A grand find
for her birthday

What would you do if you found an envelope containing almost $1,000? A Nanaimo woman  knew exactly what should be done. The envelope containing $950, was found on Saturday March 2, 2024 outside of the Royal Bank at the Brooks Landing.


Lisa, told police that she had just stepped out of the ATM vestibule when she glanced down and noticed an envelope on the sidewalk. She picked it up, and then looked around for anyone who appeared to be frantically searching for it. Seeing no one, she drove directly to RCMP detachment to turn it over. Finding the front door locked she assumed the office was closed so she came back on Monday and turned it in.


Several days later, police received a phone call from the Branch Manager informing them that one of their clients had reported losing a large sum of money. The client called the police and explained the situation.


After verifying the amount, the denominations and where it was most likely lost, the money was turned over to the owner. Needless to say, she was extremely grateful.


Lisa was updated on the outcome by police and she too was ecstatic. She commented that it is her birthday next week and upon hearing this news, she couldn’t ask for a better gift.

Political
discourse
lacking



24-03-15

You've got to love David Taxman Eby’s reasoning. Replying to a letter from Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre asking to halt an April 1 carbon tax increase, Eby argued that by taking less money from us he would have less money to give back to us in rebates. Poilievre asked Eby to join seven other premiers in opposing the increase, saying the 23-per-cent rise amounts to an extra 18 cents on a litre of fuel. The premiers of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador have asked the federal government to drop the increase. Eby rejected the plea and threw in an insult labelling the idea as coming from a baloney factory. Poilievre shot back saying people in our province don't have money to even buy baloney. Is that what we really need in our political discourse? MORE

'Anti-vaccine loonies' were not all that crazy

24-03-16

During the COVID pandemic vaccine debate we were inundated with conspiracy theories from "a bunch of loonies" about DNA sequencers in the injections. Just a Minute, it turns out that they were not as crazy as they were made out to be. Health Canada has confirmed the presence of a Simian Virus 40 DNA sequence in the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which the manufacturer had not previously disclosed. Some scientists are now saying it has the potential to cause cancer, and others saying it poses little to no threat. Oh, that makes me feel so much more at ease.     

FULL STORY


Corporate

welfare is

alive and well


24-03-15

Why should we subsidize private businesses? Canada’s independent cinema owners are crying crocodile tears saying their industry is in crisis and they need more public funding to stay afloat, about $50,000 a year for three years. They say COVID drastically cut into their audiences which have not come back. That’s business. Canadians’ viewing habits are also changing, thanks to the internet. Changing times lead some to fail and it should not be up to the public purse to keep them going. That’s the way the ball bounces, or the way it should bounce. Shades of former NDP leader David Lewis who introduced us to the term "corporate welfare."                       

$10-day-care gobbled up by high-income families

24-03-13

Something is bass ackwards with the federal government’s ten bucks-a-day daycare program. It’s supposedly designed to help needy parents, but Maple Ridge member of Parliament Marc Dalton says when you dig you find that 77 per cent of high-income parents access child care while only 41 per cent of low-income families do. That is the statistic right now. How equitable is that? Should we not want to provide service where the people who need it the most can access it?     

Put this 'scandal'

in focus


24-03-12

Scandal, conspiracy and deception, the vitriol is deafening in reaction to Kate Middleton’s photography acumen after releasing a family photo that had received the Photoshop treatment. What’s the big deal? Photos have been adjusted forever, from the days of black and white, photographers have adjusted photos lighter or darker, focussing and highlighting chosen spots. The princess did not add any family members or remove any from the photo, she simply made a few tweaks. Big deal. With today's technology a lot more threatening issues face us. If this is the biggest issue in the world today, we’re in deeper trouble than we could ever imagine. Give the lady a break. We’re overrun with too many holier-than-thou critics these days. 

Eby can't call the shots on antisemitism fall out

24-03-11

When you get caught with your fingers in the cookie jar, blame someone else. Premier David Eby appears to be trying to divert attention from his party over antisemitism and blaming public servants rather than the NDP caucus. He did not mention the antisemitism in the NDP caucus cited by Selina Robinson when she quit the party. Eby met with Jewish leaders last week and said he believes people from the community have experienced anti-semitism from public servants. The Jewish leaders said they want to see more concrete actions to address rising anti-semitism. That still leaves unanswered the question about the cancer in Eby's caucus. Robinson’s claims of antisemitism within the NDP need to be explored fully and dealt with publicly. The favourite tactic of governments when in trouble is to call an inquiry, but Eby the last person who should be conducting it.

Read Robinson's letter HERE


Robinson

outlines

antisemitism


24-03-08

Premier David Eby showed his true colors in handling the Selina Robinson case. He has a long history as an ideologue, not my cup of tea, but I could live with it. That has all gone out of the window with his handling of the Robinson issue – it leaves a particularly sour taste. When she offered to take a mediator role between Jewish and Arab communities she got the deaf ear from Eby. Apparently there are no two sides in the debate. Her follow up claim of anti-semitism in the NDP caucus rings loud and clear in light of the recent developments. He owes her more than he's given her to date. Where is the principle of diversity they keep talking about, where is the equity and where is the inclusion? Apparently only when it suits a particular agenda.

Addendum:

I have received a copy of Robinson's letter to caucus explaining a long history of her feeling of anti-semitism in the NDP caucus. Read it HERE


ArriveCan

revelations

shocking

24-03-07

We could be forgiven for getting dizzy over shaking our heads in disbelief. The Chief Operating Officer of one of the companies involved in the ArriveCan investigation turns out to be a federal government employee with the Department of National Defence. Conflict interest and insider trading come to mind. CBC News reported the company has received more than $200 million in government contracts since 2015 — though the government database suggests it has won contracts as far back as 2004. The government announced that it had suspended its contracts with Dalian last week. The suspension of all contracts with Dalian is like closing the barn door after the cattle have escaped. Or have they? 

University

program cuts a last resort


24-03-07

VIU is cutting programs due to budget constraints. As disturbing as it is to lose some programs, this is a responsible move by the university. What may be a priority for one may not be a priority for another. The music program and Elder College are two of the ones in line for cuts and there may well be others. Money is not a flowing river any more, it’s a matter of priorities. The university board and management are doing what they deem best with the resources they have, and we have to accept that’s what it is, there are only so many tax dollars. 

Covid handout turns into nightmare

24-03-06

I predicted from Day One, when Ottawa rolled out the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, it was a disaster waiting to happen. For many Canadians it was like winning the lottery – free money. Now they have to repay what they took when they were not eligible. The Canada Revenue Agency said previously that the program was launched in a hurry because money needed to get to Canadians. Sad stories are emerging of people scrambling to return the money and CRA bungling appears rampant in dealing with those cases from people who can’t afford to pay the refunds. 

Oregon makes drugs

illegal again


The state of Oregon has done an about-face on its experiment with decriminalization of drugs. Simple drug possession is illegal again and those using or possessing drugs can be arrested ­– and here’s the smart part – or they have an option of going into treatment instead of jail. That makes a ton more sense than government handing out prescription opioids. Our government needs to keep a serious eye on the results of the new Oregon policy. In his first response as death rates continue to rise, Premier David Eby said our province is not going there. 24-03-05

Plenty of

nurses are

available


Hey Health Minister Adrian Dix, good move on the bonus plan for nurses and the commitment to hire a whole bunch more. Aren’t there hundreds and hundreds of them still unemployed after you fired them for refusing to take unproven vaccines? Just asking.- 24-03-05

Time for action on mental health


Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams, who has a smart head on this shoulders, is calling on the provincial government to rethink its mental health strategy, even if that means putting people in care against their will. We have to look at involuntary care for people who can no longer care for themselves, he said. Finance Minister Katrine Conroy was present, saying it’s a topic of conversation within government. Some experts say it doesn’t work, and other experts say it does, she said. It always boils down to who pays for care, while those with mental health, addiction and life on the street say meeting basic needs like housing will go much further to address these problems than involuntary care. Sure, that way they continue to get their government drugs. What is clear is someone needs to stand up and address the issue, it’s not going to solve itself.   24-03-04

