In this edition of My Nanaimo This Week we celebrate Public Works Week and all they do to keep the City of Nanaimo running. We also celebrate achievements in driving towards environmental responsibility with a silver E3 Fleet award. Read on to find out more!

COVID-19 a New Phase

For now, our doors remain closed, but the City is definitely open for business! Check out our Online Services page. On Thursday, May 14 tennis courts, pickleball courts, gated off-leash dog parks and the Steve Smith Bike Park re-opened. Skateboard Parks will re-open tomorrow, Friday May 22. There are a number of guidelines to follow to ensure they remain open and to keep people safe. All other City services and operations continue to run, with the exception of Parks, Recreation and Culture programming, drop-in sports, pools, arenas, gyms and playgrounds which remain closed for now. The City is taking a step-by-step approach and will announce the future re-opening of facilities as the BC Restart Plan is rolled out. Please stay tuned!

For anyone looking for more information on COVID-19 returning to work and safety plans visit WorkSafeBC.

Find more information about the City's response on the COVID-19 information page

Public Works Week

Do you feel the rhythm of Public Works? May 17-23 is Public Works Week. Check out the City's social media channels for an inside look at Public Works and the many ways Public Works staff keep our city functioning. Did you know that when a water line ruptures, it's Public Works that rushes out to fix it? Or that when it snows, it's Public Works that takes to the roads to plow? They also collect our recycling, compost and garbage. That's right, Public Works!

Invasive Plant Drop Zone

Help "free the trees" of English ivy, remove broom, blackberry or any other invasive plants and bring them to the Drop Zone for safe disposal. Staff will be on site May 30, between 10 am and 2 pm at the Bowen Park Upper Picnic Shelter. Staff will be practicing safe physical distancing.

Dog Free Beaches May 1 - October 1

A reminder that your furry friends are not allowed on Nanaimo's beaches May 1-October 1, with the exception of designated dog areas. As the weather warms up, more people frequent beaches for playing, picnicking and swimming. Also, many animals and birds come to the shoreline to breed and feed during these months. There are 12 dog parks/areas open year-round to choose from. To see a list of options and a map, please visit the Dogs in Parks page.

Going Green

On May 11, 2020, Nanaimo City Council adopted a new Green Fleet Strategy that includes efficiency targets outlined by E3 Fleet; a unique Canadian program that helps fleet owners continually improve their energy and environmental performance. In February 2020, the City of Nanaimo was awarded a silver E3 Fleet Award for its current achievements in driving towards environmental responsibility.

The City recognizes that vehicles are a major source of air pollutants that contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With growing concerns over climate change, the City of Nanaimo is taking a leadership role in energy conservation, fuel efficiency and reducing GHG emissions. In April of 2019, Nanaimo Council declared a climate emergency and made Environmental Responsibility a cornerstone of their strategic plan.

Parks, Recreation & Culture Who Did it Better

Have you been voting on the "Who Did it Better" series found on the Nanaimo Parks and Rec Instagram? Each week Recreation Coordinators re-create a famous movie scene for followers to vote on who did it best! If you're looking for something fun to follow, check it out.

For many more programs such as the wellness wave, bingo, #isolationrecreation ideas, a scavenger hunt and the harbourcity photo challenge follow @nanaimoparksandrec on Instagram or visit the Isolation Recreation web page.

Temporary Art Program

As part of the 2020 Temporary Art program, a new bronze sculpture by artist Joanne Helm was installed this week at Maffeo Sutton park. The work is called “Joy of Life” and it’s a tribute to the artist’s beloved companion. Find more details and stay up to date on art in public spaces via the Culture Nanaimo Instagram page.

Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings

• Mon, May 25 Special Council Meeting, 2 pm
• Mon, May 25 Regular Council Meeting, 7 pm
• Tues, May 26 Special Economic Development Task Force, 1 pm

Visit the Meetings, Documents and Videos page on the City website to view upcoming meetings, agendas and past meeting videos or visit the Council Meeting Summaries page to read a recap of decisions made in previous meetings.

Here's a recap of City news:

• Going green drives the City to silver and a new vehicle fleet strategy
• City of Nanaimo reopening select outdoor recreation facilities
• Council sets 2020 property tax rate