January 29, 2024

This Week...

Explore our new interactive maps to learn about Public Works, celebrate Nanaimo's wetlands on World Wetlands Day and join us for Winter GoByBike Week. Read on for more!

Interactive Maps

Explore two new new interactive maps where you can learn about the City of Nanaimo’s Public Works Yard as well as the services Public Works provides in the community!

Use the Legend tool to see a description for each symbol on the map. Click on the different symbols for details and a closer look at the Public Works Yard’s assets and infrastructure.

PUBLIC WORKS YARD

PUBLIC WORKS IN OUR COMMUNITY

World Wetlands Day

Every year, February 2 marks World Wetlands Day. Established in 1971 at the RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands, this day brings awareness to the critical role wetlands play. They are Mother Nature’s water filters, important habitats for many species and they provide protection from flood, drought and climate change. This year’s theme for World Wetlands Day is Wetlands and Human Wellbeing. The City, along with Snuneymuxw First Nation and a number of community volunteers and stewardship groups, have completed a number of wetland restorations in our parks. The results of some of these restorations can be seen through timelapse photos from the Chronolog restoration monitoring program. You can even participate in the program by visiting one of monitored parks, listed, taking a photo and uploading it to Chronolog.

RESTORATION MONITORING SITES

Winter GoByBike Week

Registered participants who submit their km’s are automatically signed up for the chance to win one of many great prizes including an incredible and transformative cycling trip to the beautiful island of Sicily as well as a brand-new E-bike from Pedego electric bikes. Celebration stations between February 5 to 9 will be located as following:

🚴‍ February 5, 7 to 9 am - Metral Drive at Mostar Road
🚴‍ February 6, 4 to 6 pm - Front Street across from the Port Theatre
🚴 February 7, 4 to 6 pm - 1925 Boxwood Road
🚴‍ February 8, 7 to 9 am - E&N at Giggleswick Place across from Brooks Landing

To wrap-up Winter GoByBike 2024 there will be a free family friendly group ride on February 9 between 4 and 6 pm at the Beban Park Breezeway. This 7-9 km loop will travel from Beban, along the E&N trail and through the neighbourhoods and back to the celebration station and refreshments. Please pre-register by calling 250-756-5200 or Register for a Program (event ID #116297)

GOBYBIKE WEEK

Urban Design Roster

We are thrilled to welcome 21 new and returning artists and designers to the Urban Design Roster for a two-year term (2024-2026) as part of the City’s public art program. Artists and designers on the Roster have an opportunity to be involved in civic urban design – from artistic wraps on traffic boxes to murals on civic buildings! We look forward to all the ways these talented artists will contribute to the creation of unique, dynamic and engaging public spaces.

 

PUBLIC ART

Learn to Meditate

In this introductory class you will explore ways to calm your body and mind. Meditation is gaining more exposure in scientific studies, showing how the brain can benefit from increased neural pathways during mindfulness practices. Bring a journal and create a practice you can continue on your own.

  • February 4 (#109575)
  • March 3 (#109577)

The cost is $25 and the classes are taking place at Bowen Park complex between 11 am - 1 pm. 

REGISTER

Prevent Falls

Falls account for 85% of senior injury related hospitalizations, leading to extended hospital stays and contributing to a significant portion of admissions to long-term care facilities. In this session, practical strategies to prevent falls and to maintain a safe home and active lifestyle will be discussed. We will also explore assistive devices for fall prevention.

  • February 7 (#109889)

REGISTER

Bastion Lighting Calendar

Did you know? The Bastion has six lights surrounding the structure and organizations can request the Bastion to be illuminated in specific colours to promote their cause.

February 1 to 7: Purple for Provincial Eating Disorders Awareness Week
February 11: Red for 211 Day
February 22: Purple and orange for Human Trafficking Day
February 29: Blue and green for Rare Disease Day

BASTION CALENDAR

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Up-to-date information on City construction projects:

Midtown Water Supply Project

  • Construction is underway in the Black Diamond Drive Neighbourhood, construction is 7am-7pm, the road closure is 24 hours per day with one way local and emergency vehicle traffic only along Black Diamond Drive entering from Crows Nest Place towards Coal Tyee Trail / Venuti Way to Jingle Pot Road. The western access to Black Diamond Drive from Jingle Pot Road will be closed with vehicular traffic detoured to enter at the eastern access. The speed limit is reduced to 30 km/h. Drivers must slowdown in work zones and pay close attention to signage.
  • The trail that connects VIU, the Black Diamond neighbourhood and Third Street is closed to the public. This area is an active construction site for the installation of the water supply main. Construction traffic will enter and exit the work zone at Third Street across from the Rotary Field House.
  • 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:
    • East Wellington, Westwood Road to Bowen Road
    • Griffiths Road, end to Madsen Road
    • Third Street across from the Rotary Fieldhouse
  • Along the Parkway visual distractions of the project construction will be noticeable at between Northfield Road south to Jingle Pot Road.
  • Night Work starting Monday January 29 will be occurring along the Parkway between Exit 18 Jingle Pot Rd and Exit 16 Fifth Street / College Drive. Construction hours are 7pm to 6am. The center lane will be closed in both directions. Expect minor delays. Work is expected to be active for three nights however it could be until Saturday February 3 at 6am.

Thank you for your patience! Learn more about this project: Midtown Water Supply Upgrades.

Terminal Avenue

  • Terminal Avenue upgrades will be ongoing between Commercial Street and Esplanade Street.
  • The mid-block crosswalk at Gordon Street is closed until the installation of the new signals, expected late this year:
    • Pedestrians please use the crosswalks at Commercial Street and Esplanade for safe crossing
  • Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
  • Speed limit will be reduced as this will be an active construction zone.
  • Obey all signs and traffic control personnel.

Sixth Street Watermain Upgrade

  • Construction work is ongoing on Sixth Road between Bruce Avenue and Park Avenue
  • Typical construction hours are Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm
  • Commuters are encouraged to avoid this area if possible. If that is not possible, expect delays and account for extra time when navigating the area
  • Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction
  • Obey all signs and traffic control persons

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
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Work With Us!

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

  • Financial Analyst
  • Human Resources Advisor (2)
  • Senior Technical Support Specialist, Network
  • Buyer
  • Civil Design Technologist
  • Building Official
  • Financial Analyst, Temporary Full-Time
  • Casual Clerical Opportunities
  • Casual - Police Services
  • Casual Lifeguard/Instructors

JOB POSTINGS
A view from the Mayor's chair in the Shaw auditorium looking toward the audience

Meetings This Week

There are no meetings scheduled this week but you can tune into the next scheduled Council Meeting on February 5.

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

Stay up to Date with Council, Programming and Events