Censored by Big Brother


Holy cow, I've hit the big time, being censored by Facebook. I posted the little item about Weslock Alberta holding a plebiscite on pride flags and rainbow crosswalks. The town voted to allow only municipal flags and striped crosswalks. I guess those two topics are enough to send their algorithms into tizzy. Even legitimate news stories can't escape Big Brother these days.  24-03-04

Electric

fire truck

takes a leak

Vancouver's $1.8-million electric fire truck has short circuited all the way to the garage for repairs less than a month after it went into service. It has a leaky water tank, but none of the electrical or battery systems is affected. Thank goodness it was still under warranty after being in services from Dec. 4, to Jan. 2, and has been out of service ever since. These units cost about $300,000 to $500,000 more than diesel units. The same problem sidelined the first Rosenbauer RTX truck in the Los Angeles Fire Department fleet in May 2022.             – 24-03-03

A

question

of pride

Updated – The town of Weslock, Alberta held a plebiscite for the public to decide whether to ban pride flags and rainbow crosswalks. A majority voted to allow only government flags and paint crosswalks with a white striped pattern. The final tally showed 663 in favour and 639 opposed. Mayor Jason Kramer says the town of 4,800 will continue to find ways to embrace marginalized people. adding change is incredibly hard for some people.  24-03-02

British

Columbians

no more

The Province has an official guide for government workers who draft Indigenous content. Writers can’t use the term 'British Columbian' because it excludes Indigenous Peoples who may not identify with it. Bureaucrats must avoid any name associated with Canada, a “nation that has actively worked to assimilate (Indigenous) people.” British Columbians also excludes other groups such as newcomers and refugees, it adds. The guide admonishes that we are “people living in B.C.” That falls in line with government-sponsored changes for homeless people or drug addicts who are now “people experiencing homelessness” or "unhoused" and “people who use drugs.” The government website that explains what you can and cannot say.   24-03-01

Blown up for sake of inclusivity

It's difficult to separate fact from fiction these days. Like when the National Post reports our federal government has allocated $4 million to create a non-discriminatory gender-inclusive landmine clearing program for Ukraine where there are reportedly two million buried mines. The $4 million is not for mine clearing, but to "develop a program" to do that. Keep a close eye on who gets that contract. C'mon man.

24-02-29

24-03-18

WHY DO WE STILL HAVE vaccine mandates? B.C. is the only province still requiring health care workers to be vaccinated to work in their field. We have a health care worker shortage while we have hundreds of them off the job due to the vaccination requirement. Watch this informative presentation about the rising shortage of health care workers HERE.


WHAT WOULD YOU DO if you found a thousand bucks in cash? Read the Police Beat column with R/Const Gary O'Brien to get the full story.


ONE HAND GIVETH – First the good news, Fortis will not raise the price of natural gas on April 1. The B.C. Utility Commission has approved the rate freeze at $2.23 per gigajoule. Now the bad news, the B.C. carbon tax on natural gas and propane is set to rise April 1. FortisBC hAs nearly 1.1 million customers in our province.


THE 70TH ANNUAL Nanaimo Women’s amateur golf championship hits the links June 8-9. There’s room for 128 entries, with an early-bird deadline of April 15. Check out the details in the advertisement on the left side of this page or go HERE to enter online


EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT – The Nanaimo Raider Hansen office has stepped in to replace Milwaukee tools that were stolen recently from Nanaimo Search and Rescue. Raider Hansen is the largest independent industrial service supplier of safety and construction equipment. These tools are vital in maintaining NSAR’s equipment, but also ensure they’re able to get to the places they need to go.

THE SKY IS NOT FALLING, even though temperatures broke records all over the province, some 124 years old. Ten records fell on Friday, 38 on Saturday and another 38 on Sunday. That just means it was this hot more than a century ago with no carbon taxes or carbon spewing motor vehicles. One climatologist has suggested we just had the warmest winter in 77 years, again meaning it was that warm 77 years ago. As climate graphs show, temperatures have been rising and falling for millions of years.

 

IF YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED to be a fireman, here’s your chance. Nanaimo Fire Rescue is looking for a few good men and women with the annual recruitment drive this month.  Check out the job postings which is on the City website until March 28.

 

LOCAL POLITICIANS have their hands deeper into your pockets. The Regional District budget for 2024 carries an 11.4-per cent tax increase in this year. It’s better than the 13.5-per-cent increase  suggested during budget deliberations. What that means for Nanaimo residents is a $61 jump for an average home. Lantzville residents will pay an extra $83.

 

TACKLING FRAUD – Online and phone scams have hurt a lot of people and now someone is doing something about it.  Nanaimo RCMP will have a presentation on frauds and scams at the Brechin United Church on Wednesday evening. It’s open to the public at the church. No advance registration is needed, it starts at 7 p.m.

 

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST – Coast FM 91.7 Radio is no more, replaced by ICON Radio in a major rebranding. Gone are the local voices, replaced by what Vista Radio calls icons of music to the Island and Sunshine Coast. Names like Brother Jake, Gentleman Jim Jackson, Barb Montgomery and Gerry O Day will now fill the airwaves from studios in Vancouver.

 

911 OUTAGE. A technical issue caused delays for anyone calling 911 on Saturday morning, but the problem was resolved hours later. The delays were the result of a server issue at around 6 a.m. and service was back to normal by 11:30 a.m. E-Comm handles more than two million 911 calls in B.C. annually, which is more than 99 per cent of the province's emergency call volume. It also handles dispatch services for police and fire departments in B.C. MORE

 

QUOTABLE – I love plant-based burgers. Meat-processing-plant based.

 

HEADLINES

Canadians, parents shouldn’t worry about TikTok security review: minister

International students face growing mental distress in Canada, advocates warn

Trudeau says no to Quebec’s request to have full power over immigration

Trudeau says Canada watching TikTok debate in U.S.

Questions about deficit central to discussion over looming federal budget

Canada’s household debt ratio relatively steady, net worth improves

Supply management of meat, eggs, dairy remains a Canadian sacred cow

Canadians skeptical of online harms bill making the internet safer

Canada supports intervention in Haiti as the best course

 

24-03-17

HEY NANAIMO, we’re courting heat records, enjoying 18.8 degrees on Saturday. But it gets better – Environment Canada forecasts 19 degrees today, well above the record 15.7 set in 1983. In all, 10 areas set new daily highs for March 15, with Squamish the hottest at 19.5 C. The former record was 17.0 C, set in 1988. More records could fall this weekend temperatures five to 10 degrees above normal over the weekend, before we return to rain by mid week. MORE

 

TWO PEOPLE WERE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL after a  two-vehicle crash near Cathedral Grove briefly halted traffic on Saturday afternoon. Two vehicles apparently collided head on at about 3:45 p.m. and ended up in the eastbound lane and on the side of the road. RCMP and two ambulances were called to the scene along with fire trucks from Port Alberni. Traffic started moving at 4:35 p.m. in a single-lane alternating pattern. MORE

 

SNUNEYMUXW AND B.C. HOUSING have presented a development application for a six storey supportive housing building on Nicol Street to the design advisory panel. The development is a partnership which will provide care and housing for the neighborhood’s most at-risk residents, prioritizing Snuneymuxw members. The main entrance will be along a lane parallel to Nicol, and a “sacred garden” and parking at 364 Haliburton St. MORE

 

EMBARK STUDENT CORPORATION is targeting hunger for Vancouver Island University students with a gift of $400,000. That comes as the rising cost of living forces a growing number of students to choose between their educational goals and basic living essentials. Embark is an education savings and planning company. The grant is part of  $2.7 million allocated to seven universities across Canada. The money will pay for student-driven research, food security initiatives aimed at meeting immediate needs, cross-campus co-ordination to find sustainable solutions to student hunger, and increased access to emergency funding. MORE

 

THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY of Canada's withdrawal from Afghanistan was marked Saturday at Legion Branch 256. Front and centre was retired Capt. Trevor Green was paralyzed and suffered a massive brain injury in an ambush in Kandahar in 2006. The father of two has lived the last 18 years as a powerful advocate and living reminder of the many killed, wounded and still suffering from PTSD, as he does. 40,000 Canadians served in that war, 158 died and more than 70 committed suicide since returning home. MORE

 

FBI HAS A NEW OWNER. Travellers along the Island Highway are familiar with the historic Fanny Bay Inn – it has a new owner. Chef Diana Johnstone is taking over from Roxanne O’Brien, who owned the business for the last eight years. The inn opened in 1938 when Highway 19A was the only road to the North Island, making it a popular spot for travellers. Johnstone, who is a red seal chef, owns a restaurant in Squamish but jumped on the opportunity to take over the property lovingly known to many as the FBI. MORE


QUOTABLEWhy do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway.

