Over a hundred people gathered in a south Nanaimo square to continue to protest crime in their community.

Speeches came from Nanaimo locals regarding the changes they’ve seen in their community. 

“Owning a small business in the old city quarter has definitely had its challenges over the years,” said long-time Nanaimoer and business owner Chrissy Forsyth. “The encampment that we had for a couple years, definitely. It literally gave me PTSD. I have dealt with so much death and overdose and social disorder in my life. I never thought that anything like this could ever happen in our city. It's absolutely unbelievable what it has done. It has torn our community apart and we need to stop this. Enough is enough.” 

Forsyth watches over Wesley Street encampment and has talked to town hall about this since 2019. 

“I have been going back and forth with all three levels of government for five years now, with no solutions. Nothing has changed. Everybody's just doubling down on the same shit that is not working. It's not working. One thing I can tell you about British Columbia is that the homeless industrial complex is alive and well. Making profit over somebody's life is absolutely disgusting.” 

Parent Ruth Taylor has faced poverty before, saying she knows how it feels to be ‘under homed’. However, she understands that it’s unsafe in the city. 

She described an incident where a man intimidated her family, questioning her father-in-law about how many children lived on her property, and ripped her gate off its hinge. She says no charges were laid, and if they were, they did not get the man’s name. 

"So imagine your kids playing in the yard after that incident,” said Taylor. “We have had a man jump our fence and refuse to leave even after being filmed by a neighbor and confronted by my husband again, this is our home, a place where every child deserves to feel safe. At school, my children have found uncapped needles while playing during recess.” 

She describes the situation similar to a young girl at Quarterway school who had found a bag of fentanyl, and showed it to her three-year-old brother. 

“Even when I send my children to school, I worry about what they may find on the playground,” continued Taylor. “The school now employs a security guard and the unhoused aroused and moved off the playground where they are sheltering overnight.” 

Clint Smith, the business owner who was shot trying to retrieve tools from a homeless encampment, also spoke at the event. He talked about how a long pattern of systemic failures have lead to the current situation in Nanaimo. 

“This poorly executed idea of decriminalization for so-called safe supply of opioids and hard narcotics for a three-year trial period, particularly considering the complete and total lack of checks and balances, is provincially administered program with no accountability, no mandatory treatment, no clinical addiction counseling, no life skills training, and no supports. We'd abandoned these folks for needs for recovery and they're gonna spiral to the inevitable overdose.” 

[caption id="attachment_70444" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo provided by Ridley Wilson.[/caption]

He said people cannot walk downtown with confidence, much less after dark. He said they must demand real support for those struggling with addictions and mental health issues, as well as support for frontline responders who are traumatized by their work.  

“Demand that the provincial and the federal governments end the catch and release system, and prolific and violent offenders are held in custody with real and tangible accountability to protect the community at large. Demand respect of the social contract, all governments and yeah, I'm looking at you too, [Mayor] Krog, all governments, it's constituents. And that all the repercussions and failures will be dealt with swiftly and appropriately at the ballot box. Demand our communities return to safe, peaceful, and realistic levels of law enforcement of our laws so that we no longer fear being out in public and being out in our own neighborhoods. Demand less lip service and more action.” 

After the event, he spoke to reporters about the topic further. He said this is clearly not just a Nanaimo issue, as most communities on the island and beyond face the same problems. 

“Get involved in your community If you feel that there's not a problem, get out and go for a walk and have a better view. Because there's issues in every neighborhood in, in Nanaimo, I'm sure pretty much every neighborhood in British Columbia right now. This isn't a Nanaimo issue. This is a provincial issue that has federal involvement. It's out there. If you're not seeing it in your neighborhood, it's because you're just not looking in the right dark shadows.” 

snuneymuxw elder and resident at the Faculty of Health and Human Services at Vancouver Island University, Geraldine Manson said those who are fortune enough to be well educated, to belong to organizations, have to come together throughout the community to look at what they can do for the less fortunate.  

