This week, recreation facilities reopen, another school year begins and REIMAGINE NANAIMO explores how we move. Read on for more!

City Service Updates

We have created a COVID-19 Recovery Plan to provide a path forward for resumption of City operations in a safe and economically viable way. The plan outlines four steps that the City will take toward a gradual, safe and measured reopening of municipal facilities and resumption of City services and programs that have been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Corporate Services - We look forward to opening the doors to our Service and Resource Centre, and other facilities, soon (scroll down to learn more about our recreation centre and arena re-openings!). In the meantime, please check out our Online Services page to see how we can help you. 

Public Works - City staff continue regular garbage, recycling and organics collection. More information on recyclables can be found at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/recycle.

Parks, Recreation & Culture Open - Playgrounds, parks, trails, skateboard parks, bike parks, pickle ball courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, lacrosse boxes, sports fields and dog parks are open with a number of guidelines to follow. Beban Social Centre is available for facility rentals. One sheet of ice at Cliff McNabb Arena is open for rentals and summer programs. 

Parks, Recreation & Culture Almost Open - Our recreation centres are getting ready to welcome you back this week!

• Oliver Woods Community Centre opens for fall recreation programs and community rentals on Wednesday, September 9. Pre-registered drop-in programs will begin on Sunday, September 27. Front desk hours: Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm (closed 12-1 pm) and Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 am-2:30 pm.
• Nanaimo Aquatic Centre opens on Thursday, September 10 for pre-registered drop in programs. Front desk hours: Monday to Friday, 6:30 am-7 pm (closed 2:30-3:30 pm) and Saturday and Sunday, 8 am-8 pm (closed 12-12:30 pm)
• Nanaimo Ice Centre opens for pre-registered drop in on Sunday, September 20. Front desk office is closed until further notice.
• Bowen Park Complex opens for recreation programs and community rentals on Thursday, September 10 and pre-registered drop-in programs (pottery, woodworking) starting on Monday, September 14. Front desk hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm (closed 12-1 pm)

Parks, Recreation & Culture Closed - Beban Pool remains closed. Frank Crane Arena remains closed, however one sheet of ice will open if demand dictates. 

REIMAGINE NANAIMO

This week, REIMAGINE NANAIMO explores the topic of active and sustainable transportation. 

Enter the Creative Community contest by posting your response on the Get Involved - REIMAGINE NANAIMO page or emailing it to reimagine@nanaimo.ca. At the end of the contest all entries will be entered into a prize draw to win a $500 gift card to your choice of ONE of: a local electronics store OR a local bike shop OR a local grocery store. Visit the Get Involved - REIMAGINE NANAIMO page for details.

Did you know? You can participate in this important project by registering at Get Involved Nanaimo. Make sure to subscribe to the REIMAGINE NANAIMO project to stay in the know on new topics, contests and other activities through email updates.

Around the City

Be a Textbook Driver this School Year!
This week, kids start heading back to school. As another school year begins, remember to slow down, respect the speed limits and be prepared to stop for buses and children. Parents are also encouraged to speak to their children about road safety. Beginning Thursday, September 10, all school zone speed limits will be in effect. This means every school day, unless otherwise posted, a 30 km/h speed limit is in effect in school zones from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Drivers should be aware that the school year means more children out and about in the community. Staying alert and slowing down, especially around schools, is the best way to make sure children get where they’re going safely. 

When driving children to school, parents are encouraged to park and walk the last few blocks. This gives kids a chance to get some fresh air and physical activity before the school day begins. And, more families walking means fewer cars and safer roads in school zones. 

For more information and tips to keep roads safe for everyone, please visit ICBC's website at www.icbc.com/road-safety.

Check out the City's Current Construction Projects page for up-to-date information on City construction projects. Here are a few projects that may affect your commute:

• Expect delays and traffic pattern changes on Bowen Road around the Kenworth Road and Labieux Road intersection while crews work on utility and corridor upgrades. Most work will be done at night from 7 pm to 7 am to accommodate daytime commutes. 

Council and Committees 

Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings
The Design Advisory Panel and the Mayor's Task Force on Recovery and Resiliency will meet on Thursday and Friday, respectfully.

• Thursday, September 10: Design Advisory Panel meeting at 5 pm
• Friday, September 11: Special Mayor's Task Force on Recovery and Resiliency at 9 am

Visit the Meetings, Documents and Videos page on the City website to view upcoming meetings, agendas and past meeting videos. 

Council in Action
Missed what decisions Council made during a Special Council Meeting or a Regular Council Meeting? Don’t worry. We have you covered! Check out our Council Meeting Summary page for quick overviews. 

City News

Here is a recap of last week's City news:

• City of Nanaimo preparing facilities for return to indoor recreation
• Access road to Harewood Centennial Park named Jim Borserio Way
• City reminds pet owners of their responsibilities
• New mountain bike skills park opens in Nanaimo
• Parks, Recreation and Culture restarting drop-in sessions