24-03-16

DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC could be a nightmare for a while as a section of Commercial Street, between Terminal Avenue and Museum Way is shut down to allow city crews to do concrete work as the preamble of the Design Commercial concept. Work will begin Tuesday, continuing through April 4, So plan your route in advance before travelling there. MORE


PAPER TRAIL – computers were supposed to reduce the use of paper, but almost 10 million pages were printed in Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district last year. But they’re trying to cut back. There were more than 3.5 million printed pages, 6.3 million photocopies, 135,000 scans and 430 faxes. Of those, more than 9.4 million were black-and-white and more than 450,000 were colour. The district estimated this amounted to more than 800 trees cut down and 86,700 kilograms of carbon dioxide produced. Karl Yu has the details. MORE


YELLOW POINT AND NORTH OYSTER are being overrun by elk, frustrating farmers as the animals gorge on the area’s hay fields. About 30 Roosevelt elk arrived in mid February and at first they came and went, but Now they’re sticking around for the sumptuous banquet the farms offer. Cautious at first, the elk are getting braver and now move closer to humans each day. MORE


THE REAL ESTATE MARKET appears to be perking up a bit with18 homes sold in the last seven days, says Realtor John Cooper. A healthy supply of new single-family homes has been hitting the Nanaimo market – 52 new homes, for two weeks in a row. For some perspective, in September sales hit up to 36 homes a week, and in January it dropped as low as five home sales in a week. You can contact John HERE


HOLD THE PHONE – Telus has stepped back from a plan to eliminate land lines in a remote rural community near northwest Kamloops. Telus had sent notices it was disconnecting landline service to approximately 63 residents after March 8 to allow for 5G wireless service. Just before the deadline, Telus backed won. The transition could have seen bills skyrocketing from approximately $26 a month to $170. A sign of things to come? Goodbye to land lines? MORE


NEW BUS STOP BC Transit has added an extra stop on Route 70 NCX Nanaimo – Cowichan Express in both directions. Buses will stop at Oyster Sto’Lo Road on the Trans-Canada Highway. Service levels and scheduled trip times on Route 70 NCX will remain the same.


INDIGENOUS IDENTITY – Provincial Court Judge David Patterson warns that what he calls a “tsunami” of Indigenous identity fraud cases is coming to Canadian courts. That’s driven by the “desire” of non-Indigenous people to access what they deem to be benefits of identifying as Indigenous. He said in a recent ruling that judges must be “alive to the issue” and require proof that ensures an offender is entitled to be sentenced as an Indigenous person. MORE


BUT DOES SHE BARK? – I know it's not local, but a Toronto pet DNA testing company is in the doghouse after identifying a human investigative reporter as 40 per cent Alaskan Malamute, 35 per cent Shar-Pei and 25 per cent Labrador. She sent in a swab of her own saliva for the test. MORE


QUOTABLE – I don’t get into arguments with stupid people, I just say. “you're right.”


HEADLINES


Canadians, parents shouldn’t worry about TikTok security review: minister

International students face growing mental distress in Canada, advocates warn

Trudeau says ‘no’ to Quebec’s request to have full power over immigration

McDonald’s system outages have been reported worldwide

Trudeau says Canada watching TikTok debate in U.S.

Questions about deficit central to discussion over looming federal budget

Canada’s household debt ratio relatively steady, net worth improves

Supply management of meat, eggs, dairy remains a Canadian sacred cow

Canadians skeptical of online harms bill making the internet safer

Canada supports intervention in Haiti as the best course

Canada concerned as final rule for ‘Product of USA’ meat labels announced

Advocate set to probe Canada’s treatment of sexual assault victims

24-03-15


HEY NANAIMO, we’re in for sunshine over the next few days, so enjoy it to the hilt. Temperatures could reach near 20 degrees in parts of the island. Environment Canada meteorologist Armel Castellan says we could see temperature records from Saturday to Tuesday. MORE


PROM SEASON IS APPROACHING but that does not have to cost an arm and a leg for graduates wanting to stand out in the crowd. That’s where Prom Closet Nanaimo comes in to help find suitable formal attire. Co-ordinator Joan Hiemstra says they have a lot of gowns and suits in stock right now, thanks to donations coming in year-round. The only requirement is the student must be graduating high school this year. Prom Closet Nanaimo relies mostly on clothes donations but there’s nothing like cash to help the cause. MORE


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – Girl Guides are in serious need of adult volunteers to help run their programs. The organization helps prepare girls for life through mentoring and confidence-building programs. Demand to join their programs is so high, some groups have a waitlist to join. That means more adults to help out. MORE


THERE'S GOOD NEWS FROM BC FERRIES this morning. They're making it easier and more affordable to travel by increasing its Saver fares and reducing some cancellation fees to give passengers more flexibility. Beginning April 1, new savings are coming for customers and families who carpool and book in advance, or who take alternative modes of transportation. Also, a new Foot Passenger Saver Fare of $15 is being introduced for select sailings, when booked and paid for in advance.


VIU RESEARCHERS are studying whether toxic chemicals from tires are being washed into urban streams and waterways. Tires release a chemical that is acutely toxic to salmon at extremely low levels. It can flow into storm drains and urban streams when it rains. Researchers at Vancouver Island University and the BC Conservation Foundation, are studying the issue. A network of 31 local groups, citizen scientists and First Nations are sampling 53 waterways at 99 locations between Victoria and Campbell River. MORE


THE GOVERNMENT IS GOING AFTER social media companies to recover health-related expenditures from wrong-doers, both individuals and corporations. Premier David Eby said the government has previously warned social media giants, tobacco, drug companies and other corporations that they would be held accountable for the harm they are causing to people, including kids. MORE


ROOT OF THE PROBLEM – Lack of sufficient home support services is to blame for a ballooning long-term care wait-lists. Outgoing seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie says while some home and community care services have increased over the past five years, the rate of services relative to the population has fallen. Mackenzie says subsidies for senior who rent have fallen dramatically short of what they need to continue living in their own homes and meet their basic needs. MORE


QUOTABLE – The reason facts don’t change most people’s opinions is because most people don’t use facts to form their opinions, they use their opinions for form their version of facts.


HEADLINES

Canada launched TikTok national security review last fall

Questions about deficit central to discussion over looming federal budget

Canada’s household debt ratio relatively steady, net worth improves

Supply management of meat, eggs, dairy remains a Canadian sacred cow

Canadians skeptical of online harms bill making the internet safer

Canada supports intervention in Haiti as the best course

Canada concerned as final rule for ‘Product of USA’ meat labels announced

Advocate set to probe Canada’s treatment of sexual assault victims

Purple to orange: Former Calgary mayor vying for Alberta NDP leadership

Families who rescued loved ones from Gaza feel ‘scammed’ by Canada

Canada says it will join effort to get aid to Gaza through sea corridor

Canada’s UN ambassador to attend emergency meeting on gang crisis in Haiti

24-03-14

SUNSHINE IS ON THE WAY, with possible record-breaking temperatures as high as 14 or 15 degrees on the Central Island over the next week. Environment Canada prognosticates that the Fraser Valley will reach up to 21 degrees and spike to 17 closer to the water on Saturday, which could tie a record set in 1983. Locally, we can look forward to the 15-degree range. Enjoy.


