My Nanaimo This Week 💌 August 16

August 16, 2021

This week...

Fall activity registration opens August 18, catch a live music walk-though experience and preparations for new equipment install begin at Harewood Centennial Park. Read on for more!

Message from Island Health

COVID-19 cases are rising across BC, including in Island Health, making it more important than ever to get vaccinated with two doses.
As of August 11, there were 185 active COVID-19 cases in the Island Health region (100 in the South Island, 73 in the Central Island and 12 in the North Island).
Over the past 7 days, Island Health has seen an average number of new cases double to 24 new cases/day, compared to an average of 12 cases/day for the 7 days prior.
Approximately 90% of new COVID infections in Island Health are happening in people who are either unvaccinated, or who have only had one dose. More than 157,000 people in Island Health still have not received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Getting vaccinated is now easier than ever. You can get your first or second dose by dropping in without an appointment to any of Island Health’s vaccine clinics. You can still schedule an appointment if you prefer.
Second doses are available as long as your first dose was at least 28 days ago.
If you live or work in a community experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak, get your second dose as soon as you can. If your area is not experiencing an outbreak, getting your second dose 6-8 weeks after your first dose may provide stronger immunity.
As the new school year draws near, it is important to get as many students fully vaccinated as possible to keep COVID and any variants out of our schools.
New public health orders were announced on Aug. 12 making it mandatory for all health care workers in Long Term Care and Assisted Living facilities to be fully vaccinated by October 12. Until October 12, all unvaccinated staff are required to wear PPE and be tested regularly for COVID-19.
The new rules apply immediately to volunteers and personal service providers, who are not allowed into a facility until they are fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated visitors will still be allowed to visit family in care homes, but must wear masks.
Make sure you are registered with the Get Vaccinated system to be notified when you are eligible for your second dose. If you have questions or aren't sure if you are registered, phone the call centre at: 1-833-838-2323.
Island Health’s mobile Vax Van and easy-access clinics, our mass vaccination clinics and our whole community clinics for remote and hard to reach communities are just a few ways we are making it even easier to get vaccinated.

ISLAND HEALTH COVID-19 INFORMATION

Always Discard Safely

The majority of bush and grass fires are caused by human error, in these hot and dry conditions just one spark can cause a wildfire. If you do smoke, always discard smoking materials in approved receptacles like an ashtray. Just a reminder there is no smoking allowed in Nanaimo’s parks and if you happen to see a fire, call 911 immediately.

NANAIMO BURNING REGULATIONS

Fall Registration

We are excited to be offering a full schedule of fall programs this upcoming season! View the Parks, Recreation and Culture Fall Activity Guide online and prepare for registration on August 18.

There are three ways to register:

🖥️ ON LINE

🙋 IN PERSON at Bowen Complex, Beban Park, Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Oliver Woods Community Centre

☎️ BY PHONE 250-756-5200

FALL ACTIVITY GUIDE

Live Music in the Park

Between 6-7 pm on August 17, explore the trail and boardwalk at Richards Marsh while listening to live music. The music will float and resonate through the space and can be enjoyed from the multiple walking trails in and around the marsh.

*Please note* This is a FREE walk through experience.

MUSIC SERIES

Bridge in Bowen

Please be advised that there will be ongoing construction at the Second Great Bridge in Bowen Park for the month of August.

During this construction, sections of the bridge may temporarily be closed. Please exercise caution and obey all signage to keep everyone safe.

BOWEN PARK

Rotary Bowl

The official track system of Athletics Canada will be installing a new running surface at the Rotary Bowl. The area will be closed August 18 until the end of October. The process includes several steps:

Peel the old surface up
Asphalt repair, using a polyurethane product
Multiple pours of the new running surface base
Spraying the top traction surface
Line painting

Adding to Harewood Centennial Park

This week preparations for Phase 2 equipment installation will begin at Harewood Centennial park. A grant from the Kal-Tire RePlay Fund will be used for the rubber surfacing, incorporating approximately 670 used passenger tires. The Nanaimo Lions Club has sponsored the new equipment.

Phase 1 was completed in the Spring of 2021

4 new belt swings
2 infant swings
2 inclusive swings

Phase 2 begins this week

Concrete curb August 16-20
Installation of the Inclusive Orbit equipment
Placement of rubber surfacing

Help Us Reduce Curbside Contamination

Contamination is a major obstacle in the recycling process. It occurs when material that is not accepted for recycling is put in recycling bins. When it comes to recycling, we’re all in this together. Recycle BC, the dedicated collection/post-collection crews and you - the residents of BC – all work together to ensure the success of the recycling system. Low contamination is a contributing factor to a high recycling rate.

Please become familiar with Nanaimo's blue cart basics. If you are curious about a specific item, the handy what goes where tool is available on the city's website and in the Nanaimo Recycles App.

BLUE CART BASICS

REIMAGINE NANAIMO

Phase 2 is our time to 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐄. It’s where we get to confirm our goals, test possible directions, and discuss the big ideas that will form the basis of our City Plan. Explore with us, you choose how to be involved:

REIMAGINE NANAIMO

REIMAGINE NANAIMO Art Kits

The community is encouraged to participate in a creative REIMAGINE NANAIMO activity. A number of shapes are provided and described as "portals" in which people are asked to draw their vision of Nanaimo's future on top, inside or around with bold coloured felt pens. All the drawings will be assembled into collages and displayed in the windows of public spaces around our city.

Completed drawings can be dropped off at the Beban Social Centre, Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, Oliver Woods Community Centre, or the Service and Resource Centre (411 Dunsmuir St) by August 31, 2021. Alternatively, you can scan or take a photo of your artwork and submit it to reimagine@nanaimo.ca. To be entered into the draw for a Kool & Child gift certificate, please fill out the label on the front of the bag with a contact name and phone number.

REIMAGINE NANAIMO ART KITS

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Up-to-date information on City construction projects:

Metral Drive is still an active construction site, and paving is scheduled for August 16 & 17 from Mostar Road to Turner Road. Please expect delays and account for extra time when navigating the area. All businesses remain open and accessible, but commuters are asked to use alternate routes whenever possible.
Road work and utility upgrades are underway on Lost Lake Road between Tanya Drive and Blue Jay Trail. This section of road will be closed for the week of August 16 from 6:00am to 6:00pm. Commuters should plan their travel accordingly and use an alternative route.
Watermain upgrades are underway on Estevan Road between Poplar Street and Drake Street. During construction hours from Monday to Thursdays this road will be closed to traffic with the exception of buses and local residents. Detours will be in place and commuters are asked to plan their travel accordingly and account for extra time when navigating the area.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS