New 'nature-based' elementary school opening in Nanaimo
A new elementary school is slated to open in Nanaimo next fall, with a focus on outdoor and "nature-based" learning.
The independent school, Nanaimo Innovation Academy (NIA), will open for the 2022 – 2023 school year with room for 32 children ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 3.
The school says its unique programming makes sure that "at least half the day or more" is spent outdoors at local greenspaces, beaches, or other ecosystems.
The students are accompanied by both a teacher and "forest educator," according to NIA, and the school has its own bus to take kids on their daily outings.
"This truly is a unique opportunity for children in Nanaimo," said Keely Freeman, founder and executive director of NIA in a statement Tuesday.
"Our school is designed for children to get muddy and play outside in nature every day, where teachers love to learn alongside their students, and where the education is inspired by a child’s interests and passions."
Children at NIA will be divided into two classes of 16 students each, with one class being for kids in Kindergarten and Grade 1, and the other being for kids in Grades 1 to 3.
The school plans to add classes for more grades in the years to come.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Netanyahu says he supports ceasefire proposal with Lebanon's Hezbollah
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that he would recommend his cabinet adopt a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah, as Israeli warplanes struck across Lebanon, killing at least 23 people.
Loonie falls to lowest since 2020 after Trump threatens tariffs on Canadian goods
The Canadian dollar fell to its lowest level since May 2020 after Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian goods shipped to the United States once he takes office in January.
They thought they'd found Amelia Earhart's plane. Instead, the search continues
The disappearance of pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart more than 87 years ago has remained one of the most captivating mysteries in history, with a handful of explorers devoted to scouring the seas for any clue to her final whereabouts.
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Follow live: Notorious killer Paul Bernardo seeks parole
Paul Bernardo, one of Canada’s most notorious killers, is seeking parole at the medium security La Macaza Institution in Quebec. He was transferred there from an Ontario maximum-security prison last year, to significant public outcry.
Longtime member of Edmonton theatre community dies during 'A Christmas Carol' performance
Edmonton's theatre community is in mourning after an actor died during a performance of "A Christmas Carol" at the Citadel Theatre on Sunday.
Violence in Montreal had nothing to do with pro-Palestinian cause: police chief
Montreal's police chief says it's 'impossible' for protest organizers to prevent people bent on violence from infiltrating demonstrations.
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Trudeau confirms premiers meeting, Poilievre calls Trump tariff threat 'unjustified'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be convening a meeting of all of Canada's premiers 'this week' to discuss U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's intent to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico on his first day in office, if border issues aren't addressed.
South Korea convicts man over binge eating to dodge military draft
A South Korean man who ate to the point of obesity in an attempt to dodge the army has avoided prison after he pledged to take up his mandatory military service.
Ontario woman buys van with odometer rolled back almost 100,000 kilometres
An Ontario woman thought she got a good deal when she bought a van for $2,700, but later learned the odometer had been rolled back nearly 100,000 kilometres.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Vancouver
-
Mounties seize cannabis, submachine guns in B.C. investigation
Mounties say they have dismantled a large drug distribution ring in Metro Vancouver, seizing automatic weapons and hundreds of kilograms of illicit cannabis.
-
'No view' tickets for Taylor Swift's Vancouver shows reselling for thousands
It appears that Swifties hoping to experience the final dates of the sold-out Eras Tour in December were given another chance Monday.
-
Video shows B.C. cat bursting through pet door to confront raccoons
Several hungry raccoons were chased off a B.C. couple’s deck this week by one over-confident house cat – who was ultimately lucky to saunter away unscathed.
Kelowna
-
Man in hospital following targeted shooting in Kamloops
Police are appealing for information on a targeted shooting that resulted in the hospitalization of a man in Kamloops.
-
Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior
British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year.
-
B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids
A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail.
Edmonton
-
LIVE at 3:30LIVE at 3:30 Alberta to announce actions against Ottawa's proposed emissions cap
The Alberta government is hitting back at the proposed federal emissions cap Tuesday afternoon.
-
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Trump's border concerns are valid as tariffs loom
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Donald Trump’s concerns about the border are valid, as the president-elect threatens sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods.
