwynd, have been allowed to return to their homes after being ordered to leave on Wednesday due to the 50-hectare Wildmare Creek fire. It is still listed out of control. The province says it is fully prepared, having learned from last year’s wildfire season. MORE

The B.C. Green Party wants the government to allow inhalation of drugs at all supervised consumption sites. They see it as a way to address concerns about drug use in public spaces and at hospitals in the wake of decriminalization. Supervised consumption sites have been around for almost 20 years, but they’ve mostly served people who inject drugs. Smoke inhalation accounts for 71 per cent of overdose deaths. MORE

The public should know who is living in their community, says BC United Leader Kevin Falcon after introducing private-member's legislation to stop dangerous offenders from legally changing their names. The bill to amend the Name Act comes after child-killer Allan Schoenborn was recently permitted to legally change his name. Schoenborn was convicted of first-degree murder for the deaths of his three children in 2008. MORE

The affordable housing crunch has limited the market for many British Columbians, but a new listing in Vancouver’s Point Grey has an asking price of $48 million. The seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom, 12,048-square-foot mansion even boasts its own name – Casa Blanca. The property was assessed at $38,044,000 in 2024. Take a look inside. MORE

Royalty is on the way for Vancouver Island next month as Princess Anne comes for a visit. She and her husband will attend a series of events during the three-day trip starting on May 3. Princess Anne will attend a Battle of the Atlantic commemoration at the Legislature and lay a wreath. They will visit to the archives and collections space of the Maritime Museum of British Columbia in Victoria, which was founded with an initial donation by the princess's late father, Prince Philip. MORE

THE MONEY TREE – Apropos of money, prior to the Eby era we had a AAA bond rating. It is now at AA-. Our Province now owes $123 billion, about $25,000 per person. Interest on the accumulated debt will cost the province about $4.1 billion this year.

• Honda is set to build an electric vehicle battery plant in Ontario as part of a $15-billion project to create a supply chain in the province for the Japanese automaker.

• Hundreds of public EV charging ports will be installed in Victoria after a combined investment of more than $8.7 million from the federal and provincial governments, the CRD, and the City of Victoria. That includes 576 Level-2 chargers, and 20 direct-current fast-charge EV charging ports in approximately 80 public locations.

QUOTABLE – City council members are entitled to their opinions, but they are not entitled to waste our tax money on their far-out agenda.

Residential construction accounts

for just over $300 million in 2023

The city issued 1,170 building permits last year, with a value of $365 million, about $25 million higher than the nine-year average. Residential construction accounted for just over $300 million of that total. Multi-family units made up the majority with 912. Single-family dwellings hit 124, and secondary suites at 122. FULL STORY.

A man with developmental difficulties was bear sprayed in the face while walking his dog last week. Nanaimo RCMP and the victim’s family are asking for help in identifying the assailant. The victim’s sister Sherry Smart said the impact has been catastrophic. “Completely unprovoked, unnecessary and frightening. My brother was very frightened,” she said. It happened shortly after 8 p.m. last Thursday when the 54-year-old was walking by the roundabout where Big Bear Ridge meets Godfrey Road. MORE

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Ten paramedics will work shifts in pairs to staff the Gabriola ambulance station around the clock. It’s a “move in the right direction” for Chris Watkins, BC EHS clinical operations manager for the Island-Central District. BC Emergency Health Services, through funding from the provincial government, transitioned Gabriola Island and 21 other rural and remote communities to a 24/7 Alpha shift model. MORE

A huge shout out to all the folks who produce the News Bulletin each week. The paper was named the best community newspaper in British Columbia at the B.C. and Yukon Community News Media Association Ma Murray Awards, winning the General Excellence Award in the largest circulation category, 31,000 and higher. It’s a first since 2011 that the News Bulletin has won the General Excellence Award. Way to go gang. MORE

The deputy leader of the Green Party of Canada will spend an additional 48 days in jail following sentencing in BC Supreme Court in Nanaimo on Wednesday. Angela Davidson, 38, was sentenced to 60 days in jail with credit for 12 days served and 75 hours of community service after being found guilty earlier this year on seven counts of contempt of court. Justice Christopher Hinkson said Davidson continued violating the court injunction after her first arrest for contempt. The charges stem from incidents in the Fairy Creek watershed and old-growth forests from May 2021 to January 2022. Green Party of Canada leader Elizabeth May was in the courtroom. MORE

UPDATE - Gasoline prices have soared again, hitting $2.070 at some Nanaimo stations today. Pprices in the Lower mainland climbed nine cents Thursday morning hitting $2.179 at some stations. Hold on, a further six-cent increase is expected on Friday. MORE

UPDATE – A wildfire evacuation order near Chetwynd has been downgraded, but people living in the Pine River area are still being told to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice due to the Widmare Creek wildfire. Officials had issued the order Wednesday night due to the fire burning near Highway 97, about 10 kilometres southwest of Chetwynd. As of Thursday, the fire was 50 hectares in size, and remained classified as “out of control.” MORE

THE MONEY TREE - $5.2 million in Community Gaming Grants will be shared among 62 organizations for capital projects that will improve quality of life in B.C. communities.

This year's funding also includes:

* $250,000 for seismic upgrades at the Errington War Memorial Hall;

* $250,000 to replace artificial turf field at Braefoot Park to Lakehill Soccer Association’

* $130,000 for a water tender truck for firefighting on Saturna Island;

* $89,691 for commercial-grade kitchen equipment at the Shelbourne Community Kitchen Society;

* $80,000 for building renovations at the Multicultural and Immigrant Services Association of North Vancouver Island; and

* $62,920 to replace the gymnastics floor at the Duncan Dynamics Gymnastics Club.

The funding is part of $140 million provided annually through Community Gaming Grants to not-for-profit organizations.

QUOTABLE – The naked truth is always better than a well-dressed lie.

Electricity demand for data centres

raises new questions for city council

The recent focus on electricity demands of cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence data centres around the world should raise new questions about rezoning for a data centre on East Wellington Road last April. The bylaw rezoned the properties to I3 with data centre as a site-specific permitted use. The application did not go into specifics of the data to be processed. That could put a severe demand on our electricity supply on Vancouver Island. The city still has a second kick at the can as a development permit application has not been made. PERSPECTIVE

City Council has given third reading for 127 market rental housing units on Nicol Street at Needham. Director of Development Approvals Jeremy Holm said the application is the first of its kind in Nanaimo under new government rules to speed up housing projects. It comprises five under-used properties in the south end including 1.5-metre strip of City-owned property sold to the developer. It will be six storeys, wood-framed over a two-level concrete parking structure.

Hats off to City staff who have won the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting and the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting. This is the third year in a row that Nanaimo has been honoured by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. These awards are given for the City's Annual Municipal Report and it's shorter version the Annual Report Highlights document. The 2022 Annual Report and Annual Report Highlights can be found on the City’s Website.

Nanaimo is one of eight communities for the next housing targets set by the government. The province says 20 communities were chosen due to being high-growth and high-needs areas where more action is needed to build more homes quicker. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon said the goal is to build on the work municipalities are already doing, while they continue to implement the recent provincial legislative changes. MORE

New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone is not a fan of the province’s housing target list. Twenty more cities will get housing targets, but the mayors of some of them argue that they’re already doing everything they can to build and that they’re being singled out. “I’m calling BS on this priority list,” said Johnstone. He said the government has to stop pointing fingers and start doing its job. MORE

Harbour Air is adding spark to it’s adoption of electric aviation technology to electrify its seaplane fleet. The airline has a letter of intent with U.S.-based MagniX to buy 50 electric engines to retrofit its fleet. MagniX is working with Transport Canada and Harbour Air to get all certification for its DHC-2 Beaver electric engines to be flight-ready. Harbour Air has tested the DHC-2 Beaver engine, dubbed “e-Beaver,” in flight. They have completed 78 electric flight tests. MORE

The Surrey Police Service will replace the RCMP on Nov. 29, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth announced Tuesday. The date does not mean the transition will be complete – finalizing it is a process Farnworth estimated will take at least two years. The SPS and the RCMP will continue work side by side, as they have been throughout the transition. MORE

The money tree is turning into an orchard. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is offering $5 billion in loan guarantees to support Indigenous communities for ownership stakes in natural resource and energy projects. The PM says the program will help Indigenous people get a fair share in Canada’s economic growth. MORE

Meanwhile, Premier David Eby announced $25 million to expand a milk production at Vitalus Nutrition in Abbotsford to raise milk production by 50 per cent. The project will boost local production for dairy products such as butter, which is now shipped from Eastern Canada. Eby said it will also create up to 100 more jobs at the site. MORE

QUOTABLE – Some of you walked into my life and made it better. Some others walked out and made it fantastic.

