January 22, 2024

This Week...

Join us tonight for a special GPC meeting, make nominations for our upcoming 2024 Culture Awards and explore the many local events taking place. 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) has started.

  • Join us tonight, January 22, at 7 pm in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre’s Shaw Auditorium for a Special Governance and Priorities Committee meeting where staff will provide 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.

MEETINGS

2024 Culture Awards Nominations

The deadline to nominate someone for our 2024 Culture Awards is quickly approaching! The awards recognize outstanding organizations, groups and individuals in arts and culture. This is the community's opportunity to recognize people and groups they believe have contributed significantly to making Nanaimo a culturally vibrant city. We have three categories: Excellence in Culture, Honour in Culture, and Emerging Cultural Leader. Get your nominations in before time is up!

Left photo: Joel Good, winner of the 2023 Excellence in Culture Award
Right photo: Margot Holmes, winner of the 2023 Honour in Culture Award
Photo credit: Sean Fenzl

LEARN MORE

Parks and Trails

The Nanaimo area is packed with amazing hiking trails! Come enjoy the fresh air and great company with two options to choose from.

Trailblazers: exploring trails that are 5-7 km in length with more natural obstacles to navigate around
Walk & Talk: an introduction to some of our “gentler” hikes combined with “exercise” breaks along the way.

Register online or call Parks, Recreation and Culture at 250-756-5200.

REGISTER

Storytime and Crafts

Join the lovely Miss Lynn for a journey of imagination and creativity! For the young minds eager for adventure, Miss Lynn will combine the wonder of storytelling with the joy of a hands-on craft. Parent participation is required. Held at Kin Hut Activity Centre.

Register online or call Parks, Recreation and Culture at 250-756-5200.

REGISTER

Swimming Event

There will be a Nanaimo Diamonds Short Course Rehearsal and Water Show at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre on Saturday, January 27, 2-6 pm. During the event, diving boards will not be available, and there will be limited swimming.

To view the latest swimming schedule, please see our website.

SCHEDULE

Vegetarian Punjabi

Learn how to make some Vegetarian Punjabi dishes with Shiv! Such a great way to add some new recipes to your menus.

Shiv’s newest vegetarian offerings include chilli paneer, mixed veggies with ginger and garlic, shahi paneer and curry served with roti. Join him in this evening class for wonderful food, music and culture.

Register online or call Parks, Recreation and Culture at 250-756-5200.

REGISTER

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 slow down 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

Monday, January 22: Governance and Priorities Committee Meeting in the Shaw Auditorium starting at 1 pm.

Monday, January 22: Special Governance and Priorities Committee 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
City of Nanaimo news and events

Recap of City News

Alternative Approval Process for Nanaimo Operations Centre Phase One begins

City of Nanaimo announces new Youth Poet Laureate, Paige Pierce

 

 


 

CITY NEWSROOM

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