“Not just put 'em into a section that they sleep and to keep warm and then put out for the day without money in their pocket where they stand at the corner of a street and panhandle. We need to begin looking further of how we could help and support them,” said Manson. “So they're not looking at addictions, whether that's drugs and alcohol, but to lift them up. Just like we embrace our children in our own homes, how we teach them to be respectful when they're out of our house, when they're in schools, learning the ones that are unfortunate, that are stuck in that world of theirs that are too far gone in mentality. We across BC, across Canada, need to come together to build our resources with all to help those who are unfortunate because they no longer can help themselves. They're too far gone. So now we really need to help. It's not up to the police, it's not up to the political people. It's up to those who stand in that field of health and wellness.” 

At the end of the rally, Mayor Leonard Krog came from the crowd to address concerns brought up by the other speakers. 

“Basically, we're all saying the same thing. We recognize we have a criminal problem. Acts committed by people who should be in jail and held in custody pending trial if they're out for violent offenses. We all agree on that. And I suspect all of us agree and acknowledge that the range of people who are homeless in our streets, some are just poor. Some require supportive housing. Some require assistance of various kinds. And there is a small portion who are so frequently violent, who have no control over their behavior. Who should be insecure? Involuntary care, as I've been saying for three and a half years... And in fairness, Mr. Smith was right. This started under the soak creds. It was carried on by the ndp. It's been carried on by the liberals,” there was a bit of interruption from the crowd. “No blame game. No blame, no. Look, let me finish. It's, it's not a blame game. Every government of every stripe has participated in the closing of institutional care and the cessation of the services that people in dire straits needed. That's not political. That's just the truth.” 

Krog talked about the need for extra support for services that would help support the homeless. When he spoke about raising taxes in order to support those services, the crowd was very displeased. 

“Let me be candid with you," said Krog. "I got into trouble the first time I ran for office by suggesting if people wanted all these services, they were gonna have to pay higher taxes. All of you, most of you, I suspect, didn't raise a peep in the last few years as we found hundreds of billions of dollars in this country, federally and provincially to deal with the covid crisis. Did you hear right wing or left wingers ever complaining about the amount of the deficit or the debt we were running up? Not very much. And now we have the same crisis, the same people added to in numbers who are on our streets suffering before covid are there now joined by others. I suspect I like most of you, are prepared to pay to provide the care and assistance so that we get back our sense that we get back our sense of community. So instead of the city having to spend your tax dollars on community safety officers and extra policing, we'll have the kind of services that people need so that we don't have to have rallies like this. So Karen can go back to looking after her neighborhood association and enjoying peace and security that we all want.” 

There may be more rallies in the future, but it’s not confirmed what time they will be at or what location. 

The full audio of the speeches, and the interview with Clint, is available below. 

[audio mp3="https://www.mycoastnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SAFTEYRALLY.mp3"][/audio]

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The SPCA is hoping to bring a furry friend to your home this Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet day. 

 On April 30th, SPCA across BC will be celebrating by offering 50% off their fees. The discount will be in effect from tomorrow until the end of April 30th. 

 “Animals come into our care through no fault of their own,” says Adrienne McBride, the BC SPCA’s senior director for Community Animal Centres. “Sometimes guardians just aren’t able to care for their pets and they seek our help to find them a new home. In other cases, animals are seized from dangerous or neglectful situations.” The goal of the BC SPCA, says McBride, is to provide emergency treatment and a safe, loving environment for animals – either at an SPCA facility or in a foster home - until a new family can be found. 

 Certain locations may also be offering special activities for the public to take part in, or extended hours through the weekend. 

 “Seeing an animal go home with their new guardian is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” says McBride. “Often animals come to us from less-than-ideal situations, where their needs were not being met. To see them go to a home where they will be cared for and cherished is such a wonderful feeling.” 

 McBride says the pandemic brought people to shelters or pet shops to get a companion to help them cope with the long amount of time spent inside. 

 “Pets can be such a gift in our lives, and our goal is to match the animals in our care with the needs of the people who are looking to adopt,” says McBride. “We believe that there is a perfect match out there for every animal.” 

 The BC SPCA provided shelter for around 16,000 animals last year, according to the organization. More information is available here. 

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RCMP are warning of grandson scams as reports come in of ‘bail bondsmen’ trying to take advantage of Nanaimo residents. 

 The new ‘Grandson Scam’ involves victims being called by an individual who claims to be a loved one, claiming they were involved in a motor vehicle accident (sometimes describing hitting a pregnant woman or pedestrian). The caller may then say that their lawyer or a police officer needs to speak with the victim, and that a bail bond is required. 

