In the 1880s, more than 800 thousand hectares of land were given to the Esquimalt and Nanaimo railway company as a way to help finance building a rail line on Vancouver Island. The exhibit highlights the impact those grants have on society today, including in  modern treaty negotiations.

Midcoast Morning paid a visit to a launch event for the exhibit, and spoke with the chief negotiator for the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group, as well as the Vancouver Island Regional Library’s Executive Director. The program followed up with Vancouver Island Local History Society President Kelly Black for a longer conversation on the subject.

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Podcast Photo: Map of the Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway Company's Land Grant (Library and Archives Canada).

It was the second repair cafe held in Nanaimo this year, with a third planned for June 13th. There are repair cafés worldwide. The global movement aims to save items from landfill, and to help people acquire the skills to fix items on their own.

Midcoast Morning paid a visit to the event, and spoke with lead organizer Stenson Lindal, as well as attendees and volunteers among which was Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP Tamara Kronis.

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Podcast Photo: Liam, Taylor, and Stenson from the Nanaimo Repair Cafe (Joe Pugh/CHLY 101.7FM)

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Podcast Photo: Woodgrove Area Plan cover (City of Nanaimo).

Midcoast Morning speaks with Martin Karsten, a University of Waterloo computer science professor, to walk through some questions around how data centres work, and to get his take on some of the factors at play in Nanaimo’s situation.

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Podcast Photo: Data Centre Servers with Terminal (Brett Sayles/Pexels)

One of the group’s behind the pitch is the Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation, which is the city’s economic development agency. There is also involvement from the Housing Nanaimo Working Group which is made up of members of various community organizations. The third partner involved in the pitch was the Anchor Corporation, represented by Bowen Island resident Lieven Callewaert.

Together they are asking for $300,000 from city council to create a Nanaimo housing collective. It would have an initial goal of bringing 400 units of affordable housing to the community within 2 years.

Midcoast Morning hears from some of those involved with the pitch about their proposed housing collective.

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Podcast Photo: Colourful abstract housing (Jakub Zerdzicki/Pexels).

After three sessions of a public hearing lasting more than ten hours and featuring more than a hundred first time speakers, Nanaimo City Council has sent an application to rezone around 75 hectares of land from rural resource AR1 to industrial I4 Zoning back to staff.

Midcoast Morning spoke with Nanaimo Forest Products CEO Paul Sadler, as well as Jain Alcock-White, who has spent years working with a group of community members to advocate for increased protections in the areas around Cable Bay Trail.

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Podcast Photo: Paul Sadler, CEO of Nanaimo Forest Products at the first night of public hearing for 950 Phoenix Way rezoning (Jesse Woodward/CHLY 101.7FM)

Midcoast Morning spoke with Mark Holland, a registered professional planner with a decade of experience teaching planning at VIU, to get more context on various considerations in the public hearing process, including nuances of zoning rules and whether there is precedent for how local governments factor in First Nations concerns.

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Podcast Photo: Cable Bay rezoning application map (Koers & Associates)

Around 68 people spoke to the matter, with 24 of them calling into the hearing, with council also receiving 907 written submissions.

At issue is a rezoning bylaw.

It would see close to 75 hectares of land near the southeastern edge of Nanaimo rezoned from Rural Resource [AR1] zoning to Industrial [I4].

AR 1 zoning “provides agriculture and rural uses on larger lots without urban services,” and permitted uses include agriculture, golf courses, and animal shelters.

Per the city’s zoning bylaw I4 zoning provides for heavy industrial development that is not compatible with residential uses.

Among numerous permitted uses under this type of zoning are Wood and Paper Processing, log sorting and storage, chemical plants, and a use case simply listed as industry.

The land is owned by Nanaimo Forest Products, also known in the community as Harmac Pacific.

The rezoning application also includes provisions for a site specific use for agriculture, with one section of the lands anticipated to play home to a greenhouse and housing for temporary foreign workers.

The parcel of land in question is located directly west of Cable Bay trail. If approved as is, a buffer with an average length of 100 metres is to be left next to the trail. In some places limited industrial use is forecast 50 meters away from the trail according to a site map.

Midcoast Morning brings you excerpts from the hearing, which is set to continue Wednesday April 22nd, at 7PM.

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Podcast Photo: Speaker at Cable Bay Hearing (Jesse Woodward/CHLY 101.7FM)

In a political studies course under professor Michael MacKenzie students participated in mock elections, with winners seeking to implement their policy ideas in an AI powered simulation. 

The students were divided into 3 different worlds and each presented their results in a fair Thursday April 9th at VIU. Midcoast Morning attended and spoke with MacKenzie and various students about Nanaimo’s potential future.

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Podcast Photo: Michael Mackenzie and VIU Political Science students (Joe Pugh/CHLY 101.7FM)

This is an extended podcast edition of the original broadcast.

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Podcast Photo: Co-authors Richard Johnson and Peter MacLeod (Sophie Bouquillon).

Grace Richard was married to Wilkinson for over 30 years and lived on the site. She shared memories of Wildwood with Midcoast Morning. The program also paid a visit to the site, which is now stewarded by the Ecoforestry Institute Society. Midcoast Morning host Joe Pugh spoke with society chair Kathy Code.

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Special thanks to Patrick Carpenter.

Podcast Photo: Wildwood Ecoforest (Joe Pugh/CHLY 101.7FM)

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Links:

• RDN Water to Earth Month events
• Gabriola Freshwater Footprint  September report

Podcast Photo: Drinking Water (Engin Akyurt/Pexels)

Last summer, Nanaimo City Council voted to continue funding The Hub only until the end of March, following concerns presented by residents of the neighbourhood surrounding the facility about a significant increase in street disorder in the blocks surrounding the area.

Midcoast Morning visited The Hub and spoke with day and nighttime service operators and service users. CHLY reporter Lauryn Mackenzie spoke with residents of the south end, and the program heard from Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog about the city’s plans for the transition period as The Hub approaches its final days on Nicol Street.

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Podcast Photo: Cece, a service user at the Hub (Lauryn Mackenzie/CHLY 101.7FM).

The home team will be tipping off on Wednesday, fresh off a victory in the provincial PACWEST final earlier this month. The tournament is the swansong for longtime coach Matt Kuzminski, and 5th year player Kai Leighton, both of whom spoke with Midcoast Morning. The program also heard from VIU Sports and Information coordinator Matt Carter.

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Podcast Photo: VIU Mariner’s Basketball (Provided).

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Podcast Photo: Michael Pollock at Camosun College (Camosun).

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Podcast Photo: Aerial view of Duke Point (SFN/Dirk Heydemann)

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Podcast Photo: Cable Bay Trail, near Duke Point (Wikipedia Commons)

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Disclosure: Host Joe Pugh is a member of L’Association des Francophones de Nanaimo.

Podcast Photo: Maple Sugar Festival illustration (Provided).

Now more than 25 years later Gantt is still president of the society, and is still organizing events  to bring people together to mark Black History Month. Midcoast Morning asked her how the Nanaimo African Heritage Society is marking the occasion in 2026.

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Podcast Photo: Marie and Louise Stark (Estes-Stark Collection/Salt Spring Island Archives).

Brian McFadden of the Vancouver Island Military Museum, Leon Potter of the VIU Theatre Department and Luis Poretta of Quadwrangle Productions are this years’ recipients. each of them spoke with Midcoast Morning about their contributions to the city’s cultural fabric. The Culture awards have been awarded annually by the city since 1998. 

