June 13, 2022

This week... 

Watch the June Out & About video, learn more about the summer water testing program and participate in free summer events. Read on for more!

We're Out and About again in June, bringing you information on some upcoming events and programs. Learn more about the City of Nanaimo booth at the Downtown Night Market, Concerts in the Park, property tax notices have been mailed, how to apply to be an election worker and more!

Water Quality Testing 

Each year, during the summer months, the City of Nanaimo monitors water quality at popular swimming spots to make sure the water is clean for beach goers and for wildlife. Staff from the Public Works department, with assistance from the Nanaimo Port Authority, take water samples from various locations in and around each beach as well as from the waterways that feed into them. The samples are then tested by a lab for fecal coliforms. If the level of fecal coliforms exceeds Provincial health guidelines, it will force a beach closure.

Testing occurs at the following locations: Brannen Lake, Colliery Dam Park, Departure Bay, Long Lake, Swy-A-Lana Lagoon (Maffeo Sutton Park) and Westwood Lake.

To help keep water clean and beaches open, pet owners are reminded to take their dogs to designated dog parks and off-leash areas. With shore birds and other naturally occurring wildlife in and around water bodies, adding pets to the mix could elevate the levels of fecal coliforms. The City of Nanaimo has a bylaw in place that states dogs are not to be on beaches or in the water between the beginning of May to the end of September each year. This bylaw is in place for all of Nanaimo’s lakes, streams and waterfront swimming spots, except for those designated as off-leash areas.

BEACH REPORTS
Get Vaccinated

Lions FREE Swims

The Lions Club, along with Parks, Recreation & Culture and other community sponsors are proud to offer FREE swimming to Nanaimo residents! On June 18 and June 25 visit the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre between 2-3:30 pm to participate. 

LIONS FREE SWIM SCHEDULE

Kin Pool is Open

Did you know? The outdoor Kin Pool is open from June 4 to September 2 for everyone welcome swims 1-3 pm on Saturdays & Sundays. Starting July 4 another everyone welcome swim will be added Monday to Friday from 1-3 pm. An adult length swim will also start July 4 Monday to Friday from 12-1pm. Admission is $4. Flip to page 15 of the Summer Activity Guide for more information.

SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE

Water Parks are On

The water is on and ready to cool kids down this summer at Nanaimo's water parks. There are four in the city open daily 9 am - 8 pm until September. 

  • Departure Bay Kiwanis Water Park
  • Deverill Square Water Park
  • Harewood Centennial Water Park
  • Mansfield Water Park

SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE

 

Concerts in the Park

Bring a lawn chair and snacks and join us at Diver Lake Park for some Bluegrass music. The next concert in the park is scheduled for Tuesday, June 14 between 6-7 pm with Ken & Greg. CONCERTS IN THE PARK SCHEDULE

FREE Parks, Recreation & Culture Summer Programs 

Learn to Fish

This program is for families with children 5 to 15 years old. Join the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and learn about the basics of freshwater fishing. Fishing rods are provided and the program runs rain or shine! Parent participation is required. More info is on page 21 of the Summer Activity Guide.

Nature Chats with Pat

These programs take place at Westwood Lake Park. Learn about bears, turtles and raptors. Great for all ages. Flip to page 23 of the guide for program dates, times and codes to register.

ACTIVITY GUIDE

 

Summer Playground Program

This program runs July 6- August 31 and is designed for kids ages 5 to 12 years old. Drop in at a neighbourhood playground for activities, games, arts & crafts and sports. For a list of locations and times flip to page 21 of the Summer Activity Guide. 

 

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Up-to-date information on City construction projects:

  • Metral Drive is still an active construction site, so please expect delays when navigating through the area, particularly north of Enterprise. All businesses remain open and accessible; however, some driveway accesses may be affected temporarily, so please utilize alternate accesses whenever possible.
  • Watermain upgrades are underway on Laguna Way east of the intersection with Lost Lake Road. Commuters can expect minor delays.
  • Utility upgrades are taking place on Cottleview Drive and Hillside Avenue between Caldwell Street and Pacific Edge Way. Commuters can expect minor delays.
  • Fourth Street between Bruce Avenue and Pine Street is closed in both directions to through traffic, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hamilton Avenue at Pine Street will be closed to southbound right turning vehicles. Local traffic is permitted. All businesses remain open and accessible. Road closures will remain in effect until the Fourth Street Complete Street Phase 1 project is completed.
  • Starting on June 15, Park Avenue between Fifth Street and Seventh Street will be closed in both directions for a sanitary sewer upgrade. The road closure will be in place for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access is available for local traffic and emergency vehicles only. A detour will be in place using Bruce Avenue and the closure will remain in effect until the sewer upgrade project is completed in September.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

How to Use a Roundabout

Roundabouts are becoming more common in Nanaimo. A roundabout is a circular intersection where drivers travel counter-clockwise around a center island. They are generally used on major roads to control the flow of traffic through an intersection as an alternative to traffic signals. Drivers yield at entry to traffic in the roundabout, then enter the intersection and exit at their desired street. Tl learn more watch the video 'What is a Roundabout' (by WSDOT – Washington State Department of Transportation).

WATCH VIDEO ON ROUNDABOUTS

Work With Us!

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

  • 2022 General Municipal Election Workers
  • Equipment Operator, Asphalt
  • Planner - Temporary full-time
  • Exhibit & Property Clerk
  • Bylaw Enforcement Officer Temporary full-time
  • Buyer - Temporary full-time
  • Lifeguard/Instructor
  • Parks Maintenance Worker - Playgrounds
  • Recreation Coordinator - Aquatics
  • Planning Assistant
  • Head Lifeguard/Instructor - Temporary full-time
  • Casuals - Police Services
  • Engineering Services Technologist
  • Custodian - Relief Pool
  • Casual Lifeguard/Instructors

JOB POSTINGS

Meetings This Week

Monday, June 13: Governance and Priorities Meeting at 1:00 pm

Wednesday, June 15: Finance and Audit Committee Meeting at 9:00 am

Thursday, June 16: Special Council Meeting at 7:00 pm

Thursday, June 16: Public Hearing at 7:00 pm

Did you know? On May 30, 2022, Nanaimo City Council allocated an additional $100,000 to support Nanaimo's continued participation in the CleanBC Better Homes Rebate municipal top-up program.

You can watch live meetings, view a list of upcoming meetings, read agendas and watch recordings of past meetings all in one place on the City website.

MEETINGS

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