THE PRICE AT THE PUMP has been bobbing up and down like a yo-yo, but you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. Gas expert Dan McTeague says prices have shot up eight or nine cents in the past week in the Lower Mainland, but that is small compared with what’s to come in late spring and early summer. The new normal this summer, or at least late spring, could begin at a $2.20 or $2.30 a litre range. The prevailing rate in Nanaimo this morning was $1.819. The B.C. average is $1.809 while the cross-Canada average is $1.534. Looks like we're getting hosed. MORE

 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE is being used in money swindling frauds, such as the grandparent scam. Nanaimo RCMP report a flood of phone calls to local residents, including the use of AI to match the voice of a family supposedly needing a large sum of money quickly. The amounts demanded are usually in the $3,000 to $8,000 range. The grandparent scam involves fraudsters calling older residents for money, some posing as family members in need. Nanaimo RCMP R/Cst Gary O’Brien said most of the reports sought information. “Our switchboard was lit up with call after call from the public asking if their loved one had been arrested and was in jail.” Saanich Police conducted a free workshop in Victoria Wednesday to educate seniors on how to protect themselves.


ORCHARD OWNERS will get $70 million to replant and strengthen orchards and vineyards after two years of weather-related disasters. The commitment comes after the cold snap in January that wiped out almost the entire 2024 wine vintage, and slashed harvest forecasts by 90 per cent. Premier David Eby said the January chill that sent temperatures in Kelowna plunging to -27 C destroyed up to 99 per cent of the province's harvest, a devastating blow that followed a previous crippling deep freeze in 2022 and wildfire smoke damage in 2021.

 

QUOTABLE Why is it acceptable for people to be complete idiots but not acceptable for me to point that out?

 

HEADLINES

Kelowna weightlifter goes toe-to-toe with world’s best in Thailand

Watchdogs urge BC Ferries to skip LNG in its plans to expand fleet

Harbour Air hopes to offer flights in and out of Ucluelet

Parksville makes list of Top 10 Canadian cities for retiring

Half of British Columbians finding it hard to make ends meet, poll finds

World’s Largest Sculptured Acoustic Anvil finds new home in B.C.

Qualicum Beach’s Kasten earns gold at BC Masters Weightlifting Championships

24-03-13

Victor Mema ordered to

repay $14,148.97 to city

Former Nanaimo Chief Financial Officer Victor Mema has been ordered to repay the City $14,148.97 in unauthorized personal expenses that he incurred when employed here after he left the Sunshine Coast. His certified public accountant (CPA) designation was lifted by The Chartered Public Accountants of Alberta which originally issued it. The organization outlined the orders handed down by its discipline tribunal on March 4 which found Mema “guilty of unprofessional conduct” for violating Alberta’s Chartered Professional Accountants Act and the “regulations, by-laws, and Rules of Professional Conduct” for its members. Along with loss of the professional designation, Mema was fined $30,000 and ordered to pay a portion of complaint review and investigation costs which have to be paid in 12 months. MORE


FOR THE SECOND YEAR in a row Lantzville has approved a budget with no tax rate increase. The 2024 budget totals $3.1 million. Though that’s $91,500 higher than in 2023, the increase comes primarily tax revenue from new homes built in the community.


GET READY TO PAY for on-street parking near Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. The City is introducing pay parking and web-based, mobile HotSpot Parking in response to the growing challenges faced by residents and visitors to the hospital and businesses and surrounding areas. You can pay by scanning the HotSpot QR code signage with your cellphone or by downloading the HotSpot Parking app. The payment process honours all major credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay and Visa Debit. Rates will be consistent with downtown rates at $1.25 per hour, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. It’s free weekends and evenings. HERE


EASIER ACCESS – it’s more convenient for travellers to get Nanaimo information after the Tourism Nanaimo moved its location. They are now in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre opposite the Courtyard by Marriott hotel. Manager Morgane Riddell said a big factor in making the move is engaging with more out-of-town visitors. “We’re getting to know our neighbours, we’re talking to Hullo ferries, we’re talking to all of the hotels, we’re making sure that they know we’re here and that we’re really focusing on promoting Nanaimo, promoting all of these great shops and restaurants that we have.”


The 2024 CITY CULTURE AWARD winners have been announced. The awards celebrate and honour local excellence and achievement. Three citizens have been named for this year’s awards.
Excellence in Culture Award Paul Roland Gogo;
Honour in Culture Award Sukhi Sangha;
Emerging Cultural Leader Annalise Lam.
They will be honoured at a free community event at the Port Theatre on Apr. 3. See the full details on the winners HERE


SMACK INTO AN OVERPASS with a truck and you could become a guest in the crowbar hotel. The province proposes jail time and six-figure fines when commercial vehicles smash into provincial infrastructure. The Ministry of Transportation want to bring in changes to the Commercial Transport Act that would enable the courts to impose fines reaching $100,000, as well as imprisonment up to 18 months upon conviction for violations. Drivers are not the only ones that could face hefty fines or jail – companies could also be liable. MORE


QUOTABLE – Opponents say razor wire is inhumane. Not if you don’t try to climb over it.


HEADLINES

Brandon Isaak and Blue Moon Marquee will duke it out at Juno Awards

 

Kelowna Rockets’ mascot goes viral after quad crash on ice

 

Nazareth and Phonix headline Penticton Peach Festival’s opening night

 

Night no longer providing reprieve to those battling B.C. wildfires

 

Whistleblower video raises concerns about fish welfare at B.C. caviar farm 

 

B.C. man charged in connection to Ontario sex assaults on kids in the ’90s

 

THE MOJ: Canucks approaching life without Demko in good humour

 

Bitter Harvest: Tech helping B.C. grain farmers confront weather woes

 

Supply management of meat, eggs, dairy remains a Canadian sacred cow

 

Canadians skeptical of online harms bill making the internet safer


24-03-12

24-03-10/11

Photo courtesy Janine Sedola

THE HERRING SPAWN is upon us and fishing boats make final preparations for the harvest. Seine boats were to wrap up their work on Monday, making way for gillnetters to bring in tonnes of herring. Ships are waiting for the weather to turn locally, as smaller spawns have been spotted near Campbell River. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans expects quite a bit of activity here in the next few days. The forecasts call for around 80,000 short tonnes of fish this year. For a real sight, get down to the waterfront and observe nature at its finest. MORE


FINALLY SPRING is on the way. A high-pressure system will bring bring balmy weather to the mid-Island. That means a blue sky little wind and very warm temperatures, says Environment Canada meteorologist Derek Lee. We could see the thermometer hit 16 degrees (61 Fahenheit) by this weekend, about six or seven degrees above normal. Who can argue about that? MORE


NANAIMO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT corporation has hired Colin Stansfield as its first CEO. The body was founded in January 2022, with the City, Snuneymuxw, Port Authority, Airport Commission, Chamber of Commerce and Vancouver Island University as stakeholders. He comes here after serving as executive director of the Sunshine Coast Region Economic Development Organization since 2019. His role here will be to shape the strategic direction of the corporation, lead initiatives that promote sustainable economic development, and attract investment. MORE


WEATHER CONDITIONS resulted in cancelled ferry sailings on the two main routes. The 8:45 p.m. departing Departure Bay and the 10:10 p..m from Horseshoe Bay were cancelled. As well, the sailing between Duke Point and Tsawwassen Monday were docked after Environment Canada issued asevere weatherforecast for high winds and unfavourable sea state in the Strait of Georgia. The 8:15 p.m. sailing from Tsawwassen and the 10:45 p.m. return trip leaving Duke Point were affected.


