Thursday, March 31, 2016

Fire Chief Richardson - Downtown Fire Report


"Our thoughts are with the affected business owners as they work towards rebuilding. The responders on scene made good decisions very early in the incident that resulted in protection of life safety and minimized damage to other nearby properties. I would like to thank the crews for all their efforts in what turned out to be a very challenging incident." - Craig Richardson - Fire Chief


Nanaimo Fire Rescue crews were called to a reported structure fire on Commercial Street early Wednesday evening.  Upon arrival crews saw smoke coming from the building and began attacking the fire.  After a short period of time the fire quickly began to grow and smoke worsened.  Crews then took a defensive attack to protect adjacent buildings and businesses.

The age and construction of the building were contributing factors to the loss. Nanaimo Fire Rescue crews worked overnight to extinguish the fire.  Fire Investigators are currently on scene working with structural engineers to determine if it is safe to enter the building.   Our first priority is responder and public safety during the investigation and roads and sidewalks will be opened only when safe. 

There were approximately 40 Nanaimo Fire Rescue members on scene.  Service was maintained by one crew at Station 1 in the downtown core to ensure coverage for the rest of the city througout the night. Various city departments and external agencies including City of Nanaimo Public Works and Engineering, RCMP, BC Ambulance Service, Nanaimo Port Authority, Emergency Management British Columbia, Ministry of Environment and private security companies all provided excellent support.

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Nanaimo River Incident update

Person may be in need of medical aid

The Nanaimo RCMP is now in a position to provide an update on the incident involving a female seen entering the Nanaimo River late yesterday afternoon. An extensive search involving multiple agencies proved negative. Recent information now indicates the female may not have drowned but could be in need of medical assistance.

Early this morning, the fisherman identified in the original news release contacted the Nanaimo RCMP to provide an account of his involvement. To this point, he had only provided limited information to attending fire crews. He told investigators he was fishing in the river when he saw and heard a female making distress sounds from underneath the bridge. From her actions it appeared she was experiencing some medical or personal issues. He then watched as she entered the water, fully clothed and swam across the channel. He saw her pull herself out of the water and from that point on, she was not seen again.

The updated description of the female is as follows: 
  • possibly First Nations female
  • 5 ft. 8 to 5 ft. 9, late 20's
  • dishevelled appearance
  • black tights, dark shorts with stripes
  • dark T-shirt, dark large unzipped coat and baseball cap
  • brown hair, may have been short or tucked inside her hat
The female was obviously soaking wet and may be in need of medical aid. If you have any information on the identity of this person, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, text 274637, keyword Nanaimo or submit your TIP online to www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com



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Kin Pool Circulation Piping Replacement

Pipes replaced in Kin Pool

The Kin Pool located in Bowen Park recently underwent a pipe replacement project. The original pool circulation piping had reached the end of its life and needed replacement to continue pool operations. 

The pool was built in partnership with the Nanaimo Kinsmen Club in the 1960's and is currently operated by the Nanaimo White Rapids Swim Club. The swim club's season runs from May until September. Public swimming is open on weekends at the beginning of June and daily by late June.

The original asbestos pipes were removed, replaced by new PVC piping which was installed and tested for leaks. The retrofit also saw new grounding cables installed and a new cement pool deck.





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Food Trucks In Nanaimo - April 2/16


Mini-donuts to tacos!

The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to bring Food Trucks to Diana Krall Plaza on Saturday, April 2. 

"Food Trucks On The Plaza" will see up to12 food trucks on Diana Krall Plaza serving hungry visitors to downtown from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. Many of these will be out of town operators introducing their trucks and their menus to Nanaimo for the first time. It is expected that they will be testing the market to see what the local appetite for food trucks will be like.

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Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Possible Drowning At The Nanaimo River

Search to continue Thurs. morning

A search has been called for a female seen late this afternoon attempting to swim across the Nanaimo River.  The female has not been located and the search for her will continue in the morning. The incident occurred in the area where the Nanaimo River intersects with the Trans-Canada Highway, south of Nanaimo.

At approximately 4:30 pm on Wednesday March 30, Cranberry volunteer Fire and Rescue, while responding to a report of a smoke underneath the bridge, heard a female crying for help. A local fisherman told fire crews a young female was seen, fully clothed, attempting to swim across the channel. The witness lost sight of her and could not say what happened to her.

