Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Snow On Mt Benson

Fresh Dusting Of Snow 
On Mount Benson

Now that winter is officially over and spring is actually here it seems that Mother Nature is a little confused.

For most of the winter Mt. Benson was as green as grass but for the past two mornings there has been a fresh skiff of new snow painting the landscape.

Of course it will be gone before noon, but it is nice to look at in an artistic sort of way. And up there, we don't have to shovel it!

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Have Your Say About Local Elections


Now Is Your Chance 
To Have Your Say

VICTORIA – If you’ve ever wanted to have a say in the way your local government representatives and school trustees are elected, this is your chance to speak your mind. There are still a few weeks left for citizens, organizations and community groups to submit written feedback to the joint Local Government Elections Task Force.

I’ve had the privilege these last few months to work with an incredible group of people representing both the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and the Province on the task force, including co-chair and UBCM President Harry Nyce. We’ve been collecting feedback from individuals and organizations from all over B.C. about how to improve our current local government elections process and have received more than 250 submissions to date.


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Build It And They Will Come??

Campbell River Cruise Ship Dock
Will Be Empty This Year!

The city of Campbell River has learned some hard facts about the cruise ship business this year. What they have learned is that if you spend $13 million to accommodate large cruise ships there is no guarantee they will come.

This year Campbell River is not on the list of scheduled stops for any of the cruise ships that ply BC waters. They say the cruise ship companies have decided to stop in Nanaimo instead this year. Sounds like good news for Nanaimo, but why is it an either/or proposition?
What happens in another year or two if the cruise ship bosses decide that the "onshore experience" in Victoria is preferable over Nanaimo and they decide not to stop here either? There is no more guarantee the cruise ships will favour Nanaimo in the future anymore than they favour Campbell River this year.

It is hoped the powers that be in Nanaimo are not pinning too much hope on the future economic contribution a cruise ship terminal will make to Nanaimo. It is no more certain than the conference business is proving to be.

Last year 10 large cruise ships visited Nanaimo, this year there are only 3 scheduled to stop in the Harbour City.



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B.C. Camping Reservations Online

Online Camping Reservation Service 

The B.C. government is launching its enhanced Discover Camping reservation service on April 1, with several new service and efficiency improvements, announced Environment Minister Barry Penner.

“Starting April 1, when you make your reservation online or at our call centre you will notice a number of new improvements,” said Penner. “For the first time in B.C., people will be able to make specific reservations for individual campsites, next to their favourite trail, near the beach or next to their friends or family.”

With the new service, campers will be able to book double sites in a single reservation to guarantee that families or friends can camp together. The new online reservation service is more user-friendly, with a step-by-step process on an easy-to-use website. It is expected to reduce gatehouse and check-in line-ups at campsites, since campers will have chosen their sites ahead of time.


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Federal Budget Quiz


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Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Is Canadian Prosperity An Illusion?


To Read Full Article Click Here


To Read Full Article Click Here


How many Canadians can really afford their real estate? Low interest rates seem to have simply made it seem possible to buy a home. How many Canadians can afford another $100 - $200 per month for a mortgage when the rates go up?

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Try Curling For FREE

FREE Curling Lessons
March 30 and 31st

"Get Off The Couch and Try Curling"

If you have ever thought you might like to try curling, now is your chance to try the sport for FREE at the Nanaimo Curling Club at 106 Wall Street, across from the Volleyball courts at Bowen Park.

Free lessons are available from noon - 8:00 pm Tues. and Wed. Bring a friend and a clean pair of running shoes (be sure to clean the soles of any dirt or gravel and carry them into the club so they will be completely clean before you wear them on the ice), and loose fitting pair of pants, vest or light jacket and a pair of gloves.

All the equipment you need will be supplied, so just come along and enjoy this free introduction to a sport enjoyed by people of all ages.

For more information call Denise Wood 250-753-3474.

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Monday, March 29, 2010

Things On The 'Net That Make'ya Smile

Think It's Time To Hang Some Bookshelves?
(Check the pile on the left too)

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Is Current Financing Sustainable?

All Levels Of Government
Keep Spending, Spending, Spending

How long can it last?

