The Census is an important collection of information for the City and the community. It takes place every five years and provides vital data for business and economic development, health care and social services and community services.

Having an accurate population count ensures that Nanaimo gets its fair share of funding from the Federal and Provincial governments for various public services and programs. The City also uses information from the Census to plan for new community amenities, parks, recreation services, infrastructure and more.

The questionnaire can be completed online at Census.gc.ca or by calling 1-833-852-2026 or 1-833-830-3109 for TTY support.

The Open House will provide an opportunity for attendees to review the designs of the park improvements, including a new community activity building. The updated design reflects feedback received from residents, community organizations and user groups throughout the planning process.

The designs were presented to the City's Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusion on July 8, 2026, to help further refine the project and ensure accessibility considerations continue to be incorporated into the design.

The proposed community activity building is envisioned as a community-focused facility featuring:

• Bookable community gathering space with kitchen
• Outdoor terrace
• Modern accessible public washrooms
• Areas supporting flatwater paddling and rowing training activities
• Equipment and boat storage

Additional park enhancements include:

• Expanded beach and improved landscaping
• A new playground
• Improved trails and enhanced accessibility throughout the park
• Outdoor seating and gathering areas, including picnicking and food truck areas
• Improved access to Long Lake and waterfront recreation opportunities, including a new dock
• Additional amenities, including showers and cycling amenities

For more information on the project visit the Loudon Park Project page on the City website.

The first session on July 15 will be held in the Board Chambers at the RDN Administration Office (6300 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo). It will be livestreamed on the RDN's website and a recording will be made available on the City website following the session. The second session on Aug. 12 will be in-person only at the Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre (1155 Resort Drive, Parksville) in the Grand Strathcona Room.

Nomination packages will be available for those interested in running as a candidate in the 2026 General Local Election beginning Tuesday, Aug. 4. Packages can be picked up from the Legislative Services Office located on the first floor of City Hall (455 Wallace Street) or can be requested electronically by emailing elections@nanaimo.ca.

The nomination package contains important information for those interested in running in the election, including rules regarding election signage, required number of nominators, nomination deposits and other resources. There is no fee to pick up a nomination package; however, a $100 nomination document filing fee will be charged when filing nomination documents in accordance with the City’s General Election Bylaw.

To find more information on nominations including qualifications and deposit fees, visit www.nanaimo.ca/elections.

The project will include:

• a new high jump area
• a new pole vault track
• a sprint start extension to the oval
• new sod and irrigation system in the infield area

This capital project continues the City's investment in local sport infrastructure, which encourages residents to be active and healthy, and it will allow Nanaimo to further promote itself as a destination for high level sporting events. The budget for these improvements is $1.4 million with $300,000 being funded through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Community Works Fund.

For safety, the site will be partially closed during construction. This includes the entire infield and most of the track.

The installation consists of a series of discreet outdoor speakers placed at four strategic locations along Wesley Street in the Old City Quarter. At irregular intervals, the speakers play recordings of birds Indigenous to Snuneymuxw territory. The locations of the speakers are intentionally undisclosed, creating moments where passersby may question whether the sounds they hear come from the natural world or from the artwork itself.

By bringing these sounds back into the city environment, Siwul tu Tumuxw encourages people to consider the histories of the land before urban development and to reflect on the knowledge and teachings carried by the beings who live here. The project draws on Snuneymuxw stories and oral histories, raising awareness about traditional ecological knowledge and the impacts of colonization on local ecosystems.

Interpretive signage accompanying the project at the corner of Wesley Street and Fitzwilliam Street introduces several birds connected to Snuneymuxw teachings, including the Glaucous-winged Gull, American Crow, Pacific Wren and Ruffed Grouse. These species appear in stories that share teachings about relationships, resilience and coexistence with the natural world.

The artwork also connects with Birds of Nanaimo: A Hul’q’umi’num’ Field Guide (2024) by Cory Landels and Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun, which highlights local birds using their hul’q’umi’num names and pronunciation guides, further reinforcing connections between language, land and place. This book is available at the site of the interpretive signage.

