Saturday, July 31, 2010

BC Day Long Weekend B.C. Ferry Schedules To & From Nanaimo

Departure Bay - Horseshoe Bay Sailings

Current Conditions

Duke Point - Tsawwassen Sailings

Current Conditions


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Keep Your Cool This Long Weekend In Nanaimo


Departure Bay Beach is popular with those who like to cool off by the seashore and find swimming in saltwater to be relaxing as well as refreshing. Unfortunately the plan to line the beach with Palm Trees got scuttled so you have to bring your own shade.


This popular beach is open again after a short closure due to a sewage leak earlier this week.

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Hop a Harbour Ferry This Weekend

 Nanaimo Harbour Ferry
Maffeo Sutton Park Downtown Nanaimo

Looking for things to do in Nanaimo? Hop aboard Nanaimo’s newest tourist attraction, a "Nanaimo Harbour Ferry" and set sail for an unforgettable marine adventure around the waterfront. Your harbour ferry captain will chart a course that’s filled with fun for every member of the family.

Friendly, knowledgeable and ever helpful, your “Captain” will make your "Nanaimo Harbour Ferry" adventure a very special event. Ask your ferry captain about any of these harbour ferry experiences:
  • Nanaimo Newcastle Shuttle
  • The Harbour Tour
  • Group Tours
  • Charters

For Schedules and Fare Information Click HERE.

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VI Raiders Football Today

VI RAIDERS vs CHILLIWACK HUSKERS

Saturday July 31, 2010
Kickoff 4:00 PM
Caledonia Park Nanaimo

If you can't attend you can watch the game live by using this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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Neighbourhood Farmer's Market

Every Saturday 9:30am - 1:30 pm
Nanaimo North Town Center

Come Visit Us !!
As you stroll through the outdoor market every Saturday from 9:30am to 1:30pm, you will find an inviting assortment of fresh vegetables, herbs, fruit, berries, preserves, baking , locally-made crafts and ready-to-eat treats. Vendors of Our Neighbourhood Farmers Market “make, bake, or grow it” offering only what they produce - this ensures high quality products and gives consumers personal contact with producers. 

During the market season, enjoy special events and local entertainment as you buy local and support our farming community. 

The market is located in the parking lot behind Zellers on the corner of Oliver Road and Uplands Drive. You should arrive early for the very best selection.

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Friday, July 30, 2010

Nanaimo's Hanging Baskets

Watering Baskets A Never Ending Job

Over 400 hanging baskets and other planters in the city of Nanaimo require constant care to keep lush and beautiful throughout the summer season. Since as we all know it only rains in Nanaimo in the winter (:^) the baskets need to be watered by hand over the summer.

That's where local horticulture company Lone Pine comes in with their truck capable of delivering 1,000 gallons of refreshing water to Nanaimo's hanging gardens. In the summer 4,000 gallons of water will be applied every 24 hours to keep the plants happy.

In this weather the baskets will be watered 4 times in a 7 day cycle or approximately every second day, with them being fertilized every two weeks.

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Drive Smart and Safe This Summer


ICBC’s tips for summer road trips

As British Columbians are enjoying the warm summer days, for many that also means summer getaways. If you’ll be hitting the road, you can help make our highways safer by slowing down and making smart driving decisions.

Take all the necessary steps to have a safe and enjoyable summer vacation. If your activities will include alcohol – be safe – don’t drink and drive. The dangers are well known and police are out in force to keep drinking drivers off the road. And remember it is now illegal to use hand held devices while driving. A distracted driver is a dangerous driver. Find out more at drivecellsafe.ca.

In the summer months of July and August, over the years 2005 to 2009, there is an average of 1,232 crashes and 361 injured victims on B.C. roads every weekend.

Here are additional tips from ICBC for safer summer road trips:

No. 1 – Be realistic: Plan ahead and be realistic about travel times. Allow extra time for rest breaks and possible delays, especially over a weekend where there may be increased traffic volume. Check drivebc.ca for road and weather conditions before setting out.

No. 2 – Check, check, check: Long road trips can be tiring for drivers and passengers but also on your vehicle, so make sure it’s up to the drive. Remember to check your engine oil, washer fluid, lights and inspect your vehicle tires, including the spare, to make sure they are in good condition and properly inflated. For more tips on preparing your vehicle, go to drivesmartsavegreen.com.

