The Sauna pilot program will run from November through June 30, 2027, providing residents and visitors with an opportunity to enjoy a sauna experience in one of Nanaimo's most popular destination parks. The fully electric sauna will be located near First Beach and will have views of the lake offering users the opportunity for a true hot and cold dip experience. This initiative provides an opportunity to enhance the park experience by introducing an additional recreation amenity that complements the recent improvements at Westwood Lake Park.

The pilot will help the City evaluate how privately operated services can work alongside existing park amenities to expand recreation opportunities and inform future recreation initiatives in parks.

Bookings for the Westwood Lake Park mobile sauna can be made directly through the operator's online booking system. Link: https://www.gatherwell.ca/locations

Throughout the month, residents are encouraged to visit all three local Vancouver Island Regional Library branches for a display on this topic, including a suggested reading list prepared by local librarians. City of Nanaimo recreation centres will offer a variety of programs and activities with welcoming spaces designed to help people connect with others, build relationships and strengthen their sense of community.

Social Connection Month piggybacks on Genwell's "Talk to a Stranger Week" which takes place from Nov. 23-29.

Research shows that social connection is essential to our overall health and well-being. The World Health Organization identifies social isolation and loneliness as significant public health concerns linked to poorer mental and physical health outcomes and reduced quality of life. High-quality social connections contribute to improved mental health, physical health and overall well-being.

A lack of social connection has been associated with increased risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, dementia, cardiovascular disease and premature mortality. In Canada, 43 per cent of adults aged 50 and older are at risk of social isolation while 57 per cent report feeling lonely.

The City encourages residents to explore the many programs and services available year-round through Nanaimo's recreation centres and Vancouver Island Regional Library branches. From fitness classes and arts programs to book clubs, workshops, community events and drop-in activities, these spaces play an important role in fostering inclusion and belonging.

Social Connection Month also highlights the City's involvement in Social Prescribing, an innovative approach that helps connect people with community-based activities and supports that can improve health and well-being. Social Prescribing links individuals to non-clinical services, such as recreation programs, social groups, cultural activities, volunteer opportunities and community services based on their interests and needs.

Through the City of Nanaimo's Social Prescribing initiatives, residents can connect to opportunities that promote physical activity, social engagement, lifelong learning and community participation, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and improve overall wellness. Anybody interested in participating can do so by contacting their Primary Health Care Provider or Nanaimo Family Life Association at 250-754-3331.

Residents are encouraged to stop by their local Vancouver Island Regional Library branch or City of Nanaimo recreation centre during Social Connection Month to participate in activities, meet new people and discover resources that can help foster lasting connections.

Because connection matters, these welcoming spaces and programs are available not only during Social Connection Month but throughout the year for anyone looking to become more involved, meet others or strengthen their sense of belonging in the community.

For more information about Social Connection Month, please see the City of Nanaimo website [https://www.nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-events/social-connection-month] or the Vancouver Island Regional Library website [https://virl.bc.ca].

With 31.3 per cent voter turnout in the 2026 General Local Election, Leonard Eugene Krog was re-elected and will serve as Nanaimo's Mayor. Mayor Krog will be joined by re-elected Councillors Ben Geselbracht, Paul Manly, Hilary Eastmure, Sheryl Armstrong, Erin Colleen Hemmens and Ian Thorpe, and newly-elected councillors Andréa Coutu and Marnie Boers.

The public is invited to come and watch the swearing in ceremony, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre's Shaw Auditorium. The event will be livestreamed through the City's website and will be broadcast live on Rogers TV, channel 4.

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

As the candidate who received the highest number of valid votes for the Office of the Mayor, Krog, Leonard Eugene has been officially elected.

The following candidates, who received the highest number of valid votes for the Office of Councillor, are also officially elected:

• Geselbracht, Ben
• Manly, Paul
• Eastmure, Hilary
• Armstrong, Sheryl
• Coutu, Andréa
• Hemmens, Erin Colleen
• Boers, Marnie
• Thorpe, Ian

A summary of votes cast in the 2026 General Local Election is available at www.nanaimo.ca/elections.

The City will welcome its newly elected Mayor and Council during the Inaugural Council Meeting on Monday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m., held in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, 80 Commercial Street, and available via livestream. For more information on upcoming Council meetings and the view the inaugural meeting online, visit the Council Meetings Calendar, Documents and Videos page on the City website.

City staff will now begin developing a comprehensive operating agreement that will be cost-neutral to the City while supporting continued public access to indoor tennis in Nanaimo.

The Westwood Tennis Club will cease operations on Nov. 1, 2026 and the City is scheduled to take ownership of the property on Dec.18, 2026. During the period between the Club's closure and the City's acquisition of the property, the tennis bubble and outdoor courts will not be available for public, member or any use. This transition period will allow the current owners to complete their move from the property before ownership transfers to the City.

Public access to the tennis bubble would resume once the City and a non-profit operator have an approved agreement in place, and the facility is ready for operation. City staff hope to have an agreement in place as soon as possible following the City taking over the property.

