July 13, 2026

This Week...

Community-created asphalt art brightens an intersection, join a candidate information session and submit your proposal for the 2027 Temporary Public Art program. Read on for more!

Intersection Comes to Life

A new community work of art has arrived at the Campbell and Machleary St intersection! This vibrant asphalt artwork is the result of a collaborative initiative between the City’s Transportation and Culture teams, bringing together community, creativity and placemaking.

Designed by local artist Sebastian Abboud, the artwork was shaped through community engagement sessions and public feedback, with the final design reflecting the ideas and character of the surrounding neighbourhood. The project culminated in a Community Paint Day on Sunday, July 5, where hundreds of residents rolled up their sleeves to help bring the artwork to life. The completed artwork celebrates community pride, showcasing the power of collaboration in creating vibrant neighbourhood spaces, and demonstrating how public art can transform the everyday into something truly inspiring.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the Nanaimo Old City Association and all the volunteers and community members whose enthusiasm and support made this project possible!

Photo credit: Sean Fenzl

Information Sessions

Thinking about running in the 2026 General Local Election? The City of Nanaimo and the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) are offering two candidate information sessions to help prospective candidates learn more about serving in local government.

The sessions will take place from 6 to 9 pm on Wednesday, July 15, and Wednesday, August 12. Participants will learn about the role of elected officials, key responsibilities of local government and what to expect during the election process. The same information will be presented at both sessions, and no registration is required.

The first session on July 15 will be held in the Board Chambers at the RDN Administration Office (6300 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo). It will be livestreamed on the RDN's website and a recording will be made available on the City website following the session. The second session on August 12 will be in-person only at the Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre (1155 Resort Drive, Parksville) in the Grand Strathcona Room.

Nomination packages will be available starting August 4 and may be picked up from the Legislative Services Office at City Hall (455 Wallace Street) or requested electronically by emailing elections@nanaimo.ca.

LEARN MORE

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Creating Vibrant Spaces

Have you noticed a number of traffic signal cabinets and utility boxes around Nanaimo have been beautified with new artwork? This Urban Design Roster project is a partnership between the City’s Culture team and Public Works department. The artworks act as an anti-graffiti mechanism with the artwork being transferred to a wrap that is placed on the cabinet or box, as well to celebrate our community and the neighbourhood the signal cabinet or utility box it is located in.

Next time you are out and about in Nanaimo, be sure to watch for these beautiful additions. The City’s Culture Coordinate, Jamie-Brett Sine and Traffic Signal Technician, Lorne Bailey shared a presentation of the project with Council during last Monday’s Council meeting. You can watch a recording of it on the City website.

COUNCIL PRESENTATION

Call for 2027 Temporary Public Art

The City of Nanaimo is seeking proposals for Temporary Public Art to be initiated in 2026 and realized in 2027. The Temporary Public Art Program offers artists of diverse backgrounds and skillsets the opportunity to create artwork for public spaces in Nanaimo. Artists can propose artworks that vary in scale, scope, and medium, including temporary sculptural installations, social practice and community engaged artist projects and artwork that is integrated into landscape, architecture or civic infrastructure.

Deadline for Submissions: October 18, 2026

LEARN MORE

Open House

Join us for the Loudon Park Open House on July 23 from 10 am to 12 pm to learn more about the project, explore the latest design concepts, share your feedback, and connect with project staff. You can find project drawings and more information on the City website.

LEARN MORE

Summer Camps

Summer Camps are still open for registration! Packed with fun, adventure, and new experiences, our camps offer something exciting every day. Led by enthusiastic camp leaders, children will enjoy a memorable summer filled with games, sports, arts and crafts, drama, storytelling, and outdoor exploration.

REGISTER

Safe Cycling

Do you know all the rules of the road when cycling around Nanaimo? Help keep yourself and others safe by checking out the bike rules and safety page on the Government of BC’s website. There, you will find information on riding safely, wearing a helmet, legislation and regulations and more.

LEARN MORE

Concerts in the Park

Head over to Bowen Park Amphitheatre on July 17 from 6 to 7 pm to enjoy some Reggae/Dub with Mad Riddim Duo FT. Janelle Reid. Mad Riddim is founded on an intuitive musical connection and a shared vision of pushing the traditional boundaries of a rhythm section.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Voyent Alert!

Did you know? Voyent Alert! is the system the City will use to inform residents of local emergencies in the City of Nanaimo.

