Monday, November 30, 2015

Holiday Fun With City of Nanaimo 2015

NEWS RELEASE 
Distributed November 30, 2015

Holiday fun with the City of Nanaimo

This holiday season, the City of Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Environment has families covered for fun activities.

The pools in Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Beban Park will be hosting a number of events including $3 Holiday Swims with the donation of a non-perishable food item, Holiday Swim and Shop and a Swim with Santa. Over in the arenas, enjoy a Skate with Santa, holiday Everyone Welcome skates and, returning for another year, the ever-popular Winter Wonderland with a Quebec Winter Carnival Theme. Beban Park will once again host Finale 2015, Nanaimo's largest family New Year's Eve party.

While the kids are on Winter Break, the Beban Park Social Centre and Oliver Wood Community Centre will be offering Frosty Frolic camps from Monday, December 21 through Wednesday, December 23 and Monday, December 28 through Thursday, December 31.

Visit the City website for more information on upcoming community events and public schedules. Registration for Winter Break camps and the Holiday Swim and Shop is available online or by calling 250-756-5200.

Holiday Swims will be held in Nanaimo Aquatic Centre on Saturday, December 12, 7:30 am to 10:00 pm and in Beban Park pool on Sunday, December 13, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Users will receive a $3 admission rate for a donation of a non-perishable food item.

Nanaimo Aquatic Centre will host a Swim with Santa on Sunday, December 20 from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

Frank Crane Arena in Beban Park will host a Skate with Santa on Wednesday, December 23 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm and Winter Wonderland will start on Saturday, December 26 and run through Wednesday, December 30.

Finale 2015 will take place on Thursday, December 31 in Beban Park.

"We are excited to bring a variety of fun activities and events to keep the whole family busy this holiday season!"  -  Gary Paterson City of Nanaimo 

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Christmas Shows Around Nanaimo Dec. 2015

Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular
Performances at Cedar Community Hall
Port Theatre - Nanaimo

Vancouver Island Symphony 
Music & Theatre
A Christmas Carol
Saturday Dec. 5 - 7:30 pm Port Theatre

Nanaimo Blues Society presents
Uncle Wiggly's Tribute to the 
Blues Songs of Christmas
Sat. Dec. 5, 7:30pm 
Malaspina Theatre VIU Campus


Ken Lavigne Christmas
Old Time Radio Roadshow
Wednesday, Dec. 9 - 7:30 pm
Port Theatre Nanaimo

Tempo Dance Academy presents
FROZEN
Friday Dec. 11 - 7:00 pm
Port Theatre Nanaimo



Winter Harp
Sat. Dec. 12 - 3:30 & 7:30 pm
Port Theatre - Nanaimo


Malaspina Choirs presents
Sing-along Messiah
Sunday Dec. 13 - 2:30 pm
St. Andrew's United Church Fitzwilliam St.


Brigadoon Dance Academy presents:
LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW
Sunday Dec. 13 - 2:30 pm

Opera Nanaimo presents
Amahl and the Night Visitors
Tues. Dec.29 & Wed. Dec. 30 - 7:30 pm
 Nanaimo Ecumenical Centre 
6234 Spartan Rd. Nanaimo

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Saturday, November 28, 2015

Lions Free Nanaimo Skate - Nov. 29/15



The Lions Club of Nanaimo will once again be hosting Free Everyone Welcome skate sessions from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm on Sundays from Sept.13/15 until March 27, 2016 at Frank Crane Arena. On Nanaimo Clippers Junior 'A' game days, the Lions Free Skate will run from 10:45 am to 12:30 pm. This valued project continues the long tradition of the Nanaimo volunteer service to the community of Nanaimo.

The Lions Free Everyone Welcome skate sessions include admission, helmets and skate rentals.

There will not be a Lions Free Everyone Welcome skate session on December 27 due to the Winter Wonderland event.

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Friday, November 27, 2015

Nanaimo Port Authority - Foot Ferry RFP


Nanaimo Port Authority seeks foot ferry proposals

An article in BC Shipping News reports the NPA Board of Directors has directed management to develop a Request for Proposal for a foot passenger ferry service between Nanaimo and Vancouver.

They intend to issue the RFP in January of 2016 and will be inviting all interested parties, including those currently working with the City of Nanaimo to respond to the RFP. 

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Medical Marijuana Shops - Good or Bad?

