November 17, 2025

This Week...

Check out the 2026 Street Banners design, give greener this holiday and join us for the 2026 Budget Talks. Read on for more!

2026 Street Banners

Grade 11 student and local artist, Solana Van de Leur has been selected for the 2026 Street Banners.

The 2026 Street Banner Program invited young artists across BC to help shape Nanaimo’s streetscape through original artwork that reflects youth identity, imagination, and insight. Solana’s design was selected for its visual depth, rich symbolism and heartfelt storytelling.

Watch for her design on banners starting spring 2026.

LEARN MORE

Greener Giving

Let's make memories, not waste, this holiday season. Here are some tips to reduce waste:

Reduce food waste

  • Plan ahead, write your grocery lists early
  • Create and stick to a budget which will reduce your urge to throw more in the cart "just in case"
  • Know what you already have in your fridge and freezer so you don't duplicate and have to throw items away
  • Don't overserve, portion control is key

Reduce packaging waste

  • Give an experience instead of a thing
  • Choose items with little to no packaging
  • Bake/create/upcycle something as a gift
  • Choose sustainable wrapping options, avoid plastic bows and wrapping that can't be recycled
  • Curious if something can be recycled? Use the what goes where tool to find out where you can take items for recycling, sending less to the landfill

ZERO WASTE INITIATIVES

2026 Budget Talks

The 2026 Budget Talks are starting this week, Nanaimo! Over the course of four sessions, starting on November 21, you’ll have the chance to learn about next year’s priorities. Plus, join us for an interactive eTown Hall on December 1, where you can ask your budget-related questions.

CITY BUDGET

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Public Art Engagement with Sebastion Abboud

When: Monday, November 24, from 4:30 to 6 pm

Where: Bowen Recreation Complex - Lawn Bowling Clubhouse (500 Bowen Rd)

Chat with Urban Design Roster artist, Sebastian Abboud about an upcoming asphalt art project planned for the Machleary Street and Campbell Street intersection. Help provide the artist with some inspiration in the development of his design by sharing what you know and love about the Old City neighbourhood.

Lions Free Skates

Every Sunday from 12 to 1:30 pm, the Lions Free Skates take place at Frank Crane Arena, offering families and individuals a chance to enjoy the ice at no cost. It’s the perfect way to stay active, have fun, and connect with your community. 

This program is made possible thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors: Lions Club of Nanaimo, Save-On-Foods, Alexandra’s Bistro, GFL, Little Valley Restorations and Collision, London Drugs, Nanaimo Hearing Clinic, Roto Rooter, Trish Turnbull (Re/Max of Nanaimo) and Widsten Property Management Services.

Holiday Gift Cards

The joy of shared moments often outweighs the excitement of material things—especially when those things are quickly outgrown or end up tucked away in storage. Instead of wondering what to buy, why not give something that encourages fun, health and connection all year long?

Consider an Active Pass with the City of Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture! It’s the perfect way to unlock unlimited access to activities that keep everyone moving and smiling.

With an Active Pass, your recipient can enjoy public swimming, skating, weight rooms and gymnasiums/facility rentals. Gift cards make a great stocking stuffer!

The Sweet Layered Podcast

On this episode we’re joined by Carina Nilsson, General Manager, and Brian McFadden, President of the Vancouver Island Military Museum. Located near Nanaimo’s harbour front, the museum features exhibits tracing Canada’s military history from the War of 1812 to present-day missions.

Listen and follow!

November Giveaway

Buy a 10- or 20-Visit Pass for admission to swimming, skating, weight rooms or gymnasium sports and you will be entered into a draw to win a Parks, Recreation and Culture gift bag! (Draw is December 1).

Passes are available for purchase at all recreation centres in Nanaimo or online by logging into your registration account (look under the tab "Punch Pass").

"Say Cheese"

Share a photo of you or your family members participating in our programs, and it could be featured in our upcoming Activity Guide!

Email your submissions to parksandrecreation@nanaimo.ca

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Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Here’s a list of up-to-date information on City construction projects. For more information on Nanaimo construction projects, visit the current Construction page on the City's website.

  • Expect significant delays due to single lane alternating traffic along Hammond Bay Road between Rutherford Road and Brickyard Road intersections while crews continue to work on replacing sewer and water mains. Avoid delays by taking Rutherford Road and Uplands Drive as an alternative route.
  • Expect slight delays due to single lane alternating traffic along Dickinson Road between Groveland Drive and Medd Road intersections while crews continue to work on replacing water mains. Avoid delays by taking Schook Road, and Dover Road as an alternative route.
  • Construction of a new crosswalk at the intersection of Campbell Street and Selby Street may lead to lane closures or detours. Watch for and follow construction signs and traffic control persons.
  • Expect delays when traffic is detoured off Departure Bay Road between Strongitharm Avenue and Argyle Avenue for the installation of a sewer manhole.
  • Expect single lane alternating traffic or eastbound lane closures at times on Jingle Pot Road at the intersection of Holland Road. Eastbound traffic watch for possible detour using Holland Road and Ashlee Road.
  • The Third Street Complete Street project begins November 17. Crews will start work on Fitzwilliam Street between Pine St and Milton St. Expect delays and single lane alternating traffic. There will be no access onto Fitzwilliam Street from Kennedy St or Machleary St.

Note: All businesses in the construction areas are open unless otherwise posted. When approaching construction zones, please make sure to slow down and obey all signage and traffic personnel instructions. Remember that construction zone speed limits are 30 km/hr unless otherwise posted. If you know your commute is taking you through any of the areas below, please allow for additional time and plan ahead.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

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Work With Us!

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

  • Operations Support Supervisor
  • Community Safety Officer
  • HR Coordinator
  • Casual Preschool Instructors & Assistants
  • Aquatic Supervisor
  • Police Support Clerk
  • Casual Engineering Development Technician
  • Lifeguard/Instructor
  • Lifeguard/Instructor (TFT)
  • Casual Arena Maintenance Worker
  • Building Official
  • Casual Lifeguard/Instructors
  • Casual Clerical Opportunities
  • Casuals - Police Services

JOB POSTINGS

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

Meetings This Week

Monday, November 17: Regular Council meeting in the Shaw Auditorium starting at 7 pm.

Wednesday, November 19: Finance and Audit Committee meeting in the Shaw Auditorium starting at 9 am.

Friday, November 21: Special Finance and Audit Committee meeting in the Shaw Auditorium starting at 9 am.

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

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