Recipients are selected by City Council after a community nomination process and review by a panel of various community stakeholders. The awards will be handed out at a ceremony this April at the Port Theatre.

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Podcast Photo: Port Theatre (Jesse Woodward/CHLY 101.7FM).

Full program notes can be found at www.chly.ca/midcoastmorning

Plus, a new cooperative housing development in North Cowichan is expected to bring 92 affordable apartments to the community. Thom Armstrong, CEO of the Cooperative Housing Federation of BC spoke about the road to reality for that project, and weighed in on what a municipality can do to encourage affordable builds.

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Podcast Photo: Pre-zoning Map (City of Nanaimo ARC GIS).

Full program notes can be found at www.chly.ca/midcoastmorning

Also, plans to update British Columbia’s Heritage Conservation Act have been delayed. The act exists for the protection and conservation of sites with historical, cultural and archaeological value in the province, and major changes haven’t been made to the act since 1996. The province has been in the midst of reviewing the act for a number of years. Amendments to the act had been expected this spring, but earlier this month the province announced a delay, saying the extra time is to gather and incorporate additional feedback from industry, local governments and First Nations. Midcoast Morning spoke with Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council President Judith Sayers, who is also Co-Chair of the Joint Working Group on the Heritage Conservation Act.

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Podcast Photo: Descanso Bay shoreline on Gabriola Island (Jesse Woodward/CHLY 101.7FM)

Full program notes can be found at www.chly.ca/midcoastmorning

Members of the arts community in the Comox Valley are rallying in the face of the potential suspension of the fine arts program at North Island College. Fine Arts is one of 15 different programs that have been recommended for suspension following a review process, with a final decision expected to come from the school’s board of governors at a February 5th meeting. Midcoast Morning spoke with a trio of people in the local arts scene about the potential impact of the proposed suspension.

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Podcast Photo: North Island College Comox Valley Campus (Joe Pugh/CHLY 101.7FM)

Full program notes can be found at www.chly.ca/midcoastmorning

As rains once again battered Vancouver Island over the weekend, multiple regions grappled with the risk of flooding. For a period on Monday there were evacuation notices covering parts of Chemainus and a campground in Parksville.

UBC professor Younes Alila says that while governments and media outlets are often quick to point to climate change as a driver of more frequent atmospheric rivers and increased flood risks, he feels more attention needs to be given to the role of forest management practices, especially clear cut logging in creating conditions for dangerous floods. 

He spoke with Midcoast Morning.

We also speak with Trace Acers from the Road Safe at Work program about driving during periods of heavy rain.

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Podcast Photo: Map of flooding in Chemainus.

Full program notes can be found at www.chly.ca/midcoastmorning

Stories of hangings, explosions, and tragedies from Nanaimo’s past have been brought together in a book from lifelong history buff T.W. Paterson. Called Unknown Nanaimo, it focuses on events from the 1850s through to the turn of the 20th century, with much of the material sourced from newspaper accounts from that period.

Speaking of newspapers, Paterson himself was the author of a historical column in the Nanaimo Free Press in the 1990s, and drew upon his work there for this collection. Paterson visited the CHLY studio to speak about 19th century Nanaimo.

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Podcast Photo: T.W. Paterson in studio (Joe Pugh/CHLY 101.7FM)

Full program notes can be found at www.chly.ca/midcoastmorning

We'll also touch on what some recent council decisions around active transportation projects mean for the city, and we'll hear a bit about how Nanaimo prioritizes what gets upgraded where.

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Podcast Photo: Hand drawn “Slow the heck down” sign on Protection Island (Jesse Woodward/CHLY 101.7FM)

Full program notes can be found at www.chly.ca/midcoastmorning

Instead, around a million dollars of funding will be redirected into other pedestrian and active transportation projects next year. 

We spoke with Nanaimo city councillor Tyler Brown, who moved the motion that led to the change. We also hear from Phil Hall, president of the Nanaimo area cycling coalition, and Jamie Rose, manager of transportation with the city of Nanaimo.

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Podcast Photo: Cyclists on E&N Trail (Jesse Woodward/CHLY 101.7FM)

Full program notes can be found at www.chly.ca/midcoastmorning

The Nanaimo Regional Hospital District Board unanimously passed a motion this month resolving to earmark up to 50 million dollars to fund 100% of the cardiac catheterization lab project as part of its funding commitments to that project and a new patient tower.

Midcoast Morning spoke with NRHD Board Chair Janice Perrino about the funding commitment, as well as Fair Care Alliance Chair Donna Hais.

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Podcast Photo: Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (Joe Pugh/CHLY 101.7FM)

Full program notes can be found at www.chly.ca/midcoastmorning

This report is all about the first part of that mandate, which is to examine and make recommendations related to democratic engagement and voter participation, and models for electing MLAs.

The report calls on the provincial government to consider creating a people’s assembly that would make recommendations about electoral reform and also looks at ways to improve civic education and voter turnout, and how to address misinformation.

VIU professor Michael Mackenzie spoke with Midcoast Morning to offer his views on the recommendations. The program also spoke with the chair and vice chair of the committee, MLAs Jennifer Blatherwick and Ward Stamer.

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Podcast Photo: Legislature Dome (Hossein Soltanloo)

Both experts shared their knowledge and experience working in research and conservation of humpback whales in this episode of Midcoast Morning, to understand the questions of why humpback strikes and mortalities seem to be increasing, and what can be done to improve humpback safety in the Salish Sea.

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Podcast Photo: Humpback Whales (Elianne Dipp/Pexels)

The motion council ended up debating instead asked staff to prepare a report with options on a zoning amendment to exclude emissions intense heavy industries, listing several examples, which would instead require site specific zoning. That motion narrowly passed  5-4.

Voting in favour were councillors Paul Manly, Tyler Brown, Ben Gheselbrecht, Erin Hemmens, and Hilary Eastmure. Voting against were councillors Janice Perrino Ian Thorpe, Sheryl Armstrong and Mayor Leonard Krog.

Midcoast Morning spoke with Manly about his motion, as well as Harmac CEO Paul Sadler, who said he felt his enterprise was directly targeted by it. You can watch the discussion around the motion from Monday’s council meeting HERE, beginning at 1:02:30.

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Podcast Photo: Harmac Pacific (David Stanley/Flickr CC BY 2.0)

In recent years, many summer festivals have faced challenges. 

Earlier this year it was reported that the Regina Folk Festival had permanently shut down due to financial struggles, and that the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival faced an uncertain future, with this year’s edition potentially being the last. For the first time in 30 years, there was no Vancouver Island MusicFest, with organizers citing economic challenges like decreasing sponsorships, a lack of local funding, and reduced ticket sales. Those are just some examples of a nationwide trend that’s been reported on by the CBC, The Globe and Mail and others.

Midcoast Morning attended this year’s Woodstove and spoke with artists and organizers to try and understand what has allowed the festival to seemingly thrive amidst a climate of wider economic challenges for arts festivals.

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Podcast Cover Photo: Cat Clyde (Joe Pugh/CHLY 101.7FM)

The company looking to build the centre in Nanaimo was incorporated in Ontario in 2020. In 2024, it registered the business name MAPLECOLO. A website for MAPLECOLO describes itself as a leader in Canadian data centres, specializing in Quantum-Safe Colocation and Symmetric-Key Distribution via DSKE technology. The site references a new facility in Nanaimo which it notes “enhances protection against quantum threats, combining traditional expertise with innovative solutions to revolutionize data security.” Our newsroom spoke with one of the company’s directors but was unable to arrange an interview ahead of broadcast. Midcoast Morning explores recent community concerns with Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog, and shares information revealed at a Nanaimo city council meeting about potential water use at the site.

