This Week... Thanks to all students who joined us for Public Works Day, register for MyCity to securely check your property tax balance and congrats to VIU students for creating the world’s biggest Nanaimo Bar. Read on for more! | Public Works Day Taking on the National Public Works Week theme of "People, Purpose, Presence", on Wednesday, May 21, the City of Nanaimo Public Works department welcomed 423 enthusiastic grade four and five students from 8 schools along with some home learners to celebrate National Public Works Week. Each of the different departments of Public Works-led demonstrations and highlighted the work that keeps our toilets flushing, our storm drains draining, our fire trucks driving, our sanitation trucks collecting and our city moving! Later in the day, the doors were open to the public. From the pipes that bring us our drinking water to the busy mechanics bay, it was an opportunity to explore the innerworkings of Nanaimo's infrastructure. Thank you to everyone who participated in our Public Works Open House and to the City of Nanaimo Public Works employees who helped make this a fun and informative event! | Property Tax Notices A possible Canada Post strike may delay delivery of property tax notices to Nanaimo property owners. To avoid disruption, make sure to register for a free MyCity account to securely view your property tax notice online: www.mycity.nanaimo.ca/ Important Reminders: - Watch your mailbox! City of Nanaimo property tax notices have been mailed, and taxes are due on July 2, 2025.
- Home Owner Grant applications must be submitted online by July 2, 2025 at: www.gov.bc.ca/Homeownergrant to avoid penalties on the unclaimed amount.
Due to the potential Canada Post strike action, we do not recommend mailing your payment. Instead, choose one of the following secure options: - Pay in person at the City's Service and Resource Centre located at 411 Dunsmuir Street open Monday to Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm. We do not accept credit card payments.
- Pay through your bank online or in person. Your account number is the 8-digit folio number found on your notice. We do not accept e-transfer.
MYCITY | World's Biggest Nanaimo Bar Congratulations Vancouver Island University students and thank you for creating the world's biggest Nanaimo Bar right here at home! At 1,100 pounds, this historical, record-beating moment is one to remember. In honour of this achievement, Mayor Leonard Krog and the City of Nanaimo also proclaimed May 17, 2025, as Nanaimo Bar Day! Fun fact: As a part of Canada Post's 'Sweet Canada' stamp collection, Nanaimo's legendary treat was featured on its very own stamp. The collection features a total of ten famous Canadian desserts, including Saskatoon berry pie and blueberry grunt. NANAIMO BAR RECIPE | | National AccessAbility Week It’s National AccessAbility Week (May 25–31)! Did you know? We have installed Mobi-Mats® at Colliery Dam Park, Neck Point Park and Loudon Park, expanding seasonal beach access for individuals using wheelchairs, strollers and other wheeled devices. These accessible walkways, made from recycled materials, build on the success of the original mat at Departure Bay Beach, which was upgraded with a resting area. Additionally, the Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness (ACAI) has played a vital role in shaping inclusive City policies, infrastructure and programming. Over the past year, the committee provided input on several key initiatives, including accessible washroom upgrades and improved signage at Westwood Lake, enhanced accessible parking across the city and a redesigned parking lot at Neck Point Park. To learn more about how the City of Nanaimo is working toward accessibility and inclusiveness, visit: www.nanaimo.ca/your-government/accessibility-inclusion | Virtual Tour Another exciting project as part of National AccessAbility Week is that you can now discover the first in a series of curated virtual tours showcasing the City’s Public Art collection. Designed to be inclusive and engaging, these tours invite you to explore the city’s vibrant and diverse public art – whether you’re rolling, walking, driving location to location or relaxing at home! Our first tour highlights permanent public art created by Indigenous artists, offering an AccessAble and enriching experience for all. LEARN MORE | | Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild The City of Nanaimo is seeking one volunteer to serve on the Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild, an advisory committee that works cooperatively with the City of Nanaimo towards maintaining the Old Victoria Arts Centre and oversees administrative and operational matters. Applications are due June 6, 2025. LEARN MORE | | Invasive Plant Month This week wraps up Invasive Plant Month. Join like-minded individuals and tackle invasive plants during one of our work parties. Register today by calling Parks, Recreation and Culture at 250-756-5200 or online. - Saturday, May 31, 10 am - 2 pm at Bowen Park (135505)
- Tuesday, June 2, 10 am - 2 pm at Barby Park (135506)
Additionally, bring your invasive plants to our drop zone on Saturday, May 31, 10 am - 2 pm for safe and free disposal at Bowen Park (located off Wall street). | | Nanaimo Wildflowers Nanaimo is home to a variety of wildflower species - each adding beauty to our surroundings and providing a role in our ecosystems. It is important to protect these local wildflowers. Please remember: do not pick flowers; leave them for others to enjoy and as a way to protect our environment. Avoid stepping on them; stay on designated trails or boardwalks. WILDFLOWERS IN NANAIMO | Water Meter Access The sun is out, the days are bright, and the grass and shrubs... well, they won't stop growing. Please make sure that your water meter is clear from any overgrowth and is accessible. This helps make it easy to find for both meter reading and emergency shut off. Not sure where your meter is? Find it with our NanaimoMap feature! (turn on layers, and then the utilities-water layer to see it). | | Lions Free Swim Join us for a Lions Free Swim, on Saturday May 31 from 1 to 2.30 pm at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. Thank you to our many program sponsors: Country Grocer, Alexandra’s Bistro, GFL Environmental Ltd., Little Valley Collision and Glass, Nanaimo Hearing Clinic, Roto Rooter, Widsten Property Management Services. EVENTS | | 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.
- From May 26 to 30, there will be shifting lane closures between Bowen, Boxwood and Northfield as part of the Midtown Gateway project. Expect delays and temporary road conditions. Night work (6pm to 6am) for paving is tentatively scheduled for the week of June 1. 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: - Community Safety Officers
- 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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