$48.5 milion operations Centre

going to alternative approval

The Province has given statutory approval to the City of Nanaimo for a borrowing bylaw for up to $48.5 million for the first phase of the Nanaimo Operations Centre project.

With this approval, the City will commence an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to gain permission from residents to borrow the necessary funds. The process begins Wednesday, Sept. 27, and ends Friday, Nov. 3.

Nanaimo Operations Centre Phase One Borrowing Bylaw 2023 No. 7362, which received three readings from Council on June 19, will see the City borrow a sum not exceeding $48,500,000 repayable over a period of no more than 20 years.

For more information on the Alternative Approval Process visit the City website at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/aap and for more information on the project visit www.nanaimo.ca/goto/NOC.

Key Points

• The Nanaimo Operations Centre Phase One Borrowing Bylaw 2023 No. 7362 is the first in this project consisting of four phases to replace and consolidate public works and parks operations onto one site.
• The City will commence an Alternative Approval Process beginning Wednesday, Sept. 27, until Friday, Nov. 3.
• If 10 per cent or more of eligible voters submit an Alternative Approval Process form in opposition, the borrowing bylaw will be brought back to Council to determine if Council would like to proceed with the matter and next steps.

Quotes

"The Alternative Approval Process provides eligible electors with the opportunity to voice their opposition to the borrowing bylaw. All eligible electors can freely distribute and submit Elector Response forms and have them returned to City Hall by Nov. 3. Individuals are not required to vote in person or return the form themselves."

Sheila Gurrie

Director, Legislative Services

City of Nanaimo

Alternative Approval Process Information Links

• Alternative Approval Process

  
  

• Nanaimo Operations Centre Project

  
  

• Alternative Approval Process for "Nanaimo Operations Centre Phase One Borrowing Bylaw 2023 No. 7362"

  
  

City planning open house to show public

the plans for new Operations Centre

The City of Nanaimo is hosting an open house to provide information on Phase 1 of the Nanaimo Operation Centre project. Members of the public are invited to the Beban Park Social Centre, 2300 Bowen Road from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept 13.

The Nanaimo Operations Centre project will see the eventual replacement of ageing facilities and consolidation of public works and parks operations into one location. The first phase of the project includes: replacing the existing fleet and maintenance facility, a truck wash and dump facility, and site service for future phases of the project; replacing storm water management facilities onsite and building a storm water retention pond in Beban Park at the corner of Dorman and Labieux Road; retrofitting the training tower located at Fire Station 2; building a paved trail along the Labieux Road side of Beban Park.

Key Points

• The Nanaimo Operations Centre project is subject to an Alternative Approval Process (AAP). For more information about the AAP process visitnanaimo.ca/goto/aap
• Learn more about the Nanaimo Operations Centre project atnanaimo.ca/goto/NOC

Quotes

"The City relies on parks operations and public works to maintain the services we rely on everyday, and to be there for us in a crisis. We need to rebuild and expand our facilities to ensure the City can continue to meet our needs."

Mayor Leonard Krog

 Nanaimo Operations Centre, Phase One 

• Nanaimo Operations Centre project
• Alternative Approval Process

City seeks input on increasing housing options with public survey online and open house Sept. 12

23-08-30

Summary

With rising housing costs and an influx of newcomers, more housing options are needed for Nanaimo. To address Nanaimo's housing needs, the City is inviting residents to provide feedback on a series of recommended changes aimed at more attainable housing options in the City.

There are two opportunities to provide input:

• an online survey will be available on the City's website until Sept. 29, 2023, and
• a public Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Beban Park Social Centre (2300 Bowen Road).

The Increasing Housing Options program focuses on four key areas – expanding secondary suite regulations, adding infill housing in existing neighbourhoods (missing middle housing), adaptable housing for all physical abilities, and housing for families. Between 2020 and 2022, the City engaged with residents through the ‘Reimagine Nanaimo’ process that culminated in the adoption of “City Plan: Nanaimo Reimagined” in July 2022. The program is informed by what was heard during the Reimagine Nanaimo process, the Nanaimo Affordable Housing Strategy (2018), and the City’s Housing Needs Report completed in May 2023.

For more information on the Housing Needs Report and Increasing Housing Options program and to take the online survey, visit www.getinvolvednanaimo.ca/housing-initiatives.

Link to Strategic Plan: Planning for Nanaimo's growth supports a healthy and prosperous Nanaimo.

Key Points

• The Increasing Housing Options program focuses on four key areas – expanding secondary suite regulations, adding infill housing in existing neighbourhoods (missing middle housing), adaptable housing for all physical abilities, and housing for families.
• Residents are encouraged to attend the open house on Sept.12 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Beban Park Social Centre or fill out the survey available on the Increasing Housing Options project page ongetinvolvednanaimo.ca

Quotes

"Housing affordability and availability is a key concern for our community. Please take the time to participate. Whether it be at an open house or filling out the survey, your input is important to helping us address our housing needs."

Mayor Leonard Krog

Quick Facts

• The population of Nanaimo currently sits at just over 100,000 and is expected to grow by an additional 40,000 people by 2046.
• The Housing Needs Report (2023) estimates the City will need a minimum of 1,155 housing units annually for the next 10 years to meet housing demand.
• The City issued building permits for 1,367 housing units in 2022.

Links

• Increasing Housing Options

Learn more about the priorities and take the survey

• Housing Needs Report

Oliver Woods Community Centre open house,

public invited to attend on Sunday, Sept 10

August 28, 2023

Summary

The City of Nanaimo, Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture is inviting the public to an Open House at Oliver Woods Community Centre on Sunday, September 10 from 10 am until 2 pm. Oliver Woods Recreation Centre is located at 6000 Oliver Road in north Nanaimo.

Visitors can participate in a variety of activities:

• Fitness sampler programs
• Drop-in sports, including badminton and pickleball
• Gym Pals for the children
• Learn about department programs, services and rentals opportunities
• Meet staff and user groups representatives
• View a StoryWalk found in the playground area
• See demos of the wellness park
• Enter to win a variety of Parks, Recreation and Culture prizes, including a $100 gift card

This open house will have something for everyone from the toddler to the senior. A food truck will also be on site, and local radio (102.3 The Wave) will be broadcasting live on location. Look for a schedule of events on the City of Nanaimo website starting on Friday, September 1.