If you’ll be towing a recreational trailer, make sure you do a thorough pre-trip check before you hit the road. Drive to an empty parking lot to practice manoeuvring your vehicle while towing a trailer.

No. 3 – Secure it: Make sure you properly secure all items inside and on your vehicle, like bicycles and items on your roof rack. During rest breaks, take a few moments to check that your cargo is still properly secured.

No. 4 – Drive smart: Remember that although you may not encounter a lot of traffic along highways, it’s important to stay within the posted speed limit and always maintain a safe travelling distance – at least three seconds on high-speed roads or if you’re behind a motorcycle. You might think that by speeding, you’re cutting down on your travel time but what you’re really doing is decreasing your reaction time. The weight of your vehicle (especially with extra cargo), will also impact your ability to stop. Remember that wildlife is also more common along highways.

No.5 – Are you covered? If you’ll be renting a vehicle this summer, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage. You might be surprised to learn that you’re already covered by your auto insurance company so check with them first. If not, shop around for the best rate and coverage for your needs. For information on ICBC’s Rental Vehicle Coverage, please visit: http://www.icbc.com/autoplan/optional/roadsideplus/rental-vehicle.

If you are involved in a crash, ICBC’s Dial-A-Claim service is open 24 hours a day, including holidays. In the Lower Mainland, call 604-520-8222, and for the rest of B.C., call 1-800-910-4222, or you can file your claim online at icbc.com.

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Things To Do In Nanaimo July 30 - Aug. 1


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.
B.C. DAY LONG WEEKEND

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 Museum 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 DBL WC SLA Timbermen Lacrosse Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Timbermen Jr. A Lacrosse Nanaimo Info LINK.
 
VI Raiders Footbal Nanaimo Info LINK.

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Thursday, July 29, 2010

Canadian Anthem Canadian Flag Map of Canada

To Enlarge Click Image
In the interest of patriotism I thought it would be good to be able to find a map of our country, our national anthem and our flag all in one place. I have also included the names of the Provinces and Territories as well as their capitols and populations.


If you consider the vastness of our great country and our small population it makes you wonder if we are really managing our natural wealth well and why we would have to be indebted to anyone.

Without peeking can you name all the provinces, territories and their capitals? Neither could I, so here they are, Province, Capital and Population (as of 2009 rounded):
  • Alberta - Edmonton  3,687,700
  • British Columbia - Victoria 4,455,200
  • Manitoba - Winnipeg 1,222,000
  • Newfoundland & Labrador - St. John's 508,900
  • New Brunswick - Fredericton 749,500
  • Northwest Territories - Yellowknife 43,400
  • Nova Scotia - Halifax 938,200
  • Nunavut - Iqaluit 32,200
  • Ontario - Toronto 13,069,200
  • Prince Edward Island - Charlottetown 141,000
  • Quebec - Quebec City 7,828,900
  • Saskatchewan -Regina 1,030,100
  • Yukon - Whitehorse 33,700
  • Total Population Of Canada in 2009 - 33,739,900

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Rest Spots Aren't What They Used To Be



The Rest Spot at Long Lake on the Island Highway just north of Country Club Mall offers the traveling public a lovely place to stop and rest a spell.

It is located right on the edge of beautiful Long Lake where you may see a few glimpses of nature as ducks and geese frequent the area.

The large bear carving clearly has a 'BC feel' as he beckons road weary folk to stop and refresh. Easy highway access and lots of parking make it the ideal place to stop. There are six nice picnic tables where you can enjoy a lunch and lots of spots on the well cut grass to lay out a blanket and have a rest.

However, if you feel the need to use a rest room during your stop, you will just have to go down the road to the nearest service station as not even one portable toilet could be found at this otherwise lovely rest stop.

What are those in government thinking these days??

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Report Impaired Drivers Program Working In Nanaimo


 RID 911 Comes Through Again
Another drunk driver is off the road thanks once again to the RID 911 program.

On Friday July 23rd at approximately 10:00 PM a passenger onboard BC Ferries, enroute to Nanaimo from Horseshoe Bay, called RCMP to report a male drinking in his vehicle. He told police he saw a male and female sitting in their vehicle drinking alcohol and that they appeared to be arguing. The ferry off loaded and once the vehicle, a 2005 Ford Escape was in the exit ramp, it was stopped by police.

