May 10, 2021

This week... 

Tour of the fire safety house virtually, beaches are off limits for the pups and new banners have been put up around town. Read on for more!
Get Vaccinated

Message from Island Health

As of May 6, 2021 there were 187 active COVID-19 cases in the Island Health region (93 in the South Island, 74 in the Central Island and 20 in the North Island) with approximately 1/5th of recent cases community acquired (no known source and did not report travel outside of Island Health).

  • Island Health is screening every COVID-19 positive test for variants, many of which are more transmissible and can lead to more severe illness. Currently, the majority of active cases are presumed variants of COVID-19.
  • Remember, this virus moves with people. Please do not travel outside your community unless it is essential for work or medical reasons.
  • If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 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.
  • B.C. is expecting 1 million doses of Pfizer in May. Everyone age 18+ in B.C. can now register online www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca or by phone: 1-833-838-2323. Every person vaccinated makes us all safer and gets us closer to putting the COVID-19 pandemic behind us.

ISLAND HEALTH COVID-19

Around The City

Fire Safety House

The Fire Safety House, operated by the Nanaimo Professional Firefighters Local 905 (IAFF 905), typically travels around School District 68 to teach grade 3 students about smoke alarms and escape plans. With the pandemic, these visits haven't been possible, but this virtual tour offers a glimpse into the house and some fire safety tips. Special thanks to Lieutenant Barr and his daughter for the entertaining safety lesson!

NANAIMO FIRE RESCUE

Beaches Off Limits to Dogs 

Please remember that dogs are not permitted on Nanaimo's public beaches from May to October. They are welcome at other parks, including the 12 off-leash areas found in our community. Dog owners are subject to a $150 fine for non-compliance.

OFF LEASH DOG PARKS

New Banners

Two vibrant designs by Becky Thiessen were selected from a number of submissions, with the theme "Nanaimo 2021: one hundred years forward". Rendered in bright contrasting colours with simple and striking graphics the banners offer two views of nature on city streets: an estuary sunset and cedar boughs. 

2021 BANNERS

New Fencing at Serauxmen

The City of Nanaimo is replacing the old Serauxmen Stadium fencing as part of a multi-phased improvement project for the facility. The new fence will be a chain link fence with a combination of padding and windscreen. This fencing project is currently underwayand will be completed in July.

FENCING PROJECT

Compostable VS Biodegradable

There is a big difference between the two. Did you know:

  • ✅ In compost facilities, 100% certified compostable items fully break down into water, carbon dioxide and biomass. Compostable bags can be used as green cart liners.
  • ❌ In compost facilities, biodegradable items likely only break down into smaller plastic pieces. Biodegradable bags are not compostable and should be used as garbage liners instead.

ZERO WASTE ORGANICS

Help Remove Invasives

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 - but we need your help! Volunteers are needed at several work parties.There is also a drop zone planned where residents can bring invasive plants from their property for free, safe removal. 

WORK PARTIES & DROP ZONE SCHEDULE

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 Road 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. Local traffic should expect delays and plan their trips accordingly.
  • Victoria Road is paved and the contractor will be finishing some last concrete works before demobilizing from the site.
  • Construction continues on the Front Street Complete Street project. Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists should watch for uneven surfaces. Commuters can expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes whenever possible. All businesses and parkades remain open and accessible.
  • Sanitary sewer upgrades are taking place on Stewart Avenue. 

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Work With Us!

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

JOB POSTINGS

Meetings This Week

Mon, May 10: Special Council Meeting at 12:30 pm

Mon, May 10: Governance and Priorities Committee at 1:00 pm 

Wed, May 12: Environment Committee at 5:00 pm

Thur, May 13: Design Advisory Panel Meeting at 5:00 pm

Please note, meetings are virtual.

Did you know?

You can watch live meetings, view a list of upcoming meetings, read agendas and watch recordings of past meetings all in one place on the City website.

MEETINGS

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.

City News

Want the Latest City of Nanaimo News & Information?

Stay up to date with Council, programming and events:

City of Nanaimo's COVID-19 Response

  • Masks Mandatory in all public spaces at all City facilities.
  • 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