During the summer, the City of Nanaimo completed significant work throughout the facility, including the installation of a new interactive and accessible water feature, replacement of essential heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, renovations to the Guest Services area and new public art additions.

A major focus on the improvements were for a new interactive water feature replacing the former fishing troller which was removed due to its age and condition. Designed with accessibility and fun in mind, the new feature includes spray hoses, a large tipping water bucket, a small slide and interactive water-play components for a range of abilities.

Visitors returning to NAC will also see a refreshed Guest Services area. The renovated space features an accessible, modern, efficient design that will help staff serve visitors while creating a welcoming new look for the facility lobby.

There are two new art features in the NAC: Noel Brown, a local Snuneymuxw artist, added salmon themed public art to glass in the lobby area and Nanaimo artist, Laura Timmermans, has created a new large-scale artwork mural located in the pool area inspired by Vancouver Island’s coastal waters, marine life and natural environment. Using colour, movement, pattern and layers of detail, the artwork celebrates the connection between the community and the surrounding coastal environment. Designed to be welcoming and engaging for visitors of all ages, the artwork also includes an interactive element where visitors can look for ten hidden creatures.

Work also included the replacement of two large mechanical units responsible for heating, cooling and controlling humidity in the pool area. The new equipment will improve the City's ability to control air temperature and humidity creating a more comfortable environment for swimmers, spectators and staff. The HVAC improvements will also help reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions at the facility. NAC is currently the City's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and accounts for approximately 32 percent of the natural gas used across City facilities. The new equipment is expected to reduce energy consumption and help lower long-term operating costs.

The overall Nanaimo Aquatic Centre upgrade project has a budget of $13.7 million. The project is being funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program Clean BC Communites Fund for $3.9 million.

For more information on the project, visit the NAC Upgrades Project page on the City website.

Commissioned through the City’s Urban Design Roster program, the artwork aligns with the City’s commitment to working with Snuneymuxw artists within Snuneymuxw territory, and encouraging public art that supports reconciliation. The project contributes to ongoing efforts to foster a deeper understanding of Snuneymuxw culture.

Noel Brown is a master carver and member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. His work has contributed significantly to the visibility of Snuneymuxw culture in public spaces throughout Nanaimo, including the Welcome Poles at Maffeo Sutton Park and Fire Station 1. Each year, he also designs the artwork featured on the City’s orange shirts honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The artwork was recognized at a community gathering held as part of the City’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation observances. The event highlighted the important role public art can play in fostering reflection and dialogue, while recognizing the lasting contributions of Snuneymuxw artists in the community.

More information on the city’s Public Art programs can be found on the City’s website.

On General Voting Day, Oct. 17, eligible electors can vote at any of these voting locations, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.:

• Beban Park Social Centre, 2300 Bowen Road
• Brechin Elementary School, 510 Millstone Avenue
• Chase River Elementary School, 1503 Cranberry Avenue
• City of Nanaimo Service and Resource Centre, 411 Dunsmuir Street
• Dover Bay Secondary School, 6135 McGirr Road
• John Barsby Secondary School, 550 Seventh Street
• Nanaimo District Secondary School, 355 Wakesiah Avenue
• Protection Island Fire Hall, 26 Pirates Lane (10:00 am to 6:00 pm only)
• Randerson Ridge Elementary School, 6021 Nelson Road
• Uplands Park Elementary School, 3821 Stronach Drive
• Wellington Secondary School, 3135 Mexicana Road

For more information on the election, please visit www.nanaimo.ca/elections

During the convention, Nanaimo City Council and senior staff met with provincial leaders to advance the City's priorities, advocate for increased support and investment, and discuss solutions to some of Nanaimo's most pressing challenges.

At this year's convention Council met with Premier Eby, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, the Minister of Infrastructure, the Minister of Health, the Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Addictions.

