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September 2, 2025

This Week...

The 55+ Games in Nanaimo are looking for volunteers, slow down in school zones and volunteer for the upcoming Terry Fox Run. Read on for more!
Three people are engaged in a high-five gesture. One person is wearing an orange shirt and holding a tray with several medals or badges. Another person, partially visible, is wearing a blue shirt with white stripes and has a tattoo on the forearm. The third person, also partially visible, is wearing an orange and black shirt. The background appears to be an outdoor setting with sandy ground.

55+ BC Games

The Nanaimo 2025 55+ BC Games take place next week from September 9 to 13, 2025, bringing together athletes from across the province for an exciting week of competition and community spirit. To make the event a success, organizers are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help in a wide range of roles. Volunteering is a great way to get involved, meet new people, and be part of something special in our city.

Ways to register:

📧 Email: volunteer@55plusgames.ca

🌐 Visit: www.55plusbcgames.org/nanaimo-2025/

☎️ Phone: 250-760-2225
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A black SUV is driving on a two-lane road next to a school zone. A yellow and black sign indicates a speed limit of 30 km/h. The school building, playground equipment, and trees are visible in the background.

School is back from summer

We had a good summer break and now it’s time to get back to routine. With school starting up this week, that also means school zone speed limits (where applicable) are back. Please make sure to slow down and watch for kids making their way back to class.
A person is sitting at a pottery wheel, shaping clay with both hands. The person's face is blurred for privacy. A pink bowl is placed on the right side of the pottery wheel, and another object is out of focus in the foreground on the left. The background includes a white wall and an open cabinet door.

Pottery Parties

NEW this fall! We are offering Pottery Parties in the Bowen Complex pottery studio. This is a great opportunity to rent the studio for a private function or to curate a class with a couple of friends or family. $14 per session.

Email parksandrecreation@nanaimo.ca for more information.

ACTIVITY GUIDE
A group of children are gathered around a table, coloring and drawing on sheets of paper. One child is wearing a shirt with cartoon characters. The children's hands are visible as they use crayons to color in their drawings.

Activity Guide

Fall is here, and so is our exciting Fall and Winter Activity Guide! Whether you're looking to stay active, learn something new or connect with your community, we’ve  a wide range of programs and events for all ages and interests. From fitness classes and creative workshops to family-friendly outings and seasonal celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss the chance to make the most of the season — explore the guide, find your favourites and register early to secure your spot. Let’s make this fall and winter full of fun, learning and connection!

LEARN MORE
A person is sitting at a pottery wheel, shaping clay with both hands. The person's face is blurred for privacy. A pink bowl is placed on the right side of the pottery wheel, and another object is out of focus in the foreground on the left. The background includes a white wall and an open cabinet door.

Upcoming Art Classes

Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture has space in these creative classes:

  • Mixed Media Art (152147): Explore intuitive painting, collage, stamping, and more—perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to overcome creative blocks.
  • Pottery Wheel – Intermediate (152166): For those ready to advance beyond basic pottery techniques.
  • Sculpting with Clay (152119): Learn sculpting methods including base structures, sgraffito and glazing. Open to all skill levels.

Register online at recreation.nanaimo.ca
or call 250-756-5200.
A group of children are gathered around a table, coloring and drawing on sheets of paper. One child is wearing a shirt with cartoon characters. The children's hands are visible as they use crayons to color in their drawings.

Sing, Sing, Sing!

Experience the magic of community singing with Joyful Harmony Singing! In this workshop (barcode 151372) and course (barcode 151376), you will learn to sing in harmony by ear, with inspiring songs from around the world, and room for creativity and movement. All voices are welcome - it's about joy and connection, not perfection. Register today online at recreation.nanaimo.ca or by calling us at 250-756-5200.
A blurred sunset or sunrise background with vibrant orange, pink, and blue hues. Bold white text in the center reads "FINISH IT." with a silhouette of a running person integrated into the letter "N". Below, smaller white text reads "TERRY FOX RUN | SEPTEMBER 14, 2025".
Terry Fox is running on a gravel path, wearing a white T-shirt, grey shorts, white socks, and black sneakers. Green bushes and trees are visible in the background. Text in the image reads: "Terry Fox Foundation. Sunday, September 14 at 9 am Bowen Park.

Terry Fox Run

The Terry Fox Run returns to Bowen Park on Sunday, September 14 at 9 am — a meaningful community event honoring Terry’s legacy and raising funds for cancer research. We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make this event a success! Whether you're cheering on runners, helping with setup, or guiding participants, your support makes a difference.

Interested in volunteering? Contact Meaghan at parksandrecreation@nanaimo.ca

Let’s come together to celebrate hope, courage and community. See you there!

General FAQs:

  • Do I have to run?
    No, you can run, walk or ride, all at your own pace.
     
  • Is there a rain date?
    No. The Run goes on rain or shine.
     
  • How long is the run?
    The Terry Fox Run has always been a non-competitive, community-based fundraiser. Please do your run in a safe and healthy manner to a distance you feel comfortable with.

Interested in volunteering?
📧 Contact Meaghan at parksandrecreation@nanaimo.ca

 
An indoor water park featuring multiple pools and rock formations. Several people are enjoying the water—some sitting on the pool’s edge, others swimming. The ceiling is adorned with colorful banners, and large windows in the background allow natural light to enter. The space is also brightly lit with artificial lighting.

Drop-in Schedules

Our public schedules for swimming, skating, gymnasium sports and pottery are changing over to their fall and winter schedule. Be sure to visit our website for the latest schedules before you come. Please note that the skating schedule for fall comes into effect on Sunday, September 14. Drop-In Schedules

DROP-IN SCHEDULES
A person wearing a blue beanie and a brown jacket stands in front of the Nanaimo Ice Centre. They have a pair of ice skates slung over their shoulder. The building features a brick facade and large windows.

Welcome Back Skates

We have a variety of “Welcome Back Skates” to welcome you back to fall skating. Regular admission rates apply.

  • Tuesday, September 2, 10 to 11:45 am: Adult Leisure at FCA
  • Tuesday, September 2, 6:30 to 8 pm: Glow in the Dark at FCA
  • Wednesday, September 3, 10 to 11:30 am: Adult Leisure at NIC
  • Wednesday, September 3, 12:30 to 2 pm: Parent & Tot at FCA
  • Wednesday, September 3, 6:30 to 8 pm: Everyone Welcome at FCA
  • Thursday, September 4, 6:15 to 7:45 pm: Everyone Welcome at NIC
  • Friday, September 5, 3:45 to 5:15 pm: Everyone Welcome at NIC
  • Sat, Sep 6, 1:15 to 2:45 pm: Everyone Welcome at FCA

SCHEDULES
A collage of painted utility boxes. The top row features three boxes with abstract, colorful designs in bright hues. The middle row shows three boxes with intricate floral and nature-themed patterns in shades of blue, purple, and orange. The bottom row includes two boxes with green and blue landscapes depicting mountains, trees, rivers and skies. Each box is uniquely decorated with vibrant artwork that enhances the urban environment.

Where Does the Art Come From?

Have you noticed artwork appearing on utility and traffic cabinets around town and wondered where the artwork comes from and who is responsible? These art wraps represent original artwork created by artists on the City’s Urban Design Roster and are commissioned in a collaborative effort between the City’s Culture team and the Public Works team.

Utility and traffic cabinets are a visible part of communities across Nanaimo. They offer a canvas to celebrate the city and its neighborhoods through public art, providing a sense of place and fostering community pride. Additionally, the presence of art and a vinyl wrap helps to prevent and clean up graffiti.
A collage of painted utility boxes. The top row features three boxes with abstract, colorful designs in bright hues. The middle row shows three boxes with intricate floral and nature-themed patterns in shades of blue, purple, and orange. The bottom row includes two boxes with green and blue landscapes depicting mountains, trees, rivers, and skies. Each box is uniquely decorated with vibrant artwork that enhances the urban environment.

Urban Design Roster

We are seeking artists and designers for the 2026-2028 Urban Design Roster. The deadline for submissions is October 12, 2025 at 11:59 pm. This unique opportunity allows creatives to play a direct role in shaping Nanaimo’s public spaces through art and design.

LEARN MORE

Glow in the Dark Skating

oin us for the first Glow in the Dark skating session of the fall on Tuesday, September 2, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena. Enjoy a fun, vibrant evening on the ice under glowing lights.

Regular admission rates apply — don’t miss this exciting event!
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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.

  • Expect significant delays due to single lane alternating traffic along Hammond Bay Road between Emil Place and Brickyard Road intersections while crews continue to work on replacing sewer and water mains. Next week drivers, transit users, cyclists and pedestrians should expect Hammond Bay Road to be busier than usual as Rutherford Elementary School and Dover Bay. Secondary School reopen after the summer break. Drivers should consider taking Rutherford Road and Uplands Drive as an alternative route to avoid delays if passing through the construction work zone. Drivers should consider taking Schook Road, and Dover Road as an alternative route to avoid delays if passing through the construction work zone
  • Expect slight delays due to single lane alternating traffic along Dickinson Road between Groveland Drive and Medd Road intersections while crews continue to work on replacing water mains.
  • Commercial Street is now open to vehicle traffic between Wharf Street and Church Street however, intermittent lane closures can be expected during working hours. FREE daily 2-hour parking is available along downtown streets and on Levels 2 & 3 of the Bastion Street Parkade for the duration of the project.
  • The Townsite Area Utility Upgrades is completing road reconstruction on Millstone Avenue. The Townsite Area Utility Upgrades is completing road reconstruction on Millstone Avenue. Paving is now complete however singel lane alternating traffic will be used intermittently into September as the corridor is completed.
  • There will be single lane alternating traffic on Rosstown Road and Powder Works Road as work continues in the area. Get complete latest updates, including detailed maps at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/MidtownGateway
  • There will be construction of a new crosswalk at the intersection of Campbell Street and Selby Street. Watch for lane closures, detours, construction signs and traffic control persons.
  • There will be 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
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Work With Us!

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

  • Equipment Operator - Asphalt
  • Casual Arena Maintenance Worker
  • Parks Capital Project Management Specialist
  • Operations Support Supervisor
  • Police Records Clerk
  • Building Official
  • Community Safety Officers
  • Procurement Specialist
  • Casual Lifeguard/Instructors
  • Casual Clerical Opportunities
  • Casuals - Police Services
  • Occupational Health & Safety Coordinator
  • Manager, Revenue Services
  • Casual Pool - Custodian Relief
  • Water Technician

JOB POSTINGS
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A view from the Mayor's chair in the Shaw auditorium looking toward the audience

Meetings This Week

Tuesday, September 2: Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild Meeting in the SARCH boardroom starting at 4 pm.

Thursday, September 4: Board of Variance Meeting in the SARC boardroom starting at 4 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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