📬My Nanaimo This Week - August 6, 2024

August 6, 2024

This Week...

Alternative approval process for public works yard updates to begin in September 2024, Starlight Skate and registration opens for fall and winter aquatic programming. Read on for more!

Current Administration Building at Public Works Yard and Mechanic Bays

Alternative approval process for public works yard updates to begin in September

At their July 29, 2024 meeting, Nanaimo City Council passed three readings of the borrowing bylaw to replace the fleet building and crew and administration building and upgrade the storm water management system in the City's public works yard. The Public Works Yard Updates Borrowing Bylaw 2024 No. 7386 will now be sent to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for review and approval by the Inspector of Municipalities. If approved, the City will be able to begin an alternative approval process (AAP) to borrow up to $90 million for the project.

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Starlight Skate

On August 7, join us for a Starlight Skate at the Nanaimo Ice Centre from 6:30 - 8 pm.

Whether you're escaping the heat or the hustle and bustle of a busy summer day, come enjoy a skate with our soft light stars and passive LED lighting. This is a perfect time for couples and families to get some exercise with friends.

Glowsticks are available for purchase and regular admissions apply.

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Five children in swimsuits and some with goggles smiling on the edge of a pool

Aquatic Registration Starts August 7!

We're trying something new this year! We've released our aquatic programming ahead of the Fall Activity Guide. Our aquatic information for fall and winter was made available online on Friday, August 2 and registration for aquatic programming will open tomorrow, Wednesday, August 7 at 6 am.

Register online at recreation.nanaimo.ca without ever having to leave home. Make sure you create an account ahead of time and have a valid credit card for this option.
Call 250-756-5200, a valid credit card is required for this option.
Visit us at any of our recreation facilities and register in person when paying by cash, cheque, credit card or debit card (please check the hours of operation at each facility as they do vary).

Our full Activity Guide will be available on Friday, August 9 and registration for our fall season begins on August 14.

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Neck Point from the top of one of the hillside

Concerts in the Park presents Piu

The Bowen Amphitheatre will be filled with the sounds of electronic synth pop this Wednesday, August 7, from 6 - 7 pm. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy some great musical entertainment by Piu. This concert is FREE and great for the whole family!

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International Lifeguard Appreciation Day

International Lifeguard Appreciation Day was July 31, and to highlight the great work that our City of Nanaimo lifeguards do, Mayor Leonard Krog headed to Westwood Lake with some cool and refreshing drinks to share, and some words of wisdom and thanks.

This summer, lifeguards are on duty at Westwood Lake’s first beach until September 2, 11:30 am - 5:30 pm daily (including stats; weather permitting).

Looking to gain confidence in the water or work towards becoming a lifeguard yourself? Explore the courses we offer on our website. Registration for our aquatic programming starts on August 7.

REGISTER FOR A PROGRAM

Children and Parks and Recreation Leaders at the splash park and doing activities

Free Summer Playground Programs

Join us for some neighborhood fun! Play games, do some crafts, or run around and play a sport with our exciting playground leaders. This is a FREE program for all to enjoy between the ages of 5-12 years old.

Devrill Square Park, Monday to Friday, 9:30 am-4 pm (not open on stat holidays)
Aug 6-9, Departure Bay Centennial Park, 10 am-4 pm
Aug 12-16, Westwood Lake Park, 10 am-4 pm

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Bastion Lighting Calendar

Did you know? Organizations can request the Bastion be illuminated in specific colours to promote their cause. Here is the lighting Calendar for the next few weeks:

Red, Blue, White, Green, Gold: BC Day on August 5
Blue: Prostate Cancer Awareness from September 1 - 7

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Nanaimo 150: Did You Know?

From farm to hydro dam to one of Nanaimo’s most popular swimming spots! Westwood Lake got its name from W.J. Westwood who farmed the land in the 1860’s. The lake is a result of a dam built in 1912 to provide a reserve water supply for Nanaimo’s Millstream River power station. It officially became a park on January 27, 1957.

NANAIMO 150

Construction of round about and aerial view of construction at entrance to Beban Park

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 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.
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.
At times, Rosstown Road may be reduced to single lane alternating traffic between Bowen Road and Whitney Road.
On August 8, between 8am and 5pm, the west to southbound left turn lane from Northfield Road onto Boxwood Road will be unavailable. Please use an alternate route.

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 electrical upgrades between Commercial Street and Gordon Street are ongoing.
Water service replacement is complete and awaiting finished asphalt restoration.

Learn more about this project: Terminal Avenue Upgrades.

Midtown Water Supply Project

Bowen Road between Dufferin Crescent and Pryde Avenue is reduced to one lane in each direction with no left turns onto or off of Bowen Road from the side streets, businesses or homes. This includes no left turns at the East Wellington Road intersection.
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.

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.
Expect periods of single lane alternating traffic at Cinnabar Road and Flagstone Road and Roberta Road West with the installation of centre median islands.

Learn more about this project: Extension Road Traffic Calming.

Princess Street Area Utility Upgrades

Construction is ongoing in the Princess Street area as utility work is being completed there.
Typical construction hours are Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm.
Please follow traffic control flaggers on site; expect delays as the area is prepped for paving in early August.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS