VIU news and experts for February 27, 2026
This week, we are highlighting research to save salmon from toxic chemicals and a competition that showcases the skills of the best trades students in the region. We're also gearing up to host the CCAA men's national basketball championships.
Featured experts
Monitoring toxic chemicals in salmon-bearing streams
When rain hits the road, it carries a hidden threat downstream as a cocktail of contaminants are transported to streams through stormwater drains. Dr. Erik Krogh, Co-director of VIU's Applied Environment Research Laboratories, is studying how this pollution affects local salmon streams in collaboration with the BC Conservation Foundation.
One of these contaminants, known as 6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ), leaches from tiny tire wear particles left behind on the road. It forms when a common tire additive reacts with oxidants in the air. It is acutely toxic to coho salmon even at extremely low concentrations. The study has identified high-priority stormwater outfalls affecting small, fish-bearing streams in the urban landscape. Krogh and partners are now testing rain gardens and filtration systems and developing “stream report cards” to help guide future solutions.
Learn more about this research
VIU News
Showcasing skills
Secondary school students from Duncan to Nanaimo will put their skills to the test at Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus March 5 during the Skills Canada BC Vancouver Island Central Regional Competition.
The day-long event brings together students to compete in a range of skilled trades and technology categories, including carpentry, cooking, welding, hairdressing, automotive service and esthetics.
Gold medalists from the regional competitions will advance to the provincial championships on April 15 in Abbotsford. Provincial gold medal winners will then move on to the Skills Canada National Competition, taking place May 28 and 29 in Toronto, Ontario.
Media are invited to attend the competitions and the medal ceremony.
Schedule and locations:
- Culinary: Building 300, Room 156 9 am to 1:30 pm
- Welding: Building 130, Welding Shop 9:30 am to 1 pm
- Carpentry: Building 108, Carpentry Shop 8:30 am to 2:30 pm
- Hairdressing: Building 164, 9 am to 2:30 pm
- Esthetics: Building 164, 9 am to 2:30 pm
- Automotive Building 150, Automotive Shop 8:30 am to 2 pm
- Medal ceremony Building 180, Room 134 2:45 pm
VIU hosting CCAA Men's Basketball Nationals
The 2026 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men’s Basketball National Championship will take place on VIU turf from March 18 to 21. The multi-day event will bring the nation's top collegiate basketball talent to Nanaimo. Head Coach Matt Kuzminski promises the event will be “fast-paced, high-level and exciting.”
Happening at VIU
Love, courage and swordplay take the stage in Theatre department's spring play
The story of a poet whose wit and courage helps him navigate love, friendship and rivalry comes to life at VIU this month with the Theatre department’s production of Cyrano de Bergerac.
“Cyrano rivals Romeo and Juliet when it comes to love stories,” said Director Leon Potter. “The world is filled with ‘hook-up’ culture and the concept of passion and romance have thinned, so I feel this show is a wonderful statement on the depth of love and laughter that resides in all of us.”
Audiences can expect swordfights, laughter and chivalry throughout the show. Tickets can be purchased on Showpass.
VIU in the News
Creative kudos
VIU Theatre Professor Leon Potter has received the Excellence in Culture award at Nanaimo’s 2026 Culture Awards. The awards celebrate the city’s art, culture and heritage, honouring those who have helped strengthen Nanaimo’s creative community.
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