Based on the evidence provided, the Nanaimo RCMP assisted by Police Dog Services and later joined by Nanaimo Search and Rescue and the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, searched the river banks with negative results. RCMP Air Services and a water craft provided by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre were also deployed with similar results.  At 7:45 pm the search was called off for the evening.

Only a minimal description was provided of the female, described as possibly wearing a navy blue or pink jacket and her hair may have been dyed.

"All missing person’s reports will be monitored throughout the evening. The Nanaimo RCMP and Search and Rescue will also reassess the situation in the morning to determine what the next steps are in this investigation" said Constable Gary O'Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.


If anyone has information that can assist in the investigation, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345. 

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Nanaimo Downtown Fire Video

Click image to view incredible video of explosive flashover.

 Fire video


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Nanaimo Fire Acme Building - Mar. 30/16









Downtown Nanaimo building engulfed

The building at the corner of Commercial St. and Terminal Ave. known by some as the 'Acme' building for the name of a restaurant most recently at the address was the scene of an early evening fire.

The above photos were taken between 7:00 - 8:00 pm and show how quickly the fire progressed and filled the air with acrid, choking smoke. I finally left at about 8:00 pm when the air quality became simply too poor. 

When I first arrived there was smoke billowing out under the eves on the building housing the Framing shop. Before long it had broken through the roof resulting in the snorkel truck being pressed into service to control the blaze.

That corner looks like one building but is actually three different civic addresses with a combined assessed value of $1,272,000.00. It has been the long time home of a framing shop and more recently Whispers Adult Store. The Acme Food company has been closed, and that space vacant for over a year I believe. It is my understanding that the building also was home to many artisans and most recently the Nanaimo Arts Council had moved into this building.



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This Weekend In Nanaimo April 2/16

Saturday April 2nd

 

PirateFest Family Fun Day

9:30am - 3:30pm, downtown Nanaimo

Several of your favourite community cultural organizations are taking part in PirateFest Family Fun Day on Saturday April 2nd. So grab your salty dogs and call your buccaneers and scalliwags and come for a day of pirating fun for the whole family.

9:30am - noon - Pirate Disguises at Art Lab
Create unique costume pieces to embellish your pirate costume with zany flags and eye-catching patches! Art Lab at the Nanaimo Art Gallery, 150 Commericial St.
 

Symphony Community Day

11:00am - noon - Musical Instrument Zoo with the Vancouver Island Symphony (Ages 6 & UP!)
Pirates invade the Port Theatre and try all the instruments of the orchestra at the VI Symphony Musical Instrument Zoo. In addition, meet composer Marcus Goddard from 11:45am - 12:15pm and come see what happens in a symphony rehearsal from 12:30pm - 1:30pm. Complimentary tickets must be booked for this symphony event through porttheatre.com.

Noon - The Pirate Parade
Starts at the Port Theatre and winds through downtown Nanaimo ending at Pioneer Waterfront Plaza. Prizes for best costume and best decorated bike.

12:30pm - Sing Sea Shanties with the Songwave Boys Pirate Choir
Sing along to some pirate songs about life as a pirate. Presented by the British Columbia Boys Choir.

1:00pm - 3:30pm - More Pirate Fun!
Shipwrecked Scavenger Hunt and Crafts at the Nanaimo Museum
Dig for a Treasure in the Sand - by donation
Face Painting by Beebop the Clown - by donation

http://www.festivalnanaimo.com/piratefest2016.html

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Parkway Intersection Upgrades Set To Start



Green light for local firm to begin work at Highway 19 intersections

NANAIMO – Construction is set to begin on upgrades that will improve safety and the flow of traffic at two key intersections on the Nanaimo Parkway.

“I had the pleasure of announcing this project during the launch of B.C. on the Move in March 2015 and I’m excited to see work get underway on one of our top priorities,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone. “The work at these intersections will improve access on and off the highway into the community, and is part of the $193-million-plus investment committed by this government and our partners into transportation projects on Vancouver Island since last spring.”

