Auren Ruvinsky

Frequent Arrowsmith Search and Rescue training exercises like the one above help prepare them for unusual rescues like one on Sept. 3.

Complicated rescue near Mt. Arrowsmith outside Parksville

B.C. Ambulance called Arrowsmith Search and Rescue shortly after 10 p.m. on Sept. 3

Frequent Arrowsmith Search and Rescue training exercises like the one above help prepare them for unusual rescues like one on Sept. 3.
The Canadian Coast Guard was quick to respond last October when the Laurier II was reported listing in Deep Bay. It has now been removed for cleaning and deconstruction.

Coast guard removes another vessel from Deep Bay

Laurier II owners didn't act, so the coast guard did

The Canadian Coast Guard was quick to respond last October when the Laurier II was reported listing in Deep Bay. It has now been removed for cleaning and deconstruction.

Community planning meeting set for Saturday in Bowser/Deep Bay

There is also an open house on the Dunsmuir Community Park Master Plan near Qualicum Bay Friday from 5-7 p.m. at 326 Horne Lake Road

Parksville’s EZ-vape manager Anya Bradbury, showing off some of their best sellers, says they are happy to finally have clear laws for e-cigarettes.

Parksville vape shop was ready for new regulations

The store that sells e-cigarettes was set up with the new laws in mind

Parksville’s EZ-vape manager Anya Bradbury, showing off some of their best sellers, says they are happy to finally have clear laws for e-cigarettes.
Parksville’s Joan Lemoine, pictured above (middle) with MLA Michelle Stilwell (left) and Mayor Marc Lefebvre when she received B.C.’s Medal of Good Citizenship this year, is an excellent example of how active seniors are in this region. The B.C. seniors’ advocate is looking for volunteers to help survey seniors.

Advocate looks for volunteers in Parksville Qualicum Beach to survey seniors

Training will be provided, so no experience is required to volunteer

Parksville’s Joan Lemoine, pictured above (middle) with MLA Michelle Stilwell (left) and Mayor Marc Lefebvre when she received B.C.’s Medal of Good Citizenship this year, is an excellent example of how active seniors are in this region. The B.C. seniors’ advocate is looking for volunteers to help survey seniors.
While authorities are trying to sort out a possible sewage issue in French Creek, a local resident took it upon themselves to warn the public.

Sewage dumping has French Creek residents concerned

There seems to be jurisdictional confusion among various governments and agencies

While authorities are trying to sort out a possible sewage issue in French Creek, a local resident took it upon themselves to warn the public.
Aretas Aerial’s latest drone, the UAV Octocopter V1000, is produced in Dashwood and ready for use in a wide variety of industries.

Dashwood drone business unveils newest model, the Octocopter

Aretas started as a wireless sensor company developing web-connected and remote sensors and software

Aretas Aerial’s latest drone, the UAV Octocopter V1000, is produced in Dashwood and ready for use in a wide variety of industries.

San Pareil plan

A potential park trail has helped initiate a community plan process for San Pareil.

Linda Nelsen from Pitt Meadows, left, won a prize package Monday valued at $1,100 as the 115,000th person through the Quality Foods Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition gates.

Parksville Beachfest record is official

Organizers had seen it coming for a couple weeks, but early this week Beachfest shattered their all-time attendance record.

Linda Nelsen from Pitt Meadows, left, won a prize package Monday valued at $1,100 as the 115,000th person through the Quality Foods Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition gates.
Work clearing Mark’s Nature Park on Finholm Street in Parksville is meant to make the park more user-friendly.

City of Parksville says work in Mark’s Park will improve safety

Staff say they are cleaning up the park, including lifting the canopy

Work clearing Mark’s Nature Park on Finholm Street in Parksville is meant to make the park more user-friendly.
A firm called Sitefinders is hosting an open house and then a design charrette Aug. 18-19 at the Qualicum Beach Inn regarding plans for the old College Inn site in Qualicum Beach (above).

THURSDAY SPOTLIGHT: Mid-Island salmon and river habitats are crucial

Coho fry spend up to a year in the fresh water rivers and creeks of Parksville Qualicum Beach

A firm called Sitefinders is hosting an open house and then a design charrette Aug. 18-19 at the Qualicum Beach Inn regarding plans for the old College Inn site in Qualicum Beach (above).
Passersby were quick to call for help and extinguish many small fires along Highway 19 near Qualicum Beach Wednesday.

Passersby being praised for role in stomping out roadside fire in Qualicum Beach

'It was amazing to see the number of people pull over and tackle the blaze with anything from hands, water bottles, blankets, etc.

Passersby were quick to call for help and extinguish many small fires along Highway 19 near Qualicum Beach Wednesday.
After 11 years at the Coombs facility, there are no longer any birds at the World Parrot Refuge.

No longer any birds at World Parrot Refuge in Coombs

You can apply to adopt a parrot through the Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary

After 11 years at the Coombs facility, there are no longer any birds at the World Parrot Refuge.
Some people are concerned about the safety of Nanoose Bay’s Moorecroft Regional Park if the RDN goes ahead with plans to remove the caretaker.

Regional District of Nanaimo will eliminate caretaker position at Moorecroft Park in Nanoose Bay

At least one resident is expressing concerns about possible vandalism, fires

Some people are concerned about the safety of Nanoose Bay’s Moorecroft Regional Park if the RDN goes ahead with plans to remove the caretaker.

Town of Qualicum Beach and Regional District of Nanaimo seek mediation

The debate continues over what constitutes a minor amendment to the regional growth strategy

French Creek is ‘very sick’

Local group sounds warning as it continues with salmon habitat enhancement efforts

News from the RDN: Coastal trail idea pitched

Also, the Regional District of Nanaimo will enter into a dispute resolution process with Qualicum Beach over the growth strategy

Successful season ends for Qualicum Beach-based Broombusters

The annual general meeting included a report on the group's activities all over the Island

Thrifty Foods steps up to help food bank with Healthy Choices

Thrifty's and the Parksville Qualicum Beach Salvation Army food bank have entered into a partnership

Qualicum First Nation Chief Michael Recalma, left, and Regional District of Nanaimo Chair Bill Veenhof spoke at the signing of an agreement on Tuesday.

Qualicum First Nation and Regional District of Nanaimno reach a co-operation agreement

The agreement was signed Tuesday in a scenic setting just north of Qualicum Beach

Qualicum First Nation Chief Michael Recalma, left, and Regional District of Nanaimo Chair Bill Veenhof spoke at the signing of an agreement on Tuesday.