-
Longtime member of Edmonton theatre community dies during 'A Christmas Carol' performance
Edmonton's theatre community is in mourning after an actor died during a performance of "A Christmas Carol" at the Citadel Theatre on Sunday.
Calgary
-
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Trump's border concerns are valid as tariffs loom
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Donald Trump’s concerns about the border are valid, as the president-elect threatens sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods.
-
Calgary moving ahead with water fluoridation, expected completion in early 2025
The City of Calgary is currently commissioning its upgraded water treatment equipment with plans to reintroduce fluoride into the water supply on track for early 2025.
-
TSB orders more training following incident involving plane in Calgary
The Transportation Safety Board says an incident that involved a Westjet plane hitting the runway in Calgary earlier this year was connected to an issue with pilot training on a particular model of aircraft.
Lethbridge
-
Nenshi says not sending voter cards due to postal strike could affect byelection
Alberta Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi says a decision not to mail out voter registration cards due to the Canada Post strike could hurt turnout in a provincial byelection that's been called for a week before Christmas.
-
Lethbridge business community concerned as Canada Post strike drags on
Lethbridge businesses are starting to feel the pressure after 11 days of the Canada Post workers’ strike. The strike comes right as the Christmas shopping season is kicking into high gear.
-
Lethbridge activates snow routes, windrow assistance program
The City of Lethbridge activated its snow routes Monday for the first time this season.
Winnipeg
-
'It is sad': Portage la Prairie mall closing after 45 years
A beloved retail staple in Portage la Prairie, Man., is shutting its doors at the end of the year.
-
Virologist not surprised by mpox case in Manitoba
A Manitoba virologist said he is not surprised by the first confirmed mpox case in the province.
-
'People have got to be safe:' Manitoba premier responds to fatal police shooting
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew offered condolences Monday to the families affected by two fatal police shootings in the province and spoke to the challenge faced by officers on the front lines.
Regina
-
Sask. premier says Trump tariff threat 'disastrous' for food security, energy, employment
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says if President-elect Donald Trump imposes a 25 per cent tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico it would have a disastrous effect on food security and energy across North America.
-
Province adding 9 physicians to Regina, Saskatoon cancer centres
The provincial government says nine new physicians have been hired and will work at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre in Regina and Saskatoon Cancer Centre.
-
Canadian Western Agribition kicks off 53rd year in Regina
The Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) officially kicked off Monday with the ceremonial burning of the brand.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon man taken to hospital after allegedly stabbed in forehead
A man has been taken to hospital after he was allegedly stabbed early on Tuesday.
-
City budget adjusted to include 5.84% property tax bump
The City of Saskatoon's planned property tax increase in its proposed budget has been marginally bumped up to 5.84 per cent.
-
Sask. premier says Trump tariff threat 'disastrous' for food security, energy, employment
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says if President-elect Donald Trump imposes a 25 per cent tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico it would have a disastrous effect on food security and energy across North America.
Toronto
-
Ford says Trump's proposed 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods like 'a family member stabbing you right in the heart'
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods proposed by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is akin to 'a family member stabbing you right in the heart.'
-
Traveller at Toronto Pearson airport caught with 45 kg of weed in her luggage: RCMP
A 21-year-old woman has been charged after allegedly attempting to conceal 45 kilograms of cannabis in her luggage.
-
Loonie falls to lowest since 2020 after Trump threatens tariffs on Canadian goods
The Canadian dollar fell to its lowest level since May 2020 after Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian goods shipped to the United States once he takes office in January.
Montreal
-
WATCH LIVE AT 1:40 P.M.WATCH LIVE AT 1:40 P.M. Legault says Trump's 25 per cent tariff would pose 'huge risk' for Quebec, Canadian economies
Premier François Legault says President-elect Donald Trump's threat of a 25 per cent tariff on all imports would pose a 'huge risk' to the Quebec and Canadian economies.
-
Violence in Montreal had nothing to do with pro-Palestinian cause: police chief
Montreal's police chief says it's 'impossible' for protest organizers to prevent people bent on violence from infiltrating demonstrations.
