September 20, 2021

This Week...

Reimagine Nanaimo surveys close September 23, the Temporary Public Art Program submission date has been extended to September 27 and join us in honouring our children on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation September 30. Read on for more!

Message from Island Health

With classes back in session, getting tested can be one of the most powerful tools to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 while protecting you and your classmates.

COVID-19 symptoms can include:

  • Sore throat
  • Loss of appetite
  • Extreme fatigue or tiredness
  • Headache
  • Body aches

TESTING SITES AND FULL LIST OF SYMPTOMS

Get Vaccinated

City of Nanaimo COVID-19 Response

The Health Order for Vaccine Status applies to the following for participation in indoor recreation services as of MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13:

  • Children under 12 years of age are not required to provide proof of vaccination
  • Children and youth ages 12 to 21 are not required to provide proof of vaccination
  • Those participating in swimming activities are not required to show proof of vaccination unless they are attending an event of 50+ people (i.e. swim meet)
  • Children and youth (up to 21 years) participating in skating/hockey activities are not required to show proof of vaccination unless they are attending an event of 50+ people (i.e. hockey tournament)
  • Adults 22+ years of age participating in indoor land fitness, sports, martial arts, yoga, dance, weight rooms and attending an event of 50+ people are required to show proof of vaccination
  • Where proof of vaccination is required, government issued photo ID (driver's license, BCID, passport) is also required for those 19 years of age and older

For more information from the Province of British Columbia on COVID-19, and the vaccine card please see their website.

CITY OF NANAIMO COVID-19 INFORMATION PAGES

Temporary Public Art 

The Temporary Public Art Program offers artists of diverse backgrounds and skillsets the opportunity to create artwork for public spaces in Nanaimo. Artists can propose artworks that vary in scale, scope, and medium, including temporary sculptural installations, social practice and community engaged artist projects and artwork that is integrated into landscape, architecture or civic infrastructure. Artists are asked to send submissions by the extended deadline of September 27, 2021.

PUBLIC ART PROGRAM INFO

Tree Vouchers

Tee vouchers are available online and can be purchased at any time. If you are a registered property owner in the City of Nanaimo you can purchase a tree to plant on your property for a cost of $25 with a redeemable value of $90 at Greenthumb Garden Centre. Fill out the online form to request an electronic voucher. Once the form is submitted you will be contacted with a voucher code to redeem. Be sure to use the right access code in the correct number field, copy & pasting the code works best. 

REQUEST A TREE VOUCHER

New Playground

A new playground is opening on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. Check it out! John Weeks Park is adjacent to both the Chase River Activity Centre/Firehall. Acquired in 1980, it consists of a playground, tennis courts and picnic tables.

JOHN WEEKS PARK INFORMATION

Reduce Contamination

People are growing accustomed to bringing their own bags and it has been great - way to go Nanaimo! But for the times we do forget, paper bags are now provided. Although paper bags are recyclable on their own, please remember not to put any other materials or recyclables into the paper bags. Due to safety reasons workers will throw the entire bag away - so please no stacking or packing. Thank you!

BLUE BIN RECYCLING PROGRAM

Nanaimo's Street Design Standards Win Awards

The City of Nanaimo is winning awards for its transportation engineering design standards and raised-local intersections. The new Complete Streets Engineering Standards, adopted by Nanaimo City Council in 2020, prioritize safety and accessibility for all commuters by embracing traffic-calming and multi-modal transportation. Phase One of the Metral Drive Project is now complete, showcasing seven raised local intersections that improve safety and multi-modal transportation options.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DESIGN STANDARDS AND AWARDS

Fire Bans and Bylaws

Effective at noon September 16, 2021 the Pronvicial ban was lifted in the coastal fire region. However, there are still city bylaws in place. Please become familiar with local burning regulations and how to aquire a permit.

