📬 My Nanaimo This Week

July 18, 2022

This week...

Businesses can sign up to learn more about the Circular Economy Accelerator Program, help prevent wildfires and find out about free transportation to Nanaimo's biggest events. Read on for more!

Circular Economy Accelerator Program

A new Circular Economy Accelerator Program is launching on Vancouver Island and on the Sunshine Coast to spur the transition to a sustainable, resilient economy. This program – the first of its kind in Canada and delivered by Vancouver Island Coast Economic Developers Association and Synergy Foundation – is designed to support businesses who seek to adopt circular economy principles, reduce waste and emissions, and develop innovative practices while increasing revenue and reducing operational costs.

Business participants will work with a circular advisor to identify opportunities to green their operations and attend industry-specific workshops to explore circular economy best practices and strengthen industry connections. Participants will emerge as circular economy leaders, attracting talent and investment, increasing revenue, and paving the way to a prosperous, sustainable, and resilient future for the community. Applications open July 19, 2022. Learn more and register for a free informational webinar on July 20 (recording available).

ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

Warmer Weather on the Way

It looks like we may be in for a stretch of warm weather. Follow some simple steps to keep cool.

Stay hydrated. Make ice and prepare jugs of cool water
When outside, try to stay in the shade. Wear sunscreen and a hat.
Sleep in the coolest room of your house.
Take cool baths or showers.
Avoid strenuous activities.
Do not leave children or pets in the car.
Go for a swim in one of Nanaimo's many swimming spot. Lifeguards are on duty daily at Westwood Lake and there are four spray parks for kids to splash around in.
Stay connected with your friends and neighbours.

MORE INFO

Have a FireSmart Summer

The upcoming stretch of warm, dry weather means the risk of wildfires increases. With wildfires burning in other areas of the province, this is a great opportunity to make sure you are being FireSmart here on the island.

It only takes one spark to ignite a fire. There are many things you can do to prevent a wildlfire:

Clear debris and other combustable materials from around your home. Visit FireSmartBC.ca to find out how you can FireSmart your home and property.
Do not throw smoking materials out the car window (even ashing out the window can create a spark that can start a wildfire).
Smoking is not permitted in Nanaimo's parks or on Nanaimo's trails.
If you are out recreating with an ATV or dirt bike in the back country, please make sure to stick to well-worn trails and carry fire suppression equipment with you.
Prepare a wildfire evacuation plan.
If you see a fire, call 911.

FIRESMART BC

Nanaimo Night Market

Did you Know?

The City of Nanaimo has a weekly booth set up. Stop by to say hello!
R DN Transit is providing a shuttle service from Nanaimo North Town Centre so you can park and ride downtown.
There are many free and affordable parking options downtown too! Consult the map in the link below to find one that works for you.

DOWNTOWN PARKING MAP

Free Event Transportation

This year, there will be alternative transportation options to and from several events. Ride a shuttle or ride you bike and check it in for safe guarding with the bicycle valet parking. The next event will be the Marine Festival on Saturday, July 23 at Maffeo Sutton Park. Visit the link below for a schedule and information about these services.

FREE EVENT TRANSPORTATION

Concerts in the Park

It's hard to believe, but we are already halfway through our Concerts in Park series! This Wednesday, head to McGregor Park from 7-8 pm to listen to "Les Amies Musicales" featuring musicians from the Vancouver Island Symphony. The series continues each Wednesday evening through August 23.

CONCERT SCHEDULE

National Drowning Prevention Week

July 17-23 is Drowning Prevention Week, which focuses on providing education on drowning prevention.

Drowning is preventable. Learn the risks, statistics and how to increase safety. Enjoy a fun, safe summer by following these steps:

Wear a lifejacket or PFD (Personal Floatation Device) when swimming or boating
Swim with a buddy
Avoid alcohol or drug consumption near, in or on the water
Know your swimming limitations
Ensure children are under direct supervision of an adult when around bodies of water

This week, the City’s social media channels will have key messages to ensure that our community stays 100 percent drowning free this year and in the future. Join us as we ensure residents stay safe in, on and around the water this summer by participating in the information share going on nationally this week.

road closure map of Bowen Road and Northfield road intersection

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Up-to-date information on City construction projects:

Northfield Road between Bowen Road and Boxwood Road and the southbound right-hand lane on Bowen Road at the Northfield intersection will be closed from 7 pm to 10:30 pm on July 19 while paving takes place.
Cameron Road will be closed at 4:00 pm July 16 through to 6:00 pm July,19.
Northfield Road between Bowen Road and Boxwood Road will be closed for paving at the NorthfieldBowen Road interesection on Tuesday, July 19 between 7 -10:30 pm.
Metral Drive is still an active construction. Crews will be forming and pouring the curb ramps in the intersection of Enterprise & Metral Drive causing congestion. Traffic control will aim to keep the intersection open and operation; however, please display patience for the workers as they endeavor to do this work as quickly as they can.
Fourth Street between Bruce Avenue and Pine Street is open, however work is still taking place. Commuters can expect minor delays.
Utility upgrades are taking place on Holland Road between Jingle Pot Road and Ashlee Road. Access to buses and local traffic only. Other commuters should plan an alternate route.
Utility upgrades are taking place on Cottleview Drive and Hillside Avenue between Caldwell Street and Pacific Edge Way. Commuters can expect minor delays.
Park Avenue between Fifth Street and Seventh Street will be closed in both directions for a sanitary sewer upgrade. The road closure will be in place for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access is available for local traffic and emergency vehicles only. A detour will be in place using Bruce Avenue and the closure will remain in effect until the sewer upgrade project is completed in September.