Voting by mail available for eligible electors

Eligible voters who wish to vote in the 2026 General Local Election may choose to vote by mail ballot instead of voting in person. A person must meet all voting requirements for voting in a local election as a resident elector or as a non-resident property elector as of the date the mail ballot is completed and posted.

Applications to vote by mail can be obtained either in person from the Legislative Services Department at 455 Wallace Street, by email at elections@nanaimo.ca or by downloading the Application to Vote By Mail form from the City's website. Mail ballot packages will be mailed out or be available for pickup as soon as ballots are available in early October.

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Nomination period for the 2026 Local General Election ends this week

Those wishing to run as candidates in the 2026 General Local Election are encouraged to file nomination documents with the Chief Election Officer or designate at the Legislative Services Office at City Hall, 455 Wallace Street, Nanaimo.

To file, candidates are asked to make an appointment by contacting Legislative Services at elections@nanaimo.ca or 250-755-4405 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Appointments will be booked on a first-come first-served basis.

Candidates will be declared at the conclusion of the nomination period, which is 4 pm on Friday, September 11, 2026. Public access to nomination documents will be provided on the election website as soon as possible.

2026 ELECTION INFO

Back to School

Back-to-school season is an exciting time in Nanaimo! As students return to classrooms, the City of Nanaimo reminds everyone to slow down, obey posted speed limits and stay alert in school zones. A little extra care behind the wheel helps keep our children safe.

As families plan their school drop-off and pick-up routines, please be aware that the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre (NAC) closure will impact access to the west-side entrance shared with Q’unq’inuqwstuxw Stadium and Serauxmen Stadium. There will be no access through the NAC parking lot to the front of the building or to the parking lot at NDSS. Please do not use this entrance to drop off NDSS students.

NAC PROJECT INFO

Minister's Statement on Recovery-Oriented Housing in Nanaimo

Last week, it was announced that the proposed permanent supportive housing at 250 Terminal (now 250 Bryden St) will now be recovery-focused supportive housing for those on their recovery journey. This announcement comes out of Council and the Newcastle Community Association advocating for the change, showing that “evidence-based advocacy not only inspires change, it makes change happen” – Mayor Krog.

STATEMENT

2027 Culture Grants Intake Now Open!

Culture & Events have three available grants: Culture Operating Grant; Culture Project Grant; Downtown Event Revitalization Fund. These grants are essential in supporting the activities of the professional and community-based arts and culture organizations who contribute to the cultural, social and economic vitality of Nanaimo.

Deadline for Applications: October 6, 2026

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Teach, Inspire, Create - We're Hiring Pottery Instructors

Do you love working with clay and sharing your passion for ceramics? Join our team and inspire creativity in our community in our Bowen Park Pottery Studio,

What You’ll Do:

• Teach pottery techniques (wheel throwing & handbuilding)
• Create a fun, safe, and inclusive studio environment
• Help students of all ages discover their artistic potential

Requirements:

• Experience in ceramics and kiln operation
• Strong communication and teaching skills
• Enthusiasm for art and community engagement

Location: Bowen Park

Apply: parksandrecreation@nanaimo.ca