GET READY TO RUMBLE – Scientists believe magma will bubble up under the Pacific Ocean floor off Vancouver Island anywhere from weeks to a few years from now. They have detected up to 200 small earthquakes per hour in the area. The expected rupture about five km deep and 260 km off the coast of Tofino, will be too distant and small to be cause for concern on shore, but offers a unique opportunity to learn more about how the Earth’s crust is formed. Lava could break through anywhere, offering the first chance for the phenomenon to be captured by the network’s suite of underwater instruments. MORE


SAFE DRUG DIVERSION. The question of safe drug supply diversion has cropped up in numerous quarters, but Solicitor General Mike Farnworth says there’s no evidence of widespread diversion of safe-supply opioids. But Alberta Premier Danielle Smith cites recent drug seizures in her province, saying she was concerned that diverted safe supply drugs from B.C. may end up being trafficked to Alberta. Farnworth says the RCMP’s commanding officer in B.C. told him the seizure in Prince George and the idea of widespread diversion is simply not true. Some but not all of the drugs seized in Prince George and in Campbell River were from the safe supply program, Farnworth said. MORE


QUOTABLEWhy do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in
binoculars to look at things on the ground


HEADLINES

Safe supply drug diversion in B.C. ‘simply not true’: Farnworth

Woman survives avalanche that buried her head-down near Vancouver

Canada, U.S. agree to study water pollution concerns in Kootenay watershed

$180M in insurance claims follow Western Canada’s January cold snap

Canuck Demko named one of the NHL three stars of the week

Kelowna man killed in Alberta avalanche

B.C.’s unemployment drops, but opposition fears loss of private-sector jobs

Okanagan mobilizing as aggressive mussels threaten to muscle into B.C.

B.C. locations splashed all over new ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ TV show

‘It’s an Island story’: Anne of Green Gables The Musical comes to Victoria


24-03-09

Provincial champions, Dover Bay Dolphins. (Photo from Langley Events Centre)


I DID SOMETHING different this weekend, I attended the B.C. Boys Basketball Championships at Langley Events Centre where the Dover Bay Dolphins won the provincial 3A title with a 75-61 win over Abbotsford’s Mennonite Education Institute Eagles. Dover Bay’s Frank Linder was the most valuable player in the that division. OK, I really went to see my grandson play on the Maple Ridge team in the boys 1A division.


THE SCHOOL BOARD will look at expanding child care services at some schools. The business committee recommends continuation of before- and after-school childcare pilot programs at Pleasant Valley and École Hammond Bay elementary schools and more. It all dependent on money from the province. MORE

 

A CANCER TREATMENT for lymphoma and leukemia is now available in B.C. T-cell Therapy treats cancers by collecting white blood cells and genetically engineering them to recognize and kill cancer cells. Dr. Kim Chi, the chief medical officer for BC Cancer, says patients who needed the treatment would previously have to be sent outside the province. Health Minister Adrian Dix said $14.3 million in this year’s budget allows up to 20 adults and five children to get treatment starting this month. MORE


THE SEARCH CONTINUES for Sara Sherry of Errington, hoping to find clues about what has happened to her. Friends are searching the wooded area of Nanoose Bay more than three weeks after she vanished Feb. 15.  Dozens of people returned to the area to search for her for a third weekend, combing roads and trails off Northwest Bay Logging Road. The truck driven by the 45-year-old has been found in a ditch in the snowline. MORE

 

GOVERNMENT BUNGLING – Canadians trying to rescue family members from Gaza feel they have been ripped off by our government. Canadian Press has an excellent report on what they’ve been going through despite in some instances paying thousands of dollars. MORE

 

SOUR GRAPES – Many B.C. wineries may have to start from scratch following the devastation of crops with weather extremes they have gone through. Record-breaking heat, wildfires and smoke contaminated grapes. A destructive cold snap in 2022 and another deep freeze this January is estimated to have inflicted up to 99 per cent crop loss, wiping out this year’s vintage. Wine Growers BC estimates a harvest of only one to three per cent of normal levels, meaning an almost complete writeoff of the 2024 vintage and revenue losses of up to $346 million for vineyards and wineries. MORE

 

IT’S HOW YOU SPIN IT – Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says the federal government will “cap” the annual alcohol excise tax increase on beer, spirits and wine at two per cent for two more years. The tax had been set to rise on April 1 by 4.7 per cent. She announced the increase is being held at two-per-cent. In English that still translates into a tax, but only a smaller one. She also announced some tax relief for local craft breweries. Oh well, can not having to pay an additional tax be interpretted as a saving? MORE


QUOTABLE – Blowing out someone else’s candle won’t make yours shine brighter.

 

HEADLINES

Okanagan mobilizing as aggressive mussels threaten to muscle into B.C.

B.C. locations splashed all over new ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ TV show 

B.C. professor using eye-tracking tech to study ‘mommy brain’

Princess of Wales apologizes after release and withdrawal of doctored photo

‘Oppenheimer’ wins best picture at Academy Awards, Emma Stone best actress

At 83, filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki earns Oscar for ‘The Boy and the Heron’

Police investigating after body found on rural Prince George roadside

Big changes are coming to how Canadians bank, but adoption likely to be slow

Former B.C. Lions head coach Dave Ritchie dead at age 85

B.C. couple plead not guilty to neglect charges four years after child’s death

24-03-08

GOOD MORNING. Daylight saving time starts tonight, so move your clocks forward one hour. And while you're at it, change the batteries in your fire alarm.


NANAIMO LOAVES AND FISHES Community Food Bank needs a $7 million cash infusion from the federal government to build an expanded food recovery and storage hub. The food bank already has local, regional and provincial support. Executive Director Peter Sinclair said significantly more money is needed. They are looking for another $7 million to complete the project. He said it’s ready to roll, they’ve just put the project out to tender. He hopes a building permit can be obtained by year’s end, it’s difficult to picture the project advancing to construction without the federal government on board. MORE


THE EIGHTY-YEAR-OLD Alberta man who hit by a vehicle when he was helping another motorists, has died. Pat Hare had just arrived to begin a winter vacation on the island and was driving down the Island Highway at 3 a.m. on March 2, and stopped to help a driver who had hit a power pole near Qualicum Beach. He got out to help her as another vehicle smashed into her car, hitting both him and the woman. He died six days later in hospital in Victoria. Family has since been told Hare pushed the woman out of the way of the incoming car. The driver of the other vehicle is under investigation for impaired driving. MORE

 

ALL THAT SNOW was not enough to bring the snowpack back to average across the province. The latest snow survey showed an increase  on Vancouver Island at 46 per cent of normal. The average snowpack level as of March 1 is 66 per cent of normal, tied for the second lowest provincial March 1 snowpack that we’ve seen. The historic low was in 1977 when we had 53 per cent of normal. A lot of the additional snow which fell last month helped build up snow lost during unseasonably warm weather earlier in the year. MORE

 

AN INVESTIGATION launched in Nanaimo has turned up contraband cigarettes, precious metals and cash in seizures through the Lower Mainland.  The cigarettes were seized in two separate busts, netting 133,000 cartons with a total estimated retail value of $24 million, according to police. The Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit in Nanaimo began an investigation in 2021 and subsequent investigations were conducted through the Maple Ridge, Mission, Cobble Hill, Langley and Abbotsford teams as well as in Edmonton. MORE

 

BILLY IS BACK – Bill Bestwick is returning to a hockey role as president, general manager, and head coach of the Nanaimo Buccaneers, starting next season. He’s got a big job on his hands, the Bucs are coming off a forgettable season in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League, so there is work to do. MORE


SELINA ROBINSON LETTER – I have received a copy of Robinson's letter to caucus explaining a long history of her feeling of anti-semitism in the NDP caucus. Read it HERE

 

QUOTABLE – If the grocery store has a section for health food, what’s the rest of the store?

GET READY ­– Clocks spring forward Saturday night into Sunday morning as daylight saving time returns. Not everyone is a fan of the change, some citing increases in car and work accidents. Some studies also show more incidents of heart attacks and strokes.

