March 14, 2022

This week... 

Two new fire trucks put into service, water main flushing starts and celebrate Water to Earth Month activities. Read on for more!

Two New Fire Trucks

Fire crews have been training on two, new, Pierce fire trucks for the past few weeks. You'll see these trucks responding to calls soon. New features to highlight include:

  • Idle reduction technology - lowering emissions, fuel cost savings, reduces engine wear and noise
  • Additional cabinet space - to store contaminated gear, for example
  • Wireless communications - with noise cancelling headsets and ability to transmit to dispatch remotely 
  • Engine performace designed to ascend Nanaimo's hills in a hurry!
Get Vaccinated

Water Main Flushing

The City’s annual water main flushing program starts this week in south Nanaimo and will make its way north through neighbourhoods until it finished the first week of May. If you spot a change in appearance such as discolouration when you turn on the tap, clear the water lines by running cold water (instead of hot water, to save energy) until the water runs clear. Any discolouration is temporary and not a health hazard.

WATER MAIN FLUSHING

Water to Earth Month

Nanaimo & District is celebrating Water to Earth Month 2022. Throughout March and April you can register for events such as a stream walk, Earth Hour skate, invasive plant and litter removal work parties and a WaterSmart gardening and landscape workshop. 

WATER TO EARTH 2022

RDN Growth Strategy Survey 

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is looking for your input on a Regional Growth Strategy, which, in addition to growth, includes topics on planning for land use, active transportation, housing and climate adaptation. Fill out the survey by March 25 and be entered to win a $50 gift card.

TAKE SURVEY NOW

Pop Up Playgrounds

If you're looking for some free fun with the kids during the two week Spring Break, mark these down! The Pop Up Playground sessions include sports, art, games and crafts and will take place:

  • Mansfield Park: March 15, 2-4 pm and March 18, 1-3 pm
  • Maffeo Sutton grass area: March 22, 2-4 pm and March 25, 1-3 pm

SPRING 2022 ACTIVITY GUIDE 

Award for Financial Reporting

The City of Nanaimo’s annual financial report for the year ending December 31, 2020 was awarded the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The Canadian Award for Financial Reporting program was established to encourage municipal governments throughout Canada to publish high quality financial reports and to provide peer recognition and technical guidance for officials preparing these reports.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AWARD

REIMAGINE NANAIMO

Nearly two years after the launch of REIMAGINE NANAIMO, we are now in the third and final phase! With it comes a new draft plan for our community: City Plan - Nanaimo ReImagined. In this phase you will have the opportunity to provide your thoughts about the draft plan.

The survey collects feedback on 12 Priorities for Progress that cover key directions identified in the draft City Plan. Survey open until April 8. 

REIMAGINE NANAIMO PHASE 3 TAKE SURVEY NOW

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Up-to-date information on City construction projects:

  • Ninth Street is closed between Bruce Avenue and Plecas Crescent. Detours will be in place and commuters are asked to plan their travel accordingly and account for extra time when navigating the area.
  • Metral Drive is still an active construction site, so please expect delays and account for extra time when navigating the area. Metral Drive from Enterprise Way to Turner Road is now LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY.
  • Metral Drive will also be narrow while crews prepare to install curbs on both sides of the road and put in 3-way stops at the Doumont & Turner intersections. Please detour on Highway 19a. If you live in the area or are visiting a business, drive slowly and respect the construction zone and workers.
  • Watermain upgrades are underway on Laguna Way east of the intersection with Lost Lake Road. Commuters can expect minor delays.
  • Utility upgrades are taking place on Cottleview Drive and Hillside Avenue between Caldwell Street and Pacific Edge Way. Commuters can expect minor delays.
  • Nottingham Drive is closed between Hammond Bay Road and Cumberland Place. Commuters should plan to access Nottingham from the north end.
  • Fourth Street between Bruce Avenue and Pine Street is closed in both directions to through traffic, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hamilton Avenue at Pine Street will be closed to southbound right turning vehicles. Local traffic is permitted. All businesses remain open and accessible. Road closures will remain in effect until May 2022 when the Fourth Street Complete Street Phase 1 project is completed.
  • Fourth Street between Bruce Avenue and Harewood Road will be reduced to single lane alternating traffic to allow for underground utility installation. All businesses remain open and accessible. Watch for traffic controllers and signage.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Work With Us!

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

  • Planner - Temporary full-time
  • Head Lifeguard/Instructor - Temporary full-time
  • Major Case File Clerk
  • Casuals - Police Services
  • Client Support Specialist
  • Senior Applications Analyst - Temporary full-time
  • Community Policing Coordinator
  • Exhibit & Property Clerk - Permanent part-time
  • Building Official
  • Engineering Services Technologist
  • Custodian - Relief Pool
  • Casual Lifeguard/Instructors

JOB POSTINGS

Meetings This Week

Monday, March 14: Governance and Priorities Committee at 1:00 pm 

Wednesday, March 16: Finance and Audit Committee Meeting at 9:00 am

Did you know? 

New regulations have come into effect for operators of short-term rentals (STR) and bed and breakfasts in the City of Nanaimo. At their meeting on February 7, Council adopted amendments to the zoning and off-street parking bylaw that regulates and permit short-term rentals. Included in the changes is the requirement for a business licence.

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

Here's a recap of last week's City News

CITY NEWSROOM

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