April 12, 2021

This week... 

Participate in an invasive plant removal work party, fill out a short-term rental survey and the Bastion turns green honouring National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness. Read on for more!

Message from Island Health

As of April 8, there were 504 active COVID-19 cases in the Island Health region (271 in the South Island, 201 in the Central Island and 32 in the North Island) with approximately 16% of recent cases community acquired (no known source and did not report travel outside of Island Health).

• In the past month, wthin Island Health approximately 60-75% of COVID-19 cases have been linked to a known cluster. In the majority of situations, these clusters can be linked to indoor gatherings or workplaces.
• With daily case counts in Island Health at an all-time high and the growing prevalence of variants of concern in our communities, we are urging people to avoid the high-risk activities that have pushed COVID-19 cases to an all-time high throughout our region.
• With the number of new variants being seen in B.C., it is important to get tested early if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. If you are feeling sick, stay home, self-isolate and call 1-844-901-8442 (8:30 am – 8:00 pm daily) to book a test. If you are uncertain if you need a test, visit bc.thrive.health or review the symptoms on Island Health’s website.
• Island Health is on track to meet the provincial expectation for all adults to receive their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before July 1. For the latest information on vaccine eligibility, how and when to book, visit Island Health's COVID-19 vaccine page. 

ISLAND HEALTH COVID-19

My Nanaimo Spring 2021

Welcome to the My Nanaimo video series, where we will bring you up to speed on City announcements, events and things to do. 

Invasive Plant Removal

Let's pull together! Removing English Ivy (Hedera Helix) and Broom (Cytisus scoparius) are the focus of this year's work parties. Learn more about Nanaimo's invasive species so you can easily identify and safely remove them from your property. There is no cost to attend work parties or invasive plant drop zones. Following protocol, Parks, Recreation & Culture is asking residents to register in advance using the program codes in the graphic below.

Bastion Turns Green

The Bastion will be coloured green April 18 – 24, 2021 to honour National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week. On April 7, staff and Council wore green shirts to remember and recognize the victims and families of the Humboldt crash and to continue the legacy of Humboldt Bronco's defenceman Logan Boulet whose organ donation saved lives and inspired Canadians to register as donors. 

REGISTER WITH BC TRANSPLANT

Short-Term Rentals

The City is seeking feedback from residents and property owners on proposed bylaw changes affecting the use of homes as short-term rentals. Renters and landlords also have the opportunity to share their experience finding and maintaining homes for rent.

Housing affordability was among the top three concerns for community members who participated in the first phase of engagement for the City's REIMAGINE NANAIMO strategic policy review completed in January 2021. Consistent with recognizing this concern, the surveys are part of ongoing implementation of the City’s 2018 Affordable Housing Strategy recommendations and the recently completed 2021 Health and Housing Action Plan. Both documents support ensuring accessible and affordable market rentals for Nanaimo residents.

The proposed bylaw changes include; allowing short-term rentals in all zones; allowing short-term rental of an entire home provided the short-term rental operator lives in the home the majority of the year; requiring a business license for short-term rental accommodation and providing an explanatory guide and operator declaration form for short-term rental operator requirements. 

Surveys are available online until May 10, 2021. Hard copies will be provided to known market rental apartment buildings and will also be provided upon request.

SHORT-TERM RENTAL SURVEY

Grass Clippings 101

The weather is getting warmer and with that comes regular lawn maintenance. If you have a lot of grass clippings, please avoid packing your Green Cart to the brim. Tightly packed wet grass clippings are prone to stick to the bottom and sides of the green cart, preventing the cart from fully emptying.

Follow these tips to prevent grass clippings from sticking in your green cart:

• Line the bottom of your cart with crumpled newspaper, pizza boxes or paper bags.
• Load dry materials first, then loosely layer grass clippings.
• Less Time = Less Stick so load clippings in your cart the night before or morning of collection.

Pro Tip: Save time and add nutrients to your lawn by "Grasscycling": Use the mulch setting and leave grass clippings on your lawn after mowing.

GREEN CART INFO

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Up-to-date information on City construction projects:

• Please remember access is limited on Metral Drive from Turner Rod to Mostar Road for residents and business traffic only. Metral Drive is closed to through traffic. As an active construction site with large machinery working and deep utility trenches, road closures may occur and delays are to be expected. Please drive slowly and respect signage.
• To accommodate development and maintain site safety, Rock City Road will be closed from Ocean Pearl Terrace to Barrington Road to through traffic 24 hours for 5 weeks. Local traffic should expect delays and plan their trips accordingly.
• Single lane traffic on Comox Road will continue this week as final paving is completed. Traffic will return to normal next week with all four lanes open.
• Construction continues on the Front Street Complete Street project. Commuters can expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes whenever possible. All businesses and parkades remain open and accessible.
• Crews are returning to Victoria Road working on the 2020 mobility upgrades.
• Sanitary sewer upgrades on Stewart Avenue between Cypress Street and St. George Street will began April 6 and will likely continue for 4 weeks.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Council in Action

Missed what decisions Council made during one of their meetings? Don’t worry, we have you covered! Check out our Council Meeting Summary page for quick overviews.

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City of Nanaimo's COVID-19 Response

• Masks Mandatory in all public spaces at all City facilities.
• Please refer to the City website for a list of front desk hours of operation.
• Safety protocols are in place to help keep both visitors and staff safe when visiting our facilities. Please check out our Online Services page to see how we can help you.
• Recreation facilities, the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and arenas are open and following province-wide COVID-19 safety protocols.
• Outdoor amenities remain open, however please continue to practice physical distancing, hand washing & please stay home if not feeling 100% well.

VISIT COVID-19 INFO PAGE