Joe Pugh

As Nanaimo gets ready to turn the page on 2023, we’re taking a look at the year in books. In this episode, we explore the world of Literacy Central Vancouver Island, and hear from an independent bookseller in Nanaimo about some of the year’s most popular titles.

International students have received some answers about how much they’ll be allowed to work over the coming months. The federal government provided an update on a number of temporary policies impacting international students, which had been set to expire at the end of the year. Among the updates is an extension of the waiver allowing international students to spend more than 20 hours a week working off campus. The government also increased the amount of money prospective students will need to have in their bank accounts before coming to Canada. Midcoast Morning takes a look at the impact of the updates on the international student community at VIU.

It’s been more than twelve years since passenger rail on Vancouver Island ground to a halt. Back in the 19th century, governments gave away around two million acres of land on southeastern Vancouver Island to get The Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway built. Now it sits abandoned. But the unbroken 289 kilometre corridor stretching from Esquilmalt to Courtenay is still almost entirely intact. In March, a small portion of the land was returned to the Snaw'naw'as First Nation. At the same time, the provincial government announced it would provide 18 million dollars to study the future of the corridor.

If you’ve so much as driven through Duncan in the last thirty years, chances are you’ve seen the World’s Largest Hockey Stick. Now, with its wooden structure rotting, its future is in doubt.

Nanaimo’s MP is speaking up amid concerns that the habitat of the city’s official flower is at risk. There’s a an application to build a subdivision on land in Harewood Plains, a site that the Nanaimo & Area Land Trust describes as home to critically imperiled ecological communities including Garry Oak woodlands and vernal Pools.

Art is in the air this weekend in Nanaimo. To mark Nanaimo’s 25th annual artwalk, Midcoast Morning spoke with the artists behind some pieces you might see around town.

Where do boats go when they die? There are more than a thousand tugs, ships, and other seafaring craft in British Columbia listed on the Canadian Coast Guard’s inventory of wrecked, abandoned or hazardous vessels. The provincial government recently announced grants totaling ten and a half million dollars for coastal cleanup initiatives. That funding is going in part to dispose of derelict vessels. Today’s episode explores abandoned vessel cleanup in BC

In theory, building and fire codes exist to protect us. But what happens if someone’s last resort for a place to spend the night doesn’t meet the building code? That’s a reality that Nanaimo City Council acknowledged this week. They approved a policy resolution telling staff not to enforce the building and fire codes when non-profit shelter operators were making reasonable efforts to address any issues. Today we’ll explore some of the issues shelter operators may be facing with their buildings, and try and understand potential solutions.

Nobody likes cold feet. As the weather gets colder, those unhoused in our communities know this more than anyone. Right now, two groups are coming together to help warm feet. Today we’re talking to Nanaimo Women Helping Women, a grassroots organization that works to support women–with or without children– in the community who are in crisis. They not only support women experiencing intimate partner violence of any kind, but they also support women who become unhoused. The group was founded by sexual health educator Kerri Isham in the fall of 2021 after she and some other women in Nanaimo were inspired by the Netflix show Maid which follows a young mother escaping an abusive relationship and the struggle of trying to provide for her daughter.  Nanaimo Women Helping Women has several ongoing fundraisers to raise money for women in crisis. Recently they launched a winter boot program to raise money to give new winter boots to unhoused women. Having access to dry winter boots helps to prevent frostbite and trench foot as the weather outside becomes wet and cold. In addition to their efforts, VIU nursing students have recently started a sock and shoe drive to donate to those unhoused in Nanaimo.  Student hosts from CHLY’s show A Sound Constitution, have teamed up with Tillicum Lelum to run the drive, accepting donations of new and slightly used shoes and socks.  Today I speak with the founder of Nanaimo Women Helping Women Kerri Isham about the group and their current winter boot drive. I also speak with 4th year VIU Nursing student and member of A Sound Constitution  Lauren Nissen about their shoe and sock drive. Finally, I speak with Youth Career & Leadership Training Coordinator at Tillicum Lelum Alicia Dawson about their partnership and the importance of the drive. Additionally, a quick note! Today also marks my temporary leave from Midcoast Morning to do other work in our nonprofit Newsroom. I’ll be working full time with Local Journalism Initiative reporter Mick Sweetman until the end of March. Starting this Friday, Joe Pugh, Midcoast Morning alumni and current host of People First Radio will be taking over and bringing you the latest news that is happening on the Salish Sea.