The project involves constructing dual southbound left-turn lanes on Highway 19 at the intersections of Jinglepot Road/Mostar Road and Jinglepot Road/Third Street in order to accommodate the high volumes of left-turning traffic at these locations. Additional lanes will also be built on Mostar Road and Third Street to receive traffic coming from the dual left turn lanes. The signal timing at both locations will be adjusted, and existing lighting at the intersections will be upgraded to LED standards.

“We’ve seen a steady increase in the volume of traffic on Highway 19 since the Nanaimo Parkway opened in the 1990s,” said Social Development and Social Innovation Minister and MLA for Parksville-Qualicum Michelle Stilwell. “This project will improve safety, ease congestion during peak hours, and will be especially beneficial to the large number of commuters and commercial vehicles heading in and out of town by providing more capacity at these intersections.”

A contract for $1.18 million has been awarded to Hub City Paving of Nanaimo. Weather permitting, construction will start before the end of March and is expected to be finished in late spring 2016. Intermittent lane closures will be in place through the signals while crews are working. Travellers are asked to allow extra time, use caution, follow all signs and watch for traffic control personnel. For up-to-date traffic advisories, please check: http://www.drivebc.ca/

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Nanaimo Watering Restrictions Start Apr.1 2016

Watering restrictions come into effect April 1

Changes in watering restrictions this year

On Friday, April 1, Stage 1 watering restrictions will come into effect. Stage 1 consists of night-time watering only, between 7:00 pm and 7:00 am, any day of the week.

The City of Nanaimo, in cooperation with other water suppliers in the Regional District of Nanaimo, recently adopted a unified approach to watering restrictions. Both the City and Regional District will use the same classification for each watering restriction stage (Stages 1 through 4). Also concurrent will be the allotted hours for watering and start dates for watering restriction Stages 1 and 2.

For more information on the region-wide watering restrictions, visit www.teamwatersmart.ca.

Stage 1 watering restrictions start April 1, and consist of night-time watering only, between the hours of 7:00 pm and 7:00 am, any day of the week.

Stage 2 will run from May 1 to September 30. Even numbered addresses can water even days of the month; odd numbered addresses can water odd days of the month, for two hours only, between 7:00 am and 10:00 am OR between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm.

Visit www.teamwatersmart.ca for an interactive map, a list of frequently asked questions and watering restriction stage in each area of the region.

"The new watering restrictions are part of the City’s waterworks bylaw. While the new restrictions are defined the same way across the region there are changes for Nanaimo's residents especially with Stage 1 starting on April 1. There may be an adjustment, but we are confident that the clearer rules will make for a smooth transition."  -  Bill Sims City of Nanaimo 

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Tanora Weinhardt - Missing Person Alert


Missing Person- Tanora WEINHARDT


16 year old Tanora WEINHARDT has been located
 

The Nanaimo RCMP is pleased to announce that 16 year old Tanora WEINHARDT of Nanaimo has been located safe and sound. Her parents have been advised and out of concern for her privacy, no further information will be released. Thank you for everyone's assistance.

The Nanaimo RCMP is asking for the public's assistance in locating 17 year old Tanora WEINHARDT who has not been seen since leaving her south end Nanaimo home on March 17th. The Nanaimo RCMP was contacted on March 22nd about her disappearance and initiated their investigation.

Family and friends are worried for her safety. WEINHARDT has been active on social media and many posts have been left by friends and family asking her to contact them. WEINHARDT is a First Nations female who stands 5 ft. 5, 120 pounds, with shoulder length dyed blonde hair and brown eyes. The picture attached is recent.


If you have any information on the whereabouts of Tanora WEINHARDT, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, text 274637, keyword Nanaimo or submit your TIP on line to www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com

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Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Nanaimo Weather Mar. 30 - Apr. 2/16

The weatherman seems to be smiling on the Food Trucks, Pirate Fest and Community Symphony events planned for this weekend. A good weekend to be in Nanaimo.

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Flying Cows Have Nothing On These Giraffes


Note: Email subscribers may have to visit Nanaimo Info Blog to view video.



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Coast Salish Artwork - Salish Orca Vessel



Winning design revealed 

Esquimalt First Nation artist - Darlene Gait

Here it is! The stunning new Coast Salish artwork for the new ‪BC Ferries‬ Salish Orca vessel. The winning design by Esquimalt First Nation artist, Darlene Gait was revealed at a special ceremony at The One Moon Gallery in Esquimalt this morning.

