January 15, 2024

This Week...

Learn about the Nanaimo Operations Centre Project, Nanaimo has a new Youth Poet Laureate. And, how prepared are you for earthquakes? Read on for more!

Nanaimo Operations Centre Project

The Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for Council to seek elector consent to borrow up to $48,500,000 for the first phase of construction of the Nanaimo Operations Centre (Public Works building) starts on Thursday, January 18. There are many opportunities to learn more about this project and the AAP:

January 18, 2024 - Council Workshop and Info Session

  • Join us this Thursday, January 18 in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre’s Shaw Auditorium for a Special Governance and Priorities Committee meeting where staff will be providing an overview of the Nanaimo Operations Centre (public works yard) project. Those in attendance are encouraged to ask questions and learn more about the project. The meeting will also be live-streamed and can be viewed online: www.nanaimo.ca/meetings.

January 20, 2024 - Public Works Yard Tour (registration required)

  • Register for a tour of Nanaimo’s Public Works yard to learn about the Nanaimo Operations Centre project as well as the services provided by Nanaimo's public works and parks operations crews.
  • Space is limited. Registration is required.
  • Register by clicking the barcode or by calling 250-756-5200.

January 25, 2024 - Pop-up Info Session

  • Stop by our booth in Country Club Centre from 4:30 to 6 p.m. to chat with us about the project.

January 31 2024 - Public Works Yard Tour (registration required)

  • Register for a tour of Nanaimo’s Public Works yard to learn about the Nanaimo Operations Centre project as well as the services provided by Nanaimo's public works and parks operations crews.
  • Space is limited. Registration is required.

February 7, 2024 - Pop-up Info Session

  • Stop by our booth in Country Club Centre from 4:30 to 6 p.m. to chat with us about the project.

NANAIMO OPERATIONS CENTRE

Youth Poet Laureate

The City of Nanaimo is thrilled to announce Paige Pierce, a talented young writer and poet, has been appointed Nanaimo's newest Youth Poet Laureate. In this role, she will serve as a “young people’s poet”, raising awareness of poetry and the positive impact the literary arts can have on community life. We hope you’ll join us in congratulating Paige as she steps into the role of Youth Poet Laureate!

YOUTH POET LAUREATE

Earthquake preparedness survey

Natural Resources Canada has just launched a public survey to understand people’s awareness of earthquakes in their region and earthquake early warning, and their level of preparedness. The survey is open until January 31.

SURVEY

Seeking Youth Artists

The Youth Lounge is a free program for youth between the ages of 11-18yrs, offered in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Central Vancouver Island. It runs on Thursdays from 3-7pm, and Fridays from 2-9pm at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. We are seeking submissions from youth artists (ages 13 - 20) for an artistic design that will be used to celebrate and share information about the Youth Lounge. The deadline is 4 pm, January 26, 2024. 

YOUTH ARTIST INFO

Ice and snow

Please use caution in Nanaimo's parks. Trails, boardwalks, bridges, stairs and playground equipment can become slippery and hazardous when there is snow and ice.

If program or drop-in sports cancelations or closures do occur, you can check before you come on the City's Parks, Recreation and Culture website.

Janie's Got a Bus

Embark on a new adventure without the hassle of planning. Check out a few of the upcoming trips.

  • Tofino and Ucluelet - Stop in Ucluelet at the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse to take in the rugged coastal view and head to Tofino to enjoy your day at the beach or head into town for lunch and shopping. 
    • Saturday, January 20, 8 am to 8 pm
    • $65 - Meals are not included (110446)
  • Mount Washington Snowshoe Trip - Walk the snowshoe trails at Mount Washington and enjoy the snow covered scenery.
    • Monday January 22, 8 am to 5 pm
    • $115 - includes transportation and trail pass (110625)
  • Victoria - Spend the day shopping, dinning, strolling through a museum or catching an IMAX movie. You can request a drop off at the Museum, Casino, Mayfair mall or the Bay Centre downtown.
    • Thursday January 25, 8 am to 5:30 pm
    • $55-Meals are not included (110647)

REGISTER TODAY!

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Up-to-date information on City construction projects:

Midtown Water Supply and Midtown Gateway Projects

  • Construction is underway in the Black Diamond Drive Neighbourhood, construction is 7am-7pm, the road closure is 24 hours per day with one way local and emergency vehicle traffic only along Black Diamond Drive entering from Crows Nest Place towards Coal Tyee Trail / Venuti Way to Jingle Pot Road. The western access to Black Diamond Drive from Jingle Pot Road will be closed with vehicular traffic detoured to enter at the eastern access. The speed limit is reduced to 30 km/h. Drivers must slowdown in work zones and pay close attention to signage.
  • The trail that connects VIU, the Black Diamond neighbourhood and Third Street is closed to the public. This area is an active construction site for the installation of the water supply main. Construction traffic will enter and exit the work zone at Third Street across from the Rotary Field House.
  • Commuters can expect minor delays along many streets in the City while the construction crews progress on this project. The construction will create visual distractions and minor delays for commuters. Drivers, pay close attention to signage and the construction traffic as they enter and exit these sections of the project:
    • East Wellington, Westwood Road to Bowen Road, in particular in front of Parker Marine for the construction of the valve station
    • Griffiths Road, end to Madsen Road
    • Third Street across from the Rotary Fieldhouse
  • Along the Parkway visual distractions of the project construction will be noticeable at College Drive, behind VIU as well as between Northfield Road south to Jingle Pot Road.

Thank you for your patience! Learn more about this project: Midtown Water Supply Upgrades.

Terminal Avenue

  • Terminal Avenue upgrades will be ongoing between Commercial Street and Esplanade Street.
  • The mid-block crosswalk at Gordon Street is closed until the installation of the new signals, expected late this year:
    • Pedestrians please use the crosswalks at Commercial Street and Esplanade for safe crossing
  • Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
  • Speed limit will be reduced as this will be an active construction zone.
  • Obey all signs and traffic control personnel.

Sixth Street Watermain Upgrade

  • Construction work is commencing on Sixth Road between Bruce Avenue and Park Avenue
  • Typical construction hours are Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm
  • Commuters are encouraged to avoid this area if possible. If that is not possible, expect delays and account for extra time when navigating the area
  • Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction
  • Obey all signs and traffic control persons

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
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Work With Us!

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

  • Human Resources Advisor (2)
  • Business Analyst/Project Management Specialist
  • Senior Technical Support Specialist, Network
  • Buyer
  • Civil Design Technologist
  • Building Official
  • Financial Analyst, Temporary Full-Time
  • Casual Clerical Opportunities
  • Casual - Police Services
  • Casual Lifeguard/Instructors

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

Meetings This Week

Date: Regular Council Meeting in the Shaw Auditorium starting at 7 pm.

Date: Special Governance and Priorities Committee 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
City of Nanaimo news and events

Recap of City News

Alternative Approval Process for Nanaimo Operations Centre begins next week

City providing additional warming services during cold weather

City of Nanaimo announces new Youth Poet Laureate, Paige Pierce

CITY NEWSROOM

Stay up to Date with Council, Programming and Events