Public Safety - Who to Call
See the list below of who you can call to report and get information on a number of public safety issues and community outreach.
Community Policing and Services Office Downtown
Downtown Core Bylaw Infractions
To Report:
- Downtown Parking
- Aggressive Panhandling
- Squatters
- Security Matters on Public Property
- Downtown Bylaw Matters-Noise/Unsightly/Nuisance Activities
Please call:
Monday to Friday
8:00 am to 4:30 pm
250-755-4468
Saturday and Sunday
8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Public Works
250-758-5222 for Dispatch
Public Works
To Report:
- Discarded Needles on Public Property and for information on the proper disposal of discarded needles on private property
- Garbage or Litter on City Property
- Overflowing City Garbage Bins
- Other After Hour City Matters
Please call or email:
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
250-758-5222
public.worksinfo@nanaimo.ca
Bylaw, Regulation & Security Outside Downtown
Outside Downtown Core Bylaw Infractions
To Report:
- Parking
- Traffic
- Noise
- Squatters
- Unsightly Properties
- Nuisance Properties
- Signs
Please call or email:
Monday to Friday
8:00 am to 4:30 pm
250-755-4422
bylaw.info@nanaimo.ca
Saturday and Sunday
8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Public Works
250-758-5222 for Dispatch
Nanaimo Animal Control
To Report:
- Unlicensed dogs
- Dogs at large
- Care and standards
- Control of livestock
Please call or email:
Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
250-616-0233
animal.shelter@nanaimo.ca
RCMP: How to Report Crime
There are now multiple ways to report:
- Suspicious or Illegal Activity
- Crime after it has occurred
- Lost, Stolen or Found Items
- Security Matters
To learn more about reporting options, please visit the RCMP's Online Reporting Tool page or their homepage.
Please call:
Non-Emergency Assistance: 250-754-2345 - 24 Hours
Nanaimo Fire Rescue
To Report:
- Burning Complaints
- Burning Permits
- Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detector Information
- General Fire Safety Information
Please call:
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
250-753-7311
911
- Immediate Medical Attention
- Crimes in Progress
- Reporting a Fire
- Serious Traffic Accidents
211
- bc211 is help line service that provides information and referral regarding community, government and social services in BC.
- Helps to navigate the complex network of human services quickly and easily, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 100 languages.
- Includes the Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service (ADIRS), the Problem Gambling Help Line, VictimLink BC, and the Youth Against Violence Line
Community Response
The Vancouver Island Crisis Line
24-hour Crisis Line Service
1.888.494.3888
Island Health
Nanaimo Mental Health & Substance Use
COR (Community Outreach Response):
- Mobile Crisis Response via Crisis Line - 1.888.494.3888
- Homelessness Outreach Response via Team Cell 250.741.7645
Information on Safe Handling for Needles
www.islandhealth.ca/safe-needle-disposal
Street Reach (Canadian Mental Health Association Mid-Island) - 250.716.8823
Poison Control 1.800.567.8911
Shelters
The Salvation Army New Hope Centre
(Men’s Shelter) 250.714.1142
Samaritan House
(Women’s Shelter) 250.753.1474
Unitarian Shelter
250.754.3720
Tillicum Lelum Youth Safe House
250.753.8266
Haven Society Transition House
(Women Only) 250.756.2452