A dream comes true for Nanaimo

as artificial turf sports fields open

Harewood Centennial Park is is now open with two multi-sport artificial turf fields for soccer, field lacrosse, football and baseball. The fields were opened to the public Saturday more than a decade after they were planned. The price tag came in at just under $10 million, including the turf, LED field lighting, 400-seat bleachers and a media/coaching booth slated to open this summer and can be used 24/7. MORE

Get in the swim, and it’s all free. The Lions free swim goes every Saturday from this weekend to the end of June, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre (no session on June 15). The city’s Parks and Recreation, Lions Club, Country Grocer and a slew of other community sponsors present the fund afternoon for the community.

It’s annual general meeting time at the Chamber of Commerce on Friday, April 26. Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Minister Brenda Bailey will be the headline speaker. Networking starts at 11 a.m. with Bailey taking the podium at 11:45. The business of the annual general meeting is slated for 1 p.m. at the Grand Hotel.

Hon. Brenda Bailey

Rover is no longer restricted to the car decks on B.C. Ferries, he can now enjoy the upper deck on the Horseshoe Bay - Departure Bay. BC Ferries has added outdoor pet areas after a pilot project on the Earl's Cove – Saltery Bay route in fall 2022 then expanded to the Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay and Powell River – Comox routes in spring 2023. Now the outdoor space has been added to the Queen of Surrey and the Queen of Coquitlam as well. MORE

Oh the stupid things some people do after having a few to many wobbly pops. Too much booze appears to have motivated two men to remove and make off with a heavy metal sign hanging outside NYLA Fresh Thread on Commercial Street. The bold feat was captured by the security camera at the store April 8 but the video had to be edited before release on social media.

Canadians are not buying what Justin Trudeau is selling. Last week’s budget failed to spark a rebound in the polls for the Liberal party, according to new Ipsos polling released Tuesday. “If the purpose of the budget was to get a political reboot going, it didn’t seem to happen,” says Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Global Public Affairs. The budget included billions of dollars in new spending aimed at improving “generational fairness” and rapidly filling in Canada’s housing supply gap. MORE

QUOTABLE – There are a lot of childish adults who missed the growing up part.

Nanaimo Hospital Foundation launches campaign for cancer centre equipment

Spirits are high at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation now that the next steps have been taken to build a new cancer centre. That has the foundation trying to raise $160,000 to fund an instrument for early detection and treatment for cancers. CEO Barney Ellis-Perry said the new cancer centre will need state-of-the-art equipment for our growing population. He added it will facilitate brining in another pathologist to speed up the whole process. MORE

RCMP arrested seven suspects in the Cowichan Valley after property searches turned up multiple firearms, including 3D-printed handguns, and several kilograms of drugs. Police seized suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine. Police have identified one of those arrested as 38-year-old Grant Giles of the Fraser Valley. He is charged with four counts of drug trafficking and one count of failing to comply with a court order. Giles has a lengthy criminal history, including previous charges of assault, drug trafficking and flight from police. MORE

A 1,600 hectare wildfire is burning out of control between Quesnel and Williams Lake. The fire had grown from only 50 hectares on Saturday. It is the only one of seven wildfires in the Cariboo region that was listed as out of control. The fires are under investigation but are believed to be human-caused as there were no lightning strikes when they started.  MORE

An estimated 700,000 people packed the streets of Surrey during the weekend for one of the largest Vaisakhi celebrations in the world. Vaisakhi dates back to 1699 and celebrates the revelation of the Khalsa, which refers to the community that considers Sikhism its faith. It has become a holy day to mark the birth of the Khalsa fraternity. MORE

You are never too old. Just look at 99-year-old Betty Brussel who made history Sunday setting a new world record for the 100-to-104-year-old age category at the B.C. Masters Swimming provincials in Surrey. She finished the 800-metre freestyle in 26 minutes and 17 seconds, a new world record for the age category. Betty now has 10 world records on her record. She will turn 100 in July and still dives off the platform with grace. HERE

 One of the things that makes political leaders as uncomfortable as a cat on a hot tin roof is leading the polls by too wide a margin heading into an election. We’re five months away from a provincial election and Premier David Eby has had a comfortable lead in the polls. That ride is starting to get a little bumpy these days with rising disatisfaction over drug decriminalization, infringement on property rights, health care and more. Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer has an excellent view of what is happening HERE.

QUOTABLE –  Would you call a taxi service for seniors an Oldsmobile?

There's money to be had

with electric vehicle rebates

Everybody is handing out money. The feds are handing out tax dollars, the province is handing out tax dollars and now the city says “me too.” BC Hydro has a rebate for electric vehicle charging facilities and now the City is offering rebates on top of Hydro. Separate applications must be submitted to the City and Hydro to get both rebates. The City offers top-up rebates of $150 for single family homes, duplexes, row houses and townhouses. An additional rebates of up to $1,000 for an EV ready plan and $100 per parking space with access to an EV charger available for apartments and condo buildings. MORE

You can have all the thumb drives and CDs you want, but vinyl is back for music lovers. And there’s no greater source than the Nanaimo Record Show at the Bowen Park Auditorium today. It continues until 4 p.m. so head on down there.

Snow pack levels are about half of normal in the mid-Island and that means water restrictions are on the way. The Regional District, the City and Parksville will institute enhanced restrictions May 1 with watering based on odd-even house numbers. Houses will be allowed to water between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. and  between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. on assigned days. Hand watering, drip and micro irrigation are allowed, as well as watering vegetable and food gardens. MORE

A lot of effort is being put into saving a trapped orca whale near Zeballos on the north Island. Something’s a little contradictory though. Seals were killed to feed the whale in the meantime. Does that put whales on a higher level than seals?

A planned a 4-20 party went up in smoke in Vancouver Saturday when participants were met by fences and police. It was supposed to be at Sunset Beach with vendors and a stage, but Vancouver Police told organizers that there would be enforcement of applicable laws, including for the sale and possession of cannabis. The Parks Board called the 4-20 gathering "unpermitted" and "non-sanctioned," promising to fence off certain areas of the park and close Vancouver Aquatic Centre, the Sunset Beach washrooms and the parking lots for Sunset Beach, English Bay and the aquatic centre. MORE

The federal and provincial governments are providing nearly $16 million for a solar farm in Anahim Lake where power is diesel generated. It is expected to be the largest off-grid solar energy project in Canada. It will reduce diesel generation by about 64 per cent, equal to 1.1 million litres reduction in diesel use a year. BC Hydro will buy the solar energy and integrate it into power lines and a battery storage system to serve the community. MORE

We already have a doctor shortage, but now the federal budget puts another crunch on the profession. The proposed capital gains tax increases has some family doctors fearing it will affect their retirement savings. Ontario Dr. David Poon said they don’t get pensions, or retirement funds, insurance or sick days. They have to save up for their own retirement and for their families. He has started a Facebook group ‘Professional Corporation Advocates’, which aims to rally professionals, especially doctors, against the changes. MORE

QUOTABLE – Is there a greater mystery than how the left wing (or right wing) mind works?

Nanaimo homeless population count

passes 500 and continues to grow

How bad is the homeless situation in Nanaimo? The latest count from 2023 reports 515, up almost 20 per cent from 2020. The count found that 82.5 per cent of the respondents had lived in the city for more than a year, and not a single one was a recent immigrant to Canada. More than one-third of respondents said their most recent housing loss came from eviction. 

Dodd’s Furniture is throwing in the towel and closing its Nanaimo location, selling everything including the building. In typical Gordy Dodd fashion, a newspaper ad states they are emptying their warehouse with $4 million in inventory on the block and “no reasonable offer will be refused.”

Oops! A small oil slick in a local marina was likely caused by an accidental activation of a bilge pump. The Port Authority became aware of a vessel in the marina leaking oil and the patrol division and Canadian Coast Guard were alerted while crews on site deployed pads to absorb some of the slick. MORE

If you want to preach the Gospel, go where the sinners are. That appears to be the philosophy of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church on alternating Sundays at LevelTwo Nightclub with music, drinking, dancing and talk about Jesus. A newspaper story says it’s shaped by the night club experience.

Michael Campbell’s podcast deals with every-day financial matters. To that end, he has some interesting facts about the federal budget. Canada will have the third highest capital gains tax rate on the planet after June 25th. Mike says he’s already heard from people who’ve owned rental properties for over a decade - with long term tenants. They are now going to sell as soon as possible because of the change to capital gains tax in effect on June 25. They are listing and giving tenants notice immediately – two months to find a new rental. HERE

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation comments that every time you pay GST you are actually paying the interest on the federal debt. Interest charges on Canada’s debt will be $54 billion this year – GST revenue will be $54 billion. That’s just the interest on the debt, now costing taxpayers more than $1 billion a week. Check it out HERE.

QUOTATION – Just because you are the loudest does not mean you are the smartest.

Eby not budging despite frustration over drug decriminalization problems

Premier David Eby is not giving up on drug decriminalization in spite of growing opposition. Public frustration is growing around open drug use and hospital safety, as critics question his government’s planning for and response to complications from decriminalization. Eby argues the government is trying to keep people alive, to get them intro treatment. “We have attempted to put in place a system that recognizes some of the impacts we've seen of the ongoing toxic drug crisis that we're in, including public drug use by some individuals and we're not going to let it go,” he added. MORE

Premier David Eby

Meanwhile down the road, the Oregon legislature recognized its mistake on drug decriminalization and rolled back the program. State legislators reinstated a misdemeanour for possession starting Sept. 1. The default penalty is probation with mandatory addiction treatment, with no jail time or fines. If someone breaks probation they could face up to six months in jail. MORE

The controversial Howard Johnson Hotel redevelopment is back to square one. City Council passed third reading after a public hearing on Thursday with a written presentation from Snuneymuxw. Chief Michael Wyse's five-page letter outlined concerns about the huge development. He cited environmental impacts and potential grave sites or artifacts on the site, which was once the Swayxum Village. MORE

Chief Mike Wyse

Cheers to Adrianne Dartnall and Rick Lennert of Nanaimo for being presented the Governor-General's Meritorious Service Medal for their charity work as founders of the Kids International Development Society. They accepted the award in Ottawa recently. The G-G's websote recognized the “remarkable contributions in many different fields of endeavour, from advocacy initiatives and health-care services, to research and humanitarian efforts. MORE

It's a title not everyone would strive for, but Victoria has the dubious distinction as Dope City, thanks to Uber Eats delivery service. That might explains lot of things about our capital city. Cannabis delivery started last year through Uber and since then Victorians have ordered the most marijuana in any city served by Uber. Metro Vancouver area communities round out the top five. Uber says the most expensive order placed in the province over the past year hit $307.98 for an ounce of bud and a bong.MORE

Ottawa’s new dental-care plan is creating more aches than buy-in from providers, leading the government to allow direct billing on a claim-by-claim basis without signing on to the program. Dental clinics have been slow to sign up for the new program, even though 1.7 million seniors have already enrolled. They’re not thrilled about how much the government plans to pay for services and the administrative burden. MORE

Short-term rentals owners have a hammer over their heads with pending regulations that include penalties of up to $10,000 per day. Investigations will be conducted by a provincial enforcement unit, which will launch once the new rules take effect on May 1. Daily penalties will range from $500 to $5,000 for hosts, depending on the infraction, and reach as high as $10,000 for corporations. Premier David Eby reiterated that the purpose of the regulations is to open up thousands of potential long-term housing units that are offered on apps such as Airbnb and VRBO. MORE

QUOTABLE – How come sheep don’t shrink when it rains?

What we have here is a

complete failure to communicate

A growing number of constituents on social media are pissed off at the lack of response and service they get from some of their elected representatives. Most people believe if they have a problem they can contact their Councillor, MLA or MP. That’s not what happens. Here’s a question, would you vote for someone who does not respect you enough to answer the phone, or acknowledge that they’ve even read your correspondence? The worst invention since the telephone is the automated answering machine which forces you to leave a message so they can decide whether to talk to you or ignore you.

The earth moved near Port Allice yesterday as two earthquakes rumbled under water about 200 km to the west. The first was 4.8 magnitude, then the second, at 4.3 magnitude followed late last night. Earthquakes Canada says no damage would be expected and it was not felt. No tsunamis is expected following these quakes.

Whatever floats your boat. Carol Love of Nanaimo is serenading ann Orca whale calf with her violin, hoping to entice the animal to leave the remote lagoon where she has been trapped for almost four weeks. Carol is watching the tides at the lagoon and will play at every high tide to entice the orca calf to pass through a narrow channel, under a bridge and into the open ocean. Her concerts come as a rescue team continues preparations for another attempt to catch the Orca calf in a net and transport it to the nearby ocean. MORE

Get ready to duck, there’s an aerial bombardment coming to the sky over Nanaimo as the province targets hundreds of hectares of the Island with a biological insecticide to reduce the spread of invasive spongy moths. Large sprays are also planned for Qualicum Beach, North Saanich, Greater Victoria and Cowichan Bay. Three aerial assaults are set from late this month to mid-June, depending on the weather, at dawn and end no later than 7:30 a.m. MORE

That little construction project you’re planning could turn into a big boom. Nanaimo recorded 20 gas line strikes from digging activities in 2023, the most by any one city in the region and 15 per cent of all reports on Vancouver Island. 132 lines were hit last year on the Island. The rule is simple, check before you dig to find out where the gas lines are. MORE

The murder trial of Paris Jayanne Laroche, 28, resumed yesterday. She has pleaded not guilty to first degree murder and indignity to human remains after Sidney Josephe Mantee, 32, was murdered in 2020. She had admitted to undercover police and several witnesses to striking Mantee in the back of the head multiple times with sledgehammer. MORE

There have been no known instances of human trafficking from Nanaimo Airport and they want to keep it that way. The airport has signed on to a new awareness campaign (#NotInMyCity) to “prevent, disrupt, and end sexual exploitation and trafficking. Terminal and customer care manager Laurie Hawthornthwaite said transportation hubs like airports can play a crucial role in spotting and disrupting human trafficking, as long as they know how to spot the indicators. Information posters are set up around YCD with the steps if you suspect someone might be the victim of human trafficking. MORE

We have miles and miles of streams in our greater neighbourhood, and they get messed up. A salute to Nanaimo Area Land Trust NALT volunteers who have been busy cleaning up to fulfil their mission - to support, promote and protect the natural values of land and water in our area. Here are the Cat Stream Streamkeepers at a recent cleanup blitz. Thank you.

You never know what you’ll find in our rivers. How about a submerged car lot? Or even a school bus? Metro Vancouver police found the bus and other vehicles in the Fraser River while investigating a car found in the river with its lights on and the motor running, but no occupant around. The RCMP underwater recovery team found the stolen vehicle along with multiple other vehicles that appear to have been there for some time. MORE

Do we have any idea of the cost of everything in the federal budget? The numbers are so big it’s beyond comprehension for most of us. We might guess that spending on health care would top the list. Well, you’d be wrong. The cost of servicing the national debt is greater than health care. New spending includes $8.5 billion for housing, a $6 billion Canada Disability Benefit, a $1 billion national school food program, and a $500 million fund for youth mental health. The government expects to recoup $19 billion by raising the capital gains tax level and taxes on cigarettes and vaping products but that still leaves them in the hole with a $40 billion deficit which accrues interest upon interest. MORE

Hey, we’re in the playoffs. The Canucks have home playoff tickets after about a decade in the wilderness. If you plan to attend, better arrange for a mortgage, the price for a single Premium ticket is 600 bucks. They tout an elevated experience as you get arena seating with 400-Level views of the ice, as well as access to a Premium Buffet featuring the "Millionaires Menu". You just might have to be one to buy in. If they win each series in seven games that’s 16 home playoff games – just under ten grand. Check it out HERE. Regular seats are also available but still at elevated prices. Go Canucks.

QUOTABLE – The benefits of aging – a failing memory absolves a guilty conscience

I hear the gravy train a'comin,

it's the election handout special

We should have elections more often, they make our elected officials more visible and generous. You can tell election time is upon us, our representatives are showing up to glad-hand with the masses. A couple of cabinet ministers held a town hall this week at the Chinese Cultural Centre. MLA and cabinet minister Hon. Sheila Malcolmson and MLA Doug Routley were joined by Citizens Services Minister George Chow on Monday where the focus centred on doctor shortages and other local priorities. That goes along with the promises of a Nanaimo cancer centre and 20 new complex care spaces. Keep it coming, it’s our money. MORE

Just like a rubber ball, they keep bouncing back – former BC Ferries CEO Mark Collins has resurfaced as the new boss at FRS Clipper in Canada, the ferry that sails between Victoria and Seattle. It also has a CEO for the American side of operations. Collins was canned at BC Ferries in mid-2022, as it dealt with staffing shortages and unreliable service. MORE

Buckets and buckets of money continues to be cast upon the waters to relocate an orca whale trapped in a lagoon up Island. The Department of Fisheries says a new attempt will be finalized in the next few days. Any new attempt to capture and release the young whale will depend on weather and the availability of equipment and personnel.

Thanks for the ride, but no thanks. So much for being evicted. A moulting juvenile elephant seal apparently wasn’t thrilled about his new digs on the northern part of the Island after he was relocated there. He immediately swam back to the Victoria area on an astonishing six-day journey. He has a degree of comfort around people that could lead to trouble.

Premier David Eby tends to get cheeky at times so couldn’t resist taking a poke at other provinces that have balked at conditions for infrastructure money from Tuesday’s federal budget. The funding has strings attached that have Alberta and Ontario premiers resisting. “We are prepared to accept all of the money that is refused by other provinces, that refuse to take basic steps to ensure the availability of housing. We have already implemented all the pieces the federal government wants other provinces to do,” Eby said. MORE

Another one bites the dust as Western Forest Products indefinitely ceases operations at its Alberni Pacific Division facility. It has already been shut since the fall of 2022. WFP says it has been unable to reach a deal that would allow the site to keep operating. The remaining 60 employees are being offered voluntary severance pay.

The safe drug supply controversy isn’t going away, and Premier David Eby doesn’t buy the argument. Vancouver Police Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson told a House of Commons committee Monday that about half of hydromorphone seizures were diverted from safe supply drugs. Speaking as the president of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police, she said roughly 20 per cent of hydromorphone prescriptions in B.C. are from safe supply. Eby said this was the first time he’s heard these numbers from the VPD, countering that half of the hydromorphone diverted is from people’s prescriptions for pain or other uses. MORE

QUOTABLE – Here’s a thought. Politicians’ wages should be reduced at the rate of inflation.

Nanaimo Cancer Centre gets green light,

construction scheduled to begin in 2025

A new Nanaimo Cancer Centre at NRGH has the green light with construction slated to begin in 2025. Health Minister Adrian Dix announced the beginning of the procurement process adding the state-of-the-art facility will benefit patients in Nanaimo and the surrounding region through the latest medical technology. The three-storey centre will be built next to the ambulatory care building. The new single-storey addition will be home to a new community oncology network clinic and expanded pharmacy. FULL REPORT

NANAIMO WILL GET 20 new complex care spaces for those with mental health or addiction challenges. It’s part of a 240-unit addition province-wide.  The spaces come with wrap-around supports for people with overlapping challenges including developmental disabilities, trauma or an acquired brain injury. Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside said more people can get the co-ordinated care they need right in their own homes, and they can live happier and healthier lives in their communities and remain connected to their support networks. MORE

A RESIDENTIAL FIRE that heavily damaged a carport, garage and boat on the weekend is under investigation. Nanaimo Fire Rescue Assistant Chief David Dales said the fire in the 3000 block of Neyland Road generated multiple 911 calls when neighbours reported it at about 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Arrowsmith Search and Rescue crews continue to search in the Oceanside area today for John Mathers, 75, who was reported missing on Monday after he left his home in the morning to run errands and did not return. His truck was found Monday evening at Englishman River Falls Park. Mathers is 5’10”, 140 pounds with balding light brown hair and a short beard. MORE

A WOMAN WHO STABBED a man sleeping at a bus stop at Port Place in 2022 has been sentenced to two years time served and two years probation. Kimberly Anne Lewis, 53, pleaded guilty to the attack between two people known to each other that left the victim seriously injured. She will remain indefinitely at a residential treatment centre in Mission. MORE

BACK ON IDOL – Lauren Spencer-Smith was back on American Idol as a guest performer on Sunday. She sang “Fingers Crossed”, a single she released in 2022 and previously reached number one on charts in Ireland and Norway. It was Lauren’s first time on the American Idol stage. Her run on the program was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, competing from her home along Sprout Lake. She was recently nominated for three Juno awards. MORE

INCREASED CARBON DIOXIDE is leading to more vigorous tree growth, sending extra pollen in the air. Arborist Dan Sharp of Davey Tree Services says the pollen season is longer. He adds more heat and carbon dioxide means increased growth, but with less moisture in our spring and summer it’s tricky to predict what comes next. MORE

QUOTABLE – How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage.

SPRING MAY BE HERE – A temperature record that stood for almost a century was broken Saturday in Nelson as the mercury hit 23.3 C and then rose more than a degree higher, to 24.6 C. on Sunday. A stretch of sunny weather in the Lower Mainland may be interrupted by a few showers today but sunny days are in the forecast Tuesday through Friday with highs hitting 16 C. Lest we get too cocky, a snow warning is in place for Fort Nelson with five to 10 centimetres expected to fall today. MORE

PERSPECTIVE – WHY DO WE HAVE such a major shortage of doctors? An informative article in the Sooke News Mirror explains what their community has to go through to bring in foreign-trained doctors. It's worth reading. HERE

IT’S A SUCCESS STORY for the Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter after they raised $289,000 to bring their building up to building and fire code standards. They raised the money through grants and fund raising efforts, including $120,000 from the federal Reaching Home program. Some of the money will be invested in the upgrades, and the rest will supporti the shelter’s Clean Team which cleans up neighbourhood graffiti and litter, as well as the shower program at Caledonia Park. MORE

SHORT-TERM RENTALS – The city is adapting to new provincial Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act to restrict short-term rentals with changes over the next year. The province in implementing the new rules through this year and into early 2025 with enhanced regulation and enforcement. That means you have to register all short-term rentals, sharing host data with municipalities, and requiring advertising platforms to remove listings without valid business license or registration numbers. MORE

ALL DOWN HILL – Registration opens today for the Hub City Soap Box Derby on Franklyn Street in mid-August. Jay Clayton said the move to Franklyn Street from Wesley Street creates a new look for racers in their home-made vehicles, as well as spectators. The downhill grade will be a little steeper speeding up the racers. The Old City Quarter Association and the Downtown Business Association are involved in the event. MORE

QUOTABLE – We can’t solve hunger, homelessness or poverty here at home but we think we can change the climate in the entire universe.

