July 4, 2023

This Week...

Accessibility mats are at more beaches around Nanaimo, a new mountain bike skills park has opened in Harewood Centennial Park and get ready for hot temperatures. Read on for more!
Two children splashing each other in Westwood Lake with "Beat the Heat!" written over Blue graphic splashes

Be prepared for the heat

Temperatures are expected to hover around 30 degrees Celsius this week. During this stretch of hot weather, the City is reminding residents to stay cool and to care for those around you.

  • Stay hydrated
  • Visit a rec centre to cool off in our air conditioned lobbies
  • Avoid strenuous activities
  • Cool down at a pool, one of our water parks or the misting station in Maffeo Sutton Park
  • Don't leave your children or pets in the car

TIPS TO STAY COOL
Three children standing by bikes at Steve Smith Bike Park celebration station with other cyclists in the background.

Keeping your pets cool

Here are some tips from the SPCA to help keep your four-legged friends cool this summer:

  • Be aware that pavement can get very hot and choose to exercise with your pet earlier in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler (don't forget to bring along water for them as well).
  • Freeze favourite foods or treats in a Kong. Investing in a kiddie pool for your pup and fill of cool water for your furry friend to enjoy.
  • If you go out in the car, leave your pet at home rather than in a hot vehicle.

TIPS FOR PETS
South Forks Dam at the utility access with City vehicle on the right

New mountain bike skills park opens

Just in time for the start of summer holidays, those wishing to enter the sport of mountain biking will have a new place to test their skills. City of Nanaimo Parks crews recently completed a project at Harewood Centennial Park with the construction of a new mountain bike skills park.

MORE INFO

City installs beach accessibility mats

City of Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture crews have installed Mobi Mats® at three new locations - Colliery Dam Park, Neck Point Park and Loudon Park.

A Mobi-Mat® is a seasonally installed, nonslip walkway made from recycled material and helps those with wheels (wheelchairs, strollers, wagons, kayak trailers) to be able to more easily access the beach area.

MORE INFO
Three children standing by bikes at Steve Smith Bike Park celebration station with other cyclists in the background.

July's Art Agora is Arbour City

A "Painting Scavenger Hunt." Find meaningful, iconic and/or historical locations in the city and paint them. Share a picture of your painting.  Visit www.artagora.ca for more information.

MORE INFO

Reduce the Risk of Wildfires

The Province has elevated the drought level on east Vancouver Island to a Level 4, which means it is extremely dry in and around Nanaimo. It only takes one spark or a hot vehicle driving over tall grass to ignite a wildfire. You can do your part to reduce the risk. If you are out recreating on a dirt bike, ATV or 4x4, make sure to stick to well-worn roads and carry fire suppression equipment. Also, campfires are banned. And, most important, if you come across a fire, call 9-1-1. 

NANAIMO FIRE RESCUE
kids playing in spray at Deverill square water park

Free Summer Activities for Parks, Recreation and Culture in 2023

Drop in to one of our neighbourhood playgrounds this summer and join in for FREE family fun!

  • Harewood Centennial Park and Mansfield Park, Monday to Friday, 10 am - 3:30 pm
  • Groveland Park, Monday to Wednesday, 10 am - 3:30 pm
  • Country Hills Park, Thursday and Friday, 10 am - 3:30 pm

MORE INFO

Keeping up with the Midtown Water Supply Project

Did you know? The water supply main provides 750 litres (or 3,000 glasses) of water per second. That’s enough to fill Beban Pool in just 10 minutes!

Not only that, but the Midtown Water Supply project will see crews install 13 km of watermain pipes, with 50 sections of these pipes being custom-made for this project. The pipes are designed to be post-disaster and seismically resilient to sustain earthquakes, and every decision along the way for this project had our environment in mind, including the routing of the pipes.

The project also lays the foundation for future trailways which will provide a great connection into major parks and current trailways. Find out more how this project will enhance the existing water supply network and build resiliency within the core of the City.

MORE INFO

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Up-to-date information on City construction projects:

Midtown Water Supply and Midtown Gateway Projects:

  • From June 27 to July 21, the northbound lane of Boxwood Road will also be closed north of Northfield Road. Eastbound left turns onto Boxwood Road from Northfield Road will not be permitted. Access to Petro-Canada & WAVES car wash (2300 Northfield) via Northfield Road only.
  • Labieux Road between the Kenworth Road roundabout and Beban Park Entrance, expect minor delays and traffic disturbances, pay close attention to signage and follow the directions of any flag persons on duty.
  • Beban Park main entrance off Labieux Road expect minor delays and traffic disturbances, pay close attention to signage and follow the directions of any flag persons on duty.
  • All main parking lots, facilities and park amenities within Beban Park are open during construction. Certain areas of the park are fenced off and closed to the public for safety reasons. Detours will be in place to access all amenities within the park. Please obey all signage placed for your safety and follow the directions of any flag persons on duty.
  • Commuters can expect minor delays along many streets in the City while construction crews work on this project. The construction will create visual distractions and minor delays for commuters. Drivers, pay close attention to signage and construction traffic as workers and equipment enter and exit these sections of the project:
    • Griffiths Road, end to Madsen Road.
    • East Wellington, Madsen Road to Westwood Road.
  • Thank you for your patience! www.nanaimo.ca/goto/MidtownGateway and www.nanaimo.ca/goto/MidtownWater

Departure Bay Road Sanitary Sewer and Watermain Upgrades

  • Beginning May 23, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 7 pm and 7 am to 5 pm when school is not in session, some traffic delays should be expected during working hours.
  • Single lane traffic on Departure Bay Road will be in place adjacent to active construction.
  • Residents and businesses will be notified a minimum of 48 hours in advance of any scheduled impacts to services or driveway access.
  • If you live in the area and have young children, please advise them of the dangers of construction and be aware that heavy equipment and trucks have limited visibility.

Albert/Fourth Complete Streets and Utility Upgrade project:

  • Albert Street will be closed to all vehicle traffic between Pine and Kennedy Streets from June 14 to September 15.
  • Closure will be in effect 24 hours per day.
  • Please use an alternate route to avoid delays.
  • Obey all signs and traffic control persons, who are there for your safety.
  • Albert Street will remain open to cyclists and pedestrians during this time.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
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Work With Us!

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

  • Deputy City Clerk
  • Civil Design Technologist (2)
  • HR Intern
  • Building Official (2)
  • Community Safety Officer
  • Victim Services Worker (2)
  • Senior Victim Services Worker
  • Financial Analyst - Temporary Full-Time
  • Human Resources Advisor
  • HR Associate - Disability Management/OHS
  • Casual Clerical Opportunities
  • 2023 Seasonal Recreation Leader Vacancies
  • Temporary Recreation Leader II - Inclusion
  • Municipal Services Inspector - Temporary Full-Time
  • Casual Police Information Clerks
  • Roads Management Specialist - Temporary Full-Time
  • Building Official
  • Casuals - Police Services
  • Custodian - Relief Pool
  • Casual Lifeguard/Instructors

JOB POSTINGS
Photo of council seating at a council meeting

Meetings This Week

Thursday, July 6: Board of Variance at 4 pm

Monday, July 10: Regular Council Meeting at 7 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
City of Nanaimo news and events

Recap of City News

City invites groups to apply for funds to prevent youth gun and gang violence

City of Nanaimo receives award for Annual Financial Reporting

New mountain bike skills park opens in Harewood Centennial Park

CITY NEWSROOM

Stay up to Date with Council, Programming and Events