If you’ve walked down Commercial Street lately, you’ve probably noticed things feel a little... different. There’s a weird tension between the shiny new development renders and the reality of the sidewalk. Honestly, keeping up with city of Nanaimo news these days feels like trying to read a map that's being redrawn while you're driving.
Between the massive budget shifts, the Woodgrove overhaul, and the ongoing struggle with street disorder, it’s a lot to take in.
The Tax Bill Reality Check
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room first: your wallet.
Just before Christmas, City Council pushed through three readings of the 2026-2030 Provisional Financial Plan. If you were hoping for a break, I’ve got some bad news. We’re looking at a 6.3% property tax hike for 2026. When you add in the bumps for water (5%), sewer (4%), and solid waste (5%), the "average" household—which the city defines as being valued around $787,000—is looking at roughly **$239 more** this year.
It’s about $20 a month. Doesn't sound like a fortune, but it adds up when everything else is already expensive. Mayor Leonard Krog and the rest of the council are framing this as a "resiliency" budget. Basically, they're saying we have to pay now to fix $4.8 billion worth of aging pipes and roads before they literally crumble under us.
Woodgrove is Getting a Massive Makeover
If you live in the north end, heads up. The Woodgrove area is the first of six "secondary urban centres" slated for a total redesign under the Nanaimo ReImagined plan.
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The city is currently in Phase 3 of the Woodgrove Area Plan, and they’re asking for feedback until January 25th. They aren't just talking about a few new bus stops. They want to turn that sprawl around the mall into a "vibrant" place where people actually live and work, not just shop for socks.
- Density is the goal. Think more apartments and mixed-use buildings.
- Better walking paths. They want to make it less of a "car-only" zone.
- Road upgrades. Expect work on Hammond Bay Road to start in spring 2026.
Honestly, it's about time. That part of town has felt like a giant parking lot for decades.
The Safety Gap: RCMP vs. The Street
There is a real disconnect happening in the downtown core. The city is pouring money into public safety—hiring 12 new RCMP members and four more Community Safety Officers. But if you talk to local business owners, they'll tell you they aren't seeing the results yet.
Just last week, Community Safety Director Darren Caul admitted at a press conference that these investments "may have not yet fully translated" into the safety levels businesses need. It’s a tough pill to swallow. We're also seeing the REVOII program (the Violent Offender Intervention program) monitoring about 43 high-risk individuals in Nanaimo. It’s supposed to break the cycle of repeat offenses, but when a repeat offender is back in custody after another incident at a local coffee shop—like what happened recently—people start to wonder if the "revolving door" is still spinning.
On top of that, Nanaimo RCMP recently flagged a rise in "theft from vehicles" and "theft from sheds/garages." It’s the petty stuff that's wearing everyone down.
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Housing: 190 Units and a Lot of Hope
The province is dropping about $32 million to get nearly 190 people off the streets and into indoor spaces. These aren't just tents; we're talking about three specific sites:
- 1300 Island Hwy South: 50 units run by Connective.
- 1030 Old Victoria Rd: 59 units run by the Vancouver Island Mental Health Society.
- The Sparrow (1298 Nelson St): 78 renovated units.
Minister Ravi Kahlon says this is the first step toward "stability." Critics, though, are worried about whether these "temporary" sites—slated for at least three years—will just become permanent fixtures without enough long-term support.
What’s Coming Up This Month
If you need a break from the heavy stuff, the Port Theatre is actually packed this January. Tom Green is doing a show (which is apparently sold out, sorry!), and the Victoria Symphony is coming through on the 24th and 25th.
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Also, if you’re into local politics, the next Regular Council Meeting is Monday, Jan. 19th at 7:00 p.m. at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. It’s open to the public, and it’s usually where the real arguments happen.
Actionable Steps for Nanaimo Residents
- Voice your opinion on Woodgrove: You have until January 25th to fill out the survey on the Get Involved Nanaimo website. Don't complain about the traffic in three years if you didn't say anything now.
- Secure your gear: With the RCMP reporting a spike in garage and shed thefts, now is the time to actually put a real lock on that side door or install a motion light.
- Check your utility bill: Remember that those 4-5% increases in water and sewer are already in effect. Budget for that $20-ish monthly jump in your total city fees.
- Attend a meeting: If you’re frustrated about downtown safety, showing up to the January 19th council meeting is the most direct way to be heard.
Nanaimo is growing fast—we’re over 110,000 people now. The "Hub City" is definitely in a transition phase, and while the growing pains are real, the updates to the city of Nanaimo news cycle show a community trying to figure out its identity in real-time.