Midcoast Morning host Joe Pugh spoke with Gabriola Island Trustee Tobi Elliott about tensions regarding a shoreline buffer zone being discussed at the Islands Trust. Concerns relate back to political fallout from the recent "Cowichan decision".

Pugh also spoke with Judith Sayers, regarding the Heritage Conservation Act update delays. Sayers is Co-Chair of the Joint Working Group on the Heritage Conservation Act and Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council President.

https://www.chly.ca/midcoastmorning/2026/01/28/tensions-surface-at-gabriola-islands-trust-meeting-and-heritage-conservation-act-updates-delayed

On Thursday, October 30th, Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Mike Wyse made the announcement that the Petroglyph Development Group (PDG), Snuneymuxw’s economic development corporation, has entered into a definitive agreement with Great Canadian Entertainment to purchase two casinos.

River Rock Casino in Richmond and Chances in Maple Ridge. River Rock is British Columbia’s largest casino.

https://www.chly.ca/local-news/2025/10/30/snuneymuxw-first-nation-to-become-largest-indigenous-led-casino-operator-in-the-province

Ground has officially broken for construction on the new BC Cancer centre at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

The new cancer care centre, set to open in 2028, will be able to offer effective cancer care for those in the mid and north island region, bringing care closer to home.

https://www.chly.ca/local-news/2025/10/31/ground-breaks-at-the-location-for-new-bc-cancer-centre-in-nanaimo

The BCFS say that there have been almost 1000 layoffs in post-secondary since 2023, with 80 programs suspended, paused or cut. Midcoast Morning's Joe Pugh interviews Cole Reinbold at the BCFS and Annabree Fairweather, Executive Director of CUFA BC regarding the call for action.

https://www.chly.ca/midcoastmorning/2025/10/29/bcfs-says-post-secondary-system-in-crisis-calls-on-province-to-change-funding-formula

TheatreOne must raise $20,000 to stay open another season or quietly exit stage left forever.

Michael Cade, Artist Director: “It's certainly been a shock, and we were surprised by how fast it fell apart,” Cade said. “To be honest, we were really going day-by-day, paycheck-by-paycheck kind of thing to be able to keep the company alive, and this last blow was just one that we could not find a path forward with.”

https://www.chly.ca/local-news/2025/10/10/theatreone-faces-do-or-die-fundraising-challenge

Tanille Johnson on priorities if elected NDP leader:

“All these big, beautiful things that we want to do–we want affordable housing and we want health care for absolutely every single human in our country, all of these beautiful things we cannot do without more seats in the House of Commons,” she said.

https://www.chly.ca/local-news/2025/10/09/tanille-johnston-launches-federal-ndp-leadership-bid-in-nanaimo

"Last year, the ‘O’ was spray-painted with black paint reading ‘No WEF’, referring to a conspiracy theory that the colours of the ‘O’ are connected to the World Economic Forum, or WEF. The City of Nanaimo has discredited any claims associated with the design of the ‘O.’"

https://www.chly.ca/local-news/2025/06/02/city-to-redesign-controversial-o-in-nanaimo-sign

Two stories highlight environmental change: The B.C. Community Forest Association convened in Nanaimo to discuss the state of community forests in the province. Meanwhile, Jim Senka, inspired by an experience in Northern Manitoba, pursued a habitat restoration grant for his Harewood home.

https://www.chly.ca/midcoastmorning/may30-2025

A documentary on Canada's largest civil disobedience, "Fairy Creek" by Jen Muranetz, is coming to Nanaimo. It covers stories from the anti old growth logging protest and blockade that began in 2020. We interviewed the filmmaker before the documentary's local release.

https://www.chly.ca/midcoastmorning/june-04-2025

The marsh, a bird and wildlife sanctuary, is ideal for bird watchers and where Wagenaar conducts bird walks. About 30 bird species and other animals like beavers, deer, and turtles inhabit the marsh. During Pride Month, Wagenaar encourages the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to try birding.

https://www.chly.ca/local-news/2025/06/03/celebrating-pride-in-the-community-and-out-in-nature