January 8, 2024 (updated January 10, 2024)

This Week...

A call for youth artists, reminder to get or renew your dog licence and prepare for cold weather. Read on for more!

Call For Youth Artists

The City of Nanaimo is seeking submissions from youth artists (ages 13 - 20) for an artistic design that will be used to celebrate and share information about the Youth Lounge.

The Youth Lounge offers a variety of free activities such as swimming, skating, air hockey, foosball, video games, homework support, pizza nights and much more. The deadline is 4 pm, January 26, 2024.

YOUTH LOUNGE INFO

Dog Licences

City parks and public spaces are regularly patrolled by Animal Control Services to ensure all dogs and dog owners are acting responsibly so everyone can enjoy public spaces. All dogs over the age of four months are required to have a valid dog licence in the City of Nanaimo.

Did you know? 100% of the fees collected from dog licensing go towards the costs of operating the Nanaimo Animal Shelter, including care and adoption.

Get a $5 discount if you register and pay for your four-legged friend before the end of February.

DOG LICENCE INFO

Be prepared for winter weather

Public Works crews have the City's snowplows and salt and brine hoppers ready for a cold snap, and there are plenty of ways that you can be ready too! 

CITY SNOW & ICE CONTROL

The Province of BC has a detailed webpage devoted to winter weather and storm preparation as well as a Prepare BC Guide. The temperature is expected to dip as low as -10 degrees Celsius this week with chances of snow. Some tips from the website include:

  • making a plan for transportation
  • having a weather buddy (to help with snow removal or running errands if you can't leave your home)
  • getting your home ready
  • getting your vehicle ready
  • wearing clothing and gear that will help keep you warm and visible

Visit Get prepared for winter weather and storms for more information.

PREPARE BC GUIDE

Aging at Home: Exploring Costs & Considerations

January 10

130 - 230 pm

During this free workshop, we will discuss the many factors that can influence costs of aging at home. Other topics include home modifications and the cost of equipment for safe aging in place, such as installing grab bars, ramps, mobility equipment or a stairlift. It is essential to regularly review and adjust your budget as your needs change. 

FREE WORKSHOP SIGNUP

Applications open for 2024 Concerts in the Park series

The City of Nanaimo's Parks, Recreation and Culture department has begun planning for the 2024 event season and is seeking performers for the popular Concerts in the Park series. Concerts take place between May and August in a variety of locations throughout Nanaimo and aim to enliven our public spaces and animate the parks with local talent. Applications are now open, and will be accepted until 4 pm on January 15, 2024.

Time to renew your business licence

Did you know? Business licences, except Special Event or Temporary licences, expire annually on December 31. Invoices are typically mailed or emailed at the beginning of December.

BUSINESS LICENCE INFO

Creative Writing

January 10 - February 28

7 - 9 pm  

Do you have a memoir or story bubbling inside? Bring your creative writing piece to life. Classes are fun, interactive and results-driven. Work with a partner or solo. Solid, constructive feedback will be given each week to improve your skills and ignite your passion. Taught by communications expert, storyteller and former journalist Ange Frymire, who’s published 3 collaborative books, 1 textbook and hundreds of articles for newsletters, newspapers and magazines. Course code 109883.

REGISTRATION INFO

Public Speaking

January 18 - February 15

630 - 8 pm

Embrace your inner storyteller! Reel in the tips and tricks to speak like a professional. Taught by veteran communications expert Ange Frymire, who learned on her feet as a broadcaster, reporter, professor and company spokesperson for 25-plus years. Check out the exercises to take the fur balls out of your mouth and stop your stuttering. Speak with confidence and sound like a pro. You don’t need to be a seasoned speaker. You just need to dive in and find your best voice! It’s in there and these classes will bring it out.

REGISTRATION INFO

Nanaimo Operations Centre Project

The Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for Council to seek elector consent to borrow up to $48,500,000 for the first phase of construction of the Nanaimo Operations Centre (Public Works building) starts on Thursday, January 18.