Key priorities discussed during the meetings included:

• Continued provincial partnership and support to address Nanaimo's interconnected housing, health and social challenges.
• Sustained provincial grant programs that help local governments fund critical infrastructure and capital projects.
• Stronger measures to address repeat offending and reduce pressures on local resources and frontline services.
• Clear timelines and funding commitments for a new patient tower and cardiac catheterization lab at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, as well as a replacement building for Nanaimo District Secondary School.
• Provincial support to address the ongoing impacts of historic mine voids through risk mitigation and remediation programs.
• Expanded treatment and recovery options, improved access to care, and practical solutions to address mental health and substance use challenges while reducing impacts on neighbourhoods and businesses.

During the convention, local governments come together to debate and vote on resolutions which were previously endorsed by Councils or Regional Boards. The resolutions sessions provide an opportunity for local governments from across the province to express concerns, share their experiences and take a united position.

A resolution put forward by Nanaimo calling on the provincial and federal governments to ban raw log and lumber cant exports from British Columbia, ensuring locally harvested timber is processed within the province to support forestry jobs, value-added manufacturing and a stable fibre supply for BC mills, was endorsed. Also endorsed was a resolution calling on the Province to update the BC Motor Vehicle Act and associated regulations and design standards to align with modern active transportation best practices, while consulting municipalities to ensure local transportation needs and challenges are reflected in the changes.

"The challenges facing Nanaimo are complex and require strong partnerships across all levels of government," said Mayor Leonard Krog, "UBCM provides an important opportunity to bring Nanaimo's priorities directly to provincial decision-makers. From public safety and health care to housing, infrastructure and economic development, Council was united in advocating for the investments and policy changes our community needs to succeed."

The day will offer opportunities for community members of all ages to gather, reflect and connect through recreation, wellness and community activities.

A central part of the day will take place at Deverill Square Park (located at 200 Irwin Street) beginning at 9:30 a.m. with a Traditional Blessing by Snuneymuxw Elder Lolly Good with words to honour those lost and those who survived the impacts of Residential Schools. It will also include the unveiling of commemorative artwork by Snuneymuxw artist, Noel Brown.

Following the unveiling, free community activities will continue at the park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with sport-themed inflatables, field games, kinder-friendly toys and activities, interactive community stations and food trucks.

All activities are free, including swimming and weight room access at Beban Pool and skating at Frank Crane Arena from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

T-shirts featuring artwork by Noel Brown will also be available for purchase for $14 while supplies last at recreation centres, including at Beban Park during the swims and skates occuring on Sept. 30.

The theme, "Wellness Unites: A Community Event for Health and Reconciliation", recognizes the role that connection, movement and community can play in supporting individual and collective well-being while creating space for learning, reflection and reconciliation.

Residents are encouraged to take part in the activities that are meaningful to them and come together as a community on this important day.

For more information: Visit the City of Nanaimo’s Special Events with Parks, Recreation and Culture webpage [https://www.nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-events/special-events-with-parks--recreation-and-culture.]

The toolkit provides a centralized resource to help organizers navigate the event planning process, from initial concept through to event delivery. It includes information on permits and approvals, booking public spaces, safety requirements, accessibility considerations, operational planning, event timelines and key City contacts.

As Nanaimo continues to grow and evolve, community events play an important role in activating public spaces, supporting local businesses, celebrating culture and bringing people together. The new toolkit is intended to make the event planning process more accessible, transparent and efficient, helping organizers create safe, inclusive and memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.

To view and download the tool kit, visit the City's website.

This mobile-friendly tour invites residents and visitors to experience Snuneymuxw art while learning about the artists, the stories behind each piece, and the land. An interactive map guides participants to public artworks, where photos, videos, and stories offer opportunities to engage more deeply with each piece. Sensory stops along suggested routes encourage participants to slow down, connect with the land, and develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and our relationship to it.

