May 17, 2021

This week... 

We celebrate Public Works Week & Local Government Awareness Week, take home 10 tips to FireSmart your property and water parks open just in time for the long weekend. Read on for more!

Message from Island Health

As of May 13, there were 153 active COVID-19 cases in the Island Health region (69 in the South Island, 57 in the Central Island and 27 in the North Island) with approximately 12% 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.
• More than 50% of Island Health’s adult population has received their first dose of vaccine. 
• 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

Public Works Week

National Public Works Week is celebrated May 16-22 with this year's theme "Stronger Together". Normally the team looks forward to welcoming all those happy faces from Nanaimo’s schools to celebrate a special Public Works Day at the Public Works yard, hopefully they will return next year. In the meantime, we encourage you to visit the City's website to see how Nanaimo is stronger together with our Public Works team.

PUBLIC WORKS

Local Government Awareness Week

May 16 – 22 marks Local Government Awareness Week! The goal of this week is to create awareness, education and public participation opportunities on the roles and responsibilities of local government.

This year will feature an Asset Management Awareness Day on Wednesday, May 19 where the focus will be on the importance of asset mangagment for today and into the future. Click on the graphic above to learn more about the City's Municipal Natural Assets Initiative. 

This is the perfect time to visit Get Involved Nanaimo where you canprovide feedback, share ideas, collaborate and learn about City projects and initiatives in a safe and constructive environment. Features include chat forums, surveys, storytelling, interactive maps, idea brainstorming and question and answer sections as well as 24/7 moderation to ensure respectful collaboration.

GET INVOLVED NANAIMO

Trail Maintenance

Parks Operations has over 180 kms of trail to inspect! If you happen to see anything that needs attention please take a photo and send along with the date and a description of the location to Parks Operations. Email parksandrecreation@nanaimo.ca or use the "report a problem" function on the website or your Nanaimo Recycles App. 

NANAIMO'S TRAILS

Removal of Invasives

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 parks - but we need your help!

May 26 - Broom & Ivy Removal: Pipers Lagoon Park, 10 am to 12 pm. Free to participate but registration is required, use course code #56234. 

May 29 - Drop Zone: Residents can bring invasive plants from their property for free, safe removal 10 am to 2 pm at Bowen Park.

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 by the end of the week.
• 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 on Stewart Avenue will be done by the end of the week. 

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

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:

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• 👩‍⚖️ Review Council Summaries here

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 CITY OF NANAIMO COVID-19 INFO PAGE