Numbers are down but severity of reported crimes is on the increase

FEWER VICTIMS ARE REPORTING crimes but the severity of those reported is rising. RCMP Insp. Andrew Burton laid out the picture at a public safety committee meeting reporting on calls for police service between 2019-2023. He said the numbers fluctuate for many reasons, but some could be because people don’t bother to report crimes and police are concerned it could be a factor.“I encourage people to pick up the phone and make the call. I think it’s easy to get frustrated and say ‘oh nothing is going to get done, I’ve called before, nothing is going to get done.’ I can tell you nothing will get done if you don’t call the police,” said Burton. MORE

ISLAND WISH LISTS – Island communities bared their needs at the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities convention ending today in Victoria. Among the 57 resolutions, Nanaimo presented a wish for a provincial housing co-ordinator saying that homelessness and housing instability in the province have been growing at an unprecedented rate. Mayor Leonard Krog said we have a lot of people who are not in need of supports but just need a place to live. The Alberni region is looking for an alternate route for emergencies. MORE

IN CASE YOU’VE GOT SOME GOLD lying around, Nanaimo Women Helping Women could sure use it. They have launched a fund raiser to collect unwanted gold and silver jewellery to convert to cash for their programs and supports. Founder Kerri Isham said some women have a mismatched single earring or a broken chain in their jewellery box that could be donated. If have a donation, send an email nanaimowomenhelpingwomen@gmail.com to arrange drop-off at two locations in the city, or pickup. MORE

QUOTABLE – Your personal problems don’t merit a cultural revolution.

OUR RIGHTS ARE eroding. New international agreements in the works will hand over pandemic powers to the World Health Organization. One of the main concerns is that the WHO will have authority to declare a health emergency, making it the final authority for the world’s public health response. The UN is ramping up efforts to persuade member countries to get in line before its annual meeting beginning May 27. MORE

Hollywood Nanaimo will shut down
section of downtown for six weeks

BEWARE OF ZOMBIES – Our downtown will be transformed into a movie set with a major section of Commercial Street closed as it is transformed into a filming zone. During other times in the six-week run, access will be maintained for surrounding businesses and the Vancouver Island Regional Library. The tuning fork sculpture and some trees at Diana Krall Plaza were temporarily removed in March to accommodate the show. HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’  is filming its second season in B.C. The show is based off a hit video game 20 years into a global pandemic, which transforms people into zombie-like creatures.

DOWNTOWN CHAOS – Crews have begun removing awnings from downtown businesses to reduce loitering after numerous fires set by squatters who shelter under them. And another business is ready to throw in the towel after three breakings in just over a month. Kwak Kihong, owner Nanda Korean Fried Chicken, says he’s scared and angry, and considering closing the doors to his business. MORE

WANTED ON WARRANTS – Police on the Island are looking for 38-year-old Morgan Elizabeth Blanch who is wanted on a load of unendorsed warrants including possessing a weapon for dangerous purpose; theft under $5,000; break and enter; theft of a motor vehicle and fraud. Blanch is 5’8″ tall Caucasian female, 141 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair. Police are asking anyone who has any information about her whereabouts to contact the RCMP. MORE

THERE ARE NO TICKETS – Don’t try to buy Taylor Swift concert tickets on social media, you’re likely to get burned. Police warn fans not to fall for scams advertising resale tickets on Facebook to her sold-out Vancouver shows.

West Shore RCMP said it has received complaints about a fraud on several Facebook community groups and Facebook Marketplace. They they believe the Facebook account advertising the tickets had been hacked or cloned.

MORE

SWITCHING GEARS – After taking a new tack, Habitat for Humanity is developing a multi-unit affordable housing complex with four buildings at 5915 Metral Dr. Executive director Jeff Krafta says it will be unlike previous single-family builds. It’s a 25-unit stacked townhouse, with some one-bedroom ground floor or upper floor units, and some units with both an upstairs and a downstairs. MORE

A SIGN OF THE TIMES – Nanaimo’s iconic welcome sign in Maffeo Sutton Park has been defaced. The multi-coloured O was spay-painted with lettering reading “No WEF” – the World Economic Forum. The city says the multi-coloured 15 segments represent diversity. Mayor Leonard Krog was not amused, expressing anger over the vandalism. MORE

THE MILITARY MUSEUM is recognizing the men who played a vital role in  Canadian war history. More than 2,000 men from China died while working as labourers on the battlefields of Europe in the First World War. An estimated 80,000 Chinese men were transported by train from Victoria to Halifax in 1917 in secret by the government to bypass a $500 head tax on Chinese labourers. MORE

THIS IS SICKENING – Labour Minister Harry Bains revealed in the Legislature that 36 health care workers got WorkSafeBC compensation last year for exposure to substances of various kinds, including drugs. He said the health care workers, including nurses, had time-loss claims accepted for exposures that include tobacco, medications and even drugs and 14 of these workers were nurses. MORE

EIGHT YEARS OF DRUG CRISIS  – More than 2,000 Island people have died during the eight years since the toxic drug crisis was declared a public health emergency on April 14, 2016. The death toll is 2,428 during that time. Members of Island Health’s Harm Reduction Team reflect on this somber anniversary. FULL STORY

QUOTABLE – If the professor on Gilligan's Island could make a radio out of a coconut, why couldn't he fix a hole in a boat?

City and Hospitality Association square off over hotel room tax

WHOSE MONEY IS IT? – The city and tourism operators are wrangling over who controls and administers hotel tax revenue. The tax is charged to short-term rentals like hotels, to boost local tourism marketing, programs and events. The tax has been handled by the Nanaimo Hospitality Association since its inception, but the City wants switch control of the $1.2 million to Tourism Nanaimo which was formed since the original deal which expires at the end of this year. Tourism Nanaimo is responsible now for destination marketing for the region. MORE

FINDING A FAMILY DOCTOR should become a lot easier as the province streamlines the process to connect residents to family doctors. The Health Connect Registry has more than 800 primary care providers who can take on as many as 170,000 new patients. Health Minister Adrian Dix says the plan will accelerate the patient-doctor matching process to help the 310,000 who are on registry. The new system goes into effect April 17. MORE

AROUND THE CLOCK SERVICE – Gabriola Island is getting an enhanced full-time ambulance station. Each station has eight full-time positions, with paramedics on duty 24 hours a day. It’s part of the move to provide more ambulance services in line with a provincial conversion plan to enhance 911 responsiveness and provide reliable out-of-hospital care. MORE

LACROSSE SEASON SAVED – Hazelwood Construction Services has come through to rescue the Nanaimo Senior B Timbermen as the title sponsor for 2024. A player-led intervention saw the team return to the floor last year after a key sponsor pulled out. COVID shut down the West Coast Senior Lacrosse Association for the 2020 and 2021 seasons and not operating for three years threatened the future of the team until Hazelwood chipped in.  MORE

DID YOU GET ONE? A total of 838 red light tickets were issued to drivers running through the Island Highway-Bowen Road-Norwell Drive intersection last year. That’s a big jump of 21 per cent from the previous year when 663 tickets were issued. That was also the highest total of any camera outside the Lower Mainland. The Island Highway-Aulds-Hammond Bay Road intersection monitors double duty, nabbing 152 speeders last year along with 149 red light runners. MORE

IT TOOK ONLY ONE DAY for scammers to zero in on an increased subsidy for elderly low-income renters. The agency warns on its website and social media that it will never use text messages to invite recipients to claim benefits. The province announced on Tuesday that it was granting $430 to the about 20,000 seniors in the SAFER program. BC Housing informed recipients that they will get the one-time benefit with their regular payments this month. Don’t respond to any test messages on this topic. MORE

IN ANOTHER SCAM, multiple suspects impersonated police officers to defraud a senior. New Westminster police said the suspects spoke to the senior at her home and talked her into handing over several credit and debit cards, which were later used to make fraudulent purchases. MORE

QUOTABLE – If you have a problem with what I say, then yes, you do have a problem.

