Snowbirds Comox Training Over For This Year

Photo credit Sheryl Falls

One of the Snowbirds Signatures

The Snowbirds have finished their spring training at Comox airbase for another season and those of us fortunate enough to witness their feats of precision flying were fortunate to have such a vantage point.

The days we were up there felt like an early summers day and the weatherman could not have been more cooperative.

I believe the next time you can see them in Comox this year is during an Air Show in August.

The CF - 18 Hornet put on a 20 minute demonstration either at the beginning or the end of the two daily shows put on by the Snowbirds during their practice sessions.

Photo Credit Sheryl Falls

Province Issues Revised Order For Colliery Dams

City of Nanaimo Press Release
Distributed April 30, 2015

City receives revised Order from the Provincial Dam Safety Section

On April 29 the City received a revised Order from the Province's Dam Safety Section which included the consideration of a third option (overtopping design) to address risks associated with the Lower Colliery Dam.  The revised Order states that, pursuant to the Water Act, the Comptroller of Water Rights orders the City of Nanaimo to:

• Select one of three Lower Dam remediation options (labyrinth spillway design, auxiliary spillway design or overtopping design);
• Notify the Province of the selected option by June 1, 2015 and, if proceeding with the overtopping option, include a report from a qualified independent expert concurring the overtopping meets the required regulations (the independent expert is required to have qualifications in dam design, hydrology and overtopping protection of dams);
• Prepare and submit design and construction plans to the Province by June 22, 2015;
• Substantially complete construction of the chosen remediation option by November 15, 2015;
• Evaluate options to remediate the Middle Colliery Dam by the end of 2015 and implement a revised plan no later than 2017.

The timelines provided to the City by the Comptroller of Water Rights must be carried out in a tight window of time. City Staff will work closely with all required parties to meet the associated deadlines.

Members of the public seeking information concerning the Colliery Dams are encouraged to visit the Colliery Dam Information page located on the City's website.

"City Staff will quickly move forward with identifying a third party expert that is acceptable to the Comptroller." - Toby Seward Acting GM, Community Development and Protective Services City of Nanaimo 

Colliery Dams - Direct Action Group Takes Shape

"THE DAMS ARE FINE"

Mr. Terry Lee Wagar, who has been involved with the Colliery Dams Park saga for quite sometime has begun a new group on Facebook with the intent of preserving the integrity of Colliery Dam Park even if that involves committing civil disobedience.

One of Mr. Wagar's posts on the page in part says:

" Members of this group agree with then Councilor Bill Mackay that "the Dams are fine".. Unlike Mr.Mackay, however, we mean it and are willing to back it up with Direct Action. Direct Action means that we are willing to commit Civil Disobedience, by means of public protests, and other actions that may not be legal - such as blocking construction work at the Dam, or defying court orders aimed at stopping public protest. This group is for people to publicly state their intent to stand up and risk arrest to fight for our Park.

Members of this group know that the Dams have not been proven dangerous, and will not stand for their tax dollars being wasted on needless work at the Park"
You can check out this new group and follow their progress by visiting their page which is public.

At the Queen's - Thursday April 30/15

City of Nanaimo Colliery Dams Update

City of Nanaimo Press Release
Colliery Dam Update

At its meeting held April 27, Council directed staff to request that the Comptroller of Water Rights amend his Order of April 9 to allow consideration of a third remediation option (overtopping) and a 30-day extension for the City to submit a remediation option, submit a design, and substantially complete the chosen remediation for the Lower Colliery Dam.  The third remediation option includes hardening the downstream embankment of the Lower Dam and improvements to the Lower Dam spillway/dam.  Additionally, Council directed staff to engage an engineering consultant to assist in preparation of the design drawings, costs and timelines and allocate funds to undertake the work required.

The City has received verbal confirmation from the Dam Safety Section that the Comptroller would agree to the time amendments and third remediation option and that he would be responding formally later this week.