White-Hill is a Snuneymuxw artist whose multidisciplinary practice spans painting, public art, digital media and storytelling. His work often engages Snuneymuxw teachings and visual language to explore relationships between land, culture and contemporary life.

Siwul tu Tumuxw (Notice the Land) is presented as part of the City of Nanaimo’s Temporary Public Art Program and will remain on display for five years. More information about the project can be found on the City’s website.

Testing occurs at the following locations:

• Brannen Lake,
• Colliery Dam Park,
• Departure Bay,
• Long Lake,
• Swy-A-Lana Lagoon (Maffeo Sutton Park), and
• Westwood Lake.

To help keep water clean and beaches open, pet owners are reminded to take their dogs to designated dog parks and off-leash areas. With shore birds and other naturally occurring wildlife in and around water bodies, adding pets to the mix could elevate the levels of fecal coliforms. The City of Nanaimo has a bylaw in place that states dogs are not to be on beaches or in the water between the beginning of May to the end of September each year. This bylaw is in place for all of Nanaimo’s lakes, streams and waterfront swimming spots with the exception of designated off-leash areas.

To view the latest beach reports, visit the City's website at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/beachreports.

The festivities begin with an opening ceremony on the main stage, followed by a performance from Unite the Beat International Drumming. Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy live music from Cosmosaurus, Latchkey Kids and Out Seer, as well as interactive performances from the Harbour City Magicians.

A cultural community stage will also showcase a variety of local performers and groups, including the Nanaimo Chinese Cultural Society, Historical Fencing Club, Vancouver Island Bhangra, Square Dancing, Ballroom Dancing, Vibrant Studios, Flowers of Nanaimo Chinese Dancing, Flamenco and Latin Dance, and Ballroom Line Dancing. In addition to live entertainment, the event will feature games, face painting, bouncy castles, a photo booth, a flower wall and interactive booths from community organizations, including the City of Nanaimo’s Drowning Prevention Coalition.

Food vendors will be available on site, along with a water fill station to help attendees stay hydrated throughout the celebration.

Residents are encouraged to use alternative transportation, as there will be no general vehicle parking available at Maffeo Sutton Park on Canada Day except for limited accessible parking. Free parking will be available on City streets and in City-owned parking lots.

To support event access, the City of Nanaimo is partnering with the Regional District of Nanaimo to provide free shuttle service from Woodgrove Mall and South Parkway Plaza. A free bike valet service will also be offered near the park providing secure bicycle parking for attendees.

For more information about Canada Day celebrations in Nanaimo, visit https://www.nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-events/canada-day-celebrations

The Temporary Public Art Program is open to individual artists or artist teams and welcomes a wide range of proposals varying in scale, scope and medium, from sculptural installations to socially engaged or community-based projects. Artwork must be designed to remain in place for up to five years.

This program reflects the City's commitment to supporting innovative public art practices that enhance civic spaces, spark conversation and build connection. Artists will receive staff and logistical support to bring their visions to life, with successful applicants selected through a two-stage process involving panel review by City of Nanaimo staff and members of the Art in Public Spaces Working Group.

Equity is a priority. The City particularly encourages applications from those who experience systemic barriers to access, including those related to gender identity, race or disability. While applicants do not need to reside in Nanaimo, they must demonstrate a strong connection to the community and relationship to this place.

Anyone experiencing challenges or barriers in the application process or requiring additional support is encouraged to reach out to the Culture team at cultureandevents@nanaimo.ca. Online information sessions offered in August and September will provide potential applicants with the opportunity to learn more about the program and ask questions.

Information sessions will be held:

• Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. via Zoom

• Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, at 6 p.m. via Zoom

The deadline to submit proposals is 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Oct. 18, 2026. View application details and requirements on the City's website.

This free community event will feature an evening of family-friendly entertainment, live music, activities and a waterfront drone show. Attendees can enjoy soccer-themed games, inflatables, face painting, interactive community booths and food trucks from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

As part of the Concerts in the Park series, live entertainment will include performances by Chris Noel and the Burning Bush from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by New Road Echo from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.

