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.

Technical studies, including coastal floodplain mapping, have been completed to shed light on the sea level rise risks the community could be facing in the future. Based on the technical results, along with the community values revealed in the first round of engagement, initial options and strategies have been identified.

Nanaimo residents can learn about these findings and provide feedback on options for responding to sea level rise by completing a survey open from May 19 to June 12, 2026, or attending an in-person community meeting on May 21, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre (Dodd Narrows Room A).

The first part of the community meeting will include a presentation, followed by an open house format to allow for feedback on how we might prepare for sea level impacts in identified areas. In addition, staff from the Regional District of Nanaimo will be on hand to answer questions on their concurrent sea level rise planning project, Our Changing Coast. For more information on the project and the community meeting and to fill out the survey, visit the Our Coastal City page on Get Involved Nanaimo.

For more information and to complete the application form, visit www.nanaimo.ca/elections. The City thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Beginning Friday, May 15, the water parks located in Departure Bay Centennial Park, Mansfield Park, Deverill Square Park and Harewood Centennial Park will be open. The water will be available daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The City is disappointed with the outcome and is reviewing the decision to determine next steps. At this time, the City will not be commenting further on this matter.

Construction began at the north end of Beban Park Social Centre last November. What was once a dirt surface area with large tree roots has been transformed into an accessible and inclusive wooden gated play area with paths suitable for those in wheelchairs along with a variety of sensory and nature-based amenities that include a sport court, seating, a pergola and areas for kids to climb among logs and a wood chip surface. In addition, there is a outdoor classroom area with a variety of play features and concrete tile floor allowing accessibility for those using mobility devices. Allowing for flexibility, inclusive amenities can be moved or changed as required. Active elements, such as basketball and outdoor hockey have been included to enhance the area. Despite the changes to the area, four of the five cherry trees were kept which add beauty and shade to the area.

Future additions include outdoor lighting, chalkboard, playhouse, wooden xylene phones, storage shed and "Memory Makers" which is interactive public art created by Tarcila Neves: Lead Artist (Concept, Grant and Proposal); Nickie Lewis: Sculpture Fabrication; Finn: Creature Design (based on Lead Artist's concept).

This area will used heavily by the early years programming, spring and summer break camps and the after school care program; however, the space is also available for rental by contacting the Beban Park Allocation Clerk.

Healthamongus is committed to offering a low-cost and inclusive program that removes barriers to ensure all students—regardless of ability or experience—can participate in a supportive environment. To fuel the fun, participants will enjoy a healthy snack provided through the generous sponsorship of Country Grocer.

2026 marks the 19th year of Healthamongus, and it will engage 3,600 children between Kindergarten and Grade 5 over the course of the week. The event runs from 9:45 a.m. until 12 p.m. daily between Monday, May 11 and Friday, May 15.

“We will continue to work together, with Nanaimo and other community partners, as we move toward long-term housing solutions,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “We’re focused on bringing people indoors, and helping them stay indoors, with access to the supports they need to stabilize their lives, and to build a stronger, safer community for everyone.”

“City Council understands the importance of maintaining stability for Nikao residents while longer-term housing solutions are identified,” said City of Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog. “Extending the lease for this site reflects the City’s commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals and ensures that our partners have additional time to plan and transition residents into appropriate housing in the community.”

After the lease ends, the City of Nanaimo requires the site to complete its Community Works Yard project. To prepare for this, BC Housing and Pacifica will be working on a closure plan to transition Nikao residents into alternate housing ahead of the September 30, 2027 closing date. This may be to other supportive housing in the community, to subsidized housing, or to market housing with the help of a rent supplement. Everyone will receive an offer of alternate housing. After all residents have been relocated, the modular units at Nikao will be removed from the current site to allow the City to move ahead with finalizing construction.

The City and BC Housing are grateful to the staff of Pacifica Housing who are on-site 24/7 to provide meals, individualized non-medical case planning, and onsite health services through Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA). Pacifica will support all residents as they transition to other housing in the community.

"We commend the City of Nanaimo and the Province for arriving at an agreement that benefits the residents of Nikao,” said Carolina Ibarra, CEO, Pacifica Housing. “This extension will allow time to work through relocations in a way that ensures continued stability for everyone. This approach is reflective of the commitment we know both levels of government have to addressing homelessness. Pacifica Housing looks forward to continued collaboration as we seek permanent housing solutions for all our unhoused neighbors in Nanaimo."

This final extension will provide additional time to ensure that Nikao residents can be supported and relocated to other appropriate housing in the community.

In Nanaimo, this national observance holds deep local significance. On the evening of May 3, 1887, at 5:55 pm, a series of powerful explosions tore through the No. 1 Esplanade Mine, located 260 metres beneath the surface near today’s downtown waterfront.

The blasts reverberated through nearly a kilometre of underground tunnels, igniting fires that would burn for two weeks. Due to the extensive damage and lingering dangers, the recovery of victims took several months. Tragically, seven men were never found and their final resting place is presumed to be beneath the Nanaimo Harbour.

The disaster claimed the lives of 150 miners, a devastating loss in a city of just 2,000 residents at the time. The impact on the community was profound - 46 women were widowed, 126 children lost their fathers and the mine itself lost a quarter of its workforce. The explosions of the No. 1 Esplanade Mine are known as the worst mining disaster in British Columbia's history and second worst industrial tragedy in Canadian history, following the Hillcrest, Alberta mine disaster of 1914. A jury blamed the explosion on the firing of an unprepared and badly planted charge that ignited accumulated gas fuelled by coal dust.

To mark the National Day of Mourning and commemorate this tragic chapter in Nanaimo’s past, flags at all City of Nanaimo facilities will be lowered to half-mast from Tuesday, April 28 until Monday, May 4.

Visit the walk-through coalmine exhibit in the Nanaimo Museum to learn more about Nanaimo's coal mining history and this tragic accident. Find more information on this award-winning exhibit here: www.nanaimomuseum.ca/permanent-exhibit/the-coal-mine.

It is that time of year when the City of Nanaimo partners with community groups and the public for invasive plant removal in our parks as part of Invasive Plant Removal Month in May. At the end of the month, the City will be offering a Drop Zone where homeowners can get rid of their invasive plants for safe disposal as a way to encourage and raise awareness of the impact these can have in our parks and natural areas.

Invasive plants have the potential to negatively impact local ecosystems. Plants, such as English Ivy, Scotch Broom and Himalayan Blackberry, are well established in Nanaimo while others, such as Knotweed and Giant Hogweed, are relatively new but can have severe negative impacts on residents and infrastructure. Volunteer work parties with City staff take place at various locations throughout the City, including Colliery Dam Park, Linley Point Gyro Park, Neck Point Park, Pipers Lagoon Park and Bowen Park.

The City of Nanaimo would like to thank Broombusters who have been cutting broom along local roads and greenspaces. Evidence of their hard work can be found along corridors around the City where piles of cut broom are waiting to be disposed of. These will be chipped and removed in the upcoming month once the broom cutting season is complete and these piles of broom have dried enough to be successfully chipped. This year marks their 50th year of Broombusters as a group in our area and in other communities on the Island. They are always seeking new volunteers to join them.

Those who are interested in participating in scheduled work parties or would like to coordinate one on their own, can register through the City website or call 250-756-5200 for more information. The annual Drop Zone will take place on Saturday, May 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bowen Park (off of Wall Street). The City of Nanaimo is grateful for those helping to maintain our natural areas and restoring the integrity of our native ecology.

At the Council meeting held on April 20, 2026, Council received the certified results of the AAP and directed staff to forward the necessary documentation to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs to formally request the boundary extension.

If Provincial approval is obtained, the boundary change will see Snuneymuxw reserve lands (IRs 1, 2, 3 and 4) included within the boundary of City of Nanaimo. The change was requested by SFN and is supported by City Plan policy and in alignment with the City’s commitment to advancing reconciliation.

The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs will prepare Letters Patent reflecting the boundary change. The boundary change will require approval by the Lieutenant Governor in Council (Cabinet) through an Order in Council that issues Letters Patent to finalize the municipal boundary extension.

The 2026 lineup highlights a diverse range of musical genres, including blues, bluegrass, folk, reggae, ska, hip hop, rap, pop and country rock. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and dress appropriately for the weather. New this year, the series will also feature three lunchtime concerts scheduled from 1 to 2 pm.

The schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, April 22, 6-7 pm, Westwood Lake Park: Terry Boyle (Roots/Blues) as part of Earth Day
• Friday, May 15, 6-7 pm, Maffeo Sutton Park: Murfitt and Main (Bluegrass Banjo) as part of Food Truck Friday
• Wednesday, June 3, 6-7 pm, Mansfield Park: Shel Prince (Folk) as part of Go by Bike Week
• Wednesday, June 10, 1-2 pm, Maffeo Sutton Park: Jared Popma and Band (Folk)
• Wednesday, June 17, 6-7 pm, Kin Park: Donny Boyd and Fine Company (Rock)
• Friday, June 26, 5:30-6:30 pm, Maffeo Sutton Park: Chris Noel and the Burning House (Roots/Blues) as part of summer soccer viewing party
• Friday, June 26, 6:45-7:45 pm, Maffeo Sutton Park: New Road Echo (Country Rock) as part of summer soccer viewing party
• Wednesday, July 8, Mansfield Park: 1-2 pm, Glen and Maggy (Folk)
• Friday, July 17, 6-7 pm, Bowen Park Amphitheatre: Mad Riddim featuring Janelle Reid (Reggae/Ska)
• Wednesday July 22, 6-7 pm, Deverill Square Park: Tangible Two (Hip Hop/Rap) as part of Snuneymuxw Days
• Friday, July 31, 6-7 pm, Daynes Park: Mansfield (Folk)
• Friday, August 7, 1-2 pm, Bowen Park Amphitheatre: Paul Gelman (Rock)
• Wednesday, August 12, 6-7 pm, McGregor Park: Jordan Reems (Pop)
• Friday, August 21, 6-7 pm, Maffeo Sutton Park: Tropic Mayhem (Pop) as part of Food Truck Friday
• Friday, August 21, 7:15-8:15 pm, Maffeo Sutton Park: Mark Crissinger (Roots/Blues) as part of Food Truck Friday
• Thursday, August 27, 6-7 pm, Westwood Lake Park: Tides (R&B/Soul) as part of End of Summer Splash

A printable schedule and more details on each performance will be available on the City of Nanaimo website on the page "Concerts in the Park."

Parking is limited at many parks, so citizens are encouraged to use alternative transportation when possible.