Link to Strategic Plan: The City of Nanaimo is offering programs that improve the health, wellness and livability of its citizens in our community.

Key Points

• The Open House takes place at Oliver Woods Community Centre on Sunday, September 10, 10 am-2 pm. Oliver Woods Community Centre is located at 6000 Oliver Road.
• There will be a variety of activities for all ages to participate in - from toddler to senior.
• A variety of programs and services will be showcased, as well as a StoryWalk and program sampler opportunities.

"There is a lot that goes on with Parks, Recreation and Culture, and we invite you to come to the open house at Oliver Woods Community Centre to check it out. See program demos, meet staff and participate in a variety of activities that are planned for the day. There will be something for everyone!"

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

Attachments

• Poster for Open House at Oliver Woods Community Centre

  
  

Ministry of Environment removes

barrier to downtown development

A partnership between the City, downtown property owners and Planning Design and Development Nanaimo has led to a change in regulations that make it easier to develop properties downtown, opening the door for a thriving and prosperous city centre.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (MOECCS) has determined that properties in the Terminal Avenue area from Comox Road to Esplanade are not included in regulations that assess groundwater quality during site investigations, simplifying the regulatory framework for individual property owners.

The change reduces a big obstacle to developing any of the more than 145 properties in the downtown core, cutting costs and reducing timelines for development.

The Terminal Avenue area from Comox Road to Esplanade is a former tidal inlet. More than 100 years ago, it was filled with tailings from the city's coal mines. Today these lands contain numerous active light industrial and office buildings.

Beginning in 2011, the PDDN and the former Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Area began raising money for an environmental study to show why the area should receive special consideration from the ministry of environment. The City of Nanaimo joined the effort and collaborated on a study and application to MOECCS in 2016.

The study was funded by private property owners working with PDDN, a BC Brownfield grant, and a contribution from the City of Nanaimo.

Previous environmental studies in the area have confirmed the widespread infilling and reclamation work. Together with the City and PDDN study, the environmental work resulted in MOECCS issuing an Area Wide Determination in 2014 that reduced the requirement for potential developments to show the effects of the presence of historical fill materials.

The new MOECCS determination builds upon this, acknowledging the long industrial history and unique subsurface and hydrological conditions in the study area. This determination means that drinking water standards do not apply for assessing groundwater quality during the site investigation steps that are required when a property is redeveloped.

Link to Strategic Plan: Prosperous Nanaimo: Revitalize the Downtown core and the waterfront (C5.1.4) and Enhance and promote a vibrant and diverse downtown (C5.5.1)

Key Points

• An environmental study and an application to MOECCS, funded through a partnership between the City, downtown property owners and Planning Design and Development Nanaimo provided information to the Ministry that acknowledges that ground water in this area of downtown is tidal in nature and subject to historical filling.
• The Terminal Avenue area of downtown has tremendous development potential given its proximity to Commercial Street, the waterfront and the proposed downtown transit exchange.
• Individual property owners in the Terminal Trench area who want to redevelop will save time and money because they are no longer subject to drinking water standards.

"The industrial practices of the 19th century laid the very ground we walk on downtown, but in the 21st century the mine tailings that underlie the Terminal Avenue area have made it very difficult to revitalize the heart of our city. The Ministry of Environment decision to exempt more than 145 properties from drinking water regulations opens the door to building the thriving and prosperous city centre so many of us, including Council, have worked hard to achieve."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

"This project is a great example of how courageous and collaborative effort between the City, volunteers and stakeholders can accomplish meaningful change that would be almost impossible to achieve by any single party. Nanaimo is at a wonderful time in its growth…let’s actively work together to steer our city in a direction we want to live in."

Darren Moss

Chair

Planning, Design and Develoment Nanaimo

Having laid the responsibility for the current public safety crisis facing many BC and Canadian communities at the feet of senior government, the Mayor of Nanaimo is feeling optimistic that positive change is beginning to happen.

Proposed changes to Bill C - 48 introduced in the House of Commons May 16, are a step in the right direction, Mayor Leonard Krog said, and a clear sign that the federal Minister of Justice has listened to Canada's premiers.

"I am very pleased that the federal government has tabled legislation to put the responsibility on violent repeat offenders to prove why they should get bail instead of making prosecutors argue why they shouldn't," said Mayor Leonard Krog.

Mayors from across Canada, including the BC Urban Mayors Caucus, put their concerns about deteriorating public safety to provincial premiers, who in turn pressured David Lamettie, justice minister and attorney general, to change the current rules around bail.

"The Premier has listened to the BC mayors, and the justice minister has heard the premiers. Recent comments by Premier Eby respecting the authority of municipalities to address drug use in public spaces give us hope that we may be able to better protect our community from the effects of harmful drugs and disruptive behaviours," Krog said.

Nanaimo Council voted Monday to direct city staff to prepare a report on options to regulate drug use in public spaces.

"Ottawa's willingness to adjust bail provisions gives me hope. The Province's willingness to sit down with Nanaimo Council shows that they understand that we are overwhelmed and need help," Krog said.

The City of Nanaimo Council recently met with Premier David Eby, Attorney-General Niki Sharma and Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth about homelessness, health care and public safety. The City continues to press the provincial government for additional housing, mental health services, and policing resources.

Nanaimo City Council sets 2023 property tax rate

Nanaimo City Council adopted the final 2023-2027 Financial Plan and 2023 Property Tax Rates bylaws on May 8. An increase of 6.2 per cent to cover operating costs and one per cent for the General Asset Management Reserve has been set for 2023.

"This budget balances the need to make significant investments to improve public safety while we continue to provide the services we all rely on. With a strong economy and a growing population we can and must replace critical infrastructure and build for the future," says Mayor Leonard Krog

The 2023-2027 Financial Plan provides a coordinated, proactive approach to public safety and helps set the stage for a revitalization of Nanaimo’s core business and entertainment district. Some highlights include:

• 12 Community Safety Officers;
• Two Community Clean Teams;
• Downtown Ambassadors program;
• Seasonal Park Attendants program;
• Vandalism Relief Grant program;
• Additional downtown parkade cleaning;
• Additional RCMP members; and
• 20 new firefighters

Property taxes are due July 4, 2023. Residents can make payments in a number of ways:

• through their bank (online, phone or in person);
• by mailing a cheque to 455 Wallace Street, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5J6 (payments must be received by July 4, 2023);
• in person at the Service and Resource Centre (411 Dunsmuir Street);
• through their mortgage company; or
• through pre-authorized payments (visit www.nanaimo.ca/goto/paws for more information).