The event will also include a community soccer viewing party on a large outdoor screen from 8 to 10 p.m. between New Zealand and Belgium. Following the game, a drone show over the harbour will light up the night sky.

The soccer viewing party is being brought to the community through funding from a Province of British Columbia grant, while the drone show is sponsored by The Nanaimo Foundation Stanley de Vos Fund.

Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of free entertainment, music and community celebration at Nanaimo’s waterfront park. For more information, visit the Family Fun Night page on the City's website.

Due to limited parking at the event, attendees are encouraged to consider alternative transportation, and a complimentary bike valet will be available on site for those who choose to cycle. The City of Nanaimo website has downtown parking options. https://www.nanaimo.ca/transportation-mobility/driving/parking/where-to-park

The City’s watershed has experienced almost two months without significant rainfall, resulting in steadily declining reservoir levels. At the same time, water use has risen to above-average levels for this time of year, placing increased pressure on available water supplies.

Under Stage 3, reducing outdoor water usage remains voluntary. However, City of Nanaimo residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to reduce consumption and eliminate unnecessary outdoor water use.

Water users can take proactive conservation measures, including:

• Avoiding or significantly reducing lawn watering
• Minimizing irrigation of landscapes, gardens and ornamental plants
• Using water-efficient methods such as hand-watering or drip irrigation
• Limiting vehicle washing and other non-essential outdoor water use
• Fixing leaks and reducing indoor water use, where possible

Stage 3 serves as a critical early warning. If weather conditions do not improve and water use remains high, the City may move to Stage 4 Watering Restrictions.

Under Stage 4, all non-essential outdoor water use would be prohibited, including lawn and garden watering, vehicle washing and other discretionary uses.

For more information on watering restrictions and water conservation tips, visit the watering restrictions page on the City website.

While in Nanaimo, delegates will learn about the City's Sea Level Rise Management Plan project (Our Coastal City) and the Climate Hazard Assessment and Mapping Project (CHAMP), the Regional District of Nanaimo's regional sea level rise project (Our Changing Coast) and Green Shores from the Stewardship Centre for BC. The group will also travel to Qualicum Beach to view the Beach Creek Estuary and Marine Spit, which was designed with Green Shores principles.

Learn more about the City's Our Coastal City project and complete a survey regarding options for responding to sea level rise. Visit the Our Coastal City page on Get Involved Nanaimo to learn more about the City's sea level rise management plan. The survey is open until June 12, 2026.

Developed in partnership with the Nanaimo Astronomy Society, the project seeks to encourage public participation in night-sky viewing while raising awareness about the importance of minimizing light pollution in urban environments.

As part of the pilot, two viewing pads have been installed to provide stable and accessible areas for stargazing and telescope setup. Interpretive signage showing the night sky in all four seasons has also been added help visitors identify features such as the Big Dipper, the Belt of Orion and the North Star.

This initiative reflects a growing interest in dark-sky preservation and outdoor recreation opportunities within the community. Piper’s Lagoon Park offers unobstructed views and low ambient light levels, making it an ideal location for night-sky viewing.

Throughout the pilot, the City and its project partners will continue to monitor site usage, gather community feedback and evaluate opportunities for future enhancements. Long-term goals include pursuing formal Urban Star Park designation through the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, recognizing the City’s commitment to preserving dark skies.

Residents are encouraged to visit the park during evening hours to experience the night sky. The park will remain open until 11:00 p.m. until Oct. 31, 2026.

"Forest Flowers" features a cluster of three colourful sculptural blooms rising between six and nine feet tall, designed to surprise and delight visitors as they enjoy the park. Constructed from powder-coated steel and translucent molded acrylic, the flowers are inspired by the violet-purple blossoms native to the Harewood Plains area. Sunlight passing through the petals creates shifting reflections and tinted light across the surrounding greenspace, adding moments of wonder and playfulness to the natural landscape.

