News

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder Vancouver Island Regional Library says it hopes to introduce “place-making initiatives” at more of its branches following the completion of a mural at its Nanaimo Harbourfront branch. The...

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder Gabriola Elementary School’s new principal has worked in urban schools in Nanaimo and on other the other side of the Pacific Ocean, but the small rural island community of Gabriola still...

Gabriola Chamber of Commerce Press Release Erin Udal (Champion) is a community organizer for positive change who has a depth and breadth of experience and skills to support the Chamber’s mission, vision and values. Born and raised on Gabriola and having worked in...

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder The drought has delayed the re-opening for the upper sports field at Rollo McLay Community Park. The upper ‘Ducky’ field, one of only two dedicated sports fields on Gabriola, underwent a...

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder The Regional District of Nanaimo is assisting the operators of Gabriola’s bus service with a grant application. If successful, the $25,000 application will be used to develop an operating...

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder Building permit wait times are up to 16 weeks in the Regional District of Nanaimo. That’s up a week since July, and an extra four weeks compared to February 2022. Lexie Boekenkruger, acting...

Fall Fair Submitted Article Get ready to immerse yourself in an afternoon filled with festivities, local talent, and community bonding at the much-awaited Gabriola Fall Fair on September 17! This annual event, organized as a fundraiser for the Gabriola Commons,...

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder Development of a region-wide parks biodiversity plan has been endorsed by the Regional District of Nanaimo board. The plan would expand on the proposed scope of an invasive species management...

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder A successful provincial grant application will see the Regional District of Nanaimo conducting a climate risk assessment on coastal flood hazard areas in the region. The $150,000 was granted...

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder Katherine Palmer Gordon’s new book lifts up the voices of people whose stories date back to the north and central coast for thousands of years, stories that offer lessons for how to reframe...

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder A timeline and plan for the Gabriola Local Trust Area Official Community Plan and Land Use Bylaw review outlines the steps to be taken over the next year. In May, the Gabriola Local Trust...

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder The school district is collecting information on childcare needs on Gabriola Island as well as in Cedar and Yellowpoint. A Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools survey is open now through...

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder Replacement of Nanaimo District Secondary School as the school district’s top facilities priority continues to be reflected in its most recent capital plan submissions to the Ministry of...

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools’ trustees defeated a proposal to implement a $40 administration fee for riding the school bus. Trustees revisited a motion that was deferred from their May...

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder In an effort to extend the life of the regional landfill, the Regional District of Nanaimo will rent a waste shredder and excavator for six months at a cost of $650,000. Directors approved...

GERTIE Press Release GERTIE (Gabriola’s community bus) and Gabriola Recreation Society, with funding from Vancouver Island Health Authority, are pleased to offer free bus rides for Gabriolans (and visitors) to get moving at the skate park, the tennis and paddle-ball...

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder The plan for delivering school food out of the new stream of provincial funding is taking shape for Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools. The B.C. government announced the ongoing feeding futures...

12-12-12 Sustainable Gabriola A delightful puppet show featuring the Three Little Gabriola Pigs was presented by Johanne and Odette at the Building Climate 12-12-12 Café on June 22. Successful small, energy-efficient approaches to building were presented by Tobi...

Don Elkington (centre) with Gabriola firefighters now approved to practice as EMRs when responding to scenes as members of the GVFD. Sounder PhotoSounder News Members of the Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department are now licensed and approved to practice on scenes as...

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder The electoral area services committee unanimously supported going down the route of a demonstration fuel management plot at 707 Community Park saying such a project would benefit the entire...

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder Are house concerts permitted on Gabriola? So long as it’s not a ticketed event, according to land use bylaws. Concerts and other gatherings on residential properties are popular activities on...

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder Vancouver Island Regional Library services “deliver on affordability and livability,” the library system’s executive director, says. In an invited presentation, VIRL’s executive director Ben...

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder School trustees on the education committee are recommending the development of an ad hoc student committee to explore enhancing student engagement opportunities. Nanaimo Ladysmith Public...

Rachelle Stein-Wotten Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder An increasing need among Gabriolans for help getting around the island will be addressed in part by the addition of a community grant from the Regional District of Nanaimo. In June, People...

Joyce Babula On behalf of the Directors of the Gabriola Island Community Hall Association (GICHA) We are excited to be organizing our 68th Salmon BBQ.  Outside!  With Entertainment, Raffle, Silent Auction and the delicious Barbecued Salmon Dinner.  It will be on the...