Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes, Nanaimo News Now.)
By Mike Vanden Bosch
Alleged sexual assault

43-year-old man arrested in alleged sexual assault of 17-year-old girl inside a steam room: Nanaimo RCMP

Jul 23, 2026 | 10:33 AM

NANAIMO – Police in Nanaimo say a 43-year-old man has been arrested and released for an alleged sexual assault involving a 17-year-old girl at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre last week.

Nanaimo RCMP say they received a report last Thursday, July 16 that a teenaged girl had been sexually assaulted in the facility’s steam room. After an investigation, officers identified and arrested a 43-year-old male on July 17, 2026.

They have not released the man’s name because he has not been formally charged.

The suspect was released on conditions pending further investigation.

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“Nanaimo RCMP prioritized this investigation and through close collaboration with the City of Nanaimo, investigators were able to identify and arrest the suspect in a timely manner,” said Inspector Donovan Tait, Operations Officer for Nanaimo RCMP. “Everyone has the right to feel safe in our public spaces and recreation facilities. Incidents of sexual assault are taken very seriously, and this type of criminal behavior will not be tolerated. We remain committed to working with our community partners to protect the public and hold offenders accountable.”

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