 They are asked by the fake lawyer or police officer to mail money to an address in Quebec or Ontario. Or, they must pay a bail bondsman directly. It will usually end with the victim losing around $3000 to $7000 dollars. 

 “This scam has been around for years but every so often another layer or twist is added to it. In the latest version, it’s the bail bondsman. Regardless of what you are told, if you receive a phone call that sounds anything like this, it's a scam. Do not engage with them and hang up the phone. Afterwards, be sure to tell your friends and family about the call so they do not fall for it”, said Reserve Constable Gary O’Brien Nanaimo RCMP. 

 On April 19th, two incidents were reported of a man showing up to Nanaimo addresses to collect money. The suspect was of average build, slim build, wearing a dark COVID style mask, afro styled hair and wearing a dark hoodie. He is described as dark skinned with possibly a Middle Eastern accent. In both cases, the victim was on the phone with the “lawyer” when the suspect arrived at the home to collect the money. 

 If someone shows up at your door claiming to be bail bondsman, do not let them inside, and RCMP ask you call them immediately. 

The post Fake bail bondsman bails with Nanaimoer money in Grandson Scam appeared first on My Coast Now.

If you are travelling to or from the mainland to get the medical help you need, you won’t need to pay the fee to reserve a ferry ticket. 

 The $18 booking fee has been waived for residents who qualify with the provincial government’s Travel Assistance Program (TAP).  

 “The Travel Assistance Program is so important in helping people living in rural or remote communities access critical health-care services,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health, Jennifer Rice. “Making reservations for people travelling with TAP free is another great step in removing barriers to accessing health care and I am grateful to BC Ferries for this action.” 

 The complimentary fee-waive for medical travelers will apply to the following; 

• Victoria (Swartz Bay) – Metro Vancouver (Tsawwassen) 
• Nanaimo (Departure Bay) – Metro Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) 
• Metro Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) – Sunshine Coast (Langdale) 
• Metro Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Nanaimo (Duke Point) 
• Sunshine Coast (Powell River) – Vancouver Island (Comox) 

 It will continue to apply to preexisting routes that offered TAP bookings. Last year, over 300,000 people sailed with help from the TAP. The most popular was the Langdale – Horseshoe Bay route, totaling around 73,000 customers. 

 “We understand that travelling while unwell, or to treatments and surgeries, can be stressful,” said Vice President, Marketing and Customer Experience Janet Carson. “Removing the booking fee is our way of helping with travel certainty while removing the financial burden when travelling to and from doctors’ offices, clinics or hospital.” 

 You can continue to use a Medical Assured Loading (MAL) letter on all routes, except those that are fully bookable. BC Ferries says MAL is only available for those travelling under the TAP and who have a MAL letter from their medical practitioner that states that it is necessary for them to avoid a wait at the ferry terminal. 

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If you’re thinking about a new job, the City of Nanaimo might have one for you.

Residents are encouraged to come to a job fair held by the city on April 13th.

"Parks, Recreation and Culture services contribute greatly to our community and quality of life. Please come to this Job Fair on April 13 to see if there is a career opportunity for you," says Mayor Leonard Krog.

If you’re interested in aquatics, arenas, business services, community recreation, cultural opportunities, custodial services and parks, there will be professionals there to answer your questions or take applications.

It will be from 2pm to 7pm at the Nanaimo Aquatic Center.

You’re asked to bring your resume with you.

More information about recreation in Nanaimo is available here.

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The Island and Lower Mainland may be rainy and crowded during this Easter weekend.

The Insurance Corporation of BC says every long Easter weekend, there are an average of two people killed and 610 injured in 2,200 crashes in BC.

On Vancouver Island, that’s an average of 70 people are injured in 310 crashes, based on ICBC data from 2017 to 2021.

Although there has not been much rain on the island, the weather is often unpredictable. You’re asked to slow down, as the posted speed limit is only for dry, sunny weather. Avoid driving through washed out areas, and increase your following distance to four seconds.

More people may be on the road during the spring as tourists visit Vancouver Island as well.

ICBC advises drivers who are going for long trips to check on their vehicles (such as oil, washer fluid, tires) to make sure it’s in good condition before heading out. This also includes ensuring you have a spare tire, as well as an emergency kit.

