This Week... Registration is open for the Civic Sport Merit Awards and Arts & Culture Merit Awards, check out the upcoming youth programs and events and apply to become a Board of Variance member. Read on for more! | Have you brought Provincial, Western Canadian, National or International recognition to Nanaimo? Let us celebrate you! Nanaimo City Council proudly presents certificates of congratulations and medallions to individuals, groups, teams, and clubs who have achieved first place or highest standing in their field of sports or arts and culture at the Provincial, Western Canadian, National, or International level. To be eligible, recipients must be residents of Nanaimo. Applications for the Fall 2024 awards must be completed in full and submitted by Monday, September 22, 2025. The recognition ceremony will take place on Monday, November 17. Let’s honour the achievements that put Nanaimo on the map! LEARN MORE | Call for Board of Variance Member Are you interested in becoming more involved with your community? Do you have a basic understanding of building and zoning regulations such as the City's Zoning Bylaw and BC Building Code, as well as familiarity with interpreting architectural plans and documents? The City of Nanaimo is currently recruiting one member for a three-year term on our Board of Variance, an independent body that can grant variances to relax zoning regulations, extend non-conforming uses and reconstruct non-conforming buildings. Applications are open until September 26 at 4 pm. APPLY TODAY | | Annual Dam Safety Inspections You may spot some activity around Nanaimo’s dams this week. We will be conducting formal annual dam safety inspections between Monday, September 15 and Thursday, September 18. Did you know? The City owns 10 dams, located at: Jump Creek, South Fork, Harewood, Lower Colliery, Middle Colliery, Upper Colliery, Reservoir 1, McGregor Creek (Linley), Westwood and Witchcraft. These dams serve a variety of purposes including water supply, environmental flow management and historical industrial use. Inspections help identify any structural or operational issues early, protect public safety and ensure compliance with provincial standards. Thank you for your patience while our crews carry out this important work. | Fall GoByBike Week Nanaimo, get ready to ride - Fall GoByBike Week is almost here! From September 27 to October 3, we’re celebrating cycling, sustainability and community spirit with a full week of fun, fresh air and meaningful connections. No matter your age or experience level, GoByBike Week is for everyone. Grab your helmet, tune up your bike and invite your friends, family, and coworkers to join the ride. | | Youth Clothing Swap Refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime! The Q2 Leadership participants invite you to the Youth Clothing Swap Shop on Saturday, September 27 from 12 to 5 pm at the Bowen Complex Auditorium. Enjoy a clothing exchange, music, a fun photo booth and discover “new to you” fashion finds — just in time for the new school year! Want to skip the line? Drop off your gently used clothes early at Bowen Room 3 on Tuesday, September 23 from 5 to 7 pm. All leftover items will be donated to Deni’s Dynamite Deals, located across from John Barsby Secondary. | | Youth Resource Directory The Youth Resource Directory has been recently updated and is available on the City of Nanaimo website. This refreshed guide includes current information on programs, services and supports for youth in our community. Whether you're a young person, parent or service provider, it's a great tool to stay informed and connected. Explore the latest version and share it with others who might benefit. | | Afterschool Program Join us this season for amazing adventures, make discoveries and enjoy the changing of the seasons at Bowen Park. Monthly themes include nature observations, animal behaviours and welcoming a changing season. Exploration focused walks, crafts and special guests are part of this club! Mondays, Sep 15 to Dec 15, from 3 to 5 pm at Bowen Park Complex. Register today by calling Parks, Recreation and Culture at 250-756-5200 or online. | | Invasive Plants Let’s keep Nanaimo beautiful by ridding our city of invasive plants. Join us for upcoming work parties. We will be at Bowen Park on September 27, 10 am to 12 pm (barcode 149377), at Buttertubs Marsh on October 18, 10 am to 12 pm (barcode 149378) and at Colliery Dam on October 26, 10 am to 12 pm (barcode 150774). Please pre-register online or by calling 250-756-5200 so that we can ensure we have enough equipment available. Other work parties are scheduled throughout the season and you can check them out on page 61 of the Fall and Winter Activity Guide. LEARN MORE | | Spare Box Drop-In This is the ultimate place to be to have fun with other youth in your community. It's free, and you get some exercise while meeting people and making friends. All sites are drop-in and are on a first come, first served basis. Choose from the following options: - Mondays, 5 to 6:30 pm Park Avenue Elementary (ages 10 to 14)
- Mondays, 7 to 8:30 pm Fairview Community School (ages 11 to 15)
- Tuesdays, 6 to 7:30 pm Uplands Elementary (ages 10 to 14)
- Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8 pm Oliver Woods (ages 10 to 17)
- Wednesdays, 8:30 to 10 pm John Barsby School (ages 13 to 17)
- Thursdays, 6 to 7:30 pm Chase River Elementary (ages 10 to 14)
**Spare Blox is brought to the community as a partnership between the City of Nanaimo and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools. Program does not run on statutory holidays or other school closures. | | Arr! Batten Down the Hatches! This Friday is Talk Like A Pirate Day. Former Mayor Frank Ney was well known for dressing like a pirate; even his statue in Mafffeo Sutton Park has him dressed in his famous garb. This Friday, stop by his statue and say “Ahoy, matey!” | | New Look and Features for Get Involved Nanaimo Exciting news! Our online engagement site, Get Involved Nanaimo has gotten an upgrade. We have moved over to a new and improved online engagement provider while retaining the familiar name, Get Involved Nanaimo, and address, www.GetInvolvedNanaimo.ca. This upgrade aims to provide you with enhanced services and a seamless online experience. With year-round accessibility, you can provide your feedback on projects and initiatives happening in the City of Nanaimo. Check it out, and if you haven't already, sign up today at www.GetInvolvedNanaimo.ca. | 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 Rutherford Road and Brickyard Road intersections while crews continue to work on replacing sewer and water mains. Avoid delays by taking Rutherford Road and Uplands Drive as an alternative route.
- 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. Avoid delays by taking Schook Road, and Dover Road as an alternative route.
- 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.
- Expect 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.
- 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: - Lifeguard/Instructor
- Aquatic Supervisor
- Equipment Operator - Asphalt
- Casual Arena Maintenance Worker
- 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 | Meetings This Week Monday, September 15: Regular Council Meeting in the Shaw Auditorium starting at 7 pm. Wednesday, September 17: Finance and Audit Committee Meeting in the Shaw Auditorium starting at 9 am. Thursday, September 18: Special Council 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 | | Stay up to Date with the City | | | | |