There were a few things that caught me by surprise when I moved to Nanaimo. I’m about to give you a heads-up on 5 things I wish I knew before moving to Nanaimo!
Population Growth
We weren’t the only ones with the bright idea to ditch the Mainland and head to the Island. Population growth on Vancouver Island has been steady since the 80’s, with a 10.3% population increase between 2016-2021. According to Chek news, Nanaimo saw the second largest population increase between July 2020 and July 2021 which is when we moved here, at 1,177 people with 1116 of those people migrating from other parts of B.C.
The Regional District of Nanaimo which includes places like Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville and Qualicum Beach, is predicted to see an increase of 12, 025 people by 2026. The largest growth is also predicted to be in the “early working years” category which is the ages of 25-44. We definitely noticed the increase in families moving when we did as it was a bit of a squeeze to get Simon into his catchment school and classes that year took a while to become established. If you’d like to know more about the process of relocating here, you can always reach out to me directly or check out some of my other blog posts on this topic!
Authorized Campsites for our Homeless Population
Because of its generally warmer climate, many people experiencing homelessness come to B.C. and particularly Vancouver and Vancouver Island. The Homeless population increased in 2020, with about 433-600 unsheltered which at minimum is a 29% increase from 2020 and current numbers on the rise.
A Nanaimo bylaw states that a person experiencing homelessness can sleep in parks from 7pm to 9am the following day. According to the city of Nanaimo website, the shelter has to be completely removed from the park by 9am and there is a list of parks that are prohibited for overnight use. These more open-spaced parks mainly downtown were deemed to be busier with tourism, and events and could potentially cause conflicts with park users. Victoria has a similar by-law except there, the shelters must be removed by 7am.
The Homeless population increased in 2020, with about 433-600 unsheltered which at minimum is a 29% increase from 2020 and current numbers are on the rise.
Early School Dismissal
School is out at 2pm! Elementary schools in District 68 which is Nanaimo-Ladymith have an end bell as early as 2:06pm or 2:10pm which is the case at my son’s school. The latest elementary school’s let out is 2:25pm which to me, is way too early! In Vancouver and growing up in Nova Scotia I recall the bell always being around 3pm. Even though it’s not that big of a time difference, 2pm just feels way too in the middle of the work day and I’m sure I can’t be the only one who’s moved here to have been surprised- and annoyed- by this!
Highway with Traffic Lights?!
The Nanaimo Parkway has a very interesting design in that it has many sets of traffic lights throughout its stretch through the city. By Interesting I mean, super annoying. The highway is known to locals as the “new highway” even though it was completed in 2001. With the population on the rise, accidents are already significantly higher than anywhere else in the province and there have been many recommendations to change the design. So far none have been approved. Although I am grateful to have this highway, as Vancouver is the only Major North American city without an inner-city freeway. And they have traffic light warning systems so you have enough time to slow down and make the appropriate lane switch if you need to make an exit.
No Roaming Cats
This last topic may or may not interest you but Nanaimo adopted a new bylaw in September of 2021, called the Animal responsibility by-law. Cats are a subject of this by law and they are now required to have identification and be sterilized if allowed outside. They are now not allowed to roam at large or on another person’s property which, if you’ve owned a cat, means they’d pretty much have to be leashed while outdoors.
So hopefully none of these are deal breakers for you and will give you a bit of a heads-up on what to expect before you move to Nanaimo! And again if you have any questions you’d like to ask me directly leave a comment below or contact me directly by going to my website ritafraser.com
