July 22, 2024

This Week...

Join in on summer fun in Nanaimo’s parks, find a new favourite food truck and remember to pay any overdue property taxes. Read on for more!

Watering Restrictions

Stage 2 watering restrictions remain in effect for the City of Nanaimo. This means even numbered houses can water on even-numbered days and odd-numbered houses can water on odd-numbered days. Watering can take place for 2 hours between the hours of 7 am to 10 am OR 7 pm to 10 pm. Veggie gardens and fruit trees can be watered anytime as well as hand-watering of flowers, shrubs, ornamental trees and hanging baskets.

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Property Taxes

Last week, the City of Nanaimo issued a Statement of Outstanding Taxes to property owners with an account balance.

To avoid penalties, property taxes must be paid by the due date each year (first business day of July). Some common reasons for an outstanding balance may be an unclaimed Homeowner Grant or, for those enrolled in the Preauthorized Withdrawal Plan (PAWS), there may be a balance requiring a separate manual payment for any portion of the taxes not covered by the prepayments. To avoid an additional 8 per cent penalty on your current year outstanding balance, your payment must be received by the end of day on August 30, 2024

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Smoke Testing

Beginning July 24, City crews will be conducting sanitary storm sewer testing in the Harewood neighbourhood (between First and Foster Streets, from Pine Street to Wakesiah Avenue) using smoke to detect if anything other than wastewater is entering the sewer system. Smoke testing is an efficient and cost-effective way to inspect the sewer system and works by having crews position a blower at a manhole and blowing smoke down into it. If there are any openings, some of the smoke will escape and be visible from holes in the ground or vent stacks on houses. Please note, the smoke is not toxic and harmless to humans, pets, food and materials.

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Nanaimo Food Trucks 

Trying to find your favourite food truck? Did you know we have an online calendar where our local food trucks can book their spots in advance at City parks? You can view the calendar and who is going to be where at www.nanaimo.ca/foodtruck to satisfy your next craving!

Explore Nanaimo's Trails and Bike Routes

Nanaimo offers many opportunities to walk, run, or cycle to most areas with an updated map app available on our website. With more than 170 km of trails and 800 hectares of parkland, Nanaimo offers a variety of locations to enjoy the Pacific Coast.

Visit our Digital Cycling Map.
 

PARKS & TRAILS

Free Summer Programs

Join us in our parks for a number of ways to enjoy the summer including the Playground Program, Family Fun Nights and Concerts in the Park. Cool off at one of four water parks and at Westwood Lake where we have lifeguards on duty. Our Playground program runs from July 2 through August 30 at Devrill Square Park (200 Irwin Street) Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4 pm (not open on stat holidays) for children 5-12 years old. This year we’ve introduced a new Roving Playground Program. Make sure to check the schedule for dates and locations.

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Grand Camp

Join us for a week of laughter and shared adventures where grandparents and grandkids can create memories together. 
Explore a range of activities such as pottery, science experiments, lawn bowling and so much more.

Designed for kids ages 6-12 yrs.

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Concerts in the Park

  • Cosmic Dust will be performing next week's Concert in the Park in Harewood Centennial Park on July 31 from 6 to 7 pm.
  • Don't miss the remaining artists throughout August:
    • Piu, Dublin2, Mike Alviano and Sundown: The Gordon Lightfoot Experience & The Sineolas


CALENDAR

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Here’s a list of up-to-date information on City construction projects. Make sure to plan your commute and, if possible, plan an alternate route. When approaching construction zones, please make sure to slow down, follow any detours that may be in place and obey all signage and traffic personnel instructions. Thank you for your patience!

