This Week... We want to hear your feedback on the Woodgrove Area Plan project, join the Art in Public Spaces Working Group and learn more about our Youth Poet Laureate. Read on for more! | Woodgrove Area Plan Project The City of Nanaimo is inviting the community to provide feedback on the draft policies, actions and monitoring indicators that will guide the transition of the Woodgrove Urban Centre into a complete community. The purpose of the Woodgrove Area Plan project is to provide a roadmap on how to transform the Woodgrove Urban Centre into a vibrant place to live, work and play. We want to hear your feedback! The survey opens today (January 12, 2026), and closes January 25, 2026. To learn more about the roadmap and take the survey, visit: https://www.getinvolvednanaimo.ca/woodgrove. Thank you for your participation! LEARN MORE | Art in Public Spaces Working Group The City is looking for volunteers to join the Art in Public Spaces Working Group. This group brings together people who are passionate about art and place-making to help guide the City’s public art program. Members share their knowledge and ideas, provide advice to staff and help make sure public art projects reflect our community. From start to finish, you’ll play a role in creating engaging, consistent and meaningful art in Nanaimo. Deadline for submissions: 11:59pm Pacific Time, January 25, 2026. Photo by: Sean Fenzl LEARN MORE | Youth Poet Laureate An emerging voice in Nanaimo’s literary community, Jennavieve Strub has been appointed the City of Nanaimo’s Youth Poet Laureate for a two-year term (2026 - 2028). Jennavieve was formally appointed by Council following a selection process that recognized her compelling body of work, strong community vision and commitment to making poetry accessible, inclusive and relevant to young people. Born and raised in Nanaimo, Jennavieve is currently in her fourth year at Vancouver Island University (VIU), completing a Bachelor of Arts with a dual focus in Psychology and Creative Writing. Her interdisciplinary background informs her writing practice, which explores themes of identity, belonging, grief, empathy and growth. LEARN MORE | | Personal Training Looking to achieve your fitness goals this year? Parks, Recreation and Culture offers a variety of personal training options designed to help you succeed. Our certified trainers will work with you to define your goals and create a customized program tailored to your needs, whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your fitness to the next level. Explore all the options available on page 62 of our Fall and Winter Activity Guide and start your journey today! ACTIVITY GUIDE | | Temporary Public Art Program Two innovative and community-focused projects have been selected for the City of Nanaimo’s 2026 Temporary Public Art Program. The selected projects, Forest Flowers by Eliza Gardiner and Isaiah Kingdon and Encrustation: Barnacles of Belonging by Twyla Exner, will transform public space through vibrant sculptural forms, participatory processes, and connections to Nanaimo’s natural and cultural landscape. LEARN MORE | Drop-in Schedules Our public drop-in schedules may change from time to time, so it’s always a good idea to “Check Before You Trek” to avoid any disappointment. The most up-to-date schedules are available online, making it easy to plan your visit before heading out. Simply visit our website to view the latest information and ensure your favorite activity is happening when you arrive. Stay informed and enjoy your experience! | | Fall and Winter Activity Guide Registration for winter programs, including swimming and skating lessons is underway. Check out our Fall and Winter Activity Guide to stay active this season. Also, did you know we have drop-in fitness programs available? Drop-in is only $12 per session. See the Fitness Section in our Fall and Winter Activity Guide and look for the “D” symbol for qualifying programs. LEARN MORE | | Spare Blox Youth Drop-in Spare Blox Youth Drop-in is happening at various locations. The ultimate place to have some fun with other youth in your community. It’s free, and you can get some exercise while meeting people and making friends. Four age groups to choose from. Please note that all sites are drop-in and are on a first come, first served basis. Space is limited. No pre-registration required. This is a partnership between the City of Nanaimo and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools. - AGE 10 TO 14 - Mon, until Mar 9, 5 to 6:30 pm at Park Avenue Elem.
- AGE 11 TO 15 - Mon, until Mar 9, 7 to 8:30 pm at Fairview Comm. School
- AGE 10 TO 14 - Tue, until Mar 10, 6 to 7:30 pm at Uplands Park Elem.
- AGE 10 TO 17 - Tue, until Mar 10, 6:30 to 8 pm at Oliver Woods
- AGE 13 TO 17 - Wed, until Mar 11, 8:30 to 10 pm at John Barsby School
| | Blue Cart Basics - Place accepted recyclables in the cart loosely without bagging them or nesting them inside one another.
- Rinse, squish and flatten items before placing them in the cart.
- Remove tape, string, ribbon or other contaminants.
- Items must be under 2 ft wide or tall.
- Make sure that the lid is closed completely.
- Take all beverage containers to a Return-It depot for a refund.
LEARN MORE | | 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. - Underground utility work has resumed on Third Street (west of Howard) and Fitzwilliam Street (Machleary to Milton). Single lane alternating traffic is in effect on both streets. Please use alternate routes where possible.
- Construction on Hammond Bay Rd (between Rutherford Rd and Turner Rd) has been temporarily suspended and will resume late February, 2026.
- Construction on Dickinson Rd (between Groveland Dr and Medd Rd) is ongoing as crews continue to work on replacing a water pressure reducing valve station. Single lane alternating traffic will be in operation along Dickinson Rd when needed. Avoid delays by taking Schook Rd and Dover Rd as an alternative route.
- Expect single lane alternating traffic or eastbound lane closures at times on Jingle Pot Road at the intersection of Holland Road. Eastbound traffic watch for possible detour using Holland Road and Ashlee Road.
- Expect slight delays due to single lane alternating traffic along Applecross Road between Portsmouth Road and Dover Road while crews work on replacing a watermain.
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 | Work With Us! We are currently looking for candidates to fill the following positions: - Venue Technician and Site Liaison (Offsite Contractor)
- Operations Support Supervisor
- Prisoner Guard
- Aquatic Supervisor
- Lifeguard/Instructors
- Casual Arena Maintenance Worker
- Building Official
- Casual Lifeguard/Instructors
- Casual Clerk Opportunities
- Casuals - Police Services
JOB POSTINGS | Stay up to Date with the City | | | | |
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