The Discourse - Nanaimo

A gathering of people stand in a parking lot in front of dorm buildings as they listen to an announcement.

For many students, B.C. housing crisis threatens access to education

By Lys Morton ● Nanaimo ● April 13, 2023 April 13, 2023

Vancouver Island University is building new housing and offering support, but more help is needed to ensure equitable access.

Latest in Nanaimo

A "no vacancy" sign outside a residential building.

How does the BC Budget fare on tackling affordability and inequality?

By Jacqueline Ronson ● Vancouver Island ● April 13, 2023 April 13, 2023

“It’s a pretty substantial step in the right direction,” says Alex Hemingway, a senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

2019 Nanaimo Record Show guests peruse records in a large hall. Even with how large the hall is, it's still packed with vendors and guests.

‘You never know what you’re going to find’ at the Nanaimo Record Show

By Lys Morton ● Nanaimo ● April 11, 2023 April 12, 2023

The Nanaimo Record Show brings music lovers and vendors from around the Island and Lower Mainland together to find gems for their collections.

Artist Rod Corraini wearing a mask and holding up one of his plague family paintings as he looks to the left of the camera and seems to be smiling at someone.

Rod Corraini’s PD and Hazmat: A Love Story

By Julie Chadwick ● Nanaimo ● April 4, 2023 April 6, 2023

Nanaimo artist Rod Corraini discusses pandemic hoarding, isolation and the humour one can find in a bad situation.

Danielle Baker and her baby on home porch in front of where abandoned building once stood.

Bylaw notes ‘lack of resources’ in securing abandoned properties

By Lys Morton ● Nanaimo ● March 30, 2023 April 26, 2023

After concerns were raised by community members regarding a near miss, The Discourse explores what bylaw actions can be taken to secure abandoned residential properties.

Zircus designer and owner Al Murray in front of their textile table with completed briefs and juggling balls.

Drummer Al Murray juggles up theatre, jazz, underwear and punk

By Kerilie McDowall ● Nanaimo ● March 28, 2023 March 28, 2023

At just 34 years old, the musician’s performance resume reads like that of a 65-year-old drummer-veteran. Now they’ve added clothing designer to the list.

An artist with a mic sits on a speaker at the airport with the runway covered in a light blanket of snow and open blue skies.

Zimbabwean rapper Alpha Centauri lights up

By David Owen Rama ● Nanaimo ● March 21, 2023 March 21, 2023

With several genre-blending singles set to launch this year, the Nanaimo-based hip-hop artist reflects on the revelations that helped propel his craft.

A hand holds up a collection of ocean themed books. In the background are shelves of books. The ocean themed books include The Deep by Rivers Solomon, Kraken by Wendy Williams, Fathoms by Rebecca Giggs, How Far the Light Reaches by Sabrina Imbler, The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler, and Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby van Pelt

Windowseat Books breaks the mold with a new kind of book club

By Lys Morton ● Nanaimo ● March 16, 2023 March 16, 2023

At the new Read Wild Book Club, participants each choose their own book to read, rave and discuss.

Two smal dial meters connected on either side of water lines, one hot one cold.

Utility commission wraps up investigation into submetering company

By Julie Chadwick ● Nanaimo ● March 16, 2023 March 16, 2023

For several months, the BC Utilities Commission has been investigating Wyse Meter Solutions, a private company that charges Nanaimo renters directly for water.

A group of people stand with a banner and balloons with jubilant poses and expressions.

Celebrating women in the community

By Shalu Mehta ● Cowichan Valley ● March 8, 2023 March 8, 2023

This International Women’s Day, The Discourse is sharing stories from the past year that feature local women.