Harewood.life

27/05/2026

What's in a Name? The Controversial History of Chase River

For most Nanaimo residents, "Chase River" is simply the name of a neighbourhood and a river in the south end.

But recently, the name itself has become the centre of a growing debate.

In March, Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools voted unanimously to begin exploring the possible renaming of Chase River Elementary School after concerns were raised about the violent origins of the name.

For many residents, it was the first time they had ever heard the story. And like many stories in British Columbia, it's complicated.

We explore this issue and its implications in the feature article below (link in comments!) 🔗👇

Do you think Chase River should change its name? Let us know in the comments!

24/05/2026

Multiple Bear Sightings in Harewood Area

Residents in the Harewood, Buttertubs Marsh and Westwood Lake areas have reported multiple black bear sightings this month.

One recent sighting posted in a local wildlife tracking group described "two large bears together" wandering between Weber Street and 9th Street on Howard Avenue.

Another post from the City of Nanaimo said "a bear has been spotted around Buttertubs Marsh. Park crews have put up signage to indicate there is a bear in the area."

There have also been recent reports in Facebook comments of a bear in the Colliery Dam area.

Click the link in the comments to read the full story!

09/05/2026

02/05/2026

Colliery Dam: Harewood's Perfect Swimming Hole

There are a lot of benefits to living in Harewood – and one of the greatest perks is having a beautiful swimming spot just up the road.

Colliery Dam Park is a perfect place to take a dip, with beautiful grassy areas to sunbathe, fantastic walking paths, picnic tables, and a floating dock to dive into the crisp, clean water.

Watch the video below from 5 Star Media Group to see the gorgeous sites from a birds-eye-view.

Read more about this amazing Harewood location at the link in the comment below 🔗👇

01/05/2026

Shop for cool stuff and help your community at Deni's Dynamite Deals BIG OUTDOOR SALE this Saturday!

Deni's Dynamite Deals – your favourite thrift store in Harewood – is having another blowout outdoor sale this Saturday.

Find cool treasures at unbeatable prices and help those in need in your neighbourhood, as ALL the proceeds go to charity.

If you like collecting old things, or need useful items for around the house, Deni has just about everything you can image.

Find everything from clothing, toys, electronics, books, tools, household items, appliances, records, antiques and much much more.

On Saturday, hundreds of newly-donated items will fill the parking lot and area outside Deni's store, wrapping around the entire building.

Feel good about shopping, knowing that your purchase contributes to a good cause.

Find out more about Deni and his amazing charity work in the article below (LINK IN COMMENTS 🔗👇), and make sure to stop by the store this Saturday!

26/04/2026

In these times of uncertainty and strife, this is the kind of sign we all need.

There is love around every corner if you just look for it.

"If you have enough understanding and love, then every moment – whether it’s spent making breakfast, driving the car, watering the garden, or doing anything else in your day – can be a moment of joy."

– Thich Nhat Hanh, How To Love

MUCH LOVE to whoever is posting these amazing Power Pole Signs around Harewood and South Nanaimo.

See more Power Pole Signs at the link in comments
🔗👇

25/04/2026

Support local Harewood businesses! The Pubs of Harewood, Part 2 🍺🖤

If you love beer and live in Harewood, Wolf Brewing Company serves an amazing selection of locally-brewed lagers, pilsners, IPAs, ales and more. 🍻

And at Wolf, you can drink beer – but you can also eat it!

On a recent trip to The Wolf Den – the company's taproom on Old Victoria Road – we tried the new Mash Pizza, made from the spent grain from Wolf's beer brewing process, and it was delicious. 🍕

If you've never tried a pickle pizza, now's your chance – and believe me, it's worth it. 🥒

We also ordered the fat-and-salty pretzel sticks, which come with a drool-inducing Beer Cheese Dip. 🧀

Read the full review of Wolf Brewing Company on our website – link below in the comments
🔗👇

25/04/2026

We love Harewood! Please visit our website www.Harewood.life for tons of stories and photos about our awesome neighbourhood

15/04/2026

Anyone remember the Harewood Community Hall? Now we are really going back!

This place used to be a gathering spot in our neighbourhood for many years, located on Fourth Street in a large grass lot that separates the two sides of Watfield Avenue.

Older residents of Harewood remember attending dances, community meetings, Scout meets, local elections and other events there.

The Hall eventually became home of the Nanaimo Karate Club, and many still refer to the lot as the "Karate Field".

Read more about the history of the Harewood Community Hall in the article below - link in comments 🔗👇

12/04/2026

Mount Benson watching over Harewood at dusk