Midtown Water Supply Project

  • The trail that connects VIU, the Black Diamond neighbourhood and Third Street remains closed to the public.
  • At times, Black Diamond Drive between Coal Tyee Trail, Venuti Way and Jingle Pot Road will have traffic control.
  • Commuters, pay close attention to signage and for construction traffic as they enter and exit sections of the project:
    • Griffiths Road to the end of Madsen Road
    • Third Street across from the Rotary Fieldhouse
    • College Drive near the Parkway intersection
    • Jingle Pot Road near Black Diamond Drive

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

Midtown Gateway Phase 2B

  • Boxwood Road, to the north Northfield Road, will be partially or fully closed at times and will only serve exiting vehicle traffic from businesses at 2300/2310 Northfield Road when possible. Patrons can enter/exit businesses using their other access points on Northfield Road. Eastbound left turns from Northfield Road onto Boxwood Road will not be permitted. All businesses remain open and accessible.
  • The east and westbound lanes of Northfield Road near the intersection of Boxwood Road will be reduced to single lane. Westbound left turns from Northfield Road onto Boxwood Road will not be permitted at times.
  • Bowen Road between Rosstown Road and Northfield Road will be reduced to one lane per direction at times.
  • The south access to Beban Park will be closed during the day and reopen during non-working hours as a one-way (entrance only) access. Please exit park from other end. All park amenities and programs remain open and accessible.
  • Access to Beban Plaza may be affected at times, please use alternate access. All businesses remain open and accessible.
  • At times, Rosstown Road may be reduced to single lane alternating traffic between Bowen Road and Whitney Road.
  • On July 23, between 9 am and 3 pm, the traffic signals at the intersection of Northfield and Boxwood Road will be shut down and all traffic will be controlled by traffic control persons. All users must obey all signs and traffic control persons. Left turns from Northfield Road onto Boxwood Road will not be permitted during this time. Commuters are encouraged to avoid the area if possible.

Learn more about this project: Midtown Gateway.

Terminal Avenue

  • Terminal Avenue upgrades are ongoing between Commercial Street and Esplanade Street.
  • The mid-block crosswalk at Gordon Street has been temporarily reinstated without signals.
  • Traffic may be reduced to one lane in each direction as landscaping in the median and line painting are ongoing.
  • Water service replacement between Commercial Street and Comox Road will commence on July 3 and take approximately 3 weeks.

Learn more about this project: Terminal Avenue Upgrades.

Townsite Road Watermain Upgrade

  • Construction will be ongoing on Townsite Road from Vancouver Avenue and crossing Stewart 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.
  • On Stewart Avenue, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. On Townsite Road, traffic will be single lane alternating.

Departure Bay Road Sidewalk

  • Construction will be ongoing on Departure Bay Road from Alan-a-dale Place to Little John Way.
  • 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, expect delays and account for extra time when navigating the area
  • During construction hours, traffic will be reduced to single-lane-alternating.

Extension Road Traffic Calming

  • Drivers can expect delays as construction continues this week in various locations.
  • Monday morning 8am to noon, July 22, Extension Road closed between Flagstone/Cinnabar Drive and Richardson Road during installation of asphalt speed hump. Traffic detoured onto Country Hill Drive or Country Hill Drive or Flagstone Road. Access through for pedestrian and cyclist traffic, local traffic and Emergency vehicles ONLY.
  • Later in the week, you can expect extended periods of single lane alternating traffic at Cinnabar Road and Flagstone Road with the installation of centre median islands.

Learn more about this project: Extension Road Traffic Calming.

Princess Street Area Utility Upgrades

  • The intersection of Princess Street and Needham Street will be closed from July 22 to 26 due to rock breaking and utility upgrades there.
  • Local and emergency access will be maintained, no through traffic will be allowed.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
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Work With Us!

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

  • Mechanic – Emergency Vehicle Technician
  • Manager, Financial Planning
  • Casual Lifeguard/Instructors
  • Recreation Assistant II - Arenas
  • Operations Support Supervisor
  • Planning Assistant
  • Financial Analyst
  • Casuals - Police Services
  • Assistant Manager, Procurement
  • Building Official
  • Financial Analyst - Temporary Full-Time
  • Casual Clerical Opportunities
  • Casual Pool - Custodian Relief

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

Meetings This Week

Monday, July 22: Regular Council Meeting in the Shaw Auditorium starting at 7 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
City of Nanaimo news and events

Recap of City News

Get ready for Reuse Rendezvous 2024!

City of Nanaimo seeking applications for the next Poet Laureate

CITY NEWSROOM

Stay up to Date with Council, Programming and Events