January 19, 2026

This Week...

Mark your calendars for 50 Years of Family Fun, join Poet Laureate Neil Surkan for an inspiring evening of poetry and register for our new Deep Water Aquafit Class. Read on for more!

Family Day, 2026

Celebrate Family Day and 50 Year of Beban Park - "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 Park. 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,
  • bouncy castles,
  • a photo booth,
  • arts & crafts,
  • face painting,
  • swimming,
  • skating,
  • golf at Beban Park golf course,
  • Island Roots market in the centennial building,
  • a Storywalk®,
  • live entertainment, and more.

LEARN MORE

Poetry in the Harbour: A Curated Community Reading

Join Neil Surkan, Nanaimo’s Poet Laureate, for an inspiring evening of poetry featuring talented community poets! This free event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate local voices and connect with others who love the art of words. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, February 4 at 7 pm in the Piper’s Lagoon Lobby at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre (entrance at 80 Commercial St). Don’t miss this creative gathering!

LEARN MORE

Woodgrove Area Plan Project

Last chance - have your say before January 25! The City of Nanaimo is inviting the community to provide feedback on the draft policies, actions and monitoring framework that will guide the transition of the Woodgrove Urban Centre into a complete community.

The purpose of the Woodgrove Area Plan project is to provide a roadmap on how to transform the Woodgrove Urban Centre into a vibrant, mixed-use urban centre.

Thank you for your participation!

SURVEY
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Deep Water Aquafit

Did you know? We have a new Deep Water Aquafit class. Join us on Wednesdays from 8 to 8:45 pm at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre for a great way to tone and strengthen your body with zero impact on your joints.

Make a splash—join us this week!
 

DROP-IN SCHEDULE

FCA Cancellations

Here is a list of Drop-In sessions cancelled at FCA, January 24 to 25, for a skating club competition.

  • Saturday, January 24
    • Everyone Welcome 1:15 to 2:45 pm
  • Sunday, January 25
    • Family Skate 10:45 to 11:45 am
    • Lions Skate 12:00 to 1:30 pm

DROP-IN SCHEDULE

Explore A New Park

If you are staying active outdoors this winter and looking for new areas to explore, try our Nanaimo Parks Search tool.

Visit the website and type in a park name to get directions or use it to find new parks to explore. You can use it to search for different amenities too. For example, if you type "trails" in the search bar, a list of all parks that have "trails" in the description will pop up. You can do a search for other things, such as playgrounds, off-leash dog parks or even parks with a view. Take extra caution this time of year as boardwalks, stairs and equipment can be slippery and some areas can flood.

PARKS SEARCH

Dog Licences

City parks and public spaces are regularly patrolled by Animal Control Services to ensure all dogs and dog owners are acting responsibly so everyone can enjoy public spaces. All dogs over the age of four months are required to have a valid dog licence in the City of Nanaimo.

Did you know? 100% of the fees collected from dog licensing go towards the costs of operating the Nanaimo Animal Shelter, including care and adoption.

Get a discount if you register and pay for your four-legged friend before the end of February.

DOG LICENCE INFO

Burn It Smart, Nanaimo

Burning wood is a major contributor to poor air quality as well as chimney fires. You can reduce pollutants and stay safe by following some simple steps:

  • Don't smoulder - burn wood at a high temperature to prevent excess smoke and creosote build up in your chimney.
  • Use only seasoned firewood. Never burn garbage, plastics, painted or treated wood, plywood, particle board, cardboard or saltwater driftwood.
  • Have your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly.

Find more information on the Burn It Smart page on the City website.

BURN IT SMART

Bastion Lighting Calendar

Did you know? The Bastion has six lights surrounding the structure and organizations can request the Bastion to be illuminated in specific colours to promote their cause.

February 14: Colours Red and Pink for Valentine's Day

February 15: Colour Gold for International Childhood Cancer Day

February 28: Colours Navy, Teal and Yellow for Coldest Night of the Year

BASTION CALENDAR
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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.

  • Underground utility work has resumed on Third Street (west of Howard) and Fitzwilliam Street (Machleary to Milton). Single lane alternating traffic is in effect on both streets. Please use alternate routes where possible.
  • Expect single lane alternating traffic or eastbound lane closures at times on Jingle Pot Road at the intersection of Holland Road. Eastbound traffic watch for possible detour using Holland Road and Ashlee Road.
  • Expect slight delays due to single lane alternating traffic along Applecross Road between Portsmouth Road and Dover Road while crews work on replacing a watermain.

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

Monday, January 19: Regular Council Meeting in the Shaw Auditorium starting at 4:30 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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City of Nanaimo news and events

Recap of City News

Dog owners reminded to renew licences for 2026

City of Nanaimo announces selection of 2026 Temporary Public Art Projects

City seeking new member for Board of Variance

CITY NEWSROOM

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