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Podcast Photo: Architectural Rendering of Nanaimo Data Centre (dHKarchitects).

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Podcast Cover: Cole Reinbold at Vancouver Island University (BCFS)

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Podcast Photo: Townhouse rendering (City of Nanaimo/Grayland Consulting Ltd).

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Podcast Image: Illustration from Watermelon Seeds Festival of Literature (Chantey Dayal).

Creators & Guests

• Jesse Woodward - Editor
• Joe Pugh - Host
• Sara Kishawi - Guest
• Ziyad Saadi - Guest

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Podcast Photo: Five Acres Farm Community Park (City of Nanaimo).

★ Support this podcast ★
Creators & Guests

• Joe Pugh - Host
• Jesse Woodward - Editor
• Jennie Wharton - Guest
• Aimee Greenaway - Guest

Both the artist George Littlechild and the filmmaker Conor McNally will be in attendance at the screening on Saturday. Littlechild spoke about the film, the ongoing art exhibition at the CVAG, and his experience as an Indigenous creator, a Sixties Scoop survivor, and a Two Spirit person. Metis filmmaker Conor McNally describes the experience of making the film. You can learn more about the film screening here.

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★ Support this podcast ★ Creators & Guests

• Jesse Woodward - Editor
• Heather Watson - Host
• George Littlechild - Guest
• Conor McNally - Guest

Support Midcoast Morning and our Nonprofit Newsroom with a monthly sustaining donation of $5 to $10 a month.

Podcast Photo: Spirit Walk attendees walk to Lewis Park in Courtenay. Photo by Joe Pugh.

Full program notes can be found at www.chly.ca/midcoastmorning

The purchase will require long term borrowing of over 21 million dollars, to be paid back over 20 years.. For an average Nanaimo household, it’s expected the annual repayment cost will be around 19 dollars. The RDN is also looking to raise $7.5 million from partners like the provincial government and conservation groups. The Nanaimo and Area Land Trust (NALT) has committed to raising $250,000. Midcoast Morning met up with longtime advocate Ceri Peacey at the marsh, and spoke with NALT Executive Director Paul Chapman in studio.

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Podcast Photo: Ceri Peacey in front of the Hamilton Marsh. Photo by Joe Pugh.

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Want more news on the Salish Sea? Check out our Local News Update podcast.

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Support Midcoast Morning and our Nonprofit Newsroom with a monthly sustaining donation of $5 to $10 a month.

Podcast Photo: Restore celebration. By Joe Pugh.

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Support Midcoast Morning and our Nonprofit Newsroom with a monthly sustaining donation of $5 to $10 a month.

Photo: Sarah Lovegrove speaks at the 2024 International Overdose Awareness Day. By Joe Pugh.

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Podcast Cover Photo: Skater gets some air at the 2023 Primary Skateboards Blockparty. Photo provided by Mick Sweetman.

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Mount Underwood wildfire photo by BC Wildfire Service. (Fair Dealing)

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Transit bus photo by Matthew Dunlop. (Fair Dealing)

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Support Midcoast Morning and our Nonprofit Newsroom with a monthly sustaining donation of $5 to $10 a month.

Maffin has shared stories on social media of people who say they discovered Nanaimo through the infusion and have found work in the area. Midcoast Morning checks in on the “healthcare infusion”.

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Website: Gabriola Island Shore Keepers Association
Website: Pacific Salmon Foundation page on identification
Website: DFO page on European Green Crabs
Website: ISCBC European Green Crab
PDF: European Green Crab factsheet

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The Hub is a facility on Nicol Street and Victoria Road that offers daytime services for people experiencing homelessness run by Island Crisis Care Society, and an evening shelter run by the Nanaimo Family Life Association. Between a Finance and Audit Committee Meeting and a Regular Council Meeting, council heard from more than ten community members about the impacts they feel the service has had on their neighbourhood. Council ultimately voted to extend funding for the site through the end of next winter. Nanaimo City Councillor and south end resident Erin Hemmens spoke with Midcoast Morning about the issue.

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Support Midcoast Morning and our Nonprofit Newsroom with a monthly sustaining donation of $5 to $10 a month.

The 55+ BC Games, is the province’s largest multi-sport and activity event having first started as the BC Senior Games in 1988 with 650 attendees participating in 15 sports. As the BC Senior Games, it was last held in Nanaimo in 2007, before the games were renamed in 2015. Cancelled in 2020, and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the games returned in 2022 to Great Victoria. Last year in 2024, Salmon Arm hosted.

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Support Midcoast Morning and our Nonprofit Newsroom with a monthly sustaining donation of $5 to $10 a month.

Large crowds gathered to take in the sunshine in Maffeo Sutton park, where local musicians performed,  community groups showed off their work,  and a bevy of food trucks saw their services in high demand.

Midcoast Morning brings you sounds from the event, including an interview with the CO of HMCS Nanaimo.

This Monday at a governance and priorities committee meeting councillors voted in support of a plan to ask staff to draft a bylaw banning the sale of invasives.

A number of species including English Ivy, Himalayan Blackberry, Scotch Broom, and Daphne were listed in a staff report as impacting the city’s parks and natural areas.

CHLY' reporter Lauryn MacKenzie speaks with ecological consultant Hunter Jarratt about invasive species in Nanaimo.

Midcoast Morning also hears from Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon, who responded to recent comments from Nanaimo City Council that followed a letter in which the minister declined a request to meet and discuss funding for daytime shelter spaces.

The city is looking at updating its Development Cost Charge (DCC) bylaw for the first time in seven years, and creating an Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) bylaw.

Midcoast Morning breaks down what DCCs are, what the timelines are for changes to the bylaws, and what the province and members of the development community have to say about potential updates to DCCs.

The folks behind the Nanaimo Food Hub are looking to boost awareness of the project, and lay the foundations for future growth.

Founded two years ago, the hub has a vision of connecting people to locally grown food.

They’re getting ready to start a second season of Friday markets at the Nanaimo Montessori School.

Midcoast Morning spoke with co-founder Tina Fabbro

At a meeting Monday, Nanaimo city council approved a plan that would ultimately see the north edge of Elaine Hamilton Park in the city’s south end become a road that would serve as the main entryway to a residential development, one of six sections of the Sandstone Project.

A washroom at the park would need to be demolished, with the developer building a new facility on a different part of the park.

After initially voting against an running an AAP, council reconsidered and voted 6-3 in favour of the process, with councillors Paul Manly, Tyler Brown, and Ben Geselbracht opposed.

Midcoast Morning brings you coverage of the meeting, and speaks with the developer behind the project.

Midcoast Morning speaks with paleontologist Victoria Arbour about the kinds of fossils around what’s now B.C, and what the mass extinction event at the end of the cretaceous period 66 million years ago was like.

Fairy Creek from director Jen Muranetz tells stories from the anti old growth logging protest and blockade that began in 2020. 

Midcoast Morning spoke with the filmmaker ahead of the documentary’s theatrical run in the city.

The British Columbia Community Forest Association gathered in Nanaimo for a three day conference this week, Midcoast Morning explores the state of community forests in the province with the group’s executive director.

