Local News Update

Comox Valley Water Services urges residents to be aware of water consumption habits during Watershed Awareness Week

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:50:05 -0700

The Comox Valley Regional District is making sure residents are well-informed about where their water comes from. Watershed Awareness Week runs from May 26. to 30. The initiative, now in its third year, aims to educate the public about the importance of protecting the water supply. The Comox Lake watershed provides clean drinking water for more than 50,000 residents in the region.

“The watershed is the source of our water supply. So ultimately, the better you can protect it and the better you can maintain its good functioning condition, the better your water quality is gonna get when it comes into your treatment facility,” said Mike Herschmiller, manager of water services in the CVRD.

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The OV Arts Centre hosts Open House amidst its planned renovations for the venue

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 29 May 2026 13:10:10 -0700

The Old Victoria (OV) Arts Centre is set for renovations as the local venue works towards a new chapter with the help of The Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild (NPAG).

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Climate scientist warns warmer and drier conditions on Vancouver Island could lead to more severe wildfires this season

CHLY 101.7FM — Mon, 25 May 2026 16:06:58 -0700

Fire season is underway in B.C. This year it could be more severe than usual. According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, 214 wildfires have been extinguished throughout the province since April 1. The season typically lasts from April to October, per Canada Wildfire. This year, climate scientists are seeing higher temperatures and drier conditions.

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Oceanside not-for-profit signals SOS to keep youth, family, and senior programs running

CHLY 101.7FM — Mon, 25 May 2026 12:59:47 -0700

Since 1968, the Society of Organized Services has been working to meet the needs of school children, families and seniors throughout the Oceanside area. Now the organization needs money to make sure those programs and services can continue.

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WorkBC and VIVRS team up to help job seekers with opening a new pop up shop in downtown Nanaimo next month

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 21 May 2026 16:46:12 -0700

A new pop up shop is offering job seekers free professional clothing donated by the community.

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Over a month since the closure of Hub and the need for a new location is felt more than ever

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:07:30 -0700

It has been over a month since a year-round drop-in service hub closed in downtown Nanaimo, leaving many community services looking for new ways to keep those living on the street from falling through the cracks.

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‘Paying it forward’: How one bakery in Downtown Nanaimo is making sure nobody goes hungry

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 15 May 2026 17:06:35 -0700

Operating on Commercial street in downtown Nanaimo since 2018, Red’s Bakery has been described by its supporters as a pillar of downtown Nanaimo. The bakery’s Pay It Forward system provides free meals to anyone and everyone who comes in and asks.

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Western Edge Theatre gears up for its last show of the season, in time for Men’s Mental Health Month.

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 15 May 2026 16:53:22 -0700

With Men’s Mental Health month coming up, Nanaimo’s Western Edge Theatre prepares for its last show of the season, Canadian made play, 7 Stories.

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The Backyard is back: With renovations almost complete it opens its doors to Nanaimo once again

CHLY 101.7FM — Wed, 13 May 2026 11:24:41 -0700

With summer right around the corner, the annual Nanaimo music festival is back with a fresh new paintjob after adapting to challenges faced in 2024.

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Nanaimo gathers to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 08 May 2026 15:26:57 -0700

Every May is a reminder of the crisis impacting B.C.’s missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

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New house program to give love and community while undergoing cancer treatment

CHLY 101.7FM — Tue, 05 May 2026 14:18:54 -0700

On January 1st, 2025, Carly Carey, got the news no one ever wants to hear, she had been diagnosed with cancer.

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Nanaimo Museum exhibit looks at farming and food security through past and present

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 01 May 2026 14:03:33 -0700

Nanaimo has a deep rooted history in farming, and Grow Nanaimo, a new exhibit at the Nanaimo Museum examines it.

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Community comes out to support Volunteer Nanaimo during a time of need

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:19:54 -0700

Community members, members of government, and local organizations came together Wednesday April 29 to show support for Volunteer Nanaimo.

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Second annual Infusion sees skying rocketing number of participants and interested healthcare workers

CHLY 101.7FM — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:12:43 -0700

Hundreds of Americans once again came to visit the Harbour City this past weekend, but this time, many healthcare workers came to learn more about making Nanaimo their new home.

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All speakers opposed at second night of Cable Bay public hearing

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:46:38 -0700

Once again the Shaw Auditorium was packed with concerned locals before city council, voicing their opinions on the proposed rezoning of land near the popular Cable Bay trail.