Municipal governments, provincial governments and federal governments are all keeping the illusion of prosperity alive by either continuing to raise taxes or running deficits for future generations to struggle with.

How long can it go on? What do some leaders think in candid moments when not in front of the camera?

The following is a quote from Don Martins column after attending the Liberal 3 day 'think tank' meeting over the weekend. The politicians being quoted are former premier Frank McKenna and former liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin. You will recall that Martin was the finance minister for a long time.

"As former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna whispered to former prime minister Paul Martin halfway through debate on one of the intractable problems: "We’re f****d". Responded Mr. Martin: "The whole world is f****d."

The full article can be read using this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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BC Ferries Easter Long Weekend Extra Sailings

 Extra BC Ferries Sailings
Easter Long Weekend

BC Ferries is preparing for a busy Easter long weekend with over 50 extra sailings beginning on Thursday, April 1.

From April 1 to 5, additional sailings are scheduled for the Tsawwassen - Swartz Bay, Horseshoe Bay - Departure Bay, and the Horseshoe Bay – Langdale routes for the Easter long weekend.
  • 36 extra sailings are scheduled on the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay route
  • 12 extra sailings are scheduled on the Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay route
  • 6 extra sailings are scheduled on the Horseshoe Bay – Langdale route

The most popular travel times are expected to be mid-day Thursday to late morning Friday with traffic moving from the Lower Mainland to Vancouver Island and from Horseshoe Bay to the Sunshine Coast. The holiday Monday afternoon is expected to be busy with traffic returning to the Lower Mainland. BC Ferries encourages customers to consider making a reservation during busy periods in order to ensure their travel plans.

BC Ferries is reminding customers that as of April 1, the 7:00 pm sailing from Departure Bay and the corresponding 9:00 pm sailing from Horseshoe Bay are scheduled Monday through Thursday. These sailings were removed from the schedule in the winter months due to low demand.

To help customers with their travel planning, BC Ferries offers a calendar on the homepage of its website which shows historically busy days including the busiest sailing times each day for all major routes.

For full schedule details, reservations, and travel planning information, visit this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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3rd Annual Girl Guide Cookie Drive-Thru and Food Drive

Pick Up Several Boxes of 
These Great Cookies

They are known for their involvement in the community, adventurous trips, and earning badges; but, are probably most well known for their cookies. The Cedar Girl Guides are holding their 3rd Annual Cookie Drive-Thru on April 3th, 10:00 – 6:00 at St. Philips Church parking lot, 1797 Cedar road.

This spring cookie sale offers the classic chocolate/vanilla combo box of cookies.
Thanks to the community, last year’s Cookie Drive-Thru was a huge success.

The girls were delighted to encounter a tractor, a taxi, a water truck, a tow truck, a Canadian Army Serviceman, and even a parrot at the Drive-Thru. They can’t wait to see what rolls through the Drive-Thru this year!


This year they are pleased to include a Food Drive in favour of the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank whom they have been supporting throughout the year.  The girls are asking that when you drive through to purchase your cookies, that you also bring a non-perishable food item to donate. 
 
Cookie sales are the major fundraiser for Girl Guides; a not-for-profit organization that encourages fun, friendship, leadership and community service for girls ages 5 – 17. New girl members and leaders are always welcome and encouraged. The Guiding Law challenges it’s members to be honest & trustworthy, use their resources wisely, respect themselves and others, recognize and use their talents and abilities, and live with courage and strength.

If you can’t make it to the Drive-Thru, they will also have a table set up at the 49th Parallel Grocery store in Cedar of April 1 from 4:00 - 7:00  and April 2 from 3:00 – 5:00

Help Yourself To Some Great Cookies ----- Help The Girl Guides ---- Help the Loaves & Fishes Food Bank ----

It's a WIN WIN WIN

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Saturday, March 27, 2010

Pacifica High Rise Cash and Drugs Seized

Cash,Cocaine, Crack, Heroin and Crystal Meth
Seized In Pacifica Drug Raid

One male is in custody after an early morning raid Thursday morning that netted a large amount of cash and drugs.

The Nanaimo Municipal Drug Unit assisted by the South Island Emergency Response Team carried out two search warrants early Thursday March 25th on apartments located in the Pacifica high rise on Front St. Their efforts were rewarded with the seizure of $18,000 dollars in Canadian currency, ½ kilo of powder cocaine,1/2 kilo of crack cocaine ,8 ounces of heroin and 8 ounces of crystal methamphetamine.

The three persons arrested at scene ,two males and one female, are facing charges of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act(CDSA). One male, age 30 and the female 19, have been released on Promises to Appear and are scheduled to make an appearance in Nanaimo Provincial court in late May.

One male, age 28 is still in custody and is expected to make an appearance in court today. ”’This individual has been on our radar for some time. He is behind bars as the result of excellent investigative work provided by the Municipal Drug Unit,Property Crime and Crime Reduction Units. Our members worked around the clock and today are taking a well deserved rest” said Constable Gary O’Brien, media spokesperson for the Nanaimo RCMP.

Editor's Comment: A flashy address and fancy digs doesn't always mean a better class of neighbour.

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Friday, March 26, 2010

Nanaimo House Prices and Canadian House Prices Feb. 2010


Nanaimo Real Estate
Total Nanaimo Home Sales
Increase 31% Over 2009
Prices Up By 14%

Total number of homes sold in Nanaimo for the month of Feb. 2010 numbered 81 which is a 31% increase over the 62 units sold in Feb. 2009.

The average selling prices edged up a total of 14% year to year from $326,301 in 2009 to an average price of $370,747 in Feb. 2010.


Based on average MLS sales summaries for Nanaimo and other Canadian cities for February 2010.



National Average

Feb 10
- $335,655
Feb 09 - $283,881

Victoria BC
Feb 10- $481,246
Feb 09- $442,592


Vancouver BC
Feb 10 - $662,741
Feb 09 - $542,641

Calgary
Feb 10- $389,388
Feb 09 - $370,198


Regina
Feb 10- $263,753
Feb 09 - $232,968

Toronto
Feb 10 - $431,509
Feb 09 - $361,361


Ottawa
Feb 10- $318,894
Feb 09 - $273,991

Nanaimo
Feb 10- $370,747
Feb 09- $326,301

Units Sold

Feb 10 - 81
Feb 09 - 62

Remember that these prices provide a broad market trend only and do not necessarily reflect the true market value of real estate. For a proper evaluation of your property you need to consult one of the many professional realtors in Nanaimo.


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Things To Do In Nanaimo March 26 - 28


Nanaimo Events and Activities

The Nanaimo Things To Do Directory has over 160 different contacts for every interest from Air Cadets to Windsurfing and everything in between. To visit this directory use this  Nanaimo Info LINK.



Fri. calendar of events use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Sat. calendar of events use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Sun. calendar of events use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Clippers Hockey use this Nanaimo Info LINK

Port Theatre events calendar use Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Movies Guide use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Western Edge Theatre use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Theatre Group use Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Art Gallery use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Arts Council info use this Nanaimo Info LINK.


Nanaimo Minor Baseball info use Nanaimo Info LINK.


Youth Soccer Club info use this Nanaimo Info LINK.


Nanaimo Pirates Baseball info use Nanaimo Info LINK.


Weekend weather forecast use this Nanaimo Info LINK.


Downtown Farmer's Market opens Friday,
more info.


Weekend Garage Sales use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Neighbourhood Farmers Market Nanaimo Info LINK.


Nanaimo Timbermen Sr. A. Lacrosse Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Timbermen Sr. B Lacrosse Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Timbermen Jr. A Lacrosse Nanaimo Info LINK.


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Smoke Alarm Rules Expanded In B. C.

Buildings Built Prior To 1979
Must Have Smoke Alarms By May 1 2010


Changes to the BC Fire Code require that every private home and hotel or motel room built before 1979 must have smoke alarms installed by May 1, 2010.

Owners of these older buildings can install battery-operated smoke alarms, rather than connecting smoke alarms to the buildings’ electrical system. Battery-operated smoke alarms are an affordable way to improve safety.