Plus Jim Senka says an experience in Northern Manitoba changed the way he looked at development and the environment. He shares the role that story played in leading the 81 year old to seek out a habitat restoration grant for his home in Harewood.

The sign was installed in Maffeo Sutton Park in 2021. Each of the five foot letters in Nanaimo are painted white, except for the O, which features a rainbow design made up of 15 coloured segments.

A release from the city at the time the sign went up said that: 

“The colourful "O" can mean different things to different people. For example, the different colours in the “O” represents(sic) the diversity of the 100,000 plus voices who have shaped and continue to shape our spectacular City. It also represents an inclusive Nanaimo, full of opportunity for generations to come.”

The O has since been vandalized on multiple occasions, most recently it was painted entirely white.

At one point last year, the O was spray painted with the words “no WEF”, a reference to the world economic forum.

At a meeting Monday Nanaimo city council voted 6-3 in support of a staff recommendation to commission a new design for the sign.

Midcoast Morning brings you the debate on the issue and speaks with Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog.

Several sources suggest the dogs, which are now extinct, experienced a severe population decline in the 1850s.

The pelt of one Coast Salish Wooly dog that was lying in the Smithsonian for more than a hundred and fifty years inspired a research project that brought together knowledge holders from a variety of Coast Salish communities.

That project has resulted in a new book called The Teachings of Mutton.

Liz Hammond-Kaareema, Violet Elliot and Elliot White Hill all contributed to that book, and they joined Midcoast Morning to talk about Coast Salish Wooly Dogs.

The trio will also be part of a launch event on Saturday May 31st at the Nanaimo Museum, more information about that event can be found here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/book-launch-the-teachings-of-mutton-tickets-1347238820579?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

A report from city staff indicated access to basic services for people experiencing homelessness has decreased compared to a decade ago.

Midcoast Morning spoke with the city’s manager of social planning to explore why.

South End Community Association chair Sydney Robertson attended Monday’s meeting, she shared some of her takeaways with CHLY.

Leaders in health, housing, and a number of other sectors came together Monday to provide an update on the state of services for people experiencing homelessness in Nanaimo at a Governance and Priorities Committee meeting Monday.

Midcoast Morning brings you highlights from that meeting, including details on new transitional housing units set to open in the coming weeks, and estimates of the number of people experiencing homelessness in Nanaimo.

Tchadas Leo is a journalist with CHEK News, and for the last number of years he’s been leading the work on Xwemalhkwu Hero Stories, which tells a trio of stories inspired by elders from the nation. With a launch event for the graphic novel Thursday at VIU, Leo paid a visit to the CHLY studio to speak about the project.

The gallery at the Vancouver Island Conference centre was near capacity at times during the meeting, with a number of people bringing signs expressing opposition to the boathouse project as it had been planned.

A trio of delegations presented to council in opposition to the project during the meeting.

Midcoast Morning brings you some of the council members perspectives on the issue, and speaks with one of the presenters who spoke to council about their opposition for the project.

Featuring the work of Hannah Jickling, Reed H. Reed, a variety of guest artists, and elementary school students, it’s going to be running through July 12th.

Midcoast Morning spoke with Art Gallery curator Jesse Birch.

The Office of the Auditor General of BC has finished a look into the province’s legal aid system.

Acting Auditor General Sheila Dodds spoke with Midcoast Morning about the findings.

The nonprofit Risebridge has been operating a shelter on Prideaux Street since the fall, funded by BC Housing on a temporary winter shelter contract.

On February 12th Risebridge reached out to BC housing to inquire about the possibility of extending the shelter contract.

On February 27th they were informed that BC Housing was reviewing extension requests across the province, and would follow up with updates.

After Risebridge followed up on March 28th, they eventually received a reply from BC Housing’s Director of Homelessness on April 17th, which stated that

“This year, BC Housing does not have a funding program to invite all Non-Profit operators to apply for extensions to provide broad operating extensions for all the temporary winter shelters across the province.”

Another shelter in Nanaimo, run by the Nanaimo Family Life Association, received an extension to May 31, 2025. 

Midcoast Morning paid a visit to the shelter, and reached out to BC Housing.

On this program Lisa Marie Barron.

Plus, after being unable to arrange a conversation with Conservative candidate Tamara Kronis, Midcoast Morning spoke with University of Guelph political science professor Julie Simmons about a lack of media availability among Conservative candidates during this election period.

On this program - Paul Manly and Michelle Corfield.

Support Midcoast Morning and our Nonprofit Newsroom with a monthly sustaining donation of $5 to $10 a month.

The presidents of the Canadian Labour Congress and the Hospital Employees Union spoke to media outside of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital Monday, decrying privitization in the Canadian healthcare system and calling on federal leaders to give more attention to healthcare issues.

Midcoast Morning speaks with an expert in Canadian healthcare policy to break down the role of the federal government, what kinds of privatization are occurring in the system, and how the issue has played into the campaign so far.

Nanaimo city council changed course this week, narrowly voting in favour of a plan to spend close to $11 million building a new facility for boat storage and with community space at Loudon Park next to Long Lake.

At a previous Finance and Audit Committee meeting council had voted in favour of a plan that would have seen boat storage built in a different location at a cost of about $6.5 million.

A number of councillors were not present at that meeting, and this week, in a pair of 5-4 votes, council decided first against building the scaled down storage, and then to approve funding for the bigger building.

It’s estimated by NALT that more than 40 per cent of the trees in the park will be cut down as part of the planned building.

Midcoast Morning speaks with NALT’s executive director and Nanaimo City Councillor Ben Geselbracht about the issue.

The new ships will replace four aging vessels, the Queens of Cowichan, Alberni, Coquitlam and New Westminster.

It’s the largest capital project in the history of BC Ferries.

The first of the new vessels are expected to enter service in 2029, with all four operational by 2031.

BC Ferries had requested permission to build a fifth ship at the same time to increase capacity in the system.

All decisions on major capital expenditures for BC Ferries have to go through the BC Ferry Commission, an independent regulator that also sets the limit on average fare and reservation increases.

This week BC Ferries commissioner Eva Hage released her 32 page decision on BC Ferries application for new vessels, giving the go ahead to the four replacement ships, but rejecting the application for a fifth.

Midcoast Morning speaks with Hage and BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez about the development.

Last week current president Deborah Saucier announced her resignation as of April fourth.

The move followed a vote of non confidence in her leadership from the VIU Faculty Association and a call for her removal from the Vancouver Island University Students Union (VIUSU).

Midcoast Morning speaks with a representative from VIUSU about their hopes for the change.

Plus, this weekend voters in and around Oceanside will decide on the fate of substantial upgrades to the Ravensong Aquatic Centre in Qualicum Beach.

Parksville Mayor Doug O’Brien shares the journey the project has taken to reach this stage.

The city is refining its plan for the Woodgrove area, and aims to add much denser housing to an area currently covered in concrete and chain stores.

Midcoast Morning speaks with Kasia Biegun from The City of Nanaimo planning department, and Michael Bassili of Strong Towns Nanaimo about the area.

All five candidates from the 2021 federal election are set to run again for their respective parties.

Incumbent MP Lisa Marie Barron of the NDP is looking to retain her seat.

2021 runner up Tamara Kronis is once again representing the Conservative party, and former MP and current city councillor Paul Manly has been announced as the Green Party candidate in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Riding.