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For 21st year, VISFF partners with CineVic local films to Nanaimo

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:44:48 -0700

Local and international short films will be on full display this weekend at the Malaspina Theatre at Vancouver Island University.

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Grief Fire held at Vancouver Island University 10 years after toxic drug crisis declared

CHLY 101.7FM — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:57:23 -0700

On April 14, 2016, the Government of British Columbia declared a public health emergency in response to the increase in toxic drug deaths happening across the province.

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With a boom in clean energy, a new art exhibit at the Nanaimo Art Gallery, looks at the true cost of it all

CHLY 101.7FM — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:57:30 -0700

While countries around the world work to switch from fossil fuels to green renewables, a new exhibit takes a step back and gives voice to those affected and affecting the clean energy transition.

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Hamilton Marsh Regional Park officially opened by RDN

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:43:06 -0700

After decades of work by local ecological groups, Hamilton Marsh Regional Park is officially open.

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Nanaimo youth, youngest artist to be selected for City’s street banners

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:10:48 -0700

Imagination and creativity are on full display across the harbour city’s downtown, and along Bowen Road as the City of Nanaimo displays a new banner design by a local youth artist.

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Looking out for the ‘little guys.’ A new eDNA collection method to research Salish Sea forage fish

CHLY 101.7FM — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:47:06 -0700

In the face of a global biological crisis, a Vancouver Island research group is using new environmental DNA techniques to help better understand some of the coast's smallest fish.

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Photo: Sophie Vanderbanck (Redd Fish Restoration Society)

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Youth and ‘hidden homelessness’ data now being counted in United Way Point-in-Time Count

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:39:27 -0700

Once again the numbers of those living unhoused in Nanaimo remains high as United Way BC releases the latest numbers from the 2025 Point-in-Time (PiT) Count.

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“I don't know what I'm gonna do”—The Hub set to shut down end of March

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:47:19 -0700

On January 2nd, 2025, a year-round drop-in service hub opened in downtown Nanaimo, giving a space for those unhoused to access essential services. A little over a year later, they are now bracing for what will come next as the Hub is set to close.

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Nanaimo Hub set to close but nearby neighbourhood group worried about what comes next

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:46:53 -0700

Just weeks away from the closing of the daytime and nighttime service Hub, a local neighbourhood group is concerned about what comes next.
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New low-cost vet care program opens in Nanaimo

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:55:15 -0700

Nanaimo is full of animal lovers, and while people want to give their furry friends the best care possible, veterinary care can come at a high cost.
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Bluebirds once flourished here, Cowichan conservation works for their return

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:21:50 -0700

Bluebirds once could be seen–and heard–all across the Cowichan Valley, but loss of habitat due to development saw a decline so significant that bluebirds became locally extinct.
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VIU Students’ Union host free open textbook fair

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:19:14 -0800

The first week of March marks Open Education Week, and facing rising education costs, Vancouver Island University Students’ Union put a spin on the classic Scholastic Book Fair, hosting their first zero cost textbook fair.
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Home Grown website wants to strengthen connection to local farmers and food

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:11:57 -0800

A local software developer wants to make buying local produce to support Vancouver Island farmers a lot easier with a new website.
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Celebrating The Glass Cage and a soundtrack of a past Nanaimo

CHLY 101.7FM — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:31:09 -0800

Following the story of a long lost record being found, former Nanaimo-based band, The Glass Cage, was reunited for the first time in over 50 years.
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Federal NDP leadership hopeful, Heather McPherson, stops by Nanaimo

CHLY 101.7FM — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:13:35 -0800

With little over a month out from the federal NDP leadership election, NDP leader candidate and current MP Heather McPherson made a stop in Nanaimo to hear from local party members.
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Inside The Glass Cage, a Nanaimo band reunites over a long lost album

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:11:16 -0800

In the summer of 1968, performing a once in a lifetime gig, a band of Vancouver Island teenage boys decided to record their live performance, an album that never saw the light of day, until now.
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Snuneymuxw could soon vote municipally in October. SFN and the City of Nanaimo announce joint effort for city boundary change.