Home owners affected should contact their municipality or fire department to bring their buildings up to code by May 1, 2010. There are about 800,000 residential buildings in B.C. constructed before 1979. Some of them may require smoke alarms.

Previously buildings built after 1979 were required to have smoke alarms, and most municipalities have established bylaws that require smoke alarms be installed and maintained. The new law will increase public safety and awareness, helping to reduce the health risks and property damage caused by fire in older buildings.

The Province developed the new smoke alarm regulations with advice from the Office of the Fire Commissioner and the public. Changes will make the BC Fire Code more consistent with the National Fire Code.

For more information: use this Nanaimo Info LINK

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B.C. Turns Out Lights For Earth Hour 2010


             This Saturday, the lights will go out at the B.C. legislature as the provincial government does its part to conserve power for Earth Hour 2010, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.

            “Turning our lights off for Earth Hour is a great way for everyone to show support for the fight against climate change,” said Premier Campbell. “We all have a part in ensuring that we leave a legacy of sustainability to our children and grandchildren. Earth Hour is a great example of a single idea can grow and inspire people everywhere to take uncomplicated action that can make a difference.”


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Thursday, March 25, 2010

Spring Is Bustin' Out All Over

New Lambs Are A Sure Sign of Spring

These one month old lambs are a certain sign that spring has arrived in Nanaimo. Lambs usually arrive as twins, with triplets not being all that uncommon.

There were at least seven young lambs enjoying the sunshine yesterday at a local mini-farm within the city. It looks like the moms will welcome their annual shearing to get rid of those heavy winter coats they are wearing.
(To Enlarge Click On Image)

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Serial Killer Collects $1,169.47/mo. Pension

Convicted Serial Killer Clifford Olson
Collects $1,169.47 Old Age Pensions

You really have to wonder if any of our 'leaders' have any common sense at all!

This week it has been revealed that Clifford Olson (convicted of killing 11 young boys and girls) is receiving Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement while living in prison at a cost in excess of $100,000 per year to keep him there.

If you think this is just fundamentally wrong, then you can make your voice known by adding it to a petition calling for  a change to this nonsense. You can sign the petition using this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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Guns 'n Hoses Hockey Match Benefits SPCA


Nanaimo RCMP
vs
Nanaimo Fire Department


SPCA Wins Regardless of Outcome

 
On Sunday, March 28Th, 2010, Nanaimo RCMP and the Nanaimo Fire Dept strap on the blades for a charity hockey game " Guns N' Hoses ". All proceeds from the game go to the Nanaimo SPCA. The game starts at 3:15 pm at the Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo. ADMISSION IS FREE. No tickets necessary. Cash or animal food donations would be greatly appreciated.

Prior to the game, there will be a tail gate party in the parking lot starting at 12 noon. There will be a hot dog stand, bouncy castles, balloon animals, music, and a huge display of police and fire dept vehicles including a police helicopter. Tons of fun for the entire family. Bring your cameras and get shots of your kids and grand kids in a police car or fire truck and help support the animals.

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Infant Sling Carrier Recalled

Reports of 3 Infant Deaths In SlingRider

Health Canada and the US CPSC are recalling the Infantino Slingrider and the Wendy Bellissimo Sling Rider due to a suffocation or asphyxiation hazard with infants.

In the US there have been three reports that infants died in the SlingRiders.

There were 14,500 of the slings sold in Canada  and about 1,000,000 sold in the USA. If you own one of these slings: Consumers who are using the SlingRiderTMTM infant sling with an infant under four months of age should stop using these carriers immediately and contact Infantino to return them and receive a free replacement product. Do not attempt to fix these carriers. or Wendy Bellissimo

For more information, contact Infantino toll-free at 1-888-808-3111 between 8PM and 5PM PT Monday through Friday or go to Next 
link will take you to another Web site the firm's Web site to receive information how to obtain a free replacement product.

More information is available at Canadian Product Recalls using this LINK.

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Killed By Kindness?

Wrong Diet Not Digested

The local daily reports that Nanaimo residents feeding deer high-calorie food may be doing more harm than good.

A conservation officer says that people feeding deer in urban areas tends to magnify the problems deer are already facing.