City staff have notified the engineering consultants that will be involved in the preparation of the design drawing, costs, and timelines.

Members of the public seeking additional information concerning the Colliery Dams are encouraged to visit the Colliery Dams Information page located on the City's website.

"Staff and consultants will be moving forward immediately in preparation of this information for Council’s consideration prior to the June 1 deadline for submission of a remediation option for the Colliery Dams." - Toby Seward Acting General Manager, Community Development & Protective Services City of Nanaimo 

Colliery Dams Are Just Fine Leave Them Alone

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Note: Email subscribers may have to visit Nanaimo Info Blog to view this video

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They are 'just fine' but lets spend Millions of tax dollars on them anyway!!!

During the election campaign Bill McKay was asked for his opinion on the Colliery Dams. Now that he is Mayor McKay his position on the Colliery Dams seems to have changed somewhat.

During the campaign he said the dams were fine and we should leave them alone. Before getting elected he seemed to promise under his leadership we would not spend any more money on them.

Now, that he has been elected to the 'Big Chair' he seems to be of the opinion that council is no longer a cat chasing it's tail, and that the community is no longer laughing at them. 

I would hazard a guess that it seems he is now the one chasing his tail, and many while not laughing at him, are absolutely upset at what appears another example of political flip-flop, saying one thing to get votes and then the opposite once elected.

Council Meeting/Agenda Changes

Agenda packages available Tuesday

During its April 20th meeting, Council voted to adopt the City of Nanaimo's Procedure Bylaw so as to introduce a series of updates and timelines which, once implemented, are intended to streamline processes supporting Council meetings.  Key changes include:

• With a few exceptions, Council meetings will be held the first and third Monday of each month (previously meetings were held during the second and fourth week).  Committee of the Whole meetings will be held the opposite Monday.
• The deadline to submit items for inclusion on a meeting agenda is 12 p.m. on the second Friday preceding the meeting; the agenda will be published and made available to the public by 4 p.m. on the Tuesday preceding the meeting. 
• The deadline to submit a late item or appear as a delegation is 11 a.m. on the Friday preceding the meeting, with the addendum agenda made available by 4 p.m.

"Allowing a greater opportunity to review agenda packages before meetings allows Council and the public to become better prepared to discuss City business." - Bill McKay Mayor City of Nanaimo

Band Tailed Pigeon Feeding Frenzy

The band tailed pigeons have returned to the neighbourhood and while seeing 2 or 3 at a time at the feeder is not unusual, the other morning no fewer than 8 of them tried to top up at the same time. The pan can easily accommodate a half dozen sparrows, but 8 of these guys was a bit of a show.

Many Canadians Expect To Never Stop Working

Semi-Retirement Expected By Many

A Canadian Press article published by Huffington Post suggests more than half of Canadians either plan to ease into retirement by working reduced hours or have no plans to ever quit.

While financial pressures have a bearing on some peoples need to keep working 38% were choosing to work because they did not want to fully retire. Many said they choose to continue to keep physically fit and mentally active.

World's Best Places To Retire in 2015

According to International Living the best place to retire is Ecuador which is listed as the #1 retirement haven. They claim a couple can live well there on $1400/month including rent. A doctor's visit is said to cost $10 while a main course in a restaurant can be had for as little as $2.50.

World-class medical facilities are reported throughout the country and direct flights from the States are listed as another advantage claiming one of the most robust economies on the continent with a GDP growing an average of 4.54% a year since 2,000.

Public Art Relocated Downtown

"Spindle Whorl"

Public art to be installed at corner of Commercial/Wallace/Victoria Cr.

Since 2010, the City of Nanaimo has been involved in a dynamic and evolving temporary public art program that enhances and animates our City’s parks. Each year, outdoor artwork is installed on a temporary basis for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. City parks essentially become outdoor art galleries and showcase artworks for a limited period of time.

"Spindle Whorl" was carved by artist Joel Good in 2013 as part of the City's Temporary Public Art program.  Since 2013, "Spindle Whorl" has been displayed in Maffeo Sutton Park for public viewing.

Joel Good is a member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation who brings a unique personal style to traditional Coast Salish designs. Historically used as a tool for spinning wool into yarn, the spindle whorl has become an iconic symbol for the Snuneymuxw. Carvings in relief depict family stories and legends.

This week, "Spindle Whorl" will be relocated to the corner of Commercial Street/Wallace Street/Victoria Crescent (location of the old Spar Tree & High Rigger) and a public seating feature will be installed.

Green Bin Theft In Nanaimo - Growing Problem

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The City of Nanaimo would like to remind residents to keep a close watch on their green bin, as thefts are on the increase. 

The Public Works Department receives one or two calls a day from residents reporting missing green bins.

Bins are going missing in all parts of the city. They are mostly taken on collection day when they are placed out at the curbside. 

Please note that the refuse collectors will never remove your green bin.

• Residents should write their address on the can in large letters to dissuade thieves.
• Place your green bin at the curbside before 8 am on the day of collection. Do not put it out the night before.
• Remember to remove your green bin from the curbside as soon as possible after it has been emptied.

Green bins can be purchased from the Public Works Department on 2020 Labieux Road. They cost $25.

"It started off as the odd surprising one off call from residents to say that their green bin had gone missing, but the problem now seems to have escalated. We are now receiving one or two calls a day to say that the bins have been stolen. The best way to protect your green bin is to clearly write your address on it." - Charlotte Davis Manager Sanitation and Recycling City of Nanaimo 

Nanaimo City Council Meeting May 4/15

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City Council Meeting

Mon., May 04, 2015

7:00 PM Shaw Auditorium

Vancouver Is. Conference Centre

Note: Prior to this regular meeting, council will attend an in-camera meeting which started at 5:30 pm.

• 1 Port Drive CP Ferry Dock Demolition Tender (Wellcox Property)
• Access Options for Linley Valley West/Linley Valley Drive
• Liquor Licence Application for permanent change - 241 Skinner Street
• DVP 3280 Crystal Place . 3680 Howden Drive
• DVP 6284 Icarus Drive
• Resoning Application 5030 Hammond Bay Road
• Unresolved building deficiencies - 2137 Duggan Road
• Appointment of Bylaw Enforcement Officers
• Property Maintenance Bylaw - 2004 Lakeside Drive, 555 Milton St., 96 Princess Street, 2612 Labieux Rd.
• Bylaws - Financial Plan Bylaw 2015 be adopted, Tax Rates Bylaw 2015 be adopted, Road closure and decication removal Albion St. adjacent 456 Bruce Ave., pass third reading.

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 Democracy Is Too Important To Leave To The Politicians

Do Your Civic Duty By Getting Informed and Getting Involved

If you say: " I'm too busy just trying to keep it together to get involved, consider that perhaps, if you were more involved you might not be having so much trouble keeping it together "!

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You can view this Council Meeting Agenda here - - -  Agenda .

If you can't attend council meetings in person (preferred) you can watch regular council meetings on Shaw cable channel #4. You can also watch the meetings live on the city website using this link. 

The regular city council meetings are the only ones broadcast live on either Shaw Cable or streaming video from the city website. The Committee of the Whole meetings, while not broadcast live are recorded and can be viewed on the city website HERE.

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As this is a new council with 5 new members it is important to note that the following decisions were not made by this council. I will leave it posted for a time as a reminder of the type of spending that council is capable of when the electorate isn't paying attention. 

If this new council makes questionable spending decisions as we go forward (and I am sure they will) It would be my intent to document them here and replace the following list with a 'new' list. Hopefully, it will be a very short list.

FIRST THING TO MAKE THE LIST:

In spite of promises to demonstrate fiscal responsibility, the first thing this council has done is approve a 6% increase in wages for CUPE employees over the next 3 years. This is well above the settlements the province is signing with other unions.

