City of Nanaimo 2013 Annual Municipal Report (Draft)
Mayor’s Message
On behalf of Nanaimo City Council and staff, it is with great pleasure that we present the 2013 Annual Report.
There has been much to celebrate over the last year, including the first full year of implementing the Corporate Strategic Plan. This plan has been an integral part in the decisions and direction that have guided Council and staff.
Below are some of the highlights.
- Water Management: the water treatment plant supply pipelines were completed, and the South Fork Water Treatment Plant and reservoir #1 and energy recovery facility saw construction start.
- Asset Management: Bowen West and Harewood School Fields were upgraded, and the jail cell renovations at Police Services were completed.
- Transportation & Mobility: a draft plan of the Transportation Master Plan was presented to Council after extensive public feedback, a fast ferry service to Vancouver’s downtown was proposed and an agreement between the city and the Regional District of Nanaimo for a transit bus exchange on the Wellcox Land was negotiated.
- Taking Responsibility: the Corporate Communication Plan was completed, the award-winning e-Town Hall meetings took place for the budget and for the proposed fast ferry service, Nanaimo’s first low-barrier housing project was completed and a new, more indepth budget review process took place.
- Community Building Partnerships: the purchase of West Marsh in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada was finalized, a water agreement with Snunéymuxw First Nations was formalized, an Inter Community Business License Program was launched, Nanaimo’s first Culture Plan was completed and a new conference centre hotel is expected to break ground early this summer. In addition, a partnership agreement between the City and School District 68 saw some properties exchange hands resulting in the city’s parkland area being increased.
These are just a few of the many successes that have occurred over the last year as a result of dedication from Council, staff and through citizen engagement and participation. There is still much to accomplish as we move forward in improving city services, amenities and community relationships making Nanaimo’s future even brighter.
John Ruttan
