My Nanaimo This Week - May 25, 2026

May 25, 2026

This Week...

We remember former Councillor Sherry, take your invasive plants to the drop zone and check out the newest temporary public art piece. Read on for more!

2008-2011 Council from left to right: Councillor Fred Pattje, Councillor Diana Johnstone, The Late Councillor Larry McNabb, Councillor Bill Holdom, Mayor John Ruttan, Councillor Merve Unger, Councillor Bill Bestwick, Councillor Loyd Sherry and Councillor Jim Kipp

City Mourns Passing of former Councillor Loyd Sherry

It is with deep sadness that the City of Nanaimo announces the passing of former City Councillor, Loyd Sherry at the age of 88. A passionate advocate for civic governance, Mr. Sherry was the City’s longest serving Councillor and served on Council for 31 consecutive years from 1981 through 2011.

Born and raised in Nanaimo, Mr. Sherry came from a family with a long and impressive history of community service, which he also shared. He was involved with the Nanaimo Heritage Commission and he, plus his wife, were volunteers for the Harewood Recreation Commission, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, BC Summer Games, BC Seniors Games and the BC Disability Games.

In September 2012, the sports fields located in Harewood Centennial Park were officially named "Sherry Fields", to recognize the long-term dedication and service to the community on behalf of the entire Sherry Family.

City Council and staff extend heartfelt condolences to Mr. Sherry's family and friends. Out of respect for his legacy of service to our community, the City of Nanaimo flag has been lowered to half-mast at City Hall.

Pictured above is the 2008-2011 Council from left to right: Councillor Fred Pattje, Councillor Diana Johnstone, The Late Councillor Larry McNabb, Councillor Bill Holdom, Mayor John Ruttan, Councillor Merv Unger, Councillor Bill Bestwick, Councillor Loyd Sherry and Councillor Jim Kipp

Woodgrove Area Plan

We are now entering the final phase of the Woodgrove Area Plan project – thank you to all who have contributed their invaluable input! We couldn’t have created a plan to transform the Woodgrove Urban Centre into a vibrant, livable neighbourhood without your involvement. Your feedback was incredibly helpful in preparing the Woodgrove Area Plan. The draft plan provides direction on how to achieve a complete community in the Woodgrove Urban Centre over the next 25+ years.

We are presenting the Phase 3 – Engagement Summary and draft Woodgrove Area Plan to Council at their meeting on Monday, May 25. To view the Engagement Summary and draft Woodgrove Area Plan, visit the Woodgrove Area Plan page on Get Involved Nanaimo.

GET INVOLVED NANAIMO

Forest Flowers Unveiled

We are excited to unveil Forest Flowers, a vibrant new temporary public art installation by artists Eliza Gardiner and Isaiah Kingdon. Now on display in Kinette Evergreen Park, the trio of oversized sculptural blooms stand six to nine feet tall and celebrate the rare Crown Brodiaea, a wild flower native to Nanaimo’s Harewood Plains. Crafted from powder‑coated steel and translucent acrylic, the flowers cast shifting reflections of colour across the greenspace, inviting park visitors to pause, explore, and reconnect with the natural environment. Forest Flowers will remain in place through 2031. More information on the City’s Temporary Public Art Program, including an interactive virtual map, can be found on the City’s website.

MORE INFO

Luminous Paths Call for Artists

There is still time to submit a proposal for next year's Luminous Paths festival. We are inviting artists to help transform Maffeo Sutton Park into an illuminated winter experience! We’re seeking temporary, light based public art installations that spark curiosity, connection, and wonder. Whether you work with illumination, sound, motion, projection or interactive design, this is your opportunity to shape a signature cultural event on Nanaimo’s waterfront. The 2027 festival runs from February 15 to March 12. The deadline to submit a proposal is June 14, 2026. Apply now through the online submission form on the City website.

SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL

Invasives Drop Zone

May wraps up this week and so does Invasive Plant Removal Month. On May 30 from 10 am to 2 pm, you can bring any invasive plants you have removed in your yard and leave them at our Drop Zone in the Bowen Park parking lot off Wall St and we will properly dispose of them. You can also join in on an invasives work party in Bowen Park that day from 10 am to 12 pm. Please register ahead.

MORE INFO

Sea Level Rise Survey

With over 30 km of coastline along our shores, we need to develop resilient strategies to protect what's important to us along Nanaimo's coast. We are working on a Sea Level Rise Management Plan and need your input.

A survey is open from May 19 to June 12. Learn more about this important project and take the survey on Get Involved Nanaimo.

TAKE SURVEY

Check Out the OV Arts Centre

The Old Victoria Arts Centre (OV Arts Centre) located at 25 Victoria Road, is entering an exciting new chapter. Under the guidance of the Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild – a volunteer advisory body of arts and culture professionals selected by Nanaimo City Council – the venue is experiencing renewed energy, strategic investment and a growing commitment to serving the community.

As part of a multi-year rejuvenation effort, the OV Arts Centre is undergoing significant interior renovations including a new coat of paint and new flooring, made possible in part by a generous donation of materials from Interface, a global leader in sustainable flooring solutions. These improvements will create a more welcoming, modern and versatile space for performers, event organizers and audiences alike. Future updates are planned to make the venue even more dynamic, guided by a workplan overseen by the Guild.

The OV Arts Centre is a City-owned, bookable multi-use venue that is ready to welcome groups from all walks. It features an accessible ground-floor performing space with a raised stage, flexible seating on risers, lighting and sound provisions, a lobby with box office and concession stand, a greenroom and a basement rehearsal hall.

The Guild is hosting two Open Houses this spring for anyone to drop in and learn more about the space:

Wednesday, May 27, 2 - 6 p.m. | Drop-In
Thursday, June 25, 2 - 6 p.m. | Drop-In

MORE INFO

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.

The eastbound lanes of Townsite Road (travelling towards Terminal Avenue) will be closed between Holly Avenue and Terminal Avenue on May 28 from 7am to 3pm, with detours in place. BC Transit Route 72 will be affected, refer to RDN Transit website for more details.
The Beban Parkway at the Bowen Rd and Boxwood Rd intersection will be closed 24 hours per day from April 27 to May 27 for road repairs. Use alternate access points for both Beban Park and Beban Plaza.
Third St between Howard Ave and Pine St is closed 24 hrs per day until August 13. Detours are in place.
Single lane alternating traffic and, at times, eastbound lane closures on Jingle Pot Rd at the intersection of Holland Rd. Eastbound traffic watch for possible detour using Holland Rd and Ashlee Rd.
Single lane alternating traffic on Godfrey Rd between Grace Place and Dunster Rd and on Dunster Rd between Godfrey Rd and Maureen Way.
At the Hammond Bay Rd / Turner Rd / McGirr Rd intersection traffic signals will be turned off and the intersection traffic movements will be manually controlled while crews work on paving Turner Rd.
Expect width restrictions on the north side of Hammond Bay Rd between McGirr Rd and Kenwill Dr and single lane alternating traffic at the Brickyard Rd intersection while crews work on the installation of a new sidewalk and cycle lane.
Expect delays due to single lane alternating traffic on Turner Rd between Hammond Bay Rd and Kenning Pl while crews work on paving Turner Rd.

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:

Lifeguard/Instructors
Election Workers
Manager, Permit Centre & Business Licensing
Engineering Development Technician
Assistant Manager, Procurement
Casuals - Police Services
Aquatic Surpervisor
Financial Analyst
Police Technical Support Specialist
Casual Pool - Custodian Relief
Community Safety Officers
Water Technician
Planner I
Casual Clerical Opportunities

JOB POSTINGS

Header for Council and Committees section

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

Meetings This Week

Monday, May 25: Council meeting in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre's Shaw Auditorium starting at 7 pm.

Thursday, May 28: Design Advisory Panel meeting in the Service and Resource Centre boardroom starting at 5 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