SECOND THING TO MAKE THE LIST:

On Feb. 2/15  a resolution of Council was passed with a 7:1 vote which was giving staff instructions with regards the Colliery Dams. This motion was ignored by City staff and this Council has shown no desire to see their wishes were carried out by City staff. As a precedent this is likely as disturbing as any fiscal decisions made by council. It goes to the heart of our whole democratic system.

Some Previous Council Decisions You Might Want To Think About

The city just agreed to pay an outside firm nearly $25,000 to review the city website's content and set up a navigation structure. Our IT head gets paid about $150,000 a year and IT staff are paid at least $37.00/hr. and yet they can't properly set up the city website?

South Island Zone Drama Festival

For Tickets and more information

Income Tax Filing Extended to May 5/15

This Canadian Press report says Canadians will now have until May 5/15 to file and pay their income taxes for 2014.

The extension was due to an error in a notification sent out by CRA to tax preparers indicating the deadline was May 5.

Good news for procrastinators and those owing taxes.............. 5 more days to put it off, and who knows, maybe in those 5 days your winning lotto ticket might come in.

Colliery Dams Solution

Nanaimo Events This Weekend - May 2 & 3

The Tidesmen Chorus present

Gunfight at BBS Corral

May 2 - 2:00 & 7:30 pm

Tickets & Details

BookFest 2015

Saturday May 2 - 11:00 am

Tickets & Details

Island Fantasy Ball

May 2 & 3

Beban Park Social Centre

Tickets & Details

Opera Nanaimo presents

La Fille du Regiment

Sunday May 3 - 2:30 pm

Tickets & Details

Nanaimo Heritage Days Volunteers Needed

Click image to complete volunteer form

Volunteer for the 2015 Nanaimo Heritage Days

Nanaimo Heritage Days is the annual May long weekend celebration with Street Festival, Fireworks and Parade downtown Nanaimo. And we need your help to make it happen!

Approx. 100 volunteers are required for both PRE-EVENT and EVENT DAY roles including handing out event letters and information to residents & downtown merchants, parade marshaling & registration, road closure monitor, distributing voting ballots along parade route, light duty set up/tear down, information, site maintenance, site security, children’s activities...and more!

Worth Repeating.......................

.............................'nuff said

Spring Carnival Comes To Nanaimo

West Coast Amusements presents:

Spring Carnival

Nanaimo North Town Centre

April 30 - May 3

Thursday - 3:00 - 10:00 pm

Friday - 3:00 - 11:00 pm

Saturday - 3:00 - 11:00 pm

Sunday - Noon - 6:00 pm

RIDES - GAMES - FOOD - FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Island Roots Market - Nanaimo Open Wednesday

Pleasant Valley Hall

6100 Doumont Road (off Metral Dr.)

Wednesday 3:00 - 6:00 pm

Vancouver Island Conference Centre

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Vancouver Island Conference Centre

101 Gordon Street

Nanaimo, BC

Phone (250) 244-4050

Wildlife in Nanaimo Parks

Report Bear or Cougar Sightings

The City of Nanaimo would like to remind residents to watch for wildlife in Nanaimo's parks and trails. This time of year is busy with wildlife activity such as bears and their young seeking food to restore fat reserves depleted during winter and deer fawning season. 

While enjoying Nanaimo's many parks and trails people are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and keep an eye out for wildlife. Drivers are also reminded that deer are not uncommon on our roads especially at dusk and during the evening.

If you encounter a bear or cougar in one of Nanaimo's parks please contact 250-758-5222 or 250-756-5200.

"We are fortunate to live in a beautiful, natural setting. In this type of environment we must always be aware that wildlife are around us and use care when in Nanaimo's parks and trails." - Al Britton Manager, Parks Operations City of Nanaimo 

Colliery Dams Update - April 27/15

The special open council meeting which convened at 4:30 pm in advance of the regularly scheduled COW meeting only had one item on the agenda. This one item consumed nearly three hours of this council's time and basically put the stamp of approval on the staff recommendation.