The 41 year old male driver was detained for impaired driving then taken to the Nanaimo RCMP Detachment.  There he provided two breathe samples-both samples registering 240, three times the legal limit for drinking alcohol while  operating a motor vehicle.

The male was later released from custody on a Promise to Appear and charges of Driving while over the legal limit, under Section 253 of the CC are being recommended by police. His first court date is set for October 19,2010.

The RCMP would like to thank the public for continuing to report impaired drivers and helping keep our city safe.

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Sewage Leak Closes Departure Bay Beach

Could Reopen By Friday

A faulty manhole caused sewage to leak at Departure Bay Beach on Wednesday afternoon. The leak was spotted at noon and was fixed by about 2:30 pm.

City and Regional District staff will be testing the ocean water to determine when safe contamination levels are reached before opening the beach again to swimmers.

In the meantime, people are advised to stay out of the water until further notice.

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Tardy Billing Practices BC Ambulance Service

Over Four Months 
Before Invoice Generated

This is just another example of why governments can't really be trusted to run a business. Yet, we allow them to manage or mismanage massive amounts of public money with the ever increasing need for more taxes to offset the money they simply waste.

A relative of mine had need of the ambulance service last February to transport them to the NRGH emergency department. They did their job without any room for criticism whatever, hats off to the fine service provided.

That service was rendered last February 28, 2010 and well past mid July we finally received an invoice for the service. At first I thought this was a follow up invoice and figured somehow we had missed the original.

However, when I looked at the invoice it clearly said the date of service was Feb. 28/10 and that the invoice date was July 9/10. Over four months after the service is rendered they finally get around to generating an invoice?

I'd like to know how many write-offs the BC Ambulance Service has over the course of a year simply because of their sloppy billing practices. Can you imagine a private company coming to your home and fixing something and then not billing you for over four months? They would have a serious cash flow problem in no time at all, and would likely wind up out of business.

Of course government run organizations of all kinds do not have to be efficient at all, as the good old taxpayer is simply hit with another tax hike to try and offset their incompetence.

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A Sign Of Things To Come?

Click Here To See Full Story
Sooner or later governments will simply run out of creative ways of raising more and more money to support their drunken spending sprees.

What is happening in California right now (which is the 8th largest economy in the world) is an example of the end of uncontrolled government spending.

In our own province the Liberals have resorted to the HST and are the first government to sanction online casino gambling in North America! What's next, pot and prostitution. Why not?

Nanaimo City is not immune to such drastic reality checks sooner or later. How long can over 60% of our taxes keep going to pay staff wages? Sooner or later we are all going to have to take a serious dose of reality!

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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Complete Burning Ban In Nanaimo


Effective immediately Nanaimo Fire Rescue is implementing a complete burning ban. This includes the use of open fires for cooking, warmth and ceremonial purposes. Fires contained in appliances using gas, propane or briquettes are still permitted. This burning ban is in effect to reduce the risk of human-caused fires during this period of increased fire danger. The burning ban will remain in effect until there is a significant change in weather conditions.
 
Please note this burning ban does include campfires in privately owned and commercial campgrounds.
 
Nanaimo Fire Rescue would like to remind the public that early detection is always an important factor in reducing the risk of fire. The earlier a fire is detected and reported, the faster fire crews can control and suppress the fire.
 
With these types of weather conditions, we are continuously responding to small accidental fires in planters and grassy areas. The majority of these fires are caused from carelessly discarded cigarettes. Please be careful when discarding your cigarettes and smoking material.
 
If you see smoke or signs of fire, please don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 or the Nanaimo Fire Rescue non-emergency line at 753-7311.

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Things On The Net That Make 'ya Smile

Re-Use & Recycle & Reduce Carbon Footprint
This Vehicle Has It All
When Will Toyota or GM Pick This Idea Up?

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More Summer Sailings BC Ferries


BC FERRIES ADDS MORE SAILINGS 
FOR REMAINDER OF SUMMER

Starting with the B.C. Day long weekend, BC Ferries is adding even more sailings on its busiest routes right through to Labour Day.

Extra sailings are scheduled on the Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay route on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

If passengers desire a specific sailing as part of their travel plans, BC Ferries recommends making a reservation for the Lower Mainland – Vancouver Island, and Horseshoe Bay – Langdale routes. Reservation space can become fully subscribed on long weekends so BC Ferries advises to book in advance.