CHLY 101.7FM — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:23:45 -0800

Since the incorporation of the City of Nanaimo, many members of the Snuneymuxw First Nations (SFN) have not been able to vote in municipal elections.
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Sexpo from VIU Students’ Union breaks down sexual health barriers

CHLY 101.7FM — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:07:27 -0800

For many people, sexual health was only something taught to them in high school. Vancouver Island University Students’ Union wants to go further in breaking down stigma and opening up conversion around sexual health and consent.
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Nanaimo chapter of Unplugged Canada advocate for legislation barring youth access to social media under 16

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:39:50 -0800

A local non-profit group is calling on parents and youth to beware of the harmful effects of their cell phone, devices, and social media.
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Kids rock! John Barsby Secondary School students take to the stage

CHLY 101.7FM — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:08:17 -0800

Students from John Barsby Secondary School’s School of Rock program are gearing up to hit the stage this Friday.
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“Hockey is bigger than just a game.” Nanaimo Clippers host first ever Pride Night

CHLY 101.7FM — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:26:18 -0800

Highlighting the importance of inclusion in sports, the Nanaimo Clippers hockey team and the Nanaimo Pride Society hosted a Pride Night for the first time.
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Photo: Island Images Photography

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What’s a Wind Phone? Creating space to process grief and honour loved ones

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:25:33 -0800

Grief can be a hard topic to talk about. A new Wind Phone gives a space for people to honour loved ones and help process grief.
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New exhibit at the Nanaimo Art Gallery reexamines life at Nanaimo’s Chinatowns

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:09:24 -0800

It has been over six decades since the last remaining Chinatown in Nanaimo was destroyed by a fire. Now, a new exhibit reflects on what was and what is now.
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What is up with all this fog in Nanaimo?

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:33:42 -0800

Fog horns sound throughout Nanaimo as thick, cold fog has made a prolonged appearance on the coast.
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Jenn Strub to connect young people with poetry as Nanaimo’s new Youth Poet Laureate

CHLY 101.7FM — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:06:08 -0800

Growing up, poetry was not something Jenn Strub connected with very much. But after figuring out how poetry could be a tool to express herself, she now wants to help other youth find the same connection.
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Local poetry press creating space for indie, alternative and local writers

CHLY 101.7FM — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:34:38 -0800

Getting published can be a dream come true for many writers and poets. So after years of working in the poetry scene, two Nanaimo locals are starting a press to make that dream more accessible.
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Avi Lewis, NDP Leadership contestant, launches town hall tour on Vancouver Island

CHLY 101.7FM — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:40:32 -0800

Nanaimo was the second stop on a town hall for federal NDP leader hopeful Avi Lewis, where he spoke about affordability, health care, and a Canadian Green New Deal.

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After near extinction, Vancouver Island Marmot population breaks milestone

CHLY 101.7FM — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 13:30:00 -0800

A Vancouver Island conservation organization is celebrating hitting a new milestone, as the marmot population hits new peaks.

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Photo courtesy of the Marmot Recovery Foundation

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New Snuneymuxw program works to keep traditional lands flourishing for future generations

CHLY 101.7FM — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 13:54:11 -0800

Combining his work with cultural practice has always been important for Robert Phillips. So when the opportunity to connect with community and grow his knowledge of the land came up, he jumped at the chance to become a land guardian.
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Nanaimo Regional Hospital District commits to covering 100 per cent to build cardiac care lab

CHLY 101.7FM — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:43:51 -0800

The call for better cardiac care in Nanaimo may soon be answered, as the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District has voted to fully fund a catheterization lab in Nanaimo.
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Risebridge wants no one to celebrate the holidays alone in Nanaimo and Oceanside

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:03:29 -0800

As the cost of living continues to rise and the number of those unhoused increases, a mid-island non-profit group is making sure no one is alone during the holiday season.
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VIU student talks about her time at COP 30 in Brazil

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:21:53 -0800

Every year, world leaders, scientists and climate activists meet to make decisions around addressing the climate crisis, and this year, some students from Vancouver Island University were able to witness it.
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Photo: (Kiara Worth/UN Climate Change [CC BY-NC-SA 4.0])

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Dress for success: new VIU ‘Career Closet’ offers free professional clothing for students

CHLY 101.7FM — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:47:36 -0800

A new service through Vancouver Island University’s Career Studio is helping students dress for success for interviews, events and presentations.
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UBCM has red flags over Bill M216 that would fast-track housing in British Columbia

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 14:05:04 -0800

MLA for Nanaimo–Lantzville, George Anderson, is currently moving forward with a private member's bill that has sparked concern among local governments.
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Photo: Ron Lach / Pexels

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UVic students plan to run from Victoria to Nanaimo to raise money for men’s mental health

CHLY 101.7FM — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:41:04 -0800

Two university students are training for the biggest run of their lives, while raising money and awareness about men’s mental health.

