February 9, 2026

This Week...

Celebrate Family Day and the 50th anniversary of Beban Complex, take our Rental Tenant Relocation Assistance Project survey and congratulations to our 2026 Culture Award winners. Read on for more! 

Family Day, 2026

Celebrate Family Day and the 50th Anniversary of Beban Complex - providing "50 Years of Family Fun!"

Drop in for FREE FAMILY FUN on Monday, February 16, from 10 am to 2:30 pm as we celebrate both Family Day and the 50th Anniversary of Beban Complex. The day begins with an anniversary celebration with dignitaries and cake (10 to 10:30 am) followed by family-friendly activities (10:30 am to 2:30 pm) including:

  • story time (pre-register),
  • bouncy castles,
  • a photo booth,
  • arts & crafts,
  • face painting,
  • swimming,
  • skating,
  • golf at Beban Park golf course,
  • Island Roots market in the centennial building,
  • live musical entertainment, and more.

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Rental Tenant Relocation Assistance Project

Are you renting in Nanaimo?

Help shape what support is provided for tenants facing eviction when older rental apartment buildings are redeveloped! The City of Nanaimo is gathering opinions and feedback to help guide the Rental Tenant Relocation Assistance Project.

Your feedback matters! Take the survey by February 18, 2026 and have your say!

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2026 Culture Award Winners

Since 1998, the City of Nanaimo has celebrated local excellence in arts, culture, and heritage through its annual Culture Awards. The awards recognize outstanding organizations, groups, and individuals whose achievements strengthen Nanaimo’s cultural fabric and enrich the community’s economic, social, and creative life.

Congratulations to our 2026 winners, Leon Potter (excellence in culture), Luis Porretta (honour in culture) and Brian McFadden (honour in heritage).

The 2026 Culture Award recipients will be honoured at a free community celebration at the Port Theatre on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The public is invited to attend an evening of celebration and live local entertainment recognizing the achievements of these extraordinary community leaders. Tickets are available through the Port Theatre.

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Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild

The Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild invites the community to explore the Old Victoria Arts Centre during a Meet and Greet Open House event on Tuesday, February 10, from 2 to 6 pm at 25 Victoria Road. These informal drop-in sessions offer guided tours of the city-owned, multi-purpose facility and an opportunity to learn how the O.V. can support a wide range of uses - from workshops and rehearsals to performances and community gatherings. Guild members will also share information about planned upgrades and future renovations being considered by the City of Nanaimo. Community members interested in the future of arts and culture in Nanaimo’s downtown core are encouraged to attend!

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Environmental Grants

Applications are open for the Community Environmental Sustainability Project and Community Watershed Restoration grants. If you or your organization or group are planning to take on an environmental project in Nanaimo, check out the grants page on the City website. Deadline to apply: March 9, 2026. 

Note: grants are for projects taking place within the City of Nanaimo.

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Dog Licence Reminder

In 2024, the most popular dog name in Nanaimo was Bella. Last year, Charlie eked out Bella by one good dog to be 2025's most popular dog name! Annual dog licences are due, and if you renew your dog's by February 28, you'll get a discount on the renewal fee. Learn more in the Dog Licence section on the City website

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Disc Golf

The City of Nanaimo is planning a renewal of the Bowen Park Disc Golf course. The existing course is a popular attraction in Bowen Park, and was originally constructed in the 1990’s. 

A new course design was developed in 2025 and is planned to be built in spring 2026. 

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Get Outside and Play

Some of Nanaimo's greatest assets are its public outdoor spaces. With over 1,000 hectares of City parks and 180 kilometres of trails, there is something for everyone to enjoy and discover. Park hours (unless otherwise posted):

  • October to March: 6 am to 9 pm
  • April to September: 6 am to 11 pm

Looking for a park or park amenity? Visit Nanaimo Parks Search or visit the Explore Our Parks and Trail Brochure.

Curbside Collection

Did you know? City sanitation crews collect from over 30,000 homes across 10 routes in Nanaimo every week! That's a lot of homes!

You can help your collection day go smooth by making sure your carts are out by 8 am, placing them 1 metre (3 feet) apart and tossing the right items in the right cart - use the What Goes Where tool on the Nanaimo Recycles app.

Be Bear Aware

Did you know that over half of problem bear calls in B.C. are linked to garbage? When bears become food-conditioned, it creates safety risks for humans and for the bears. Help prevent this by reducing odours (freeze scraps, use vinegar or baking soda) and keeping your carts secured. Only set carts out the morning of collection day and remove them promptly after pickup. Let's keep bears wild and our community safe!​​​​​​​

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Stay Connected

Be sure to check the City of Nanaimo’s Facebook page and website for updates that need quick attention from Parks, Recreation and Culture. This includes alerts about severe weather, facility closures, program cancellations and other important notices. Staying informed helps you plan ahead and avoid surprises. Visit our online channels regularly to keep up-to-date and ensure you have the latest details when it matters most.

Sweet Layered Podcast

We’re joined by Dr. Derek Poteryko, a local family physician, author and long‑time wellness advocate. Dr. Poteryko is known for programs like Walk With a Doc and the Orange Bench initiative, which encouraged conversations with a physician in everyday public spaces.

Subscribe and listen:

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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.

  • Third St from Howard Ave to Pine St will return to single lane alternating traffic next week. Expect delays and consider using the Fourth St detour.
  • Expect single lane alternating traffic or eastbound lane closures at times on Jingle Pot Rd at the intersection of Holland Rd. Eastbound traffic watch for possible detour using Holland Rd and Ashlee Rd.
  • Expect slight delays due to single lane alternating traffic along Fourth St between Wakesiah Ave and University Cres while crews work on replacing a sanitary sewer.

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:

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

Meetings This Week

Wednesday, February 11: Public Safety Committee Meeting in the SARC boardroom starting at 4 pm.

Thursday, February 12: Design Advisory Panel Meeting in the SARC boardroom starting at 5 pm.

Friday, February 13: Mayor's Leaders' Table in the SARC boardroom starting at 8 am.

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

List of news releases published the week before (not bulleted)

CITY NEWSROOM

Stay up to Date with the City