Electoral reform is once again an issue in the House of Commons.  Back in the summer, NDP MP for Nanaimo-Ladysmith Lisa Marie Barron put forward a motion for the creation of a National Citizens Assembly on Electoral Reform. If created, this assembly would recommend alternatives to our current first-past-the-post system.  This comes after the Liberal government's 2015 campaign promise for electoral reform, which was ultimately abandoned in February 2017. The Liberal government cited a lack of support for reform. In British Columbia, electoral reform has been on the table several times. A 2018 referendum saw 61 % of voters electing to stay with the first-past-the-post system. Critics described the referendum questions as confusing, and exit-polling conducted by Research Co. found that the number one reason for those who didn’t vote was “not feeling informed enough”. Turnout for the referendum was a low 42%. Previously referendums had been held in 2005 and 2009 in BC.  Last week on November 7th, MP Lisa Marie Barron’s motion was debated in the House of Commons. This week Barron joined me in-studio to talk about her motion and why she believes we need to change our electoral system on a federal level. I also spoke with VIU professor of political studies Micheal Mackenzie about our current electoral system and what could happen if the motion carries following further debate in February 2024. Finally, I spoke with Gisela Ruckert from Fair Vote Canada about the need for electoral reform.

Nanaimo is a hub for arts and culture! This Friday, November 17th, the Nanaimo Art Gallery is hosting Making Waves, a community event to celebrate all things creative. This twice-yearly event highlights creatives from various areas of arts and culture in the city and gives attendees insight into the work they do. Featured in this event are four artists and creators who are making waves in their work; Sophia Seward Good, founder and designer of the fashion brand Ay Lelum; Julie Chadwick, writer and journalist; Musician Micheal Clark; and Visual Artist Maynard Johnny Jr. Ahead of Making Waves I was able to speak with coordinator Yvonne Vander Kooi about the event, as well as two of the speakers, Sophia Seward Good and Julie Chadwick. I spoke with them both about their creative process and how it comes out in their work.

In another move by the provincial government in response to the housing crisis, new legislation has been introduced to create more small-scale multi-unit housing. The result of the new legislation will see changes in zoning allowing for small-scale multi-unit housing to be built where previously only single-family homes were allowed. A blanket up-zoning for much of B.C. In municipalities of more than 5,000 people, the legislation will allow for three to four units in select areas on a single-family or duplex lot, depending on lot size. As well, a minimum of six units will be allowed in select areas zoned for larger single-family or duplex lots, that are located within a yet-to-be-determined distance from transit stops with frequent service. Under the legislation, local governments like the City of Nanaimo will be required to update their bylaws to accommodate the changes by June 30, 2024. The new proposed changes will also phase out one-off public hearings for rezoning projects that are consistent and aligned with the Official Community Plans of municipalities.  Today on the show we speak with Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon regarding the legislation. We follow that interview with housing advocate Leo Spaltzeholz from Homes for Living. Following that, we interview City of Nanaimo Councillor Tyler Brown regarding what the legislation means for Nanaimo. We wrap up the show with City of Nanaimo Director of Development Approvals Jeremy Holm.