This will be the 1st of 3 new Coast Salish designs for the new Salish Class vessels. The Salish Orca will replace the 50-year old Queen of Burnaby on the Comox – Powell River route later this year.

As reported on Nanaimo Info blog last November this vessel was built at Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. in Gdansk, Poland.

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Nanaimo Spring - Summer Activity Guide 2016

 Activity Guide Spring Summer 2016

You can view/download the April - August 2016 Activity Guide by clicking on the above image. You can also visit the city website for more information about the guide and to participate is a survey if you have taken a program recently.

Printed copies are available at city rec centres, malls and libraries.

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Chase River Park Estuary Closure


BC Hydro conducting maintenance work

On April 9 and 10, the trails in Chase River Estuary Park will be closed while BC Hydro crews work on replacing a power pole. Crews will be working between the hours of 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Those wishing to use the trails are permitted to do so outside of the mentioned working hours.

BC Hydro will be replacing a power pole in Chase River Estuary Park on April 9 and 10. The trails will be closed during working hours and BC Hydro crews will be on the scene to direct trail users away from the work zone.

"While work is being completed, we recommend visiting one of Nanaimo's other parks. We appreciate the public's patience and understanding."  -  Al Britton City of Nanaimo

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Symphony Community Days - FREE Event



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Evergreen Clematis Showy Fragrant Climber



Our Evergreen Clematis, as usual is covered with showy, fragrant flowers that are nearly intoxicating when they throw off their perfume. Apparently this floral delight is native to China and Northern Burma,

My only complaint with this climbing beauty is the fact it comes into bloom about one month too early. By that I mean the weather is often hit or miss when it hits its peak. 

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Monday, March 28, 2016

Departure Bay Beachfront Improvement Project

Wheelchair ramp accessibility
Steps leading from all parking areas
Old beachfront sidewalk Photo: city website

$700,000.00 project improves accessibility

The Departure Bay beachfront accessibility and utilities improvement project is nearing completion. The parking area is compacted and ready for new black topping, and after some planting and finishing touches the improvements will be finished.

The project undertaken by Knappett Industries who won the contract with their bid of $672,683.00 + GST will see some major changes to the access at Departure Bay Beach this summer.

The lower picture was taken showing the old access which was causing some issues for people with mobility problems given the slope that was on the old sidewalk. The steepness of the old walkway and car park area could be uncomfortable for many users. It could also be especially challenging for people with added mobility needs like families with young children or strollers; or people using walking aids such as a cane, a walker or a wheel chair. 

The project included several improvements to enhance the area including:

  • levelling parts of the seawall walkway
  • installing new pedestrian access ramps
  • installing new street lights & walkway lights
  • improvements to parking facilities
  • replacement of old storm drain on Loat Street

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Saturday, March 26, 2016

Nanaimo Weather Mar. 27 - April 2/16



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Councillor Fuller Sheds Some Light


Councillor Gord Fuller posted the following comments on Facebook offering some insight into the obvious discord on city council.

Councillor Fuller
Some ask why a letter of non-confidence would be given; was it just because of bullying?  -  No!

The mayor has stopped communicating with members of Council or CAO as required by the Community Charter.

He has not responded to requests through motions made in camera or letters delivered by hand and email from Council;

He is not attending meetings, missing more than 40%, and when he does he often leaves halfway through or is texting throughout;

He is often speaking against the will of Council out in public in a manner that may harm the interests of the City;

He is/has making derogatory remarks about Council members and the CAO in public; and

He is submitting legal and travel invoices for actions that have not been sanctioned by Council.

While he does have unique powers he MUST work WITH his colleagues and follow city policies; he needs to work with council on council business including the use of lawyers and consultants.

He has gone to multiple law firms in attempts to discredit Council and the CAO; this must stop.

The mayor has hidden behind bogus investigations from the beginning of his term, Nanaimo doesn't need another investigation, we don't need an investigator to tell us his behaviour is unacceptable and unprofessional it is time for him to be held accountable and we are trying to do just that.

The above is nothing less than has been given to the press but not necessarily reported by said press.

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Not So Fast City Councillors ----- 3.5% Increase??

OPINION
Another $1189.00 as 'Acting Mayor' ???

At the March 21 Council meeting a new spending and amenities policy was adopted by city council. The whole document was a late agenda item with no prior public notice of the document or it's content. City manager Ms Samra stated that it was necessary to bring this document into force immediately as there was urgency to do so. There was no further explanation as to the reason for urgency, but anyone watching city hall of late can speculate.

Included in the document was provision for compensation for the role of 'Acting Mayor' which amounts to another $1189.00/yr. for each councillor. This is about a 3.5% wage increase, which is a nice increase if you can get it. This is fair compensation, for added duties, only if the position of Councillor was based on hours of participation. For example a Councillor who takes on the work of multiple committees and arguably commits more hours than a fellow Councillor does not receive added income.

There is a difference of involvement based on time available, for example a retired Councillor has more hours at their disposal than the Councillor holding down a full time job. The Councillor willing and able to commit more time to the position is not, and should not be paid more than a fellow councillor. This job is not your typical 9 - 5 where you expect a certain rate for every hour worked. It is a job which primarily should be based in a desire to serve ones community.

When members of this council agreed to run for the office they knew what their compensation package was going to be and did not have an itemized list of what their duties would entail, nor how many hours would be required of them. They agreed to do the job of a City Councillor to the best of their abilities. Those of us who watch council recognize that clearly some have more time to devote than others which is apparent when it comes to how well informed they are on issues put before them at a council meeting. Some councillors have done their research on an issue, while others seem to be deciding based only on input at the council meeting. Both are paid the same salary.

Duties of 'Acting Mayor'


Not being an expert of the Community Charter, nor the Municipal Act this is only the opinion of this pathetic blogger, but it occurs to me that having the 'acting mayor' attend functions with the Mayor raises some questions, if that should in fact happen. 

I presume that the 'Acting Mayor' fills in for the Mayor when the Mayor cannot be in attendance at a specific civic function. That function could be chairing a meeting of Council, or cutting a ribbon at some civic event. That has always been the role on a rotational basis of members of Council. That has never triggered additional compensation. Why now?

I suspect this whole action has been precipitated by the public call by seven councillors for the Mayor's resignation. On March 16 an official city press release claimed the following reasons that 7 Councillors were calling for the Mayor's resignation:
  • Mayor McKay’s poor attendance at Council meetings. He has attended only 18 meetings out of a total of 29 over the past three months.
  • Mayor McKay has failed to respond to questions posed to him by Council and the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for nearly three months, a requirement under the Community Charter.
  • Mayor McKay made repeated attempts to remove the CAO from her position as interim CAO, including threats to dissolve Council.
  • Mayor McKay has failed to carry forward the wishes of the majority of Council on a number of key issues, thereby undermining the majority Council vote.
It was clear based on the Mayor's statement at the last Council meeting that he has no intentions of resigning. Given the current question of whether or not the Mayor has authorized legal and consulting work at taxpayer expense, without the approval of Council just adds to the intrigue as to what is actually at play here.

Councillor compensation should be a public matter

I am not in the camp that thinks our Councillors are over paid, to the contrary I think they are under paid. That said, they ran for the job, knowing the compensation. The rate of pay is not based on hours of performance. 

There was no need to include the increased compensation as a last minute, late agenda item with no prior public notice. If there is a need for urgency of other items then the added compensation item should have been severed and brought up for debate at open council at a future date.

Giving yourself a 3.5% wage increase with no public input, is simply bad optics and does not represent the open, transparent governance we thought we elected in 2014.



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Lion's FREE Skate - March 27/17

LAST FREE SKATE THIS SEASON


The Lions Club of Nanaimo will once again be hosting Free Everyone Welcome skate sessions from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm on Sundays from Sept.13/15 until March 27, 2016 at Frank Crane Arena. On Nanaimo Clippers Junior 'A' game days, the Lions Free Skate will run from 10:45 am to 12:30 pm. This valued project continues the long tradition of the Nanaimo volunteer service to the community of Nanaimo.

The Lions Free Everyone Welcome skate sessions include admission, helmets and skate rentals.
There will not be a Lions Free Everyone Welcome skate session on December 27 due to the Winter Wonderland event.