Low snowpack levels raise concern about drought threat 

THE SNOWPACK on our mountains is the lowest in more than half a century at only 49 per cent heightening concerns about possible drought. Levels in March reached their second-lowest point in history. River Forecast Centre Hydrologist Jonathan Boyd said despite Vancouver Island having the second-lowest snowpack in the province, none of their measurements were at record lows. The lowest year recorded was in 2015 when Vancouver Island was 15 per cent of normal for April 1. MORE

CATCH BASIN CLEANING – You’ll see them on our streets throughout the summer. City Public Works staff and contractors will begin the annual storm water catch basins clean out on Monday – 10,000 catch basins. They will start in the Duke Point area and work their way north along various streets in the city. There will be large equipment and staff working on roads so use caution and obey traffic control personnel directions. The job is expected to be complete by August. MORE

THE FOREST INDUSTRY will reach new heights with building-code changes allowing for mass timber use in buildings up to 18 storeys. The expansion includes building with mass timber for housing, retail, light and medium industrial construction and care facilities. Mass timber, also known as engineered wood, can be used in place of steel or concrete and is made of smaller wood connected with adhesives, dowels, nails or screws to create larger structural components. MORE

OPEN CAREER FAIR – VIU’s Career Studio is staging a career fair April 26, and you’re invited. It’s open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the gymnasium (Building 190). There will be more than 40 businesses and organizations ranging from government and health care to banking and construction industries. For anyone looking for local talent, they’re still accepting employer participants. MORE

BAD LEADERSHIP will be the focus of VIU’s Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, Dr. Michael MacKenzie’s keynote presentation on April 15 at the Engaged Speaker Series. There have been countless books about leadership, but most focus on good leadership. Dr. MacKenzie argues we don’t spend enough time talking about bad leadership, or bad followers. A panel discussion will follow with CKNW radio host Jas Johal moderating with Shachi Kurl, President of the Angus Reid Institute, and Lisa Helps, former mayor of Victoria. It’s at VIU’s Malaspina Theatre (Building 310) at 6:30 p.m. or online via Zoom webinar.

QUOTABLE – Please and thank you are still magic words

Fair Care Alliance advocacy campaign launched locally

INADEQUATE HEALTH SERVICES have led to the launch of an advocacy campaign. Donna Hais introduced Faircare Alliance as a new voice of health care advocacy at Monday’s City Council meeting. WeNeedHealthcare.ca went live this week, while several highway billboards are in the process of being installed to draw more attention to what advocates call a severe specialized health care deficit on Vancouver Island north of Mill Bay.

NO SURCHARGE, YET – B.C. Ferries is bearing the increase in the carbon dioxide tax, but no decision has been made to increase the fuel surcharge at this time.

HAPPY CENTENNIAL – The 205 Collishaw Air Cadets squadron and 808 Thunderbird Wing Nanaimo are celebrating the hundredth birthday of the Air Force with an open house on Saturday. It’s at the Thunderbird Wing’s lounge on Nanaimo Lakes Rd. from 1-4 p.m. The event includes guest speakers, a slide show from one of the VIU students with pictures from the past and information about the RCAF. MORE

GOOD NEWS FOR SENIORS – The province has a one-time $430 gift for about 20,000 seniors in its SAFER program for elderly low-income renters. Eligible seniors don’t need to apply for the payment, since they are already of the SAFER program. The program will expand eligibility for seniors with annual incomes up to $37,240, a rise of $4,240. Other changes will include the possible annual review and amendment of rent ceilings, which are used to determine how much rental assistance a senior receives. MORE

A TREATMENT CENTRE for Indigenous youth will be ready to open by this fall in Lantzville. The Orca Lelum Youth Wellness Centre will be the first on the Island to offer detox services for Indigenous youth. Premier David Eby brought a $7.1 million grant from the province, with another $1 million from Island Health. Eby said the Indigenous-led work done at the society is a shining a light of hope. Indigenous people are six times more likely to die of an overdose in this province, and that’s why it’s so critical working in partnership with First Nations leadership to respond to the crisis, Eby added. MORE

IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s on May 26 will honour Sue and Andrew Dysart for their contribution to the community and their desire to help other people affected by dementia. It takes place atNanaimo Yacht Club. Registration starts at 10 a.m. followed by the Walk from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Andrew is among the 85,000 people with dementia in British Columbia. The walk will raise funds in Nanaimo for essential programs and services and ensure people with dementia and the people who care for them don’t face it alone. For more information contact rmanj@alzheimerbc.org.

QUOTABLE – Another way to look at Monday’s eclipse, Planet earth got mooned.

Safe Supply drugs being traded

for illicit drugs on the streets

So-called safe supply drugs are being traded for illicit drugs right in front of pharmacies. Prince George RCMP arrested two people who were offering illicit drugs in exchange for safer supply opioids. When asked about the arrests Premier David Eby dodged the issue, thanking the police. However, BC United critic Elenore Sturko came up with a common sense solution where drugs would be taken by the user where the medication is dispensed, thus cutting down the opportunity to exchange it with a drug dealer. MORE

TRANSIT HUB HOUSING – The government is serious about locating housing near transit. It has bought two lots in Saanich for hundreds of units of housing in multiple buildings, along with retail and commercial space. The move to buy land is meant to address concerns about property values climbing near transit hubs. MORE

TAKING VOTERS FOR A RIDE – The Regional Transit Committee is recommending free rides to the polls on municipal, provincial and federal election days. In past, the RDN has supported free fares on specific election days to encourage voting and to ensure residents without transportation to get to the polls. MORE

GOOD IDEAS OFTEN lose their sheen in the light of day. Municipalities are digging into the fine details of new housing density legislation, and possible impacts on firefighting tools to protect high-rise and mid-rise buildings. Lantzville doesn’t have four-storey residential structures that may be mandated by new housing legislation, meaning they may have to add ladder trucks, and that comes with the question of funding sources. MORE

BOOSTER CLUB – Another round of COVID-19 vaccination booster shot invitations are on their way. People who haven't had a booster against the XBB. 1.5 Omicron variant will be offered the free shot. Others include adults 65 and older, Indigenous adults 55 and over, residents of long-term care homes and assisted-living facilities, and anyone older than six months who is “clinically extremely vulnerable.” Anyone who wants a booster can book an appointment or walk into a pharmacy where the shots are available. MORE

VINYL IS BACK IN STYLE – Who would have imgined that records could make such a comeback? The Nanaimo Record Show is testament to that as it returns to the Bowen Park Auditorium April 21, with more tables and more than 500 feet of records. Downtown Nanaimo has at least five places to find LPs. This year’s show has attracted more vendors than ever from the mainland. It takes place at the Bowen Park Auditorium, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is two bucks and kids under 12 get in free. MORE

TOURISM IS RELIANT on circumstances and businesses are hoping for a big comeback this year. There’s room for optimism, across Canada visitor numbers in January were up nine per cent despite challenges like a lack of snow for ski resorts. Brian Cant of 4VI, the new moniker for Tourism Vancouver Island, says there is optimism for a strong year ahead, but there is concern about inflation impacting travel. MORE

QUOTABLE – To be clear, the experts weren’t wrong, they lied. There’s a big difference

THE HOMELESS SITUATION in Nanaimo is not getting any better. A report from last April found that at least 515 people were without homes in Nanaimo, up almost 20 per cent from 2020. The study also found that one third of those surveyed were First Nations. Mayor Leonard Krog believes the homeless population is actually much higher, more like 900 or 1,000. The B.C. Urban Mayor’s Caucus that he sits on has been calling on the province to deal with this for a long time. MORE

THE SOLAR ECLIPSE will cover less than 30 per cent of the sun as it glides past the west coast today. But even that may be obscured by clouds over the region. The Nanaimo Astronomy Society will be set up at Piper’s Lagoon with the expected high point between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Anyone planning to view the eclipse is warned over and over, make sure you don’t stare directly at the sun, use proper eye protection. MORE

INCOME TAX TIME – Many people have already filed their income tax returns, and brings out scammers to target your expected refund. Canada Revenue Agency and Service Canada never telephone about your account. Such a phone contact, no matter how legitimate it sounds, is a scam. Just hang up. On a side note, many scammers harvest personal information from innocent-looking social media likes and shares. They are designed to glean information from you that can be used by scammers.

QUOTABLE – Life is too short to waste by being miserable.

