Best CHLY 101.7FM Podcasts (2025)

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Why are Humpback Whale collisions increasing? 25:31

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2d ago25:31

25:31

Humpback whales are returning to the Salish Sea in growing numbers, but between the rising population and the increase in vessel traffic, collisions are also becoming more common. Emma Shuparski is the coordinator for Straightwatch Quadra Island, under Cetus Research and Conservation Society. Christie McMillan is a Senior Habitat Assessment Biologi…

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Gas, Power, and Protest: Nash Holos Exclusive Interview with Mirko Petriw During the Maidan Uprising 22:11

5d ago22:11

22:11

In this Nash Holos exclusive interview from 2014, Pawlina speaks with Mirko Petriw, Vancouver-based author of two spy thrillers set in Ukraine and president of the Ukrainian-Canadian Congress Vancouver branch. Recorded during the Maidan Uprising, in the tense weeks leading up to Russia’s annexation of Crimea, this conversation delves into the inter…

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Harmac CEO reponds to motion around industrial land use generates lengthy debate at Nanaimo City Council 36:40

10d ago36:40

36:40

A motion about industrial land use divided Nanaimo city council in a narrow 5-4 vote Monday night. On the meeting agenda the motion from Councillor Paul Manly asked staff to prepare a zoning amendment that would have prevented six different industrial scale uses, including certain garbage incineration facilities, chemical plants, petroleum refineri…

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Feature Interview: A Ukrainian paramedic chats with Pawlina about the M.A.S.H.-style hospital he helped set up in Irpin, frontline tech innovation, and more 31:23

15d ago31:23

31:23

A Nash Holos Feature Interview with Nick Buderatsky, a patriotic Ukrainian volunteer who was mentored by legendary combat medic Taira and went on to become a civilian paramedic working on Ukraine's front lines, including Avdiivka and Irpin. Despite being injured himself, he helped save countless lives — including in Bucha and Irpin, where he set up…

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Cumberland’s Woodstove Festival brings community together in year of record ticket demand 27:59

17d ago27:59

27:59

Now in its ninth year, demand for the Woodstove Music and Arts Festival seemingly hit new highs, with organizers saying that the initial round of tickets sold out almost immediately. The non profit community festival took place last weekend across 16 venues in the village ranging from community halls, to the museum, to tattoo parlours and hair salo…

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Nanaimo mayor and city staff respond to data centre water use concerns 28:01

24d ago28:01

28:01

Plans for a data centre in Nanaimo have generated significant attention in recent weeks. The centre is proposed for 2090 East Wellington Road, and the area was rezoned in 2023. A CBC article about data centres and water use published in October made reference to Nanaimo, which has generated renewed interest and concern from members of the public. A…

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VIU Mariners Women's Soccer PACWEST champtions for second straight year 2:01

1M ago2:01

2:01

Soccer fans at VIU have lots to celebrate! The women’s team won their second straight PACWEST championship following a 2-0 victory over the Douglas Royals… ★ Support this podcast ★By CHLY 101.7FM

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BCFS says post secondary system in crisis, calls on province to change funding formula 28:01

1M ago28:01

28:01

The British Columbia Federation of Students says the province’s post secondary system is in crisis. The organization says that there have been almost 1000 layoffs in the sector since 2023, with 80 programs suspended, paused or cut. Midcoast Morning interviews Cole Reinbold Secretary-Treasurer with the BCFS and Annabree Fairweather, Executive Direct…

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Proposed rezoning near Westwood Lake voted down 28:01

1M ago28:01

28:01

Following push-back from members of the community, a zoning change proposal failed to pass first reading at Nanaimo City Council on Monday. Council heard from 8 delegations opposed to a rezoning application for 2367 Arbot Road, which is currently home to the Westwood Lake Tennis Club. The proposal was to change the land’s zoning from commercial rec…

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Watermelon Seeds Festival of Literature returns to VIU 28:01

