Monday, May 31, 2010

Cougar Spotted Near Rock City School

 Pine Ridge Village
Scene of Cougar Sighting

While certainly not unheard of in this part of town, last Friday afternoon it is reported a cougar was spotted in the area close to Rock City Elementary School.

Parents of children at the school received a bulletin advising of the sighting and outlining some basic safety rules surrounding a cougar encounter.

Those rules include giving the animal an escape route, pick children up from the ground as they frighten easily and their movements could provoke an attack and never approach a cougar.

Some further advice includes

  • making noise which will cause the animal to retreat
  • dusk and dawn are times for the most caution
  • cougars don't bluff charge like a bear, and playing dead is not recommended in a cougar attack
  • don't run as this can well trigger the cougar's natural predator instinct
  • face the cougar and retreat slowly, keep direct eye contact while slowly retreating
  • raise your arms above your head to look as big as possible
  • if it comes to it, be prepared to fight for your life with whatever resources you have at hand

allvoices

Nanaimo Leaky Condo Townsite Road

 Leaky Condos
The Saga Continues

Anyone driving down Terminal Avenue has surely had their eye drawn to the multi-storey condo on Townsite Rd. all draped in the familiar blue screen.

This is just another in the long line of poorly designed, planned, approved, built and inspected structures the home buying public fell victim to.

If you consider how long we have been in the building business you have to wonder how such a complete failing could have taken place in the construction business.

I don't think the public will ever know which part of the industry deserves to shoulder most of the blame or perhaps all are equally culpable.

Was it the architects whose only knowledge came from text books who had never held a hammer or a saw? Was it the building inspection department of the local municipality staffed by incompetents? Was it the lack of qualified tradesmen called upon to construct these buildings? Was it the utterly unqualified building inspectors working for the city who had no idea what they were looking at on their visits?

I seem to recall a former NDP leader being called upon to investigate the leaky condo scandal some years ago, I don't however seem to remember any results or recommendations resulting from his findings? Perhaps he is also incompetent in such matters. There seems to have been a lot of that going on lately.

This fiasco cost a whole lot of people a whole lot of money no one seems to care about anymore. I know of a person living in a two bedroom condo whose share of the renovation was over $80,000.00 on a condo that cost about $150,000 in the first place. Being a senior he did not have to pony up the money, however, the repair bill will certainly take a large piece of his estate when he leaves this earthly realm.

Who was responsible? Personally, the theory I like best is that is was planned and orchestrated by a corrupt contracting community who figured they could make more money building the same projects twice, instead of just doing it right the first time. They new that local inspectors were a bunch of bumpkins at best who would never see what was actually happening during construction.

allvoices

Downtown Farmer's Market

 Downtown Farmer's Market

Friday afternoon at about 1:00pm the farmer's market downtown beside the Bastion was a pretty abandoned space.

Granted, the weather was miserable but merchants still outnumbered shoppers at least 2:1.

For all those people who have never tried a business venture of their own (ie: staff at city hall) this is an example of the 'other side' of being in business for yourself. Yes, you are independent, you are your own boss, you can work as many hours as you want for nothing and no one will bother you.

Next Friday, rain or shine, why not take an hour or so and help some local business folk. You might be surprised what treasures you find that you can't find at the local mall.

allvoices

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Nanaimo Economic Development

 Another Great
'Build It And They Will Come' Project

I realize that I am grossly under qualified to have been considered for the new Economic Development Council which has been put together to strategize the best course for Nanaimo's economic future. However, this is my blog so I put forward the following suggestion and observations which support my brain wave.

Over the past decade or so, the largest sustainable growth industry in Nanaimo has been Mining The Retirees. The way it works; you attract older people from the rest of Canada with promises of mild winters and lots of liquor stores and even our very own casino. All that is required is to liquidate their real estate holdings elsewhere and come to Nanaimo where you can buy a new condo and still have cash in your jeans.

Brilliant! They don't burden the local school system as their kids are long since educated nor do they put any other costly demands on the city. They don't take jobs away from anybody as they have good pensions and have invested wisely over the years.

My new idea meshes perfectly with the current strategy of 'building it and they will come'. We have this state of the art convention centre which attracts people from all over, who will be smitten with our fair city and will make immediate plans to sell out elsewhere and retire here. Adding to this overall stroke of genius is the idea of building a cruise ship terminal with the same end game strategy; attract well to do old people to visit here and they will not be able to resist our charms.

