Paradise Island Foods is receiving $47,337 through the B.C. government's Buy Local Program to help British Columbians recognize the company's commitment to providing excellent products and outstanding customer service.

With weather conditions expected to remain hot and dry in the coming week, water users on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are being urged to reduce water consumption.

The public should use extra caution when using the Nanaimo River for recreation next week, due to increased water flows.

The Regional District of Nanaimo received $24,500 from the wood stove exchange program to encourage residents to trade in their smoky old wood stoves for a high-efficiency model or other clean-burning appliance, Environment Minister Terry Lake announced today.

Thanks to more than $97,000 in provincial Brownfield Renewal funding two brownfield sites in Nanaimo can begin the process of redevelopment.