In case of a real emergency, users will receive a call, text or email or push/alert from the app. Make sure to sign up today!

LEARN MORE

Nanaimo Night Market

Did you Know?

  • The City of Nanaimo has a weekly booth set up. Stop by to say hello!
  • RDN Transit is providing a shuttle service from Nanaimo North Town Centre so you can park and ride downtown.
  • There are many free and affordable parking options downtown too! Consult the map in the link below to find one that works for you.

DOWNTOWN PARKING MAP

All Aboard

Boating season is in full swing and everyone is excited to explore Nanaimo's lakes, rivers and oceans. Make sure you are prepared the next time you venture out into our local waters. Everyone on board is required by Transport Canada to have a lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD). This includes motorized watercraft as well as human-powered.

Visit Transport Canada’s website for tips on selecting and caring for lifejackets and PDFs.

TRANSPORT CANADA

National Drowning Prevention Week

National Drowning Prevention Week takes place from July 19 to 25. This important initiative raises awareness about water safety and aims to reduce preventable drowning incidents. Throughout the week, the City’s Water Safety Team will be out in the community sharing educational resources and tips to help residents stay safe around water. Keep an eye out for them at local pools, parks and waterfronts, and take a moment to learn how you can stay safe.

Reuse Rendezvous

Looking to declutter your home, garage, or workplace? Join the City of Nanaimo’s annual Reuse Rendezvous on July 18 to 19, 2026, and give unwanted household items a second life through this community-wide swap event.

Reuse Rendezvous celebrates the Zero Waste principles of reuse, sharing, and redistribution. Whether you're passing along items you no longer need or searching for a hidden treasure, you're helping keep usable goods out of the landfill and extending the life of valuable resources.

As the saying goes, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. By participating in Reuse Rendezvous, you’re supporting a more sustainable community, reducing waste, and helping minimize the demand for new products - all while discovering great items for free.

Nanaimo Food Trucks

Trying to find your favourite food truck? Did you know we have an online calendar where our local food trucks can book their spots in advance at City parks? You can view the calendar and who is going to be where at www.nanaimo.ca/foodtruck to satisfy your next craving!

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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 between Howard Ave and Pine St is closed 24 hrs per day until August 13. Detours are in place.
  • Single lane alternating traffic and, at times, eastbound lane closures on Jingle Pot Rd at the Holland Rd intersection. Eastbound traffic watch for possible detour using Holland Rd and Ashlee Rd.
  • Single lane alternating traffic on Departure Bay Rd between Little John Way and Green Leaf Place. Expect delays.
  • Single lane alternating traffic along Hammond Bay Rd at Turner Rd and McGirr Rd intersection while crews work on building a new sidewalk and lay a new watermain.
  • Single lane alternating traffic along Hammond Bay Rd between Kenwill Dr and McGirr Rd to pave the westbound lane of Hammond Bay Rd. The existing traffic signals at Hammond Bay Rd and Turner Rd intersection will not be operational and will be manually controlled.
  • Single lane alternating traffic along Turner Rd from Hammond Bay Rd to Kenning Pl while crews work on replacing the sidewalk. Traffic signals at Hammond Bay Rd and Turner Rd intersection will not be operational and will be manually controlled.

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:

  • Recreation Assistant II - Arenas (24)
  • Casual Preschool Instructors & Assistants
  • Manager, Corporate Communications & Community Relations
  • Crime Analyst
  • Lifeguard/Instructor
  • Engineering Development Technician
  • Casuals, Police Services
  • Aquatic Supervisor
  • Urban Forester
  • Financial Analyst
  • Police Technical Support Specialist
  • Engineering Development Technician (TFT)
  • Lifeguard/Instructor (PPT)
  • Casual Pool - Custodian Relief
  • Community Safety Officers
  • Water Technician
  • Casual Lifeguard/Instructors
  • Casual Clerical Opportunities

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, July 13: Governance and Priorities Committee Meeting in the Regional District of Nanaimo Board Chambers starting at 1 pm.

Monday, July 13: Special Council Meeting in the Regional District of Nanaimo Board Chambers immediately following the Governance and Priorities Committee Meeting.

Wednesday, July 15: Finance and Audit Committee Meeting in the SARC boardroom starting at 9 am.

Thursday, July 16: Public Hearing Meeting in the Shaw Auditorium starting at 7 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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