iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

Nothing hits like the sound of the Imperial March.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

Ah, the peaceful sound of nature.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

This Monday's Nanaimo city council meeting created a friendship city policy, renewed the Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Area, expanded two dry recovery houses and defeated a motion to support a community health centre. Read more in Council Corner: thediscourse.indiegraf.com/index.php?ac...

Photo of Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog and city councillors standing in front of the sign at Loudon Park holding a placard that shows the properties the city purchased to add to the park.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

Parksville to Ladysmith is forecast to get some heavy smoke from the Mount Underwood wildfire tonight. Screenshot of the forecast for 9 p.m from firesmoke.ca/forecasts/cu...

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

Not writing a story on this, but both the violent and non-violent crime severity index for Nanaimo dropped in 2024. Here's an updated chart of it that shows the trends over time. datawrapper.dwcdn.net/kL0me/3/

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

Sea lion playing off Hornby Island, British Columbia, Canada.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

One of the highlights of the Nanaimo Pride Festival for me was the crowd singing along and dancing to a cover of Pink Pony Club. #pride #NanaimoPride2025

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

"Remember this: the Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear." - Nemik.

BEEF To S. You get away with bullying, treating women like objects, and employees like numbers, because you are the boss. You run this company on fear, just like the Galactic Empire. We’re not building the Death Star.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

Whipped up a quick visualization of the poll data by MQO Research for Victoria and the rest of Vancouver Island and while the sample is small (31 & 30 respondents each) it shows the Liberals leading in Victoria and a strong second outside of it. NDP support in third place and the Greens in fourth.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

Shaka, when the walls fell. Someone at @nanaimonewsnow.bsky.social is a Star Trek TNG fan.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

Even when I’m off for the weekend and hundreds of kilometres from home I manage to walk into a bar and find a media event awarding Jackie Hildering @themarinedetective.bsky.social a King Charles coronation medal for her work with the Marine Education Research Society.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

This week, I have been working on a story that gets behind some of the numbers of overdoses in Nanaimo. Last year saw a drop in the number of fatalities from unregulated drugs in Nanaimo and a corresponding drop in medical calls by first responders and emergency room hospital visits.

chart showing number of deaths from unregulated drugs in Nanaimo between 2014-2024. Source: BC Coroners Service showing a decrease in 2024 to 94 deaths after several years of large increases

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

Reminder from Environment Canada that you may experience winter weather in the winter, even on Vancouver Island.

7:32 AM PST Thursday 30 January 2025
Special Weather Statement in effect for:

East Vancouver Island - Duncan to Nanaimo

Wintery conditions.

Where: Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

When: This afternoon and into next week.

Remarks: A wintery mix of weather conditions is expected to impact the South Coast of BC over the next several days. A low pressure system is making its way towards the BC coast with steady precipitation beginning this afternoon. Due to initially low freezing levels, wet snow is likely over higher elevations with some areas receiving near 4 cm by Friday morning when the snow is expected to change to rain for most regions.

Friday, temperatures are expected to rise and most areas will see just rain throughout the day. Some regions such as the North Shore could see significant rainfall amounts. However, Friday night and through the weekend, temperatures will fall as cold arctic air begins to invade the region and mix with the Pacific moisture. Amounts are uncertain at this time but accumulating snow is likely in many areas this weekend. Warnings will be issued as necessary.

By early next week, very cold and dry air is expected over the South Coast with outflow conditions from an arctic ridge of high pressure settling over the region.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 10/01/2025

The VIU Students Union has also issued a statement in support of the @viuniversity.bsky.social women's basketball players who refused to travel to Columbia Bible College for away games this weekend citing concerns about safety of trans athlete Harriette Mackenzie.

We fully support the VIU Women’s Basketball Team and their decision to refrain from participating in this weekend’s games against Columbia Bible College (CBC) as they prioritize their safety and take a stand against the unacceptable behavior exhibited by the players and coaching staff at CBC. Read more about the team’s decision here.

The decision made by VIU’s team reflects a commitment to fostering an environment where all individuals feel secure, respected, and valued.

We are deeply saddened by the harmful actions displayed by individuals during the recent games between CBC and the VIU Mariners. You can read more info here. The transphobia that has taken place undermines the values of respect, inclusion, and community that we uphold at the Students’ Union and in the VIU community. The reports of mistreatment are heartbreaking; however, moments like these remind us of the power of allyship and unity within our campus community to rise above adversity and hate.

Since the transphobic attacks in the fall, we recognize that PACWEST has launched an ongoing investigation into these events, and we encourage a thorough and transparent process that ensures accountability and promotes a safe environment for all participants.

We invite the VIU Men’s Basketball Team to join in solidarity and reflect upon their commitment to allyship. True allyship begins with meaningful action, and by choosing to proceed with their game, they risk signalling that the unacceptable behaviours displayed by the coaches and players of the Women’s Team at CBC are tolerated. Standing together in this moment sends a powerful message that such actions will not be overlooked or condoned.

Your Students’ Union is steadfast in supporting the rights of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and is dedicated to creating a campus that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 10/01/2025

Advocacy Canada, a 2SLGBTQIA+ organization, has released a statement calling on PACWEST to move the provincial women's basketball championship from Columbia Bible College to another venue after the @viuniversity.bsky.social team refused to play there citing the safety of a trans athlete.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kelowna, BC January 9, 2025

The Vancouver Island University (VIU) women’s basketball team made a courageous stand by boycotting their upcoming PACWEST games at Columbia Bible College (CBC). This decision comes in response to CBC’s coach and players’ targeted harassment and discrimination against their transgender teammate, Harriette Mackenzie. VIU currently leads the PACWEST standings, is demanding not just respect for their teammate but systemic accountability and change.

This situation is a stark reminder of the transphobia and misogyny that persist in women’s sports—specifically, trans misogyny, the intersection of transphobia and sexism targeting trans women. It’s a prejudice that also invalidates their identities while perpetuating the harmful idea that trans women threaten the fairness of women’s sports. The Myth of “Fairness”

Opponents of trans inclusion often claim that trans women hold an inherent physical advantage. This argument is not only scientifically shaky but deeply rooted in fear and misinformation. Sports organizations like the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) have strict guidelines, including monitoring hormone levels, to ensure equitable competition. Athletes like Harriette Mackenzie meet or even exceed these requirements, often competing at a physical disadvantage compared to cisgender athletes.

“The argument that banning trans women protects women’s sports harms all women—cis and trans alike,” according to Darrien McWatters, vice president of Advocacy Canada. “Women come in all shapes and sizes, with varying physical attributes like height, weight, and muscle composition. No athlete is built the same. Singling out trans women based on perceived differences perpetuates harmful stereotypes about what a “real” woman should look like, undermining the very concept of equity in sport.”

Why Trans Inclusion Strengthens Women’s Sports

Excluding trans women from sports not only violates human rights laws like British Columbia’s Human Rights Code but also creates a toxic environment that erodes the very principles of teamwork, respect, and fairness that sports aim to uphold. This discrimination signals to trans women that they are unwelcome, and sends a chilling message to cisgender women who don’t conform to traditional gender norms that they might be next.

Trans inclusion, on the other hand, fosters diversity and resilience within teams. It reflects the real world, where success stems from collaboration and mutual respect, not fear and exclusion.

Holding PACWEST and CBC Accountable

VIU’s call for PACWEST to relocate the Provincial Championships from CBC is a critical step toward ensuring safe and inclusive sports environments. Harriette Mackenzie’s experiences highlight the urgent need for stronger policies and enforcement against transphobia. PACWEST must act by:

1. Publicly condemning discrimination in all forms.

2. Mandating gender inclusion training for athletes and staff.

3. Enforcing consequences for discriminatory behavior.

4. Supporting trans athletes with robust protections.

We stand with the VIU women’s basketball team and Harriette Mackenzie in their fight for justice and inclusion. Their courage reminds us that sports’ integrity depends on creating spaces where everyone can thrive. Advocacy Canada’s president, Wilbur Turner states “Trans inclusion isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a reflection of the fairness and respect that sports should embody. We demand better-better from PACWEST, better from CBC, and better from ourselves as a society. The message is clear: trans women are women, and they belong—in sports, in schools, and in every facet of life.”