 

NOT AGAIN ­ – The Gold and Silver Guy store has been broken into for the second time in about a week. The latest happened late afternoon on March 3, when a man with a sledge hammer smashed through the front window and shattered two glass display cases. He grabbed some collector coins before leaving. The coins were valued at about $100 but the damage to the display cases and window was about $2,000. The previous weekend, Feb. 25, the store lost old pocket and wrist watches, valued at up to $4,000 when a male suspect on a bicycle smashed the store’s other front window. Jeff Ross owns 12 stores on the Island which in 25 years have been broken into 25 times with losses adding up to more than $200,000. MORE

 

THREE-YEARS IN JAIL – Kyle Robert Alex, 37, has been sentenced to three years in jail after pleading guilty to four charges. That included a home invasion in 2019, where he assaulted a man and threatened him with a knife. The other charges occurred in 2021, including a firearms charge. MORE

 

BC FERRIES CANCELLED a number of sailings between Campbell River and Quadra Island due to forecast severe weather on West Vancouver Island  with heavy rain and strong winds forecast for today and Saturday. There is expected to be between 100 and 150 mm of rain for those regions and southwest winds of 70 km/h gusting to 90 or 100.


EBUS PLAN HIT THE CURB  – BC Transit’s plan to buy 20 electric buses from an American manufacturer has been short circuited by a U.S. court. Transit had ordered 10 buses from U.S.-based Proterra in May 2022, in a deal worth $20 million. The plan went off track last summer when Proterra filed for bankruptcy protection and the company's transit assets were bought by California-based Phoenix Motorcars. Transit has since been in negotiations with Phoenix about fulfilling the order but the court ruled Phoenix has no contractual obligation to supply the buses. Transit says it will continue its 2040 electrification goal despite a setback. MORE


ANYONE SEEKING A CAREER in the marine industry should head on down to the fifth Port Connect Marine Career Fair staged by the Port of Nanaimo next week. It’s at the Port Theatre on March 13, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m and will showcase more than 20 leading companies and organizations in the marine sector. The career fair is a pivotal gathering for job seekers, students, and professionals looking to navigate their career paths in the marine industry. She career fair connects leading marine organizations and potential employees, tailored for individuals at all career stages, from those starting to seasoned professionals seeking new opportunities. MORE


QUOTABLE – We should no longer accept things we cannot change, we need to change those things we cannot accept.

24-03-07

RCMP ARE LOOKING for information about Savannah-Rayne Curtis, 22, who was last spotted at a ferry terminal in Nanaimo. Family members are concerned for her well-being, police said.  She is 5-foot-4, 117 pounds, with green eyes, red hair and wears a red wig on occasion. She was last seen wearing a black and grey tuque, long purple winter coat, pink sweatpants and blue shoes. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, citing file No. 2024-7099.

WHAT WAS THAT SIREN? Nanaimo Fire Rescue reported a resident got out safely from a house fire Wednesday in the 400 block of Eighth Street, near Bruce Ave. No reported injuries, but considerable flames and smoke resulted from an evening house fire. Capt. Orphee Bernard said the back side of the house was fully involved, there were flames coming out of the doors and windows and the roof. MORE


DIG OUT THE SHOVELS – City council has approved a development permit to proceed with a downtown housing project that was approved in 2019 but never acted on. The permit is for a 31 micro-unit complex at 337 Robson St. Apartments would vary from around 322 to 366 square feet, with a rooftop terrace and garden area. All that remains is a building permit before construction begins. MORE


SELINA ROBINSON has quit the NDP to sit as an independent, citing anti-semitism in the party caucus. Robinson, who is Jewish, said she can no longer remain in the party because it is not properly addressing anti-semitism in the province or among her former colleagues. She resigned her cabinet post last month after saying modern Israel was founded on a crappy piece of land, which riled Islamic groups. Last month Eby said her remarks were incompatible with her remaining in cabinet. MORE


THE BANK OF CANADA – held its rate at five per cent on Wednesday, citing continued concerns about the inflation outlook. The rate has been at five per cent since last July. Governor Tiff Macklem said it’s too early to consider lowering the policy interest rate. The bank continues to expect inflation will be close to three per cent through the middle of the year before easing in the second half. Inflation was 2.9 per cent in January, above the bank’s two-per-cent target. Core inflation remains in the 3 – 3.5-per-cent range. MORE


NO MORE FREE RIDES? – The Sooke School District is looking at school bus fees to offset rising transportation costs. The district allocates $3.94 million into transportation funding each year. The only fee is a $25 safety fee. Without increasing fees, the school district says it may be taking away resources from the classroom. MORE


COMOX VALLEY POLICE advise homeowners to install doorbell cameras and security lighting around their properties after the homes of three Asian business owners were broken into in recent weeks. At least three such break-ins have occurred since Feb. 24. Cash and valuables were stolen and police are urging the public to secure their properties, especially while away on vacation. MORE


THE PORT MOODY POLICE DEPARTMENT will soon have a new digital public safety system to improve the emergency response to mental health and addiction crises. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said police have seen first-hand the impacts and challenges when responding to mental-health or substance-use crisis-related calls. MORE


QUOTABLE – People my age are climbing mountains and zip lining and here I am feeling good about myself because I got my leg through my underwear without losing my balance.

24-03-06

24-03-05

NANAIMO SEARCH AND RESCUE headquarters at the corner of Fourth Street and Chesterlea Avenue and two cargo trailers were broken into on Tuesday morning. A security camera show a suspect carrying cases through a gate of the facility’s parking lot. Two yellow Pelican cases containing a range items like Apple iPad, Spotx satellite communications unit, a Stihl 18-inch chainsaw, Zoll automatic external defibrillator, Milwaukee Sawzall, 20-piece ratchet set, Milwaukee batteries and other items were taken. MORE


SUMMER JOBS ­– It would be difficult to find greater summer jobs than those open at the Port of Nanaimo now. The full-time summer jobs offer fresh air and sunshine working as season dock crew with four opening available. There are six spots for general seasonal maintenance workers, full-time, seasonal from May to September. Apply by email to cread@npa.ca  by April 2 at 4 p.m,

 

MAYBE THIS WILL HELP – Spring has been slow in arriving but Parks and Recreation spring and summer recreation programs are just around the corner. The new spring and summer 2024 activity guide was released last weeek, with program registration starting at 6 a.m., today for more than for over 2,500 programs and activities. MORE

 

ISLAND HEALTH HAS ISSUED a drug overdose advisory for North Vancouver Island and at the same time giving advice for safer drug use. The health authority said overdoses are increasing in the area and friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from injection and inhalation.The advisory notes that users should carry naloxone, use one substance at a time, know their tolerance, start low and go slow, stagger use with a friend, or, if using alone, let someone know and ask them to check on you. How much “safer” can you get? MORE


QUOTABLE – One way to determine if you're old is to fall down in front of a lot of people. If they laugh, you’re still young. If they panic and start running to help you, you’re old.

HOMELESS SQUATTERS are believe to be responsible for a fire Monday morning at the entrance to a downtown business on Bastion Street. Fire Rescue responded to the fire resulting from people believed to have been camping at the building’s entrance. Fire Rescue assistant chief Stu Kenning suggested a candle or drug paraphernalia started the wall on fire and it burned up the wall causing minor damage. MORE

 

KIEN TRUNG PHAM of Nanaimo has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted on 14 charges resulting from a May 19 drug seizure at Vancouver International Airport and his Nanaimo apartment. BC Supreme Court justice Robin Baird ruled the 44-year-old was in charge and control of local and international level trafficking of hard drugs. The judge said nearly 7.5 kilograms of New Zealand-bound methamphetamine intercepted by Canadian Border Services Agency officers at YVR was found in containers disguised as fitness supplements under a fictitious nutrition company. The YVR haul was worth up to $750,000 on the streets, while the drugs at his apartment were valued at around $35,000. Four firearms and ammunition were found by police in Pham’s second floor unit. MORE

 

A COLLISION BETWEEN a transit bus and a pickup truck resulted in traffic delays on the Nanaimo Parkway and Cedar Road Monday afternoon. The incident forced a closure of Cedar Rd. at the highway. Traffic in both directions along Hwy 1 was limited to a single lane past the incident, with backups in both directions. MORE

