January 18, 2021

This week... 

Kinsmen Participark in Beban will be closed this week for tree work, learn how to burn smart this winter season and Council is back after a holiday break. Read on for more!

The New Normal Continues

Masks Mandatory

In all public spaces at all City facilities, masks are mandatory.

Please refer to the City website for a list of front desk hours of operation.

Corporate Services

Safety protocols are in place to help keep both visitors and staff safe when visiting our facilities. Please check out our Online Services page to see how we can help you.

Parks, Recreation & Culture

Recreation facilities, the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and arenas are open and following province-wide COVID-19 safety protocols.

Outdoor amenities remain open for use as well, however please continue to practice physical distancing, hand washing and please stay home if not feeling 100% well.

VISIT COVID-19 INFO PAGE
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Message from Island Health

Island Health continues to remind people across Vancouver Island to double down on their efforts to help stop the spread of the virus. COVID-19 is in all of our communities and everyone must continue to follow the steps we know are effective in reducing the risk of transmission.

Washing our hands regularly, keeping at least two metres apart, wearing a mask in public spaces, and getting tested if you feel unwell are fundamentals of defeating this virus. It is also so important that everyone limit their travel between communities and outside of the province, unless it is absolutely essential for work or medical care.

If you are experiencing cold, influenza, or COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are mild, please stay home, self-isolate and visit bc.thrive.health or Island Health’s website to determine if you require testing. Testing is fast and easy – people aged 4 and older with symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested with a gargle test or nasopharyngeal swab and results are usually available within 24 hours.

For more information on COVID-19 case numbers, visit Island Health’s COVID-19 dashboard or the BCCDC COVID-19 data hub. You can find more information on COVID-19 at www.islandhealth.ca/covid19.

ISLAND HEALTH COVID-19

Burn It Smart, Nanaimo

Winter is here and while it has been pretty mild to date, colder weather is on the forecast. This means more time cozying up next to the fire for many of us.

Did you know? Burning wood is a major contributor to poor air quality as well as chimney fires. You can reduce your impact and stay safe by following some simple steps:

  • Don't smoulder - burn wood at a high temperature to prevent excess smoke and creosote build up in your chimney.
  • Use only seasoned firewood. Never burn garbage, plastics, painted or treated wood, plywood, particle board, cardboard or salt water driftwood. 
  • Have your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly.

Find more information on the Burn It Smart page on the City website.

Beban Park’s Kinsmen Participark is getting some work done.

The project will enhance the health of the forest ecosystem and increase the usability of the park through the removal of hazardous trees, pruning, invasive plant removal and wildlife tree creation.

In spring, tree and understory replanting will take place. The park will be closed for dangerous tree removal from January 18 to 22.

MORE INFO

Youth drop-in is on! 

The Youth Lounge is held Wednesdays, 3-6 pm at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Spare Blox is held on Fridays, 6-7:30 pm at Departure Bay Activity Centre.

Both are free, but pre-registration is required. Check out the other youth programs Nanaimo Parks Recreation and Culture are offering this winter in the Youth Programs Winter Flyer.

REGISTER TODAY

Check Your Schedule!

Your collection day is changing over the next two weeks as we add new routes. Route transitions are taking place between January 16 and 30, so please note the collection days shown on your 2021 curbside collection schedule. Some routes may have weekend collections during this timeframe. Stay connected through the Nanaimo Recycles app and remember to have your carts out for collection by 8 am. 

Work with Us!

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

Job Opportunities

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Stay informed on the City's Current Construction Projects page. Staff provide up-to-date information on City construction projects. 

  • Metral Drive (Turner to Mostar) is limited to residents and business traffic only. The road is closed to through traffic and on-street parking has been removed in front of Pacific Station until the roadworks have been completed. As an active construction site with large machinery working and deep utility trenches, road closures may occur and delays are to be expected. Please drive slowly and respect signage.

 

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Meetings This Week

Mon, Jan 18: Regular Council Meeting at 7 pm

Tues, Jan 19: Special Economic Development Task Force Meeting at 1 pm

Wed, Jan 20: Finance and Audit Committee Meeting at 9 am

Thurs, Jan 21: Public Hearing at 7 pm

Did you know?

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

Council in Action

Missed what decisions Council made during a Special Council meeting or a Regular Council Meeting? Don’t worry. We have you covered! Check out our Council Meeting Summary page for quick overviews.

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

CITY NEWSROOM

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