Michelle Corfield is once again running for the liberals and Stephen Welton has been announced as the People’s Party candidate.

As of recording time, none of the candidates have been officially confirmed by Elections Canada, the nomination process closes April 7th, and a complete list of Candidates will be available Wednesday April 9th.

Midcoast Morning tees up the race in a conversation with VIU political science professor Michael MacKenzie.

A single ride will now cost $2.75 and a day pass $5.50

The price of Monthly concession passes for seniors and youth are also going up by $5.

The cost of a standard monthly bus pass remains the same at $65.

There’s also one route that’s decreased in price, the Nanaimo to Cowichan Valley Express route is now $5 dollars, down from $7.50.

Midcoast Morning speaks with the RDN’s Senior Manager of Transportation about the changes.

The Hudson’s Bay Company is seeking creditor protection and is expected to begin liquidating inventory at stores across Canada in the very near future.

Midcoast Morning explores what’s going on with The Bay now, and the role it played in Nanaimo’s coal mining roots.

The Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce gathered contractors and other key players in the construction industry together Tuesday for an Island Housing Solutions Roadmap event at the coast bastion hotel.

Midcoast Morning attended and spoke with members of the Canadian Homebuilders Association.

This week Ladysmith joined Parksville as some of the latest communities to either shut down or publicly back away from use of the platform.

Midcoast Morning speaks with the town’s communications and engagement specialist who says the decision wasn’t a political one. The program also speaks with Nanaimo’s director of corporate communications to see if it’s looking at stepping away from X.

Plus, Ladysmith has a new mayor

Deena Beeston picked up 854 of 1740 votes cast in a byelection last Saturday. She spoke with Midcoast Morning about the campaign, and what she hopes to accomplish in the role.

Bylaw changes that include bans on photography and audio and video recordings of council meetings passed three readings at a February 24th council meeting, with council voting 7-2 in favour of the changes.

Under the rules, which would still need to be adopted at a later date, photography and recording at a meeting could still be permitted if allowed by the meeting’s chair.

Councillors Hilary Eastmure and Sheryl Armstrong voted against the changes, and expressed concern about their ability to stand up to legal challenges.

At a meeting this past week, Councillor Paul Manly, who originally voted in favour of the changes, said he’s not comfortable with the bylaw as it’s worded and that he would be bringing forward a motion to revisit discussion on the issue at a later date.

Eastmure, Manly, and Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog spoke with Midcoast Morning about the issue.

For more local reporting on this story, you can find a February 27 piece in The Discourse from CHLY alumni Mick Sweetman.

In January, a staff report presented the RDN board with the option of consolidating a number of committees,

One of them was the Agricultural Advisory Committee or AAC, which is made up of members of the farming community and directors on the RDN board. 

That potential loss of the committee caused a number of farmers to reach out and contact the RDN, and local farmer Ben Glassen advocated for the committee and issues affecting his community at a January RDN board meeting.

While a number of other committees were collapsed into the committee of the whole, the AAC was spared.

Part of the AAC’s work is an agricultural area plan, developed in 2012. 

Many items from the plan haven’t been put into practice yet, and this week the RDN adopted a new implementation plan to try and address that.

This week Ben Glassen once again spoke to the RDN board about issues facing local farmers.

Glassen and AAC chair Jessica Stanley spoke with Midcoast Morning about the issues island farmers are facing.

Editor’s note, Glassen is also a volunteer at CHLY, where he hosts a farming themed program called the Tuning Fork.

Nanaimo city council voted 6 to 3 in favour of a plan to fund more detailed designs for the project.

The city is looking to upgrade facilities on Labieux road by building a new administration building and a new fleet maintenance facility, where it would service vehicles like garbage trucks and snow ploughs.

A plan to borrow up to $90 million to complete the upgrades had to be shelved after an unsuccessful alternative approval process last year. 

The designs are projected to cost $1.8 million, staff say it’s something that will need to be completed no matter how the rest of the project is financed.

Bill Sims, General Manager of Engineering and Public Works with the City of Nanaimo, spoke with Midcoast Morning about the latest developments on the project.

Called Soundin’ Canaan, in the book, Watkins takes what he describes as a DJ approach to analyzing works of Black Canadian poetry as forms of social, ethical, and political expression.

Watkins paid a visit to the CHLY studio to speak about the work.

There were more marmots recorded in the wild than at any time since their population started being tracked in the 1980s.

The wild marmot population is mainly centered around two areas, Strathcona Park and Nanaimo Lakes.

The Marmot Recovery foundation is a non profit founded in 1999 with the goal of restoring the wild population of the Vancouver Island Marmot, their work includes captive breeding programs and habitat restoration efforts.

The organization’s executive director and head veterinarian joined Midcoast Morning to break down the latest on B.C.’s only endemic mammal species.

The No More Stolen Sisters March begins at Diana Krall Plaza at 3:30.

Starting in 1992 memorial marches have been held in communities across the country each year on February 14th.

The event originated as a memorial march for Cheryl Anne Joe, a mother of three from Sechelt who was murdered that year in Vancouver.

Leah Vaisanen is organizing the march in Nanaimo.

Monique May is organizing a march this Sunday in Victoria. She’ll also be in attendance Friday in Nanaimo.

Both of them spoke with Midcoast Morning about the march, and the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

But she’s not here on vacation.

Coleman is visiting Vancouver Island University for the spring semester as a Fulbright Canada Research Chair.

She’s studying how communities manage outdoor recreation, comparing examples on the island with some she’s studied back in New England.

Coleman visited the CHLY studio to talk about how communities change when mountain biking goes

After close to 30 years at the Nanaimo Archives, Meutzner is heading into retirement.

The archives are a non-profit society dedicated to acquiring, preserving and providing public access to the historical records of the Nanaimo region.

Members of the public can do on site research by appointment at their building located at 60 Wharf Street.

Meutzner stopped by the CHLY studio to share some stories from the city’s past.

Voters in Ladysmith are getting set to elect a new mayor in a by-election March 1. There are currently five candidates in the race to replace Aaron Stone, who stepped down last year to take a role as CEO of the South Island Prosperity Partnership, an economic development alliance serving the greater Victoria region.

Tricia McKay has been serving as acting Mayor in the interim, Midcoast Morning spoke with her about the political context in the community ahead of the by-election

In addition to issues with how she feels online discourse has evolved in the last number of years, McKay also cited challenges getting new commercial space, housing, and healthcare in Ladysmith.

The roadshow is a trailer that contains simulators for various pieces of heavy equipment. It visits schools in the province in an effort to promote pathways into the construction industry.

Industry groups say there’s a shortage of labour in the construction right now. Midcoast Morning examines a local pathway into heavy equipment operation.

Attempts to address Impacts from climate change, an aging population and a lack of diversity of housing options need to take into account environmental concerns specific to gulf islands.

Gabriola is in the midst of the first major revision to its official community plan since 1997.

Trustee Tobi Elliot spoke with Midcoast Morning about the planning process.

The foundation announced this week it had exceeded its 1.5 million dollar goal for a recent fundraiser by over $600,000.

CEO Barney Ellis-Perry spoke with Midcoast Morning about how funding for new hospital equipment purchases works, and urologist Dr. Will Carlson shared information on one of the new pieces of equipment.

Eric and Sandy McLean have announced the sale of McLean’s Specialty Foods to a quartet of local entrepreneurs.

The shop, known for its selection of cheeses and specialty foods from around the world, opened in 1992.

