April 8, 2024

This Week...

There is still time to register for the ACT Program, learn how to go net-zero through full-home upgrades and sign up for yoga and massage treatments to relieve joint discomfort. Read on for more!

Sign up to ACT!

Are you passionate about environmental conservation, sustainability, and taking action against climate change? The City of Nanaimo and RDN are looking for volunteers to join Acting for Climate Together (ACT)!

Volunteers will collaborate on impactful community-focused climate actions and projects to increase awareness and engagement of climate action at the local level.

ACT participants who wish to complete projects in the City of Nanaimo are eligible to apply for funding through the Community Environmental Sustainability Project Grant.

The first online meeting is scheduled for April 16.

Ready to be a climate champion? Register today!

REGISTER

Home Energy Navigator Program (HEN)

Have you checked out the Home Energy Navigator (HEN) program? 🏡 If you're considering retrofitting your home with energy-efficient upgrades, this tool is perfect for you. 

If you have questions regarding rebate requirements, need support with deciding which upgrades are right for your home, reviewing quotes or filling out your rebate applications, visit the Home Energy Navigator website.

Net Zero Info Session

The Regional District of Nanaimo is hosting an information session aimed at homeowners interested in achieving net-zero through full home upgrades.

When: April 10, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Island Regional Library (90 Commercial Street, Nanaimo) - Creativity Commons Large Meeting Room on the second floor
RSVP now at sustainability@rdn.bc.ca to secure your spot and take the first step towards a more energy-efficient home!

Spring Flowers

BC has many flowers native to our area including the Trillium which will be starting to bloom. Why not explore the great outdoors this week and enjoy some of Nanaimo's beautiful trails to see some of our many early bloomers along our wooded paths?

NANAIMO PARKS

Nordic Walking Group

Nordic walking is an activity that is suitable for people of all ages, abilities, and skills. In this three-week course you will learn how to make the most of those poles while you walk. Please bring your own set if you have them, or some can be borrowed upon request.

Date: April 13, 20 & 27
Time: 10 - 11:30 am
Cost: $50
Course Code: #115987

REGISTER

Yoga & Massage

In this unique course we will talk about arthritis, where it forms and why, and aim to dissolve calcium crystals through yoga and massage movements. We will use diagrams, advanced massage techniques, massage tools and gentle yoga movements to address pain.

Date: April 27 & 28
Time: 1-5 pm
Cost: $72
Course Code: #116857

REGISTER

Dance for the Mind

This class is designed for older adults with various stages of dementia or those with significant physical or cognitive challenges. The program focuses on dance as a medium of non-verbal communication to enhance physical, mental and well-being.

Date: Monday, April 15 - May 27
Time: 11:45 am – 12:45 pm
Cost: $48
Course Code: #118566

REGISTER

Grass Clippings 101

The weather is getting warmer and with that comes regular lawn maintenance. If you have a lot of grass clippings, please avoid packing your Green Cart to the brim. Tightly packed wet grass clippings are prone to stick to the bottom and sides of the green cart, preventing the cart from fully emptying.

Follow these tips to prevent grass clippings from sticking in your green cart:

  • Line the bottom of your cart with crumpled newspaper, pizza boxes or paper bags.
  • Load dry materials first, then loosely layer grass clippings.
  • Less Time = Less Stick so load clippings in your cart the night before or morning of collection.

GREEN CART INFO

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Here’s a list of up-to-date information on City construction projects. Make sure to plan your commute and, if possible, plan an alternate route. When approaching construction zones, please make sure to slow down and obey all signage and traffic personnel instructions. Thank you for your patience!

Midtown Water Supply Project

  • Construction in the Black Diamond Drive neighbourhood includes a 24 hour/day, road closure in both directions along Black Diamond Drive near the Crows Nest Place intersection for vehicular traffic. Drivers can access properties from either end of the road off Jingle Pot Drive.
  • The trail that connects VIU, the Black Diamond neighbourhood and Third Street is closed to the public. This area is an active construction site for the installation of the water supply main. Construction traffic will enter and exit the work zone at Third Street across from the Rotary Field House.
  • Commuters can expect minor delays and visual distractions along many streets in the City while construction continues on this project. Drivers, pay close attention to signage and the construction traffic as they enter and exit these sections of the project:
    • Beban Park, near Bowen Road south entrance
    • Labieux Road, off the Labieux Rd/Kenworth Rd roundabout
    • East Wellington, Westwood Road to Bowen Road
    • Griffiths Road, end to Madsen Road
    • Third Street across from the Rotary Fieldhouse
    • College Drive, near the Parkway intersection

Thank you for your patience! Learn more about this project: Midtown Water Supply Upgrades.

Terminal Avenue

  • Terminal Avenue upgrades will be ongoing between Commercial Street and Esplanade Street.
  • Signal installation has commenced at Esplanade and drivers should expect delays travelling through the intersection.
  • The sidewalk in front of Vancouver Island Convention Centre along Terminal Avenue will have rotating closures and pedestrian traffic will be provided with a detour onto Terminal.
  • The mid-block crosswalk at Gordon Street is closed until the installation of the new signals, expected late this year. Pedestrians please use the crosswalks at Commercial Street and Esplanade for safe crossing
  • Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction.

Victoria Road Temporary Closure

  • Victoria Road is closed between Rainer Street and Needham Street to repair some settlement in the roadway.
  • A temporary detour along Seventh Street to Park Avenue to Fifth Street will be in place until the end of April while repair work is completed.
  • Local traffic has access to Victoria Road from each end of the closure.

Meredith Road Watermain Upgrade

  • Construction work is continuing on Meredith Road between Spencer Road and Forest Drive.
  • Typical construction hours are Monday to Thursday, 7 am to 5 pm.
  • Commuters are encouraged to avoid this area if possible. If that is not possible, expect delays and account for extra time when navigating the area.
  • Detours will be instituted where possible.
  • Obey all signs and traffic control persons.

Weber Street & Bruce Avenue Area Utility Upgrades

  • Construction on Weber Street, Glen Crescent, Pedestrian Walkway, Plecas Crescent and Bruce Avenue is ongoing.
  • Pedestrian walkway between Glen Crescent and Plecas Crescent will be closed all week, watermain and storm replacement ongoing.
  • Traffic on Weber Street, Glen Crescent and Plecas Crescent will occasionally be reduced to single-lane-alternating.
  • Typical construction hours are Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 5 pm.

First Street Area Project

  • The First Street Area project is now underway on Bowen Road, replacing sanitary sewer between Doric and Ashlar.
  • Hazelwood Construction is focusing on the south-east bound lane, so traffic will be limited to single lane alternating for that short stretch during working hours (7 am – 5 pm).

Vehicle traffic should slow down to avoid excessive bumps in the uneven pavement.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
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Work With Us!

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

  • Casuals - Police Services
  • Human Resource Advisor - Recruitment
  • Civil Design Technologist
  • Building Official
  • Financial Analyst - Temporary Full-Time
  • Casual Clerical Opportunities
  • Casual Pool - Custodian Relief
  • Casual Lifeguard/Instructors

JOB POSTINGS
A view from the Mayor's chair in the Shaw auditorium looking toward the audience

Meetings This Week

Monday, April 8: Regular Council Meeting in the Shaw Auditorium starting at 7 pm.

Wednesday, April 10: Public Safety Committee Meeting in the Service and Resource Centre boardroom starting at 4 pm.

MEETINGS

If you are not able to attend or tune in 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