Stage 3 Watering Restrictions

We are moving to stage 3 watering restrictions on Monday, June 8, 2026. In this stage, reducing your watering and water usage (washing your car, filling pools, etc.) is voluntary, however we encourage you to reduce consumption and eliminate unnecessary outdoor water use.

Nanaimo's watershed has experienced almost two months without significant rainfall, resulting in steadily declining reservoir levels. At the same time, water usage has risen to above-average levels for this time of year, placing increased pressure on available water supplies.

Here are some ways you can reduce your water usage:

• Avoiding or significantly reducing lawn watering (you only need to water your lawn once per week to keep it green)
• Minimizing irrigation of landscapes, gardens and ornamental plants
• Using water-efficient methods such as hand-watering or drip irrigation
• Limiting vehicle washing and other non-essential outdoor water use
• Fixing leaks and reducing indoor water use, where possible.

Stage 3 serves as a critical early warning. If weather conditions do not improve and water use remains high, the City may move to stage 4 watering restrictions where all non-essential watering, including lawn and garden watering, vehicle washing, etc. would be prohibited. 

For more information on watering restrictions and water conservation tips, visit the watering restrictions page on the City website.

WATERING RESTRICTIONS

Property Taxes

Your 2026 property taxes are due on July 2 and you can pay in a number of ways:

• Through your bank - online, in person or on the phone. To add the City of Nanaimo as a payee, search for “Nanaimo”. The account number is the 8-digit folio number (no period) found on your notice. Please note: we do not accept e-transfers.
• Mail a cheque payable to "City of Nanaimo" to 445 Wallace Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5J6. Cheques must be received by July 2, 2026 and postmarks are not acceptable as date of payment.
• In person at the Service and Resource Centre located at 411 Dunsmuir Street. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Please note: we don't accept credit card payments and if you are paying with interac, please confirm your daily limit.

Make sure to apply for your Home Owner Grant online at www.gov.bc.ca/HomeOwnerGrant or by phone at 1-888-355-2700 by July 2, 2026!

Did you know? You can prepay for next year's taxes with the Pre-Authorized Withdrawals Plan (PAWS). With PAWS, payments are withdrawn from your bank account each month and the suggested amount it calculated using an estimate of next year's taxes. Starting these payment on July 15 will give you 12 months of prepayments before your 2027 property taxes are due! Find more information about Property taxes and the PAWS program on the City website.

PROPERTY TAX INFORMATION