Council's direction is for the non-profit operator to be responsible for the facility's ongoing operating, maintenance and capital costs, and for provisions requiring a portion of court time to be available for public booking to ensure the facility provides broader community access.

The City announced the purchase of the 2.85-acre (1.15-hectare) parcel at 2367 Arbot Road on Sept. 16, 2026, with the intention of expanding access to Westwood Lake Park and creating new opportunities for recreation, public access and future community amenities. The City plans to engage the community on potential future uses of the property and how it may best be integrated into Westwood Lake Park.

• Ben Geselbracht (12,399 votes)
• Paul Manly (12,052 votes)
• Hilary Eastmure (10,660 votes)
• Sheryl Armstrong (9,368 votes)
• Andréa Coutu (8,160 votes)
• Erin Colleen Hemmens (8,090 votes)
• Marnie Boers (7,873 votes)
• Ian Thorpe (7,654 votes)

The official results will be declared by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21 when the count is finalized. To see complete preliminary results, please visit www.nanaimo.ca/elections.

Registered Voyent Alert! users will receive a test notification by text message, phone call, email or app notification, depending on their selected preferences. The alert will state: "This is a TEST of the City of Nanaimo's emergency alert system. This is ONLY a TEST. If this had been an actual emergency or threat, you would now see or hear instructions that would assist you to protect you and your family. This is ONLY a TEST, NO ACTION IS REQUIRED."

Voyent Alert! allows the City to send notifications ranging from a single city block to the entire community. Residents can register multiple locations and, if they enable GPS-based notifications, receive alerts based on their current location. GPS information is only used to deliver alerts and is not stored by the system.

In the event of an emergency, notifications will provide essential information about the incident and any actions required, such as evacuating, sheltering in place, locking down or avoiding the area.

Residents who have already downloaded the Voyent Alert! app are encouraged to ensure notifications are enabled and that the app has not been offloaded or placed in sleep mode by their device. An instructional video is available in the online version of this release. For more information on using the app, visit Voyent Alert's community support page.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to sign up for Voyent Alert! free of charge. Visit www.nanaimo.ca/goto/alerts for more details and to download the Voyent Alert! app from GooglePlay or the Apple App Store.

On General Election Day, 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 a.m. to 6 p.m. only)
• Randerson Ridge Elementary School, 6021 Nelson Road
• Uplands Park Elementary School, 3821 Stronach Drive
• Wellington Secondary School, 3135 Mexicana Road

Preliminary results of the election will be announced after 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17 and posted on the City's website. Official results will be announced on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

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

The community building has been designed to provide a balance of community amenities and spaces that support flatwater training, while ensuring the broader project delivers meaningful improvements for all park users. The building is designed to meet the Rick Hansen Foundation Gold Accessibility Certification standard.

The broader park improvements will be delivered through a phased approach, with construction of the new facility occurring first, followed by the landscape and recreational improvements. Opportunities for community engagement on Landscape components will continue. Current plans for the lanscape improvements include:

• Accessible pathways and trails
• An expanded beach area
• A new playground
• Picnic shelter and gathering spaces
• Additional seating areas
• Outdoor shower facilities
• Bicycle parking and storage
• Park signage and wayfinding
• Site lighting and safety improvements

In response to community feedback received throughout the planning process, the City has incorporated several key priorities identified by community members and key interest groups into the final design. To address requests for greater accessibility and ease of movement throughout the park, the design includes an accessible connection from the parking area to park amenities and the future building, helping ensure people of all ages and abilities can comfortably access and enjoy the site.

Feedback also highlighted the importance of protecting Loudon Park’s natural character, and the design reflects this by preserving and enhancing the natural features that residents value most while introducing improvements that fit within the existing landscape. Public art will be integrated throughout the site and future building.

Reaching this stage represents an important step forward for the Loudon Park improvement project and builds on the planning and engagement completed to date. As implementation moves ahead, the City will continue to share information with the community about upcoming work and what park users can expect during construction. More information about the Loudon Park Improvements project, including project updates and construction timelines, will be available as the project progresses.

The project is budgeted at $11.9 million with $4.3 million of that coming from the Community Works Fund, a stream of the Build Community Strong Fund.

For more information on the project, visit the Loudon Park Project Page.

Key Points

• Design work for the new community building is complete and the project is moving toward construction.
• Community feedback helped shape the final design key improvements, including accessibility upgrades, better lake access, new amenities and protection of the park’s natural character.
• Planned park additions include new accessible washrooms, a new dock, beach restoration and expansion, new playground, picnic shelter, bookable community space, boat storage and public art throughout the site.
• $11.9 million has been allocated for the Loudon Park Improvements project with $4.3 million of that coming from the Community Works Fund. The total amount does not include the land acquisition cost of $2.2 million.

Quick Facts

• The existing dwellings within the park will be removed in 2026.
• Construction of the new facility is expected to begin in spring 2027 and be completed in early 2028. Remaining park improvements are anticipated to be completed by late 2028.

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

To help voters find the most convenient polling place, the City has launched an interactive voting map available here.

For election information, voting requirements, candidate information and the interactive voting map, visit City of Nanaimo's elections webpage.

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.]