Now, for my coup de gras .... we build a Geriatric Theme Park complete with moving sidewalks, walker accessible water slides and many other delights that will prove irresistable! There will be Geritol on tap, right beside our mountain fresh water! Brilliant!!!

Nanaimo began it's journey as a mining town, and now seems well situated to carry on this fine tradition, instead of mining coal, we can now mine retirees!!


The growth industry of the future!

allvoices

Piper's Lagoon Park Nanaimo


Click to play this Smilebox slideshow: Pipers Lagoon Park

When was the last time you took a stroll?

allvoices

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Nanaimo Deer Cull Alternatives Sought

Public Meeting May 31 - 7:00 pm 
Kin Hut Departure Bay Beach

A public forum will be held next Monday to discuss non-lethal ways of approaching the issue of Nanaimo's urban deer.

Most would agree the deer are not safe where they are now and as many as 30 deer a month are being hit by cars, usually in North Nanaimo.

Things to consider would be relocating the deer, sterilizing males etc. Your opinions are sought. Views expressed will be forwarded to Nanaimo City Council.

allvoices

Friday, May 28, 2010

Olympic Banners For Sale

 Your Own Olympic Souvenir

Approximately 200 banners featuring the Olympic Torch Relay designs and logos were flown around Nanaimo in the days leading up to the Olympic Torch celebration in Nanaimo on October 31, 2009, as well as in the months leading up to the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games. The banners are now available to be purchased as a rare souvenir of the games at a cost of $20.10 per banner.

Banners can be purchased at the Beban Park administration office on a first-come, first serve basis for $20.10 each beginning on Friday May 28, 2010.

allvoices

Things On The Net That Make'ya Smile


More Creative ReUse Ideas

Old laptop won't run new applications? No wall clock? No problem!

allvoices

Things To Do In Nanaimo May 28 - 30


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

Bacteria Found In Bottled Water

More Bacteria In Some 
Bottled Water Than Tap Water

Researchers from C-crest Laboratories in Montreal bought and tested several popular brands of bottled water and were surprised that many were found to contain heterotrophic bacteria counts that were high. These type of bacteria require an organic carbon source in order to grow.

More than 70 per cent of popular brands they tested did not meet the standards set out by the US Pharmacopeia, an agency that sets safety standards for medications and health-care products.

This kind of bacteria does not normally cause any disease in healthy people, but could make pregnant women, infants and the elderly sick.

Health Canada points out that bottled water is regulated and that the World Health Organization concluded that heterotrophic bacteria counts in drinking water are not a health concern to the general public.

allvoices

Gulf Oil Spill Cleanup Solution?

Could Oil Be Sucked Up From The Gulf?

Yesterday on the CBC the former head of Shell oil said he had been suggesting this solution to BP for three weeks now.

Apparently back in the 90's there was a major spill off the coast of Saudi Arabia, which went unpublished. In that case they brought in six super tankers which literally sucked up the oil from the water and prevented oil from reaching that countries shores.

Of course one of the problems is diverting these super tankers which are already busy transporting more oil for the struggling oil companies.

Is the solution to this huge disaster being ignored because of the almighty dollar?

allvoices

Nanaimo Deer Cull Alternatives Sought

Public Meeting May 31 - 7:00 pm 
Kin Hut Departure Bay Beach

A public forum will be held next Monday to discuss non-lethal ways of approaching the issue of Nanaimo's urban deer.

Most would agree the deer are not safe where they are now and as many as 30 deer a month are being hit by cars, usually in North Nanaimo.

Things to consider would be relocating the deer, sterilizing males etc. Your opinions are sought. Views expressed will be forwarded to Nanaimo City Council.

Comment: It is noted that earlier this year it was reported that many deer die as a result of eating the overly rich food some kind hearted people feed them. Those deer being hit by cars ..... how much ICBC paid for, damage does that cause?

allvoices

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Things On The Net That Make'ya Smile

Very Creative Reuse Example

Dead microwave? Makes a perfect rural mail box!

allvoices

Murder Charge Laid In Nanaimo Shooting

 Simon Phillip Dockerill Charged
With Murder of John Charles Borden

One charge of first degree murder has been laid in the fatal shooting that took place in central Nanaimo late Tuesday afternoon.

Simon Phillip DOCKERILL ,age 31, a resident of Nanoose ,ten kilometers north of Nanaimo,has been formally charged with first degree murder in connection with the shooting death of a 47 year old Nanaimo resident. A bail hearing was held at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital this afternoon and with his lawyer present, DOCKERILL was remanded into custody. The second male involved,age 30, was released unconditionally from police custody and is not expected to face any charges. DOCKERILL is expected to remain in hospital for several weeks as a result of injuries sustained in the shooting.

