This Week... The City of Nanaimo has secured land in Chase River for a future community centre, the 55+ BC Games are seeking volunteers and vibrant new murals have been added at the Harewood turf fields. Read on for more! | Future Community Centre The City of Nanaimo has acquired land in the Chase River neighbourhood for a future community centre, addressing a long-standing need for additional recreation and gathering spaces in the City. The $5.1 million purchase was partially funded by a $2.5 million contribution from the Province of BC’s Growing Communities Fund. City Council has identified this project as a top priority. The Growing Communities Fund supports infrastructure and amenities in fast-growing communities across British Columbia, helping local governments invest in essential services and facilities.
LEARN MORE | | Bollards Down! Commercial Street Activates With a Fresh Look and Flexible Future On Thursday, July 24, the City marked a major milestone in the Design Commercial: Downtown ReImagined project with a ceremonial bollard drop, celebrating the completion of upgrades along Commercial Street between Wharf Street and Bastion Street. Phase One of the project began in September 2024 and focuses on transforming this section into a more welcoming, pedestrian-friendly, and event-ready space. Once complete, the area will feature improved lighting, new seating, flexible patios, curbless sidewalks, a refreshed rainbow intersection, and retractable bollards to support community events and adaptable traffic flow. This revitalized space is designed to enhance the downtown experience for residents, businesses and visitors alike. LEARN MORE | Harewood Turf Fields Murals Have you noticed the new murals painted on the retaining walls at the Harewood turf fields? Designed by artist, Kristen Elkow, the murals are located on one end of each of the new turf fields, along low concrete retaining walls. Mural designs are a reflection of feedback gathered from various user groups, as well as community and neighbourhood members. Both murals are visually connected through the use of a consistent colour palette. The colour palette features inviting blues and greens, with accent colours in purple, pink and white to create an uplifting, vibrant feel. The designs use large shapes that will be visible as a whole at distance, and create interest in a close up view as well, without extreme colour contrasts that could prove distracting to athletes. The park is a place for gathering, community, and teamwork - a place of coming together. Both murals explore the concept of convergence through the use of colour, line and movement. | Westwood Lake Grand Opening Join us for a full day of celebration as we unveil the exciting new accessible amenities at Westwood Lake Park! From 11 am to 4 pm, we are celebrating with the Child Development Centre and are jointly hosting their Outdoor Play Day — an inclusive, family-friendly event with beach activities, guided tours, and opportunities to try out adaptive equipment like kayaks and trail riders.
If you'd like to try the kayaks or trail rider, please pre-register by contacting Jack at 250-667-4951 or emailing jack@nanaimocdc.com. To close out the day, everyone is invited to enjoy a lakeside performance by From the Earth, playing live from 4 to 5:30 pm. | BC Long Weekend City offices and recreation centres will be closed on Monday, August 4, but lifeguards will be on duty at Westwood Lake from 12 to 5:30 pm. Whether you're heading to the beach, trails, or staying close to home, please remember to stay safe and look out for one another. Make the most of the long weekend—and don’t forget to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and keep an eye on changing weather conditions. | | Cultural Family Fun Night Join us Wednesday, July 30 from 4:30 to 7:30 pm at Harewood Centennial Park for a free evening of music, kids’ activities, art, and cultural fun! Enjoy a live Celtic folk concert by Clanna Morna, bouncy castles, crafts with the Nanaimo Art Gallery, and more. Discover local arts, culture and water safety with City teams. Don’t miss the new art murals on the Harewood Turf Fields! | | Beban Park Pool and Weight Room Closure Beban Park Pool and Weight Room will be closed for its annual maintenance shutdown from July 28 to September 1. Due to this, office hours at the Beban Park pool will be Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 8 pm and Saturday/Sunday, 8:45 am to 4:15 pm. During this time, please visit NAC, Westwood Lake or Kin outdoor pool at Bowen. | | Aquatic Adventures Aquatic Adventures return every Thursday this summer with themed activities for all ages. Join us on August 7 from 12 to 2 pm at NAC for “Big Splash and Game Bash” swim. It’s a great way to stay active and have fun in the water. Regular admission rates apply. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to make a splash and enjoy creative play in a safe environment. | | Activity Guide Get ready for a season of fun and learning! The Fall and Winter Activity Guide will be available for online viewing starting Friday, August 1. Registration for aquatics programs opens Wednesday, August 6, and registration for all other programs begins Wednesday, August 13. Explore exciting opportunities for all ages and interests. ACTIVITY GUIDE | | Nanaimo Aquatic Centre We’re excited to welcome you back! The Nanaimo Aquatic Centre will reopen on July 28 following its scheduled maintenance shutdown. Come enjoy refreshed facilities and dive back into your favourite aquatic activities. Whether you're swimming laps, taking lessons, or enjoying family time, the pool is ready for you. Thank you for your patience — we look forward to seeing you again! | | Concerts in the Park Come down to Harewood Centennial Park on Wednesday, July 30 from 6 to 7 pm, bring a lawn chair and a picnic and enjoy some great musical entertainment. Clanna Morna breathes life into their unique take on the Celtic Folk genre, rooted in the traditional Irish, Scottish and English music that many love and featuring carefully crafted arrangements, rhythmic spirited energy and captivating storytelling. UPCOMING CONCERTS | | Watering Restrictions We regularly assess the water storage levels. Nanaimo remains at Stage 2 watering restrictions: even-numbered houses water on even days, odd-numbered on odd days, for up to 2 hours between 7 to 10 am or 7 to 10 pm. Vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and hand watering of flowers, shrubs, ornamental trees and hanging baskets are allowed anytime. LEARN MORE | | 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 single lane alternating traffic along Hammond Bay Road between Ventura Drive and Brickyard Road intersections while crews work on replacing sewer and water mains.
- Commercial Street between Bastion Street and Church Street is closed to vehicles. 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.
- Sewer replacement work along Railway Avenue is now complete. The road will be closed from 7am to 5pm, July 29 for final paving.
- The Townsite Area Utility Upgrades is starting road reconstruction on Millstone Avenue. The intersection of Millstone Avenue and Townsite Road will be closed to all through traffic from 7 am to 6 pm July 28 to 30. Follow all detours in place or avoid the area and use alternate routes if possible.
- There will 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
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: - Client Support Specialist
- Police Support Clerk
- Operations Support Supervisor
- Recreation Assistant II - Arenas
- Police Records Clerk
- Building Official
- Community Safety Officers
- Casual Lifeguard/Instructors
- Major Case File Specialist
- Casual Clerical Opportunities
- Casuals - Police Services
- Occupational Health & Safety Coordinator
- Manager, Revenue Services
- Casual Pool - Custodian Relief
- Water Technician
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