The installation reflects the artists’ shared interest in community connection, accessibility and the relationship between art and place. Combining Gardiner’s community-focused arts practice with Kingdon’s digital fabrication expertise, the project merges traditional sculptural inspiration with contemporary fabrication techniques.

"Forest Flowers" encourages visitors to learn more about native and endangered plant species found in the Nanaimo region, inviting residents and visitors alike to reconnect with the natural environment and experience public space in a new way.

Eliza Gardiner is a Nanaimo-based artist, educator and Vancouver Island University professor whose work explores community engagement, accessibility and arts-based learning. Isaiah Kingdon is an emerging artist and designer whose practice bridges traditional craftsmanship with modern digital fabrication technologies.

"Forest Flowers" will remain on display in Kinette Evergreen Park through 2031. More information on the Temporary Public Art program, including an interactive online map, can be found on the city's website.

Born and raised in Nanaimo, Mr. Sherry came from a family with a long and impressive history of community service, which he also shared. He was involved with the Nanaimo Heritage Commission and he, plus his wife, were volunteers for the Harewood Recreation Commission, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, BC Summer Games, BC Seniors Games and the BC Disability Games.

In September 2012, the sports fields located in Harewood Centennial Park were officially named "Sherry Fields", to recognize the long-term dedication and service to the community on behalf of the entire Sherry Family.

City Council and staff extend heartfelt condolences to Mr. Sherry's family and friends. Out of respect for his legacy of service to our community, the City of Nanaimo flag has been lowered to half-mast at City Hall.

As part of a multi-year rejuvenation effort, the OV Arts Centre is undergoing significant interior renovations. The entire interior of the venue is being freshly painted and new high-quality flooring is being installed – made possible in part by a generous donation of materials from Interface, a global leader in sustainable flooring solutions. These improvements will create a more welcoming, modern and versatile space for performers, event organizers and audiences alike. Future updates are planned to make the venue even more dynamic, guided by a workplan overseen by the Guild.

The OV Arts Centre is a City-owned, bookable multi-use venue that has hosted everything from professional theatre, dance, and music performances to community gatherings, workshops, celebrations of life, burlesque shows and photo and video shoots. The venue features an accessible ground-floor performing space with a raised stage, flexible seating on risers, lighting and sound provisions, a lobby with box office and concession stand, a greenroom and a basement rehearsal hall. It is one of the most affordable venues in Nanaimo, with rental rates set to encourage use by a diverse range of community members and organizations.

The OV Arts Centre is ready to welcome groups from all walks - a theatre company preparing a production, a musician planning a concert, a community group hosting a meeting or an individual seeking a unique venue for a private event. The Guild and City staff encourage both new and returning users to explore the possibilities this versatile space offers.

The Guild is hosting two Open Houses this spring for anyone to drop in and learn more about the space:

• Wednesday, May 27, 2 - 6 p.m. | Drop-In

• Thursday, June 25, 2 - 6 p.m. | Drop-In

In addition, Guild members hold regular office hours at the OV Arts Centre, during which the venue is open for drop-in visits.

About the OV Arts Centre

The Old Victoria Arts Centre (OV Arts Centre) is a City-owned performing arts venue and cultural hub located at 25 Victoria Road in Nanaimo, BC. Formerly known as the Harbour City Theatre, it was renovated and reopened in June 2021 under its current name. The venue is managed in partnership with the City by the Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild, a volunteer committee of professionals from Nanaimo’s arts and culture community who guide a multi-year plan to improve, maintain and steward the space for broad community use.

About the Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild

The Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild is a volunteer advisory body that supports the OV Arts Centre by providing guidance to City staff on maintaining, operating and improving the venue. Its members bring expertise across a wide range of arts and culture sectors and are committed to keeping the venue accessible, inclusive and affordable for all. The Guild’s purpose includes supporting, encouraging and celebrating performing arts activities, increasing public understanding and appreciation of the local arts community and advising on the future creation of additional performance spaces in Nanaimo.

For more information on the OV Arts Centre, visit the City’s website.