-
'The pedestrian needs to be visible': students, residents call for safer roads in Montreal West
Residents of Montreal West were told Monday night that the town is working to improve safety in the area around Royal West Academy and Westminster Avenue but it is waiting on the Montreal police service (SPVM) and other levels of government to act.
Ottawa
-
'It's insulting:' Ontario premier slams Trump on Canadian tariff threat
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is reacting to a threat from incoming U.S. president-elect Donald Trump to impose tariffs on imports from Canada, calling the proposal ‘insulting’ and emphasizing the need for leaders to work together on a response.
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Follow live: Notorious killer Paul Bernardo seeks parole
Paul Bernardo, one of Canada’s most notorious killers, is seeking parole at the medium security La Macaza Institution in Quebec. He was transferred there from an Ontario maximum-security prison last year, to significant public outcry.
-
Colder weather, freezing rain prompts rush for winter tires in Ottawa
Winter's cold bite is fast approaching and despite rising living costs, many are looking to get a grip on the weather and roads with tires that can handle the conditions.
Atlantic
-
Nova Scotians head to the polls to vote in snap election; results delayed by an hour
Nova Scotians are casting their votes Tuesday in a snap provincial election, but they won't learn the outcome until after 9 p.m., due to a delayed opening at a polling station.
-
P.E.I. RCMP issues warning after recent online sextortion attempts on teen boys
The Prince Edward Island RCMP is warning people to be careful online after receiving reports of three sextortion attempts targeting teen boys across the province in recent days.
-
'A living hell': Parents of Cape Breton man plead for information after disappearance declared a homicide
Ken and Peggy MacDonald have been out searching every day - all 141 days - since their son, Justin MacDonald, disappeared back in the summer.
London
-
Fatal crash reported south of Ingersoll
A stretch of road south of Ingersoll is expected to be closed for several hours following a crash. OPP are on scene of the two-vehicle crash on Plank Line, which is closed between McBeth Road and Salford Road.
-
Londoner whose wallet was stolen from their unlocked car serves as cautionary tale
A good reminder for Londoners to lock their cars, a woman is facing charges after being spotted trying to open car doors in the east end of the city over the weekend.
-
IPV investigation in Elgin County leads to charges
One person is facing charges following an intimate partner violence (IPV) investigation by Elgin OPP.
Kitchener
-
Victims' families urge parole board to keep 'sadistic' killer Bernardo behind bars
The mothers of two teenage girls who were tortured and murdered by Paul Bernardo made emotional pleas at a Parole Board of Canada hearing Tuesday to keep the notorious killer and rapist behind bars, as he makes his third attempt to secure a release.
-
Police responding to barricaded person call in Kitchener
There is an increased police presence in a Kitchener neighbourhood as police respond to a call about a barricaded person.
-
INTERPOL warns Guelph Police of concerning social media post
A Guelph teenager has learned to be more careful about what she posts online after one of her Snapchat stories caught the attention of INTERPOL.
Northern Ontario
-
Sudbury resident scammed out of $20K, suspect from southern Ont. charged
A 21-year-old from southern Ontario has been charged with several offences after a victim from Greater Sudbury was tricked into giving him $20,000.
-
Suspect in attempted murder in Cobalt, Ont., makes court appearance
The 18-year-old suspect charged in a disturbing attack on his ex-girlfriend was in court Tuesday morning.
-
Ford says Trump's proposed 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods like 'a family member stabbing you right in the heart'
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods proposed by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is akin to 'a family member stabbing you right in the heart.'
N.L.
-
As N.L. firm pivots, scientists say Canada's green hydrogen dreams are far-fetched
A Newfoundland energy company's embrace of data centres is raising doubts about eastern Canadian hopes of harnessing the region's howling winds to supply Germany with power from green hydrogen.
-
Canadian leads group pushing Vatican for zero-tolerance policy on abuse by clergy
An international group led by a Canadian is in Rome this week to push the Catholic Church to adopt a zero-tolerance policy on abuse by clergy.
-
Newfoundland wind-to-hydrogen company eyes data centre as international market lags
A company hoping to build a multi-billion-dollar wind-to-hydrogen project in western Newfoundland is eyeing other options as Canada's plans to supply Europe with green energy have not yet materialized.
