This week... Become a weed warrior, plan a beach clean up and check out a new, urban tree layer on the NanaimoMap. Read on for more! | Message from Island Health As of April 22, there were 307 active COVID-19 cases in the Island Health region (191 in the South Island, 84 in the Central Island and 32 in the North Island) with approximately 17% of recent cases community acquired (no known source and did not report travel outside of Island Health). Making the effort to have less contact with people outside our household, and stay local (within our own communities), will help bend the curve back down and allow our health system time to deliver the immunization program. - The new restrictions are beginning to help. Since the beginning of April, the number of active cases within Island Health has decreased by 36%, with an average of 35 people testing positive for COVID every day. Of these cases, 79% were connected to a known cluster linked to households, indoor gatherings or workplaces.
- 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.
- The provincial Get Vaccinated registration system has three easy steps: (1) Register online, by phone or in-person at a Service BC location; (2) Book an appointment when you get an email, text or call telling you are eligible to book; (3) Visit the vaccine clinic to get vaccinated. Phone number 833-838-2323.
ISLAND HEALTH COVID-19 | BC Phone-Based Resources for Seniors - For questions about health care, housing, income supports, personal supports and transportation call the Seniors Advocate Office call 1-877-952-3181
- For free information and referral regarding BC community, government and social services call 211
- For 24/7 medical advice, including COVID call 811
- Non-medical information about COVID-19 call 1-888-268-4319
- To book a COVID-19 test within Island Health region call 844-901-8442
- To book a vaccine appointment call 1-833-838-2323
| | Tree Voucher Program If you are a registered property owner in the City of Nanaimo, you can participate in our tree voucher program. Purchase a tree to plant on your property for a reduced cost of $25 each! Review the guidelines, fill out a form and once payment has been received an electric voucher will be sent to you to redeem at Green Thumb Garden Centre. TREE VOUCHER | | New Map Layers We are pleased to announce the creation of two new public layers on NanaimoMap giving people access to our entire urban tree inventory and restoration site database. Curious as to what trees have been planted in your neighborhood or favorite park? Simply open NanaimoMap expand the Parks and Trails menu then select Urban Trees. It will show you whether the tree is an evergreen, deciduous, fruit or nut tree. For further information such as species, click on the icon. NANAIMO MAP | | | River Riparian Project Did you know that the City of Nanaimo works with volunteer groups to restore some of our more vulnerable ecosystems all over the City? Here is a recent project that took place in the riparian area of the Millstone River by the Nanaimo Curling Club. New trees and plantings will ensure the heath of the Millstone, an important fish-bearing river in our community. Thank you to all the volunteers! If you'd like to be a volunteer weed warrior, litter picker or tree planter – we could use your help. | | | | Beach Clean Up Kw’umut Lelum hosted a highly successful Earth Day beach clean-up. Snuneymuxw members and Kw'umut Lelum staff showed up for the occasion with a commitment to the land and sea through a local beach cleanup in Snuneymuxw First Nation. The City’s sanitation team assisted their clean-up by providing supplies and waste hauling. A big thank you to all the community champions and groups hosting safe clean ups! | | | Green Shores Initiative A shoreline improvement project in Nanaimo has received a special award. The Stewardship Centre for BC awarded the ORCA Level 2 “Gold” status to a Green Shores for Homes project located next to Piper’s Lagoon Park. The Green Shores initiative uses nature-based solutions to create healthy shore environments that provide significant environmental, economic and social values to coastal communities. To achieve a Green Shores rating and improve shoreline function and aesthetics, the previously existing bulkhead was removed and the foreshore was restored with natural materials and native vegetation. This helped stabilize the shore against erosion and created a shoreline habitat. The project has also improved public access - including wheelchair access - from Piper’s Lagoon Park to the shoreline. This is a great example of how residents can help our community become more resilient to climate change. Find a project description, before and after photos and more in the case study linked below. Let us know what you think of the changes! GREEN SHORES NANAIMO CASE STUDY | Poet Laureate Position This is the last week to apply for the position of Poet Laureate. Nanaimo’s next Poet Laureate will be appointed by City Council for a two-year term and will serve as a literary ambassador for the City, charged with creating and presenting poetic works and engaging activities for the benefit of our community. The deadline to submit applications is April 30, 2021 by midnight. POET LAUREATE | | 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 Rod 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 for 5 weeks. Local traffic should expect delays and plan their trips accordingly.
- 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.
- Victoria road will be down to gravel for the week of April 26-30 as the crews get ready for paving. Access to all businesses will be accommodated but drivers who want to pass through the zone should take alternate routes.
- Sanitary sewer upgrades on Stewart Avenue between Cypress Street and St. George Street will began April 6 and will likely continue for 4 weeks.
CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS | Work With Us! We are currently looking for candidates to fill the following positions: JOB POSTINGS | | 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. | 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 | | | | |
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