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June 30, 2025

This Week...

Join us for Canada Day celebrations, the summer playground programs begin and property taxes are due. Read on for more!
A colorful mural painted on a hallway wall features various elements of nature. The left side shows a large turtle with a brown shell and yellow-striped limbs, surrounded by green plants and a pink background. The middle section includes water with fish, lily pads, and tall grasses. The right side depicts a bird with an orange head and brown body among purple flowers and large yellow mushrooms.

Calls to Artists

We have a number of opportunities for artists this summer and fall. Check them out:

  • Urban Design Roster 2026-2028: proposals are open for this program offering artists and designers an opportunity to be involved in urban design that can be integrated into civic infrastructure. Deadline for Applications: October 12, 2025
  • Temporary Public Art 2026: proposals are open for this program that will see temporary pieces of art installed in 2026. Deadline for Submissions: October 26, 2025
  • Street Banners 2026 - Call to Youth: we are seeking art submissions from youth ages 19 and under for our 2026 street banners. Deadline for Submissions: September 28, 2025
erial view of a parkland area with a highlighted section marked for proposed road dedication. Text on the image reads "Alternative Approval Process" and "Seeking approval to remove a portion of parkland for road dedication purposes." Labels include "Replacement Building," "Elaine Hamilton Park," "Access Road and Parking Lot," and "Sandstone Developments." A yellow arrow points to the highlighted area. Seacliff Properties logo appears in the bottom left.

Alternative Approval Process

An Alternative Approval Process (AAP) is underway seeking approval from residents to remove the park dedication from a portion of Elaine Hamilton Park to dedicate it as road right-of-way. The proposed road would connect Extension Road to the Sandstone development site located at 1750 Rajeena Way.

LEARN MORE
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A person is sitting on the grass near a lake, draped in a large Canadian flag. In front of the person, there is a red sign that reads 'Sorry We Are CLOSED' with the date 'July 1, 2025' written below it. The background shows water and trees on the opposite shore.

Canada Day Closures

All City facilities and recreation centres will be closed on July 1 in observance of Canada Day. While these services take a break for the holiday, lifeguards will still be on duty at Westwood Lake from 12:00 to 5:30 pm, weather permitting. Whether you're relaxing at home or heading to the lake, we wish you a safe, enjoyable, and festive Canada Day celebration!
The image shows a park scene with large blue and white letters spelling 'NANAIMO' in the background. In the foreground, several Canadian flags are hanging, partially obscuring the view. People are walking around, including someone pushing a stroller with a child and another person carrying a backpack. Trees and greenery are visible in the background along with other park visitors.
A large group of people, including children and adults, are gathered under a blue-tinted glass canopy structure in an outdoor park. The area is bustling with activity as some children play in the water feature on the ground. Trees and greenery surround the space, and two flagpoles with flags are visible on either side of the canopy. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a sunny day.

Canada Day Celebrations

Join us in Maffeo Sutton Park this Canada Day for a free, family-friendly celebration! The opening ceremony will start with a special blessing from a Snuneymuxw Elder and the event will be emceed by Daryl Major from Island Radio. The Wave 102.3 will be live on location. Keep your family entertained with:

  • live music
  • face painting by Leaders in Training
  • bouncy castles, interactive booths
  • food vendors
  • a multi-cultural community stage and so much more!

Parking at Maffeo Sutton Park will not be available on Canada Day but there are many FREE Parking options near the park (limited accessible parking spots are available on site). You may loop into the park to drop off this year.

RIDE YOUR BIKE - a bike valet will be available through Hub City Cycles at Maffeo Sutton Park from 11 am - 3:30 pm. Ride your bike and drop it off for FREE in a secured location. You will be given a ticket when you check your bike in and then you can go about enjoying the event knowing your bike is safe.

PARKING DOWNTOWN - even though parking is unavailable at the park, there is parking in the downtown area. This downtown parking map will help you.

TAKE THE BUS - Thanks to Regional District of Nanaimo, free shuttles will be available to get you to and from the event.

Proudly sponsored in part by Heritage Canada

LEARN MORE

Property Taxes

Property tax payments are due Tuesday, July 2, 2025. Make sure to apply for your Home Owner Grant by July 2, 2025.

To avoid a penalty, payments can be made in person at the Service and Resource Centre (411 Dunsmuir Street) or a cheque can be put in the secure drop box outside the entrance of the Service and Resource Centre (make sure it is dropped off before 4:30 pm on July 2).

PROPERTY TAXES
Five people standing outdoors in front of a palm tree and a colorful flower bed. The person in the center holds a sign that reads "Welcome" with additional text in various languages and contact information.

New Welcome Signs

In partnership with the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society, new welcome signs have been installed at all City recreation centre entrances. Featuring multiple languages, including Hul’q’umi’num, the signs reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of our community. Pictured are Sarah, Carey and Wali from the CVIMS with Laara and Tammy from Parks, Recreation & Culture, proudly unveiling the new sign. This initiative supports our commitment to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for all.
Two flags flying on flagpoles against a clear blue sky. The left flag is white with the text "CITY OF NANAIMO" and a wave-like design. The right flag features horizontal stripes in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Trees are visible in the bottom right corner.