1M ago28:01

28:01

More than a dozen authors, poets, profs, and students spoke at a festival aimed at fostering connections between Palestinian and local literature this past weekend. The 2nd annual Watermelon Seeds festival of literature took place at VIU Saturday. It comes on the heels of an event last spring that took place at the Palestinian solidarity encampment…

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Mariners women's soccer see two victories, men's soccer tilt in tie with Falcons 2:01

2M ago2:01

2:01

The Vancouver Island Mariners men’s and women’s soccer faced off against the Langara Falcons October 4 and 5th seeing a pair of victories for the women and a tie for the men…. Creators & Guests Kaleb Green - Host ★ Support this podcast ★By CHLY 101.7FM

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The history behind the new name of Five Acres Farm Community Park 28:01

2M ago28:01

28:01

With Nanaimo City Council voting in favour of a motion Monday to name the park at 933 Park Avenue Five Acres Farm Community Park, Midcoast Morning explores the history behind the name, as well as the urban farming that’s still taking place on the land. Support Midcoast Morning and our Nonprofit Newsroom with a monthly sustaining donation of $5 to $…

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nanekawâsis to be screened in the Comox Valley 28:01

2M ago28:01

28:01

Cree artist and creator George Littlechild is sharing his art with the Comox Valley this fall with a vast exhibition at the Comox Valley Art Gallery and a special film screening at North Island College. The film being screened this Saturday, October 4th is nanekawâsis, a documentary featuring Little Child's life and art. Both the artist George Litt…

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Mariners Women Soccer defeat Falcons, tie scoreless with Douglas 1:56

2M ago1:56

1:56

The VIU Mariners faced off against the Douglas Royals this past weekend… Creators & Guests Kaleb Green - Host ★ Support this podcast ★By CHLY 101.7FM

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Spirit Walk in Comox Valley marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 28:01

2M ago28:01

28:01

On the fifth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, hundreds walked along fifth street in downtown Courtenay before gathering in Lewis Park. Midcoast Morning spoke with some of those present about the meaning of the day. Support Midcoast Morning and our Nonprofit Newsroom with a monthly sustaining donation of $5 to $10 a month. Podcast P…

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Planned purchase to preserve Hamilton Marsh decades in the making 28:01

2M ago28:01

28:01

Following decades of advocacy, Hamilton Marsh near Qualicum Beach appears on its way to becoming a protected area. Earlier this month the Regional District of Nanaimo announced it had reached a conditional agreement with Mosaic Forest Management to buy 360 hectares of land for $30 million. That land includes the marsh itself, which is about 36 hect…

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Island Corridor Foundation looking at regional projects, CEO makes presentation to Nanaimo council 28:01

2M ago28:01

28:01

The Island Corridor Foundation’s CEO wants Nanaimo’s planning department to keep the potential of the old rail corridor in mind. Thomas Bevan spoke at a Nanaimo city council meeting Monday night to provide an update on the work of the Island Corridor Foundation, as they look to determine the future of what was once the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway…

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New president hoping to help VIU navigate financial challenges in first year at the helm 39:49

3M ago39:49

39:49

It’s a new year at VIU, and there’s a new president on campus, looking to help steer the school through its financial challenges. Dennis Johnson was appointed as interim president in June. His tenure will be up to two years. Midcoast Morning speaks with Johnson, as well as VIU Students Union Board Chair Sarah Mei Lyana about hopes for the upcoming …

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“Restore” celebrates expansion aimed at saving materials from landfill 28:01

3M ago28:01

28:01

A new partnership between Habitat For Humanity’s Restore and non profit Lighthouse’s Building Material Exchange program aims to save construction material from the landfill. The Nanaimo Restore, which sells donated construction material and home furnishings, celebrated an expansion as well as the launch of the new partnership at an event Monday. Pr…

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Commercial Street Night Market wraps up sixth season in Nanaimo 28:01

