July 12, 2021

This week... 

Recreation is opening, help shape the future of transit and watering restrictions move to Stage 3. Read on for more!

Message from Island Health

  • What vaccine you receive in your first versus your second dose, does not change the effectiveness. Did you get AstraZeneca as your first dose? There are no safety concerns if you get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine as your second dose.
  • Anyone born in 2009 or earlier (age 12+) can get their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment at any of Island Health’s mass immunization clinics. Appointments are required for second doses. Call 1-833-838-2323 or visit www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca.
  • A temporary walk-in vaccination clinic has been set up at Woodgrove Centre. Bring your personal health number and visit Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
  • If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 stay home, self-isolate and call 1-844-901-8442 (8:30 am – 8:00 pm daily) to book a test. If you are uncertain if you need a test, visit bc.thrive.health or review the symptoms on Island Health’s website.
  • On July 1, BC moved to step 3 of the Restart Plan:
    • Masks are recommended in public indoor settings for people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated (14 days after receiving a second dose). NOTE: visitors to healthcare facilities (including immunization clinics) are still required to wear a mask, under provincial policy for healthcare facilities
    • Gatherings can begin to return to normal for indoor and personal gatherings, indoor organized gatherings of 50 people or 50% capacity, outdoor gatherings of 5,000 people or 50% capacity, and no restrictions for religious or worship services.
    • Welcoming people from other provinces to BC.
    • Business restrictions relaxing as employers transition to communicable disease safety plans. Restaurants/bars/pubs can remove group limits for all dining, casinos/nightclubs can open with capacity limits and safety measures and indoor fitness classes and sporting activities can resume as normal.
    • If you are sick, stay home and get tested.

ISLAND HEALTH COVID-19

Rec Centres Begin Reopening

With the Province moving into Phase 3 of the BC Restart Plan, our recreation facilities are following suit!

Beginning July 1:

  • Mask use for indoor activities not required but encouraged.
  • Fitness classes - all indoor fitness classes allowed to run with normal capacity.
  • Weight Rooms will gradually increase to normal capacity (pre-registration required for these sessions until September 7).
  • Indoor spectators of 50 people or 50% capacity (whichever is greater) permitted.
  • Outdoor spectators of 5,000 or 50% capacity (whichever is greater) permitted.
  • All pre-registered sessions (swimming, skating, gymnasium sports) have increased capacity (pre-registration required for these sessions until September 7).
  • New Communicable Disease Guidelines will be in place.
  • For the latest information on our programs, please see our online Summer Activity Guide.

Beginning July 12:

  • Oliver Woods Community Centre, Bowen Complex and Nanaimo Aquatic Centre open to the public for registration, washrooms and water fountains.

Beginning August 18:

  • Beban Pool lobby (registration office) will open for Fall 2021 registration along with public washrooms and water fountains. Find staff at our "Celebration Stations" on this day in various recreation lobbies as we welcome you back and share with you our programming options for the Fall 2021 season.

FACILITY UPDATES

Watering Restrictions move to Stage Three

Following the Provincial announcement that Vancouver Island is experiencing a Level Four drought, the City of Nanaimo has moved watering restrictions to Stage Three effective Monday, July 12. Stage 3 watering restrictions request further voluntary reductions prior to implementing a ban, enabling residents to choose where they cut back – the focus is on lawns, and providing an opportunity to defer a comprehensive ban.

WATERING RESTRICTIONS

Steve Smith Park Reopens

Test your riding skills at the newly reopened Steve Smith Bike Park! The park was closed for annual maintenance which included work on keeping the jumps optimal. 

Thanks to all the eager riders for your patience while we worked on this important annual maintenance.

Be Prepared for Wildfires

The dry conditions are continuing and don't seem to be ending anytime soon. Are you prepared in the event of a wildfire?

There are many things you and your family can do to be prepared should a wildlfire ignite. Click the button below to find more info to be prepared.

Also, make sure your actions don't cause or spread a wildfire by taking steps to be FireSmart. 

WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS

Transit Survey

Do you have thoughts on the future of transit in Nanaimo?

Our friends at the Regional District of Nanaimo are asking Nanaimoites to provide feedback and ideas as part of the Transit Redevelopment Strategy.

Complete the survey by Friday, July 16, and sign up on their website to stay in the loop about this important project that is strongly connected to REIMAGINE NANAIMO. You could also win one of 10 monthly transit passes! 

TAKE SURVEY

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Up-to-date information on City construction projects:

  • Metral Drive (Phase 1 & 2) are active construction sites, 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.
  • To accommodate development and maintain site safety, Rock City Road will be closed from Ocean Pearl Terrace to Barrington Road to through traffic for 24 hours. Local traffic should expect delays and plan their trips accordingly.
  • Sign installation, line painting and electrical work continues this week as part of the Front Street Complete Street project. Commuters can expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes whenever possible. All businesses and parkades remain open and accessible.
  • Watermain upgrades are underway on Estevan Road between Poplar Street and Brechin Road. During construction hours from Monday to Thursdays this road will be closed to traffic with the exception of buses and local residents. Detours will be in place and commuters are asked to plan their travel accordingly and account for extra time when navigating the area.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Work With Us!

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

JOB POSTINGS

Meetings This Week

Mon, July 12: Governance & Priorities Committee Meeting at 1 pm in the Shaw Auditorium

Wed, July 14: Environment Committee Meeting at 5 pm in the Service & Resource Centre Boardroom

Did you know?

Meetings are once again open to the public; however mask use is recommended for the time being when attending meetings.

You can watch live meetings, view a list of upcoming meetings, read agendas and watch recordings of past meetings all in one place on the City website. 

MEETINGS

 

 

Want the Latest City of Nanaimo News & Information?

Stay up to date with Council, programming and events:

City of Nanaimo's COVID-19 Response

  • Safety protocols are in place to help keep both visitors and staff safe when visiting our facilities. Please check out our Online Services page to see how we can help you.
  • Parks, Recreation facilities, the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and arenas are open and following evolving province-wide COVID-19 safety protocols.

VISIT CITY OF NANAIMO COVID-19 INFO PAGE