This Week... 2026 Culture Awards nominations are open, learn about waste reduction and remember to renew your business licence. Read on for more! | 2026 Culture Award Nominations Nominations are open for our 2026 Culture Awards - these awards honour outstanding organizations, groups and individuals who have made significant contributions to the city's vibrant arts, culture and heritage communities. The public is encouraged to nominate those who inspire, create and help shape Nanaimo's cultural identity. The deadline for nominations is December 28, 2025. Award recipients will be celebrated at a special free event held at the Port Theatre on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Photo credit: Sean Fenzl 2026 CULTURE AWARDS NOMINATION FORM | Waste Reduction ♻️ Curbside Pickup at Local Businesses
If you are choosing not to shop in-person, there are still ways to support local businesses! Reach out to your favourite shops to see if you can order online or by phone, then pick up your purchase at the curb. Ask the store to reuse a box. If you do find you need to make online purchases, here are some tips to reduce shipping waste:
♻️ Reduce - Contact the retailers' customer service team and ask them to make a note on your account/order for low waste packaging
- Keep watch for retailers offering low waste packaging options
- Bundle your purchases into as few shipments as possible and avoid 2-day shipping when buying multiple items
♻️ Reuse - Reuse or repurpose the packaging
♻️ Recycle - Recycle in your Blue Cart: cardboard, paper wrapping
- Bring to a depot: plastic bubble wrap, all-plastic mailing envelopes and overwrap
ZERO WASTE 101 | Business Licence Renewal Did you know? Business licences, with the exception of Special Event or Temporary licences, expire annually on December 31. If you’d like to renew your business licence and have not received an invoice, consider opening a MyCity account where you will be able to receive business licence invoices, pay licensing fees (as well as other City fees) and view or print business licences. To create a MyCity account, you will need your business licence account number and access code - both located at the top of any previous invoice. If you have closed your business, please contact Business Licensing so we can close your account. Need Assistance? Contact us at business.licence@nanaimo.ca or by calling 250-755-4482. MAKE PAYMENT | New Parking Lot Have you visited Neck Point Park lately? There’s something new to enjoy! The park now features a brand-new parking lot, making access easier and more convenient for visitors. It’s the perfect time to plan a trip, take in the stunning ocean views and explore the scenic trails that make Neck Point a local favorite. Whether you’re walking, hiking or simply relaxing by the water, this upgrade ensures an even better experience. Come check it out and rediscover one of Nanaimo’s beautiful outdoor spaces! | Art in Public Spaces Working Group Apply today to become a member of the City of Nanaimo’s Art in Public Spaces Working Group, which consists of individuals who serve as knowledgeable volunteers, helping to advance the City’s public art program. Deadline for Applications: 11:59 pm, January 25, 2026. Photo credit: Sean Fenzl LEARN MORE | | Snowball Swim Join us at Beban Park Pool for our annual Snowball Swim on Sunday, December 21, from 1 to 3 pm! Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with winter-themed games, crafts and activities for the whole family. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season while staying warm in the pool. Regular admission rates apply. | | Skate with Santa Skate with Santa on Wednesday, December 17, from 6:30 to 8 pm at Frank Crane Arena and Thursday, December 18, from 6:15 to 7:45 pm in Nanaimo Ice Centre. Lace up your skates and glide into the festive spirit as Santa makes a special appearance at the rink. Families can enjoy cheerful music, holiday décor, and plenty of photo opportunities with Santa. Don’t forget to bring your holiday cheer—and your wish list! (regular admission rates apply). | | Winter Wonderland We are getting ready for Winter Wonderland! Trees are arriving and decorations are being assembled. Join us for this popular event on December 24, and December 26 to 31 where the Frank Crane will be transformed into a West Coast Winter Wonderland. All sessions will be free thanks to the generous support of local businesses and community organizations. See our website for the schedule. | | Activate 2026 2026 is only a few weeks away and Activate 2026 is happening! Join us for Nanaimo’s New Year’s Day family event held at Beban Park on Thursday, January 1, from 12 to 5 pm. There will be swimming, skating, games, a magic show, bouncy castles, crafts, entertainment, food trucks and more! The cost is only $10 per person with children 2 years and under free. Get your tickets now at Beban Park, online using barcode #158270 or at the door. See our website for details. LEARN MORE | | 50th Anniversary Join us on Saturday, January 3 as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of Beban Park Social Centre, Beban Pool and Frank Crane Arena that opened on January 3, 1976. To commemorate this day, we are offering a special swim and skate with admission costing only $0.76! - Swimming/Weight Room at Beban Pool, 12 to 4 pm
- Skating at Frank Crane Arena, 12 to 3 pm
Please note that there is limited capacity, so admission is on a first come, first served basis. | | 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. - Expect delays and single lane alternating traffic on Fitzwilliam St between Pine St and Milton St and on Howard Ave between Third St and Armishaw Rd. Avoid delays by planning an alternate route.
- Expect significant delays due to single lane alternating traffic along Hammond Bay Rd between Turner Rd/McGirr Rd and Kenwill Dr intersections while crews continue to work on replacing sewer and re-paving the road. Avoid delays by taking Rutherford Rd and Uplands Dr as an alternative route.
- Expect slight delays due to single lane alternating traffic along Dickinson Rd between Groveland Dr and Medd Rd intersections while crews continue to work on replacing water mains. Avoid delays by taking Schook Rd and Dover Rd as an alternative route.
- Cienar Drive is closed, except for local traffic while crews work on replacing the watermain.
- 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.
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 | Work With Us! We are currently looking for candidates to fill the following positions: - Aquatic Supervisor
- Lifeguard/Instructors
- Casual Arena Maintenance Worker
- Building Official
- Casual Lifeguard/Instructors
- Casual Clerk Opportunities
- Casuals - Police Services
JOB POSTINGS | Instructors Needed Do you have a passion for sharing your skills with others? We’re looking for talented instructors to lead engaging classes in our community! Areas of expertise we’re seeking: - Painting & Drawing
- Poetry & Creative Writing
- Stained Glass
- Photography
- Culinary Skills
- Music
- Fitness
Apply by emailing us at parksandrecreation@nanaimo.ca | | Meetings This Week Monday, December 15: Regular Council Meeting in the Shaw Auditorium starting at 7 pm. Wednesday, December 17: Finance and Audit Committee Meeting in the Shaw Auditorium startin at 9 am. 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 | | Stay up to Date with the City | | | | |
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