MONDAY’S SOLAR ECLIPSE will cover mainly the east side of the continent, but we may get a sample as it gets dusk here. We’re on the western side of the eclipse path. Nanaimo Astronomy Society members and volunteers will try to make the most of it at Pipers Lagoon Park with telescopes and special glasses for viewing.

A ROLLOVER CRASH along the Nanaimo Parkway on Saturday sent one man to hospital. The truck left the Parkway near south Jingle Pot Road and rolled into the ditch, creating a difficult recovery operation. A second person was out of the truck before crews arrived. MORE

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY is changing gears to provide more density and leasing to replace home ownership in a bid to combat high housing costs. Habitat is aiming to begin construction s this year on a 25 unit, three-storey complex at 5915 Metral Dr. MORE

IT’S GOING TO BE EASIER to get a drink this summer. As the tourist season approaches, the B.C. Government is loosening the rules for liquor sales at breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries. Wineries can increase the size of servings up to 10 ounces per customer. Breweries and cideries can offer flights up to 24 ounces, while distilleries can serve a maximum of three ounces of a spirit. Manufacturers can offer another seating area where visitors can try samples during tours. MORE

ANDREW HARRIS WILL SIGN a one-day contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to retire as a member of the team. The Winnipeg native began his career in junior football with our own VI Raiders before turning pro with the B.C. Lions in 2011 and winning a Grey Cup. He then helped the Bombers win two Cup titles and another one with the Toronto Argonauts. Andrew is the CFL’s all-time leading Canadian rusher, with five 1,000-yard rushing seasons over his 13-year CFL career. He was earlier reported to have a management position with the Raiders. MORE

QUOTABLE – Life could be worse . . . milk could have pulp

WELCOME TO A GREAT STURDAY MORNING. It's going to be a wet day, so head out to one of the hotspots in town this weekend, the Rotary Club of Nanaimo twice-a-year book sale in the cozy confines of North Town Centre. There are somewhere near 80,000 titles and about 40,000 or more will be sold at the sale. About $130,000 is raised annually from the book sales, with nearly $2 million raised to date. Go down there, you're sure to find some treasures there.

15 PEOPLE DIED from toxic drugs in Nanaimo in February, tying the high mark from last year. At least 177 died in B.C. in February, an 11-per-cent rise from a year ago. It is the 20th consecutive month in which there have been at least 175 deaths. Most of those deaths are not on the street – 86 per cent occurred inside. Only 13 per cent occurred outside in vehicles, sidewalks, streets and parks. The Northern (76.7) and Island (54.3) health authorities recorded record-high rates of death to start the year. Vancouver, Surrey and Nanaimo have the highest number of unregulated drug deaths so far this year.

EXTRA DUTY FOR LISA MARIE – Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP Lisa Marie Barron has been handed additional responsibility within the federal NDP caucus. She’s now the party’s critic for democratic reform. She has been advocating for electoral reform for some time. She will also keep her role as critic for fisheries and oceans. MORE

END OF THE LINE – Paper Excellence Canada is returning million of dollars to the provincial and federal governments and will not restart operations at its Crofton mill. The company announced an investment of nearly $50 million a year ago to upgrade paper operations at Crofton mill, restart the paper machine and put employees back to work. That didn’t happen, and now the company announced the indefinite curtailment operations. It has returned $4.5 million to the province and is working through the administrative process of returning the federal funding, too, previously announced as $14.3 million. MORE

POLICE ARE TRYING to identify a motorcycle rider shown on social media weaving through traffic at nearly 300 km/h south of Nanaimo. The video was posted but has been removed. Const. Dave Pennington of the BC Highway Patrol in Parksville recognized the stretch of road, saying it’s a 90 km/h zone between Morden Road and the Nanaimo Airport. MORE

PRE-ELECTION ACTIVITY is beginning to heat up in the mid-Island. B.C. Conservatives are busy filling their roster of candidates for the October election. The latest to declare is Viraat Thammanna for Nanaimo-Gabriola Island. Viraat has been active in local politics, running twice for Nanaimo city council. He’s been a real firecracker in volunteering in the community. In the Ladysmith-Oceanside riding, RDN Director Lehann Wallace is opposing MLA Adam Walker for the NDP nomination. MORE. See the new electoral district boundaries HERE.

IONA CAMPAGNOLO, British Columbia’s first female lieutenant-governor, has died at age 91. She served as lieutenant governor from 2001 to 2007 after earlier service in the federal Liberal cabinet. MORE

GAS PRICES IN THE LOWER MAINLAND usually filter down to our market, and the future does not look good for local drivers. Vancouver prices soared to $2.149 per litre on Friday and experts warn prices could climb as high as $2.30 by mid-April. In Nanaimo, prices were still under $2 per litre at $1.999 on Friday night.

QUOTABLE – I never dreamed that I would become a big spender, but the cost of living has turned me into one.

ILLICIT DRUG USE is not limited to northern B.C. WorkSafeBC has inspected several Vancouver Island hospitals after nurses and health-care staff claimed exposure to illicit drug smoke. Postmedia reports the inspections at Campbell River General Hospital, Victoria General Hospital, Royal Jubilee in Victoria, and at several community health sites were in response to worker exposures to illicit substances in work sites, a June, 2023 WorkSafeBC report states. The issue has surfaced after a leaked Northern Health memo advised nurses not to confiscate drugs or small knives from patients. MORE

CHANGING STRIPES – Former NDP MLA Gwen O’Mahony has jumped ship and is running for the B.C. Conservatives in the new Nanaimo-Lantzville electoral district in the October election. Party leader John Rustad says it is evidence of building a big-tent party. O’Mahony was the MLA for Chilliwack-Hope from 2012 to 2013. She said things have changed in this province, the world has changed, the B.C. NDP has changed, citing the NDP position on drug decriminalization as one of her motivating factors. MORE

VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY is phasing out four programs after this year to align with regional needs and demand. Enrolment has dropped combined with the increased costs of delivering services for fewer students. Students in those programs will continue to graduation but no new students will be enrolled in these courses:

• Advanced Diploma in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Applications

• Integrated Engineering Technologist (Engineering Transfer Diploma will continue)

• Master in GIS Applications

• Online Learning and Teaching Graduate Diploma. MORE

NO MORE WAITING FEES – Child care providers are no longer allowed to charge fees for being on wait lists. Many child care providers were charging between $25 to $200 or more to put their names on a wait list. That’s a no-no as of April 1. Minister in charge Mitzi Dean said eliminating waitlist fees will mean that families no longer face having to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars simply to find a child care space. MORE

QUOTABLE – Cell phones bring you closer to those far from you but take you away from those sitting next to you.

UTILITY LINES PULLED DOWN – Power and communications lines were pulled down by a semi-tractor trailer yesterday afternoon. The driver had pulled out of a driveway onto Townsite Road and the trailer snagged the communication lines, pulling them down onto several parked cars. MORE

PEARL JAM FANS in Nanaimo will be able to get to and from the Pearl Jam concert in Vancouver in May. The band will stage two shows at Rogers Arena on May 4 and 6. Hullo is offering late-night sailings those dates to ferry people to Nanaimo with 11:55 p.m. departure sailings both nights. MORE

MORE THAN 350 VIU STUDENTS are showing off their stuff at CREATE 2024. The annual conference recognizes and celebrates student scholarship, research and creative activity and provides an opportunity to share their work and get feedback. This year’s conference runs from April 8 to 12 at various locations on the Nanaimo campus. MORE

CHAMPIONS RECOGNIZED. The Dover Bay Dolphins senior boys basketball squad got their just deserts Wednesday, being honoured for winning the provincial senior 3A championship last month.They were feted at a school-wide assembly and banner-raising ceremony. Frank Linder won the most valuable player award at provincials. MORE

GET YOUR FIX IN HOSPITAL – Health care workers in northern B.C. have been told that patients can use drugs while in their rooms and keep knives under four-inches. That opened a heated debate in the legislature Wednesday when BC United’s Shirley Bond introduced a memo with instructions to staff, citing it as evidence of a free-for-all with open drug use as a result of decriminalization. The memo says the decriminalization of drugs means that staff should neither search patients’ personal belongings for substances nor take them away if found. MORE

SHORT CIRCUITING – BC Hydro is running out of power and is on the hunt for private sources as electricity demands increase. The Crown utility is looking for clean power to add to its grids in the first call in 15 years. It is looking to acquire about 3,000 gigawatt hours per year. That it would provide electricity for 270,000 homes or about a million electric vehicles per year. Growth in all sectors has created the need due to population growth, housing construction and industrial development. MORE

QUOTABLE – My biggest problem is I’m too honest – I get into trouble because I say it like it is.