3M ago28:01

28:01

Nanaimo’s night market continued to grow this year, according to its organizer. Midcoast Morning visited the market ahead of the final 2025 edition Thursday night. Plus, the Picnic in The Plaza aims to bring the community together downtown on Sunday. Support Midcoast Morning and our Nonprofit Newsroom with a monthly sustaining donation of $5 to $10…

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Mid island prepares to mark International Overdose Awareness Day 39:26

3M ago39:26

39:26

Midcoast Morning hears about events in Nanaimo and Parksville to mark International Overdose Awareness Day. Plus VIU instructor Sarah Lovegrove, Vice President of the Harm Reduction Nurses Association speaks about the day in the context of a backlash against harm reduction. Support Midcoast Morning and our Nonprofit Newsroom with a monthly sustaini…

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New BMX track coming to Cedar / Skateboarding block party on Victoria Crescent 28:01

3M ago28:01

28:01

A new BMX pump track is coming to Cedar, funded by the Stevie Smith Legacy Foundation. Midcoast Morning speaks with Foundation founder Michelle Corfield. This weekend on Saturday, Primary Skateboards is hosting it’s third annual block party on Victoria Crescent in Downtown Nanaimo, Midcoast Morning speaks with co-owner Jordan Pletz and longtime ska…

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Former MLA says Cowichan title decision "predictable result of generations of political inaction" 37:59

3M ago37:59

37:59

Adam Olsen wrote in The Tyee this week that this month’s BC Supreme Court ruling that recognized Cowichan title to a section of lands south of the Fraser River was “part of a legal trajectory the Crown has been warned about for decades.” Olsen joined Midcoast Morning to share his perspective on the case. ★ Support this podcast ★…

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Community based research initiative sharing DIY method to improve indoor air quality during wildfires 28:01

4M ago28:01

28:01

With wildfires bringing smoke to the region, Midcoast Morning spoke with researchers about what we know about its health impacts, and heard about a community based research initiative aiming to help people use DIY tools to improve air quality during wildfires . Support Midcoast Morning and our Nonprofit Newsroom with a monthly sustaining donation o…

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Cowichan Transit Strike passes six month mark 28:01

4M ago28:01

28:01

Transit workers in the Cowichan Valley have been on strike since Febraury 8th. Last week workers voted against going to binding arbitration to settle the dispute with contractor Transdev. Midcoast Morning speaks with a Unifor representative, as well as the Mayor of Lake Cowichan, and a case worker with the Cowichan Brain Injury Society. Support Mid…

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BC Green Party leadership hopefuls speak ahead of membership deadline 41:48

4M ago41:48

41:48

The BC Green party is getting set to choose a new leader. Three candidates are in the race to replace Sonia Furstenau. Voting will happen in September. To be eligible to vote in the contest a person needs to be a member of the party ahead of a deadline Sunday August 10. Midcoast Morning speaks with each of the candidates in the race. Support Midcoa…

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Exploring council's call for sober housing in Nanaimo 28:01

4M ago28:01

28:01

Nanaimo City Council is calling on BC Housing to contemplate sober housing for those who qualify for supportive housing and who are in recovery. Council also wants to see a sober housing model used for a planned site at 250 Terminal avenue. Midcoast Morning speaks with B.C.’s new Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs Christine Boyle, as well as…

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"Healthcare infusion" continuing to attract U.S. workers to Nanaimo 28:00

4M ago28:00

28:00

Months after Tod Maffin’s Nanaimo Infusion garnered the city international attention, stories of healthcare workers moving here continue to circulate. The Nanaimo infusion was an event in April that attracted hundreds of visitors from the United States come to the city. It started when Nanaimo resident Tod Maffin mused about the idea in a TikTok th…

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Nanaimo meets new housing target, but no new affordable units built in last year 28:01

