November 1, 2021

This week...

Council is reviewing next year's budget, get ready to fall back and a reminder to sign up for emergency alerts. Read on for more!

Updated Provincial Health Orders for Recreation Facilities

The latest Provincial Health Order released on October 25, 2021 requires that increased vaccination checking occurs at City of Nanaimo recreation facilities starting Monday, November 1. Changes will be as follows:

  • adults volunteering with children, assisting children or spectating at a child or youth program must show proof of vaccination regardless of the size of the group at all recreation facilities, including pools, arenas and weight rooms
  • adults leading, volunteering or assisting children at outdoor events or programs must show proof of vaccination
  • for arena programs with mixed ages (for example, Everyone Welcome Skates), all participants and spectators ages 12 and up must show proof of vaccination
  • indoor capacity is now increased to 100 percent (same as pre-pandemic)

Parks, Recreation and Culture staff are reminding participants to bring their proof of vaccination as well as government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, BCID) and be prepared to show it for entry into programs and events. This is a change from what was previously required and is in effect on Monday, November 1.

Emergency Alert Test

Did you know? We tested our emergency alert system, Voyent Alert!, on October 28. If you haven't already registered for it, please do. In the event of an emergency, you will receive a text, email or phone call with information on the emergency and instructions. 

REGSITER FOR VOYENT ALERT 

Board of Variance

We are seeking three new members to fill vacant positions on the Board of Variance for a three year term. The successful applicants will have a basic understanding of building and zoning regulations such as the City’s Zoning Bylaw and BC Building Code, as well as familiarity with interpreting architectural plans and documents. Application deadline is November 17.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY

GoByBike Results!

Did you pedal to places, clock your km's or pack n pedal this fall? These programs were offered by GoByBike BC and the City of Nanaimo to encourage residents to use pedal power to get around. This year, Nanaimo had 375 riders registered, 17,357 km's recorded and approximately 3,763 Kgs of GHG saved! Another fun fact, over 3,500 cycles passed the trail counter on the Front Street bike path between Sept 27 and Ocotber 10! Way to go, Nanaimo!

GOBYBIKE BC

Time Change

It's official, we are heading into winter! Daylight saving time officially ends Sunday, November 7, 2021. Make sure to turn your clocks back 1 hour.  

 

 

Only Rainwater Down the Drain Please

Storm drains have one purpose only - to allow rainwater runoff. These drains pipe water directly to the ocean, with no processing or filtration. Please (please, please, please!) do NOT dump anything down the storm drains. Everything from paint to diesel can be properly disposed of at a recycling facility. For a list of what goes where, use the Waste Wizard feature of the Nanaimo Recycles app or on the City website. The City of Nanaimo and the environment thank you!

WHAT GOES WHERE WASTE WIZARD TOOL

Help Prevent 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. There are many examples of contamination and they include:

  • Material not accepted by Recycle BC
    • Material that is not packaging or paper
    • Material that can’t be recycled with current recycling technology
    • Hazardous material, including batteries, propane or butane cylinders, needles, lighters
  • Containers with contents (e.g. food or liquid) inside
  • Material sorted incorrectly
  • Material tied in a plastic or paper bag

Easy Ways to Prevent Contamination

  • Rinse your containers as soon as they’re empty
  • Sort your material 
  • Use the Nanaimo Recycles App and the "what goes where" tool 

Help us make sure your recycling gets recycled!

LEARN MORE ABOUT CONTAMINATION FROM RECYCLE BC

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. All businesses remain open and accessible, but commuters are asked to use alternate routes whenever possible.
  • Hammond Bay Road (between Bonnie Drive and Overlook Drive) will be single-lane, alternating traffic 24 hours a day into November.
  • Watermain upgrades are underway on Laguna Way east of the intersection with Lost Lake Road. Commuters can expect minor delays.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Work With Us!

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

JOB POSTINGS

Meetings This Week

Monday, November 1: Regular Council Meeting at 7:00 pm

Wednesday, November 3: Special Finance and Audit Committee Meting at 9:00 am

Friday, November 5: Special Finance and Audit Committee Meting at 9:00 am

Did you know?

Council has begun reviewing the 2022 Budget at a series of Special Finance and Audit Committee meetings leading up to an eTown Hall on Nov 15. Watch budget-related meetings virtually or in person at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre's Shaw Auditorium. Participate in the eTown Hall online or in person the night of. New this year! Share your budget priorities for the next five years by filling out a short survey on Get Involved Nanaimo!

MEETINGS

Here is a recap of last week's City news:

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