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A new look for the former A&B Sounds building, highlighting local creatives

CHLY 101.7FM — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:43:55 -0800

Owners of the Soundworks Market Hall hosted a preview of the former A&B Sound building, with the hope of seeing it again become a landmark for the downtown core.
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Artwalk returns to celebrate and showcase local talent in downtown Nanaimo

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:04:42 -0800

Once again, downtown Nanaimo will be taken over by artists showcasing their talent and wares for purchase.

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Devours left no crumbs at Woodstove Festival

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 10:12:02 -0800

Nanaimo-born artist Jeff Cancade returned to Woodstove for their second year, under stage name Devours, performing confessional electropop inspired by their own inner city queer experiences.

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Changes to the B.C disability assistance will remove barriers for couples

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:17:57 -0800

Couples who receive disability assistance will now be able to be with the ones they love without having to worry about reduced support clawbacks.

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"A Baker’s Dozen," Nanaimo playwright tackles mental illness at OV Arts Centre

CHLY 101.7FM — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:50:35 -0800

A new play coming to Downtown Nanaimo’s OV Arts Centre is looking to tackle the tough realities of living with mental illness, addiction, and intergenerational trauma.

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Comox Valley Pride critical of Conservative MLA Brennan Day over ‘bigoted’ OneBC bill

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:40:06 -0800

The Pride Society of the Comox Valley shared a letter addressed to MLA Brennan Day, following the representative’s decision to support the first reading of a OneBC bill intituled Protecting Minors from Gender Transition Act.

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Career potter in Ladysmith gives back to ceramics community

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:08:32 -0800

A local potter with 40 years of experience is sharing her knowledge in a book aimed at novice potters.

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“We are serving more people than ever before.” Nanaimo food bank faces its biggest decline in donations while seeing an increase in need

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:18:26 -0800

Loaves & Fishes Community Food Bank is facing unprecedented difficulties due to financial challenges, resulting in changes to this year’s Christmas Hamper program.

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VIU nursing students are setting out to make sure all kids have the chance to play sports

CHLY 101.7FM — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:49:27 -0800

Vancouver Island University nursing students are making sure kids, no matter their background, can still take part in sports.

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Halloween and Samhain: witching hour in the Comox Valley

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:09:40 -0700

It is Halloween in the Comox Valley, but there is a deeper spiritual, and even religious story to be told behind the origins of this festive day; one that is still honoured by witches today.

Kluane Atwater is a witch and ritualist, someone who practices magic in her daily life. She joined CHLY and DIG FM to talk about Samhain, the Pagan sabbat that may have inspired Halloween, and how it is celebrated by Pagans here in the Comox Valley, on the traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation.

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Ground breaks at the location for new BC Cancer centre in Nanaimo

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 13:59:38 -0700

Ground has officially broken for construction on the new BC Cancer centre at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

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Snuneymuxw First Nation to become largest Indigenous-led casino operator in the province

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:02:20 -0700

Snuneymuxw First Nation is once again celebrating, with the acquisition of two new casinos on the mainland.

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Sweet creature: lost goat “Harry Styles” wins hearts in Comox Valley

CHLY 101.7FM — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:48:24 -0700

A goat named Harry Styles has been making waves online, after a member of a Comox Valley community Facebook group posted about the goat after finding him wandering on her property.

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“Hollowe’en Spooktacular” to be put on by new youth theatre program at OV Arts Centre

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 14:37:38 -0700

Something is lurking in the OV Art Centre, and for the third year, Reconciliation Theatre is welcoming guests to explore the haunted depths of the Victoria Rd theatre.

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Comox Valley Poverty Data Walk moves indoors for the fall

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:56:57 -0700

On Tuesday October 21st at the Comox Valley Regional District Board meeting, Social Planning Coordinator Michelle Hebert presented a staff report regarding the Comox Valley Poverty Data Walk.

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“Commercial St.” opens at Nanaimo Art Gallery

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:11:35 -0700

Nanaimo’s very own Commercial Street is being highlighted in the newest exhibit at the Nanaimo Art Gallery.

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New poetry trail to spark reflection and creativity outdoors

CHLY 101.7FM — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 15:14:58 -0700

The City of Nanaimo wants to give opportunities to community members to stop and reflect on the space around them with a new poetry trail.