January 18, 2024 - Council Workshop and Info Session

January 20, 2024 - Public Works Yard Tour (registration required)

  • Register for a tour of Nanaimo’s Public Works yard to learn about the Nanaimo Operations Centre project as well as the services provided by Nanaimo's public works and parks operations crews.
  • Space is limited. Registration is required. Register online or call 250-756-5200.

January 25, 2024 - Pop-up Info Session

  • Stop by our booth in Country Club Centre from 4:30 to 6 p.m. to chat with us about the project.

January 31 2024 - Public Works Yard Tour (registration required)

  • Register for a tour of Nanaimo’s Public Works yard to learn about the Nanaimo Operations Centre project as well as the services provided by Nanaimo's public works and parks operations crews.
  • Space is limited. Registration is required. Register online or call 250-756-5200.

February 7, 2024 - Pop-up Info Session

  • Stop by our booth in Country Club Centre from 4:30 to 6 p.m. to chat with us about the project. 

NANAIMO OPERATIONS CENTRE

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Up-to-date information on City construction projects:

Midtown Water Supply and Midtown Gateway Projects

  • Starting January 8 construction will begin in the Black Diamond Drive Neighbourhood, construction is 7am-7pm, the road closure is 24 hours per day with one way local and emergency vehicle traffic only along Black Diamond Drive entering from Crows Nest Place towards Coal Tyee Trail/Venuti Way to Jingle Pot Road. The western access to Black Diamond Drive from Jingle Pot Road will be closed with vehicular traffic detoured to enter at the eastern access. The speed limit is reduced to 30 km/h. Drivers must slowdown in work zones and pay close attention to signage.
  • Starting January 8 Labieux Road will be closed at the Kenworth roundabout to Public Works Main Entrance to vehicle access 24 hours per day. This work is scheduled for 2-3 days, immediately following this work tentatively January 10-12 Labieux Road will be closed at Bowen Road to the Kenworth roundabout up to the south entrance 2100 Labieux Road to vehicle access 24 hours per day. Commuters please use an alternate route. Local access to businesses will be available.
  • Beban Park East Access will be closed at Labieux Road to vehicle access 24 hours / day from January 8-10. Both the North and South entrances off Bowen Road will be available.
  • On Monday, January 8, from 7am-7pm, there will be some traffic disruptions at the intersection of Northfield and Boxwood Roads. The east to northbound left turn lane from Northfield Road to Boxwood Road will be closed, and eastbound patrons wishing to access the businesses at 2300 Northfield Road will need to use their other access point. For your safety, please obey all signs and traffic control persons.
  • Commuters can expect minor delays along many streets in the City while the construction crews progress on this project. The construction will create visual distractions and minor delays for commuters. Drivers, pay close attention to signage and the construction traffic as they enter and exit these sections of the project:
  • East Wellington, Westwood Road to Bowen Road, in particular in front of Parker Marine for the construction of the valve station
  • Griffiths Road, end to Madsen Road
  • Third Street across from the Rotary Fieldhouse
  • The Parkway Trail Parking Lot at Westwood Road and East Wellington Road is closed to the public. The Parkway Trail is still accessible.
  • 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.
  • Along the Parkway visual distractions of the project construction will be noticeable at College Drive, behind VIU as well as south of East Wellington Road

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.
  • 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.
  • Speed limit will be reduced as this will be an active construction zone.
  • Obey all signs and traffic control personnel.

Sixth Street Watermain Upgrade

  • Construction work is commencing on Sixth Road between Bruce Avenue and Park Avenue
  • Typical construction hours are Monday to Friday, 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
  • Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction
  • Obey all signs and traffic control persons

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

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Work With Us!

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

  • Human Resources Advisor (2)
  • Business Analyst/Project Management Specialist
  • Senior Technical Support Specialist, Network
  • Buyer
  • Civil Design Technologist
  • Building Official
  • Financial Analyst, Temporary Full-Time
  • Casual Clerical Opportunities
  • Casual - Police Services
  • Casual Lifeguard/Instructors

JOB POSTINGS

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

Meetings This Week

Date: Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness Meeting in SARC Boardroom, January 10, starting at 4 pm.

Date: Board of Variance Meeting in SARC Boardroom, January 11, starting at 5 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