📬My Nanaimo This Week

September 3, 2024

This Week...

The next phase of improvements kick off at Westwood Lake Park, work on the Design Commercial Project begins and check out the poem on Nanaimo's Poetry Walk. Read on for more!

Children walking away wearing backpacks with the words "September 3, Back 2 School" above their heads

Improvements are coming to Westwood Lake Park!

The next phase of improvements at Westwood Lake begins September 3. Once completed, look for these improved amenities:

Increased accessibility
Shade trees
Improved recreation space
Expanded beach area
Updated washroom/changeroom facility
Enhanced pedestrian and bike connections
Addition of seating and tables
Green stormwater infrastructure

Please pardon the mess during construction. For your safety, follow safety and directional information while using the park.

Note: the first entrance to the parking lot will be the only one available and the boat launch will not be available until the spring.

MORE INFO

Design Commercial Project begins

After three years of public engagement, design and planning, the first phase of construction for the Design Commercial Project begins today! A section of Commercial Street (Wharf Street to Church Street) is now closed to vehicle traffic, but pedestrian access will be maintained. Don’t worry though, the street’s wonderfully unique blend of shops, restaurants, services and more remain open and accessible. Parking is available in our downtown parkades.

PROJECT PAGE

New poem unveiled on Nanaimo’s Poetry Walk

To honour Kamal Parmar’s term as the City of Nanaimo’s Poet Laureate, a new addition to the City’s Poetry Walk has been unveiled to recognize Kamal’s work as literary ambassador for the City. A poem by Kamal is featured on the sidewalk directly outside the main entrance to The Port Theatre.

MORE INFO

Around Town, Invermere Beach at high tide

The Port Theatre roof replacement

The Port Theatre is getting a new roof! As part of Nanaimo’s asset management plan, and with partnership funding from the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF), the 26-year-old original roof is now being replaced.

The project will be wrapping up in September and has a service life of about 25-years.

CCBF INFO

The Sweet Layered Podcast presents: Paige Pierce, Nanaimo's Youth Poet Laureate

In the latest episode of The Sweet Layered Podcast, we sit down with Paige Pierce, Nanaimo's Youth Poet Laureate. Paige is committed to raising awareness of poetry and the literary arts and highlighting their positive impact on community life.

PODCASTS

School Speed Zones are in Effect

Did you know? When a school bus is stopped and its flashing lights are activated, motorists in both directions must stop. Even if the red lights are not flashing and you see children boarding, play it safe and watch out for students. Keep the crossing guards and children in our city safe and follow posted school zone speed limits.

Light up the Bastion

Community organizations can request the Bastion be illuminated in specific colours to promote their cause. Here is the lighting Calendar for the next few weeks:

Blue: Prostate Cancer Awareness from September 1 - 7
Bastion Lighting Colour Pink: World Sepsis Day on September 13
Bastion Lighting Colour Teal: Big Brothers Big Sisters Day from September 18 - 20

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Nanaimo 150: Did you know?

Vancouver Island University (VIU) has been a Nanaimo institution in one way or another for a long time. In 1936, a local owner of a mechanic shop turned a shed into a classroom and started training youth to become mechanics. This would later become the Dominion Youth Training Centre and then the Nanaimo Vocational Training School. Fast forward to 1971 when it merged with Malaspina College, which would become Malaspina University-College and what we know today as VIU.

Courtesy of the Nanaimo Archives

MORE INFO

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Here’s a list of up-to-date information on City construction projects. When approaching construction zones, please make sure to slow down, follow any detours that may be in place and obey all signage and traffic personnel instructions. Thank you for your patience!

Midtown Gateway Phase 2B: Expect delays and single lane on the following roads:

Bowen, Rosstown, Northfield and Boxwood Roads
The south access to Beban Park will be closed during the day and reopen during non-working hours as a one-way (entrance only) access. Please exit the park from the other end. All park amenities and programs remain open and accessible
All business remain open

Learn more about this project: Midtown Gateway.

Terminal Avenue

Terminal Avenue upgrades are ongoing between Commercial Street and Esplanade Street. Expect delays and some lane closures

Learn more about this project: Terminal Avenue Upgrades.

Midtown Water Supply Project

Bowen Road between Dufferin Crescent and Pryde Avenue is reduced to one lane in each direction with no left turns onto or off of Bowen Road from the side streets, businesses or homes. This includes no left turns at the East Wellington Road intersection. Commuters are advised to plan ahead and avoid the area to reduce congestion. Construction zone speed limit is 30 km/hr.

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

Wentworth and Pine

Work is taking place along Wentworth St, near Wentworth and Pine. The Pine and Wentworth intersection will be fully closed from September 10 to 12 between 9 am and 5 pm.

For the latest updates and information, visit the Wentworth and Pine Sanitary Upgrades project page.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS