Feb. 6, 2023

This Week...

Try winter cycling, apply to perform in our Concerts in the Parks series and get involved in City decision-making. Read on for more!

Board of Variance

Residents interested in becoming more involved with local government have the opportunity to apply to the Board of Variance. The City of Nanaimo is currently recruiting one member for a three-year term. Applications are open until Feb. 10.

BOARD OF VARIANCE

Application Deadline Extended!

The new deadline to participate in the Acting for Climate Together (ACT) program is Friday, Feb. 17. This City and RDN initiative was created to inspire, educate and encourage existing groups and individuals looking to form new groups to work together to take climate action. 

APPLY TODAY
Download a guide to winter cycling safety thanks to go by bike bc

GoByBike Feb 6-12

Winter GoByBike BC takes place Feb. 6-12 and we want you to get ready! Here are a few bike courses you can take advantage of.

GoByBike BC Course and Guide

Mon, Feb. 6, 12 -1 pm: Top 5 Winter Riding Questions Answered (online webinar)

Register online with GoByBike BC.

There is a guide to Winter Cycling Safety available too! 

Parks, Recreation & Culture Courses

Sunday, Feb. 26, 12:30-4:30 pm: Bicycle Maintenance for Beginners for Adults, $50 Course code: 86468

Saturday, Mar. 4, 9:30 am-12:30 pm: Street-Smart Cycling Skills for kids 8 to 11 years old, $45 Course code 85939 

Saturday, Mar. 25, 9:30 am-12:30 pm: Jr. Trail Riders, Intro to Mountain Biking for children nine to 12 years old, $45 Course code 86458

Get Your Cyclist Profile Together

Submit your winter-specific City of Nanaimo Cyclist Profile before Feb. 12 to be entered to win a winter riding prize pack! 

  • Cycle in Nanaimo shirt
  • Reflective vest
  • Bike light donated by BCEbikes
  • Toque from Arrowsmith Bikes
  • Gortex helmet cover donated by Arrowsmith Bikes

 CYCLIST PROFILE

Calling All Musicians!

Our Culture and Events team has begun planning for the 2023 event season, and is seeking performers for the popular Concerts in the Park series. Concerts take place between May and Aug. in a variety of locations throughout Nanaimo. Applications are now open, and will be accepted until Mar. 6. 

CONCERTS IN THE PARK
Register for trail blazers with parks and recreation

Trail Blazers

The Nanaimo area is packed with amazing hiking trails! Time in nature can help clear the mind, reduce stress and keep the body healthy. From Mar. 2 to Apr. 6, enjoy the fresh air and great company while completing five to seven kilometre hikes with balance work, plus before and after hike stretches. Must wear good walking/hiking shoes and be in good physical health. The hikes take place on Thursdays from 9-10:30 am. The total cost for all six hikes is $57. Register with Parks, Recreation and Culture by phone 250-756-5200 or online using course code 86485. 

REGISTER TODAY
Westwood lake part phase 1 amenity improvements begin January and last until late spring 2023

Family Day Fam Jam

Parks, Recreation and Culture is planning for a fantastic Family Day event at Oliver Woods Community Centre. There will be FREE family play time, a scavenger hunt, bouncy castles, drop-in sports, arts, crafts, face painting, story time with Miss Lynn and an obstacle course with Kim from Kim's Cardio. You must register in advance for the obstacle course. 

Skating at Frank Crane Arena and swimming at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre will also be available - regular admission rates will apply for these two activities. 

FAMILY DAY FUN EVENTS

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Up-to-date information on City construction projects:

  • A utility upgrade is underway on Farquhar Street between Irwin Street and Fry Street. Expect delays. If possible, plan an alternate route.

For the City of Nanaimo’s Midtown Water Supply Project:

  • Construction crews will be entering and exiting the northbound lane of Highway 19 (Nanaimo Parkway) south of Northfield Road. Drivers must slow down in work zones and pay close attention to signage.
  • The project will adjust traffic flow along Northfield Road, between the Nanaimo Parkway and Boxwood Road for this critical infrastructure project. Traffic should avoid this area if possible and delays are to be expected. Drivers must slow down in work zones and pay close attention to signage. Commuters should also expect minor delays along Boxwood Road between Meredith Road and Tulsa Road.
  • The trails between Black Diamond/VIU/Third Street are closed to cycling and pedestrian traffic for site preparations. The trail closure will be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week until the end of April. As part of this work crews will start construction of an entry/exit access off Third Street across from the Rotary Fieldhouse this will create visual distractions and minor delays for commuters on Third Street.
  • Beban Park has detours within the park and areas of restricted access for the project. Access to the Stevie Smith Bike Park and Community Gardens is off Bowen Road past the tennis courts and golf course. All main parking lots, facilities and park amenities are open. In an effort to protect the public and provide a safe working area, certain areas of the park are fenced off and restricted for all non-construction personnel.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Work With Us!

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

  • 2023 Seasonal Recreation Leader Vacancies
  • Recreation Coordinator - Special Events
  • Steno - Planning
  • Buyer
  • Assistant Manager, Revenue Services
  • Two Lifeguard/Instructors
  • Roads Management Specialist - Temporary Full-Time
  • Recreation Coordinator - Aquatics
  • Building Official
  • Casuals - Police Services
  • Custodian - Relief Pool
  • Casual Lifeguard/Instructors

JOB POSTINGS

Meetings This Week

Monday, Feb. 6: Regular Council Meeting at 7 pm. 

Thursday, Feb. 9: Design Advisory Panel Meeting at 5 pm. 

Did you know?

If you are not able to attend or tune into a meeting 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 Council, Programming and Events