IAN THORPE

This past Thursday evening, it was my pleasure to host the City of Nanaimo Culture and Heritage Awards at the Port Theatre.  My thanks go to Nanaimo's Culture and Heritage coordinator Chris Barfoot and other staff for organizing this special evening.  And of course congratulations to the very deserving award recipients:  Mr. Nico Rhodes as Emerging Cultural Leader, Nanaimo Historical Society (represented by president Darryl Oh...

It was a pleasure this past Friday night to attend the 14th annual Nanaimo Sport Achievement Awards at the Coast Bastion Hotel.  As always, it was a reminder of the the tremendous depth and variety of sport talent here in our city - and of the number of dedicated athletes, coaches, administrators, and officials.  My congratulations to all the nominees and winners, including runner Melissa Ross as female individual athlete of t...

The sun is shining today, and hopefully we have seen the last snowfall for this winter!  The snow caused the usual difficulties and frustrations, and it made for a hectic and exhausting few days for City staff.  My thanks to crews who worked tirelessly to clear streets, starting with priority routes.  Also to the many citizens who pitched in to keep sidewalks clear where possible.  The City has insufficient resources to deal w...

Near the end of last month, the Nanaimo Fire Rescue Department held its annual departmental recognition celebration.  A large crowd including Mayor and Council was on had at Station #2 to recognize special individual achievements from the past year.  Six new hires were introduced, promotions were announced for several members, and the retirements of Ron Daly, Brian Mowatt, and Martin Drakely.  Long-service medals were also pre...

Since the municipal election, new City Councillors have been working hard to get up to speed on many files and issues related to our community.  A lengthy list of priority topics has been identified and Council has been receiving regular briefing meetings on these issues.  To assist in focusing attention, a day-long strategic planning session was held recently, facilitated by consultant Tracey Lorenson.  It was a dynamic inter...

As we head into 2019, let me offer very best wishes to Nanaimo residents for a happy and healthy New Year ahead.  It promises to be an exciting year in our city, and I am enthused and optimistic about the months ahead.  I am looking forward to working with the new Council to re-establish good governance build a positive reputation for Nanaimo.  There is much work to be done, including strategic planning and a review of our com...

During my election campaign, the most important issue I identified was the need to re-established good governance at City Hall.  I suggested that Council and staff needed to understand their respective duties and roles, and to interact respectfully and appropriately.  Therefore I was extremely pleased that a special Council/staff orientation was held on November 23.  The day-long in-service featured advice from George Cuff, na...

We're heading into the Christmas season now, and an important reminder happened this past Wednesday morning.  It was the Nanaimo Salvation Army 2018 Christmas Campaign Kick-Off Luncheon at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.  Congratulations to Dawne Anderson for organizing the annual event, and for her good work each year in coordinating the Christmas Kettle program.  The Salvation Army's Christmas Campaign goal this year...

This past Thursday evening, the City of Nanaimo hosted a Service Awards dinner at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.  A total of 37 City employees were recognized for their 15, 20, 25, 30, or 40 years of employment with the City.  Topping the list was Alan Noble from Engineering and Public Works with 40 years as a City employee.  It was a fun evening, thanks largely to the good work of emcee John Van Horne from the Human...

It was a privilege for me to again be the Master of Ceremonies at this year's Remembrance Day ceremony at the Nanaimo cenotaph to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.  A large crowd was on hand, and the weather cooperated nicely.  My thanks and congratulations to Bill and Lynn Brayshaw from Branch 10 Legion for their work in organizing the event, along with the many other volunteers who assisted in countless w...