A provincial wildlife veterinarian explained that our mild climate results in deer born late in the season when food is scarce making it difficult for the fawns to get the right nutrition. Ticks and other parasites have the effect of adding to the general poor health of young deer.

When these deer are fed high-calorie foods it can result in diarrhea, weight loss, emaciation and death.

Editor's comment: Usually when men interfere with the natural order of things, we make a mess of it. This could just be another example.

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Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Victoria Police Excessive Force or What It Takes ?


Excessive Force By Victoria Police?

As a result of this video and the ensuing public outcry, the officers involved in this arrest in Victoria on Sunday night are now on a desk until an investigation is complete.
Most of us are repulsed and recoil from the sight of any real violence, but if we think that our police officers can keep the peace by asking drunken rowdies 'to just get along', we aren't dealing with reality.
What do you think, excessive or what it takes to get the job done?

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Have You Seen This Bin-Art?

Last Seen  On
Corner of Irwin & Farquhar

The South End Community Association would like the return of 'Flaming Figgy' who is the creation of local artist Maggie Wouterloot.

Maggie started the idea of using her artistic talents to brighten up the neighborhood and clearly put a lot of love sweat and tears into this colorful creation which was intended for all to enjoy.

The safe return of Flaming Figgy would be much appreciated, so if you know  where it can be found contact the SECA via email (southendcommunityassociation@gmail.com) and they will arrange free pick-up, with no questions asked.

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Welcome To Nanaimo Video


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2010 Winter Games Assets Now On Sale


Articles ranging from prop canoes used in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games closing ceremony to commercial kitchen equipment are now on sale at BC Auction. Cash and carry sales for items used at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games begin Saturday, March 27 at 9:00 a.m.

            Items that will be available for purchase include computers, televisions, furniture, tools, electronics, kitchen appliances, linens, general supplies and consumables.

            The sale is being managed by Asset Investment Recovery, a division of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services.

            Sale items listed online on BC Auction can be found under the Vancouver 2010 Assets category.

            Beginning March 27, cash and carry sales will run daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m at the VANOC Main Distribution Centre at 7530 Hopcott Road, Delta. There is no parking on site – road-side parking is available only.

            All cash and carry items must be paid for and removed at the time of purchase. Payment can be made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, debit and cash.

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Backyard Chickens In Nanaimo

How To Get Started

If you are considering trying your hand raising a few chickens in your backyard, now that it is legal in Nanaimo, you will want to consider taking this course.

The Vancouver Island Exhibition and the Nanaimo Poultry Collective are presenting workshops that deal with the care, maintenance and housing of backyard chickens and ducks.

City bylaw and guidelines will also be explained. For more information call the VIEX at 250-758-3247 or info@viex.ca.

The two hour workshops are currently scheduled for:

  • Wed. Mar.31 7-9 pm
  • Wed. Apr.14 7-9 pm
  • Sat. Apr.24 7-9 pm
  • Wed. May 12 7-9 pm
Workshops cost $35 per person and are being put on at Beban Park Grounds.

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Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Councilor Bill Holdom Nanaimo


'Nickels and Dimes' 

Holdom


Wants To Spend
Those Nickels and Dimes!

Last nights Nanaimo City Council meeting demonstrates once again why city staff are only content when they are spending your tax dollars.

It also demonstrated which members of Council see the benefit in watching the 'nickels and dimes.

For those who may have missed it, or forgotten, Councilor Holdom referred to reducing spending as only saving 'nickels and dimes' when Councilor Bestwick was pressing council to continue to cut the tax increase earlier this year.

At last night's council meeting, city staff was recommending spending nearly $6,000 to have Ipsos Reid conduct a survey in Nanaimo. The survey would have contacted 300 residents and basically would ask them how city council and city hall was doing these days. In total there were five questions on the survey.

City staff thought it was a great idea to spend the money and so did Councilor Holdom and Mayor Ruttan. The rest of council demonstrated what appears to be a genuine desire to get a handle on all spending regardless of how 'nickel and dime' the amount may be.

This council hardly needs the opinion of 300 people to tell them how they are doing, come next election, hopefully a whole lot of us will let them know what they think.