The man shot and killed has now been identified as 47 year old John Charles Borden also known as Andy Frank.

allvoices

G8 and G20 Costs YOU $1.1 BILLION

Security Cost For 3 Day Summit 
$933,000,000.00

If the Canadian taxpayer wants an example of how governments on ALL levels keep throwing our money around they need look no further than the G8 and G20 summit we are hosting.

The total estimated expense (and of course we all believe that to be accurate as governments always know what things cost) for the three day summit is in excess of $1,100,000,000,00, so that world leaders can meet face to face and discuss the world's current economic woes.

At a time when frugality and belt tightening should be the order of the day our government is still throwing money around as if we had it to spend. To compare with other nations in previous years, the G20- summit in Sept. 2009 in Pittsburgh cost $18 million US, the G20 summit in London in April 2009 cost $30 million.

To put this whole 'summit' in perspective the G20 will get leaders of 20 countries together for 72 hours, the G8 gets 8 leaders together.

I really have to wonder if these guys have ever heard of tele-conferencing? Who really cares if these guys and gals are in town or not? We will never see them, and even if we did I doubt the average Canadian would care. This is the world's brain trust which oversaw the creation and execution of the current economic mess.

The fact they are all going to meet in my country for three days does little to boost my confidence in any of their abilities to do anything about the current situation.

So far all of these huge nations just keep throwing more play money at the problem thinking that will solve the matter. Sooner or later that play money becomes useless and then what?

allvoices

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Gabriola Island Ferry Schedule

 Click Image To Enlarge
Gabriola Ferry Schedule Adjusted

allvoices

Nanaimo Gunfight Tuesday Afternoon

Wilgress Road Scene of Afternoon Gun Battle

It is reported that between 3:45 - 4:00 pm on the afternoon of May 25 a full scale gunfight broke out on Wilgress Road which is a busy industrial part of town.

Witnesses report hearing automatic weapon fire, at least a dozen shots being fired leaving one person dead and at least one other injured with a wound to the leg.

Local business people and their customers huddled behind locked doors and waited for the quick police response. The police quickly closed off the area and contained the scene. No officers were involved in the gun play.

Comment: I guess Nanaimo is getting all grown up. I kinda think this was not just a dispute over a parking space!

allvoices

Officers Add Names To Nanaimo-Gram

Officers Sign Book of Greetings & Flag
Operation Nanaimo-Gram

During the long weekend visit to Nanaimo the Nanaimo-Gram book of greetings and flag were taken aboard the HMCS Brandon.

It was signed by the Executive Officers from the HMCS Brandon and the HMCS Nanaimo who were in the city for the 143rd Empire Days Celebrations.

The ship hosted an open house while in port, which many locals took advantage of.

Once complete the Book of Greetings and Flag will be sent to our troops serving in Afghanistan. Cut off date for collection of signatures is May 31.

allvoices

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Nanaimo Home Owner Grant

Claim Home Owner Grant Online

Be sure to claim your Home Owner's Grant either via snail mail, in person at city hall or you can also claim it online from the comfort of your computer terminal.

You can access the online application form using this Nanaimo Info LINK.
You can apply for your home owner's grant even if you are not paying your current taxes at this time so don't put it off.

Current property taxes unpaid after July 2, 2010 will be subject to a 5% penalty. A further 5% penalty will be charged to current taxes remaining unpaid after August 12,2010.

If you have not received your property tax notice, please contact the City Finance Department at City Hall at 250-755-4415.

allvoices

Will Cruise Ships Help Local Economy?


Are Cruise Ships The Answer
Or Has That Opportunity Already Sailed?

Those who wish to spend millions and millions of dollars to attract cruise ships to Nanaimo, should do some serious study before committing the taxpayers to another white elephant.

Ross Klein, an international authority and author of four books on the cruise ship industry sheds some light on the industry as a whole, and in particular how it has affected the BC economy.

One interesting point he makes in an article published in the Vancouver Observer is the number of hours these ships actually spend in port and the fact that 80% of the ships visiting Victoria visit between 6:00 PM and midnight, the last night of the cruise. This makes the economic impact barely a fraction of the impact when a vessel makes a city their 'homeport'.

Most of the ships calling on Vancouver in 2002 were homeported in the city, meaning passengers started and ended their cruise in Vancouver. They used taxis, dined at restaurants, and visited sites pre and/or post cruise. Their economic impact was significant.