You should also be well rested, and occasionally should swap out driving with others if possible.

With spring, more motorcyclists will be on the roads, some of which may be riding for the first time this year. Allow three to four seconds of distance between yourself and a motorcycle, and give plenty of room. 

When turning left or right, shoulder check to ensure a motorcycle or bicycle is not passing you.

Wildlife will also be about this spring. Be extra alert during dusk or dawn, or if you see an animal grazing by the side of the road.

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April Fools saw less than amusing events in Nanaimo.

Between 12:30am and 3:30am on April 1st, Nanaimo RCMP went on a ‘policing blitz’ in the downtown core.

At around 3:15am, an officer pulled over a car that had its entire back window covered in tin foil. When approached, the driver reportedly had a knife beside him, alongside a bag of 4-5 cellphones and a number of small bags, assumedly of illegal drugs.

After the driver was arrested, a sawed off shotgun and a rifle were located in the backseat. The 29 year-old driver is facing multiple drug and firearms charges.

“Pro-active policing simply means it was initiated by the officer and was not complaint driven. The officer(s) while on patrol, saw something and reacted to it”, said Reserve Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP. 

Other arrests included one at 1am, when a 32 year-old woman, known to police, was found in the vestibule of a local bank. She was wanted for an assault in 2022, and was taken to cells to await a bail hearing.

“Throughout the evening our officers commented that a number of people who were walking or driving by would shout out supportive comments to them, acknowledging their efforts in keeping them safe. These spontaneous gestures did not go unnoticed and were well received by our officers,” said O’Brien. 

Around 2am, a 24 year-old man was arrested after not stopping for a stop sign or a red light. RCMP say he showed signs of alcohol impairment. He received a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition, and a vehicle impoundment.

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If you’re heading to or from the mainland, the ferry service is hoping to make sure your sailing goes smoothly.

“Our dedicated staff are stepping up to give us a higher level of comfort to launch extra sailings over Easter,” said Dean Dobrinsky, Interim Vice President of People and Culture. “We can’t thank them enough for helping us to protect the long weekend service in the face of a continued shortage of licensed officers.”

With more than 400,000 passengers and 160,000 vehicles expected to travel between this Thursday and next Tuesday, the service will be adding 112 new licensed officers, extra sailings (with a mitigation plan) including standby rosters and overtime to prevent service interruptions.

180 additional sailings will be added to the schedule. That includes;

• 128 extra sailings between Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay
• 42 extra sailings between Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay
• 16 extra sailings between Horseshoe Bay to Langdale

Over the past month, less than 1.2% of sailings were canceled. 

“There’s no doubt, we’re still critically short of licensed officers and we have more work to do as we head into the summer, but we’ve pulled out all the stops to protect each and every Easter sailing,” adds Dobrinsky.

To make sure you get on the ferry, you’re asked to book in advance, arrive early, and arrive on foot if you can. If you’re in a vehicle, you’re asked to consider your parking options in advance (as ferry parking lots can be crowded) and to ride-share if possible.

If a ferry you’re on gets canceled, you might be eligible for reimbursement.

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Transgender, nonbinary, and two-spirited people, and their allies gathered at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Malaspina Theatre this afternoon to celebrate the International Transgender Day of Visibility.

“Trans Day of Visibility was founded in 2009 by Rachel Crandall to offset the sadness and grief that centers Transgender Day of Remembrance," says trans person and employee of VIU's IT Department, Natalie Stuart. “It provides a space for positivity, to focus on those still with us, trans success, and trans joy. We’ve done that pretty successfully today.”

A multitude of presenters of different genders shared their experiences, their art, and themselves.

“There’s power in feeling joy about who I am,” says trans nonbinary VIU chemistry student Simon, “and there is power in sharing that with others."

Simon says that they choose to express themself through their fashion.

"I love how one day I can dress extremely feminine, and other days I can dress extremely masculine. I love waking up in the morning and deciding how I want to present that day. I find it's so much easier to convince myself to get out of bed when I’m like ‘y’know, I could wear a cape to school today!’" says Simon There are also many other things I consider, like what am I doing that day, who am I going to be interacting with, if it’s safe for me to be dressing androgynously or masculinely with the people I’m being around today… Do I feel comfortable wearing a dress when it means I’m going to be misgendered?”

Transmasc artist Lyndon performed a song regarding his lovelife, specifically his two transgender boyfriends.

[audio mp3="https://www.mycoastnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/TRANSVISIBILITY-02.mp3"][/audio]

Nonbinary artist Ceridwen performed two different songs about their experience.

[audio mp3="https://www.mycoastnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/TRANSVISIBILITY-01.mp3"][/audio]

“Indeed this past year has been twelve months of juxtaposition, from increased representation in politics, to unprecedented success in entertainment, trans visibility is as high as its ever been. With that visibility has come intense, vitriolic, sometimes violent backlash. We need to look no further than our neighbors to the south to see legislation being passed that keeps trans people away from bathrooms, school lesson plans, sports, gender affirming care, and sometimes public life entirely,” says Stuart. “Across the Atlantic, prominent celebrities use their success to influence policies that harm trans people and prevent the care all humans deserve.”

She says this trans-exclusionary movement is gaining traction across the world, which includes Nanaimo. She says that there are some things that allies of their community can do to support them.

“We need you to amplify our voices, to share our truths, we need you to confront those in your lives who would deny us our rights," says Stuart. "There’s a saying that if you call yourself an ally, yet you are not being hit by the stones being thrown at those you support, you are not standing close enough. We also need you to confront your own biases, your own ideas about who or what we are.”

A gender neutral clothing swap is also being held until 5pm at Building 355, room 211. You're asked to bring a clothes or a toonie, as all proceeds will go to a gender diverse summer camp for kids 4-11.

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The end of the funding for two food programs in Nanaimo has left seniors who can’t leave their homes with few options.

The Nanaimo Family Life Association’s Foodshare program being one of them, which helps seniors who cannot leave their homes due to physical or mental issues.

“The seniors I support have many debilitating  health issues, not to mention mental health issues,” says Volunteer Gregory Brown. “Their health has probably declined as a result of COVID. If I go back three years, probably, their mobility was a little bit better than what it is today. Certainly their health has not improved any, and certainly their mental health hasn't improved any. One of the seniors I support, she has debilitating anxiety and, and depression. She does not leave her house, and she has like no cell phone, no computer, no nothing.”

As just one volunteer, he helps seven seniors specifically, but in general he says the program is helping around fifty seniors with their grocery shopping.

“There's no clear direction of what's really going on. I feel with what the Nanaimo Family Life Association has been doing for me… They should be allowed some kind of funding to help the seniors that it’s helping,” said Maureen Moore, one of the seniors Brown assists.

Moore is around 70-years old, and was told about the program by her neighbor.

“Like I told my neighbor, it's a very cruel world right now. I'm trying my best to follow through and I don't wanna cause trouble,” said Moore. “We're all in trouble. It's like, ‘it is basically what it is. Don't worry about it, Maureen.’ Cuz we've been abandoned.” 

Moore suffers from anxiety and depression that keeps her inside. Other seniors, such as Minnette Albrecht, have physical disorders that keep them from going outside.

“It's very hard for me to know when I wake up every day, [I don’t] if I'm going to have a good day or a not good day. A not good day could involve me pulling the covers back over my head and taking some meds and hoping the pain goes away,” said Albrecht. “I deal with a lot of layers of pain. Just the support of knowing that once a week my shopper's gonna call and Greg with the frozen meals was gonna call, it’s very reassuring because it's a link to the outside world.”

Albrecht is 71 years-old, and has fibromyalgia, arthritis, sciatica, among other things. She says she feels marooned in Nanaimo, as she’s had little support available other than the food shopping program.

“It's hard to make social links because I have to be extra careful compared to other people. Even before COVID though, I'll be honest with you, I live a very isolated life. A lot of it has to do with my back and, and pain issues. So what [this program] has done is it's a human contact. I know that somebody is there… Greg has always said, if I really need some help just to pick up the phone.”

She says its important to have that support when her family is far away, and her closest friend lives further than Qualicum Beach.

Some other supports are available, but not everyone is able to easily access them.

“If you do it through SaveOn, I don't think SaveOn charges, but I think you have to have a minimum grocery order… whether it's $50 or $100, I'm not sure,” says Brown. “Then the flip side of that is you have to have the comfort level with technology, and I would probably argue out of the seven people who I support, there are probably two who do and the other five don't.”