Nearing the end of the three hour exercise Councillor Pratt said she was confused, but later voted on the issue before council in the affirmative.

The staff recommendation which council finally approved was:

That Council direct staff to: 

1. Request that the Comptroller of Water Rights amend his Order of 2015-APR-09 to allow the City additional time to explore a third remediation option for the Colliery Dams as follows:

(a) submit selected remediation option to the Comptroller by 2015-JUN-01; 
(b) prepare and submit a design report and construction plans for approval under Section 4 of the BC Dam Safety Regulation by 2015-JUN-22; and 
(c) substantially complete chosen remediation by 2015-NOV-15. 

2. Explore a third remediation option that includes hardening the downstream embankment of the Lower Dam and improvements to the Lower Dam as noted in the design presented to Council on 2015-APR-13 (Attachment A). Undertake no upgrades to the Middle Dam at this time. 

3. Engage engineering consultants (Golder Associates, Herold Engineering, GeoStabilization International and/or others) to assist the City in the preparation of engineering designs, costs and timelines to review the remediation options. 

4. Allocate up to $400,000 to undertake work required, up to preparation of tendering contracts to meet timelines noted in 1 above.

Economy Put In Perspective

This Financial Post article  brings an interesting perspective to the North American economy.  The economy of the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence region of North America, if it were a country, would rank as the third largest economy in the world.  It would rank in front of Japan and follow only the US and China.

The region accounts for 30% of the combined economies of both Canada and the US, and 31% of all employment, equivalent to 51 million jobs. All told, the economy in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence area was US $5.8 trillion in 2014. When ranked against Germany, France, Brazil and the United Kingdom, the region comes first in output.

Keep Nanaimo Clean - Keep Property Maintained

Regular property maintenance keeps Nanaimo clean for all residents to enjoy

Homeowners and businesses all have a role to play in helping Nanaimo look its best.  By observing the following requirements outlined in the City's Property Maintenance Bylaw, challenges associated with poor property maintenance can be avoided.

* No person shall allow a property to become or remain unsightly by the accumulation of filth, discarded materials or rubbish that become or remain unsightly.
* No person shall allow brush, trees, noxious weeds or other growths to become or remain unsightly.
* No person shall allow property to be infested by caterpillars and other noxious or destructive insects.
* No person shall place graffiti on walls, fences or elsewhere on or adjacent to a public place.
* No person shall cause or permit water, rubbish or noxious, offensive or unwholesome matter to collect or accumulate around lands or buildings owned or occupied by them.
* No person shall throw bottles, broken glass or other rubbish in any open place.
* No person shall cause or permit rubbish to overflow from or accumulate around any container.

The City of Nanaimo reacts to concerns regarding poor property maintenance on a complaint basis.

"Property maintenance keeps Nanaimo clean for all residents to enjoy.  Everyone must do their part to ensure homes, buildings, yards and driveways are free of accumulated materials and debris." - Randy Churchill Manager of Bylaw, Regulation & Security City of Nanaimo

Nanaimo - 7/10 Loveliest Coastal Towns

Click Image For Full Report

Nanaimo Beats Saltspring Island and Tofino 

---- but, hey, we knew that!

Cottage Life ranks Nanaimo as #7 in a list of the top ten loveliest coastal towns in Canada. It edged out Saltspring Island #9 and also Tofino #10 which comes as no surprise to those of us living in Nanaimo.

James Scantland - National Champion Swimmer

80 Year old swimmer wins 9 gold medals!

Mayor McKay presented Mr. James Scantland, National Champion, Nanaimo Ebbtides Masters Swim Club with 4 gold medals he received at the 2014 Canadian Masters Swimming Championship in the 100 & 200 metre Individual Medleys and the 50 & 200 metre Backstroke.

You can read a full account of Mr. Scantland's achievments in the Nanaimo Daily News article.