When a ship merely stops for 8 hours the economic impact on the port of call is greatly reduced. The ship itself is their hotel, restaurant, and venue for shopping and entertainment. A cruise ship earns more money from passengers spending onboard than it does from ticket sales. In 2007, each cruise passenger's onboard spending accounted for $43 per day in the cruise line's net profit, the figure is significantly higher today.

As ships expand their shopping venues, increasingly sell the same products available in ports, and guarantee they will not be undersold, passengers have less reason to buy souvenirs and other items ashore. They buy t-shirts and post cards, but most local stores report limited sale of other items.

So, before the economic brain trust of the Nanaimo Economic Department develops an elaborate plan to hang our hopes on the cruise ship business, I hope they are able to determine if that is one economic opportunity which has already left the dock.

The read Mr. Klein's full article use this LINK.

allvoices

Ten Minutes After The Parade

You Could Shoot A Cannon 
Down The Street

In spite of the rain, the Empire Days Parade still brought thousands of people downtown for the family fun event Sunday afternoon. As those in attendance are aware, the rain stopped just in time and the rest of the day, while a little overcast was still quite pleasant.

The point of the above pictures? The parade brought thousands of people downtown, but it seems that 'keeping' them downtown after the event is a challenge for local merchants.

Just throwing more money at attracting conventions and cruise ships (which may or may not come) is not going to be a final answer for sustained downtown revitalization.

allvoices

Nanaimo Blog Readers Save Money!


Readers of This Blog Didn't
Pay For Parking On Sunday

Regular readers of Nanaimo Blog aka Nanaimo-Info-Blog.com knew that the parking at Bastion Street parkade was free all day on Sunday.

It does not seem to be a well known fact that the city does not charge for parking during 'special' events in the city. When I called both Robbins Parking and city hall last week to confirm Sunday was Free Parking, the staff weren't all that sure either.

In fact on Friday the staff at Robbins said there was no free parking on Sunday, and the city bylaw officer had to check and return my call also.

You will notice the lack of any type of sign indicating free parking on the one armed bandit that gives out parking vouchers. Seems the city would just as soon keep the Free Parking a secret also.

But it has now been shown that readers of this Blog SAVE MONEY, and I think they are probably smarter and better looking also. :^)

allvoices

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Nanaimo Empire Days Parade 2010



Click to play this Smilebox slideshow: Empire Days 2010

Nanaimo 2010 Empire Days Parade
Award Winners

Nanaimo Hungarian Cultural Society
Parade Marshall's Award

Nanaimo Search and Rescue
Best Service Club

Mid Island Co-op
Best Theme Award

Shear Agony Barbershop
Best Commercial Float

Vancouver Island Raiders Football
Best Non Commercial Float

Cowichan Lake, Lady of the Lake Society

1st runner up Best Non Commercial Float

Nanaimo Association for Community Living
2nd runner up Best Non Commercial Float

Kent Lake High School Band

Best High School Marching Band


Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Corps #136Amphion
Best Military Band
Royal Canadian Air Cadets #205 Collishaw
1st runner up Best Military Band

Pacific Gael - Pipes and Drums
Best Pipe Band

Nanaimo Concert Band
Best Community Marching Band

Royal Canadian Army #2422 Scottish Cadet Corp
Best Drill Team

Navy League Cadet Corp J.P. Bell #65
1st runner up Best Drill Team

St.John's Ambulance Society - Brigade & Cadets
Best Community Marching Unit

Nanaimo Old English Car Club
Best Motorized Presentation

Plymouth 1950 - Business Man's Coupe
Best Classic Car

St. John's Ambulance Society - Therapy Dogs
Best Animal Presentation

Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society
Best Comic

Vancouver Island Visayan Assoc. VIVA (Phillipines)
Best Cultural Presentation

Fairview School's Red Hot Chili Peppers Skipping Club
Best Children's Presentation

South Wellington Elementary School
1st runner up Best Children's Presentation

Honorable Mention Award
Shrine/Masonic Family - Members (O.E.S #42)

Note: All entries deserved an award and are to be thanked for making a great parade!


allvoices

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Empire Days Events May 2010

143rd Nanaimo Empire Days
Schedule of Events

Friday May 21 
HMCS BRANDON arrives at 1600 hrs.
May Queen Crowning 7:30 pm
Br. 256 Legion