Additionally, he says some do not have the ability to go to a foodbank due to mental or physical issues.

The funding will end today, and Brown has written a letter to Health Minister Adrian Dix asking to continue funding the program.

“These programs provide nutrition, safety, human interaction and dignity, hope and compassion,” written as an excerpt from his letter. “Almost all the seniors I support are on financial support. What’s the alternative? Starve? Risk their safety in an increasingly unsafe community? Pay more for unhealthy food supplied by fast food services and delivery services like SkipTheDishes? The cancellation of these programs will significantly impact their health with poorer meal choices and significantly impact their psychological well-being. All who I have supported these past 2.5 years have expressed disappointment, and despair with the cancellation of the programs.”

The funding originated due to COVID challenges, but Brown says those problems have not gone away for seniors.

News of the funding’s cancellation was given to him and others two months ago.

The post End of funding for seniors food program leaves some ‘abandoned’ appeared first on My Coast Now.

The Pender Harbour Transfer Station Share Shed will be reopened April 5th.

The shed at the transfer station is open to all residents who want to drop off items for others in the community to pick up and reuse.

That includes items like children’s toys, housewares, furniture (if space permits), small appliances, large appliances (in neutral colours and if space permits), sports equipment, and tools.

You are asked to not leave liquids of any kind, construction materials, mattresses, baby safety items (like car seats), clothing, fabric, textiles, curtains, bedsheets, paint, cleaning products, fuel, household hazardous items, or sofa beds.

The shed will be open for six months.

Staff will be on site to decide whether or not items can go into the shed or not, and vet quality.

The post Pender Harbour ‘Share Shed’ to reopen for residents who want to give to others appeared first on My Coast Now.

For those with young kids, you’re invited to bring them to one of Nanaimo’s parks to get them learning and playing.

The Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district has put together a few activities for young children to do to get them ready for the school system.

“Getting them ready for what’s coming up, to come join in to school, and also a chance to tell people about other ‘early years’ programs we have in our school district— like our StrongStart centers,” says District Principal Early Learning and Care for Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools Diane Mcgonigle.

One of the events was held yesterday at Deverill Square Park, but future ones include one on April 21st in Mansfield Park, and May 2nd at Huddlestone Park in Lantzville. They will both be from 12pm-2pm.

There will also be one at Ladysmith’s Transfer Beach from 5-7pm.

Activities include various small games and things that help expand a child’s understanding.

“The activities all come from a ‘Lets Play; Activities for Families’ book that was published by the ministry of education and childcare,” says Mcgonigle. “They’re based on the early learning framework, which guides learning up from 0 to age 8.”

The ones at the Deverill Square Park included a camping activity, a sort of stepping stone activity, and a few others. A storywalk also was provided by the City of Nanaimo. Pizza was offered to parents or children who came to play.

“It’s helping to teach families about the importance of play, and how much young children learn through play,” says Mcgonigle.

Funding for the event is provided by the government, and it is free for families to attend and be a part of.

The post Nanaimo parents invited to learn and play with their 3 – 5 year olds appeared first on My Coast Now.

Even in broad daylight, there’s still danger on Nanaimo’s streets. 

At 1:20pm on Monday, near 55 Victoria Road, a 27 year-old woman was returning to her workplace. She was approached from behind, grasped around the neck, and then groped in a sexual manner.

She broke free of the grasp and ran to her workplace, where one of her coworkers took a picture of the suspect before he ran off.

“The victim in this incident did everything correct. She fought back, she made noise, she told someone and reported the incident to the police. Then, by using her phone, a picture of the suspect was shared across social media, which ultimately led to his timely arrest,” said Reserve Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP. 

The victim called 911 and posted a picture of the man online. With the picture being posted online, tips as to the individual’s identity eventually lead to him being located and arrested at a nearby home.

35 year-old Brett Ranger of no fixed address was held in police custody and appeared in court on Tuesday. He was formally charged with sexual assault. 

He has been remanded into custody until April 4th.

The post Attempted sexual assault lands Nanaimo perpetrator in custody appeared first on My Coast Now.

Make sure your containers aren’t contaminated.

That request comes from the City of Nanaimo, which challenges citizens to ‘recycle right.’

