This Week... You're invited to submit a poem, register for aquatics programs beginning Wednesday, August 12 and enjoy our Concerts in the Park series this summer. Read on for more! | Curated Community Reading Poets of Nanaimo (and surrounding communities): you are invited to submit a poem to be included in a reading on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, in Piper's Lagoon Lobby (inside the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, Nanaimo, BC) at 7 pm. Neil Surkan, Poet Laureate of Nanaimo, will curate and host the event. Theme:
*The Present* How has your poetry been reckoning with the present? Or, in other words, how have these times felt — and why? Have you been collecting moments when the present feels like a present? What gifts have been abundant of late? Guidelines: - Open to ages 18 and above.
- Submit one poem. One page maximum. Word or PDF format.
- If your poem is selected, that’s the only poem we ask that you read at the event.
- Please also submit a short third-person biography (maximum 50 words).
How to Submit:
Deadline: 11:59pm Pacific Time, October 23, 2026
Webpage: www.nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/poetry/poet-laureate/poetry-in-the-harbour--a-curated-community-reading | FireSmartTM All the heat is raising the risk of wildfires. It only takes one spark to ignite a fire. Please do your part to prevent wildfires: - Clear debris and other combustible materials from around your home. Visit FireSmartBC.ca to find out how you can FireSmart your home and property.
- Don't throw smoking materials out the car window (even ashing out the window can create a spark that can start a wildfire).
- Don't smoke on trails - smoking is not permitted in Nanaimo's parks or on Nanaimo's trails.
- If you are out recreating in the back country with an ATV or dirt bike, stick to well-worn trails and carry fire suppression equipment with you.
- Prepare a wildfire evacuation plan.
- If you see a fire, call 911.
LEARN MORE | Aquatics Programs Registration for aquatics programs opens Wednesday, August 12 at 6 am, and registration for all other programs begins Wednesday, August 19. Registration is available in person at Beban, Bowen, Oliver Woods and Nanaimo Ice Centre; by phone by calling 250-756-5200 or online at recreation.nanaimo.ca. See our online Activity Guide or pick one up at our recreation centres. | | Concerts in the Park Head over to Diana Krall Plaza on August 12 from 6 to 7 pm to enjoy some Pop with Jordan Reems. Jordan Reems is excited to be back in action playing music in Nanaimo! Dusting off his guitar and piano, Jordan looks forward to playing some of his late brother's tunes along with some of his own. The odd spin on a cover along with a children’s song or two will most likely ensue! CONCERTS IN THE PARK | | Free Summer Programs Join us for some neighborhood fun! Play games, do some crafts, or run around and play a sport with our exciting playground leaders. The Playground Program is FREE for all to enjoy between the ages of 5-12 years old. - Departure Bay Park, Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4 pm (not open on stat holidays)
- Aug 10 to 21, Maffeo Sutton Park, 10 am to 4 pm
LEARN MORE | | Glow in the Dark Skate There is a Glow in the Dark Skate taking place on Sunday, August 16, from 3 to 4:30 pm at the Nanaimo Ice Centre. Enjoy a fun afternoon on the ice with glowing lights, music and a unique skating experience for all ages. Regular admission rates apply, and everyone is welcome. | | Disc Golf Course Have you checked out the newly updated Disc Golf Course at Bowen Park? The course enhancements offer an even better experience for players of all skill levels. Grab your discs and come give it a try. Visit our website to learn more about the recent improvements and upgrades. LEARN MORE | | Green Cart Tip Green cart tip: Know your liner. If you use liners in your green cart, choose only BPI Certified Compostable liners. These certified products are designed to break down properly during the composting process, helping create high-quality compost and reducing contamination. Plastic bags and non-certified liners can leave behind harmful residues and microplastics. By using the right liner, you can help protect our soil, streams and local environment while keeping organics recycling programs running smoothly and efficiently. | | Bowen Park Bowen Park is one of Nanaimo’s most beloved green spaces, and our City gardeners go above and beyond to keep it stunning year-round. The park features a vibrant rhododendron grove with over 350 species, a peaceful duck pond, and a picturesque waterfall along the Millstone River. Visitors can enjoy beautifully maintained flower beds, native plantings, and seasonal blooms that make every visit feel special. Whether you're walking the trails, enjoying a picnic, or simply soaking in the scenery, Bowen Park offers a perfect blend of nature and care. | | All Aboard Boating season is in full swing and everyone is excited to explore Nanaimo's lakes, rivers and oceans. Make sure you are prepared the next time you venture out into our local waters. Everyone on board is required by Transport Canada to have a lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD). This includes motorized watercraft as well as human-powered. Visit Transport Canada’s website for tips on selecting and caring for lifejackets and PDFs. TRANSPORT CANADA | | 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. - Third St between Howard Ave and Pine St is closed 24 hrs per day until August 28. Detours are in place.
- Single lane alternating traffic on Departure Bay Rd between Little John Way and Green Leaf Place. Expect delays.
- Single lane alternating traffic along Hammond Bay Rd at Turner Rd and McGirr Rd intersection while crews work on building a new sidewalk and lay a new watermain.
- Single lane alternating traffic along Hammond Bay Rd (westbound lane) between Brickyard Rd and McGirr Rd to install a new sanitary sewer monitoring station and paint road markings. The existing traffic signals at Hammond Bay Rd and Turner Rd intersection will operate as normal.
- Single lane alternating traffic along Turner Rd from Hammond Bay Rd to Kenning Pl while crews work on painting road markings. Traffic signals at Hammond Bay Rd and Turner Rd intersection will operate as normal.
- Single lane alternating traffic along Blueback Road between Groveland Drive and Dover Road while crews build a water pressure reducing station.
- Ross Road will be closed at Emerald Drive on August 12 for geotechnical work. Detours are in place using Uplands Drive.
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: - Planner II
- Director, Facilities
- Director, Parks, Recreation & Culture
- Lifeguard/Instructor
- Engineering Development Technician
- Casuals, Police Services
- Aquatic Supervisor
- Urban Forester
- Financial Analyst
- Police Technical Support Specialist
- Engineering Development Technician (TFT)
- Casual Pool - Custodian Relief
- Community Safety Officers
- Water Technician
- Casual Lifeguard/Instructors
- Casual Clerical Opportunities
JOB POSTINGS | Stay up to Date with the City | | | | |
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