April 24, 2023

This Week...

Sign up to attend a Public Works open house, Beach Estates Park re-opens and get a birds-eye view of Westwood Lake improvements. Read on for more!
dog licence renewals

Annual Maintenance 

The Steve Smith Bike Park is undergoing annual maintenance and all, or parts of it, may be shut down for up to four weeks. The skills park will also undergo maintenance. The pump track and BMX tracks are not affected. The work crew will keep any lines open for use if they can.

BEBAN PARK
photo of public works yard where an open house will take place May 24

Public Works Open House

On May 24, the public is invited to partake in a free, semi-guided tour of the Public Works yard. Work/information zones will provide examples of “Connecting the World Through Public Works”.

See how public works professionals connect us physically through infrastructure and inspirationally through service to their communities, carrying out their duties with pride.

There are a limited number of spots available, registration is required for this tour. Log into your recreation account at recreation.nanaimo.ca and use course code 97873.

REGISTER NOW
photo of newly fixed up boardwalk in Beach Estates Park

Beach Estates Park Open

Recently, a tree fell in Beach Estates Park, destroying a part of the walkway. Parks crews have been working quickly to make the neccesary repairs and are happy to report the park is now open.

Thank you for your patience during these repairs, we hope you enjoy being back in the park again soon!

 

BEACH ESTATES PARK INFO

Westwood Lake Improvements

Phase 1 is in full swing and includes many improvements to the park entrance: 

  • enhanced natural green spaces
  • improved parking (moving some current spots to lessen environmental impact, using permeable and impermeable surfacing and adding more spots and four additional accessible parking stalls)
  • better parking lot circulation flow and safety features
  • planting of additional native trees and shrubs
  • integration of stormwater management areas and rain gardens to capture and filter rainwater
  • mobility improvements along Westwood Road for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Some fun facts about the project include: 

  • Trees cut down for the project went to good use:
    • Twelve logs were donated to the Mid-Island Woodworkers Guild, which they will process for use by SD68’s woodworking programs
    • Two of the logs are being turned into benches
    • Six logs will be used as landscaping features
  • Stormwater is managed to have a positive environmental impact:
    • Permeable pavers in the middle of the parking lot help with water treatment
    • Two large rain gardens will treat stormwater
    • “Through style” catchbasins will help you see the stormwater as it enters the raingardens
  • In addition to all those neat things, you will experience a more user-friendly parking lot with easily accessible pedestrian features.

Work is expected to wrap in time for May long weekend. To learn more about this project, visit getinvolvednanaimo.ca. 

WESTWOOD LAKE IMPROVEMENTS
financial literacy course for youth

Youth Week

Activities are planned from May 1 to 7, all with the intent of celebrating youth in Nanaimo.

Highlights include youth drop-in sessions (Spare Blox and Youth Lounge), a variety of workshops, including Food Securities, Youth Empowerment, Financial Literacy and Mental Health, as well as a Buttertubs Tour and a Learn to Fish session. Most activities offered during Youth Week are free, and details can be found on the YOUth Nanaimo Facebook page and on the City of Nanaimo website.

Pre-registration is required for several of the events and space is limited so don't delay, log into your Parks, Recreation & Culture account at recreation.nanaimo.ca and secure your spot.

YOUTH WEEK EVENTS

WorkBC Job Fair

The City of Nanaimo and Nanaimo RCMP, along with several other employers will be attending a WorkBC Job Fair on April 26 between 1 and 4 pm in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. 

You can speak with recruiters from a variety of business and organizations. Learn about wages, company culture, benefits and opportunities for advancement. Bring your resume and sign up to attend! 

NANAIMO JOB FAIR

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Up-to-date information on City construction projects:

  • Country Club Drive (from Wassell Way to Colwood Road) will be closed during the day for a water main upgrades. Access will be limited to residents, and emergency services. Other commuters should plan an alternate route.

Midtown Water Supply and Midtown Gateway Projects:

  • On April 26 from 7 am to 9 pm expect lane and sidewalk closures southbound on Bowen Road near Rosstown Road along with no left turn access out of Rosstown Road - please use Pheasant Terrace and Labieux Road.
  • All main parking lots, facilities and park amenities within Beban Park are open during construction. Certain areas of the park are fenced off and closed to the public for safety reasons. Detours will be in place to access all amenities within the park. Please obey all signage placed for your safety and follow the directions of any flag persons on duty.
  • Traffic flow is adjusted along Northfield Road between the Parkway (HWY19) and Boxwood Road for this critical infrastructure project. Traffic should avoid this area if possible and delays are to be expected. The speed limit is reduced to 30 km/h. Drivers must slowdown in work zones and pay close attention to signage.
  • Commuters can expect minor delays along many streets in the City while the construction crews progress on this project. The construction will create visual distractions and minor delays for commuters. Drivers, pay close attention to signage and the construction traffic as they enter and exit these sections of the project:
    • Boxwood Road, between Meredith Road and Tulsa Road.
    • Griffiths Road, end to Madsen Road.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Work With Us!

We are currently looking for candidates to fill the following positions:

  • 2023 Seasonal Recreation Leader Vacancies
  • Temporary Recreation Leader II - Inclusion
  • Active Transportation Project Specialist (TFT)
  • Transportation Planning Specialist
  • HR Associate - Disability Management/OHS
  • Recreation Coordinator - Cultural Services
  • Municipal Services Inspector - Temporary Full-time
  • Buyer
  • Recreation Coordinator - Aquatics
  • Casual Police Information Clerks
  • Roads Management Specialist - Temporary Full-Time
  • Building Official
  • Casuals - Police Services
  • Custodian - Relief Pool
  • Casual Lifeguard/Instructors

JOB POSTINGS

Meetings This Week

Monday, April 24: Governance and Priorities Committee at 1 pm

Wednesday, April 26: Special Governance and Priorities Committee at 9 am

Thursday, April 27: Design Advisory Panel Meeting at 5 pm

MEETINGS

If you are not able to attend or tune in live, you can always review decisions made at each Council meeting simply by reading the Council Meeting Summaries. These summaries are typically posted the day after each meeting.

COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARIES
City News banner photo of people walking on departure bay seawall

Here's a recap of last week's City news

Strategic Advisor to lead development of Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation

Nanaimo celebrates 2023 Youth Week

Nanaimo's CAO Jake Rudolph announces retirement

Stay up to date with all things City