Are they helping legitimate 'patients'
of just trafficking in the open?

The recent tempest set off by the cease and desist order issued by the local RCMP, has raised a whole lot of questions about just how these 'dispensaries' are operating and what kind of safeguards are in place to protect their customers?

So far, it seems like all levels of government are just looking the other way, shuffling their feet and letting these operators thumb their noses at them. The local RCMP's seeming reluctance to follow through with their order is just another example of the confusion surrounding what used to clearly be the domain of criminals.

Putting aside the considerable question of whether these self-regulating drug dealers should be allowed to operate, what about the question of the fact they are conducting business without a business licence. Where is city bylaw enforcement on that issue? Are they keeping records that can be audited for income tax purposes? If not. Why not?

Are the people working in these establishments being treated fairly according to the labour laws of the province? Being paid at least minimum wage? Having income tax deducted at source? CPP and EI deductions being withheld and matched by the employer?

These are just a few questions that need addressing if we are going to have any legitimacy as a law abiding society, but I suspect those in charge would sooner keep their heads firmly in the sand.

The announcement of our recently elected PM that he is going to legalize pot has done nothing to clarify this murky mess.

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Piper's Pub Nanaimo Closes Their Doors


Message posted on Piper's Pub Facebook page yesterday

It comes with great sadness that we have to announce that our journey here at Pipers has come to an end and we are closing the doors effective immediately.

We are very grateful for our time here and from our family here to yours, we wish to thank all of you in Nanaimo that have come out to support us, offer us advice, constructive criticism and/or kind words and hugs! We wish you all the best throughout the holiday season and beyond. 

We are trying very hard to contact everyone who had events booked with us, and are very sorry if there are some who we could not speak directly and have had to leave messages.
For any of the Amazing Bands that have played here we wish to also thank you, and apologize that we will not be blessed enough to have you back-you brought music into our lives that made us smile and dance, and all the fun times will never be forgotten:)


Note: I remember when Piper's first opened in the old location decades ago. Back then, they were the only reason you would venture that far out on Hammond Bay Rd., as there was not much else from there until you got to Lantzville. Another sign of the changing times, or the challenges faced by many of the drinking establishments these days. They must be hurting to close just before what usually should be a 'good' month for such establishments.

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Nanaimo Christmas Lights Contest - 2015


Enter your business or residence this year

You still have lots of time to enter your business or residence in the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce contest. You can download your entry form from the Chamber's website HERE.

Deadline for commercial entries - Fri. Dec. 11/15
Deadline for residential entries - 4:00 pm Wed. Dec.16/15

Watch Nanaimo Info Blog for this years winners!

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Santa Claus - Downtown Nanaimo - 2015

Santa Fly-in and Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 28th

• Santa Fly-in at the Harbour Air Seaplane Terminal at 2pm
• Follow Santa to 101 Gordon Street (lower level of the Vancouver Island Conference       Centre) to officially open Santa's Workshop
• Vancouver Island Children 's Symphony - Diana Krall Plaza 4:30pm
• Santa Claus Parade at 5pm
• Parade route is Victoria Crescent to Commercial Street to Church Street to Front Street
 

Santa's Workshop hours in December until Christmas:
 
• Saturdays Santa visits from 12-5pm
• Sundays Santa visits from 12-4pm

Horse and Trolley rides by donation from 12 – 4pm:
• Saturday, December 5
• Saturday, December 12
• Saturday, December 19

 

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Thursday, November 26, 2015

Democracy - Nanaimo City Council

OPINION
Some things are just worth repeating

The election which took place over one year ago had a voter turnout of 34.1% which was an improvement over the previous election, however, it still means that 65.9% of eligible voters did not exercise their franchise.

A total of 63,861 people were eligible to vote. There are some curiosities about our election systems not the least of which is how the person with the fewest number of votes, gets the biggest pay cheque and occupies arguably the most important position on council. 

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Nanaimo Gas Prices - Still Tops!

Nanaimo Has Highest Prices Again

For sometime it seemed the prices for Comox and Duncan were on par with Nanaimo but it seems the Nanaimo gas cartel is emboldened again and thought we might not notice.

Following prices taken from Gas Buddy at 4:00 pm Nov. 26/15.