Eric McLean visited the CHLY studio to reflect on 33 years in business.

The BC Nurses’ Union’s (BCNU) collective agreement with the Health Employer’s Association of BC is set to expire at the end of March.

As the union gets ready to negotiate the next agreement, they’ve been having a series of regional bargaining conferences, including one in Nanaimo.

Midcoast Morning spoke with Kelly Charters, BCNU rep for Nanaimo and the North Island, about the issues nurses are facing locally.

The program will feature music from Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Charles Ives, and the late Vancouver composer Jocelyn Morlock.

Midcoast Morning speaks with the symphony’s artistic director, and with composer John Korsrud, who was Morlock’s partner.

This year will see 8700 more hours of service on Nanaimo routes.

5000 of those hours are on the newly renamed route 1 Nanaimo rapid line, which goes between the Woodgrove Centre and Downtown. 

2700 new service hours are on an intercity route going from the Woodgrove Centre to Parksville and Qualicum Beach.

The other 1000 new hours are part of a restructured route to Lantzville.

Midcoast Morning explores the changes and the tentative plans for next year’s upgrades.

The Stand from filmmaker Christopher Auchter draws from more than a hundred hours of archival footage of the protest on Lyell island, footage recorded while the events were still unfolding

The documentary premiered at the Vancouver International Film Festival in September, and will be screening at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre this Sunday.

CHLY and CVOX reporter Heather Watson spoke with the filmmaker behind The Stand.

Historian Dave Flawse wonders whether Henry Wagner aka the flying dutchman deserved his date with the hangman’s noose, and author Kim Bannerman explored the commemoration of the Japanese victims of the Trent River train disaster of 1898.

Both stories appeared in the book A Place Called Cumberland, released by the Cumberland Museum and Archives.

Midcoast Morning previously brought you some info on that collection, but didn’t have time to delve all the way into the stories. 

The Mayor aslo spoke about the provincial election, and the future of the public works yard project, and offered a Christmas message to listeners.

The school’s Malaspina theatre will host a locally penned adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life, the 1946 film directed by Frank Capra starring Jimmy Stewart.

Midcoast Morning spoke with some of those involved with bringing the production to life.

In part two of a conversation around the SPO’s work, its board chair, executive director, and research and mobilization lead discuss the role of non market housing, and landowners willing to offer spaces for its creation as a measure to address homelessness.

The SPO exists to provide research, data, analysis, education and information related to the community's homelessness response. It began operating in April 2023.

Midcoast Morning spoke with a trio of those involved with the organization about the data around homelessness in Nanaimo.

It’s been a week full of conversations around the budget, with an e-town hall taking place Monday, and a special finance and audit committee meeting Wednesday, ahead of Friday’s meeting.

Right now the city is forecasting a property tax increase of eight point seven per cent, though that number will change by the end of the day depending on council’s decisions.

Today on the program we’ll share some information on what those decision points are, and bring you up to speed on where the city is in its budgeting process.

The new book from the village’s museum and archives brings together twelve different tales from Cumberland’s past, that cover topics from labour organizing, to a first hand account of growing up in Chinatown, to the story behind the bike trails that play a big part in the community’s identity today.

Midcoast Morning speaks with some of the contributors to explore what the past has to say about the ethos of Cumberland.

Legislation to exempt a number of items from GST between December 14th and February 15th passed a vote in Ottawa, with support from the liberals and NDP.

Among the items included in the proposed exemption are children’s clothing, a number of food items and toys and video game consoles.

People in BC will not need to pay the 5 per cent federal GST on qualifying items during the two month period.

Speaking with Midcoast Morning, VIU professor of political studies and Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership Michael MacKenzie called the measure “bad in every way.”

Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP Lisa Marie Barron also spoke with Midcoast Morning about why she supported the measure.

Neil Surkan is getting ready to start a two year term in the position on December 1, he spoke with CHLY reporter Lauryn Mackenzie.

And Jackie Wong’s new temporary public art project Lost Intersections will appear next spring, and bring attention to the sites of the city’s former Chinatowns . She spoke with Midcoast Morning host Joe Pugh.

Dr. Jess Wilder, a physician who works in addiction medicine at the hospital is a member of the group Doctors for Safer Drug Policy, who are calling for the government of B.C. to create sanctioned, fully staffed overdose prevention sites at B.C. Hospitals.

Wilder led the effort to create the unsanctioned, unfunded Nanaimo site, which was forced to relocate off of hospital grounds on Monday. 

There was also a pop up site set up outside Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, which was only planned to run until this past Wednesday.

Overdose prevention sites are locations where people can use substances under the supervision of staff that can monitor for drug poisoning and respond to an overdose if needed.

Midcoast Morning visited the site in Nanaimo to speak with the physician who set it up.

A survivor of the missing and murdered Indigenous women crisis, her work has appeared in National Geographic, Al Jazeera English, The Guardian, and The New York Times.

In January, Morin was arrested while covering an encampment in Edmonton, and was charged with obstructing a police officer, a charge which was later dropped. She visited the CHLY studio to speak about that experience, and the message she’s hoping to share with people in Nanaimo.

A collection of films related to cycling will play at Malaspina Theatre starting around 6:15.

Brendt Barbur decided to start the event back in 2001 after he was hit by a bus in New York City. He joined Midcoast Morning to share more on that story, as well as to talk cycling cinema more generally.

Federal labour minister Steven MacKinnon ordered the move Tuesday. Foremen at B.C.’s ports have been locked out since November 4th, that lockout came after the union had delivered a 72 hour strike notice for what it called limited job action, including an overtime ban and a refusal to implement tech change. 

Midcoast Morning spoke with port researcher Peter Hall for context on the dispute.

It’s newest translator spoke with Midcoast Morning about what the book has to say in 2024.

Plus, in close to 25 years, the Canadian Letters and Images Project has digitized around 35,000 letters from Canadians at war. Project director Stephen Davies speaks about what stands out.

At the same time, the city updated its fee structure around cemeteries, which are nearing capacity. Acting Manager of cemeteries David Thompson provided more information about the state of cemeteries in the harbour city.

An update on the topic was on the agenda at a governance and priorities committee meeting Monday.

Doughnut economics is a way of visualizing the economy that takes into account society’s needs and our ecological capacity.

It was first presented in 2012 by British economist Kate Raworth, who later wrote a 2017 bestseller on the concept.

On the inside wall of the doughnut are society's needs - things like food, housing, income, health, and political voice.

Outside of the doughnut is our ecological ceiling, separated into nine categories like air pollution, ocean acidification, and biodiversity loss.

If the economy is functioning as it should, we are in the doughnut - everyone’s needs are being met, but we aren’t blasting past our ecological ceiling.

Raworth contrasts that with what she describes as 20th century economic thinking, which she writes in the book has been fixated on growing GDP as the measure of progress.

Midcoast Morning explores what doughnut economics could mean in practice to Nanaimo

People opposed to the borrowing have until 4:30 PM on October 31st to submit a form in opposition.

Midcoast Morning speaks with a representative of a group opposed to the use of the AAP, as well as Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog.

Restorative justice is an approach that seeks to repair the harm caused by crime and violence by addressing the needs of victims or affected parties, holding offenders or responsible parties meaningfully accountable for their actions, and by engaging the community in the justice process.

In Nanaimo there’s a restorative justice program run by the non-profit Connective, formerly known as the John Howard Society.

