Latest from Claire Palmer
Non-profit that runs Nanaimo, B.C., soup kitchen locked out by landlord
The charity that runs a Nanaimo, B.C., community soup kitchen has been locked out by its landlord over rent arrears, but the landlord says the kitchen's lease was terminated due to "ongoing and significant breaches."
Concerns raised over lack of cold weather shelters in southeast Vancouver Island's Oceanside region
With cold weather approaching, community workers in the Oceanside area are raising the alarm over a lack of warming centres and shelter space for those on the streets.
Nanaimo's plan to borrow $90M for public works yard faces pushback
The City of Nanaimo is seeking to borrow $90 million to update its public works yard, which staff says was built in the 1960s and is in dire need of upgrades. It's the city's third attempt to get approval through a controversial process that residents are pushing back on.
B.C. boy denied full-time class due to lack of school assistants
Five-year-old Daniel Gardner, who is blind and has epilepsy and autism, was set to start kindergarten with the help of an educational assistant. But he's been denied his full-time start to learning after the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district said it was struggling to find qualified EAs.
Downtown Nanaimo business owners raise concerns over construction
Several business owners are concerned over an eight-month long construction project that will close down a major street in the city centre to vehicle traffic. The city says the upgrades are necessary.
B.C. to review harm reduction vending machines at 3 hospitals
After criticism from a B.C. Conservative candidate went viral on social media earlier this week, Premier David Eby has ordered a review of the program. Three vending machines were installed last fall that provide free access to harm reduction supplies.
No charges in Nanaimo, B.C., counterfeit Pokémon cards case
One person in Nanaimo was duped of over $1,000 on collectible cards last year, which RCMP say is a reminder to be careful when purchasing online.
B.C. universities take steps to remove pro-Palestinian protesters
The two universities have had pro-Palestinian encampments since May 1 and have issued trespassing notices to students. The UVic encampment has begun to pack up. Students still remain in Nanaimo.
New model of transitional housing coming to Nanaimo, B.C.
The centre was first promised to Nanaimo in 2020 and is now one step closer to being a reality. It will have 60 beds for temporary housing and wrap-around services, to enable unhoused people to stabilize their lives and move on to permanent housing.
Work begins on Indigenous-led housing project on Vancouver Island
Three First Nations, the municipality of Port Alberni and the province have come together to find a solution for urban Ahousaht members who live away from home. The new development will house 35 families and include a cultural centre.