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 05/01/2025

This is a Peak Vancouver Island winter day forecast. Showers changing to drizzle followed by fog.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

Cool to see Willie Thrasher get a feature wall at the National Music Centre at Studio Bell in Calgary.

Signed poster by Willie Thrasher and Linda Saddleback and Willie Thrasher’s hat at the National Music Centre in Calgary, Alberta.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

Warm wishes on Winter Solstice — may the light in your life last longer each day.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 27/11/2024

Today's odd find on Facebook Marketplace. I'm not sure if I am more concerned about the person who is selling this, or the person who buys it.

Photo of a green body bag posted on Facebook Marketplace with the text "Military body bag CA $100 Will trade for camping gear or WHY"

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

That feeling when an American magazine confuses La Convergence des luttes anticapitalistes de Montréal for the Christian Labour Association of Canada.

Screenshot of text reading: The demonstration, organized by Divest for Palestine collective and independent labor union CLAC, coincided with Montreal's hosting of the 70th annual session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Approximately 300 delegates from NATO members and partner states are attending the four-day event, which runs from November 22-25.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

I still think of playing Swashbuckler on this sweet set up.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 12/07/2024

RV on fire at Pine and Fifth Streets in Nanaimo. Nanaimo Fire Rescue is on the scene.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 29/03/2024

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 26/03/2024

Got a well-timed shot of this duck swimming into the tiny waves at the neck of Neck Point Park last night.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 18/03/2024

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 12/12/2023

In an email to students, Vancouver Island University’s president says that a student died this weekend. No further details about the cause of death are being provided by the university “out of respect for the privacy of the student and their family and friends.” Support for students is available.

Sent on behalf of VIU President Dr. Deborah Saucier

Dear students,

It is with deep sadness that I share the tragic news that one of our students passed away this weekend.

On behalf of the University, I share my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the student’s family and loved ones, their friends here at Vancouver Island University, and to everyone that knew and loved them. I am heart-broken for your loss. Our community shares your grief, and you are in our thoughts.

VIU will not be providing the name or any details about the cause of death out of respect for the privacy of the student and their family and friends.

You can receive support the following ways:

For all VIU students, A comfort room has been set up in the Cedar Center boardroom for today until 4pm and Tuesday from 10 am to 4pm. A virtual room is also available online here. There will also be a VIU Elder available throughout Monday and Tuesday for additional support.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 09/11/2023

I got data from BC Emergency Health Services on the number of overdose calls they have responded to in Nanaimo, and it shows a similar increase to the number of calls responded to by @NanaimoFire so far in 2023. Read my story on Monday's council meeting: www.chly.ca/local-news/2...

Line chart showing number of overdoses responded to in Nanimo 2017-2023 by BCEHS and Nanaimo Fire Rescue

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 08/11/2023

As of Monday, Nanaimo Fire Rescue has responded to 1,500 overdoses this year. Overdoses made up 23% of medical calls in the first eight months of 2023, up from 12% in 2022. Medical calls were 67% of all calls in 2023, up from 58% in 2022. Read💻 / Listen 🎧: www.chly.ca/local-news/2...

Line chart showing sharp increase in overdoses responded to by Nanaimo Fire Rescue since 2017.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 08/11/2023

Tell us a perfect album that came out when you were 16.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 20/10/2023

Salt Spring Island really living up to its reputation. H/t @iconoco.bsky.social

RCMP were contacted after receiving a report of someone speaking disparagingly about another person’s aura; Police provided encouragement for the situation to be addressed by the parties involved. No charges were laid.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 16/09/2023

"I want to have a future," says Georgie Holden, 12, at the Global March to End Fossil Fuels in Nanaimo, B.C. "I've always wanted to be a storybook writer and I don't want my future to be taken away from me. I don't want it to be taken away from my children and my grandchildren."

Photo of a youth wearing a pink shirt, red pants and a beige sun hat holding a sign that reads the oceans are rising and so are we.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 08/09/2023

Drop something blue from your gallery.

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Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 06/09/2023

Probably something like this. Link: theconversation.com/curious-kids...

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