What the City of Nanaimo is doing
COVID-19 is a health matter, overseen by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. This means that the City takes its direction from the Government of Canada, BC Government, and the BC Medical Health Officer; and, any measures taken by the City will be aligned with their Orders, directions, and recommendations.
To stay up-to-date on what the City is doing, please review the “Updates from the City of Nanaimo” section below which has the latest messages from the Mayor, statements, news releases, and more.
The City recognizes that during these unprecedented times, many in the community have questions and may not know who they need to contact to get the information they need. To help with this, the City created a COVID-19 FAQ page that we encourage you to read. Our COVID-19 FAQ page might have the answer to a question you have or the link to the government body that you have been looking for; especially if you are a business owner or someone who has been laid off. It also has answers to the most common Public Works and Parks, Recreation, and Culture related questions.
In an effort to support social distancing and for the health of City employees and residents, the City has moved to doing business online or via conference calls.
City online services are available on the City website at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/OnlineServices.
Please take the time to read through this page and our COVID-19 FAQ page. Should you still have questions, please call our General Line at 250-754-4251, public works at 250-758-5222 or Parks, Recreation and Culture at 250-756-5200.
Summary of Actions, Including Closures
- On March 11, 2020, City staff took a proactive approach and initiated operational readiness meetings, which evolved to the activation of the Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) at a level 1 on March 12, 2020 so that key staff could begin identifying and planning for the various stages of the City’s response to COVID-19. Members of the Senior Management team also updated Council of the efforts being made in the planning process on March 12, 2020.
- On March 16, 2020 all recreation facilities were closed due to the Provincial Medical Health Officer's Order to cancel all gatherings of 50 or more people. As a result of this new Order, the City moved from a level 1 ECC to a Level 2.
- As a measure to “flatten the curve” hoops from basketball courts have been removed and the following amenities have also been closed:
- Sport courts (hockey, lacrosse, pickle ball, volleyball, basketball, tennis)
- Skateboard parks
- Steve Smith bike park
- Four gated dog parks - Beban, Wardopper, St. George Ravine, Northfield
- Recreation facilities
- Playgrounds
Monitoring and Preparedness
- The City continues to communicate with Health Emergency Management British Columbia (HEMBC) as well as other community partners.
- Staff are reviewing and updating the City’s comprehensive business continuity plans specific to this evolving situation.
- As well, the City has a Pandemic Plan and an Emergency Response Plan that would become operational, if required.
Burning Ban in Effect
City of Nanaimo Fire Rescue will not be issuing any backyard burning permits this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Permits are normally issued to residents with properties greater then one acre and on Protection Island in April to dispose of large amounts
of organic waste. Any that have already been issued are rescinded.
Small cooking fires such as camp fires will still be permitted on private property so residents can spend time outdoors. For full regulations on cooking fires, visit the Burning Regulations page.
Regular Fire Inspections Suspended
In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, Nanaimo Fire Rescue has suspended regular fire inspections of businesses as a measure to help reduce potential the spread of the virus; however, Fire Inspectors will continue to investigate any reported fire hazards.
Nanaimo Fire Rescue would like to remind business and building owners that it is your responsibility to carry out the provisions of the BC Fire Code.
This Inspection Checklist has been provided to help you and your staff comply with fire safety regulations for the days and months ahead.