Tax notices have been prepared and will be mailed to property owners in the coming days. Along with their notice, residents will find the City's annual printed newsletter, City Updates. The newsletter will be also be available to pick up at City facilities and online at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/CityUpdates.

For more information on the 2023-2027 Financial Plan, visit www.nanaimo.ca/goto/budget.

Key Points

• The City of Nanaimo's property tax increase for 2023 is set at 7.2 per cent (6.2 per cent to cover operating costs and one per cent for the Asset Management Reserve for 2023). This equates to an additional $178.50 for 2023 or $14.88/month for the City portion of a typical household's tax bill.
• City of Nanaimo property taxes are due July 4, 2023. A late property tax payment penalty of two per cent will be applied to payments made after July 4, 2023 and an additional eight per cent will be added to payments made after August 31, 2023.
• The City of Nanaimo determines the tax rate based on what is needed to balance the budget for the year. Each household's tax bill is calculated based on the property’s assessed value, which is determined by BC Assessment, and then by the tax rate.
• The City also collects fees and taxes on behalf of the Regional District of Nanaimo and Nanaimo Regional Hopsital District (rdn.bc.ca), Vancouver Island Regional Library (virl.bc.ca), School District 68 (sd68.bc.ca) and BC assessment
• "This budget balances the need to make significant investments to improve public safety while we continue to provide the services we all rely on. With a strong economy and a growing population we can and must replace critical infrastructure and build for the future," says Mayor Leonard Krog

Quick Facts

• An average home will pay $2,163 ($5.93/day) for City services in 2023.
• Municipalities must set their tax rates for each property class, by bylaw, before May 15 of each year, and they must submit their tax bylaw to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, which reviews and publishes annual tax rate and tax revenue information.
• The City owns and maintains over $3 billion in infrastructure assets such as roads, water mains, facilities, drainage, parks and the sewer system.
• Starting in 2020, the City began budgeting to add 15 new RCMP members, three per year, over a five year period. In addition, 2023 will be the first full budget year for four additional bike patrol members that were added to the budget in 2022. These geographically targeted units will patrol the downtown area and work proactively in an outreach capacity with the Community Outreach Team.

Explosions in Esplanade Mine killed 150 miners 136 years ago

Explosions started at 5:55 pm on May 3, 1887, 260 meters below sea level in what was known as the city's largest mine, No. 1 Esplanade Mine.

The blast was so forceful it rocketed through the underground shafts for almost a kilometre and the underground fire burned for two weeks. Because of such damage, the last of the bodies could not be recovered until July and unfortunately seven men never were recovered and remain somewhere beneath the Nanaimo Harbour to this day.

This tragic accident took the lives of 150 miners, a massive loss to a community of approximately 2,000 people at the time. Forty six women lost their husbands, 126 children lost their fathers and the mine lost 25 per cent of its employees.

The explosions of the No. 1 Esplanade Mine are known as the worst mining disaster in British Columbia's history and second worst industrial accident in Canada (the mining disaster of 1914 in Hillcrest, Alberta killed 189 miners). 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 anniversary and honour the memory of the lives lost, flags at City of Nanaimo facilities will be lowered to half-mast on Wednesday, May 3.

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.

City marks Youth Week, May 1-7

230419 – The City of Nanaimo is pleased to present the 2023 Youth Week celebrations. Activities are planned from May 1 to May 7, all with the intent of celebrating youth in Nanaimo.

Highlights include youth drop-in sessions (Spare Blox and Youth Lounge), a variety of workshops, including Food Securities, Youth Empowerment, Financial Literacy and Mental Health, as well as a Buttertubs Tour and a Learn to Fish session. Most activities offered during Youth Week are free, and details can be found on the YOUth Nanaimo Facebook page and on the City of Nanaimo website, www.nanaimo.ca.

Link to Strategic Plan: Youth Week aims to connect and engage with youth in our community.

Key Points

• Youth Week events are geared to youth between the ages of 11 and 18 years.
• There are various events scheduled over seven days from May 1-7, 2023.
• Some activities are drop-in while others require pre-registration with Parks, Recreation and Culture.

Quotes

"The cliché is true. The youth are our future! Youth Week is a great chance to celebrate the young citizens in our community and to remember all the energy, enthusiasm, as well as the contributions they make to enhance our City. I invite all youth to participate in activities that happen from May 1 to 7."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

Hanson named to lay foundation for economic development

Key Points

• The NPC is the new corporation tasked with developing a prosperous Nanaimo.
• The Board of the NPC has engaged George Hanson as the Corporation's Strategic Advisor for a term of one year. George was formerly the President and CEO of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance and brings a wealth of experience in developing local economies on Vancouver Island.

Quotes

"Nanaimo is one of Canada's most desirable communities and continues to attract new residents and investors from across Canada and around the world," said Mayor Leonard Krog. ?The NPC will play a key role in making sure we support our existing business community to be even more successful in their endeavours while attracting new investment from farther afield. Creating a Nanaimo that delivers prosperity for our entire community is one of our Council's key goals."

"The Board of the NPC is excited to be working with George Hanson as our Strategic Advisor. George is well known and regarded for his expertise in economic development and is the perfect person to help us get the organization out of the gate on the path to success," added chairman Richard Horbachewski

Hanson said he is happy to be helping the Corporation build a thriving and resilient local economy on a foundation of collaboration and innovation, supportive of existing enterprises and attractive to investors. "Effectively addressing increased economic complexity requires inventive, progressive solutions. The challenges are great, yet so too are the opportunities. Nanaimo's economy is brimming with potential. A focused, results-orientated approach will be used to deliver the corporation's single goal - 'A Prosperous Nanaimo' - while complementing and supporting the other four goals in City Plan for a 'Green, Connected, Healthy and Empowered Nanaimo'."