Victoria 111.9

Duncan 111.9

Comox 107.9

Nanaimo 118.9

Calgary 85.9

Toronto 92.4


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First Salish-Class Ferry Named

"Salish Orca"

VICTORIA – BC Ferries held the official naming ceremony for the first Salish-Class vessel at Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. in Gdansk, Poland earlier this week. The ship was christened according to maritime tradition by the vessel sponsor, Margaret McDonagh, BC Ferries’ Senior Chief Steward on the Queen of Burnaby. The new ferry is scheduled to join the BC Ferries’ fleet in late 2016, replacing the 50-year-old Queen of Burnaby on the Comox – Powell River route.

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Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra - Nov. 28 - Nanaimo

Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra

November 28th, 7:30 pm at Brechin United Church
December 6th, 2:30 pm at St. Edmund’s Anglican Church – Parksville

The NCO is now preparing for the Christmas season with a variety of Early Music, including early Christmas carols plus a chance to sing along with the orchestra.  Here is an opportunity to feel the non-commercial spirit of Christmas as the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra plays through a trajectory of time, beginning in the 18th century and leading to the present.

The NCO will play 3 Baroque Christmas Concertos - by Torelli, Manfredini and Corelli, plus a wonderful rendition of Alessandro Scarlatti's Christmas Cantata, featuring soprano, Skye Donald. The program will include also, "The Shepherd's Farewell", from Berlioz' L'Enfance du Christ, a Christmas Medley of 5 ancient carols, and a Sing-a-long of a few familiar carols - guaranteed to send you home humming and anticipating Christmas in all its dimensions.   

Skye Donald, a long-time resident of Errington, is a popular soloist in the mid-Island region, especially in the operatic genre.  She recently performed a solo concert, "Arie Antiche", a program of Early Music - arias and art songs.

Tickets are $20 ($5, students, under 12, free) at the Port Theatre Box Office or at the door.  For more information, see www.nanaimochamberorchestra.com

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City Services Survey Closes Nov. 27/15

NEWS RELEASE 
Distributed November 25, 2015

Residents encouraged to complete City services survey
Deadline for completion is November 27th

With two days left before the City services survey closes, residents are encouraged to supply their feedback and complete the survey before November 27.

This year marks the first time the City has included a survey as part of its outreach to residents during the annual budget review process. Residents can complete the survey by visiting the survey website at http://nanaimo.citizenbudget.com .

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Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Spillway Substantial Completion - April 15/16

Photo credit City of Nanaimo
Construction costs estimated $2.8 - $4.6 million
Design and construction costs to date $854,000
Substantial completion date expected - April 15/16

Work completed on the auxiliary spillway construction project to date:
  • Copcan is mobilized on site with an all weather haul road and temporary bridge across Harewood Creek in place
  • Erosion and sediment controls are in place along the reservoir edge and Harewood Creek
  • The site for the spillway structure and channel is cleared.
  • Top soil was stockpiled for reuse after completion of the project.
  • The Stage 1 excavation is complete and the remaining excavation is underway.
  • The secant pile cut-off wall is complete.
  • Structure formwork is being prefabricated.
  • The girders and rebar has been ordered.

Work remaining to be complete:
  • Final excavation for the structure.
  • Form erection, rebar, pouring and construction of the structure.
  • Backfill of the structure.
  • Channel excavation and rock lining.
  • Removal of a portion of the secant wall fronting the spillway.
  • Removal of the soil plug between the spillway and reservoir.
  • Site cleanup, restoration and landscaping. 

Construction costs are still projected to be between $2.8 to $4.6 million and these estimates will be refined as the project proceeds. Based on the completed design plans the project team has revised the construction timeline and the City has asked the Province to extend the substantial completion date to April 15, 2016. The Province still needs to approve the extension. 

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Cuteness Gets A Pass




Remember the movie Ratatouille??

One of the downsides of maintaining bird feeders, is the way they can attract rodents who are drawn by the seed that usually ends up on the ground. To minimize that problem, we only used hulled sunflower seeds in our feeders which means almost nothing gets thrown on the ground.

While watching the Pine Siskin activity the other day out of my window I was surprised to see two little eyes and a pink nose poke out of the ivy on the railing. Then, there were two sets of eyes and pink noses. Rodents don't usually get a positive response from yours truly, but both of these guys or gals, had to be given a cuteness pass as they made a bee line for the feeder, grabbing one seed at a time and scurrying back to the safety of the ivy to eat it.

