Inaugural event teaches students the importance of Public Works

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed June 1, 2017 9:00 AM

Summary

Over 200 grade four and five students took over the City of Nanaimo Public Works department on Wednesday, May 24 as part of National Public Works Week celebrations. The Regional District of Nanaimo also participated as part of our 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:

water distribution and treatment
water conservation (Regional District of Nanaimo),
sanitation,
wastewater collection - sanitary sewer and drainage,
wastewater treatment (Regional District of Nanaimo),
transportation - roads & traffic,
construction,
fleet,
parks and recreation,
engineering,
public works administration and
occupational health and safety.

To experience the sights and sounds of the day, view the video included in the online version of this release.

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

Key Points

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.
The City of Nanaimo would like to thank the following community organizations who generously sponsored Public Works Day: Acklands Grainger, ASTTBC Technology Professionals, Coast Environmental, Corix, Freshpoint, Roto Rooter, Save On Foods and Vancouver Island University.

Quotes

"It was very exciting watching all of the students learn about the myriad of activities performed by our Public Works employees! They were truly engaged and the staff did a wonderful job providing 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

"Not only was this a great experience for the students and teachers, it was for staff as well. It's not often we have the opportunity to show the services we provide and to hear what we do is cool gave staff a boost in pride for their work. Partnering with the Regional District of Nanaimo was also very effective. We have started planning for a bigger and better event next year."

John Elliot

Senior Manger of Public Works

City of Nanaimo

Videos

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Contact:

Charlotte Davis

Manager of Sanitation, Recycling & Public Works Administration

City of Nanaimo

250-756-5307

Print News Release

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