• The Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation is the economic development corporation through which business, government, First Nation and community partners collaborate to build Nanaimo's economy, and increase the level of shared prosperity enjoyed by those who live here.
• The NPC is owned by the City of Nanaimo, Snuneymuxw First Nation, Nanaimo Airport, Nanaimo Port Authority, Chamber of Commerce and Vancouver Island University.

City introduces new temporary public art

Nanaimo City Council approved two new pieces of public art in December as part of the 2023 Temporary Public Art Program.

• "Compelling Agency" by David Martinello

David Martinello is a Vancouver Island based artist and his proposal, "Compelling Agency", draws attention to the connective value that humans have to wood as a resource. The artist’s intention with his artwork is to have the viewer thoughtfully evaluate their relationship to wood and, in turn, their relationship to their environment while they observe the natural weathering and evolution of this intriguing structural piece during its years on display.

• "Moon Snail House" by Amber Morrison and Matthew Fox

Artist and educator, Amber Morrison, and 3D artist, Matthew Fox, based out of Nanaimo, will captivate passersby with the interactive artwork, "Moon Snail House". The design of the structure will invite admirers to explore this visually appealing, large-scale interactive sculpture. Educational signage will provide information about the Lewis’ moon snail (neverita lewisii) and the intertidal zones of the Salish Sea.

Once created and installed (locations to be determined), it is expected that these two new artworks will be on display for public enjoyment for up to five years.

Since 2010, the City of Nanaimo has been involved in a dynamic and evolving temporary public art program that enhances and animates our parks and public spaces. City parks and spaces are transformed into outdoor art galleries and showcase artworks for a limited period of time.

Link to Strategic Plan: Public art is a cultural contribution that fuels imagination, sparks curiosity and critical thinking and offers a unique reflection of place and people, contributing to character and a shared sense of identity.

Key Points

• A total of 18 proposals were received from a variety of artists and teams in response to a call for artists issued by the City of Nanaimo's Culture and Events team. "Compelling Agency" by David Martinello and "Moon Snail House" by Amber Morrison and Matthew Fox were selected and approved for display.
• The Temporary Public Art Program transforms City parks and spaces into outdoor art galleries showcasing local artworks for a limited period of time.

"During the REIMAGINE Nanaimo process residents voiced their support for these types of programs, commenting that public spaces are enriched by art, and I couldn't agree more. This program enhances our community and it is accessible and freely available to everyone to experience and enjoy."

Leonard Krog

Mayor, City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

• Selected artwork is installed on a temporary basis for the enjoyment of residents and visitors at various locations throughout the City of Nanaimo.
• Each year the City of Nanaimo does a call for submissions for the Temporary Public Art Program. Artists can propose artworks that vary in scale, scope and medium, including temporary sculptural installations, social practice and community engaged artist projects and artwork that is integrated into landscape, architecture or civic infrastructure.

Links

• Temporary Public Art Program

  
  

• Subscribe to the Love Arts Nanaimo Newsletter

Parks and Rec job fair slated for April 13

The Parks, Recreation and Culture department is holding a Job Fair on Thursday, April 13, 2-7 p.m. at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre at 741 Third Street.

Recreation professionals will be on site to answer questions and accept applications on site for the following areas:

Aquatics

Arenas

Business Services

Community Recreation

Cultural Opportunities

Custodial Services

Parks and Trails

Interested applicants are invited to ask questions of staff and to bring their resume so that they can apply right at the Job Fair.

Link to Strategic Plan: Providing quality of life for the community through Parks, Recreation and Culture services.

Key Points

The Parks, Recreation and Culture Job Fair will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2-7 pm at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre.

The Job Fair will have information on careers in aquatics, arenas, business services, community recreation, cultural opportunities, custodial services and parks.

Mayor Leonard Krog says Parks, Recreation and Culture services contribute greatly to our community and quality of life.

Parks, Recreation and Culture Job Fair 2023

City installing new water, sewer service

while upgrading Albert/Fourth Street

Project funded in part from Canada Community-Building Fund, BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program

230327 - With help from federal and provincial governments, the City of Nanaimo is starting work to upgrade Albert/Fourth Street. The City will replace aging water mains, provide a new fish-friendly culvert for Cat Stream, improve sanitary sewer mains, and undertake safety and roadway improvements on Albert Street between Pine and Milton Streets.

"This project will improve City infrastructure - critical water and storm drainage pipes - and help us reach our goals for a resilient and sustainable future. Albert between Pine and Milton will see improved passage for all road users along a somewhat difficult section of roadway. Funding from the two senior levels of government through the Canada Community-Building Fund and the Active Transportation Grant will offset some of the costs for surface improvements, enabling completion of a key transportation route," said Mayor Leonard Krog.

Water main improvements include replacing an aging steel watermain and adding a new watermain on Pine Street to improve water quality and available flow for firefighting and reduce the risk of future failures. The Cat Stream culvert under Albert Street will be increased in size to handle larger storms due to climate change and to improve fish passage.

Infrastructure upgrades provide an opportunity to improve safety and comfort of all roadway users including those who walk, bike, take transit, and drive along this corridor.

With contributions of $846,000 from the Government of Canada’s Canada Community-Building Fund and $500,000 from the B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program, Nanaimo will include cycling facilities, concrete sidewalks, street lighting, improved transit stops, and a retaining wall to provide additional road width along the S-curve on Albert Street between Pine and Kennedy Streets.

The total project construction costs are expected to be $4.4 million. These costs include $2.2 million for underground utilities, $1.3 million for roadworks, street lighting and retaining wall, and $0.9 million for sidewalks and cycling lanes.

Albert Street between Pine Street and Kennedy Street will be closed to traffic during much of the construction. Access will be available for pedestrians, bicycles, buses, garbage and recycling vehicles, and emergency vehicles only.

Construction work is expected to be completed in fall 2023. For the latest project information, please visit the project webpage at: www.nanaimo.ca/goto/AlbertFourth2

Key Points

• Traffic delays and detours can be expected at all times during construction.
• Infrastructure upgrades will improve water quality and available flow for firefighting, replace aging infrastructure, prepare for climate change, enhance fish habitat and improve the roadway for all users.
• The active transportation component of the project is partially funded through a Canada Community-Building Fund grant ($846,000 value) and an Active Transportation Grant ($500,000 value). The Canada Community-Building Fund is administered in British Columbia by the Union of B.C. Municipalities.

Quotes

“The Canada Community-Building Fund delivers flexible funding to municipalities so that they can prioritize projects centered around what their communities need the most. The Government of Canada will continue supporting these targeted investments in local infrastructure that help build greener and more resilient communities.”

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan,
Minister of International Development and
Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic
Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of
the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc,
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs,
Infrastructure and Communities

“Building more benefits into infrastructure projects for the people who will use and rely on them makes communities more affordable and more livable for everyone. Combining active transportation projects with important public works addresses multiple needs at once and is a great way for local governments to maximize the value of their investment.”

Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan

Applications open for Advisory Committee

on Accessibility and Inclusiveness

Deadline to apply is April 21

230322 – The City of Nanaimo is now accepting applications for eleven volunteer at-large members for the Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness (ACAI).

The purpose of the ACAI is to promote social and political equity within existing and proposed City plans, policies, bylaws and infrastructure and make recommendations to ensure that the City is inclusive and accommodating to citizens of all ages, abilities and walks of life. The term for this committee will end October 2026.

Those interested in joining the committee are encouraged to visit the City website to review the terms of reference before submitting an application. Residents of Nanaimo who have experience related to matters of accessibility and inclusiveness and wish to make a difference in their community are encouraged to apply.

Application forms can be submitted online, downloaded from www.nanaimo.ca/goto/committees, or picked up from Legislative Services in City Hall (455 Wallace Street). Applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 21.

Link to Strategic Plan: The Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness supports City Plan's Empowered Nanaimo goals.

Key Points

• The City of Nanaimo is accepting applications for eleven Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness positions.
• Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness meetings will be held once every two months.
• Applications will be accepted between March 22 and April 21, 2023.
  
  

Quotes

"We are very excited to see this committee starting up again, and look forward to seeing a diverse group of citizens volunteer to put their names forward. If you care about your community, and have a passion for helping to ensure our City is accessible and inclusive to all, we invite you to apply."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

• In September 2022 updates were made to the Accessible British Columbia Act, requiring public sector organizations to establish an accessibility committee.
• The ACAI was first established in December 2019. Membership requirements were recently updated to reflect changes directed under the Accessible BC Act.
• Under the new legislation, at least half of the members must be persons with disabilities or persons representing a disability-serving organization. Indigenous representation must also be included.

Links

• Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness Web Page
• ACAI Online Application Form

Nanaimo Parkway/Highway 19 to close March 26 to 30

Traffic must detour nightly from 7 pm to 7 am

The City of Nanaimo’s Midtown Water Supply Project is well under way. From March 26 to March 30, the Nanaimo Parkway (Hwy 19) will be closed between the Jingle Pot/Third Street intersection and the College Drive/Fifth Street intersection to install a water pipeline crossing. Over the four-day period, the closures will be in effect from 7 pm to 7 am.

Northbound traffic will be detoured via the truck route down Fifth Street to Wakesiah Avenue and up Third Street/Jingle Pot Road. Southbound traffic will be diverted down Jingle Pot Road/Third Street to Wakesiah Avenue and back up Fifth Street. Drivers are reminded to drive carefully and pay close attention to signage.

Commuters and commercial traffic are encouraged use the Old Island Highway (Hwy 19A) as an alternate route.

In addition, Nanaimo residents who have registered for alerts through the City's Voyent Alert! system, will receive an informational alert as a reminder of the overnight closure. To receive alerts, please visit www.nanaimo.ca/goto/alerts for instructions on how to sign up.

For more information, visit the Midtown Water Supply Project page at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/MidtownWater.

Link to Strategic Plan: The Midtown Water Supply Project supports a resilient community by ensuring a safe water supply to a growing Nanaimo.

"Thank you to all drivers for their understanding and cooperation during this detour. It will enable an important highway crossing to be installed quickly and safely. This water supply backbone is one of the City's most significant infrastructure projects to date, improving resilience, reliable access to safe clean potable water and fire protection in our community."

Bill Sims
General Manager, Engineering & Public Works

City of Nanaimo

Culture and Heritage Recipients are announced

The City has celebrated local excellence in arts and culturethrough its annual Culture Awards event since 1998. The awards honourextraordinary achievement and raise awareness and pride for the calibre of artsand culture activity in Nanaimo, as well as the dynamic impact of the sector onour community’s economic, social and cultural well-being.

Mayor LeonardKrog congratulated the 2023 Culture Award winners – Joel Good and MargotHolmes. “Their talent, imagination, long hours of dedicated effort andleadership contribute to the beauty and richness of our arts and culturecommunity and benefit all of us," said the Mayor.

The public is invited to a celebration of award recipientsat a free community event at the Port Theatre on April 25.

The 2023 Culture Heritage Award recipients are:

Excellence in Culture, Joel Good

Joel Good won the Excellence in Culture Award for hisachievements in visual art. He is a traditional Coast Salish artist fromSnuneymuxw First Nation, well-known for several inspiring local public artinstallations. Good's designs are informed by Snuneymuxw oral history, taughtto him by his father, as well as research into traditional Coast Salish artforms. He adeptly fuses Snuneymuxw teachings and classical painting inspired bythe work of his mother, artist and painter Sandra Moorhouse-Good, to form hisown traditional style.

Good and his father, master carver and historian Dr.William Good collaborated on two Coast Salish house post totem poles inst’lilup (Departure Bay). Together, they also created a pole in honour ofMissing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, for Tillicum Lelum AboriginalFriendship Centre in Nanaimo.

Using Snuneymuxw techniques, Good also creates steam-bentboxes. A video showing this process is available on the Nanaimo LadysmithPublic Schools YouTube channel.

A selection of Good’s other prominent commissions includethe Spindle Whorl and Dancing Eagle panel for the City of Nanaimo, along withart for the Nanaimo Art Gallery, Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre, Snuneymuxw FirstNation, Leadership Vancouver Island, BC Hydro and the Canadian Museum for HumanRights.

Good’s art has received both national and internationalattention featured on garments created by Ay Lelum - The Good House of Design,run by his sisters Aunalee Boyd-Good and Sophia Seward Good. Joel’s designs on AyLelum couture and ready-to-wear garments have been on the runways of VancouverFashion Week and New York Fashion Week, and have graced the pages of numerouspublications like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

Honour in Culture, Margot Holmes

Margot Holmes won an Honour in Culture Award for herlong-time career as the Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver IslandSymphony, promoting Canadian culture and championing the performing artscommunity for over three decades. Holmes continues to develop community partnershipsand find new ways of connecting the arts to audiences and sponsors.

Caline Artists International, owned by Holmes for the past32 years, has played an integral role in developing the careers of hundreds ofCanadian musicians. As an agent and manager for professional musicians, she’stoured artists, including the British Columbia Boys Choir, around the globe ascultural ambassadors for Nanaimo and Canada while assisting them to buildsuccessful long-term careers.

She has worked with a variety of non-profit artsorganizations presenting hundreds of arts events both large and small. In 2015,she spearheaded the creation of Festival Nanaimo, coordinating an annualmonth-long festival each March. During the pandemic she kept Nanaimo culturealive by instigating Vancouver Island Symphony summer pop-up concerts, theNanaimo Big Band Festival, the Chapters series of four multi-genre events atthe Port Theatre and the Music from Edges of Canada series - 11 double billconcerts live streamed from theatres coast to coast.

Holmes is a dynamic supporter of veteran and emergingartists in our city and constantly creates opportunities for them to connect,grow and thrive. She has a long list of awards including the 2007 Arts andCulture Advocate of the year, the 2008 Agent of the Year, the 2014 CulturalChampion Award for Arts Leadership awarded by Business for Arts Canada, the2014 City of Nanaimo Award of Distinction for her contribution to the Arts, andthe 2015 Agent of the Year awarded by Canadian Arts Presenters.

"On behalf of City Council and the community, I call upon the federal and provincial governments to recognize their responsibility to our residents and to step up and take meaningful action now. Our City is not able to fix the underlying issues that have led to the problems we are facing and the kind of situation that unfolded here on Sunday.

"When government is no longer able to protect people and their property, we are in a dangerous place.

"Despite our efforts to increase public safety and clean up the downtown - at significant cost to taxpayers - we continue to struggle with the effects of senior government policies that have failed to curb violence from known offenders or help the most vulnerable among us. As a result, some people feel they have no option but to take matters into their own hands," Krog said.

Since 2018, Nanaimo has taken a multi-pronged approach to public safety, homelessness and the housing crisis. Among those actions, the City created and is implementing a Health and Housing Action Plan, including the newly-launched Systems Planning Organization.

The City is leading a Situation Table where vulnerable people can be identified and helped, and approved the Downtown Safety Action Plan. The safety plan includes 12 Community Safety Officers to proactively identify and prevent conflict, and enhanced cleaning of parkades and other downtown areas. With CSOs in place, Bylaw officers and police can focus on enforcement throughout the City.

This year, taxpayers will see the full cost of CSOs and the two full-time, seven-day-a week Clean Teams in the City budget.

City Council also approved hiring an additional 20 firefighters this year and 20 in 2025, plus six civilian RCMP members this year and nine civilian and sworn members in the coming five years. The new police staff will relieve officers of administrative work and allow police more time to focus on protecting the public.

Nanaimo was part of the 13-member Union of BC Municipalities Urban Mayors' Caucus. At the urging of those 13 mayors, the Province is adding new funding for police under the Safer Communities Plan, and has committed to strengthening enforcement and enhancing service delivery.

At $410 million, the construction value of building permits in the City of Nanaimo last year was second only to 2019, with residential units leading the way. Building permits were issued for a total of 1,370 residential units with 1,065 of those in multi-unit developments.

"Our population is growing and our housing options are growing with it,” says Mayor Leonard Krog. “With more and more housing concentrated in areas where people can easily access shopping, services and employment, we are becoming a more vibrant urban centre. By growing up, rather than out, Nanaimo is protecting green spaces and natural areas and providing housing options that more people can afford."

Private developers are responding to public demand for more housing in urban centres, including downtown, with projects throughout the city. Some highlights include an 87-unit multi-family building at 550 Brechin Road, a mixed-use development with 98 residential units at 4831 Cedar Ridge Place and a 160-unit seniors care residence at 4979 Wills Road. In addition, the popularity of secondary suites and carriage houses in single-family homes continued with 152 building permits granted.

The City's long-term vision of more complete neighbourhoods with convenient access to services that can be linked by transportation corridors, including bus service, was confirmed through the REIMAGINE Nanaimo public consultation process. For more information on development growth in Nanaimo, visit www.nanaimo.ca/whatsbuilding.

Link to Strategic Plan: Multi-family housing in urban centres, including downtown, supports the goals of City Plan:Nanaimo ReImagined.

Key Points

• The value of building permits issued by the City of Nanaimo in 2022 was $410 million, second only to 2019 when building permit values topped $445 million.
• The resurgence in construction activity shows that Nanaimo has a strong economy and demand for housing remains high.
• The long term vision of more complete neighbourhoods near town centres and downtown was confirmed through public consultation and is embedded in City Plan: Nanaimo ReImagined. Building permits issued in 2022 show that vision is becoming a reality through the construction of multi-unit buildings near transportation corridors and urban amenities.
• The 2022 building permit results show that developers are delivering the housing types that people want.

23/02/28

The City of Nanaimo's Midtown Gateway Project and the Midtown Water Supply Project will be teaming up to install critical underground infrastructure across Bowen Road and into Beban Park in March. This approach is efficient but will restrict access and delay traffic.

From March 1 to 31, the southern Bowen Road access to Beban Park will be closed all day and night to all vehicle traffic, cyclists and pedestrians. All other park access points are open and accessible.

Pedestrians using the Bowen Road sidewalk along Beban Park must follow sidewalk detour signage and use the sidewalk on the opposite side of Bowen Road. All main parking lots, facilities and park amenities within Beban Park are open during construction. For the public's safety, some areas of the park are fenced-off and restricted for all non-construction personnel. Please exercise caution, obey all signage and follow the directions of any flag persons on duty.