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Curtains set to close for TheatreOne

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:37:08 -0700

After 40 years of bringing professional theatre to the local stage, Nanaimo’s TheatreOne is closing its stage curtains forever.

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Snuneymuxw First Nation celebrates formal return of land from Crown

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:01:19 -0700

After decades of hard work and determination, 194.7 acres have been returned to the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

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Comox Valley fired up for Woodstove Festival

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 16:48:19 -0700

The Cumberland Culture and Arts Society are warming up for the 9th annual Woodstove Music & Arts Festival this November; tickets sold out in record time, a month ahead of lineup announcements.

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TheatreOne faces do or die fundraising challenge

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 14:22:50 -0700

What should have been a celebration, kicking off its 41st season, TheatreOne is now having to cancel shows as it figures out if it can even keep the theatre company going.

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Tanille Johnston launches federal NDP leadership bid in Nanaimo

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 17:37:44 -0700

Tanille Johnston had downtown Nanaimo as her backdrop as she kicked off her campaign to become the next leader of the federal New Democratic Party.

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Vancouver Island University recognized by Moose Hide Campaign for awareness around gender-based violence

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:36:14 -0700

Vancouver Island University has been recognized for its work on campus raising awareness around gender-based violence.

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City of Nanaimo to expand Loudon Park following new land purchase

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 15:53:57 -0700

Loudon Park will likely have a new look in the near future, following the City of Nanaimo’s recent land purchase.

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Postal Workers back to the picket lines, in a fight to keep door-to-door delivery

CHLY 101.7FM — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 16:20:57 -0700

Nanaimo Postal Workers are back to the picket lines, continuing the strike they started late last year.

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Comox Valley honours Truth and Reconciliation Day

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 22:23:45 -0700

The four municipal governments within the Comox Valley shared a joint statement recognizing September 30th as Truth and Reconciliation Day. The statement also encouraged residents to join in recognizing the day by wearing orange and attending the Comox Valley Spirit Walk.

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Nanaimo City Council meets with other municipalities at this year’s UBCM to discuss housing, health, and street disorder

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 16:32:53 -0700

Housing, health, and street disorder were top of mind at this year’s Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention, held this year in Victoria. CHLY spoke with members of the Nanaimo City Council who attended to hear what their takeaways were from the week.
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Art and music Pulse in heart of Downtown Courtenay this Friday

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 19:00:06 -0700

This Friday September 26th, Comox Valley Arts (CVArts) will be hosting their fourth and final Pulse on the Plaza event of the 2025 summer season. Taking place in front of the Comox Valley Art Gallery on Duncan, the finale event is named “Sunset on Summer” and hosted in partnership with local organization Elevate the Arts.

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Waitlists & reduced services: VIU students & BCFS call on Province to restore funding

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 11:15:06 -0700

Students at Vancouver Island University are tired of seeing programs and services at VIU get cut, and now they are calling on the provincial government to make a change.

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Youth Climate Corps recap first summer in Courtenay

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:55:02 -0700

This summer the Youth Climate Corps of BC expanded to Courtenay, employing a small team of young climate action workers, and collaborating with local organizations.

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Harm reduction education highlighted to keep students safe at Vancouver Island University

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:04:41 -0700

As many new and returning students are settling into campus life at Vancouver Island University, students through the campus health and wellness centre want to educate students to make sure they know the impacts of the ongoing toxic drug crisis.

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Robbie Thompson looks ahead to annual Slo-Pitch Tournament

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 18:46:19 -0700

This weekend the annual Robbie Thompson Slo-Pitch Tournament will go to bat, raising money for the Cancer Care Unit at the Comox Valley Hospital. This year’s fundraiser has a special focus on honouring late founder Jim Lalic, and the legacy he created within the community.

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Cumberland conk could become world’s first Official Village Fungus

CHLY 101.7FM — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:00:08 -0700

Local historian Dawn Copeman has proposed the Village of Cumberland become the first municipality in the world to name an Official Village Fungus.

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Die-in demands attention to overdose deaths

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 18:12:34 -0700

Sunday August 31st was International Overdose Awareness Day, and communities across Vancouver Island gathered on Friday August 29th to honour the day. The Village Clinic in Courtenay hosted an event at the Comox Valley Art Gallery, including a “die-in.”