Disability Pride Month

July is disability pride month — a time to recognize the valuable contributions of people with disabilities and to reflect on how we can continue to make our community more inclusive and accessible for everyone. One powerful symbol of this movement is the Disability Pride Flag, designed to represent the diversity of the disability community. The flag is a bold statement of visibility, pride, and the ongoing fight for equity. Let’s honour the voices and stories of people with disabilities and commit to building a more inclusive Nanaimo — together.

Tree Frog Program

We have room in our summer Tree Frog Camp, which is a camp for those aged 3-5 years. Each fun-themed week will include games, music, arts and crafts. Come and join us for a great time! There are two times to choose from, 9 to 11 am or 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

For more information, see page 41 of our online Activity Guide. City of Nanaimo Spring and Summer 2025 Activity Guide
A lifeguard stands on a sandy beach holding a white rescue board labeled "RESCUE." The lifeguard wears a red shirt and black shorts. In the foreground, orange traffic cones marked "CITY NANAIMO" are visible. The background shows a lake bordered by dense green forest and mountains under a cloudy sky.

Lifeguards on Duty

Lifeguards are now on duty at Westwood Lake daily from 12 to 5:30 pm until Monday, September 1. This includes Canada Day, BC Day and Labour Day, weather permitting.

Enjoy a safe swim and remember to follow posted guidelines.
Promotional poster for free summer playground programs for children aged 5 to 12. The top half shows kids playing in a splash pad with water jets. The bottom half features two adults in orange shirts engaging with three children outdoors. Text on the poster reads "FREE SUMMER Playground Programs" and "Ages 5–12."

Summer Playground Program

Our summer Playground Program begins on July 2 and continues until August 29. This program is a FREE program aimed for kids 5-12 years old where leaders will be there to lead games and crafts. There are two options. We have one location held Monday to Friday, 9:30 am - 4 pm located at Departure Bay Park. We also have a roving program that moves weekly to various parks in the City.

The schedule is found on our website: Free Summer Programs with Parks, Recreation & Culture 2025
A lifeguard stands on a sandy beach holding a white rescue board labeled "RESCUE." The lifeguard wears a red shirt and black shorts. In the foreground, orange traffic cones marked "CITY NANAIMO" are visible. The background shows a lake bordered by dense green forest and mountains under a cloudy sky.

Youth Poetry Contest Winners

This spring, Youth Poet Laureate, Paige Pierce invited youth poets (up to 18 years old) from the Nanaimo community to submit their poetry to our Youth Poetry Contest. After receiving an overabundance of brilliant submissions, our top three contest winners are:

  • Taking Flight by Mia Robertson-Heggs
  • In the Silence of Absence by Emma Chen
  • Fear No More by Elaina Patrinos

Congratulations to our winners and all youth poets who participated in this contest! Youth poetry, including our winning poems and many others, will be featured in a display at the Harbourfront Library this summer.
Promotional poster for free summer playground programs for children aged 5 to 12. The top half shows kids playing in a splash pad with water jets. The bottom half features two adults in orange shirts engaging with three children outdoors. Text on the poster reads "FREE SUMMER Playground Programs" and "Ages 5–12."

Dance Jam Fitness

Get ready to sweat, smile and move to the beat! We have added another session of Dance Jam Fitness for the summer. This program is a fun, low-impact workout set to a variety of music styles. Held on Tuesdays, July 8 to August 25, 12-1 pm at Oliver Woods Community Centre. Call Parks, Recreation and Culture at 250-756-5200 to register or go online and use barcode 146751.
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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 single lane alternating traffic along Hammond Bay Road between Turner Road and Rutherford Road intersections while crews work on replacing sewer and water mains.
  • Commercial Street between Wharf Street and Church Street is closed to vehicles. FREE daily 2-hour parking is available along downtown streets and on Levels 2 & 3 of the Bastion Street Parkade for the duration of the project.
  • Sewer upgrades along Railway Avenue will continue until the end of July. Intermittent road closures may be in effect weekdays from 7 am – 5 pm with local access only. Use alternate routes if possible.
  • The Townsite Area Utility Upgrades will see utility upgrades and paving continuing in the project area throughout June. Road closures and detours will be in effect on Millstone Avenue in July and August for road reconstruction work there.
  • There will be single lane alternating traffic on Rosstown Road and Powder Works Road. Get the latest updates at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/MidtownGateway

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:

  • Planner
  • Operations Support Supervisor (TFT)
  • Police Records Clerk
  • Victim Services Worker
  • Building Official
  • Natural Area Restoration Technician
  • Community Safety Officers
  • Casual Lifeguard/Instructors
  • Major Case File Specialist
  • Casual Clerical Opportunities
  • Casuals - Police Services
  • Occupational Health & Safety Coordinator
  • Manager, Revenue Services
  • Casual Pool - Custodian Relief
  • Water Technician

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

Meetings This Week

Friday, July 4: Mayor's Leaders' Table in the SARC Boardroom starting at 8:30 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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City of Nanaimo news and events

Recap of City News

Water and sewer main replacement projects set to begin on Hammond Bay Road

Calling all artists! City of Nanaimo seeking artists for Urban Design Roster

CITY NEWSROOM

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