The improvements will replace aging infrastructure, support existing recreational users and create a more accessible, welcoming and inclusive destination for residents and visitors. The project budget is $11.4 million.

Inspired by community feedback, project improvements include:

• a bookable community gathering space with a kitchen
• an outdoor terrace
• modern, accessible public washrooms
• areas supporting flatwater paddling and rowing training activities
• equipment and boat storage

Additional park enhancements include:

• an 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
• showers, cycling amenities and more

Design, contracting and some early site preparations are scheduled for 2026. This includes the removal of two Victoria Ave houses on the two adjacent properties the City purchased in 2025 to expand the park. One of the houses will be moved to a new site while the other home will be demolished. The majority of construction will take place in 2027-2028.

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

The new bleachers were formally opened by Mayor Leonard Krog and members of Nanaimo City Council during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 30, 2026. The event was also attended by MLA Sheila Malcolmson, MLA George Anderson, representatives from School District 68, local sport organizations and community partners.

The new bleachers are part of the continued evolution of the Stadium District which has grown through strategic partnerships, thoughtful planning and ongoing investment into community sport and recreation infrastructure. Today, the district serves athletes, families, volunteers, spectators and community organizations while supporting local, regional and provincial sporting events.

The new bleacher structure also includes a modern media booth which will support live streaming, broadcasting and enhanced event coverage.

The celebration marks 50 years since the stadium officially opened on July 31, 1976, and recognizes its enduring role as one of Nanaimo's premier sports venues and community gathering places. The ceremony will take place prior to the Nanaimo NightOwls' West Coast League game against the Port Angeles Lefties with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Since purchasing Serauxmen Stadium from Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools in 2017, the City of Nanaimo has invested more than $5 million into the facility and surrounding site to ensure it continues to serve athletes, fans and the broader community for generations to come. Investments have included new LED field lighting in 2020, a comprehensive field renovation in 2022 featuring new netting and padding, the creation of a stadium plaza for gathering and event making, a new ticket booth in 2024, a paved and lit parking lot in 2025/26, and other ongoing improvements to enhance the overall fan and player experience.

Future projects include a new washroom facility, expanded bleachers and accessibility improvements planned for 2026/27, as well as new bullpens anticipated in 2028.

The anniversary event will also recognize the many volunteers and community organizations whose dedication helped transform the former coal mine site into a celebrated baseball destination. Today, through continued investment, partnerships and community support, Serauxmen Stadium remains a cornerstone of Nanaimo's Stadium District and is home to the Nanaimo NightOwls. Many other local teams play here including the VIU Mariners, Mid-Island Pirates, College prep and the The Nanaimo Coal Miners.

Residents are encouraged to arrive early and be part of this historic community celebration.

The session will take place on Aug. 12, in-person only, at the Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre (1155 Resort Drive, Parksville) in the Grand Strathcona Room. Attendance is drop-in and registration is not required.

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 updated bylaw regulates off-street parking and loading requirements, including the number of parking spaces required for various land uses, as well as the design standards for parking areas. It improves mobility choice, supports urban development consistent with City Plan, encourages sustainable transportation and aligns with provincial direction for transit-oriented development.

The bylaw covers requirements for vehicle parking, loading space, accessible and mobility scooter parking, bicycle parking and transportation demand management. Some key changes include:

• updated rates for vehicles, bicycles and design requirements
• introduction of active transportation end-of-trip facilities to scale with developments based on land use
• updated loading requirements to better address pick-up and drop-off activities
• separated visitor parking supply from general vehicle parking requirements to ensure adequate visitor parking is provided
• accessible parking decoupled from the number of vehicle parking spaces provided to ensure provision in urban centres where parking minimums are eliminated
• flexibility to substitute mobility scooter parking for long-term bicycle for specific uses
• 20 per cent increase in bicycle parking requirements in urban centres

For more information, read the Off-Street Parking Regulations Bylaw 2026 No. 7453 on the City website.

An Order in Council approving the boundary change was signed by the Lieutenant Governor on July 17, 2026. Updated Letters Patent have been issued for the City of Nanaimo and the Regional District of Nanaimo, formally reflecting the new municipal boundary.

The boundary change advances the City's commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and supports the direction outlined in City Plan, which encourages collaboration with SFN, the Province and the Regional District of Nanaimo to strengthen opportunities for Snuneymuxw members to participate in City elections. Earlier this year, Nanaimo electors approved the boundary change, as required under provincial legislation.

The updated boundary incorporates Snuneymuxw reserves IRs 1, 2, 3 and 4 within the City of Nanaimo. Previously, SFN members living on reserve voted for a Regional District of Nanaimo Electoral Area Director and school trustees, not for Mayor and Council of Nanaimo. By including SFN reserve lands within municipal boundaries, eligible SFN members living on these lands will be able to vote in City of Nanaimo municipal elections, including the General Local Election taking place this fall.

Reuse Rendezvous gives residents an opportunity to give gently used household items a second life while helping reduce waste and support a more sustainable community. Participants are encouraged to place clean, reusable items at the curb in front of their homes, clearly marked with a "FREE" sign for neighbours and visitors to browse and take.

Popular giveaway items include books, toys, sporting equipment, household goods, small furniture, tools and garden items. Residents are encouraged to only set out items that are in good, usable condition.

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable event, please keep all items clear of sidewalks, bike lanes and roadways. Drivers are reminded to slow down, watch for pedestrians and cyclists, and obey all traffic regulations while visiting neighbourhoods throughout the weekend.

Any items that remain at the curb after the event should be removed by Monday, July 20 and managed through donation, recycling or disposal options as appropriate.

For more information, visit the Reduce and Reuse Community Events page on www.nanaimo.ca.

Since the program was established in 2014, the City of Nanaimo's Poet Laureates have included Naomi Beth Wakan (2014-2017), Tina Biello (2017-2020), Kamal Parmar (2021-2024) and current Poet Laureate Neil Surkan (2024-2026). Each has made meaningful contributions to Nanaimo's literary community by fostering creativity, encouraging dialogue and connecting people through poetry.

Nanaimo's next Poet Laureate will have a demonstrated history of engaging with the literary community and will bring their own artistic vision, experience and community connections to this civic role. Throughout the two-year term, the Poet Laureate will collaborate with City staff and community organizations to develop poetry initiatives, present original work and create opportunities for people of all ages to connect through the literary arts. Through public readings, workshops, civic events and other community initiatives, the Poet Laureate helps make poetry accessible and meaningful while celebrating Nanaimo's diverse voices, stories and sense of place.

Complete program guidelines, eligibility requirements and application information are available on the City's website.

Applications for the 2027-2029 Poet Laureate program must be submitted by Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time).

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