These two kept this up for quite a few minutes and I must admit, as much as I am not a fan of rodents of the rat variety I simply had to smile. 

Now, where is the neighbours cat, when you need him?

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New CEO Hired At NEDC

The Daily News is reporting that a new CEO has been selected for the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation. Since it's formation in 2011, this will be the third person to take the helm of the local arms-length corporation funded by city taxpayers. The corporation receives $1.4 million annually from the city.
Photo : jhics.com

John Hankins of Calgary will be coming to NEDC on Jan.4/16. He was the VP of a non profit organization, Calgary Economic Development in Calgary from 2007 - 2012. He also has his own consulting company specializing in economic and business development.

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Tuesday, November 24, 2015

BC Restaurants Don't Need Liquor Lounge Area


Say goodbye to lounge restrictions in B.C. restaurants

VICTORIA – As part of the ongoing effort to cut red tape for small businesses in British Columbia, restaurants no longer have to provide a separate lounge area for customers who want to enjoy a cocktail.

This latest change builds on a complementary Liquor Policy Review update that happened last year, allowing customers to order a drink at a restaurant without feeling pressured to order food. In the past, restaurants wanting to offer their customers a drink without having to serve them a meal had to have an isolated lounge area.

Creating flexibility for restaurants will help to remove the unnecessary burden for businesses in B.C., while understanding that restaurants will still need to ensure that their primary purpose is the service of food.

Music and comedy performances now will come easier, too, thanks to new relaxed entertainment rules. Restaurants are no longer required to apply for a permit to host entertainment, such as a guitar player or comedian, as long as patrons are not participating in the show.

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Nanaimo User Rates Increase In 2016

NEWS RELEASE 
Distributed November 24, 2015

Council sets new 2016 user rates for 

water, sewer and garbage collection

During its meeting held November 23, 2015, Council set new water, sewer and garbage collection rates to support long-term asset management requirements as outlined in the City's 2015-2019 Financial Plan. Adopted by Council on May 4, 2015, the City's Financial Plan proposed annual increases to the water and sewer user rates on January 1st of each year. Revenues collected through theses increases assist the City in paying for costs incurred during the long-term replacement of fixed assets, including water supply and distribution assets and sanitary sewer assets.

An increase of 7.5 percent will be applied to water rates in 2016. This will be an increase of $31.00 per single family home (based on an average consumption of 200 gallons/day). The annual cost of water for a single family home will become $444.36.

Sewer rates will increase by 5 percent (equivalent to $5.61 per single family home) in 2016. This will bring the annual cost for a single family home sewer fees to $117.89.

Solid waste collection rates will increase by 1 percent (equivalent to $1.00 per single family home) for residential and non-residential units in 2016. The annual cost to a single family home will be $100.75 for solid waste collections fees.

"Asset management is one of the six priorities identified in the 2012-2015 Strategic Plan. Increased user fees are part of a long-term strategy to ensure there are adequate funds available to renew water and sewer infrastructure when it eventually reaches the end of its life cycle."  -  Diane Hiscock City of Nanaimo
The overall impact of these user rate increases amounts to $37.61 for a typical single family home, an increase of 6% over 2015. These new rates will come into effect January 1, 2016.

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Nanaimo Santa Claus Parade - 2015


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eTown Hall Meeting - Worthwhile Budget Exercise?

Poorly Attended - Little 'Budget' Discussion

The third eTown Hall meeting with the budget as the topic of discussion brought a pretty underwhelming response from Nanaimo citizens. The event was poorly attended with many vacant seats at Shaw Auditorium and little participation. Few of the questions dealt with anything specific about the 2016 budget with the exception of one audience member who simply said he has lived here for 40 years and never seen his taxes go down, and is getting weary of never-ending increases.

In spite of the Mayor advising people with questions to not expect responses from all Council members as that would be too time consuming, questions to do with bike paths and dog parks did elicit responses from most of council who seemed to take the opportunity to politic. 

The lacklustre participation could have a variety of contributing factors such as being poorly promoted, it is noted that the Facebook page for the event indicated that while 611 people had been invited only 24 are listed as 'went'. Rather than poor promotion, the attendance could also be the result of taxpayers recognizing their participation will have no impact on the actual budget process.

It did demonstrate that this forum, could be useful in the area of community engagement and getting some worthwhile communication established between the elected and the electorate. I seem to remember last year councillors saying that these type of meetings should be something the city did on at least a quarterly basis in the interest of keeping in touch with Nanaimo taxpayers.


