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Mick Sweetman

Mick's Latest Articles

A proposed data centre in Nanaimo on Wellington Road could use up to 25 million litres of water a year once it is fully functional. Building renderings by dHKarchitects/Courtesy of the City of Nanaimo.

City imposes water restrictions on future data centre in Nanaimo

By Mick Sweetman ● Nanaimo ● March 10, 2026

Development permit for data centre in Nanaimo approved, but with conditions.

The Hub Nanaimo: Events for March 6 to 11, 2026

By Mick Sweetman ● Nanaimo ● March 6, 2026

Music, art and community events in Nanaimo from March 6 to 11, 2026.

The annual herring spawn in the Salish Sea provides an important event in the aquatic ecosystem feeding salmon, sea mammals and shore birds. It also attracts people who flock to see the waters change colour as seen in this 2024 photo at Neck Point in Nanaimo. Photo courtesy of Mick Sweetman / The Discourse.

How an Indigenous conservation group is bringing the ‘excitement’ of the herring spawn to Vancouver Islanders

By Mick Sweetman ● Nanaimo ● March 5, 2026

Your guide to herring spawning etiquette and where to see it on the Salish Sea.

People in the gallery turned their backs on Mayor Leonard Krog at the Nanaimo city council meeting in a silent protest after he said he would not support asking The Port Theatre to review its booking policy in response to outrage comedian Ben Bankas performing there next month. Photo by Mick Sweetman / The Discourse.

Why Nanaimo city council won’t ban Ben Bankas

By Mick Sweetman ● Nanaimo ● February 26, 2026

Community members want proceeds of sold-out show by outrage comedian to be donated to Nanaimo Pride and Indigenous organizations

Snuneymuxw Chief Micheal Wyse and Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog announced a proposed change to the city’s boundary that will allow people living on Snuneymuxw reserves the right to vote in city council elections. Photo courtesy of the City of Nanaimo.

Why the City of Nanaimo wants to include Snuneymuxw reserve lands in its boundary

By Mick Sweetman ● Nanaimo ● February 24, 2026

New boundaries will allow people living on the reserves to vote in city elections this fall.

The Hub Nanaimo: Events for Feb. 19 to 25, 2026

By Mick Sweetman ● Nanaimo ● February 19, 2026

Music, art and community events in Nanaimo from Feb. 19 to 25, 2026.

Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools lowered flags to half-mast to mourn the victims of a school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. last week. School officials and parents say they believe local schools are safe and prepared for a wide range of emergencies, but teachers say more can be done. Photo by Mick Sweetman / The Discourse.

How Nanaimo schools prepare for emergencies

By Mick Sweetman ● Nanaimo ● February 17, 2026

‘Being safe at schools has a lot to do with knowing your neighbours and supporting them,’ says local parent.

Lugil Wilaaysm Hanaa (Hyla McQuaid), the Indigenous student representative for the Vancouver Island University Students Union, is organizing the No More Stolen Sisters Memorial March in Nanaimo on Tuesday, Feb. 13.

Nanaimo march calls for justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people

By Mick Sweetman ● Nanaimo ● February 10, 2026

No More Stolen Sisters Memorial March to take place Friday, Feb. 13 in downtown Nanaimo.

The Hub Nanaimo: Events for Feb. 5 to 12, 2026

By Mick Sweetman ● Nanaimo ● February 5, 2026

Music, art and community events in Nanaimo from Feb. 5 to 12, 2026.

Black History Month events in Nanaimo 2026

By Mick Sweetman ● Nanaimo ● February 5, 2026

Black History Month events in Nanaimo, B.C. for February 2026.

Mick Sweetman

City imposes water restrictions on future data centre in Nanaimo

The Hub Nanaimo: Events for March 6 to 11, 2026

How an Indigenous conservation group is bringing the ‘excitement’ of the herring spawn to Vancouver Islanders

Why Nanaimo city council won’t ban Ben Bankas

Why the City of Nanaimo wants to include Snuneymuxw reserve lands in its boundary

The Hub Nanaimo: Events for Feb. 19 to 25, 2026

How Nanaimo schools prepare for emergencies

Nanaimo march calls for justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people

The Hub Nanaimo: Events for Feb. 5 to 12, 2026

Black History Month events in Nanaimo 2026

Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society name change to Ballenas ‘in discussion’ for years,’ says CEO

10 ways to better support tenants with vulnerabilities due to income, age or disabilities

‘I want it to stop’: Tenants and advocates allege bullying by non-profit housing provider

Q and A: What are vulnerable tenants rights in non-profit housing?

Who will protect low-income seniors from dying in extreme heat?

Seniors left in distress — or dead — for days in Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society units