This Week... Register for GoByBike week, check out the new improvements to Westwood Lake Park’s First Beach, and water parks are now open. Read on for more! | Spring GoByBike Week Get ready to pedal your way into summer - Spring GoByBike week is less than two weeks away! Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, there's something for everyone who participates in active transportation. Check out our celebration stations across the city, grab some free goodies, and enjoy various activities. 📍 Celebration Stations: - May 31: Kick-off Event, Maffeo Sutton Park from 2 to 6 pm
- June 1: Westwood Lake Park from 11 am to 1 pm
- June 2: North-End Station, Metral Drive & Mostar Road from 7 to 9:30 am
- June 3: Boxwood & Bowen Road (new pathway) from 9 to 11 a.m.
- June 4: E&N Trail Station, Giggleswick Place entrance from 7 to 9:30 am
- June 5: Front Street & Museum Way from 4 to 6 pm
- June 6: Boundary Avenue (NRGH) parking lot from 6:45 to 9 am
- June 7: Wrap-Up Celebration & Charity Bike Ride with live music, Maffeo Sutton Park from 11 am to 1 pm
📍 Pride Parade: - June 8: Pride Parade, bike valet and GoByBike booth with DJ at Deverill Square Park from 11 am to 12 pm - meet at 9 am.
GOBYBIKE WEEK | Westwood Lake Park Progress We haven beenso excited with the progress at Westwood Lake Park’s First Beach that we officially opened it for the May Long Weekend! First beach is now much larger. There is lots of deck space for people to relax and enjoy the gorgeous views of the lake and Mount Benson, and a new walkway connecting the beach with the trails and parking. It is hard to believe this was all an old parking lot just last Labour Day! Some of the improvements include: - A larger, accessible beach area
- More seating and picnic areas
- New accessible decking down to the sand to enjoy the view of the lake and Mount Benson
- An upgraded boat launch
- Accessible connections to the bike trails and walkways
- Newly planted trees and native plants
Still to come: - Universal accessible washrooms and lockers
- Even more seating areas
- Public art
- Wayfinding signage
| Public Works Week, May 18 - 24 Public Works is the backbone of daily life in Nanaimo. Every time you turn on the tap, drive to work, or take out the trash, Public Works is there. This year’s theme, "People, Purpose, Presence," recognizes the dedication of public works professionals and the vital role they play in enhancing the quality of life in our communities. Our teams manage the essential services that keep our city running such as clean water delivery, road repairs, stormwater, recycling and more. They maintain hundreds of kilometers of water mains, sewer lines and roads, and support emergency response, environmental protection and long-term planning. These everyday efforts may go unseen, but they’re vital to safety, sustainability and quality of life in Nanaimo. | To highlight Public Works Week, join us tomorrow, May 21 between 3 and 5 pm, for a free tour of Public Works. There are a limited number of spots available, and registration is required for this tour. Log into your recreation account at www.nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/register-for-a-program, search for "Public Works Open House" and choose between six different timeslots for the tour. | | 2025 Property Taxes Council has set the 2025 property taxes, the notices are ready and along with your notice, you will receive the Annual City Updates Newsletter. Property tax payments are due Tuesday, July 2, 2025. Make sure to apply for your Home Owner Grant by July 2, 2025, to avoid penalties on the unclaimed amount. In the event of a Canada Post strike, you can view your property tax notice online by registering for MyCity. If you have any questions, email property.tax@nanaimo.ca or give us a call at 250-755-4525 ext. 1. PROPERTY TAXES | | Concerts in the Park This summer, bring a lawn chair and a picnic while enjoying some great musical entertainment in some of Nanaimo's most beautiful and popular parks. These concerts are FREE and are great for the whole family! Come down to the Bowen Park Amphitheatre on Friday, May 30 from 6 to 7 pm for the second performance of the series featuring, Elise Boulanger & Band (Cinematic Indie-Folk). Elise Boulanger is a sweet darkness wrapped in orchestral instrumentation captivating audiences with her haunting avalanche of a voice. CONCERTS IN THE PARK | | Water Parks Open The City of Nanaimo Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture has turned on the taps at the four City water parks - just in time for warmer temperatures. The parks will be open seven days a week from 9 am to 8 pm: - Departure Bay Kiwanis Park
- Mansfield Park
- Deverill Square Park
- Harewood Centennial Park
LIST OF NANAIMO PARKS | | Safe Boating Week Follow these steps to be safe this year on the water: - Choose it and use it: Always wear a Lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
- Think about it: Be boat sober!
- Get your License: Take a course on safety!
- Wear the right gear: Lifejacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, appropriate clothing, whistles and flares.
- Check the weather!
- Make your safety checklists and float plans!
CANADIAN BOAT SAFETY | | BC Transit Umo Cards Did You Know? Umo cards and reload services are now available at all City recreation centres and the Service and Resource Centre (SARC). This means it’s easier than ever to ride BC Transit in Nanaimo! Whether you’re using the Umo Mobility app or a reloadable card, you’ll enjoy a flexible and modern way to pay fares. LEARN MORE | | May is Invasive Plant Removal Month in Nanaimo Bring your household invasive plants to our Drop Zone on Saturday, May 31 between 10 am to 12 pm for free, safe disposal. Located at Bowen Park off Wall Street. An invasive plant is a non-native plant that has the potential to negatively impact the composition, structure and function of our ecosystems. The spread of invasive plants has become a major concern, and the City of Nanaimo is committed to controlling and preventing invasive plants from becoming established in our parks. Watch the video above to learn about Daphne and how to remove it. LEARN MORE | Spring and Summer Activity Guide Spring and summer programs are still available for all ages! From fitness and art to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone. Browse the Spring and Summer Activity Guide for full details and register today before spots fill up. Don’t miss your chance to stay active and have fun this season. 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. - Commercial Street between Wharf Street and Church Street is closed to vehicles and Bastion Street is closed to vehicles between Skinner Street and Front Street. FREE daily 2-hour parking is available along downtown streets and on Levels 2 & 3 of the Bastion Street Parkade for the duration of the project.
- Sewer upgrades along Railway Avenue began on April 22 and will continue until the end of July. Traffic will be reduced to single lane alternating (SLAT) times with intermittent road closures as required. Please use alternate route if possible.
- The Townsite Area Utility Upgrades will see utility upgrades continuing on Millstone Avenue throughout May. Traffic will be reduced to SLAT as required.
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Street upgrades and traffic disruptions continue at the intersection of Bowen and Northfield. From May 20 to 23, 24 hours per day, the eastbound lanes of Northfield Road will be closed between Boxwood Road and Bowen Road. The westbound left turn lane from Northfield Road onto Bowen Road, and the southbound left turn lane from Bowen Road onto Northfield Road will also be closed. Detours will be in place. Get complete latest updates, including detailed maps at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/MidtownGateway 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: - Financial Analyst
- Crime Analyst
- Procurement Specialist
- Casual Lifeguard/Instructors
- Aquatic Supervisor
- Lifeguard/Instructor
- Major Case File Specialist
- Planning Assistant
- Casual Clerical Opportunities
- Casuals - Police Services
- Occupational Health & Safety Coordinator
- Manager, Revenue Services
- Casual Pool - Custodian Relief
- Water Technician
- Building Official
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