Summerhill Place Apartment Building - Nanaimo

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Starting the 4th storey

Island Framing Company Kept Busy

Another empty Nanaimo lot gets filled in

Nanaimo's stock of new residential apartments will be increased by 103 units when this 4 storey frame building on Summerhill Place comes onto the market.

The building's address is on Summerhill Place which comes off of Dufferin but the back of the building is fronting Townsite Road near Bowen Road.

When this building was first proposed some parking concerns were expressed by nearby neighbours as the owner/developer had sought a relaxation of parking stalls required per unit. The building is likely eyeing staff working at nearby NRGH and any of a number of medical professional buildings in the neighbourhood as future tenants.

Nanaimo Golf Club Locks Out Employees

Food and Beverage Employees Locked Out

As of 4:00 pm April 24, Club management locked out members of the UniteHere! Local 40 union. According to a union handout there have been nine bargaining sessions with the company which have resulted in little to no progress at the bargaining table.

During the recent construction of the new clubhouse employees had been laid off and this is the first contract negotiation since the clubhouse reopened. Affected by the lock out are two dozen employees including Clubhouse servers, bartenders, cooks, dishwashers, janitors and the Chef, all members of the union.

Mount Benson - Cloud Covered

Mount Benson on a not so clear day

When I was out and about on Friday I snapped this picture of low, low cloud covering Mount Benson. This reminded me of some advice given to me when I moved here in the winter of 1970 and it came from my wise boss.

He told me that during winter months in Nanaimo if you could see the very top of the mountain, it was going to rain, and if you couldn't, it already was.

Looks like Mother Nature might be making up for some of that lack of snowpack this winter.

Festival of Banners On Display Until May 2

Nanaimo Festival of Banners 2015

MY FAVOURITE THINGS

This year's Festival of Banners are being completed in the biggest, best-lit storefront they have ever been in. They are situated in Nanaimo North Town Centre between centre court and London Drugs.

There were 200 entrants this year following the theme of 'My Favourite Things' and will adorn Nanaimo streets for this season, to be taken down in the fall and offered for sale.

Entrants submit a concept drawing and if accepted pay a $10 fee for materials which is considerably less than the $100 each banner costs the Nanaimo Art Gallery.

After being fitted with grommets, the double-sided banners are installed by city works crews without charge to the Art Gallery.

If you hurry you can see this years banners before they go up, and you can also purchase one of last years banners, whcih are on sale for the ridiculously low price of only $25.00. May 2 is the last day to visit the storefront in Nanaimo North Town Centre.

Simple Is Always Good - Sometimes The Best

"Picture Frame" - Simply Delightful

What is arguably one of the most photographed objects in Nanaimo, began life as part of the temporary art program which paid artists a fee to provide a piece of art for a season. The artist remains the owner of the property which is left on display for a year in some area of our parks.

The 'picture frame' was installed two summers ago and proved an instant hit with residents and visitors alike. Kids climb on it, people use it to frame a photo of themselves or as a frame for some of the awesome natural views of our waterfront.

The frame was only intended to be on display for one season, but given it's popularity it was purchased by the city so it can continue to please park visitors for times to come. The frame is in Maffeo Sutton Park right in front of Swy-a-lana lagoon. A paved area has replaced the grass which was worn down with all the attention this piece attracts.

Rotary Book Sale Nanaimo - Last 2 Days

Rotary GIANT Book Sale

Last Two Days - April 25 & 26

Nanaimo North Town Centre

OVER 80,000 TITLES TO CHOOSE FROM

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Arbutus Park Provides Fruit Bounty

Fruit trees planted in Arbutus Park last fall are in bloom this spring. Last October, the City carried out a succession planting of new heritage fruit trees at the request of the neighbourhood who wished to see a portion of the park remain with the original intention of being an orchard.

Each fall neighbours harvest the fruit from the trees. For many years the neighbourhood has shared the bounty from the trees in the park each season and, with the new trees planted, can count on many more years of harvesting from their local park.