 

THE SOUND OF MUSIC may fade at Vancouver Island University, the victim of proposed budget cuts. The university said as a public secondary institution it must balance its budget, and decisions to cancel programs are not made lightly, but enrollment and the costs of the music program have identified it as an opportunity for cuts. The new Diploma of Jazz Studies and the Bachelor of Music studies will not go ahead if the decision is made. The proposed cuts must still go to several votes. MORE

24-03-04

IT MAY GET A LITTLE MURKY – The city’s Engineering and Public Works department will flush water mains starting on Mar. 10 in selected areas. While this program is under way, water users may see short periods of low pressure and water may be discoloured. Water discolouration during the flushing program is temporary and is not a health hazard. For more information about the water main flushing program, Check HERE

 

THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Business Expo returns on March 28 at the Conference Centre.  It’s free to attend and provides businesses a prime opportunity to exhibit products, foster connections, and experience networking opportunities.  A new addition this year is the Demo Stage where exhibitors can showcase their innovations. The show runs from noon to 5 p.m. For booth and Demo Stage bookings, visit NanaimoChamber.bc.ca or 250-756-1191 ext 1. 


SAVING LIVES ON THE WATER – The Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 27- Nanaimo is accepting applications for search and rescue crew through March. They’ll train you in marine search and rescue skills, navigation, boat handling, radio communication, first aid and much more. Volunteers form part of a supportive, professional and dedicated team who respond to marine emergencies and promote boating safety. If you can commitment to regular training and on-call shifts get more information and an application form at rcmsar27.ca) or email: recruit27@rcmsar27.ca

 

ISLAND LIVER PATIENTS no longer need to go across the pond for treatment, it’s now available across the Malahat. An advanced therapy targets tumors with a high dose of focused radiation while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Transarterial Radioembolization, or TARE, uses tiny beads containing radioactive material to slow down the growth of liver tumours and help alleviate symptoms. A radioactive agent is infused and delivers high-dose radiation inside the liver tumor while minimizing exposure to the rest of the liver. Patients can usually go home the same day after treatment.

 

VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY defunded the Elder College program recently to meet budget restraints. Well, that’s not sitting well with the seniors who used to attend those sessions. They have formed a non-profit organization determined to continue its mission of lifelong learning. A non-certified exam-free curriculum focused on life skills and subjects of interest is tailored to its clients. Volunteer instructors will offer the first of a half dozen courses starting this week at the Parksville Community Centre on Mills Street. MORE

 

ENDANGERED WHALES OR ENDANGERED PEOPLE –The Port Renfrew Chamber of Commerce fears the potential economic impact of proposed fishing closures to protect endangered southern resident killer whales. Chamber president Chris Tucker wrote to the Fisheries Minister about the possibility of expanding protected zones for the 75 remaining southern resident killer whales. “The prospect of closing the recreational fishery poses an imminent threat to our community, endangering numerous livelihoods dependent on this industry,” Tucker said. MORE

 

IF YOU’VE GOT AN IPHONE you could cash in on a multimillion-dollar settlement with Apple over software updates that allegedly slowed down older phones. A British Columbia judge has approved a countrywide multimillion-dollar settlement. Class members who make claims on the $14.4-million settlement can expect to get between $17.50 and $150 each, depending on how many people submit a claim for the settlement money. Lawyer K.S. Garcha says Apple settled a similar case in the United States involving so-called throttling of iPhone 6 and 7 models, and American class members ended up with US$92 payouts.


QUOTABLE – Be nice to people who don’t like you, it irritates the them more than you could imagine.

24-03-03

A SECTION OF THE PARKWAY was shut down at shortly before noon after a fire in a truck. Fire Rescue responded to the Nanaimo Parkway’s northbound slow lane north of the Northfield Road intersection shortly before noon. The pickup was fully engulfed by the time crews arrived, causing the northbound lanes to be shut down for about a half-hour. Parkway was reduced to single lane at about 12:30 p.m. as a tow truck worked to remove the vehicle.


HATS OFF TO THE VIU Mariners men’s basketball team for winning the PacWest championship. Now they’re heading to the nationals. On the way, they beat the Camosun Chargers 71-64 in the gold-medal game Saturday.


STILL MISSING ­ Sherry Corrigal has been missing for six months and friends and family hold out hope of finding the 22 year-old. RCMP have a full-time team to search for her. Friends and family held a vigil in Maffeo Sutton Park Sunday. Sherry was always in close contact with loved ones but hasn’t been seen or heard from since Sept. 11. She has had no social media activity or banking transactions since. Sherry was going through personal issues at the time of her disappearance. An ex-boyfriend says he dropped her off at Franklyn and Selby Streets in Nanaimo’s downtown. MORE


MEASLES ON THE RISE ­– B.C. has its first case of measles on the weekend, the first since 2019. The ministry warned British Columbians to confirm their immunization records, especially before going on spring break trips. Measles cases are on the rise across the world with a 79-per-cent increase in cases in 2023. The Public Health Agency of Canada said last month there has seen a "notable recent increase" in cases in Europe. MORE


THE WOUNDED WARRIORS relay run finished in Victoria on Sunday after eight days on the road from Port Hardy. Eight runners from different occupations completed an 800-kilometre in relays. The event supporting veterans and first responders stopped in Nanaimo on Friday before continuing south to Victoria. While here they stopped at Lantzville Legion before moving on to Nanaimo Legion Branch 10 on Friday. Hats off to all the volunteers who ran the eight days. MORE


EAGLES POISONED – Prince Rupert has launched an investigation into the death of 19 eagles at the local landfill after a "deleterious substance" was dumped. The city says officials are working to identify the substance, which was dumped at the landfill's liquid waste site. An environmental consultant has been hired to assist with identifying the substance and developing a long-term action plan, the city says. MORE


ELECTORAL DISTRICTS – Many electoral districts in British Columbia have changed and will be in effect for the next provincial election October 19. Enter your address at elections.bc.ca/mydistrict, and you can find the name and boundaries of the new district. Elections BC is also mailing a brochure to every residential address in B.C. by March with a map of the new electoral districts.


QUOTABLE – Life is like a coin, you can spend it any way your wish, but you can spend it only once.

24-03-02

SAFER SUPPLY NOT SO SAFE ­– Drugs diverted from the province’s safer supply prescription program were among more than 3,500 pills seized in Campbell River. Dilaudid tablets were found with more than two kilograms of fentanyl, one kilogram of cocaine and one kilogram of methamphetamine in a home Feb. 21. The diversion of opioids prescribed as safer supply was a key focus of the province's recent review of the program. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has said there was no indication that any of the drug-use deaths in the province had come from the safer supply program. Diversion does happen, but its extent and impact are unknown, Dr. Henry said. MORE


SNOW HAS BEEN hanging around like an unwelcome relative but it may finally hit the road some time on Monday. A snowfall warning was issued for eastern Vancouver Island on Saturday, expected to taper off by Monday. Campbell River may get up to five centimetres of snow becoming mixed with rain at sea level. The higher elevations are likely to see even greater snowfall. Drivers are cautioned that conditions could rapidly change –drive slowly and turn on the lights. MORE


THE WOUNDED WARRIORS relay run wrap in Victoria on Sunday after eight days on the road from Port Hardy. Eight runners from different occupations completed an 800-kilometre in relays.The event supporting veterans and first responders stopped in Nanaimo on Friday before continuing south to Victoria. While here they stopped at Lantzville Legion before moving on to Nanaimo Legion Branch 10 on Friday. The run is an eight-day, 800-kilometre journey down Island to raise money for the national mental health services supporting veterans, first responders and their families. After leaving Port Hardy the run stopped in Woss, Sayward, Campbell River and Comox along the way, landing in Qualicum Beach on Feb. 29.  Hats off to all the volunteers who ran the eight days. MORE

 

PETTERSSON CASHES IN – Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson was all smiles Saturday morning after signing an eight-year contract extension worth US$92.6 million, an average of US$11.6 million per year. Pettersson said everything is trending in the right direction with the team and the more he saw, he just wanted to stay. There’s MORE HERE.

