November 30, 2020

This week... 

An important message from Island Health, Budget talks are taking place and the City is looking for your thoughts on a new Animal Responsibility Bylaw. Read on for more!

THE NEW NORMAL

Corporate Services

Please check out our Online Services page to see how we can help you. Safety protocols are in place to help keep both visitors and staff safe when visiting our facilities.

Parks, Recreation & Culture

Recreation facilities, the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and arenas are open and following province-wide COVID-19 safety protocols. Outdoor amenities remain open for use as well, however please continue to practice physical distancing, hand washing and please stay home if not feeling 100% well.

Masks Mandatory

In all public spaces at all City facilities, masks are mandatory. This includes inside a lobby, in a fitness setting, in a change room, on the pool deck and during a class or meeting.

VISIT COVID-19 INFO PAGE

Message From Island Health

Central Island, we need YOUR help. COVID-19 infection rates are rising in all of our communities. In the Central Island area alone, cases grew more than 600% in 10 days (Nov 10-20)! We need to take action in reversing this trend and bend the curve back. Everyone needs to work together to make it happen.

Socialize with your household only or if you live alone, your 2-person bubble and keep your distance from others. Please remember to:

  • Wash your hands well and often
  • Wear a mask in indoor, public spaces
  • Travel only when essential - for work or medical appointment
  • Stay informed through credible sources like the BCCDC, PHSA, Government of BC and us, Island Health
  • Be kind

Please remember, we're all in this together.

ISLAND HEALTH COVID-19

Parks, Recreation & Culture Updates

  • After being damaged in 2018 by a severe windstorm, the Seabold Stairs are now rebuilt. Check out the 190 stairs connecting Seabold Rotary Park down to one of Nanaimo's most beautiful beaches. The stairs were built using yellow cedar that was milled and sourced on Vancouver Island. Find the stairs at 6695 Seabold Road.

  • Cambie Park, located at 390 Cambie Road in Harewood, is now open for play! Come check out the new half sport court and playground equipment brought to the neighbourhood through community and business donations and a City of Nanaimo Partners in Parks Program grant. 

  • Parks staff are decorating parks like Maffeo Sutton Park and the Old City Quarter with holiday decorations.

  • Register for drop-in programs (swimming, skating and pickle ball) as early as 72 hours in advance. Drop-in schedules are available for viewing.
  • Winter registration begins Wednesday, December 2. Stay tuned for more information and safe program offerings.

PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURE

Budget Talks

Our 2021 budget review process is under way. This week, the draft project plan, COVID-19 Safe Restart Grant Framework and a recap of the budget will take place at Finance and Audit Committee meetings on Nov 30 and Dec 4. Due to COVID restrictions, these meetings are available to view virtually. Find them at www.nanaimo.ca/meetings. If you missed last week’s budget meetings, you can a recording of them on the meetings page of the website.

Next week, our annual Budget eTown Hall will take place on December 7. Ask your budget-related question by:

2021 BUDGET INFORMATION

Sugarloaf Mountain Park Christmas Tree

It's that time of year again! If you see Sugarloaf Mountain Park lit up tonight, it’s thanks to the off-duty Nanaimo professional firefighters of IAFF Local 905, who strung the Christmas lights earlier this morning. A nearby home owner graciously provides power for the tree each year.

Locals have gotten accustomed to seeing the lights every winter as this tradition has been happening for over 50 years in Nanaimo.Here is a brief history of the Sugarloaf Mountain Tree:

1960 - the Departure Bay Volunteer Fire Department started this tradition using a real tree and lights. Eventually, in the late 60’s a pole was put up.

1985 - the pole needed to be upgraded, so the current pole was installed using a helicopter and new cables and real incandescent bulbs were used.

2003 - full time, off-duty members of IAFF local 905 officially welcomed this tradition as their own.

2016 - a new tree was constructed using LED lights, a new power cable and a Maltese Cross for the top of the tree was constructed.

2020 - the tradition continues! 

Holiday Decor Recycling

Are you starting to unpack your holiday decorations and finding some burnt out light bulbs and dead batteries? Recycle light bulbs, string lights and batteries at a depot. These items require special handling and are prohibited from all curbside carts. Please use the What Goes Where recycling directory to find the depot nearest you.

Zero Waste tip: if possible, replace just the burnt out light bulbs.

NANAIMO RECYCLES

Share your Thoughts Right "Meow!"

We have drafted a new Animal Responsibility Bylaw and need your feedback. Until December 11, provide your thoughts on what you think is good and not so good about the new bylaw and your ideas for changes. Head over to Get Involved Nanaimo to participate today!

GIVE FEEDBACK

Will Your Commute be Affected?

Check out the City's Current Construction Projects page for up-to-date information on City construction projects. Here are a few projects that may affect your commute:

  • Bowen Road construction is almost done! As weather permits, crews will complete road markings. In the meantime, please drive slowly and respect temporary road markings.

  • Metral Drive, between Turner Road and Godfrey Road, has been reduced to gravel and underground utility work is underway. Traffic on the gravel road will be limited to residents only. Commuters are encouraged to plan additional time to navigate the area or preferably, to avoid the area completely by detouring on the Island Highway. Expect construction to be active Monday-Saturday, 7am-7pm.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Upcoming Meetings

Visit the Meetings, Documents and Videos page on the City website to view upcoming meetings, agendas and past meeting videos.

Council in Action

Missed what decisions Council made during a Special Council meeting or a Regular Council Meeting? Don’t worry. We have you covered! Check out our Council Meeting Summary page for quick overviews.

Here is a recap of last week's City News:

CITY NEWS

Want the latest news & information? Interested in Council decisions or perhaps you'd like to know when new art has been installed, what grant programs are available or Parks & Recreation programming and events? Subscribe to our e-newsletters!

 

SIGN UP & STAY CONNECTED