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A Successful Second Year Celebrating the Power of Public Works

City Commemorates National Public Works Week

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed May 29, 2018 3:00 PM

Summary

Over 300 enthusiastic grade four and five students took over the City of Nanaimo Public Works department on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 to celebrate National Public Works Week. The Regional District of Nanaimo also participated as part of a partnership in water, wastewater and solid waste sustainability. During the day, students had the opportunity to visit various interactive stations to learn about the many services the department performs for Nanaimo's residents.

The stations provided students with demonstrations and opportunities to participate and learn about the following City services:

  • Wastewater,
  • Roads,
  • Traffic,
  • RDN WaterSmart,
  • Canadian Union of Public Employees
  • Health & Safety,
  • Sanitation,
  • Construction,
  • Water Distribution,
  • Emergency Preparedness,
  • Parks & Recreation,
  • Water Supply & Treatment,
  • Administration,
  • Purchasing & Stores,
  • Fleet and
  • Engineering

Also, as part of the celebration, public tours were offered on May 24. Tours led by Public Works staff showcased Reservoir #1, Energy Recovery and South Fork Water Treatment Plant.

Link to Strategic Plan: Taking responsibility to be an excellent municipal government by providing educational opportunities for Nanaimo's youth.

Key Points

  • Three hundred students from nine different schools, visited sixteen booths at the City of Nanaimo's Public Works yard on May 23 in celebration of the Power of Public Works.
  • The City of Nanaimo would like to thank the following community organizations who generously sponsored Public Works Day: Coast Environmental, Freshpoint, Save On Foods, Acklands Grainger, ASTTBC Technology Professionals, Corix, BCFED Health & Safety Centre, Vancouver Island University, Roto Rooter, Grover Communications, Save On Foods and CUPE 401.
  • Members of the public also participated in guided tours of the South Fork Water Treatment Plant and the Energy Recovery Facility at Reservoir No 1

Quotes

"It was very exciting watching all of the students learn about the myriad of activities performed by our Public Works employees! The kids were wowed by the interactive and interesting displays and activities. I wish to congratulate all those who participated, on a job well done!"

Bill McKay
Mayor
City of Nanaimo

"It was a real pleasure to have the opportunity for our staff and partners to come together to showcase the important work the City does every day. Many thanks to the volunteers and sponsors for their generous donations of time and goodies. It’s great to be able to share how we keep our community functioning! A special hat tip to the crews who carried on with the work and freed up time for staff to attend the displays."

Bill Sims
Director, Engineering & Public Works
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • National Public Works Week is an initiative to bring awareness to the essential role Public Works plays in the quality of life for a community. It also recognizes the workers who serve in these roles and promotes it as a viable career choice.
  • Giving school-aged children the opportunity to experience the various functions the department performs and the reason for doing things like recycle or conserve water provides a foundation for them to become engaged citizens and stewards for sustainability.
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Contact:

John Elliot
Senior Manager of Public Works
City of Nanaimo
250-756-5305

Print News Release

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