CHLY (Nanaimo, BC)

The Departure Bay Pump Station will undergo major upgrades over the next four years. (Photo by Luis Zablah) Nanaimo’s 50 year old sewer system is getting an upgrade at Departure Bay. The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is working with the City of Nanaimo, and is preparing to kick off work on the Departure Bay Pump Station and Forcemain Expansion Project. The project is scheduled to take around four years to complete.

Nanaimo voters now have a clearer picture of who will be on the ballot this fall as the nomination period closes for candidates wanting to run in this year’s municipal election. Across B.C. the nomination period closed at 4 p.m. on Friday September 11th for those interested in running. In the Nanaimo area, candidates will seek election for Nanaimo City Council, the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District (SD-68) and the Regional District of Nanaimo.

The expansion was funded through the provincial ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, with support from federal funding under the Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. In June, the Minister of Jobs and Families announced up to $5.4 billion in new funding over the next two years to help keep childcare costs affordable for families across Canada.

Participants will build small race cars out of zucchinis before sending them down a custom built track to compete gourd-to-gourd. Mah says similar races at other community fairs inspired the activity. The fair is set to create opportunities for neighbours and Nanaimo residents to meet each other. Mah explained how the fair will help the community connect. “I think the in-person part is really an important part of it. We've got a few things planned to try and help facilitate that connection.

The Nanaimo Jazz Festival is set to celebrate 10 years with a free concert this weekend, and performer Luke Blu Guthrie said it's a big deal. “I think it's probably a lot more imperative and crucial than the average person might think of these days.

The Comox Valley Food Bank is asking for donations this Saturday in front of Superstore on Ryan Road. From 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m., members of the food bank will be outside collecting food and cash donations. Chris Arruda is the manager of communications at the food bank. He emphasized the priority items they need most. “Canned proteins are always really important for us at the food bank. They're obviously expensive, and something that a lot of our clients rely on for nutrition.

After outcry from the community and advocacy work from the City of Nanaimo, the Government of B.C. has announced they will be changing plans for an upcoming housing project. On Thursday September 3rd, local MLA and Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Sheila Malcolmson, joined the Mayor of Nanaimo, Leonard Krog to announce that a soon-to-be-built supportive housing project will operate as a recovery-oriented housing site.

It has been one year since two organizations decided to team up and save surplus building materials from the landfill. This time last year, Habitat for Humanity Mid-Island’s ReStore opened the building material section of its store. In this section, builders, contractors, and suppliers can donate surplus or reusable salvaged materials to be resold. This new area was created in collaboration with Light House, a non-profit that finds ways to reuse building materials to eliminate waste.

August 31st, 2026 marked 25 years of International Overdose Awareness Day, and community members in Nanaimo came together to grieve those who have been lost, and reflect on years of advocacy amidst a crisis. This year also marks 10 years since the Government of B.C. declared a public health emergency in response to the increase in toxic drug deaths happening across the province.

“As a school district, we are very proud to be able to provide a partnership and the property for this meaningful community amenity. Schools are at the heart of the communities, and whenever we can support initiatives that benefit children, youth, and families beyond the school and adjacent to our school buildings, we see that as an important investment in the community well-being,” said Harris. “This pump track is much more than a recreational facility.