In order to help travellers plan their summer holidays, BC Ferries now provides over 20 exciting travel packages offering customers great savings when they purchase travel products through BC Ferries Vacations. For details and reservations, visit www.bcferries.com online or drop by the new BC Ferries Vacations Centre in downtown Vancouver at 1010 Canada Place at the Fairmont Pacific Rim.

For more information on BC Ferries Schedules, rates and reservations use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Starbucks On Every Corner

Some Starbucks Customers Need Manners!

The number of Starbucks on a busy intersection in a big city is fodder for lots of comedy, and has been a successful business strategy no doubt.

For example it seems like only yesterday the first one opened in Nanaimo at Woodgrove Mall. Then like a contagion they spread to Country Club Mall, Chapters,Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, Terminal Park, Harewood Mall, Metral Drive. Seems there is no end to the number of people willing to fork out several bucks for a Grande, Venti, Double Vanilla, Chocolate Mocca Latte Thingamajig ...

To my surprise the other day while walking in a reasonably isolated part of our fair city I came across evidence that there must be another Starbucks nearby, either that or they are scouting yet another location.

"If you can pack it in .... the for goodness sake .....pack it out!"

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Summer Fun In Nanaimo

Can You Hear The Splash??

Not for the faint of heart but clearly an activity this young fellow is quite familiar with. An exhilarating jump from the bridge before a cooling splash into the refreshing cool waters of a local lake.

Not recommending this as a pastime for everyone and you certainly have to know the water is deep enough before leaping. But when everything is just right, I bet it is fun. Unless of course you belly flop, then it's time for 911.

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"Lucy In The Harbour" A Great Show

Lucy Puts On A Great Show

One of the best shows downtown is the free show put on by Lucy, the harbour seal.

She puts on performances daily for her delighted audience and is happy to work for scraps of fish and other crab bait.

Lucy can be seen on the fishing pier in the downtown harbour behind Maffeo Sutton Park.

Apparently she has been a regular at the pier since last year, and who can blame her as she seems to have found an excellent fishing spot.

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Tires Slashed Cars and Boat Set On Fire

Police Seek Public's Assistance

It began at 1:30am early Monday morning on 6th Street near Bruce Avenue. Five vehicles had their tires slashed, and a suspicious group of youths were noted near by. Then at 2am, police were called to the 600 block of Winchester Avenue, where a 17 foot boat was found engulfed in flames. The fire was deemed to be arson by the Nanaimo Fire and Rescue who had arrived on scene quickly and extinguished the blaze. The damage to the boat was in the area of $6000.

Then at 2:40am a car was reported on fire outside a residence on Doric Avenue. The owner of a 1983 Pontiac 2000 discovered a fire had been set on the front seat of her vehicle and through her quick actions managed to put the fire out with a garden hose saving her vehicle from extensive damage.

Finally at 3:07am a car was reported on fire in front of a home in the 600 block of Winchester Ave just one block north of 6th Street. The vehicle’s interior had been set ablaze and the Nanaimo Fire Department attended and put out the fire. The vehicle, a 2009 Mazda MX-5 incurred extensive damage.

Five teenagers, who had been seen by residents in the area of 6th Street are currently being investigated for their possible role in the slashed tires on 6th Street. Their connection to the subsequent fires nearby is also being investigated.

“We wish to appeal to the public at this time for any information anyone might have on these incidents overnight. We ask that anyone who observed anything suspicious along 6th Street or in the area of the arsons to contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or to call and report to Crime Stoppers” , said Cst Sue Phillips, media spokeswoman for Nanaimo RCMP Detachment.

Reporting a tip to Crime Stoppers can be done by calling 1-800-222-8477 or going on line at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com , the program can pay up to $2000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction

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Sunday, July 25, 2010

Nanaimo Bathtub Race Winners 2010

First Place Clint Heine Tub # 933


Nanaimo Bathtub Race Winners 2010

First Place
Clint Heine
Tub # 933
2 hrs. 8 mins. 23 seconds
From Errington

Second Place
Nathan Barlow
Tub # 240
2 hrs. 16 mins. 21 seconds
From Nanaimo

Third Place
John Hanson
Tub # 273
2 hrs. 19 mins. 4 seconds
From Nanaimo

If last year's race was challenging then this year's race can only be described as brutal. When that famous Nanaimo Nor-Wester blows the best place to head is south of Nanaimo to the sheltered waters below Dodd Narrows.

