Community

A 1991 Superior fire truck bought by Dave Smith is parked at his residence in Qualicum Beach. (Submitted photo)

Qualicum Beach man offers to sell fire truck to assist Horne Lake residents

Regional district looking at fire protection services in the area

The old tractors will again by on display at the Coombs Fair in 2021. (PQB News file photo)

Coombs Fair organizers get the green light to stage popular event in 2021

Modified festivities set for Aug. 7-8 at Coombs Fairgrounds

A screenshot from the Parksville special council meeting on July 29, 2021, which shows a depiction of what the new play equipment will look like. (Submitted photo)

New equipment at Parksville Community Park playground focuses on accessibility

‘Ship and dock’ equipment designed so children of all ability levels can enjoy

The Sunset Cinema returns to Parksville on Aug. 4, 2021, with a showing of ‘Abominable.’ Suggested donation of $20 per car. (Submitted photo)

Movie night: Outdoor drive-in ‘Sunset Cinema’ returns to Parksville Community Park

Portion of gravel parking lot behind curling rink to be cordoned off on Aug. 4

The Sunset Cinema returns to Parksville on Aug. 4, 2021, with a showing of ‘Abominable.’ Suggested donation of $20 per car. (Submitted photo)
Roadside workers inside a Cone Zone next to traffic. (Submitted photo)

Cone Zone: Busier roads put workers at greater risk in Parksville Qualicum Beach

Motorists driving dangerously or disobeying traffic controllers can face hefty fines

Roadside workers inside a Cone Zone next to traffic. (Submitted photo)
The Mt. Arrowsmith Salvation Army food bank is asking for donations of fresh produce from home gardens. (PQB News file photo)

Salvation Army food bank seeks fresh produce for Parksville Qualicum Beach residents

Donations of a wide variety of fruit and veggies will be accepted

The Mt. Arrowsmith Salvation Army food bank is asking for donations of fresh produce from home gardens. (PQB News file photo)
John Erickson noted that the forest fuels are exceptionally dry this year. (John Erickson/Special to the News)

See smoke? Here’s how to help crews when you report a wildfire from a B.C. expert

Err on the side of caution, advises B.C. Wildfire Service

John Erickson noted that the forest fuels are exceptionally dry this year. (John Erickson/Special to the News)
The skies above Osoyoos are thick with smoke from the nearby Nk’Mip Creek wildfire. (Twila Amato /Black Press Media)

Smoke from B.C. wildfires creating issues for those with respiratory illnesses

The wildfire smoke has made it difficult to be outside for some

The skies above Osoyoos are thick with smoke from the nearby Nk’Mip Creek wildfire. (Twila Amato /Black Press Media)
The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre’s senior bear Knut and caretaker Robin Campbell had a special relationship. (NIWRA photo)

Beloved black bear ‘Knut’ dies at North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre at age 25

Senior bruin was an ‘iconic animal ambassador’

The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre’s senior bear Knut and caretaker Robin Campbell had a special relationship. (NIWRA photo)
Goat hobbyist Robert de Haas won a $1-million Maxmillions prize in the June 15, 2021 draw. Photo supplied

Vancouver Island man wins a $1-million Maxmillions prize

A Courtenay man is a million dollars richer, after buying a lottery…

  • Jul 27, 2021
Goat hobbyist Robert de Haas won a $1-million Maxmillions prize in the June 15, 2021 draw. Photo supplied
A fleet of supercars filled a quiet Langley City street to visit Langley City teen Alyssa Anderson on Sunday, July 25, as part of the Drive Project. (Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)

VIDEO: Cool cars provide some automotive magic for B.C. teen

Driven Project brought fleet of supercars to quiet street

A fleet of supercars filled a quiet Langley City street to visit Langley City teen Alyssa Anderson on Sunday, July 25, as part of the Drive Project. (Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)
Popular themed events are regular highlights on the community calendar at the family-owned and operated Gardens at Qualicum Beach, providing boutique-style retirement living just steps from downtown Qualicum.

Yee-haw! Qualicum residents high-tail it to the Wild West

Building community at the Gardens at Qualicum

  • Jul 26, 2021
Popular themed events are regular highlights on the community calendar at the family-owned and operated Gardens at Qualicum Beach, providing boutique-style retirement living just steps from downtown Qualicum.
When SOS had to put programs for children, youth and families on hold due to the pandemic, they moved to a delivery model in 2020, dropping off food and activities, and checking in on families. Pictured, SOS child, youth and family programs worker Bob Barfoot drops off items for a local family. (Submitted photo)

Challenging year for District 69 SOS revealed in organization’s annual report

Community still managed to band together to support local charity

When SOS had to put programs for children, youth and families on hold due to the pandemic, they moved to a delivery model in 2020, dropping off food and activities, and checking in on families. Pictured, SOS child, youth and family programs worker Bob Barfoot drops off items for a local family. (Submitted photo)
Terri Bowen’s creation is one of the 30 artworks in the Oceanside Benchmark Project that are now on display at different locations from Nanoose Bay to Lighthouse Country. (Submitted photo)

Benchmark project features 30 artworks on display in Parksville Qualicum Beach

Creations can be found from Nanoose Bay to Lighthouse Country

Terri Bowen’s creation is one of the 30 artworks in the Oceanside Benchmark Project that are now on display at different locations from Nanoose Bay to Lighthouse Country. (Submitted photo)
Summer by the Sea Street Market, located at 1275 Island Highway in Parksville, on Tuesday, July 21, 2021. The street market operates from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Tuesday until Aug. 31, 2021. (Mandy Moraes photo)

PHOTOS: Summer by the Sea Street Market staged in Parksville

The market operates from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m every Tuesday evening until Aug. 31

Summer by the Sea Street Market, located at 1275 Island Highway in Parksville, on Tuesday, July 21, 2021. The street market operates from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Tuesday until Aug. 31, 2021. (Mandy Moraes photo)
The Qualicum Fall Home Show is set for Sept 17-19. (PQB News file photo)

Qualicum Home Fall Show celebrates 25th anniversary in September

Organizers eager to hold show again after cancellation in 2020

The Qualicum Fall Home Show is set for Sept 17-19. (PQB News file photo)
Paul Rozek celebrated his 95th birthday at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 49 (Parksville) on July 13, 2021. (Mandy Moraes photo)

Parksville Legion member and ‘volunteer extraordinaire’ celebrates 95th birthday

Paul Rozek is the creator of historic building models at the city’s museum

Paul Rozek celebrated his 95th birthday at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 49 (Parksville) on July 13, 2021. (Mandy Moraes photo)
(PQB News file photo)

Qualicum Beach offers subsidized rentals for 2 town facilities

Applications now being accepted from eligible organizations

(PQB News file photo)
Students at Errington Elementary School do a waste audit as part of its Zero Waste Program. (Submitted photo)

RDN: $70K given to fund zero waste education program in mid-Island schools

Parksville Qualicum Beach and Nanaimo-Ladysmith students involved

Students at Errington Elementary School do a waste audit as part of its Zero Waste Program. (Submitted photo)
Students make a “tiny home” sign with their hands as part of the Tiny Home Challenge at John Paul II Catholic School. (ELENA RARDON / ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS)

Vancouver Island school gets visit from Netflix show hosts for tiny home competition

Pilot Tiny Home elective was offered for Grades 4-7

Students make a “tiny home” sign with their hands as part of the Tiny Home Challenge at John Paul II Catholic School. (ELENA RARDON / ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS)