July 26, 2021

This week... 

Be prepared for an emergency, answer the call for temporary public art and REIMAGINE Nanaimo pops up in various parks. Read on for more!
Get Vaccinated

Message from Island Health

Island Health is making it easier than ever for those 12+ to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine with their custom Vax Van!

To help ensure every eligible individual has the opportunity to get their first dose, the Vax Van will visit popular parks, beaches, shopping destinations and events, providing on-the-spot first dose vaccination – no appointment required.

VAX VAN INFO

PreparedBC

The Government of BC has declared a provincial state of emergency in response to the increasingly severe wildfire situation. Are you prepared for a potential disaster? Learn how to prepare yourself for floods or wildfires and how to create an evacuation plan if need be, visit PreparedBC. 

3 STEPS TO PREPAREDNESS

Voyent Alert

In the event of a local emergency, you can sign up to receive a phone, text or email message with details about the emergency and any actions you may need to take. You can register as a resident or business owner. For more information, download the app. 

REGISTER FOR VOYENT ALERT

Last Week for Golden Bucket

The final golden bucket clue will be released Wednesday July 28 and once you find the Golden Bucket sticker, scan the QR code, answer the question and be entered to win a weekly prize or the grand prize of a Kayak Tour for 5 people courtesy of Coastal Expression Adventure Centre. 

GOLDEN BUCKET

Call for 2022 Temporary Public Art

The call for submissions to create a new Temporary Public Art project is now open! In the newly updated Temporary Public Art Program the City will support two artists annually in the creation of new works for public spaces in Nanaimo. The deadline to apply is September 13, 2021.

Register for the Temporary Public Art ZOOM Information Session: July 28, 7:00 pm, email cultureandevents@nanaimo.ca

TEMPORARY PUBLIC ART

Launch of Urban Design Roster 2021-2023

The City is seeking portfolios from artists and designers for a new initiative called the Urban Design Roster. This program offers artists and designers an opportunity to be involved in civic urban design and small-scale artwork related to City infrastructure. This open call seeks the talents of artists and designers who may wish to tackle a particular design challenge. Open to both established and emerging artists, including those interested in expanding their practices into the public realm for the first time. The deadline to apply is August 30, 2021.

Register for the Urban Design Roster ZOOM Information Session: August 4, 7:00 pm, email cultureandevents@nanaimo.ca

URBAN DESIGN ROSTER

Concert Series

Join us rain or shine, for a free live music event - Twin Fiddles with Cross Canada Fiddle. Happening Tuesday, August 3 from 4:30-5:30 pm at Finn Beach in Neck Point Park. Twin Fiddles is Saskatoon-based fiddle player JJ Guy along with Order of Canada recipient Gordon Stobbe of Seaforth, NS. They present a highly entertaining and varied show that draws on fiddle traditions from around the world. This summer they are joined on stage by Nanaimo’s own Geoff and Trish Horrocks of Cross Canada Fiddle.

CONCERT SERIES

Recycle it Right ♻️

Enjoying more picnics, park dates and to-go lunches, but not sure what to do with take-out packaging? Instead of just tossing them, please take the time to find out what's accepted in your blue bin and what needs to go to a Nanaimo drop-off location. Use the handy "What Goes Where" recycling directory to help us reduce curbside contamination.  

WHAT GOES WHERE

REIMAGINE NANAIMO Phase 2

REIMAGINE NANAIMO information booths will be popping up in parks and at community events over the summer.

The REIMAGINE team will be sharing information about the project, ongoing surveys and summer workshops. Stop in and say hello. The team will be set up Wednesday's at the Island Roots Farmer's Market 1:30 - 6 pm.

REIMAGINE NANAIMO

Join us for Our City, Our Choices Scenarios Workshops happening July through September. Each 2-hour workshop will include an introduction, an interactive discussion of preliminary scenarios and a chance to collaborate with others. Many days and times available to accommodate all schedules. Great prize draws for participants! 

You can also request a Self-Guided Scenarios Booklet to complete on your own or with family, friends or neighbours.

SIGN UP FOR A WORKSHOP

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 and account for extra time when navigating the area. All businesses remain open and accessible, but commuters are asked to use alternate routes whenever possible.
  • To accommodate development and maintain site safety, Rock City Road will be closed from Ocean Pearl Terrace to Barrington Road to through traffic for 24 hours. Local traffic should expect delays and plan their trips accordingly.
  • Watermain upgrades are underway on Estevan Road between Poplar Street and Drake Street. During construction hours from Monday to Thursdays this road will be closed to traffic with the exception of buses and local residents. Detours will be in place and commuters are asked to plan their travel accordingly and account for extra time when navigating the area.
  • Sanitary Sewer installation will continue for the remainder of this week on Dufferin Crescent.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Work With Us!

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

JOB POSTINGS

Meetings This Week

Monday, July 26: Governance and Priorities Committee at 2:00 pm

Monday, July 26: Regular Council Meeting at 7:00 pm

Thursday, July 29: Design Advisory Panel Meeting at 5:00 pm

Government-to-Government Informal Meeting: On Friday, July 23, 2021, Mayor Krog along with Members of Council and the City’s CAO, met with Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Doug Routley, MLA, Nanaimo-North Cowichan (joined virtually), and Adam Walker, MLA, Nanaimo Parksville-Qualicum. The session was informal and focused on the City’s meeting requests to the Province and UBCM to meet with various Ministers on topics impacting and of interest to the City. 

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

Here's a recap of last week's City News

Lisa Fletcher Appointed to Superintendent, Nanaimo Detachment Commander

City kicks off four-part summer music series

 

CITY NEWSROOM

Want the Latest City of Nanaimo News & Information?

Stay up to date with Council, programming and events:

City of Nanaimo's COVID-19 Response

Currently in place:

  • Mask use for indoor activities not required but encouraged.
  • Fitness classes - all indoor fitness classes allowed to run with normal capacity.
  • Weight Rooms will gradually increase to normal capacity (pre-registration required for these sessions until September 7).
  • Indoor spectators of 50 people or 50% capacity (whichever is greater) permitted.
  • Outdoor spectators of 5,000 or 50% capacity (whichever is greater) permitted.
  • All pre-registered sessions (swimming, skating, gymnasium sports) have increased capacity (pre-registration required for these sessions until September 7).
  • New Communicable Disease Guidelines will be in place.
  • For the latest information on our programs, please see our online Summer Activity Guide.
  • Oliver Woods Community Centre, Bowen Complex and Nanaimo Aquatic Centre open to the public for registration, washrooms and water fountains.

Beginning August 18:

  • Beban Pool lobby (registration office) will open for fall 2021 registration along with public washrooms and water fountains. Find staff at our "Celebration Stations" on this day in various recreation lobbies as we welcome you back and share with you our programming options for the fall 2021 season.

VISIT CITY OF NANAIMO COVID-19 INFO PAGE