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New Spending & Amenities Policy Approved


Council approves new policy

During the March 21st Regular Council Meeting, a new Spending and Amenities Policy intended to establish transparent spending management practices for the City's elected officials was approved by Nanaimo's Council. 

The new policy brings together a number of existing policies already in place and formulates them into a single document, while also taking steps to address concerns with compliance associated with current financial policies. 

Acting Mayor's Compensation $1,189.00/yr.

Included in the policy is the introduction of an Acting Mayor's compensation, a change brought about by increases in duties resulting from Council's new portfolio system.  The base pay for a Councillor at the City of Nanaimo remains at $35,438, an amount within the medium of wages paid at comparable municipalities.  The City of Nanaimo has not previously provided compensation to the Acting Mayor's position. The introduction of the Acting Mayor's compensation will amount to an additional $1,189 per year, per Councillor.

The new policy will be applied to the following areas:

* Council remuneration
* Attendance at in-town or out-of-town meetings
* Training and development
* Expense reimbursement
* Legal fees
* Association fees and membership dues
* Provision of certain equipment and furniture for use by elected officials
* Council initiatives

You can view/download a copy of the policy from the city website HERE.

The new policy provides a consistent oversight process for expenditure for and by elected officials ensuring the best value for taxpayers dollars.



"Many of us consistently speak of transparency in government; in my opinion this is an important step in the right direction."  -  Councillor Gord Fuller   




"Having all of these policies in one consolidated document will allow people to easily find the information that is related to spending taxpayers money by Council."  -  Councillor Jerry Hong 


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Friday, March 25, 2016

The Passion Of The Christ - The Easter Story


Note: Email subscribers may have to visit Nanaimo Info Blog to view video.

Enlarge to full screen for best viewing before starting.


This is the movie produced by Mel Gibson several years ago which graphically depicts the Passion (sufferings) of the Christ. The dialogue is all spoken in Aramaic which is the language of the day with English sub titles. Those used to the sanitized images of Christ at the whipping post, or on the cross will find the portrayal here gut wrenching and for some impossible to watch. That said, it graphically serves as a reminder that Easter is not about colored eggs being delivered by a cute little rodent.

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Thursday, March 24, 2016

Kurtis Timothy Warrant Issued


Warrant for male considered armed and dangerous

The Nanaimo RCMP is asking for the public's assistance in locating 29 year old Kurtis TIMOTHY wanted British Columbia wide for Uttering Threats. TIMOTHY may be in possession of a handgun and should be considered armed and dangerous.

The arrest warrant was issued after a recent incident in Nanaimo where it is alleged TIMOTHY threatened an individual. To date, his whereabouts are unknown.


Kurtis TIMOTHY is white; he stands 6 ft. tall and weighs 200 pounds. He has short dark hair, brown eyes and has no visible scars or tattoos. If seen, call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, text 274637, keyword Nanaimo or submit your TIP on line to www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com

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Harewood Area Hit Hard By Thieves

Neighbourhood being hit with break and enters

In the past week, a quiet neighbourhood in south west Harewood has been hit hard by thieves. In the last five days, three homes have been broken into on Linwood Lane and Kentwood Way, located off Brookfield Drive, accessed by Seventh St. 

The two break ins on Linwood Lane are believed to have occurred between 4 am and 8:30 am on Friday March 18. In one, the homeowner was asleep when thieves entered through an unlocked door. In the other, the home owner was on her back deck when thieves entered.  In both I-phones, liquor, sunglasses and a purse were taken. The purse and I-phone taken during one break in was later found on the street. The purse had been emptied of its contents and the I-phone destroyed.

One break in on Kentwood Way occurred Monday March 21, and again thieves entered the home through an unlocked door. Taken was a phone, wallet, packsack and some wood carvings.

Currently there are no suspects however our Forensic Identification Unit is involved and hopefully, evidence will be obtained to further the investigations, said Constable Gary O'Brien

These incidents are good reminders for home owners to keep doors and windows locked even if they are home. Many crimes are called crimes of opportunity meaning thieves will capitalize on finding a door or window unlocked. This is much preferred to using force as it attracts attention to them. The same applies to items in your yard. If they are not secured they will simply be carried, push or wheeled away.