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International Overdose Awareness Day recognized during march through Downtown Nanaimo

CHLY 101.7FM — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 13:31:17 -0700

Concerned citizens took to the streets on August 29 to bring awareness to unregulated drug deaths in Nanaimo.

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New High Acuity Unit opens at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for patients with complex care needs

CHLY 101.7FM — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 14:37:52 -0700

The Nanaimo Regional General Hospital is set to open its newest unit for patients with complex, high-care needs in the central Vancouver Island area.

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Buy Canadian draws more shoppers to local farmers' market

CHLY 101.7FM — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 11:22:35 -0700

When threats of a trade war between Canada and the United States at the beginning of this year started to grow, a lot of Canadians stopped and took a closer look at where their produce was coming from.

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BC SPCA warns of wildfire smoke affecting pets

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 22:46:24 -0700

Air quality warnings continue for several regions in the central Vancouver Island area due to the nearby wildfires. The BCSPCA is warning pet owners to keep their pets inside during smoky conditions.

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Family music camp strikes a new chord in the Comox Valley

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 14:08:36 -0700

Jam Camp, a musical summer camp for families across B.C., is coming to Vancouver Island for the first time this August and will be taking place at Camp Gilwell just outside Courtenay.

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Fresh Start back-to-school event in great need of backpacks for children

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:34:30 -0700

As the need for more school backpacks grows, Fresh Start’s charity drive is figuring out what to do as they see a lack of donations compared to previous years.

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United Way BC opens fund for those affected by Wesley Ridge fire

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 10:38:55 -0700

As the Wesley Ridge fire continues to burn in the Cameron Lake area, United Way BC has opened its wildfire fund to help those affected by the fire.

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Comox Valley doctor and town councillor talks platform in race for BC Greens leadership

CHLY 101.7FM — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 15:18:35 -0700

The BC Green Party leadership race is on, and Comox Valley’s own Jonathan Kerr is one of three candidates running. Kerr is a local family doctor, Vice-Chair of the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), and is serving his second term as a councillor in the Town of Comox.

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New art exhibits at the Nanaimo Art Gallery invite people to dance, jump, and play inside the gallery

CHLY 101.7FM — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:27:11 -0700

Comox Valley Pride has new host — the new non-profit organization Queer Centre

CHLY 101.7FM — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:29:16 -0700

Comox Valley’s new organization Queer Centre is hosting Pride this year, with events spanning the weekend of August 21st to 24th, including the 3rd annual Pride Parade on Saturday August 23rd.

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New Westwood Lake Park upgrades bring more inclusion to the lake

CHLY 101.7FM — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 09:51:19 -0700

As summer heats up, Westwood Lake Park is a go-to spot for many locals, and the City of Nanaimo has finished upgrades that will allow many more people to get out and enjoy the lake.

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National Youth Orchestra to play in Nanaimo, featuring local talent

CHLY 101.7FM — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 13:16:22 -0700

A local musician has reached a life goal as they play a hometown show while on tour with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada.

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Texada residents “devastated”: Tex the grizzly killed

Heather Watson — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 08:30:00 -0700

The grizzly bear who had taken up residence on Texada Island was found shot dead July 15th. The bear, nicknamed Tex by local resident and advocate Katrin Glenn-Bittner, had been on the island since late May.

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Art and science meet to visualize the history of Nanaimo

CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0700

Art and data meet in a new art piece now on display at Oliver Woods Community Centre, visualizing the history of Nanaimo.

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Conservation group monitors Western painted turtle nesting habits at Buttertubs Marsh

Lauryn Mackenzie / CHLY 101.7FM — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:53:00 -0700

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

Operated by Island Crisis Care Society (ICCS) in partnership with Nanaimo Family Life Association (NFLA) the drop-in hub will offer a space for those unhoused in the community to find shelter during the day in all forms of weather.

The drop-in hub will be located at 55 Victoria Road with the entrance to the space being off Nicol Street. It is expected to open on January 2, 2025, running from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

The year-round hub will also allow all people to access essential services and connections to community resources.

The daytime hub is being funded by the City of Nanaimo with funds from the federal government’s Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy program.

Along with the new drop-in daytime hub that will be opened year-round, the Nanaimo Family Life Association is working on opening an overnight shelter for those unhoused at the same location.

CHLY spoke with NFLA Executive Director Deborah Hollins, about the overnight shelter they are working on opening.

With funding from BC Housing to open a temporary overnight shelter, Hollins said they are in the final budgetary discussions with BC Housing to receive the funding to open the shelter from January 6 until March 31.

The overnight shelter will be at the location of the daytime drop-in hub.

“So the hub will have two components; there'll be ICCS, which is the drop-in center for folks experiencing homelessness where they can go get warm or, in the summertime, cool off and access services,” Hollins said. “Then at seven o'clock, NFLA will open up the shelter portion, where people can come and find a bed for the night. They will be given a meal in the evening and then a meal when they leave in the morning. We will also provide them with services so they can have a warm place to sleep in the evening. But that portion of the project closes on March 31.”

Hollins said this new hub is great news for Nanaimo as the city needs more shelter space for those experiencing homelessness in the city.

“When you have shelter beds that are accessible to folks, you can also connect them to services, you can ensure that they are safe in the evening time, you can address their hygiene needs,” she said. “So it is just so important that there are ample beds in our community for people who need those beds. While we are waiting for housing to be built and established in our community, people need somewhere to sleep, and currently in Nanaimo, there just are not enough shelter beds. So this is just a little bit of a boost to our numbers.”

But as this news comes out, a group of concerned citizens said this new hub opening next month is still not enough.

For the last two weeks, a group of concerned citizens have been rallying outside Nanaimo City Hall trying to get the City of Nanaimo to open a daytime warming centre.

CHLY met with some members of this group following the announcement of the daytime drop-in hub.

Gretchen Brown said she does not understand why the hub isn’t opening until January as this space has been needed for the community for a while now.

“I met a young man yesterday, whose feet were wet from the day before, people are actually getting sick and dying,” Brown said.

With the date set for the hub to open on January 2, Brown said she thinks it is unbelievable that people will still have to brace for the weather and be outside for the next two weeks.

“Two weeks where people are going to be outside, they could die in those two weeks. That's reality if you're wet and cold,” Brown said.

Judith Guy said they worry that the proposed 20-30 spots the hub can house will not be enough to help the whole population of those experiencing homelessness in the community.

According to the 2023 Point-in-Time Count over 500 people experiencing homelessness in Nanaimo were accounted for.

“But I think what's happening is the real focus on building permanent housing is kind of eroding some of what would be needed right now on the front line, and it's like everything else,” Guy said. “The minute you invest in prevention you have to double load it–you have to pay for the results, for lack of prevention, and then you have to pay for the cost of prevention, and you're doubling for a while. But in the end, you have better results.”

Another concern for the group is that they said the hub will not be low-barrier enough.

Christy Wood, manager of social planning for the City of Nanaimo, spoke at a City of Nanaimo public safety committee meeting on December 18, saying one requirement for the hub to open for daytime drop-in use is that the RCMP and community safety officers must be allowed to enter the space. As well there will be security hired at night to monitor the area.

The group explained that having a low-barrier space means allowing anyone to access the space no matter how the person is feeling that day or if they have used substances or not. They said having security and police in the area increases barriers.

Qui Sepulveda said low-barrier spaces are about cultivating an environment that is either curated or informed by people with lived or living experiences.

“We know what works and what makes these spaces accessible, and yet, there is still so much bureaucratic tape in front of accessing the funding, opening them, to accessing a proper location, to getting someone willing to rent to you the space to open them,” Sepulveda said. “The people in positions of authority that we're supposed to look to for help to guide us and what direction we're supposed to go. Sometimes feels like it's just walking us around in circles.”

Sepulveda said planning and building for spaces such as a warming shelter needs to be done preemptively by governments like this where one won’t be opening until January won’t happen again.

“This is a problem that we could have planned for and fixed, but we always end up here every year, year after year,” Sepulveda said.

They said change needs to be done for all levels of government before meaningful change can happen for the community.

“Why can't we just open a shelter tomorrow? Yes, there are a million lines of bureaucracy, but each of those lines of bureaucracy is a human being who can just wake up tomorrow and decide to change the system, and we're not doing that,” Sepulveda said. “So I think it is as much about showing the reality of people out there as much as it is about actually making systemic change.”

The group said that they will continue to rally outside City Hall every Tuesday until the City of Nanaimo opens a day-time warming shelter for the community.

Funding Note: This story was produced with funding support from the Local Journalism Initiative, administered by the Community Radio Fund of Canada.

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Nanaimo’s world record title dethroned, but won’t stop people’s love for the Nanaimo bar

Lauryn Mackenzie / CHLY 101.7FM — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 14:18:25 -0700