The City planted seven heritage fruit trees last year which the Neighbours of Arbutus Park maintain including pruning and watering. There had been an orchard on this site long before it became a park.

"Working with the community for the betterment of our parks is not only a priority for the City, it is also an enriching experience. Arbutus Park is a perfect example of the wonderful community spirit in Nanaimo." - Councillor Ian Thorpe Parks and Recreation Commission City of Nanaimo

Kenmore Cancels Nanaimo Airport Flights - May 4

It is reported in the Nanaimo News Bulletin that Kenmore Air will be cancelling it's flights from the Nanaimo Airport as of May 4/15.

Charter flights will still be available as well as the seasonal flights from the Nanaimo Harbour which run from May until September, The company has provided the service from Nanaimo airport for the past 14 months and have found the passenger count is simply not making the service economically viable.

Kenmore Air reservations for all of their services are available at 866.435.9524

May is Invasive Plants Month in Nanaimo

May is Invasive Plants Month

May is Invasive Plants Month in the City of Nanaimo. This is the third year the City has held this special month to raise awareness of invasive plants and their effects on our parks.

Like last year, the focus will be on English Ivy and the importance of removing it from trees throughout the community as well a focus will be on removing Scotch Broom. The month-long event will feature Broombusters and English Ivy removal work parties and days where residents can drop of invasive plants they have removed from their property to the Drop Zone at Bowen Park.

Invasive Plants Month kicks off on April 25 where the public is invited to participate in a Broombusters work party at Northfield Park (at Tourist Information Centre) from 10:00 am to noon. Those wishing to participate in this work party and other work parties throughout Invasive Plant Month can register through the City website or by calling 250-756-5200. See page 56 of the Spring and Summer Activity Guide for more information on these work parties.

Residents can drop off invasive plants they have removed from their property at the Wall Street entrance of Bowen Park from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on May 8 and from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on May 31.

"Invasive plants have a negative impact on native plants in this area. Through education and progressive removal of these plants, we can work towards ensuring the rich natural legacy of Nanaimo." - Rob Lawrance Environmental Planner City of Nanaimo 

Colliery Dams Update - City Press Release

Colliery Dams Update

On April 22, City representatives met with the Comptroller of Water Rights to request an amendment to the Comptroller’s Order to remediate the Colliery Dams.  The City requested that the Comptroller consider an amendment that would allow a third remediation option (overtopping design) to be considered and additional time to further develop this option.

The Comptroller advised that he would consider the request and asked that the City put its proposal in writing for his review.  Staff is preparing a report for Council’s meeting of April 27 that will detail the proposed third option and the timeline extensions requested to choose a remediation option and prepare design drawings.

Once Council has provided direction to staff on April 27, a request for an amendment will be forwarded to the Comptroller for consideration.

Members of the public seeking information concerning the Colliery Dams are encouraged to visit the Colliery Dams Information page located on the City's website.

"The Comptroller was receptive to the City’s request for an amendment to his Order and we look forward to a positive response from him as early as next week." - Bill McKay Mayor City of Nanaimo 

Nanaimo PaddleFun Fest 2015

The BC Marine Trails is working in unsion with the Nanaimo Boathouse Organization, Nanaimo Paddlers, Nanaimo Canoe and Kayak and other sponsors to celebrate Paddle Fun Fest at Departure Bay. We are asking our members, paddling club members (kayak, dragonboat, canoe, rowboat...) to join us in a flotilla to arrive at Departure Bay on May 16th. The flotilla will meet behind Jesse Island (see map on Flotilla Description pdf).

There are many activities over the course of two days. To find out more visit the Paddle Fun Fest website to register in an activity or see the schedule to find out when and where the festivities take place. If you are a member of the BCMTNA you can join the flotilla activity through our Meetup page. Go to www.meetup.com/www-bcmarinetrails-org however, you must also sign a Nanaimo Boathouse Organization waiver (see below). The waiver is for the public and BCMTNA members.

Visit Marine Trails website HERE for more information and to download needed forms.