VIU students to vote on adding a new fee for a proposed student-owned building

Vancouver Island University students are going to have a say in whether they approve of a new fee to support the construction of a new student activity centre.

Lauryn MackenzieApril 7, 2025VIU, VIUSU, Vancouver Island University

Student-led program helped fight food insecurity at VIU

It has been a busy year for Leah Vaisanen as she finishes up her studies while running a program tackling food insecurity on campus.

Lauryn MackenzieMarch 27, 2025VIU, VIUSU, Vancouver Island University

VIU Students’ Union starts campaign to bring back 24-7 library hours

In prior years, Vancouver Island University students could access the library 24-7, but in the last year, this has changed to reduced hours, leaving many students annoyed.

Risebridge to make sure no child goes without a birthday celebration

A local non-profit is making sure no child will go out without a birthday cake on their special day.

Lauryn MackenzieMarch 26, 2025Risebridge, Birthday, Birthday cake, low income, family

From celebration to theft: a buzzy week for a local food forest

It has been a busy week for Beaufort Food Forest after celebrating their first annual Mason Bee Day to then finding out their mason bee cocoons had been stolen.

Lauryn MackenzieMarch 21, 2025Mason Bees, Nanaimo, Beaufort Food Forest, Beaufort Park

Change through metamorphosis reflected in Nanaimo street banners

With Spring around the corner, change is in the air and new banners will brighten up the streets of Nanaimo

Lauryn MackenzieMarch 20, 2025City of Nanaimo, Nanaimo, Art, street art

Local Nanaimo arts and culture group shares concerns about provincial funding

Following concerns about the lack of funding renewal to the B.C. Fairs, Festivals, and Events Fund, the B.C. government has announced a new event fund that a local Nanaimo arts organization says is not good enough.

Lauryn MackenzieMarch 17, 2025B.C. Fairs, Art, Arts, Arts and Culture, crime, Crimson Coast Dance

Local festival calls for the renewal of B.C. festival fund

For 20 years, the Nanaimo Blues Festival has been bringing international and local blues music to Nanaimo’s backyard, but right now, they are wondering why provincial funding has not been renewed for an important fund.

Social Prescribing program tackles loneliness

To combat loneliness and isolation among seniors, a new program in Nanaimo will allow doctors to prescribe social connection.

Lauryn MackenzieMarch 6, 2025Social Prescribing, Loneliness, Elderly people

Student protestor speaks out about unfair suspension

After a three-month-long protest on Vancouver Island University, two student protesters are wondering why they have been suspended from the school.

Options for Sexual Health clinics to stay open for another year

After concerns that it would have to close 85 per cent of its clinics, Options for Sexual Health will remain open for at least another year.

Why many Americans are planning on visiting Nanaimo in April

Bored on a Friday night as news feeds were full of stories on tariffs and trade wars, Nanaimo local Tod Maffin, accidentally started a “Nanaimo invasion.”

Lauryn MackenzieFebruary 24, 2025TikTok, United States of America, Tariffs, Trade war, Tourism

Challenging paperwork, poverty advocate group hosts event to assist people with low-income supports

Applying for low-income support can be challenging but a local poverty advocacy group is helping people get through the process.

Lauryn MackenzieFebruary 20, 2025PAN, Pov, Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo, Poverty

VIU student showcases the voices of the foster care system through art

A Vancouver Island University student is sharing the stories of people who were once in the foster care system and are now starting their post-secondary education journeys.

Lauryn MackenzieFebruary 14, 2025Foster care, Vancouver Island University, Art, Provincial Tuition Waiver