Unfortunately for the intrepid and most courageous bathtub racers, they had to head straight into the wind with the foaming, bone crunching chop that accompanies those north west winds. If the challenges of the chop weren't bad enough even the tide was not co-operating as it was quite low, meaning those tough enough to finish the race had to face the razor sharp, barnacle encrusted rocks for what must have seemed like miles.
This years brutal race resulted in at least 30 fearless tubbers not being able to complete the race as seas raged and winds roared. Those who were actually tough enough to finish this year, will be legend for years to come. Grandkids will be telling their grandkids of these unbelievably tough seafarers.

As a comparison, last year Nathan Barlow came in third and finished the race in 1 hr. 26 mins. and 41 seconds, while this year he came in second with a time of 2 hrs. 16 min. and 21 seconds.

Fortunately all were spared a visit to Davey Jones locker but if you have any known bump and bruise remedies that really work I am sure there are a whole bunch of sore sailors who would appreciated hearing from you.

Hats off again to all those who made this another Great Race and who are keeping this challenging tradition alive.

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$500,000 To Do Nothing For Two Years??

Click Here To Read Full Article In Toronto Star
Jerry Berry's Sweetheart Golden Handshake
Makes You Wonder Who Is Watching the Bureaucrats
Apparently It Is NOT Your Elected Council

Here is an article which makes you stop and think if you are the kind of person who is actually interested in what those in government are really doing with your hard earned tax dollars.

However, if you are like the vast majority of Canadians, you will simply shrug it off with the usual apathetic response, grab another beer and enjoy our much loved summer.

Now where did I put that cooler?

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Saturday, July 24, 2010

Bathtub Weekend Fun In Nanaimo Parade, Fireworks, Great Race, Lots of Family Fun

Live Music On Stage Daily
Fun For The Whole Family
Interesting Exhibits
Lots of Vendors and Food
 Parade, Food, Fun, Fireworks, 
Bathtub Race
This Weekend Has It All

The Great International Bathtub Race Weekend and Marine Festival is on again today. There is the Sailpast on Wheels Parade downtown at 10:30 am with fun rides for the kids set up on Church St. for after the parade.

The HMCS Nanaimo is hosting an open house today at the visitors pier in the inner harbour. There is the new coal miners exhibit at the Museum in our new Convention Centre building.
Maffeo Sutton Park is a hot spot of activity all day with live music on the Tim Hortons Stage (Lion's Pavilion), fun things for the kids to see and do and interesting exhibits for the whole family.

There are many interesting vendors on hand and lots of different food to eat from hot dogs, to cotton candy, popcorn, hawaiian shaved ice, mini donuts, real Texax BBQ and many more! I can smell it from here!

Tonight at 10:00 pm the harbour will come to light with the Quality Foods Lights and Fireworks show, Maffeo Sutton Park offers the best seats in town. Come early!

Tomorrow the Great International Bathtub Race starts at 11:00 pm sharp and will end an hour or so later in beautiful Departure Bay, where you will find lots more to do and eat!!

Have a Great Weekend and enjoy the one and only 
"Great Race."

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Friday, July 23, 2010

Things To Do In Nanaimo July 23 - 25


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.
BATHTUB RACE WEEKEND

Sailpast Parade Sat. 10:30 am downtown
Fireworks Sat. 10:00 pm Nanaimo Harbour
"Great Race" Sun. 11:00 am Swy-a-lana Lagoon Park
To see events schedule 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 Museum 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 DBL WC SLA Timbermen Lacrosse Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Timbermen Jr. A Lacrosse Nanaimo Info LINK.


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Thursday, July 22, 2010

Afternoon Fire Being Investigated

Fire Crews Control Fire
Police are investigating a fire that broke out yesterday afternoon on the top of Barrington Rd that investigators are calling suspicious in nature.

Shortly before 2 PM reports started coming in of flames on a flat grassy knoll at the top of Barrington Rd, off of Rock City Rd .Three Nanaimo Fire and Rescue trucks one tanker and at one point upwards of 12 fire crews were on site to deal with the blaze that burned over a ½ acre. New town homes situated less than 200 meters from the fire were at risk and if the winds had shifted they could have easily been set a blaze.