 

DEAD EAGLES  Prince Rupert has launched an investigation into the death of 19 eagles at the local landfill after a "deleterious substance" was dumped by a third party. The city says officials are still working to identify the substance, which was dumped at the landfill's liquid waste site. An environmental consultant has been hired to assist with identifying the substance and developing a long-term action plan, the city says. MORE


LIFE THREATENING INJURIES – One person sustained life-threatening injuries in a series of crashes near Qualicum Beach Saturday morning. In all, three people were taken to hospital. Oceanside RCMP responded to the crash on Highway 19A near 3 a.m. In the first crash a woman drove off the road and struck a pole. Another driver saw the crash and pulled over to help her. A third car struck the woman’s car and hit the two individuals. All three were taken to hospital. Police say the man who had pulled over to help suffered life-threatening injuries. The driver of the third vehicle is under investigation for impaired driving. MORE

 

NURSING INCENTIVES – It’s not easy to attract more nurses so Health Minister Adrian Dix is offering bonuses to recruit new nurses to the province. Nurses can get $30,000 for working a minimum of two years in northern parts of the province, or $20,000 for serving other rural and remote areas. Even in big cities, nurses applying for "difficult to fill" or "high need" could receive bonuses as high as $15,000. Nurses singing up for two years to the GoHealth BC travel nurse program qualify for $15,000. THERE’S MORE

 

TWO PEOPLE FROM QUEBEC have been arrested in a scam that targeted seniors in Saanich and possibly other Island communities in late February. A 26-year-old Montreal man and a 24-year-old woman from Quebec City, were arrested at the Vancouver International Airport on Feb. 29. The grandparent scam cost victims out more than $27,000. MORE


ELECTORAL DISTRICTS – Many electoral districts in British Columbia have changed and will be in effect for the next provincial election October 19. Enter your address at elections.bc.ca/mydistrict, and you can find the name and boundaries of the new district. Elections BC is also mailing a brochure to every residential address in B.C. by March with a map of the new electoral districts. As well, there will also be new technology at voting places to make voting faster and easier. Six additional districts have been created in high-growth areas of the province. There will be 93 electoral districts, up from 87. Voters can make sure their voter registration is up to date, and learning about the modernized voting procedures at voting place. Visit Elections BC


QUOTABLE – Erasers are not made for those who make mistakes, erasers are made for those who correct mistakes.

FEBRUARY ABOUT AVERAGE – Temperatures were about average and we had a normal amount of the wet stuff in February, about typical for this time of year. The temperature dipped below zero a few times, like from Feb. 13-17 when it was below zero each night. We had an average temperature of about 4.5 degrees, the normal would have been 4.3 degrees. 


INJUNCTION APPEAL DENIED ­ The provincial government will not be able to prohibit public drug use in areas like playgrounds and schools while its legislation is before the courts. CTV News reported the B.C. Court of Appeal denied the province’s appeal of a temporary injunction against Bill 34, which is set to expire at the end of this month. Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said the government remains committed to defending the legislation in court. Police expressed frustration when the injunction was allowed, effectively preventing law enforcement from fining or jailing anyone who consumed drugs in parks, beaches, sports fields, and other areas where children may be nearby. MORE

 

PARK FOR CASSIDY – The Regional District has bought a lot at 3483 Hallberg Rd. for $420,000 to turn it into a community park for Cassidy. The community has about 1,000 people. The RDN will clear the existing buildings on the nearly half acre property to develop the park. The operations and maintenance will be managed by RDN parks staff through a community park budget. MORE

 

WESTERN FOREST PRODUCTS has the first continuous-dry lumber kiln on the West Coast in Ladysmith. That increases capacity for continuous drying of lumber, while reducing energy consumption by about one-third. The mill already had three existing kilns on site for drying lumber. MORE

 

CREDIT CARD SCAMS ­– Burnaby RCMP warn of a bank-card scam where the suspects show up at the victims’ homes. The victims got a phone a call from someone saying they were from a bank and that their cards had been compromised. They said they would send bank staff to pick up the cards and investigate. Two seniors gave their cards to the suspect and were scammed out of $3,000 and $5,000 each. In the third case, the suspect fled after the victim wanted to confirm with the bank. MORE

 

THE NORTH ISLAND Wildlife Recovery Centre’s population is growing with the third rare white raven brought in during the last three years. The injured bird was brought to the centre in Errington in February after being found in the Qualicum Beach area. It showed signs of a recent animal attack, likely by an eagle. The two earlier birds are doing well and are permanent residents of the centre. MORE

 

MEALS OF WHEELS need more volunteer drivers. It is rewarding and takes very little commitment. The pool of spare drivers is not adequate. These back up drivers are crucial to the operation. If you can spare time from 3-5 p.m., this is for you, and you get paid for the mileage. Your insurance company can verify your coverages to include volunteer services. Lots of elderly and ailing folks really look forward to these meals. Go here for more INFORMATION.

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THE THING ABOUT AGING is you lose more and more friends. The final bell rang yesterday for Paul Butcher Vachon, 86, one of the greatest performers in professional wrestling over many decades. He was the brother of Maurice Mad Dog Vachon, both of whom I worked in the ring with many times as a referee. Although known as vicious and brutal in the ring, the two were the greatest gentle friends anyone could wish to have. Paul ran as a federal NDP candidate in a 1995 byelection. His sister Vivian and step daughter Luna Vachon also wrestled. Rest in Peace, Butcher.                                    Photo by Greg Oliver, Slam Wrestling


QUOTABLE – I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that most people die of natural causes.

FORMER PRIME MINISTER BRIAN MULRONEY has died at the age of 84. He served as prime minister from 1984 to 1993. Born in Baie-Comeau, Quebec, Mulroney built a political career marked by the at-times fractious coalition of Western conservatives, Red Tories and Quebec nationalists that made up the old centrist Progressive Conservative Party, and a legacy of securing the original NAFTA trade deal with the U.S. and Mexico as well as passing the goods and service tax into law. Former Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Brian Peckford remembers Mulroney very fondly, crediting him with keeping the province in Confederation. See his tribute HERE.

 

RCMP HAVE IMPOUNDED a vehicle suspected to have been involved in the fatal hit-and-run crash in Cedar on the weekend. Police are trying to determine who was behind the wheel at the time of the crash. That follows a fatal hit and run on Cedar Road which killed a 90-year-old woman who died at the scene. MORE

 

THE DEATH TOLL in January for toxic drugs is down 10 per cent from last December and 14 per cent lower than a year ago in January. Nanaimo, Vancouver and Surrey still had the highest number of unregulated drug deaths in 2024. Nanaimo had 13 deaths in January the same as January 2023, second to the 15 people who died in February 2023, the most ever in a month. The Coroner’s Service report claimed there is no indication that prescribed safer supply is contributing to drug deaths. More than three-quarters of the deaths were males and more than 70 per cent between 30 and 59 years old. The highest death rates were in Island Health and Northern authorities.  MORE


PARK FOR CASSIDY – The Regional District bought a nearly-half-acre lot at 3483 Hallberg Rd. for $420,000 to turn it into a community park for Cassidy. The community has about 1,000 people. The RDN will clear the existing buildings on the property to prepare for the park’s development. The park’s operations and maintenance will be managed by RDN parks staff through the development of a community park budget. MORE

 

VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY Mariners have high expectations at they head to the PACWEST basketball championship in Kelowna this weekend. The Women’s and Men’s teams took first place in their conference after each compiling 20-4 records during the season. The men have a bye into the semi-final round on later today. Winning the semi-final sends the VIU women to the finals and to the CCAA Basketball Championship at Lakeland College in Vermillion, Alberta, from March 13. MORE

 

QUOTABLE – You’re not grown up until you know how to communicate, apologize, be truthful and accept accountability without blaming someone else.