THEY ARE LEAVING – B.C. had a net loss of 8,624 people in interprovincial migration last year, the first time in more than a decade, reports Statistics Canada. Premier David Eby said he is aware of the trend and is taking the issue head on by improving affordability for young people in the province. MORE

YOU CAN’T PARK FREE on the streets near Nanaimo Hospital any more but the city is making it easy for you to cough up. Pay parking is now in effect. Welcome to HotSpot Parking, a web-based, mobile solution for convenient payment on your cell phone. There are also ticket kiosks that accept quarters, loonies and toonies. There’s still some free parking options on side streets. Pay parking is 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday and free on Sundays. Check it out HERE.

THIS IS WHEN YOU LET your sweet tooth take over – ­it’s Girl Guides cookie time. Girl Guides holds two nationwide cookie fundraising campaigns per year with 100 per cent of the proceeds supports Girl Guides programs. Keep your wallet close at hand for when they show up. MORE

REGULATING RENTALS – The government is clamping down on landlords, stopping bad-faith evictions, protecting families who add a child and helping landlords who have problematic tenants. Changes would ban evictions for personal use in purpose-built rental buildings, force the landlord to live in the unit for a year.

If passed, it will prohibit landlords from increasing rent when a child is added to a household. MORE.

THE GASOLINE PRICE did not pop over the two-dollar mark on Monday after a 3.3 cents per litre carbon tax hike. Prices reported on Gas Buddy hovered between $1.989 and $1.999 on Tuesday. With summer coming, don’t be surprised if we’ve seen the last of fuel under two bucks for some time.

QUOTABLE – Easter is over but no, you can’t get out the Christmas decorations yet.

FEDERAL CONSERVATIVE LEADER Pierre Poilievre brought his federal election campaign theme to Nanaimo on Monday to a crowd of more than 500. He labelled the next election in 2025 as the “carbon tax election”. The came on the day that the federal tax on carbon emissions rose significantly, adding 3.3 cents per litre to the price of gasoline. Poilievre said the provincial government is expected to collect $9 billion more in carbon taxes and give back $3.5 billion in credits, a net cost of $5.5 billion in taxes in B.C. MORE

MEANWHILE, DEMONSTRATIONS took place in various B.C. locations protesting the carbon tax increase. The protests caused traffic disruptions along highways 1, 3 and 5. Throughout the day. B.C. opposition leader Kevin Falcon said every time the carbon tax,so is the cost of transportation, which increases the pressure on grocery prices. Falcon’s then-Liberal government brought the tax to B.C. in 2008. MORE

AN ADDICTED DRUG TRAFFICKER has been sentenced to 20 months is jail after pleading guilty to four drug charges in 2021 Gordon Clifford Brooks, 58, was handed the sentence in BC Supreme Court last week. GHB along with supplies to make it, cocaine and fentanyl were seized following searches of a vehicle and a Nanaimo motel room. MORE

QUOTABLE – I will always defend your right to be wrong.

TAKE TODAY’S NEWS with a grain of salt. Loof Lirpa is hard at work at many news outlets filling them with April 1 material. The joke is already on use with numerous price increases today – carbon tax, ferry fares (3.2%), hydro rates (2%) alcoholic beverages (2%) and the federal minimum wage. There may be others. The biggest joke is Prime Minister Trudeau insisting he needs to raise the carbon tax so he can give it back to us in rebates. And yes, members of Parliament gave themselves a raise.

AN ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE CRASH south of Nanaimo Sunday afternoon resulted in a woman being airlifted to hospital in Victoria. The crash happened as the woman was riding a quad ATV in the Nanaimo River Road area with a man on a motorcycle. MORE

OVER THE LIMIT – A man and his wife were fined a combined $7,000 for over-fishing clams and oysters at Nanoose Bay beach and lying about it. Sam Lam and his wife Hieu Tran each pleaded guilty to retaining oysters and clams above the daily limit last June. 54 oysters and 140 clams were harvested, well over the daily limit of 12 oysters and 60 clams. Lam was fined $5,000 for attempting to mislead the fishery officer, and Tran was fined $2,000. MORE

RESIDENTS AND DEVELOPERS have waited and waited and waited for action on the building permitting process. The city is buzzing at almost-unprecedented development and is looking at ways to become more efficient. Council got a detailed report on the development approval processes at a governance committee meeting. The main theme of report by consultant Allan Neilson was shortening wait times for property owners and developers to move through City processes. MORE

FARNWORTH

OPEN DRUG USE will continue, thanks to the B.C. Supreme Court extending an injunction by the Harm Reduction Nurses Association. The province implemented the drug ban following concerns about open drug use in the wake of the decriminalization of small amounts of illicit drugs. The Supreme Court had originally issued an injunction until March 31 and then extended it to June 30. MORE

MEANWHILE, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth is rightly outraged after an online video showed open drug use in a Maple Ridge restaurant. A group of men were smoking drugs in a booth. Staff at the Tim Hortons said they were forced to evacuate the restaurant. “There’s absolutely no place for that,” said Farnworth. “It’s illegal. People should not have to put up with that. It’s … absolutely just disgusting.” He added he would like to see the offenders hauled off and charged. MORE 

JUST HANGING OUT – Thirty-six-year-old Douglas Lance of Nanaimo, is in custody after being arrested on three indecent exposure charges in Greater Victoria and Burnaby. He faces eight charges from three incidents where he is accused of exposing himself and committing indecent acts, including involving minors. He was arrested March 24 and released and was arrested again three days later after a new complaint. He was also wanted in relation to a charge in Burnaby last November. MORE

CANUCKS PLAYOFF tickets are now available, but be prepared to shell our majorly. With late night ferry service between Nanaimo and Vancouver, a number of folks will be lining up for tickets. Tickets in the upper deck of the arena start at $250 each, and they will be higher in the lower deck. That’s for the first round, if the Canucks move on to the second round, expect to pay even more. Add on a hot dog and a beer and the ferry fare, sheesh! MORE

QUOTABLE – Just because you disagree doesn’t mean it’s wrong.

Kelowna RCMP confirm 2 dead in Adams Road incident, investigation ongoing

Robert Barron column: Dealing with dementia difficult for everyone concerned

B.C. superstar Dallas Smith debuts at Opry

17-year-old dead after stabbing in Prince George: RCMP

Man accused in Penticton drug trafficking case flees B.C. ahead of trial

B.C.’s Tyler O’Neill breaks MLB opening day homer record

Supreme Court upholds Yukon First Nation’s lawmaking authority

Kelowna’s Japan sister city, Kasugai, donates to wildfire relief efforts

24-03-29

Canucks making history with

3-headed goalie monster

Stones glitter as they kick off tour that brings them to B.C. in July

Finding right partner key to finding Canadian business office solutions

Trudeau turns to podcasts in bid to get his message to take hold

Quebec singer-songwriter Jean-Pierre Ferland dies of natural causes at 89

Lindholm nets OT winner as Canucks rally for 4-3 Game 4 win over Nashville

Drug user advocates concerned over B.C.’s decriminalization exception request

Orca’s escape from lagoon will be talked about for ‘generations,’ say Nations Chief

B.C. athlete becomes first UBC

player to be drafted to NFL

B.C. food products recalled

for possible Listeria contamination

B.C. sex offender pleads guilty to breaching supervision order

Evacuation alert lifted as wildfire

in northeastern B.C. now ‘held’