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Monday, November 23, 2015

Nanaimo Council Highlights Nov. 23/15


Nov. 23 COW/eTownHall/Special Open Council Meeting Highlights

Council debated for 10 minutes to decide whether to accept a late delegation.

Corporate sponsorship as a means to generate revenues other than taxes and user fees. Presentation made by Mr. Brent Barootes.

Harewood Centennial Youth Park delegation seeking support for youth park development including a skateboard park. Council supported funding for the project.

Mayor McKay welcomed Ms Samra as the interim City Manager. He also read a statement with regards to Syrian refugees.

eTown Hall Meeting - 2016 Budget Discussion

At 6:00 pm Council began the eTown Hall portion of the meeting. Mr. Philip Cooper, city communications manager was the lead for the city for this eTown Hall Meeting. Questions from the public were received in person, and online or via telephone.

Audience attendance was minimal as the event was not heavily promoted in the local media.

Few questions actually discussed the current budget and what should be added or deleted, but rather was a general town hall meeting dealing with issues such as bike lanes, dog parks, social housing and the like.

These could be good exercises for general communication between the community and council, as a forum for meaningful budget discussions, it misses the mark.

Special Open City Council meeting 7:30 pm

After the eTown hall portion of the meeting, council recessed for 3 minutes to accommodate SHAW with some technical issues. They then convened the Special City Council Meeting to deal with business left over from the previous council meeting. Some of the issues were related to bylaws that were going to the public over the next few days and needed dealing with urgently.

Automated garbage pick up will be rolled out in the fall of 2016 to 1/3 of the city residences. After much debate council finally left it to staff to determine which of 3 potential areas would be the first to have the automated pick up.

COW Meeting reconvened 8:20 pm

Councillor Kipp moved to have a staff report regards injury rates etc. among city staff.

Mr. Les Barclay gave a presentation about communication, community engagement and the community committee system. His presentation was met by an aggressive, defensive response from the Mayor.

Mr. O'Donnell addressed council as a late delegate on the subject of medical cannabis dispensaries.


Video of the the meeting can be seen on the City website HERE.



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Star Wars Event - Nanaimo Aquatic Centre



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Taking Care Of Nanaimo Tax Dollars?

COURTENAY SPENDS $100,000 ON FLOOD MITIGATION
 Courtenay spends $100,000
MEANWHILE AT COLLIERY DAMS MILLIONS SPENT


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Women, Children & Families Only Refugees Allowed


According to this Huffpost report the CBC has learned that only women, children and families will be a part of the Syrian refugee program, noting that unaccompanied men will not be considered for the program.

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Sunday, November 22, 2015

Possible Snowflurries Tuesday In Nanaimo

Special Weather Statement

Issued at 11:36 Sunday 22 November 2015
Arctic air and possible difficult travel conditions by early Tuesday. The first Arctic outbreak of the season will bring cold and breezy conditions and potentially difficult travel to the South Coast of British Columbia late Monday night and early Tuesday. The Arctic air will arrive from the east, spilling out the coastal inlets and valleys first, spreading west toward Vancouver Island on Tuesday. As the leading edge of the coldest air of the season arrives, bursts of snowflurries may rapidly reduce visibility. Local snowfalls of a few centimetres are possible as the Arctic air arrives. Windchill equivalent temperatures between -5 and -10c are likely in areas exposed to outflow winds for Tuesday night. Near Whistler, snow is expected to begin tonight. The village will likely receive at least 15 cm of snow by Monday afternoon before the Arctic air arrives. Snowfall warnings may be required... After the Arctic arrival, the South Coast will settle into an extended period (4-6 days) of chilly but otherwise weather-less winter days.


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Departure Bay Seawall Walkway Reconstruction


Reconstruction of seawall walkway & parking

Knappett Industries is the contractor doing the work of removing and reconstructing the seawall walkway and parking facilities at Departure Bay. The completed project will see a walkway with less of a grade, new street lights and new lights along the walkway.

The storm drains on Loat St. and Departure Bay Rd. will also be replaced at the same time. Millennia Research Ltd. and Snuneymuxw First Nation will be monitoring the work for any archaeological finds discovered during the construction process.

The estimated cost of the project is $820,000 and is expected to be complete by Mar. 1/16.