4M ago28:01

28:01

Nanaimo has met its provincial housing targets this year, but it didn’t add a single unit of affordable housing. There were 875 units issued occupancy permits issued in the last year in Nanaimo. Just over 100 supportive housing units also came online through the provincial HEART & HEARTH program. The vast majority of new housing in Nanaimo is renta…

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Invasive European Green Crabs, and what to do about them 25:01

4M ago25:01

25:01

When you think of invasive species on the West Coast, you might think of Scotch-Broom or English Ivy or European Wall Lizards. The Gabriola Island Shore Keepers Association (GISKA) is thinking of a different invasive species, the European Green Crab. They're hosting a talk Tuesday evening with Christine Spice about the crab and preventing their spr…

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Nanaimo council weighs future of drop-in homeless hub 28:01

4M ago28:01

28:01

The future of a drop-in centre and overnight shelter in the south end was the subject of extensive discussion at a pair of council and committee meetings this past week. The Hub is a facility on Nicol Street and Victoria Road that offers daytime services for people experiencing homelessness run by Island Crisis Care Society, and an evening shelter …

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Qualicum Beach calls planned golfcourse purchase "once-in-a-generation opportunity" 28:01

4M ago28:01

28:01

Qualicum Beach has a plan to acquire tens of acres of green space without raising taxes. The town has reached an agreement to buy the Eaglecrest golf course for $8.5 million. The goal is to cover the purchase price by selling about ten per cent of the newly acquired lands, which would then be developed into housing. It’s anticipated there will be a…

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Nanaimo Fringe Festival hits 15 years 25:31

4M ago25:31

25:31

Running August 7th to 17th the Nanaimo Fringe Festival returns for its 15th anniversary! A milestone year, the “the little Fringe that could” is yet again bringing an assortment of creative acts from across the continent to Nanaimo for ten days. We talk fringe with the organizers and performers. ★ Support this podcast ★…

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55+ BC Games in Nanaimo this fall 25:01

5M ago25:01

25:01

With the lighting of the torch for the 55+ BC Games having happened this past June 19th and with just over a month and a half until competition starts in September. Today on the show we have former two term Nanaimo City Councillor and Host Society President Diana Johnstone on to talk about the big event. Leann Rose Crook, Director of Participant & …

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Land purchase for South End Community Centre + Parking Reforms 28:01

5M ago28:01

28:01

On July 7th, the City of Nanaimo moved forward this past week on a long-standing need for recreational and gathering space in the south end of the city, with the purchase of land in Chase River for a South End Community Centre. Mayor Leonard Krog speaks with Executive Producer Jesse Woodward about the purchase, and the project. At that same meeting…

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The Story of Shakesides 28:01

5M ago28:01

28:01

History is being carried into the future in the town of Comox with a viewing platform planned to be built on the foundation of Mack Laing's old house, Shakesides in Mack Laing Nature Park. The outdoor space will honour the historic figure's life, legacy, and wishes for future generations. But the decision is a hot topic of debate in the Comox Valle…

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Special committee on democratic and electoral reform calling for submissions 28:00

5M ago28:00

28:00

The BC Government wants to hear your input on how to improve our democracy. The province’s special committee on democratic and electoral reform is accepting written submissions from members of the public with something to say about democratic engagement, voter participation and models for electing MLAs. CHLY speaks with Nanaimo-Lantzville MLA and c…

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HMCS Nanaimo helps mark Canada Day in the Harbour City 28:01

5M ago28:01

28:01

A visit from the city’s namesake ship helped people in Nanaimo mark Canada Day Tuesday. Large crowds gathered to take in the sunshine in Maffeo Sutton park, where local musicians performed, community groups showed off their work, and a bevy of food trucks saw their services in high demand. Midcoast Morning brings you sounds from the event, includin…

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Nanaimo exploring a ban on the sale of invasive plants 28:01

