CHLY (Nanaimo, BC)

The long standing entertainment centre is investing several millions of dollars into renovations including new IMAX and Laser Ultra auditoriums, heated recliner seating and upgraded sound systems. (Jesse Woodward / CHLY 101.7FM) Woodgrove Centre’s Landmark cinema has teamed up with IMAX to try to bring movielovers back to the big screen.

Community events often bring large volumes of people together, but they can also generate a lot of waste. Comox Nautical Days is one such event, featuring family-friendly activities, live music and food, while attracting thousands of visitors each year. The event has run since 1958 at Comox Marina Park, during B.C. Day long weekend.

Angela Massop, runs a local group for PokémonGO players in Nanaimo. “It's free to attend, so it's really just a bunch of people coming down to the park on their own free will and just having fun playing Pokémon.” Massop is part of PokémonGO’s Community Ambassador Program, an initiative made to support local in person communities around the world. Ambassadors have the opportunity to receive special perks for their communities like in-game items, merchandise and giveaways.

The improvements include a new high jump area, a new pole vault track, a spring start extension to the oval, and a new sod and irrigation system in the infield area. (Luis Zablah / CHLY 101.7FM) The City of Nanaimo has begun improvements to the Rotary Bowl Track and Field Facility, near the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. Work started at the end of June and is expected to continue until October, to meet community demand and possibly attract larger track and field competitions.

The City of Nanaimo is updating its Off Street Parking Regulations, in a move aimed at making the city more friendly to pedestrians and transit users. Last Monday, June 22 the City of Nanaimo’s councillors voted to update the 2018 “Off Street Parking” regulations. The bylaw’s update aligns with Nanaimo’s parking rules and the 2022 “City Plan,” which aims to reduce vehicle reliance, and promote walking, cycling and transit. The bylaw update focuses on off-street parking on private property.

“You don't really know until you are in the Old City how amazing it is, but this doesn't surprise me that we're having such an amazing community event, because when you live here and meet the neighbours, there's things like this that happen all the time,” she said. With the community working to add bright pinks, blues, and yellows to the street, CHLY spoke with Madeleine Koch, Active Transportation Project Specialist for the City of Nanaimo.

Wanting to reduce waste and support housing projects in Nanaimo, Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island has opened a pop-up shop offering low cost furniture and clothing. Located at the Nanaimo North Town Centre, the pop-up opened on July 3rd to a very eager, and large, crowd. CHLY attended the opening of the pop-up. From furniture pieces to soccer balls and clothing items for men, women and children, all items sold at the pop-up have been donated.

Pedestrians, cyclists and those in mobility devices are now able to travel between east and west Courtenay, away from vehicle traffic. The 6th Street Active Transportation Bridge opened on June 24, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening on June 26. Mayor of Courtenay Bob Wells said the bridge provides safer access for those not travelling by motor vehicle.

“I'm trying to show up as a conduit, you know? I care deeply about trans rights. I deeply care about Palestinian liberation. I deeply care about  being a part of a movement and society that seeks justice and liberation for everybody, she said. Aside from current events the album is also inspired by folk and experimental music from Ireland and other European countries. Cogan mentioned a formative experience in her younger years that really drove her into the path her music has taken.

The City will test the water quality for Brannen Lake, Colliery Dam Park, Departure Bay, Long Lake, Sway-a-Lana at Maffeo Sutton Park (pictured) and Westwood Lake. (Luis Zablah / CHLY 101.7FM) Nanaimo began its yearly summer water quality monitoring program on June 16, informing citizens that regular testing will continue throughout the season.