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Saturday, November 21, 2015

Special Open Council Meeting - Nov. 23/15

Special Open Council Meeting
Monday Nov. 23/15
Shaw Auditorium 7:30PM

Council will be working overtime on Monday with the posting of the agenda for the Special Open Council Meeting to follow the eTown Hall meeting which follows the COW meeting scheduled to start at 4:30 pm.

The agenda for the Special Open Council Meeting can be seen HERE. Basically, it appears to be the business that was not concluded at the last city council meeting which adjourned when council did not decide to go beyond 11:00 pm.

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Lions FREE Skate - Sunday Nov. 22/15



The Lions Club of Nanaimo will once again be hosting Free Everyone Welcome skate sessions from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm on Sundays from Sept.13/15 until March 27, 2016 at Frank Crane Arena. On Nanaimo Clippers Junior 'A' game days, the Lions Free Skate will run from 10:45 am to 12:30 pm. This valued project continues the long tradition of the Nanaimo volunteer service to the community of Nanaimo.

The Lions Free Everyone Welcome skate sessions include admission, helmets and skate rentals.

There will not be a Lions Free Everyone Welcome skate session on December 27 due to the Winter Wonderland event.

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Friday, November 20, 2015

Nanaimo Weather Outlook Nov. 21 - 25


Perfect weather for this time of year. Still no 'white stuff' in the forecast, as usual when it is cold enough to snow, it is also clear enough resulting in no precipitation.

The weekend looks like a great time to get out and enjoy some of the Island's spectacular great outdoors!

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Nanaimo Boil Water Advisory Cancelled

NEWS RELEASE
Distributed November 20, 2015


Boil Water Advisory Cancelled for City of Nanaimo
Turbidity levels have returned to normal


The Water Quality Advisory that was issued Tuesday November 17 is now CANCELLED.  The City placed the advisory to inform residents that they may observe cloudiness in their tap water  and as a precautionary measure.  There was no contamination of the water supply, simply increased levels of sediment in the water. 

Once the new water treatment plant is operational - anticipated to be in the coming weeks - the City's water supply will be filtered to a very high degree.

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Courtenay Spends $100,000 On Flood Mitigation

$100,000 For 400 metres of flood control

Courtenay Mayor and CAO were present for the testing of a new flood control system intended to mitigate flooding risks to local area residents and businesses.

The system is a heavy bladder which can be filled rapidly with water to create a barrier against flood water more quickly and effectively than sandbagging.

The system in Courtenay is 400 metres long and 1 metre high and can be filled either from a lake or river or hydrants. The system comes with pumps for rapid deployment and the entire package has cost the city $100,000.

 CHEK News Aqua Dam
To view the CHEK News video clip, click the above image.

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Thursday, November 19, 2015

Some Serious Questions Raised


The above post appeared on Facebook apparently authored by local businessman Don Bonner in which he claims to have knowledge about the process which led to the hiring of our interim city manager.

A serious question arises from the claim made in the post:

Who on this city council gave this confidential information to Mr. Bonner, as the whole process was conducted in-camera and rules of conduct on the part of one or more Councillors is called into question?

If the source of the information given to Mr. Bonner can't be confirmed, it could be speculated that one or more councillors are not happy with the decision and are attempting to smear Ms Samra. 


THIS NEEDS  A FULL TRANSPARENT INVESTIGATION

With all of the mistrust and behind closed door secrecy Nanaimo City Hall has become infamous for, this issue needs dealing with in an very open and transparent investigation. 

We need to know, who on this Council is giving in-camera information, correct or otherwise to members of the public before Council has agreed to make the minutes public.



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COW Meeting - November 23/15



Regular
Committee of the Whole Meeting
Mon., Nov. 23/15
Shaw Auditorium
4:30 pm VICC

eTown Hall To Discuss 2016 Budget 6:00 pm

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
  • City of Nanaimo Sponsorship Program, information concerning municipal government sponsorship programs and the associated steps to create a corporate sponsorship program
  • Harewood Centennial Youth Park
  • Community Heritage Register Update
  • RFP pertaining to Public Works after Hours Support, Dispatch and Security Services


 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 "!

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.


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?

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The Nutcraker - Nanaimo Nov. 27 & 28


Kirkwood Academy presents THE NUTCRACKER
Friday, November 27th 7:00pm
Saturday, November 28th 2:00pm & 7:00pm

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