Nanaimo-Ladysmith NDP address environmental plans
Sheila Malcolmson and Megan Leslie at the February 16 town hall event. NDP Deputy Leader and Environment Critic Megan Leslie and Nanaimo-Ladysmith NDP candidate Sheila Malcolmson spoke about the party’s environmental initiatives at a town hall event on February 16. “NDP is the only party that has a bill to meet greenhouse gas emission targets … Continued
Annual Seedy Sunday soon in Nanaimo
The annual seed exchange event, Seedy Sunday, will provide education and activities to the public about organic seeds and sustainable communities on March 1. “People get to exchange organic seeds instead of going to the store to buy them,” coordinator Glenda Stroomer said. “The seed swap is the core event, but we also have local … Continued
You’re invited! RSVP to the student-debt wedding
The VIUSU is holding an event tomorrow, February 19; to demonstrate the marriage many students are signed into when it comes to their debt, at the Malaspina Theatre at 11:30 am. [slideshow_deploy id=’7081′] “Students and their families are feeling the squeeze of high tuition fees and student loan debt,” said Alec Patterson, Director … Continued
Where the art is at, Nanaimo
Nanaimo has taken off with a new creative energy in the last few years. The growing popularity of live art events, new artist groups and organizations, and, most importantly, VIU’s introduction of a Visual Arts Major with the expanded course selection, are just a few of the signs of the changing landscape. Inspired by these … Continued
Clippers sail towards Island championship
With only seven games left in the British Columbia Hockey League season, the Nanaimo Clippers have all but officially clinched first place in the league’s Island Division. The Clippers’ record of 35-13-0-3 gives the team 73 points on the season, 11 more than the second place Powell River Kings, who have also played two more … Continued
Nanaimo Museum spring exhibit to draw on city’s “racy” past
Opening February 2 and running until May 1, the Nanaimo Museum will have a new, eye-catching feature offering another glimpse into the Harbour city’s history. The feature exhibit, “Red Lights and Roulette,” displays stories from the 1890s to 1920s, including photos and biographies of women from the era, and a corset collection from a private … Continued
Festival one-on-one with Johnny Blakeborough
The 10th Annual, VISFF happening in February, will be the last one under the leadership of Johnny Blakeborough. The festival co-founder and director is stepping down to pursue new projects, but will retain a “mentorship” role in training and advising the new management team next year. The Navigator sat down with Blakeborough, and reviewed the … Continued
Big trees: Exploring the old growth forests of British Columbia
Above: This Sitka Spruce in the Port Renfrew area represents one of the top 10 largest of its kind. Measuring 62.5 metres high and 11.6 metres in diametre, this specimen was originally documented in 1984 by Registry founder Randy Stoltmann. Photo by TJ Watts. By contributor Chantelle Spicer Every day I ascend the stairs to class, … Continued
Filmmaking and problem solving with Steff Gundling
Steff Gundling, a fourth year Digital Media student and a graphic designer, is no stranger to the Vancouver Island Short Film Festival (VISFF). The filmmaker awarded with two prizes for her very first brush with the film craft in 2013, a short romance called Year Of The Living Dyingly, has been shortlisted again this year … Continued
VIU Museum of Natural History: Winter birding
By contributor James Mackinnon The excuses are endless: “The weather is too nasty,” “Everything’s gone away for the winter,” “I just got a sweet Playstation for Christmas.” During the colder months, it’s easy to be deterred from getting out for a hike or an expedition in search of the plant and wildlife the Nanaimo area … Continued
Port Alberni teen looks to bring pride back
Port Alberni teen Colin Simister is looking to bring Pride events back to town with a large barbecue this summer. At 19 years old, Simister has decided it is time for there to be a Pride event held in Port Alberni again. “We used to have the train ride to the Mclean Mill,” said Simister. … Continued
Local seeks Green Party of Canada nomination for Nanaimo-Ladysmith
Local filmmaker and activist Paul Manly is seeking the opportunity to be the first Green Party of Canada candidate in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith riding in the next federal election. Manly, who spent his formative years in Ladysmith, and has been a resident of Nanaimo since 2002, announced on January 5 that he was seeking this nomination. … Continued
A mischief of rats: A look at the world’s most despised vermin
When I opened the door, there was the rat. I don’t remember why I was going to the mudroom at that moment, but there I was and there it was. For the avoidance of doubt, that rat was dead. I assumed my “little fit” position, tiptoe on one foot with the other drawn up in … Continued
Overgrowth
Photos by Chantelle Spicer [slideshow_deploy id=’6400′]