Report suspicious activity immediately and if you have information on these crimes or any others, please call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, text 274637, keyword Nanaimo or submit your TIP on line to www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com

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Do You Have Your 2016 Business Licence?


Unpaid Licence fees are now past due

Businesses operating in Nanaimo, or from Nanaimo, are reminded that 2016 business licence invoices were mailed during the last week of November and the fees were due on December 31, 2015.  Where fees have not yet been paid, they are now past due and those businesses are subject to a fine pursuant to "Business Licence Bylaw 1998 No. 5351".

For businesses that have not received their 2016 Invoice; for businesses that have relocated; or for businesses no longer operating, please notify the Licencing Office as soon as possible by email at licencing@nanaimo.ca or in person at the Service & Resource Centre, 411 Dunsmuir Street.

All business licence accounts with outstanding fees are subject to a fine pursuant to "Business Licence Bylaw 1998 No. 5351".

Independent consultants conducting business within, or from Nanaimo are required to hold a business  licence. Commercial building owners that lease space to other businesses within their commercial building are required to hold a business licence. Online businesses operating from a residential dwelling within the boundaries of Nanaimo are required to obtain a business licence.

"The requirement for business licences assist in ensuring that municipal land use regulations, building and fire codes, health regulations and all other relevant community safety requirements are adhered to by business operators."  -  Nelda Richardson City of Nanaimo


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Mayor McKay Leaves Meeting

Refuses to attend closed meetings
without lawyer present?

An article in the Bulletin by Tamara Cunningham reports that the Mayor left an in-camera meeting on Tuesday in spite of his statement to Council on Monday evening.

She further reports the Mayor claims he will not attend closed meetings without a lawyer being present. The article went on further quoting the Mayor saying he had concerns about the hiring of the new CAO. This statement seems contrary to his comments about welcoming our new CAO and looking forward to working with her.

If this report is in fact accurate, it raises more than one question. Can the Mayor refuse to attend official city council meetings if he is not represented by a lawyer? If he refuses to attend does that qualify as missing enough meetings to be removed from office? If a lawyer is to be present, who is paying the legal fees?

Apparently, seven city councillors have not withdrawn their letter of non-confidence and their call for the Mayor to resign.


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What Is Going On With Rail On Vancouver Island?

 Island Rail Fudning
This article in the Times Colonist reports that the Regional District of Nanaimo has withdrawn funding to the Island Corridor Foundation to the tune of $945,000.00 As of this writing the ICF has not issued any statement as to how this impacts their plans for restoring rail service on Vancouver Island. Over the past years, there have been many 'events' announcing that the Dayliner would soon begin to run again on the Island, but to date nothing has materialized.

Meanwhile Island Rail Celebrates

 Rail Event

The News Bulletin reports that Island Rail will be celebrating the anniversary of rail on Vancouver Island by running one hour rail trips from the train station on Selby St. to Wellington on April 8.

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Wednesday, March 23, 2016

National Puppy Day - March 23/16

Photo: Sher Falls dragonflydreams88.com

Puppies are the most trusting and joyous creatures on the planet.
Oh, to be more like a puppy.
~
Colleen Paige

{founder of National Puppy Day}


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Volunteers & City Staff Clean Up Parks

 Partners Brochure
Click image to download brochure

Volunteers and City staff pull together for Nanaimo's parks

Recently, City of Nanaimo staff and community volunteers worked together to clean up two of Nanaimo's parks as part of the Partners in Parks Program.

City staff and students from the Dover Bay Secondary School Eco Club worked together to remove ivy in Orchard Circle Park 2. Removing ivy from trees is important to preserve the long term health of our Urban Forest.

Over in Barsby Park, Park Ambassador Diana Kirsh coordinated a clean up. City staff and community volunteers worked together to pick up over 1,000 kg of garbage. More than 40 volunteers from across the city participated in this clean up.


City staff provide training and tools to community volunteers interested in environmental restoration work in Nanaimo's parks and natural areas.





"The Partners in Parks program is really a wonderful way for residents to show their community spirit and help improve Nanaimo parks."  -  Councillor Ian Thorpe
   


For more information on the Partners in Parks (PIP) program, please visit the City website.


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Nanaimo Watermain Flushing Program


For more detailed information about the City's watermain flushing program and how it might affect your water, visit the city website HERE.

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