March 29, 2021

This week... 

Wildflower season has arrived, we celebrate water to earth month and the City is seeking a representative for the Nanaimo Airport Commission. Read on for more!
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Message from Island Health

  • As of March 24, there were 222 active COVID-19 cases in the Island Health region (98 in the South Island, 107 in the Central Island and 17 in the North Island) with approximately 20% of cases community acquired (no known source and did not report travel outside of Island Health).
  • Dr. Henry announced an easing of restrictions on visitation for people in long term care and assisted living, so they can safely spend time with loved ones starting April 1. 
  • With the number of new variants being seen in B.C., it is important to get tested early if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. If you are feeling sick, stay home, self-isolate and call 1-844-901-8442 (8:30 am – 8:00 pm daily) to book a test. If you are uncertain if you need a test, visit bc.thrive.health or review the symptoms on Island Health’s website.
  • Island Health is on track to meet the provincial expectation for all adults to receive their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before July 1.For the latest information on vaccine eligibility, how and when to book, visit Island Health's COVID-19 vaccine page. 

 

ISLAND HEALTH COVID-19

Adjusted Easter Hours

Just a reminder that hours will vary over the Easter weekend, be sure to check the drop-in schedules and register up to 72 hours in advance. Masks are mandatory in all City facilities. You can also stick to the parks and trails this weekend and as usual, please continue to practice physical distancing. 

DROP-IN SCHEDULES

Wildflower Season

Wildflower season is upon us! Have you spotted any fawn lilies in Nanaimo's parks? Nanaimo is home to a variety of wildflower species adding beauty and providing a role in our ecosystem. It is important to protect them, please do not pick them and stick to designated trails and boardwalks so they aren't trampled.

WILDFLOWERS IN NANAIMO

Water to Earth Month

Nanaimo & district is celebrating with a number of events.Please register in advance. 

  • Mar 30 WaterSmart Workshop: Rainwater Harvesting
  • Apr 1 RDN Parks Interpreative Walk: Nanaimo River
  • Apr 6 WaterSmart Workshop: Efficient Irrigation
  • Apr 8 RDN Parks Interpretative Walk: Englishman River
  • Apr 13 WaterSmart Workshop: Wetlands
  • Apr 16 - 18 Mount Arrowsmith Bisophere Region: Bisophere Blitz
  • Apr 20 WaterSmart Workshop: Regenerative Landscaping
  • Apr 21 RDN Community Watershed Monitoring Results Session
  • Apr 22 City of Nanaimo Earth Friendly Urban Gardens Workshop
  • Apr 26 Last day to submit your Activity Passport and be entered to win one of three amazing prize packs!

CALENDAR & REGISTRATION

Fire Smart BC

In British Columbia, wildfires are a threat, let's prepare early. Fortunately, there is a solution that everyone can be a part of. There are simple steps you can take to protect your home, neighbourhood and province using the Wildfire Preparedness Guide. Also, sign up for Nanaimo's Emergency Call Alert System so the City can text/email/call you in the case of an emergency.  

EMERGENCY CALL ALERT

Plastic Facts

MYTH: Plastic can get recycled over and over again.

REALITY: Some recyclables, like metal are infinitely recyclable. Plastic on the other hand, degrades over time. A few types of recycled plastics can be mixed with virgin plastic pellets to be turned into new plastic packaging that can be recycled again. Other types of plastics can only be “downcycled” into products like car bumpers or clothing, with limited or no recycling options at end of life. The federal government is proposing minimum recycled content with a target of at least 50% recycled content in plastic products by 2030. This will create more demand for recycled plastic. To help even more, always reduce & reuse before recycling.

BRING YOUR OWN BAG

Applications are being accepted for a City representative for the Nanaimo Airport Commission. If you are interested and have Civil Engineering and/or Land Development experience, submit your application by 4 pm on April 8, 2021.

LEARN MORE

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.

  • Please remember access is limited on Metral Drive from Turner to Mostar to residents and business traffic only, please respect that the road is closed to through traffic. 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.
  • To accommodate development and maintain site safety, Rock City Road will be closed from Ocean Pearl Terrace to Barrington Road to through traffic 24 hours for 5 weeks. Local traffic should expect delays and plan their trips accordingly.
  • Expect single lane traffic on Comox Road as work continues on the Millstone Trunk Sanitary Sewer Upgrades project.
  • Construction continues on the Front Street Complete Street project. Commuters can expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes whenever possible. All businesses and parkades remain open and accessible.
  • Disruptions will occur on Wednesday, along Waddington Road at St. George Crescent for crosswalk improvements including concrete curbing.

  • Victoria Rd roadwork has begun, disruptions will continue for the next month or so.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Work With Us!

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

 

JOB POSTINGS

Meetings This Week

Mon, Mar 29: Regular Council Meeting at 7:00 pm

Thus, April 1: Board of Variance at 4:00 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.

Want the Latest City of Nanaimo News & Information?

Stay up to date with Council, programming and events:

City of Nanaimo's COVID-19 Response

  • Masks Mandatory in all public spaces at all City facilities.
  • Please refer to the City website for a list of front desk hours of operation.
  • 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.
  • Recreation facilities, the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and arenas are open and following province-wide COVID-19 safety protocols.
  • Outdoor amenities remain open, however please continue to practice physical distancing, hand washing & please stay home if not feeling 100% well.

VISIT COVID-19 INFO PAGE