July 5, 2021

This week... 

Shed your threads, a fire ban is in effect and StoryWalks® are taking place in two Nanaimo parks. Read on for more!
Get Vaccinated

Message from Island Health

  • What vaccine you receive in your first versus your second dose, does not change the effectiveness. Did you get AstraZeneca as your first dose? There are no safety concerns if you get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine as your second dose.
  • Anyone born in 2009 or earlier (age 12+) can get their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment at any of Island Health’s mass immunization clinics. Appointments are required for second doses. Call 1-833-838-2323 or visit www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca.
  • A temporary walk-in vaccination clinic has been set up at Woodgrove Centre. Bring your personal health number and visit Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
  • 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.
  • On July 1, BC moved to step 3 of the Restart Plan:
    • Masks are recommended in public indoor settings for people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated (14 days after receiving a second dose). NOTE: visitors to healthcare facilities (including immunization clinics) are still required to wear a mask, under provincial policy for healthcare facilities
    • Gatherings can begin to return to normal for indoor and personal gatherings, indoor organized gatherings of 50 people or 50% capacity, outdoor gatherings of 5,000 people or 50% capacity, and no restrictions for religious or worship services.
    • Welcoming people from other provinces to BC.
    • Business restrictions relaxing as employers transition to communicable disease safety plans. Restaurants/bars/pubs can remove group limits for all dining, casinos/nightclubs can open with capacity limits and safety measures and indoor fitness classes and sporting activities can resume as normal.
    • If you are sick, stay home and get tested.

ISLAND HEALTH COVID-19

Shed Your Threads

The City of Nanaimo, along with Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools and Island Health, are aiming to reduce leisure barriers through access to appropriate sporting gear. 

Share, swap and trade athletic clothing, shoes, jackets and sporting equipment on Friday, July 9, 12-4 pm at the Bowen Park Auditorium (500 Bowen Rd).

SHED YOUR THREADS

Swim to Survive

During Swim to Survive sessions staff will be promoting water safety education and lifeguards will be doing live demonstrations, engaging the public in Swim to Survive challenges and answering questions on swim lessons and advanced aquatic programs at Westwood Lake, Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Kin Pool. 

SCHEDULE & LOCATIONS

StoryWalks®

Drop in any time July 1-12 to Kinsmen Park (Departure Bay) to read Andrea Beck's "Good Morning, Canada" and Harewood Centennial Park to read, "Good Night, Canada". 

This event is free and great for the whole family. While at the StoryWalk®, see if you can find all 8 maple leaf stickers hidden at each location (please leave them for others to find). When you are done, scan the QR code on the instruction board to be entered into a draw for Parks, Recreation & Culture gift cards.

STORYWALKS INFO

Provincial Fire Ban

Following a Provincial order, the City of Nanaimo has placed a ban on all open fires. With hotter weather comes an increased risk of any fire spreading quickly. It is important for residents to be vigilant in fire safety and to report all fires immediately by calling 911. Smoking and fires are not permitted in City parks or on City trails.

FIRE BAN DETAILS

Tree Vouchers

Did you know? Tree vouchers are available online and can be purchased at any time! If you are a registered property owner in the City of Nanaimo you can purchase a tree to plant on your property for a cost of $25 with a redeemable value of $90 at Greenthumb Garden Centre.

Visit www.nanaimo.ca, search "tree voucher" and fill out the form to request an electronic voucher. Once the form is filled out and submitted you will be contacted with a voucher code to redeem. Be sure to use the right access code in the correct number field; copy and paste works best. 

TREE VOUCHERS

REIMAGINE NANAIMO: Building our Foundation

Great futures are built on a great foundation. A draft framework, goals, and indicators form the foundation that will guide future decisions for Nanaimo. As we know, it’s impossible to predict exactly what our future will hold. Building a strong foundation means we can make thoughtful decisions when needed in a changing world, while ensuring we stay on track towards our desired future.

In just a few minutes, you can help build Nanaimo’s foundation. Simply review the draft Framework, Goals & Indicators that have been created so far, and share your thoughts on what works, what doesn’t, and ideas for improvement. Share your thoughts now to win one of ten $50 gift cards to a Nanaimo eatery of your choice!

REIMAGINE NANAIMO PHASE 2

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Up-to-date information on City construction projects:

  • Metral Drive is still an active construction site, so please expect delays and account for extra time when navigating the area. All businesses remain open and accessible, but commuters are asked to use alternate routes whenever possible.
  • To accommodate development and maintain site safety, Rock City Road will be closed from Ocean Pearl Terrace to Barrington Road to through traffic for 24 hours. Local traffic should expect delays and plan their trips accordingly.
  • Sign installation, line painting and electrical work continues this week as part of 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.
  • Watermain upgrades are underway on Estevan Road between Poplar Street and Drake Street. During construction hours from Monday to Thursdays this road will be closed to traffic with the exception of buses and local residents. Detours will be in place and commuters are asked to plan their travel accordingly and account for extra time when navigating the area.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Work With Us!

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

JOB POSTINGS

Meetings This Week

Monday, July 5: Regular Council Meeting at 7 p.m.

Thursday, July 8: Design Advisory Panel Meeting at 5 p.m.

Did you know?

The City of Nanaimo is currently recruiting two volunteer at-large positions for the Design Advisory Panel (DAP). Find more information on the panel and an application on the Design Advisory Panel page on the City website.

Meetings are once again open to the public; however mask use is recommended for the time being when attending meetings. 

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

 

 

Want the Latest City of Nanaimo News & Information?

Stay up to date with Council, programming and events:

City of Nanaimo's COVID-19 Response

  • 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.
  • Parks, Recreation facilities, the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and arenas are open and following evolving province-wide COVID-19 safety protocols.

COVID-19 INFO PAGE