May 12, 2025

This Week...

Learn how to identify and safely remove invasives during Invasive Plant Awareness month, learn how to prepare an emergency kit and register for an open house at Public Works. Read on for more!

Last Call for Applications: Home Energy Retrofit Financing Program

If you are looking to retrofit your home with more energy-efficient options, but don't have all the funds needed, the City of Nanaimo's Home Energy Retrofit Financing Program may be the perfect fit for you! These interest-free loans are paid off over 10 years through your property taxes. The program is accepting applications until May 15. For more information and to apply, visit the financing program's page on the City website.

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How to Prepare an Emergency Kit

An emergency can strike at any time and it may mean that you wont’ have access to stores for supplies. Evan Lloyd, Emergency Program Manager at the City of Nanaimo, guides us through some simple steps to create a 7-day camp-at-home emergency kit.

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Westwood Lake Park

Improvements at Westwood Lake Park are underway, and a new playground is part of the upgrades. Crews will be building a new playground with swings, sandboxes and a mud kitchen starting May 12. It will be such a fun place to play! For more information on the overall Westwood Lake Park improvements happening right now, please see our website.

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Committee Volunteer Vacancies

The City of Nanaimo is accepting applications for one volunteer at large position on each of the following:

  • Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness and;
  • Board of Variance

Applications will be accepted until 4 pm on May 16, 2025.

APPLY TODAY

FireSmartTM Workshop

Prepare your property for wildfire season by signing up for a FREE FireSmartTM information session workshop this month:

  • Wednesday, May 21 from 7 to 9 pm in the Nanaimo Ice Centre's Upper Lounge
  • Wednesday, May 28 from 7 to 9 pm in Beban Social Centre's Room 2

For more information, please email fireinfo@nanaimo.ca, and for everything you need to know about preparing for a disaster, visit the Prepared BC website.

Calling all Youth Poets!

The City of Nanaimo’s Youth Poet Laureate, Paige Pierce, is hosting a Youth Poetry Competition. Submit a poem of any style, length, or topic for a chance to win prizes! Poems must be appropriate for school-aged audiences. In order to be eligible for Nanaimo’s Youth Poetry Contest, candidates must be under the age of 18 (youth) and and live within Nanaimo’s city limits. Submissions must be received by Sunday, June 15 at 11:59 pm.

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Public Works Open House

To highlight Public Works Week, join us on May 21 between 3 and 5 pm, for a free tour of Public Works. There are a limited number of spots available and registration is required for this tour. Log into your recreation account at www.nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/register-for-a-program, search for "Public Works Open House" and choose between six different timeslots for the tour.

May is Invasive Plant Removal Month in Nanaimo

An invasive plant is a non-native plant that has the potential to negatively impact the composition, structure and function of our ecosystems. 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 our parks.

Watch the video above to learn about English Ivy and how to remove it.

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Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Here’s a list of up-to-date information on City construction projects.

For more information on Nanaimo construction projects, visit the current Construction page on the City's website.

  • Commercial Street between Wharf Street and Church Street is closed to vehicles and Bastion Street is closed to vehicles between Skinner Street and Front Street. FREE daily 2-hour parking is available along downtown streets and on Levels 2 & 3 of the Bastion Street Parkade for the duration of the project.
  • Sewer upgrades along Railway Avenue began on April 22 and will continue until the end of July. Traffic will be reduced to single lane alternating (SLAT) times with intermittent road closures as required. Please use alternate route if possible.
  • The Townsite Area Utility Upgrades will see utility upgrades continuing on Millstone Avenue throughout May. Traffic will be reduced to SLAT as required.

  • Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians can expect more disruptions during the month of May as street upgrades continue at the intersection of Bowen and Northfield. These disruptions will be phased and will include partial intersection and road closures. From May 12 to 11, 24 hours per day, Northfield Road will be closed to through traffic in both directions between Bowen Road and Boxwood Road. The southbound left turn lane from Bowen Road onto Northfeld Road will also be closed. Access to Super Save Gas will be via Bowen Road only. Get complete latest updates, including detailed maps at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/MidtownGateway 

Note: All businesses in the construction areas are open unless otherwise posted.When approaching construction zones, please make sure to slow down and obey all signage and traffic personnel instructions. Remember that construction zone speed limits are 30 km/hr unless otherwise posted. If you know your commute is taking you through any of the areas below, please allow for additional time and plan ahead.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
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Work With Us!

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

  • Procurement Specialist
  • Casual Lifeguard/Instructors
  • Aquatic Supervisor
  • Lifeguard/Instructor
  • Major Case File Specialist
  • Planning Assistant
  • Casual Clerical Opportunities
  • Casuals - Police Services
  • Occupational Health & Safety Coordinator
  • Manager, Revenue Services
  • Casual Pool - Custodian Relief
  • Water Technician
  • Building Official

JOB POSTINGS
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A view from the Mayor's chair in the Shaw auditorium looking toward the audience

Meetings This Week

Monday, May 12 - Governance and Priorities Committee Meeting in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre starting at 1 pm

Monday, May 12 - Special Council Meeting in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, directly following the Governance and Priorities Committee Meeting

Tuesday, May 13 - Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild Meeting in the SARC boardroom starting at 5 pm

Wednesday, May 14 - Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness Meeting in the SARC boardroom starting at 4 pm

MEETINGS

If you are not able to attend or tune in live, you can always review decisions made at each Council meeting simply by reading the Council Meeting Summaries. These summaries are typically posted the day after each meeting.

COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARIES
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City of Nanaimo news and events

Recap of City News

City of Nanaimo seeking input for home energy retrofit financing options

Potential Canada Post strike may delay City tax notices

People, Purpose, Presence - City of Nanaimo celebrates Public Works Week

CITY NEWSROOM

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