June 14, 2021

This week... 

We need your input on the Waterfront Walkway project, you can help create time-lapse videos on various restoration projects and water testing begins at popular beaches in time for summer. Read on for more!
Get Vaccinated

Message from Island Health

As of June 10, there were 49 active COVID-19 cases in the Island Health region (31 in the South Island, 10 in the Central Island and 8 in the North Island) with approximately 15-20% of recent cases community acquired (no known source and did not report travel outside of Island Health). Over the past 7 days, there has been an 88% increase in the number of cases in Island Health. While we are still showing low numbers, this could change if we don’t continue practicing COVID safety measures. 

  • Everyone age 12+ in B.C. can now register online at www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca or by phone: 1-833-838-2323. Register your children and book one appointment together.
  • Nearly 75% of adults over 18 have had a first dose. Momentum is strong and there is more work to do. We must continue the critical work of vaccinating people to protect ourselves and our communities. Every person vaccinated makes us all safer and gets us closer to putting the COVID-19 pandemic behind us.
  • We have now moved up our timeline for second doses. All vaccines being used in BC require a second dose to maximize protection for the maximum amount of time.
  • 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.
  • 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.

ISLAND HEALTH COVID-19

Waterfront Walkway Expansion

Your input is needed on the plans for an expanded waterfront walkway in Departure Bay. The survey is open until the end of June. Share your thoughts on proposed improvements for walking, cycling, beach access, shoreline habitat and funding options – a key phase of a 13 km-long accessible pathway from Departure Bay to the Nanaimo River Estuary. 

WATERFRONT WALKWAY PROJECT

Fire Station #1 Progress

Construction for Fire Station #1 is on schedule for completion summer of 2022! It is starting to look more like a building. In January and February structural steel,  concrete walls and stairs were constructed. Next month, work on exterior and interior framing is planned. Learn more by visiting the Project page below. 

PROJECT PAGE

Photo Monitoring Project

Did you know? You have the opportunity to now participate in a project to monitor environmental changes of restored habitats in eight Nanaimo Parks! Nanaimo is the first community in Canada to sign up and we need your help submitting photos so a time-lapse video can be created. Visit the Green Initiatives tab on our website for a list of locations and to learn more about the Chronolog Service one-year trial project. 

RESTORATION MONITORING SITES

Monitoring Water Quality

During the summer months water quality at some of Nanaimo's popular swimming spots are monitored to make sure the water is clean for beach goers and for wildlife. The samples are tested by a lab for fecal coliforms. If the level of fecal coliforms exceeds Provincial health guidelines, it will force a beach closure.

Testing occurs at the following locations: Departure Bay, Brannen Lake, Long Lake, Westwood Lake and Colliery Dam Park.

WATER QUALITY MONITORING

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Up-to-date information on City construction projects:

  • Metral Drive (Somerset South - Mostar) will be closed to southbound traffic during construction hours effective until June 25. All efforts will be made to accommodate northbound traffic. However, if traffic backs up onto Mostar or Hwy 19A, we will be forced to do a full closure until congestion subsides. All businesses will remain open. Please expect delays and account for extra time when navigating the area. 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.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Work With Us!

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

JOB POSTINGS

Meetings This Week

Mon, June 14: Governance and Priorities Committee at 1 pm

Wed, June 16: Finance and Audit Committee at 9 am

Thurs, June 17: Design Advisory Panel at 5 pm

Thurs, June 17: Special Council Meeting at 7 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

Remembering Mayor Graeme Roberts

Former Mayor Graeme Roberts passed away on Saturday, June 12 at the age of 90. He was Mayor from 1984 – 1986. Here he is pictured with Mayor Krog in October 2020. The City of Nanaimo flag at City Hall has been lowered to half-mast in honour of him and his service to our community.

 

 

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.
  • 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 evolving 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