Nanaimo

The Discourse Nanaimo provides independent local news, powered by the community. Reporter Mick Sweetman and The Discourse team deliver in-depth stories on issues you care about. Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to stay in the loop.

DRIPA debated in B.C. election on Vancouver Island

The Conservative party of B.C. is promising to repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), while other parties argue that would set back relations with First Nations and create economic uncertainty.

Latest in Nanaimo
Where Nanaimo’s MLA candidates stand on addictions care, family doctors and Island rail

Candidates in Nanaimo-Gabriola and Nanaimo-Lantzville answered three questions from Discourse readers ahead of the Oct. 24 B.C. election.

Nanaimo’s guide to the 2026 B.C. election

What riding am I in? Who are the candidates? When do I vote? B.C. election basics for Nanaimo voters.

A photo composite with headshots of Nanaimo's four mayoral candidates.
Nanaimo mayoral candidates address the homelessness crisis

Homelessness is a key election issue but what can the City of Nanaimo do about it?

How Nanaimo candidates would pay for rising infrastructure costs

City of Nanaimo’s 2026 candidates share how they’d manage the budget to cover rising infrastructure and repair costs without overburdening taxpayers.

Distant forested mountains and clouds above a river that cuts through a forest
Nanaimo candidates on how the city can cut emissions

City of Nanaimo’s 2026 candidates share two actions within city jurisdiction they’d prioritize to reduce emissions, and how they’d know if they were working.

Where Nanaimo candidates stand on development near Cable Bay Trail

City of Nanaimo’s 2026 candidates share their stance on development around Cable Bay Trail.

Image of Nanaimo's City Hall, grey building with flag poles and sign reading City Hall
Voting in the 2026 Nanaimo-area local elections? Here’s what you need to know

Where, when and how to cast your ballot in Nanaimo and the Regional District of Nanaimo for the 2026 local elections.

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.
Here’s what Nanaimo local election candidates have to say about data centres

City of Nanaimo’s 2026 candidates share their position on allowing data centres in the region

An image, taken from street level, of various tents and shopping carts on a Nanaimo street. No humans are in the image.
Here’s how Nanaimo local election candidates will respond to homelessness and mental health crises

City of Nanaimo’s 2026 candidates share how they’d respond to issues related to homelessness, mental health and addiction.