Nanaimo News Notes March 30, 2011

GNCC: the Greater Nanaimo Cycling Coalition will be meeting with city officials in an attempt to come up with ideas to encourage more Nanaimo residents to use their bicycles for transportation which has health benefits among other things.

Nanaimo Bird Reports: if you spot a bird you think should be reported be sure to call 250-390-3669 and report your name, phone number , date and species and location of your sighting.

Council forgoes LEED certification: for the most part the city will build new buildings to the LEED standard guidelines, which maximize energy efficiency. However, they will no longer, as policy apply for the LEED certification which is costly and adds nothing of value to the actual building.

Nanaimo Condos: are not seeing the same upward surge in prices currently being seen in Vancouver where Asian buyers still see Vancouver condos as a bargain. Typically Nanaimo condos tend to remain fairly steady, however, lagging sales recently have led to several price reductions across the city.

Pamela Mar: is being recognized with the BC Community's Achievement Award at Government House on April 20. The Nanaimo Museum nominated Pamela for her exceptional efforts as a volunteer who has given over 8,000 hours of her time in a volunteer capacity.


RCMP seeks nomination: Sgt. Al O'Halloran a 32 year veteran of the RCMP is taking  leave of absence without pay in order to run under the Liberal banner in the Nanaimo-Cowichan riding in the May 2 election.

VIU Strike: still drags on in spite of a full day of negotiations on Monday. The labour relations board has been asked to allow the lower portion of campus to be opened where the trades courses are taught by BCGEU members who have a contract with VIU.