5M ago28:01

28:01

Nanaimo is looking to ban the sale of invasive plant species at shops in town. This Monday at a governance and priorities committee meeting councillors voted in support of a plan to ask staff to draft a bylaw banning the sale of invasives. A number of species including English Ivy, Himalayan Blackberry, Scotch Broom, and Daphne were listed in a sta…

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Nanaimo weighing how much new developments should pay in to community infrastructure 28:01

5M ago28:01

28:01

Nanaimo is debating how much new developments should have to pay to support community infrastructure. The city is looking at updating its Development Cost Charge (DCC) bylaw for the first time in seven years, and creating an Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) bylaw. Midcoast Morning breaks down what DCCs are, what the timelines are for changes to the bylaws…

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Nanaimo Food Hub looking to connect community with local growers 28:01

5M ago28:01

28:01

A group promoting local food took to Nanaimo City Council Monday, The folks behind the Nanaimo Food Hub are looking to boost awareness of the project, and lay the foundations for future growth. Founded two years ago, the hub has a vision of connecting people to locally grown food. They’re getting ready to start a second season of Friday markets at …

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Nanaimo running AAP to remove dedication from part of Elaine Hamilton park for road to subdivision 36:39

6M ago36:39

36:39

Nanaimo is asking for voters' permission to sell an acre of parkland to pave the way for a road to a planned subdivision. At a meeting Monday, Nanaimo city council approved a plan that would ultimately see the north edge of Elaine Hamilton Park in the city’s south end become a road that would serve as the main entryway to a residential development,…

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Adressing wildfire risk on the island 28:00

6M ago28:00

28:00

Midcoast Morning speaks with Gordon Robinson of the Coastal Fire Centre in Parksville to assess wildfire risks on Vancouver Island. The program also speaks with Steve Mjaaland of Mosaic, who manage nearly 1.5 million acres of private land on southeastern Vancouver Island. ★ Support this podcast ★By Host and Producer: Joe Pugh / Executive Producer: Jesse Woodward

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Dinosaurs of BC coming to Nanaimo 33:20

6M ago33:20

33:20

Dinosaurs of BC, a traveling exhibition from the Royal British Columbia Museum, is making its way to Nanaimo for the summer. Midcoast Morning speaks with paleontologist Victoria Arbour about the kinds of fossils around what’s now B.C, and what the mass extinction event at the end of the cretaceous period 66 million years ago was like. ★ Support thi…

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Documentary filmed on the front lines of Fairy Creek coming to Nanaimo 28:01

6M ago28:01

28:01

A Documentary filmed on the front lines of what’s been called Canada’s largest act of civil disobedience is coming to Nanaimo. Fairy Creek from director Jen Muranetz tells stories from the anti old growth logging protest and blockade that began in 2020. Midcoast Morning spoke with the filmmaker ahead of the documentary’s theatrical run in the city.…

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Nanaimo senior taking action for the environment + BC community forest group gathers in Nanaimo 28:01

6M ago28:01

28:01

Two stories about making a change in the environment, one on a systems level, and one about a community member trying to make a difference The British Columbia Community Forest Association gathered in Nanaimo for a three day conference this week, Midcoast Morning explores the state of community forests in the province with the group’s executive dir…

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Repeated vandalism sparks Nanaimo sign redesign 28:01

6M ago28:01

28:01

The O in Nanaimo’s downtown sign is getting a new design after several incidents of vandalism over the last few years. The sign was installed in Maffeo Sutton Park in 2021. Each of the five foot letters in Nanaimo are painted white, except for the O, which features a rainbow design made up of 15 coloured segments. A release from the city at the tim…

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Sharing stories of the Coast Salish Wooly Dog 29:45

6M ago29:45

29:45

A new project puts the Coast Salish Wooly Dog in the spotlight. Several sources suggest the dogs, which are now extinct, experienced a severe population decline in the 1850s. The pelt of one Coast Salish Wooly dog that was lying in the Smithsonian for more than a hundred and fifty years inspired a research project that brought together knowledge ho…