April 6, 2021

This week... 

Group fitness is suspended, a reminder to check your pet for ticks and rebate opportunities for builders are available. Read on for more!
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Message from Island Health

  • As of April 1, there were 392 active COVID-19 cases in the Island Health region (189 in the South Island, 171 in the Central Island and 32 in the North Island) with approximately 19% of recent cases community acquired (no known source and did not report travel outside of Island Health).
  • With the number of new variants being seen in B.C., it is important to get tested early if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. If you are feeling sick, 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.
  • Island Health is on track to meet the provincial expectation for all adults to receive their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before July 1. For the latest information on vaccine eligibility, how and when to book, visit Island Health's COVID-19 vaccine page. 

 

ISLAND HEALTH COVID-19

Group Fitness Suspended

With the changes in Provincial Health Orders announced, please note that all adult indoor group fitness classes are suspended for at least 3 weeks. The weight room at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre is still open. If you are currently registered for an indoor fitness program that was set to begin soon, you will be contacted about alternate options or a refund. Thanks for your patience as we work through these changes. Please visit our website for details.

PARKS & RECREATION UPDATES

Check for Ticks

We have been hearing about a higher than usual number of ticks being reported on dogs. This may be due to the mild winter we had this year on the West Coast. After visiting your local parks and trails with your furry friend, be sure to check them for ticks. If you do see one, here is a short video to show you how to get them off your dog.

 

IDENTIFYING TICKS IN BC

Water to Earth Month

Nanaimo & district is celebrating with a number of events. Please register in advance. 

  • Apr 8 RDN Parks Interpretative Walk: Englishman River
  • Apr 13 WaterSmart Workshop: Wetlands
  • Apr 16 - 18 Mount Arrowsmith Bisophere Region: Bisophere Blitz
  • Apr 20 WaterSmart Workshop: Regenerative Landscaping
  • Apr 21 RDN Community Watershed Monitoring Results Session
  • Apr 22 City of Nanaimo Earth Friendly Urban Gardens Workshop
  • Apr 26 Last day to submit your Activity Passport and be entered to win one of three amazing prize packs!

CALENDAR & REGISTRATION

REIMAGINE NANAIMO

If you are interested in learning more about who participated, how feedback was collected and what common themes rose to the surface during Phase I, click the summary document in the link below. Be sure to sign up with Get Involved Nanaimo to be notified when engagement for Phase II begins! We want to hear your voice.

PHASE I REIMAGINE NANAIMO SUMMARY

Plastic Facts

Myth: Only 9% of plastic put in the blue cart is actually recycled.

Reality: This rate captures all durable and non-durable plastics, in all sectors including industrial and residential and across all provinces and territories. While 9% is indeed troublesome, it does not mean only 9% of plastics in your blue cart are recycled.

Packaging and paper put in your blue cart is collected on behalf of Recycle BC, which receives funding from the producers of residential packaging to ensure the material is recycled responsibly and as locally as possible. In 2019, 90% of the materials collected in the provincial program were recycled, with all rigid plastics recycled at a plastics recycling facility on the lower mainland.

POST COLLECTION SYSTEMS

CleanBC Better Homes Rebates Program

If you are a builder, learn more about the rebate opportunities to improve energy performance and lower greenhouse gas emissions. 

The CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program provides rebates of up to $15,000 for the construction of new, high-performance electric homes. The program is open to builders constructing new Part 9 single-family detached homes, laneway homes, duplexes, triplexes, or townhomes.

Anyone interested in connecting with a BC Hydro representative can attend "ask an expert" breakfast series 7:30 am April 20, 2021. To book your spot contact kerriann@chbavi.com at Canadian Home Builders' Association - Vancouver Island.

LEARN MORE & APPLY

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Stay informed on the City's Current Construction Projects page. Staff provide up-to-date information on City construction projects.

  • Please remember access is limited on Metral Drive from Turner to Mostar to residents and business traffic only, please respect that the road 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 for 5 weeks. Local traffic should expect delays and plan their trips accordingly.
  • Single lane traffic on Comox Road will continue this week as final paving is completed. Traffic will return to normal next week with all four lanes open.
  • Construction continues on the Front Street Complete Street project. Commuters can expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes whenever possible. All businesses and parkades remain open and accessible.

  • Installation of Sanitary Sewer on Stewart Avenue between Cypress Street and St. George Street will begin April 6 and will likely continue for 4-6 weeks.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Work With Us!

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

JOB POSTINGS

Meetings This Week

Thurs, April 8: Design Advisory Panel Meeting at 5:00 pm

Mon, April 12: Special Governance and Priorities Committee at 1:00 pm

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 a Special Council meeting or a Regular Council Meeting? Don’t worry. We have you covered! Check out our Council Meeting Summary page for quick overviews.

 

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.
  • Please refer to the City website for a list of front desk hours of operation.
  • 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