It has received $50 000 a year from the city for 20 years to help with the program, but as other funding sources have dried up following the pandemic, the organisation is seeking additional support.

At an October 16th Finance and Audit committee meeting, council decided that they’ll consider granting the organisation an additional $100 000 when it comes time to decide on next year’s budget.

Midcoast Morning speaks with the program’s manager to better understand what restorative justice looks like in the community.

George Anderson, Gwen O’Mahony, and Lia Versavel debated Wednesday at an all candidates forum at Wellington Secondary school.

Midcoast Morning shares some of the debate, and explores the region’s healthcare needs with Nanaimo Regional Hospital District Chair Ian Thorpe.

Running from Friday through to January 12th, the exhibition will consider relations with land, family, and ancestors through interventions in the medium of photography. Artists Eliot White-Hill and Michelle Sound speak with Midcoast Morning about their work.

Midcoast Morning speaks with Caelen Middleton of Strong Towns Nanaimo about parking minimums, and James Knight with the City of Nanaimo about the construction project underway on Commercial Street.

Two candidates are running to fill the vacancy left by former school district 68 board chair Charlene Mckay, who resigned in May.

On Saturday September 14th, from 8 am to 8 PM, voting will be held at the McGirr Elementary Gym, the Laydsmith Secondary Gym, the Cedar Secondary gym, and at the district Administration centre on Wakesiah Avenue.

There’s also a special voting day Thursday from 3 to 7 at the Gabriola Elementary School Gym, and on Friday at the District Administration Centre on Wakesiah Ave, Nanaimo

Midcoast Morning hears from the candidates.

Last May it was announced that 30 thousand such medals would be awarded across Canada to individuals who have made a significant contribution to their country, province, region, or community.

Midcoast Morning hears from each of the recipients, to learn more about the impact they’ve made on Nanaimo.

Support Midcoast Morning and our Nonprofit Newsroom with a monthly sustaining donation of $5 to $10 a month.

Support Midcoast Morning and our Nonprofit Newsroom with a monthly sustaining donation of $5 to $10 a month.

Urban planner and self described transit nerd Denis Agar thinks so.

He worked at trans link for a decade before leaving to become executive director of a non profit transit advocacy group called Movement.

The Hullo is run by the Vancouver Island Ferry Company.

It’s been sailing for over a year as of mid August, offering passenger only trips between the cruise ship terminal in Nanaimo and Canada Place in Vancouver 

It’s the final long weekend of the summer and the BC government issued a release advising drivers to plan ahead with heavy traffic and congestion expected on B.C.’s most popular routes.

Agar says fundamentally, his hub proposal would mean people could get around Vancouver Island without a car.

The Skol Pub near the Gabriola Island Ferry Terminal is listed for sale at $319, 000.

According to a Notice of Application filed with the BC Supreme Court Monday, and obtained by CHLY, the mortgage holder, Accountable Mortgage Investment Corp, will seek an order approving the sale on Monday September 23rd.

The notice of application states that a prospective buyer has come forward, and that the realtor for the property has stated that at least 4 realtors have indicated they believe their clients will be submitting competitive offers to court.

Under BCs sealed bid process for foreclosures, the deadline for bids is 4 PM, 2 business days before the hearing for sale approval.

That means anyone interested in submitting a bid for the Skol has until Thursday September 19th.

The Skol was last sold in 2014, details related to that transaction emerged in a BC Supreme Court decision earlier this year.

Midcoast Morning explores memories of the Skol.

The Regional District of Nanaimo is currently running an alternative approval process(AAP), asking for permission to borrow up to around 1.2 million dollars, which would be close to half of the project’s budget.

The plan is to combine the restoration of an existing reservoir in the Lakes district of Nanoose with the construction of a new one.

The borrowing can’t go through if 538 or more electors within the Nanoose Bay Peninsula Water Service Area express their opposition through the AAP process.

Resident Paula Chase says she’s already collected forms from more than 800 people opposed to the project. She spoke with Midcoast Morning about her concerns.

Guests:

Paula Chase - Resident, Nanoose Bay

Murray Walters - Manager of Water Services, Regional District of Nanaimo

Program Team:

Joe Pugh — Host and Producer.

Jesse Woodward — Executive Producer.

Arbie Fru — Technical Assistance.

Theme Music:

Waste Management - First One

Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca.

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The terms of the injunction granted differed from those originally sought by the university, which would have included a campus wide curfew, and police enforcement terms.

Instead the injunction grants the university the right to remove, store, or destroy materials on the grassy portion of the quad near VIU’s cafeteria for a term of 150 days. It also forbids the erecting of structures on the grassy quad area without the university’s consent, and gathering on the area between 11pm and 7 am, with the exception of students in residence.

The BC Civil Liberties Association was an intervenor in the case, and said in a statement that it has become increasingly concerned with injunctions being used to restrict protest rights.

Guests:

Ga Grant - Staff Litigation Council, BC Civil Liberties Association

Jessie Niikoi, Arielle Reed - BC Federation of Students

Program Team:

Joe Pugh — Host and Producer.

Jesse Woodward — Executive Producer.

Arbie Fru — Technical Assistance.

Theme Music:

Waste Management - First One

Today we’ll speak with Donna Hais, chair of the Fair Care Alliance, about the disparity of healthcare between the Victoria area and regions North of the Malahat. We’ll learn about what the problems are, how they are interconnected, and in what ways we as citizens can push for our government to address these issues.

Then, after the break we’ll speak with MLA Sheila Malcolmson about what’s being done by the City of Nanaimo and B.C. government to rectify the imbalance, and alleviate the issues facing Nanaimo. We’ll discuss ways of attracting new doctors to the province, new projects the city is funding to address immediate healthcare needs, and get a better understanding of how taxes fund healthcare in Nanaimo.

Find out more about the Fair Care Alliance here: https://weneedhealthcare.ca/

Guests:

Donna Hais - Chair of the Fair Care Alliance

Sheila Malcolmson - Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction in Nanaimo

Midcoast Morning explores wildfire risk on the mid island, and explores the legacy and future of the Hawaii Mars waterbomber.

As part of the research for this story, Jack went to the Country Club exchange to speak with bus riders about the survey, and bring their questions directly to Jamie Rose.

As part of the upcoming upgrades to Country Club, the City of Nanaimo is reaching out to transit users with a survey on what they want to see. From food trucks to E-bike charging stations, we’ll look in depth at the options available for these upgrades.

Guests:

Jamie Rose - Manager of Transportation for the City of Nanaimo

Today we’ll speak with Tami Hirasawa, the president of the Central Vancouver Island Japanese Canadian Culture Society, AKA Seven Potatoes, about the history of displacement and dispossession which occurred throughout the II World War.

Also on the show, Theresa Hood, a member of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom’s Nanaimo chapter. Theresa will speak to the symbolism and importance of the annual Lanterns for Peace Ceremony, which occurs every August 6th, in Sway-a-Lana Lagoon.

Guests:

Tami Hirasawa - President of the Central Vancouver Island Japanese Canadian Culture Society, AKA Seven Potatoes

Theresa Hood - A member of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom’s Nanaimo chapter

Today on the show we get a behind the scenes look at how the Blues Festival got started, and hear about the history of the Nanaimo Blues scene.

Listen to Jacquie Moisan, President of the Nanaimo Blues Society discuss the ins and outs of putting together the annual blues festival. Then hear from two blues musicians who will be performing this year; Ariel Posen, new age blues/rocker from Winnipeg; and David Gogo, local legend and Juno Award winning Canadian blues musician.