Crews were able to control the fire and remained on scene well into the early evening checking for hot spots and flare ups. Nanaimo RCMP attended and met with fire investigators who believe the fire was human started. “Numerous broken beer bottles and cigarette butts found at the scene support the fire being human caused. We have also identified a person of interest in this fire but to date no arrests have been made” said Constable Gary O’Brien, media spokesperson for the Nanaimo RCMP.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or on line at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com

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HST Charged On Recycle Fees!

Now Paying Tax On Top Of FEES
Which Really Are Just Another Tax
The 12% Becomes 20%

The HST is here to stay as money starved governments flail about in a mad panic trying to figure out how to keep spending our grand kids money! As much as all the spin doctors try to convince us it really is good for the economy it simply boils down to a massive tax shift from business to the back of the individual consumer.

If the guys in power were to ever be honest for two minutes they would admit they really don't have a clue what they are doing but they must keep this juggernaut of government spending rolling along as they don't know what to do if they ever stopped.

This simple example of how we are now being taxed on tax does not bod well for our future if we can't get this thing turned around. The spinners may tell you that a fee is not a tax, but that is just so much mumbo jumbo, those fees go into the same pot as those taxes and they are spent by the same people.

Because of the 'rounding up' feature the 1 cent HST on the 5 cent recycle fee is actually a 20% tax!

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Nanaimo Heritage Building Paint Out/Shoot Out

Get Your Camera or Paintbrush Ready

The annual Heritage Building: Paint-Out & Shoot- Out will be held August 2nd in conjunction with Coaltown Festival activities. This event is a partnership between the Nanaimo Arts Council and the City of Nanaimo Heritage Commission. 

It is open to members and non-members. Painters and photographers will meet at 10:00am at the Nanaimo Museum. Each person will choose a sealed envelope with the name/address of a local heritage building, then paint/photograph the building, and return at the end of the day for judging and the distribution of cash prizes. 

Forms and fees are available at the Arts Council gallery #259 Nanaimo North – Town Centre or can be downloaded here. For more information call Odette Laramee at the Nanaimo Arts Council 250.729-3947.

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Open Flame Ban In Effect In Nanaimo

No Smoking, Barbe-ques or Campfires 
In Nanaimo City Parks

July 21, 2010- In light of the extreme fire notice issued by the Coastal Fire Centre, the City of Nanaimo’s Parks, Recreation and Culture department has implemented an open flame ban in all City parks and trails effective immediately. There is to be no smoking, campfires or barbeques in City parks until further notice. Propane barbeques are permitted within approved locations. Signs will be posted in parks over the next few days.

Nanaimo, Parks, Recreation and Culture encourage all users of the parks and trails systems to use caution when in the parks and on the trails, and to be aware of all fire hazards. To report a fire in a City of Nanaimo park or trail, please call 911. To report a wildfire, please call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cellular networks.
 
For further details or clarification on the notice please contact Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture at 756-5200.

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Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Nanaimo "Great" International Bathtub Race and Marine Festival Schedule 2010

2010 Nanaimo Bathtub Race 
Events Schedule

Events Highlights

Thurs. July 22
  • Sidewalk Sale in Downtown Nanaimo 10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily
  • Official ceremonial cake cutting at Quality Foods Northridge Plaza 10:30 am
  • Lots of fun events and entertainment at Maffeo Sutton Park 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Friday July 23
  • Sidewalk Sale in Downtown Nanaimo 10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily
  • Bastion Cannon Firing at Noon Daily
  • Downtown Farmer's Market 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Lots of fun events and entertainment at Maffeo Sutton Park 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Saturday July 24
  • Sailpast on Wheels Fun Parade  10:30 am
  • Sidewalk Sale in Downtown Nanaimo 10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily
  • HMCS Nanaimo Open House 10:00 am - 3:00 pm 
  • Lots of fun events and entertainment at Maffeo Sutton Park 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • FIREWORKS ... Quality Foods 'Fesitval of Lights & Music' 10:00 pm Nanaimo harbour

Sunday July 25
  • "Great Race" Starts at 11:00 am at Swy-a-lana Lagoon Park
  • "Great Race" Finish Line Departure Bay Beach
  • Lots of great fun activities at both Swy-a-lana Lagoon Park and at Departure Bay Beach for the whole family!

For a complete schedule of all the events in this years "Great" International World Championship Bathtub Race and Marine Festival use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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