“Recycling is not just a response to the environmental crisis - it plays an important role in transforming us from a consumerism society into a regenerating culture,” says Engineering and Public Works’ Taaj Daliran. “This shift away from a “throwaway” society is inevitable, and important. As a City, we have a responsibility to help educate people to ensure that recycling is done correctly. Recycling contamination causes challenges that are counter-productive to achieving our zero-waste goals.”

The city says sometimes, ‘offending’ materials will show up in blue carts, where they don’t belong. 

The challenge asks residents to;

• Share photos and/or videos showing how you recycle things, using the hashtag #RecycleRight and/or #NanaimoRecycles
• Tag the City of Nanaimo on Facebook and/or Instagram 
• Download the Nanaimo Recycles app and try the What Goes Where" tool

It promises anyone who joins in the challenge has the chance to win prizes. 

“Contamination reduces the quality of the materials recovered to be delivered to end markets, causes materials that otherwise would have been recovered and recycled to be disposed of, and pose serious safety hazards to employees,” explains Daliran. “An example is seven fires in the collection or sorting process only in 2022, damage the machinery that sorts the materials, and increases the cost of recycling due to the increased repairs required and time lost due to machinery being shut down for repairs.”

Daliran says if recycling keeps going the way it is with the levels of contamination in bins, the city can face fines and, as a result, collection costs would increase.

More information about what does and does not go inside the blue bins is available here.

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RCMP are looking for anyone with information about the fire or the body discovered on Sunday.

Just after midnight at 85 Wallace St, an abandoned clinic lit on fire. An officer on patrol saw the fire and reported it, with Fire and Rescue crews attending minutes later.

The deceased was located while searching for victims. They haven’t been identified yet, and an autopsy is expected in the future.

Other people were located near the scene and were escorted away.

[caption id="attachment_70108" align="alignright" width="300"] Area of the fire. Photo provided by Ridley Wilson, Vista Radio staff.[/caption]

“While it is only early in the investigation and considerable investigation is required, there is nothing to suggest at this time that foul play is involved”, said Reserve Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Fire and forensic investigators returned later to examine and obtain any potential forensic evidence.

Nanaimo RCMP say they’re aware of other recent incidents where people have been sheltering in or around the property.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.

The post Body discovered after fire on abandoned Nanaimo clinic appeared first on My Coast Now.

If you’re trying to use the Parkway at night, you’ll have to go another way.

The Nanaimo Parkway (Hwy 19) will be closed between the Jingle Pot intersection and the College Drive/Fifth Street intersection from 7pm to 7am.

It’ll be to work on the Midtown Water Supply Project. They’ll be installing a water supply pipeline crossing.

Drivers are asked to use the detour shown in the picture, or use the Old Island Highway instead.

The highway will be open again on the 31st.

The post Nanaimo highway closes overnight for construction appeared first on My Coast Now.

The shooting that sent a 49 year-old man to the hospital has led to charges being laid.

Thirty-seven-year-old Craig Truckle of no fixed address has been arrested, according to Nanaimo RCMP.

At around 11 p.m. on March 22, Truckle was arrested in downtown Nanaimo by officers, and taken into custody.

Truckle was charged with one count of point firearm without lawful excuse under the Criminal Code was sworn against Truckle the next day.

Truckle’s next court appearance is tomorrow at Nanaimo Provincial Court. 

RCMP will not be releasing any more information on the case, as a publication ban has been put in place.

Clint Smith, the victim of the shooting, praised the medical staff on social media calling them "nothing short of miracle workers."

Smith says he suffered serious gunshot wounds from the March 12 incident when he was trying to recover stolen goods, and underwent three surgeries at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

However, he adds the projectiles are still inside him because their location is too dangerous for removal.

A GoFundMe campaign set up to help Smith and his family while he recovers has raised more than $26,000.

The post Charges laid in Nanaimo homeless encampment shooting appeared first on My Coast Now.

If you’re not sure how to do your income taxes, you’re welcome to ask the Salvation Army to help.

People can drop in from 9am to 2pm every Tuesday and Wednesday to get their 2022 taxes sorted. They’re accepted individuals and families with low income, and no self employed income.