From March 11 to 26, there will be alternating lane closures on Bowen Road 24 hours per day. One vehicle lane per direction will be available, however, drivers are encouraged to use an alternate route if possible to avoid delays. Rosstown Road at the intersection of Bowen Road will be closed to vehicle access 24 hours per day.

Drivers are asked to detour around using Pheasant Terrace and Labieux Road. There will also be no transit service along Rosstown Road or Pheasant Terrace during this time. Transit users are asked to use existing bus stops on Labieux Road and to check out the latest information at www.bctransit.com/nanaimo/schedules-and-maps/alerts.

Construction work will typically take place Mondays through Fridays, from 7 am to 7 pm; however, it will expand to 24 hours per day from March 11 to March 26 in order to complete the works across Bowen Road as quickly as possible and to minimize disruption.

All businesses will remain open and accessible during construction.

Please note there will be other significant traffic disruptions required for these projects in the coming months. More details will be provided soon.

The City thanks residents for their on-going patience during these important construction projects. Please follow the City's Facebook or Twitter accounts (@cityofnanaimo) and visit the project webpage at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/MidtownGateway for the most current information.

Link to Strategic Plan: These projects support a livable Nanaimo.

Key Points

• March 1 to 31: The southern Bowen Road access to Beban Park will be closed 24 hours per day to all vehicle traffic, cyclists and pedestrians. Please use alternate park access.
• March 11-26: Alternating lane closures on Bowen Road will be in affect 24 hours per day. One lane in each direction will be available. Drivers are encouraged to use an alternate route if possible to avoid delays.
• March 11 to 26: Rosstown Road at the intersection of Bowen Road will be closed to vehicle access 24 hours per day. Drivers are asked to detour around using Pheasant Terrace and Labieux Road.
• March 11 to 26: There will be no transit service along Rosstown Road or Pheasant Terrace. Transit users are asked to use existing bus stops on Labieux Road, and check out the latest information at www.bctransit.com/nanaimo/schedules-and-maps/alerts.

"It is incredibly important for our infrastructure to keep up with our growth, and the coordination of these two major midtown projects to bring as little disruption on Bowen Rd as possible is more than just good timing, it's great planning."

Mayor Leonard Krog

• Midtown Gateway Project page

  
  

• Midtown Water Supply Project page

  
  

• BC Transit Customer Advisories Webpage

  
  

City provides funding for cold weather sheltering

23/02/22

With temperatures dropping due to arctic outflow beginning Wednesday, Feb. 22, the City of Nanaimo is assisting people in need of warming services. The City will again provide funds for existing organizations to extend their hours of service.

"Without housing, staying warm on a cold and often wet night in Nanaimo is a terrible challenge," says Mayor Leonard Krog. "By providing extra services, the City of Nanaimo and service providers are helping to ensure the unhoused are cared for during the extreme cold."

Service hours within the community are as follows:

7-10 Club Society (at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Chapel Street) will be open an additional three hours per day, from 7 am to 7 pm on Thursday, Feb. 23 through Friday, Feb. 24, and can assist 30 to 40 people at one time. Typical 7-10 Club Society hours are Monday to Friday, 10 am to 7 pm.

Unitarian Shelter offers 27 overnight shelter beds and during extreme cold, offers daytime warming centre services to their shelter guests only.

Risebridge, in response to the cold, will provide overnight services by adding additional warming relief hours between 7:30 pm and 7:30 am on Wednesday, Feb. 22 through Friday, Feb. 24. Regular warming hours are 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm every day.

The City of Nanaimo provides funding to 7-10 Club and Risebridge for daytime warming centres for people experiencing homelessness, and to the Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter to assist overnight guests with daytime services as needed. Funding comes from a Union of BC Municipalities ‘Strengthening Communities’ Services program grant to the City to support daytime cold and hot extreme weather service, and the City applies for funding for additional hours of service for extreme weather events through the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

The following services are also available:

Salvation Army has 35 overnight shelter beds and daytime access only for existing shelter guests. Samaritan Place has added five additional beds during extreme cold in addition to its existing 14 beds. St Peter’s Winter Shelter now has 35 beds open 8 pm to 7:30 am.

Visit www.nanaimo.ca/goto/supports for a full list of drop-in and indoor meal services.

Link to Strategic Plan: Providing warming opportunities contributes to a livable community for all.

Key Points

• With temperatures dipping due to arctic outflow beginning Wednesday, the City of Nanaimo will provide funds for existing organizations to extend their hours of service.
• Risebridge, in response to the cold, will provide overnight services by adding additional warming relief hours between 7:30 pm and 7:30 am on Wednesday, Feb. 22 through Friday, Feb. 24. Regular warming hours are 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm every day.
• 7-10 Club Society (at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Chapel Street) will be open from 7 am to 7 pm during extreme cold on Wednesday, Feb. 22 through Friday, Feb. 24, and can assist 30 to 40 people at one time. Open Monday to Friday. Regular warming hours are 10 am to 7 pm.
• The City applies for funding for additional hours of service for extreme weather events through the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

• Services and Supports page on www.nanaimo.ca

Recycle BC now accepting new materials

23/02/21 – Recycle BC’s residential packaging and paper recycling program has been accepting new items, as of Jan. 1. Newly added items will be accepted either in Blue Carts for curbside collection or at depots, depending on the item. These changes resulted from an amendment to the Province of BC’s Recycling Regulation.

Some of these items were previously accepted in the program if the item was indistinguishable from packaging (e.g., foil pie plates, kraft paper bags). Here is a comprehensive list of the new official items you can refer to as a reference.