Guests:

Jacquie Moisan - President of the Nanaimo blues Society

Ariel Posen - Canadian Blues Musician

David Gogo - Canadian Blues Musician

Listen in as we discuss what makes Fringe Festival possible with Artistic Director Tamara McCarthy. How do you run a festival with a randomize lineup?

After the break, we’ll get to know with one of the performers at Fringe Festival, Miss Divinity Rising, and hear how her show, Death’s Cabaret, was inspired by her life experiences in palliative care.

Fringe Festival will be taking place at The Black Rabbit, The Port Theatre, and on Gabriola Island, from August 8th to 18th.

Check out: https://nanaimofringe.com/

Guests:

Tamara McCarthy - Artistic Director at Pacific Coast Stage Company

Miss Divinity Rising - Burlesque and Cabaret Performer

A South End Community Centre, upgrades to the public works yard and a new RCMP detachment are all under consideration at over the coming years.

At the same time, the cost of construction nationwide has risen more sharply than inflation since 2017 per statistics Canada. One source we’ll hear from today said costs are rising as much as one or two percent a month.

Midcoast Morning explores the phenomenon, and how it impacts the city’s plans.

Concerns were raised in May that proposed updates to a zoning bylaw could negatively impact people using RVs as permanent housing on campgrounds in various areas of the regional district.

The bylaw is still under review, and while it is, enforcement on length of stay is on hold except where there’s a health, safety, or environmental concern. 

The issue has also prompted discussion in articles from various media outlets about RVs and tiny homes in the context of the housing crisis.

At an RDN board meeting Tuesday, a motion from Director Leanne Salter called Creating a Future for Tiny Home and RV Living passed unanimously.

It proposed to bring a resolution to the Union of B.C. Municipalities calling on the body to lobby the province on a few issues related to tiny homes and RVs, including the building code. 

Zoe Todd spoke in support of that motion, on Midcoast Morning, she speaks about her advocacy around Tiny Home and RV living, and the personal circumstances that led to it.

In a notice of civil claim, filed with the BC Supreme court this week, the university names six defendants, along with John Doe, Jane Doe, and “all unknown persons operating as the Palestinian Solidarity Encampment.”

In addition to injunctive relief, the university is seeking general and special damages, and costs. 

Last week, Protestors had been ordered to vacate by Monday July 15th. The notice of civil claim comes after they failed to do so.

To better understand the legal stakes, Midcoast Morning spoke with University of Windsor law professor Richard Moon.

Between 1850 and 1854, fourteen treaties were concluded on Vancouver Island between First Nations and the Hudson’s Bay Company.

They were negotiated on the company’s side by James Douglas, and are sometimes collectively referred to by some as the Douglas treaties.

The Sarlequun treaty of 1854 covers the area around Nanaimo. Midcoast Morning spoke with history professor John Lutz to put the treaties in context.

And VIU has delivered a trespass notice to the Palestine Solidarity Encampment on its grounds, requesting that the encampment leave by 8AM, Monday July 15, or face a court action seeking damages from encampment participants.

Councillor Ben Gesselbracht brought forward a motion calling for a staff report with options to update the city’s investment policy to include a percentage of the city’s portfolio in socially responsible and low greenhouse gas emissions.

It narrowly passed following a 5-4 vote.

The issue was debated by the previous council in 2021, who came to a decision to pursue socially responsible and green investments when they were within 5 per cent of maximum available yields.

Nanaimo has around 200 million dollars in various reserve funds.

Midcoast Morning spoke with Gesselbracht, and broke down council’s debate on the subject with Peter Urbanc, CEO of BC’s Municipal Finance Authority (MFA).

Back in the 1880s, around 2 million acres of land on southern Vancouver Island were privatized, when they were granted to the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway Company in exchange for building the railway. 

Historian Kelly Black speaks about some of the consequences of the grant on Vancouver Island today.

Witty brought a motion before city council this month that included a call for Nanaimo to adopt “housing first plus” as the foundational element of a homelessness strategy.

He sits on the Mayor’s leaders table, and has been exploring the response to homelessness in Switzerland.

The issue, which was the subject of two cancelled AAPs returned to the agenda this week at a governance and priorities committee meeting.

Staff presented different options for the future of the project, and councillors were divided between two of them. Midcoast Morning brings you up to speed on the debate, and debriefs with Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog.

Karen Kuwica and Nancy Mitchell of the Newcastle Community Association brought the issue to city council in a delegation that shared examples of vacant property bylaws from other communities.

They say they want to see the city implement measures to help proactively address potential issues. 

Also on this episode, Joy Bremner shares details on an event Friday June 21st at Maffeo Sutton Park to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day 

Adopted at a council meeting this week, the 122 page document breaks down last year’s finances.

Midcaost Morning explores the state of the city’s finances with Wendy Fulla, director of finance for the city of Nanaimo.

It also makes recommendations to the city on what to do if it decides to run a third AAP on the same project. 

The report and the alternative approval process were on the agenda at a governance and priorities committee this week, Midcoast Morning brings you info on what happened, and what comes next.

The school has disclosed its investment information, and representatives from the Palestine Solidarity Encampment have agreed not to disrupt convocation ceremonies.

And around 70 staff at the university have signed an open letter raising concerns about the school’s security response to the encampment.

First proposed back in 1992 by Canada's International Centre for Ocean Development (ICOD), an organization that no longer exists, the event was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008.

This year the theme is Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate.

There are going to be an events to mark the occasion Saturday at Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo, from 11 to 3, and on Gabriola Island at Degnen Bay from noon to four.

To mark the occasion, Midcoast Morning spoke with Tim Green of VIU’s Deep Bay Marine Research Centre.

The Nanaimo Pride Parade and Pride Festival are taking place on Sunday June 9th.

CHLY reporter Lauryn Mackenzie spoke with Nanaimo Pride Society President Lauren Semple.

The 2 kilometre trail down to the ocean is nestled amongst private land, which its owners have plans to develop.

For three years, a group called Save Cable Bay has been campaigning in an effort to turn the area around the trail into a park.

More than forty thousand dollars is going to be spread across a number of  organizations, for things like watershed restoration and community toolshares.

Midcoast Morning checks in on four of the projects, and their journey from idea to approval.

Called the Watermelon Seeds Festival of Literature, the authors include a number of VIU faculty. 

Three of the authors giving readings joined Midcoast Morning to speak about the event.

This week the RDN board approved the adoption of Shaping our Future 2024, which contains goals related to climate mitigation and adaptation, economic and food system resiliency, among others.

Jamai Schile, a senior planner with the RDN spoke with Midcoast Morning about the strategy.

Midcoast Morning host Joe Pugh paid a visit to Nanaimo’s only 5 pin bowling alley, to learn about it’s past, present, and what remains of its future.

And you may have noticed a bunch of new e-bikes around town. The City of Nanaimo has partnered with BCAA’s Evolve E Bike share to launch a bike sharing pilot program.

Curious Comicon is on Saturday at Country Club Mall.

It got started in 2016, when the Nanaimo branch of Curious Comics take Free comic book day, an annual, North America wide event, and expand it into a local convention convention.

With guest artists, a cosplay contest, and various activities.

Curious Comicon Founder Mike Drummond died earlier this year. Midcoast Morning spoke with some of the organizers who are keeping the event going in his memory.