Vancouver Island’s ‘hidden epidemic’ and those fighting to understand it
How Nanaimo became ground zero in the fight for toxic drug crisis survivors who are left with brain injuries.
Vancouver Island
On this page you’ll find stories from across Vancouver Island. Our community-led reporting spans the Cowichan Valley, the West Shore, Nanaimo and beyond. We also have a team of reporters covering Indigenous news focused on health, education and child welfare across Vancouver Island. These reporters are funded through the Local Journalism Initiative.
Latest in Vancouver Island
Broken promises and a broken system: What happened to electoral reform?
Inside a local MP’s push to change the way we vote.
Dead Bob proves that punk is still alive and kicking
Former NoMeansNo drummer John Wright causes fans to rejoice with new band and new album
Alternative Approval Process: How does it work?
The city intends to move forward with borrowing $48.5 million, but residents say concerns remain about the city's use of an alternative approval process.
Vancouver Island artists go In the Forest: ‘There’s going to be some weird stuff’
Nanaimo’s Good Gawd Gallery hosts an eclectic mix of Vancouver Island talent in group show.
City of Nanaimo funds ‘stopgap’ warming centre, but more services still needed
With so little funding available, ‘there is no other service provider that’s willing to do this work,’ says Risebridge executive director Jovonne Johnson.
Ts’msyen musician Saltwater Hank sees and sings the world in Sm’algya̱x
Wil Uks Batsga G̱a̱laaw, also known as Saltwater Hank, performs in Snuneymuxw and K'ómoks territory to promote his new Sm’algya̱x-language record.
Black Cat Books celebrates supernatural tales penned by local authors
A new publishing house founded by best-selling author Shanon Sinn launches with a new anthology.
What’s next for Nanaimo’s Five Acres Farm?
The community celebrated when the city purchased one of Nanaimo’s last parcels of historical farmland. But its future as a food security hub is still uncertain.
Vancouver Island Symphony ‘Blooms’ into new season
As the VI Symphony heads into its 29th season, new artistic director Cosette Justo Valdés takes audiences on a creative musical journey.
Broken promises and a broken system: What happened to electoral reform?
Inside a local MP’s push to change the way we vote.
Dead Bob proves that punk is still alive and kicking
Former NoMeansNo drummer John Wright causes fans to rejoice with new band and new album
Alternative Approval Process: How does it work?
The city intends to move forward with borrowing $48.5 million, but residents say concerns remain about the city's use of an alternative approval process.
Vancouver Island artists go In the Forest: ‘There’s going to be some weird stuff’
Nanaimo’s Good Gawd Gallery hosts an eclectic mix of Vancouver Island talent in group show.
City of Nanaimo funds ‘stopgap’ warming centre, but more services still needed
With so little funding available, ‘there is no other service provider that’s willing to do this work,’ says Risebridge executive director Jovonne Johnson.
Ts’msyen musician Saltwater Hank sees and sings the world in Sm’algya̱x
Wil Uks Batsga G̱a̱laaw, also known as Saltwater Hank, performs in Snuneymuxw and K'ómoks territory to promote his new Sm’algya̱x-language record.
Black Cat Books celebrates supernatural tales penned by local authors
A new publishing house founded by best-selling author Shanon Sinn launches with a new anthology.
What’s next for Nanaimo’s Five Acres Farm?
The community celebrated when the city purchased one of Nanaimo’s last parcels of historical farmland. But its future as a food security hub is still uncertain.
Vancouver Island Symphony ‘Blooms’ into new season
As the VI Symphony heads into its 29th season, new artistic director Cosette Justo Valdés takes audiences on a creative musical journey.