“It allows us to help the individuals that are coming in, but also to let them know what other services we have available for them if they need other assistance,” said Fundraising and Promotions Coordinator Dawne Anderson. “Income tax is so important for folks to have that done and possibly realize that there's more income that they can receive back to support themselves.” 

Starting on March 28th, families or individuals can begin making appointments. Those with appointments can get assistance with two or more tax years, as well as if they’re newcomers or have disabilities.

Both services will end on May 3rd.

Those who want to go are asked to bring all their information— including their T4s if they’re employed— and tax slips so the process can go smoothly.

“Don't hesitate to get your income tax done and don't think of it as the Salvation Army,” said Anderson. “Think of it as; we have volunteers who are coming in and wanting to give this free tax service. We're the venue, not that we're going to keep any of this information, we're just here to offer a helping hand [for] when people are looking at their income tax going, ‘oh, I don't know how to do this.’ We're just encouraging folks to give us a call and talk to Mari.”

You can’t book an appointment online. You’re asked to call 250 753 884 ext 409 to make one. 

“This includes, adults, 65 and older, housing insecure individuals, indigenous… Anyone and everyone can come,” said Anderson.

Drop-ins and those with an appointment are asked to visit 505 Eighth Street.

They’ve served around 35 people since March 7th.

The post Nanaimo Salvation Army invites “anyone and everyone” to use free tax clinic appeared first on My Coast Now.

A Nowruz celebration helped ring in the new year for Iranians living in Nanaimo.

The Iranian Canadian Cultural Society of Vancouver Island held their celebration at VIU’s Malaspina Theatre yesterday evening from 5pm to 8pm.

It featured art, speeches, singing, and food. It was the first time the society held their celebration.

The society hoped to bring Iranians together.

“I think for a lot of Iranians abroad there's a lot of distrust which is sort of a natural result of living under the Islamic Republic in Iran,” said Director Amir Razaghi. “The regime created a lot of division among people and a lot of fear. And so even when people moved abroad there was still a lot of distrust in the community. You didn't have that kind of cohesion the same way that you have in a lot of other communities, but I think the recent ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ movement woke everybody up, including myself.”

The society has been advocating for the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, having started by doing protests on Commercial Street to bring awareness. Art at the celebration regarded the movement, with multiple pieces of painted art on display.

“The reason we started the society was that we wanted to be beside our people in Iran who are fighting for their rights, especially the women who were suppressed for so many years,” said President Tarane Noruzi. “But after Mahsa Jina Amini was brutally killed by the morality police in Iran, everywhere in the world, Iranian people started to protest for human rights in Iran and in Nanaimo. We wanted to stand by our people and amplify their voices.”

[caption id="attachment_70052" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo provided by Ridley Wilson, Vista Radio staff.[/caption]

Norzui says as a woman, becoming the president of the society is meaningful.

“In our small group people think that I'm capable enough as a woman, and that really gives me a good feeling that in the past, even right now in Canada, women are not considered to be capable of doing so many things. But right now I have the opportunity because actually, um, things are changing in Iran, and it's affecting here too.”

Norzui also sang at the event, being an opera singer as well.

The celebration drew a large crowd to the theater, some of which were not Iranian. Razaghi said they had around 20-30% of people sign up who were not Iranian.

“We are a small community here in Nanaimo, the Victoria community I think is a little bit bigger. It's a good opportunity, really,” said Razaghi. “I mean, in Vancouver, [there are] more Iranians. But it’s kind of a little bit of a different set up here because you're kind of closer because there’re fewer of you.”

Nowruz is an event comparable to Christmas, according to Noruzi. 

The post Nanaimoers ring in the Persian New Year appeared first on My Coast Now.

Your water could be a bit discolored or low pressure.

Starting from the south end and moving north, the City of Nanaimo is beginning its annual water main flushing program.

"Sediment can collect over time in water mains and flushing them helps to clear it out,” said Public Works and Engineering General Manager Bill Sims. “This is a routine maintenance activity to ensure continued clean, healthy water is delivered to everyone."

If you see any discoloration in your water during the flushing, you’re asked to run cold water until it turns clear. 

The city says the discoloration is temporary and not a health hazard to residents, however it’s recommended you minimize your water usage until you see it becomes clear again.

More information is available here.

The post Discolored or low pressure water to show up in Nanaimo homes appeared first on My Coast Now.