BURNING REGULATIONS & PERMITS

 

The Hub Project

Join us at an outdoor public open house to review and provide feedback on options for the Hub at the intersection of Terminal and Commercial in the of it all! See you on Commercial St between Wallace/Victoria Cres and Terminal Ave on Saturday, September 25 from 10 am to 2 pmCan’t make it? You can still share your feedback! 

PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THE HUB 

Get Vaccinated

World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world's waterways. It has been over 40 years since world-renowned river advocate, Mark Angelo, founded BC Rivers Day, which eventually evolved into World Rivers Day, now one of the world’s largest environmental events.

Join us as we celebrate a week of personal challenges, information sharing and community engagement (September 20-26, 2021). Get involved for a chance to win great prizes from our partners - including a grand prize of a rain barrel from the RDN's Team WaterSmart. The more entries and engagement the more chances to win.

WORLD RIVERS DAY NANAIMO REGIONAL EVENTS

Uy Skweyul

The Government of Canada recently designated September 30 of every year as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis residential school survivors, their families, and communities; and, to ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

To recognize this important date Snuneymuxw First Nation, City of Nanaimo, and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools, is hosting an event on September 30, 2021 to bring awareness to honour and remember residential school survivors and their families and consider ways in which we can continue to reflect on the truth and advance reconciliation in our community.

The event called Honouring our Children on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will take place on September 30, 2021 from 10 am to 2 pm at Maffeo Sutton Park/ Swy-a-Lana in Nanaimo. This will include messages from leaders, a ceremony to celebrate a welcome pole by Snuneymuxw carver Noel Brown, Snuneymuxw Flag recognition, Elder sharings, Snuneymuxw Dancers and cultural performances by Children and Youth.

More details will be provided closer to the day. In the meantime, we encourage you to save the date.

Hay ch q’a /Thank you

LINK TO SEPT 30 FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

Keep Catch Basins Clear

As we approach storm season, please keep an eye on catch basins near your home. There are over 10,000 catch basins across Nanaimo to maintain. If you notice a plugged one grab a shovel or a rake and clear it before it causes flooding. However, if you notice a plugged culvert, call the City Yard to report 250-758-5222. 

SEWER AND DRAINAGE PROBLEMS

REIMAGINE NANAIMO

Have your voice heard twice today! Vote in the federal election and participate in Phase 2 of Reimagine Nanaimo before the surveys close September 23. Let us know what you think about where and how growth should happen in our City. By taking part, you will be entered to win a gift card to the eatery of your choice. Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback!

REIMAGINE NANAIMO SURVEYS

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Up-to-date information on City construction projects:

  • Metral Drive is still an active construction site, 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.
  • Road work and utility upgrades are underway on Lost Lake Road between Tanya Drive and Blue Jay Trail. Commuters can expect delays and are encouraged to use alternative routes whenever possible.
  • Drainage upgrades are underway on Estevan Road between Brechin Road and Drake Street. 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.
  • Tenth Street between Lawlor Rd and Junction Ave will be reduced to single lane alternating traffic Monday to Saturday 7am – 5pm until September 25 to install a concrete box culvert. Expect minor delays.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Work With Us!

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

JOB POSTINGS

Meetings This Week

Tuesday, September 21: Regular Council Meeting at 7:00 pm

Wednesday, September 22: Finance and Audit Committee Meeting at 9:00 am

Wednesday, September 22: Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness at 4:00 pm

Thursday, September 23: Public Hearing at 7:00 pm

Friday, September 24: Special Mayor's Leaders' Table at 9:00 am

Monday, September 27: Governance and Priorities Committee at 1:00 pm

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.

LINK TO ALL UPCOMING MEETINGS

Did You Know?

Mayor and Council have conducted several meetings with Cabinet Ministers and senior officials from crown corporations as part of the 2021 Annual Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention. Nanaimo City Council took the opportunity to advocate for the matters most impacting the community.

LEARN MORE UBCM CONVENTION AND DISCUSSIONS

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