Remember, they did think that spending $500,000.00 on the golden handshake for Jerry Berry was a sound expenditure.

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Volunteer Nanaimo Needs YOU


Volunteer Nanaimo needs you to share your experience and skills with the community. You will be learning while you help people.

Volunteer Nanaimo maintains a database of current volunteer opportunities for potential volunteers to review. If you have a particular volunteer position in mind you can contact that agency directly using the contact details they have provided. If you need some assistance in choosing an agency to work with then you can fill in our application form and we will help you make those choices.

Many volunteer positions, particularly those involving people at risk, or the elderly and children, require an RCMP Criminal Record Check.


 You can view all current listing using this Nanaimo Info LINK, or you can stop by our office at #3-2350 Labieux Road in Nanaimo,  which is downstairs in the Coastal Community Credit Union Building.

Thank you very much for your interest in volunteering! 


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Uplands Elementary School Vandalized

Vandals Cost Taxpayers Thousand of Dollar$
Up To $2,000 Reward

For the second time in five days vandals have struck a local elementary school.

Early this morning school staff arrived at Uplands Elementary located on Stronach Drive to find “sexually explicit” tagging on several exterior walls. The images were so graphic school staff decided to cover them up with paper to prevent small children from seeing them. Later in the morning maintenance crews arrived and painted over the images. Just five days prior on March 18, school staff again came to work to find that 25 of their windows had been smashed out. The cost to replace them is estimated to be in the range of $1800 dollars.

“The persons responsible for this behavior undoubtedly live nearby and are entering the schools grounds after hours. We need the residents of the area to be vigilant and report suspicious activity and persons to us. This has got to stop. Whether you tag a wall or break windows, it is vandalism and it’s costing the taxpayers of Nanaimo $1000's of dollars every year” said Constable Gary O’Brien media spokesperson for the Nanaimo RCMP.

Reward For Information

Anyone with information on either of these incidents is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000 dollars for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. Remember you never have to give your name and your TIPS can also be forwarded on line to this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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Liberal Policy Conference


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2010 Olympics Survey

Your Thoughts On The Olympic Games

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation invites you to let them know your thoughts on the Olympics, which has been a source of national pride but also massive expenses.

To complete the brief survey use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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More Time Online Than Watching TV

Boob Tube Out Of First Place

Ipsos Reid conducted a survey which shows for the first time Canadians are spending more time online than in front of the TV.

On average Canadians spend 18 hours per week online compared with 16.9 hours viewing television. This represents an increase in both categories from the previous year, when 14.9 hours was spent online and 15.8 hours watching television.

Interestingly age plays a role in how we amuse or inform ourselves; 18 - 34 year olds spend 20 hrs. online, over 35 drops to 18 hrs. Those over 55 watch more television with the average increasing to 20 hours per week compared with 13 hrs. per week for those 18 - 34.

It would seem that the internet will do to television, what the television did to the radio.

Editor's Comment: Do you think we are any better off, more contented or really any smarter for having all this infotainment at our disposal?

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Monday, March 22, 2010

Piper's Spring Colors

Spring Is Busting Out All Over

Local photographer Sheryl Falls caught these delightful signs of Spring recently at Piper's Lagoon Park in Nanaimo.
(Click on Image To Enlarge)

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Participate In Local Decision Making

City Council has a pretty full agenda for tonight's meeting with several matters being decided we should pay attention to.

If you can, attending in person is the best way to keep informed, watching live either on Shaw Channel 4 or online on the city website is second choice. Reading about it in the local press or on this blog is third choice.

Remember, if you don't keep informed you really are not doing your part to see that democracy is all it can be.

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Not Sure This Avoids The Ticket

Buckled Up ??? Don't Think So!

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Don't Be A Victim Of Online Job Scams

Beware Of Online Job Scams 

Current economic conditions are leading many people to use the Internet to seek out opportunities to make money while working from home. BBB warns that not all work-at home opportunities being advertised online are legitimate and many could cost you money or your identity.

Job scams being posted online are fairly similar to those posted in traditional classified ads. The difference is merely that the number of online job scams is exploding with the increased use of the Internet and social networking sites.

Education is the key to determining whether or not a job posted online is a scam. While there are hundreds of different types of work-at-home and online job scams out there, most of them follow the same premise. Look for the following red-flags when seeking work online:

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Record Softwood Exports To China

China Buys More BC Softwood

Final trade statistics for 2009 show that British Columbia softwood exports to China hit 1.63 billion board feet, more than twice the record 784 million shipped the previous year, Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell announced today.

“China recognizes that B.C. is a reliable supplier of high-quality lumber with quick delivery times,” said Bell. “Dependability, strong product performance, and a sharp marketing focus have led to record-breaking demand for B.C. softwood lumber. This winning combination will continue to see increased use of B.C. wood in China as we reach our goal of exporting four billion board feet by the end of 2011.”

B.C.’s annual lumber shipments to China are also soaring in terms of value. Sales have nearly tripled from about $113 million in 2007 to more than $327 million in 2009.

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Free Cycle Your Unwanted Goods

If you are looking for a great bargain or don't want to see your used items go to waste be sure to participate in the annual weekend curbside swap meet.

FREE CYLERS

  • Mark your items with "FREE" tags. Make your own tags or pick them up at City Hall,
  • Public Works, Beban and Bowen Park, the Aquatic Centre and the Nanaimo Recycling exchange.
  • Ensure only items for Reuse Rendezvous are put out.
  • Remove items not taken by the evening of April 4th. Garbage collection services will not pick them up.
  • You are responsible for disposal of leftover items.

FREE SEEKERS

  • Have fun.
  • Watch for children.
  • Respect public and private property.
  • Take only items that you can use.
  • Slow down. Remember to obey traffic signs, speed limits and to park carefully.

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Some Liberals Going Too Far??




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Saturday, March 20, 2010

BC Parks Reservations Begin April 1 2010

BC Parks Fees Going Up

With B.C. preparing for the upcoming summer season, the Ministry of Environment is taking steps to continue providing quality camping experiences. Starting April 1, campers will be able to reserve specific sites for the first time due to a new reservation system.

Environment Minister Barry Penner also said as a result of increasing operating costs for BC Parks, combined with reduced tax revenues to government, user fees for camping will increase between $1 and $6 for basic camping sites.

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B.C. Modernizes Regulations For Sale Of Eyewear


New Eyewear Rules In BC
Come Into Effect May 1 2010


The Province introduced a series of changes today that will modernize the way in which British Columbians get their glasses and contact lenses, and give them more choice, announced Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon.

“After lengthy consultation on some of these issues, and a recent court decision that caused us to take a broader look at all the existing regulations, now is the time to take action,” said Falcon.

“With advances in technology and more consumers turning to the Internet, it makes sense to modernize a decades-old system to give British Columbians more choice while maintaining public safety.”


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Friday, March 19, 2010

Spring Is Just About Here

Spring Officially Arrives
Around Midnight Saturday March 20 2010

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Things To Do In Nanaimo March 19 - 21


Nanaimo Events and Activities

The Nanaimo Things To Do Directory has over 160 different contacts for every interest from Air Cadets to Windsurfing and everything in between. To visit this directory use this  Nanaimo Info LINK.


Fri. calendar of events use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Sat. calendar of events use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Sun. calendar of events use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Clippers Hockey use this Nanaimo Info LINK

Port Theatre events calendar use Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Movies Guide use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Western Edge Theatre use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Theatre Group use Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Art Gallery use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Arts Council info use this Nanaimo Info LINK.


Nanaimo Minor Baseball info use Nanaimo Info LINK.


Youth Soccer Club info use this Nanaimo Info LINK.


Nanaimo Pirates Baseball info use Nanaimo Info LINK.


Weekend weather forecast use this Nanaimo Info LINK.


Downtown Farmer's Market opens Friday,
more info.


Weekend Garage Sales use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Neighbourhood Farmers Market Nanaimo Info LINK.


Nanaimo Timbermen Sr. A. Lacrosse Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Timbermen Sr. B Lacrosse Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Timbermen Jr. A Lacrosse Nanaimo Info LINK.


allvoices