Having just wrapped up, this fall’s GoByBike Week in Nanaimo saw over 480 riders participate in the event. With the event coming to a close, it’s now time to celebrate with a film festival. On November 9th the International Bicycle Film Festival will be screened in Nanaimo with films celebrating the culture of cycling. Hosted by Hub City Cycles Co-op and the City of Nanaimo, the festival will showcase award-winning short films about cycling from around the world. The film festival was started 23 years ago by Brendt Barbur in New York City after being hit by a bus while riding his bike. Now the festival has been shown across the world on six different continents. Antarctica has yet to have a screening. The festival is not just about cycling. It’s also about raising awareness of environmental sustainability and bringing diverse communities together. The films will be shown at VIU’s Malaspina Theatre at 7pm on Thursday. A bike valet service will be provided for those who ride their bike to the festival. Vendors and a food truck will be on site from 5:30 to 6:30 when doors open. Leading up to the festival, I had a chance to speak with Alex Stanciu, the Event Coordinator for Nanaimo’s GoByBike Week about what it was like planning the weeks and festival.  And I also spoke with Brendt Barbur, founder and director of the International Bicycle Film Festival about the festival and his love for the world of cycling.

Last week the provincial government launched a new $300 million dollar conservation tool to protect old growth forests. The Conservation Financing Mechanism will see  $150 million coming from the province, with the remaining $150 million coming from a funding commitment of the BC Parks Foundation. The conservation financing will ensure that First Nations and the province can conserve critical habitats, better manage climate change and further the government’s work on protecting B.C.’s lands and water. It will also implement the Old Growth Strategic Review, protecting some of BC’s oldest trees. The BC Parks Foundation will team up with other philanthropic organisations. Using a crowd-sourcing approach to let all British Columbians contribute to the protection of the ecosystem. The $300 million  will fund new conservation measures that are led or supported by First Nations. It will also be used for environment protection measures, capacity building for First Nations, stewardship and guardian programs, and support of low-carbon economic opportunities. This has become one of BC’s new ways to accelerate old-growth protection as first recommended in the Old Growth Strategic Review. It will join the new Forest Landscape Plans of the province and will make clear objectives for long-term management of old growth, biodiversity, climate change, and wildfire risk. Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Nathan Cullen joins us today to talk about the Conservation Financing Mechanism and what to expect following the announcement.  Then we speak with the President and CEO of the Council of Forest Industries, Linda Coady about her thoughts and how this new announcement could affect the forest industry. We also speak with Ken Wu, Executive Director of the Endangered Ecosystems Alliance,  about what this funding could mean for saving old-growth forests and protecting other important habitats. Finally, We speak with Torrance Coste National Campaign Director from the Wilderness Committee to get his thoughts on the announcement.

The struggle to find affordable housing is something many people are facing both young and old in British Columbia and across Canada. To help alleviate this stress, the provincial government recently introduced new changes to short-term rentals throughout BC. This move is meant to help bring back more long-term housing opportunities for renters. The government has stated that “B.C. is facing a housing crisis, with a shortage of all forms of attainable housing, including long-term rentals.”  Many short-term rental listings are found on popular services such as Airbnb and Vrbo. Starting May 1st 2024, British Columbians will legally only be able to rent out their primary residence. In addition to their primary residence, they will also be able to either rent their secondary suite or an accessory dwelling unit as a short-term rental on the same property. Currently in Nanaimo, if you were to rent out a short-term rental you would need to obtain a business licence. Within the new rules, local governments will get stronger tools to enforce short-term rental bylaws. In regional districts, the maximum potential fine will increase from $2,000 to $50,000 dollars, in line with that of municipalities.  Tourism Nanaimo told CHLY that currently there are around 1072 listings on Airbnb in the city and between 2018 and 2023 there has been a 70 percent increase in listings. There are also roughly 1510 rooms between hotels, motels and seasonal housing (like dorms at VIU) in the city. Hotels and Motels will not be affected by the new rules. We reached out to Airbnb for statement. In an email, Alex Howell, Policy Manager for  Airbnb Canada, states:“The B.C. government’s proposed legislation won't alleviate the province's housing concerns, instead, it will take money out of the pockets of British Columbians, make travel more unaffordable for millions of residents who travel within B.C. and reduce tourism spending in communities where hosts are often the only providers of local accommodations” Today I speak with Mark Holland, consultant and  VIU professor of the Masters of Community Planning program to talk us through what is happening with the new changes and what we can expect to see as it takes place.  I also speak with Mayor of Nanaimo Leonard Krog about his thoughts and how this is going to affect residents in the city. Finally I wrap things up with Executive Director Carly Pereboom at Tourism Nanaimo about how the loss of short-term rentals could effect the the tourism industry in Nanaimo.