The tour’s name, SNUNEYMUXW ‘imush tu hulitum (Walk of Life), is an invitation to move through Snuneymuxw territory while experiencing Snuneymuxw art. Guided by the theme ‘alhut tu xe’xe’ tumuxw – Honouring the Land, the tour is an immersive experience that encourages learning, and introduces another way to connect with Snuneymuxw art, knowledge, and the land.

The tour can be experienced online or in-person, providing participants the opportunity to explore the artwork at their own pace. Visitors can use their mobile device to engage with artworks while travelling between locations or experience the collection virtually from anywhere. This flexible format makes the tour accessible to a wide range of audiences.

The project was developed in partnership between Snuneymuxw First Nation and the City of Nanaimo, bringing together public art, digital storytelling and place-based learning to create an ongoing resource for residents and visitors.

The SNUNEYMUXW ‘imush tu hulitum (Walk of Life) Public Art Tour is now available online and is free to access through the City's website.

The property directly adjoins Westwood Lake Park in Nanaimo's South Jingle Pot area. The site is fronted by the popular Westwood Lake Loop Trail providing easy access to the lake, swimming areas, local trail systems and the broader Mount Benson trail network. The acquisition represents a significant investment in one of Nanaimo's most well-loved park destinations and supports future opportunities to enhance recreational experiences for residents and visitors alike.

The property was the location of the Westwood Lake Tennis Club. The Club will cease operations on Nov. 1, 2026 after which the tennis bubble will be removed. The City will assume ownership of the property on Dec. 18 and anticipates opening the site to the public shortly thereafter. The City will not operate the space as a tennis club. Once opened, it is anticipated that the outdoor tennis courts will be open for public use.

The site currently features landscaped grounds, outdoor tennis courts, walkways and gravel parking areas. It also features buildings that have the potential to be re-purposed for community use. As part of the park expansion, the City sees opportunities to improve access to Westwood Lake park while providing additional active and passive recreation amenities, bookable community gathering space, recreation programming opportunities and expanded parking.

In the near term, the City plans to make several immediate improvements, including new signage, enhanced entrance features and access upgrades. Longer term, a comprehensive planning process will be undertaken to determine how the site can best be integrated into Westwood Lake Park and serve the needs of the community. Community engagement will be a key component of the planning process helping to shape future uses of the property and explore opportunities for community access to existing facilities.

Stop by celebration stations throughout the week, hosted by generous local sponsors. Participants can plan their bike routes accordingly to stop at the stations and enter to win prizes.

Numerous biking events are planned during Fall GoByBike and everyone is welcome. Kick things off at the launch event on Sept. 19 from 12 to 4 p.m. at VIU RBC plaza (by the bus exchange), with food, drinks and giveaways. Celebration stations will be located at the following locations throughout the week:

• Sept. 22, 4 to 6 p.m. - Bayview/SEED, by the new trail and Fifth street
• Sept. 23, 6.30 to 8:30 a.m. - NRGH, Boundary Ave
• Sept. 24, 6.30 to 8:30 a.m. - Boundary Ave/Northfield Rd
• Sept. 25, 6 p.m. - Group ride with critical mass, meet at Diana Krall Plaza

The wrap-up event will take place on Sept. 26 from 3 to 7 p.m. Participants will meet at the main parking lot at Colliery Dam Park before heading out together for a group ride to Big Bang Cidery.

Eligible organizations include non-profit societies, recognized religious groups and/or neighbourhood associations recognized by the City of Nanaimo that propose projects benefiting City of Nanaimo residents. Funding through the Social Development Grants Program cannot be used for ongoing operational or administrative expenses.

Past projects that have received funding included initiatives that strengthen community connectivity, mental health and well-being, life skills development, social inclusion, food security and healthy relationships and opportunities for youth.

The deadline for submitting applications is 4:30 pm on Monday, October 19, 2026.

The deadline for challenging candidate nominations is 4:00 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. The deadline for court to hear and determine challenges of nomination and the deadline for withdrawal of candidates or elector organization endorsements is 4:00 pm, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. The final list of candidates will be announced through the Declaration of Election to be published on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026 at nanaimo.ca/elections and in the statutory notice of election to be published later in September.

On Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, electors in the City of Nanaimo will elect one mayor and eight councillors. Two advance polls will be held in the Beban Social Centre from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, Oct. 7 and Oct. 14, 2026. General Voting Day is Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, and 11 voting locations will be open for voters to choose from.

For more information visit www.nanaimo.ca/elections.

Applications to vote by mail can be obtained either in person from the Legislative Services Department at 455 Wallace Street, by email at elections@nanaimo.ca or by downloading the Application to Vote By Mail form from the City's website. Mail ballot packages will be mailed out or be available for pickup as soon as ballots are available in early October.

A mail ballot must be received by the Chief Election Officer before the close of voting (8 p.m.) on General Voting Day (Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026) in order to be counted for the election. It is the responsibility of the elector to post the mail ballot in sufficient time for delivery to the Legislative Services Department at City Hall by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026.

OR

Arrange for the mail ballot to be hand delivered to the Presiding Election Official at the City of Nanaimo Service and Resource Centre, Voting Place, 411 Dunsmuir Street, Nanaimo, BC between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.

For more information on the 2026 Local General Election, visit www.nanaimo.ca/elections.

“We know people need a spectrum of housing options to support their recovery journey and stay in the communities they love. Recovery-oriented housing is a substance free surrounding that helps people who are recovering from substance use disorders stabilize in their recovery and build confidence to continue getting healthier."

“In communities that already have a range of low-barrier supportive housing, a recovery-oriented housing site can provide a valuable additional housing option. Our government, through BC Housing, currently funds and supports various housing operating models based on the needs of the community in Nanaimo."

“We have determined the new purpose-built housing coming to 250 Bryden Street (formerly known as 250 Terminal Avenue) in Nanaimo will operate as recovery-oriented housing. “In making this determination, we considered the existing range of low-barrier housing and shelter options available in Nanaimo, as well as the community’s need for recovery-oriented housing as part of a comprehensive housing continuum. By creating spaces for people who are ready to move into recovery-oriented housing, we are also helping to make other spaces available for people who need different kinds of support."

“This housing will support people in recovery from substance use, who have been at-risk of homelessness or experienced homelessness and need additional support to stay housed, and who want to reduce their exposure to drugs and alcohol. Residents may access health and recovery services in the community, with housing staff supporting connections to and coordination with these services."

“Our communities are stronger when we lift each other up, and these homes will build on the significant progress already made to support people experiencing homelessness in Nanaimo. I look forward to working with the City of Nanaimo to help deliver these homes and to continue our significant progress made to help vulnerable people in the community.”

The program offers up to $15,000 in interest-free loans to help Nanaimo homeowners access funding for retrofits such as heat pumps, insulation, windows/doors, and solar photovoltaic(PV) systems. Each homeowner’s loan amount will be paid off over ten years via an additional charge on their property tax bill. The program will be open to eligible Nanaimo homeowners with property taxes that are in good standing.

Residents intending to apply for a loan will need to register in the free Home Energy Navigator support program. Learn more on the City's website.

This intake period closes on Oct. 31, 2026, and priority will be given based on income and equity, energy savings and the climate/resiliency impact of the retrofit. For example, seniors (especially those living alone and of lower-income) will be given priority consideration.

Interested homeowners can join a free information session on Sept. 14 at 12:30 p.m. Please email sustainability@nanaimo.ca to register. For more information and to apply beginning Sept. 14, 2026, visit the Home Energy Retrofit Financing Program page.

Community feedback will help ensure the guide is practical, accessible and responsive to the needs of local seniors. Residents can complete the survey online or in paper format through community locations across Nanaimo. The survey is open until Oct. 1, 2026.

This project was made possible through funding from the BC Age-friendly Communities Grant Program. For more information on this project and to participate, visit www.GetInvolvedNanaimo.ca