September 28, 2026

This Week...

Celebrate National Day for Truth & Reconciliation at Wellness Unites, businesses can apply for Luminous Paths micro-grants and learn how to prepare for Emergency Preparedness Month. Read on for more!

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation: Wellness Unites

Join the community on September 30 for Wellness Unites, a day of connection, recreation, and reflection with free family-friendly activities across Nanaimo.

The day begins at 9:30 am at Deverill Square Park with a traditional blessing by Snuneymuxw Elder Lolly and the unveiling of Noel Brown’s artwork. From 10 am to 2 pm, families can enjoy sport-themed inflatables, basketball, hockey and lacrosse activities, children’s games and toys, interactive community stations, food trucks and more.

Enjoy an Everyone Welcome Swim and access to the Beban Pool Weight Room from 11 am to 3 pm, or lace up for Everyone Welcome Skates at Frank Crane Arena, with free skate rentals available from 11 am to 12:45 pm and 1 pm to 3 pm. T-shirts featuring artwork by Snuneymuxw artist Noel Brown will also be available for purchase at both venues ($14 while supplies last).

A special thank you to Country Grocer for providing cookies for attendees at Deverill Square Park. Come together to learn, connect and celebrate community through wellness and recreation.

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Luminous Paths Micro-Grants

Tourism Nanaimo, in partnership with the City of Nanaimo, is offering micro-grants to businesses in Downtown Nanaimo and the Old City Quarter to encourage creative participation during Luminous Paths 2027 (February 15 – March 12, 2027), Nanaimo’s winter festival celebrating light, art, land, and community.

Downtown and Old City Quarter businesses can apply for micro-grants of $200 to $300 to create illuminated storefront displays or host creative, festival-inspired activities that help extend the festival experience throughout the downtown core. Participating businesses will also receive promotional festival materials to help attract visitors and encourage exploration of local shops and services during the festival. The initiative is intended to extend the festival experience into the downtown, giving visitors more reasons to explore local businesses while enjoying the event.

Applications are due by November 15, 2026.

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Are you Prepared?

October is Emergency Preparedness Month in Nanaimo. This is the seventh year we have designated this month to bring important messaging about how to prepare for a number of emergency situations. Everyone should be ready for anything from fires and earthquakes to storms and power outages.

The month begins with Fire Prevention Week from October 4 to 10. This year's theme is “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower” which focuses on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safe. On October 15 at 10:15 am, prepare to drop, cover and hold on during the Great BC ShakeOut earthquake drill. During this time, the City will also be testing our emergency alert system, Voyent Alert.

For more information on being prepared, visit the Personal Preparedness page on the City website.

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Cleaning Catch Basins

Fall has arrived and with it, is the chance for heavy rain. Make sure to check storm drains, culverts, ditches and catch basins around your property and clear away any debris blocking them. Thanks for your help in reducing the risk of flooding, Nanaimo.

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Open House

Nanaimo Fire Rescue is hosting an open house on October 6, from 2:30 to 4:30 pm at Fire Station #1, 666 Fitzwilliam Street. There will be new fire trucks on display, an interactive Fire Safety House, public education exhibits focused on fire prevention, and more! BC Wildfire will also be in attendance.

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Nanaimo Recycles

Paper garbage, recycling and organic calendar? It’s optional!

Download the Nanaimo Recycles app to receive collection reminders, a downloadable calendar, the What Goes Where tool and a tool to report Public Works or Parks-related issues!

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Emergency Alert Calls

Did you know? You can receive alerts with important instructions and safety information on your phone from the City in the event of a community-wide emergency. If you haven't yet, sign up for Voyent Alert!, Nanaimo's emergency alert system.

We are testing this system on October 15, 2026.

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Evolve E-Bike & E-Scooter

A new Evolve E-Bike & E-Scooter Parking Station is now available at Oliver Woods Community Centre, making it easier than ever to choose sustainable transportation when visiting. Whether you're arriving for a fitness class, program or event, you can conveniently park your e-bike or e-scooter on site. To learn more about Evolve's services and programs, visit their website.

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Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Here’s a list of up-to-date information on City construction projects. For more information on Nanaimo construction projects, visit the current Construction page on the City's website.

  • Storm sewer upgrades on Kenworth Road from Shenton Road to the end will require single-lane alternating traffic from Monday to Thursday between 7 am and 6 pm.
  • Dam maintenance and repairs on Middle Chase Dam in Colliery Dam Park are expected to be completed by October 23. The park, including the bridge and main trail system, will remain open throughout the project. However, an area adjacent to the dam spillway will be closed for construction activities. Please watch for crews and equipment, follow posted safety signage and use caution when travelling through the area.
  • Blueback Road between Groveland Drive and Dover Road will be closed September 28 and October 1 from 7am to 6 pm with detour in place to complete watermain tie-ins.
  • Pedestrian crossing upgrades at the intersection of Townsite and Holly will require intermittent single-lane alternating traffic on both roads until October 20.

Note: All businesses in the construction areas are open unless otherwise posted. When approaching construction zones, please make sure to slow down and obey all signage and traffic personnel instructions. Remember that construction zone speed limits are 30 km/hr unless otherwise posted. If you know your commute is taking you through any of the areas below, please allow for additional time and plan ahead.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

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Work With Us!

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

  • Municipal Services Inspector
  • Permit Centre Clerk
  • Records Supervisor, Police
  • Fire Fighter
  • Fire Training Technician
  • Planer II
  • Lifeguard/Instructor
  • Engineering Development Technician
  • Casuals, Police Services
  • Aquatic Supervisor
  • Urban Forester
  • Financial Analyst
  • Engineering Development Technician (TFT)
  • Casual Pool - Custodian Relief
  • Community Safety Officers
  • Water Technician
  • Casual Lifeguard/Instructors

JOB POSTINGS

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

Meetings This Week

Monday, September 28: Governance and Priorities Committee Meeting in the Shaw Auditorium starting at 1pm.

Thursday, October 1: Board of Variance Meeting in the SARC boardroom starting at 4 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

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