Last week the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital saw the addition of the new Care and Connection Kiosk. The kiosks, provided by the Vancouver Island Health Authority, will allow anyone to access free life-saving harm-reduction supplies. It will also provide information on mental health and substance use support, services and treatments. Both North Island Hospital’s Campbell River campus and Victoria’s General Hospital also received the kiosks. Island Health states in a press release, that “the Care and Connection Kiosks will, electronically dispense discretely packaged harm reduction items, including condoms, wound care supplies, naloxone kits, take-home drug testing strips, as well as syringes and safe disposal containers.” This can be used as an alternative for people who currently visit emergency rooms for harm reduction and wound care supplies. As of the end of August this year, 84 people have died from the toxic drug supply in Nanaimo. This is an increase from last year, when 77 people died. Harm reduction is one way to prevent the loss of more lives. Today we speak with Dr. Shannon Waters from Island Health, physician and medical health officer for the Cowichan Valley Regional District as well as Nanaimo, Parksville and Oceanside. We will discuss the new kiosks and why Island Health has introduced them. Then we speak with registered nurse and professor at Vancouver Island University, Sarah Lovegrove, about her past work in harm reduction. She speaks to the importance of allowing people to access proper harm reduction services and the efforts to end stigma around use. Finally, we speak with Janelle Wilson, Organizer at Vancouver Island University’s Students’ Union. The student union is hosting a free naloxone training for students at VIU this November 7th.

This is part two of our two-part series on public transit in Nanaimo. In part one, we looked at what new plans BC Transit and the Regional District of Nanaimo are working on to provide better transit for residents. On top of hearing what new plans are in the works, we discussed the new Umo payment system. Umo is coming this fall to all BC Transit Routes allowing riders to pay with the Umo app or a new reloadable card. You can find part one on our website. Today, in part two we will be taking a closer look at how students at Vancouver Island Univerity, AKA VIU are commuting to campus. While many students take transit to campus, some students say bus routes don’t work for them, and that parking on campus can be frustrating. We ask, what can be done? In part one, I spoke with the RDN’s Senior Manager of Transportation Services, Darren Marshall, about what they are doing to make public transit better for riders in our region. Today in part two we continue our conversation with him, where he gives an update on some new projects aimed at VIU students. Then we spoke with international students Harleen Kalra and Sonal Panwar over Zoom. They speak to the ups and downs of relying on public transit to commute to school and work. Both of them are currently full-time students; Halreen is getting her Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Sonal is getting her Master of Education in Special Education. Both also work full-time. To get a better idea of what other students think about commuting to campus, we spoke with VIUSU’s Director of External Relations Caitlin Kellendonk about parking on campus, and the bus system. Finally, we spoke with Richard Lewis, VIU’s AVP of Facilities and Ancillary Services about the concerns students have about parking on campus and what VIU is doing around parking. 