Newly accepted Blue Cart items include:

Plastics:

• plastic plates, bowls and cups
• plastic cutlery, straws, stir-sticks, and sample sticks
• non-durable plastic food containers
• rigid plastic gift bags or boxes
• plastic plant pots and saucers
• plastic tape dispensers (empty)
• plastic dental floss containers (empty)
• plastic clothing hangers
  
•  

Paper:

• compressed paper clothing hangers
• coated paper plates, bowls and cups
• single-use paper party décor
• paper bags, gift bags, boxes
• corrugated cardboard

Metal:

• aluminum foil
• aluminum-foil baking dishes and pie plates
• metal storage tins (thin gauge)
  
  

Examples of flexible plastics now accepted at depots only:

• single-use foam party decor
• plastic vacuum, sandwich, and freezer bags
• plastic shrink wrap
• soft plastic gift bag or box
• flexible plastic drop sheets and covering
• flexible plastic bubble wrap (no bubble wrap-lined paper)
• flexible plastic recycling bags (blue, clear bags, or yellow or blue bags used for curb-side collection)
• flexible plastic carry-out shopping bags (reusable, plastic only no PVC or vinyl).

All items have been added to the What Goes Where Waste Wizard tool on the Nanaimo Recycles App. Please visit www.nanaimo.ca/goto/WhatGoesWhere to access this search tool or download the App from the App store or Google Play.

Link to Strategic Plan: Supports waste diversion through improved reuse and recycling services for a diversity of materials

Key Points

Depots are now able to accept crinkly and stretchy plastics in one stream so residents will no longer need to separate them in order to take them to the Depot. They do not go into your blue cart.

The Nanaimo Recycles App has a handy What Goes Where Waste Wizard tool that allows you to enter an item to recycle and see which cart to use for curbside pick up or where you can take that item to be recycle at a depot.

Mayor Leonard Krog says the addition of new items by Recycle BC allows progress towards our desired outcome of zero waste throughout the full life cycle of production, consumption, recycling, and disposal to achieve local and regional waste management goals.

Photo Library of Accepted and Unaccepted Material

Amendment to Province of BC's Recycling Regulation

Nanaimo Recycling What Goes Where Waste Wizard Tool

City extends cold weather sheltering and supports

With temperatures dropping due to arctic outflow beginning Saturday night, the City of Nanaimo is assisting people in need of warming services. The City will provide funds for existing organizations to extend their hours of service. City staff and RCMP members will be on the street increasing coverage of wellness checks and providing warming supplies.

Additional service hours are as follows: 7-10 Club Society (at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Chapel Street) will be open from 7 am to 7 pm during cold on Monday, Jan. 30 and Tuesday, Jan. 31, and can assist 30 to 40 people at one time. Open Monday to Friday. Regular warming hours are 10 am to 7 pm.

Unitarian Shelter offers 27 overnight shelter beds and during extreme cold, offers daytime warming centre services to their shelter guests only.

Risebridge, in response to the cold, will operate from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm on Sunday, Jan. 29 and Monday, Jan. 30. Regular warming hours are 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm every day.

The City of Nanaimo provides funding to 7-10 Club and Risebridge for daytime warming centres for people experiencing homelessness, and to the Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter to assist overnight guests with daytime service as needed. Funding comes from a Union of BC Municipalities ‘Strengthening Communities’ Services program grant to the City to support daytime cold and hot extreme weather service.

The following services are also available:

Salvation Army has 35 overnight shelter beds and daytime access only for existing shelter guests. Samaritan Place has added five additional beds during extreme cold in addition to its existing 14 beds. St Peter’s Winter Shelter now has 34 beds open 8 pm to 7:30 am.

In addition, the City’s Community Safety Officers (CSO) will be working extended hours. A team of CSOs will be on and performing wellness checks until 2:30 am, with the next shift starting at 4 am. CSOs have been handing out warming supplies, cold weather clothing and hot drinks as needed. RCMP members are also performing wellness checks, offering assistance and coordinating response with CSOs.

Visit www.nanaimo.ca/goto/supports for a full list of drop-in and indoor meal services.

Link to Strategic Plan: Providing warming opportunities contributes to a livable community for all.

23/01/15

Nanaimo City Council is pleased to honour Craig Evans with a Patron of the City award to recognize his exceptional service to the community for more than three decades. A resident of Nanaimo since the 1970s,  Evans has been a passionate advocate for community food systems, the environment and local organic farms.

With enthusiastic dedication to local, sustainable food production, Mr. Evans is credited as the founder of the Nanaimo Community Gardens in 1987, the Nanaimo Foodshare Society in 1997 and the VIU Farmers Market in 2013. He also co-founded the Growing Opportunities Farm Community Co-op in 2009 and the Farmship Growers Cooperative in 2013.

Over the years, Mr. Evans has been a strong advocate on a number of environmental initiatives. In 1978, he founded the Nanaimo Recycling Society and is credited for starting and organizing curbside pickups for the entire city. At the time, this recycling operation was Canada’s largest recycling operation west of Kitchener, Ontario. In 1999, he was awarded the Environmental Achievement Award from the City of Nanaimo for his work in promoting recycling and community gardening.

His advocacy efforts halted plans for a proposed ferrochromium plant at Jack Point and a BRINI waste incinerator in 1991. From 2013-2015, Mr. Evans was a Director for the Colliery Dams Preservation Society which successfully sought to protect and preserve Colliery Dam Park.

In 2000, Mr. Evans began working at Vancouver Island University as a Worksite Trainer for the Employment and Life Skills Training Program. He currently works in the Work Essential Skills Training (WEST) Program, mentoring students with diverse abilities and securing them work training sites.

The service that Mr. Evans has provided his community for more than three decades has inspired many and will have a lasting impact for years to come. The City is grateful for his dedication to the environment and the people of Nanaimo and is pleased to bestow him with the honour of Patron of the City.

Link to Strategic Plan: Environmental Responsibility and Livability: Craig Evans has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to protecting our environment and ensuring a livable future for future generations.

Key Points

• The Patron of the City award recognizes outstanding achievement and selfless volunteerism.
• A certificate was presented to Mr. Evans during a private ceremony on Jan. 4, 2023.
• Mr. Evans will be honoured at a special ceremony during a future Council meeting.
  
  

"I have known Craig for nearly 40 years. He is modest, kind and compassionate and is indeed a worthy recipient for this award and an outstanding example of what real citizenship is about." said Mayor Leonard Krog. "We are at our best when we are “doing for others” and he has done that his whole life. Our City is a better place because of all he has done, particularly for those who have faced real challenges."

• Patron/Companion of the City Policy

  
  

• Previous recipients of the Patron/Companion of the City award

July 1, 2023