This Week... Cast your ballot for the 2026 General Local Election, join us for the Great BC ShakeOut and be cautious with the weather changes. Read on for more! | Nanaimo Votes 2026 Cast your ballot for the 2026 General Local Election on October 14 from 8 am to 8 pm at the Beban Park Social Centre, located at 2300 Bowen Road. Can’t make it? General Voting Day is Saturday, October 17, where you can cast your ballot at any of the 10 voting locations across Nanaimo and one on Protection Island. It is important to us that eligible voters have the opportunity to vote and help elect our next Mayor and Council. If you require a translator, you may bring one with you. If you need assistance marking your ballot, an election official or a person accompanying you may help. Anyone assisting a voter must sign a declaration. If you have mobility challenges, curbside voting can be arranged when you arrive at a voting location. A phone number will be posted and visible at each location. LEARN MORE | Drop, Cover and Hold On On October 15 at 10:15 am, millions of people worldwide will practice how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” during Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills. Register to participate in the Great BC ShakeOut online today or learn how to run a drill. Did you know? You can receive alerts with important instructions and safety information on your phone from the City in the event of a community-wide emergency. If you haven't yet, sign up for Voyent Alert!, Nanaimo's emergency alert system. We are also testing our emergency alert system on October 15, 2026 LEARN MORE | Departure Bay Pumpstation and Forcemain Expansion Project - Preliminary Ground Investigations The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) will conduct preliminary ground investigations beginning in mid-October along Hammond Bay Road, from Prince John Way to Tiki Way, to prepare for construction planned for early 2027. Residents and drivers may see crews and equipment along the route, with single-lane alternating traffic in some areas. Local access will be maintained, and pedestrians and cyclists can travel through work areas by following posted signage and traffic control. When: Mid-October to late FallWhere: Various locations along Hammond Bay Road, from Prince John Way to Tiki Way (Segments E- I) Please stay tuned for updates and information about upcoming traffic impacts as work progresses. LEARN MORE | Emergency Preparedness Month As part of Emergency Preparedness Month, we urge residents to be extra cautious with the weather changes. Please slow down and expect roads to be extremely slippery when wet. After a long stretch of dry conditions, the accumulated oil, dust and debris on the roads will create a slippery layer between vehicle tires and the wet asphalt. All users on our roads, including drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, should watch for and be seen by other commuters. Always have winter safety and emergency equipment in your car. A basic car kit should contain the following: - Food that won't spoil, such as energy bars
- Water or plastic bottles that won't break if the water freezes (replace them every six months)
- Blanket
- Extra clothing and shoes or boots
- First aid kit with seatbelt cutter
- Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush
- Candle in a deep can and matches
- Wind‑up flashlight
- Whistle
- Printed roadmaps
- Copy of your emergency plan
Items to keep in your trunk: - Sand, salt or cat litter (non-clumping)
- Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid
- Tow rope
- Jumper cables
- Fire extinguisher
- Warning light or road flares
LEARN MORE | Be Storm Prepared Are you storm prepared? Make sure the catch basins, drains and ditches around your property are cleared of leaves and debris to help prevent flooding. If flooding does occur, please call Public Works at 250-758-5222. If you need them, there are sand bags and sand at the Public Works yard — make sure to bring a shovel. LEARN MORE | | Apply Today for a Sport Project Grant! Sport Project Grants assist Nanaimo non-profit sport and sport-related organizations to realize projects that benefit our community and contribute to the cultural, social and economic vitality of Nanaimo. Applicants must be: - Based in Nanaimo
- Be a registered non-profit society, community organization, or formalized sport or recreation group
- Be in operation for minimum of one year (new and emerging groups will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis)
- Have successfully produced and documented at least one prior project or event show evidence of project support from other sources (public and/or private, cash and/or in kind)
Deadline is November 6, 2026. LEARN MORE | Nanaimo's Poet Laureate Apply now to become Nanaimo’s next Poet Laureate (2027 – 2029)! Applications are open until October 25, 2026, at 11:59 pm PST. As the City’s literary ambassador, the Poet Laureate helps celebrate and promote literary arts through poetry, projects and community engagement. Bring your unique voice, inspire creativity and help connect residents through meaningful artistic expression and collaboration. LEARN MORE | | Birthday Party Birthday coming up? Let us help with the fun! Celebrate the special day with a City of Nanaimo birthday party at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre! - Pick your date and time
- Invite your friends
- Make some birthday memories!
- Check out our birthday party options on our newly updated website and start planning your celebration today!
LEARN MORE | | Fishing Challenge Join the City of Nanaimo's Family Fishing Challenge from October 19 – 26. Visit one of Nanaimo's local lakes, catch a fish, snap a photo with a business card for size reference and submit it for a chance to win daily prizes! Open to children, youth and adults. Participating lakes include Westwood, Long, Green, Brannen, Colliery Dam and Diver Lake. LEARN MORE | | Pop-up Program This is a FREE, fun safe space to introduce your child to unstructured physical activity! Your child will get to play, move, climb, jump, slide and have a blast while burning off some energy on a variety of gym equipment. Parent/caregiver participation is required. This program is drop-in only; no registration required. Two dates to choose from: - Sunday, October 18, 9:30 to 11:30 am at Beban Park - wear your Halloween Costume!
- Sunday, November 1, 9:30 to 11:30 am at Beban Park
| | Pirates in the Pool — NAC Special Event Ahoy, mateys! Grab your crew and head to Nanaimo Aquatic Centre for a swashbuckling afternoon of fun. Hunt for hidden treasure, take part in exciting pirate-themed games, and enjoy a splashing good time in the pool. Bring the whole family for an adventure on the high seas and create unforgettable memories together. Saturday, October 17 from 2 to 4 pm. Regular Admission Rates Apply | | Board of Variance The City of Nanaimo is recruiting one volunteer at-large member for the Board of Variance. - Three-year term, until November 2029
- A basic understanding of building and zoning regulations and familiarity with architectural plans is helpful
- Apply online or pick up an application at City Hall, 455 Wallace Street
- Deadline: 4 pm on Friday, October 30, 2026
LEARN MORE | | 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 Projects page on the City's website. 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 | Work With Us! We are currently looking for candidates to fill the following positions: - Human Resources (HR) Advisor
- Procurement Specialist
- Municipal Services Inspector
- Planer II
- Lifeguard/Instructor
- Engineering Development Technician
- Casuals, Police Services
- Aquatic Supervisor
- Urban Forester
- Financial Analyst
- Engineering Development Technician (TFT)
- Casual Pool - Custodian Relief
- Community Safety Officers
- Water Technician
- Casual Lifeguard/Instructors
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