Today we’ll be starting a new two-part series on public transit in Nanaimo. In part one, we’ll be looking at what new plans BC Transit and the Regional District of Nanaimo are working on to provide better transit for residents. In part two airing Friday, we’ll take a closer look at how students at Vancouver Island University are commuting to campus. New changes for the BC Transit customers will be coming this fall for riders in the Regional District of Nanaimo, AKA the RDN, and around the province. Meet Umo, BC Transit’s new payment system that will, as they describe: “allow users to select the best payment method for your lifestyle and travel habits.” The new feature will have riders choosing from either downloading the Umo app to load money onto their digital pass or picking up a reloadable card for free from a BC Transit vendor. This new method is very similar to the Compass Card, Translink’s payment system in Metro Vancouver. The Umo machines are already set up on RDN buses, but there is currently no set date for when the Umo service will start. With Umo launching soon, I spoke with Ryan Dennis from BC Transit about Umo to clear up any questions some riders might have. While we talk public transit in Nanaimo, I check in with transit user Silvi Joseph over Zoom. We talk about how public transit works for her as her main form of commuting in Nanaimo. Then I speak with the RDN’s Senior Manager of Transportation Services, Darren Marshell, about what they are doing to make public transit better for riders in our region.

The annual fall GoByBike Week is about to kick off this weekend and will run from October 16th to October 29th. Nanaimo has been taking part in this event since 1997 when it was first called Bike to Work Week. Residents of Nanaimo are encouraged to register for the event and record all their kilometres ridden during the week to submit them for a chance to win bike-related prizes. These kilometres can be tracked whenever you use your bike, be it on your commute to school or work, while doing errands by bike, trail riding, or just out for a casual ride. The City of Nanaimo states that “Getting around without a car is still the biggest way you can reduce your environmental impact and C02 emissions.” Cycling being one of several alternatives to driving in Nanaimo. A kickoff event for GoByBike Week will be held at Maffeo Sutton Park on October 15th from 3 to 5 p.m., where there will be food, drinks, and prizes. Celebration stations will be set up throughout the week at various locations along bike routes and will be hosted by community sponsors. There will also be opportunities for fun like BikeTag, a mystery photo tag game on bicycles where the winner will receive a special prize. Returning again this fall to wrap up GoByBike Week will be the Bicycle Film Festival at Vancouver Island University’s Malaspina Theatre on November 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. In the last few years, Nanaimo has also seen the completion of several pieces of bike lane infrastructure. The Metral Drive Corridor Project saw the addition of new bike lanes that stretch from Aulds Road to Moster Road. Another project in the last few years was the Front Street Bike lane. Both projects we part of broader road and sewer improvements. Today I speak with the City of Nanaimo’s Manager of Transportation, Jamie Rose about Go BY Bike Week and what the City is doing to encourage cycling in the city. Then I pop next door to our neighbours at Hub City Cycles Community Co-op to speak with Tyler Walker about gearing up and making sure you are ready to cycle safely.  CHLY reporter Mick Sweetman also had a chance to speak to City of Nanaimo mayor, Leonard Krog about Go By Bike Week and cycling in Nanaimo.  Finally, some of us at CHLY cycle to work on the regular. We chat about that to wrap things up.

The world's biggest Oktoberfest might have just finished in München Germany but far away from Bavaria in Nanaimo, our own city is celebrating the festival. The Nanaimo-Daybreak Rotary Club will be hosting their own Octoberfest on Saturday, October 21st at the Beban Park Social Centre.  This got me curious about the state of craft beer in our city and the sense of community surrounding it. The Nanaimo Craft Beer Society hosts a variety of events, but is especially known for Nanaimo Craft Beer Week, which it hosts every spring. Today I speak with Marie Hopwood, current president of the society and professor at VIU about craft Beer in Nanaimo and her research in ancient beers and how she is giving them a new life. Nanaimo is also currently home to three different breweries. Wolf Brewing, White Sails, and Longwood. Each brewery brings its own style to the table, and twists on craft beer favourites. I had the opportunity to speak with Brewmaster Harley Smith, from Longwood Brewery over the phone. I also visited Wolf Brewing, where I spoke with Brewmaster Kev Ward. I spoke with both of them about what it’s like to work in craft beer today.