Saturday May 22
May Queen fires Bastion cannon at noon
18 hole mini golf, climbing wall
Bobbi the clown at Diana Krall Plaza
HMCS BRANDON open house 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
May Party visits Military Museum

Sunday May 23
Presentation 11:00 pm City Hall, CO NANAIMO
of Navy Centennial Flag
Hot Dog Sale St. Paul's Anglican Church noon
143rd Annual Parade, downtown 1:00 pm This year's
theme: 'Salute to Canadian Navy 100th Anniversary'
Pacific Gael Pipes and Drums Concert at Maffeo
Sutton Park following the parade
Cannon Art Affair 8:00 pm by Bastion
FIREWORKS 10:00 pm Inner Harbour Downtown



allvoices

Things To Do In Nanaimo May 21 - 23


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.
EMPIRE DAYS CELEBRATIONS 
Parade downtown Sunday at 1:00 pm 
FIREWORKS in the Harbour 10:00 pm
Click Here For Schedule of Events

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

Friday, May 21, 2010

FREE PARKING DOWNTOWN NANAIMO THIS SUNDAY


FREE PARKING ALL DAY
MAY 23, 2010

If you are going downtown to see the parade and other events this Sunday, you can park your car for free in the Bastion St. Parkade and the parkade behind Howard Johnston Hotel.

Special events such as the Empire Days Parade are granted free parking privileges if both Tourism Nanaimo and the organizers of the event approve.

You are reminded that on street parking is free every Sunday downtown and not just during special events. There is also free parking every Sunday in the Cavan St. lot and the lot at Wallace and Wentworth.

allvoices

Good News For Gas Prices

If You Live In Toronto
If You Live In Nanaimo - 'Scrooged again!'

While gas prices fell in Toronto and are expected to remain down for the long weekend, Nanaimo drivers can expect to get hosed at the pumps again this weekend.

While oil prices are falling and oil reserves are climbing, Mr. Piggy Oil Companies are once again hammering drivers in Nanaimo with unjustified price increases.

Give them a little grief and don't fill your tank if you don't have to. Better yet, park your car/s over the weekend and take the bus, bike, walk or just enjoy the back yard.


allvoices

Seniors Better Off In Jail?

Follows is an email sent to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and published on their website.

Let's put the seniors in jail, and the criminals in a nursing home.


This way the seniors would have access to showers, hobbies, and walks, they'd receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatment , wheel chairs etc. and they'd receive money instead of paying it out.

They would have constant video monitoring, so they could be helped instantly ,if they fell, or needed assistance. Bedding would be washed twice a week, and all clothing would be ironed and returned to them. A guard would check on them every 20 minutes, and bring their meals and snacks to their cell. 

They would have family visits in a suite built for that purpose. They would have access to a library, weight room,spiritual counselling, pool, and education. 

Simple clothing , shoes, slippers, P.J.'s and legal aid would be free, on request.
Private, secure rooms for all, with an exercise outdoor yard ,with gardens. Each senior could have a P.C. a T.V. radio, and daily phone calls. There would be a board of directors , to hear complaints, and the guards would have a code of conduct, that would be strictly adhered to.

The "criminals" would get cold food,  be left all alone, and unsupervised. lights off at 8pm, and showers once a week. Live in a tiny room , and pay $5000.00 per month and have no hope of ever getting out. Justice for all.

allvoices

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Nanaimo Hospital Open To Visitors Again

Visitor Ban Lifted
At NRGH

Visitors are once again welcome at the Nanaimo hospital as the Norovirus infections have dropped from 22 to 7 as of yesterday.

Visitors are reminded to practice good hygiene by using the hand rub product when entering or leaving the hospital and when entering or leaving a patient's room.

You are reminded the hospital allows two visitors per patient in order to reduce traffic, and that if you are ill yourself, do not visit the hospital.

allvoices

Canadian Masters Swim Meet


Click Image To Enlarge

allvoices

Nanaimo House Prices and Canadian House Prices April 2010


Nanaimo Real Estate
Total Nanaimo Home Sales
Increase 3% Over 2009
Prices Up By 4%

Total number of homes sold in Nanaimo for the month of Apr. 2010 numbered 123 which is a 3% increase over the 119 units sold in Apr. 2009.

The average selling prices edged up a total of 4% year to year from $352,471 in 2009 to an average price of $367,805 in Apr. 2010.


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



National Average

Apr 10 - $344,968
Apr 09 - $307,435

Victoria BC
Apr10- $518,536
Apr09- $455,143


Vancouver BC
Apr 10 - $673,579
Apr 09 - $565,003

Calgary
Apr 10 - $395,847
Apr 09 - $371,995


Regina
Apr 10- $265,871
Apr 09 - $247,907

Toronto
Apr 10 - $437,566
Apr 09 - $385,641


Ottawa
Apr 10 - $333,854
Apr 09 - $298,593

Nanaimo Apr 10- $367,805 Apr 09- $352,471

Units Sold
Apr 10 - 123  Apr 09 - 119

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.


allvoices

Terminal Park Post Office Closes

Stores Victim To High Rent Increases?

What I offer here is pure speculation based upon observation and life experience.

Last summer the new owners of one part of Terminal Park Plaza undertook to give the strip mall a 'facelift'. The whole process dragged on for months and the loss of parking and blocked entrances surely cost businesses money due to lost revenue during the renovation.

Then after the work was finished and the mall returned to some form of normality, surprise, surprise the landlord jacked up the rents (perhaps as much as 40%) and at least two businesses were forced to close.

One long time fixture of this mall, the local post office. lotto/gift store was well patronized by area residents who surely miss the loss of 'their' post office.

I realize that business is business and that the almighty dollar is the only piper anyone dances to, but sometimes you just have to draw attention to the fact that even though something may be legal, does not mean it is right!

allvoices

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

BC Ferries May Long Weekend Schedules

Departure Bay - Horseshoe Bay Sailings

Current Conditions

Duke Point - Tsawwassen Sailings

Current Conditions


allvoices

Explore Nanaimo

Passport To Your City
Great Discounts May 16 - June 6

Tourism Nanaimo has teamed up with Leadership BC and local businesses to bring you fantastic discounts and exciting opportunities.

You can use your passport for discounts to more than 40 area attractions, local businesses and special activities between May 16 and June 6 201.0

For more details visit the official website using this LINK.

allvoices

Farmer's Market Opens This Saturday

Market In North Town Centre
Opens May 22, 2010
9:30 am - 1:30 pm

Enjoy the benefits of buying locally again this year. The Neighbourhood Farmer's Market is open for it's third season bringing you locally grown produce, meats, breads, jams, cheese and local crafts.

You will be treated to live entertainment and children's activities while you stroll the market Saturday morning.

The market is located in the North Town Centre (formerly Rutherford Mall) on the corner of Uplands Drive and Oliver Road.

Experience the diversity of local foods!

allvoices

Deer Cull Causes Controversy

Cute? Or Becoming a Real Pest?

The current 'trial balloons' being flown by those in government suggesting a deer cull is needed to control ever increasing deer herds in cities, is bringing opposing responses.

There are those who love to see a little bit of nature outside their front door, and others trying to grow gardens who would gladly kill all of them.

There is at least one facebook group now who are opposed to the deer cull and the expected emotional response is predictable. The thought that man should intervene to reduce herd numbers is distasteful to many, who seem to ignore that it is man's intervention that is creating the problem in the first place.

A short time ago local authorities were advising of how deer being fed unnatural diets were simply becoming sickly and dying as a result. There was a report of a dead deer in someone's garage which apparently had met just such an end.

On the up side, it is nice to see a bit of nature in our city, of course cougars and bears are also a part of that nature and I doubt we want to see them wandering about our streets. The deer do pose traffic hazards and in rutting season the bucks can get quite aggressive also. It is also likely that cougar will be attracted to their natural food source. Not long ago there was  report of a cougar eating it's kill (bambi) in someone's front yard in the Departure Bay area.

There is bound to be heated discussion on both sides of this issue but perhaps one solution would be to ban feeding deer and simply let them fend for themselves.

allvoices

Domestic Violence In Nanaimo


Domestic Violence 
Dedicated Officer

Nanaimo RCMP Detachment will soon have a police officer working solely on the investigation of domestic violence.

This newly created position will soon be staffed and will work closely with Victim Service workers, the Ministry for Children and Family Development, Crown Counsel and other social service agencies to ensure the safety of Nanaimo families. The new role will see a police officer assigned to domestic violence cases working in a coordinated, focused and more effective way. This approach also aims to improve the police response in the area of risk assessment and safety planning for victims of violence.

“Domestic violence is a devastating situation to families, and it occasionally has tragic consequences. This new dedicated position in our Detachment is a real break through for our community and will most certainly result in positive changes in the handling of domestic violence in our city.” said Cst Gary O’Brien, media spokesperson for Nanaimo RCMP Detachment.

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