📬 My Nanaimo This Week - August 11, 2025

August 11, 2025

This Week...

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are coming to Nanaimo, check out the Fall and Winter activity guide and join our Summer Programs. Read on for more!

Canadian Forces Snowbirds

Don’t miss your chance to witness the legendary Canadian Forces Snowbirds as they soar over Nanaimo Harbour for the first time in six years! Catch two thrilling performances: Friday, August 15, 7 to 7:45 pm, and Saturday, August 16, 4:15 to 5 pm.

Experience breathtaking aerial stunts, tight formations, and dramatic solo passes — all choreographed to a powerful soundtrack. Prime viewing spots include Pioneer Waterfront Plaza and 1 Port Drive. Tune in to 102.3 The Wave for live commentary and behind-the-scenes insights.

To ensure safety, Maffeo Sutton Park’s walking and fishing pier will close at noon on August 15 and reopen after the show on August 16. Harbour waters and airspace will be restricted during showtimes.

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Fall and Winter Programs

Register for all of your fall and winter programs with Parks, Recreation and Culture starting this Wednesday (August 13)! There are three ways to register:

🍂ONLINE: www.nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/register-for-a-program
🍂TELEPHONE: 250-756-5200
🍂IN PERSON: Bowen Park, Beban Park, Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, Nanaimo Ice Centre and Oliver Woods Community Centre

Please note that registration for aquatic programs began on August 6.

View your Fall and Winter Activity Guide and start planning your fall and winter season.

2026 Culture Awards

The City of Nanaimo is seeking nominations from the community for the 2026 Culture Awards! The awards recognize outstanding organizations, groups and individuals in arts and culture. This is the community's opportunity to recognize people and groups they believe have contributed significantly to making Nanaimo a culturally vibrant city.

There are four categories for nominations: Excellence in Culture, Honour in Culture, Emerging Cultural Leader, and Honour in Heritage. Recipients will be recognized at a special FREE celebration at the Port Theatre on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

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Heat Warning

Heads up, Nanaimo! Today and tomorrow are going to be hot days, likely rising above 30 degrees for much of the daytime. It’s important to stay cool, stay hydrated and check on your neighbours, friends and family, especially if they may be living in a home without a good cooling system in place. Stay cool, stay safe!

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Westwood Lake Park

Please note that there will be some additional work being done at Westwood Lake Park on Monday, August 18. This includes having BC Hydro on site as they remove overhead hydro lines and finish installing underground services. As a result, please note:

Washrooms/changerooms will be unavailable all day (porta-potty available)
There will be minor disruptions to the boat launch and walkways

Thanks for your patience as we continue to work to improve Westwood Lake Park.

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Summer Programs

Roving Playground Program: This week, join us at Groveland Gyro Park Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, or visit our regular playground program at Departure Bay Park from 9:30 am to 4 pm

Our second Family Fun Night is taking place on Friday, August 22 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Maffeo Sutton Park. This free event features two Concerts in the Park featuring artists Moonshine Mollys and Lazy Mike & the Argyle Jets. In addition, there will be bouncy castles, games, face painting, community interactive booths and more. This event is part of Food Truck Fridays held at Maffeo Sutton Park so there will be lots of food choices.

Concerts in the Park

Come down to McGregor Park on Tuesday, August 12, bring a lawn chair and a picnic and enjoy some great musical entertainment.

Join European singer, now proudly calling Nanaimo her home, Gosia Hagen along with Scott Arkell and Brad Shipley for an intimate evening of memorable tunes from the Sinatra era….and beyond!

CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Aquatic Adventure Day

Aquatic Adventures return every Thursday this summer with themed activities for all ages. Join us on August 14 from 12 to 2 pm at NAC for our Saber Splash – Star Wars Aqua Adventure. Regular admission rates apply.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to make a splash and enjoy creative play in a safe environment.

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 Emil Place and Brickyard Road intersections while crews work on replacing sewer and water mains.
Commercial Street between Wharf Street and Church Street is closed to vehicles this week. 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.
The Townsite Area Utility Upgrades is completing road reconstruction on Millstone Avenue. The road will be closed from Townsite Road to Hunter Street for 24 hour a day (local access only) from August 5 to 21. Follow all detours in place using Sunderland Avenue or avoid the area and use alternate routes if possible.
There will be single lane alternating traffic on Rosstown Road and Powder Works Road as work continues in the area. From August 11 to 14, access to Rosstown Road east of Powder Works Road will be closed. Local traffic is asked to use detour Via Whitney Road and Browns Lane. Get complete latest updates, including detailed maps at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/MidtownGateway
There will be single lane alternating traffic or eastbound lane closures on Jingle Pot Road at the intersection of Holland Road. Eastbound traffic watch for detour using Holland Road and Ashlee Road.

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