WINTER2015
EDITION
Packed with Activities for all Ages Calendar of Events Pages 13-16
Pages 18-22
CONTENTS DNBIA BOARD MESSAGE ............ 4 PARK IT DOWNTOWN ................. 5 SANTA FLY IN............................... 6 SANTA CLAUS PARADE ................ 7 DOWNTOWN TROLLEY ............... 8 SANTA’S WORKSHOP .................. 9 NANAIMO MUSEUM ................ 10 SANTA’S ONLINE VILLAGE ......... 11 CHRISTMAS BLOOMS ............... 12 CALENDAR OF EVENTS......... 13-16 SHOP THE NEIGHBOURHOOD .. 17 GIFT GUIDE .......................... 18-22 COOL AS ICE ............................. 23 HOLIDAY WINDOW CONTEST ... 23 PORT THEATRE THIS SEASON.... 26 LIGHT UP A LIFE ........................ 28 COUNT DOWN DOWNTOWN ... 29 COMMUNITY RESOURCES ........ 30
Downtown Nanaimo is the place to discover unique neighbourhoods, one of a kind boutiques, a fabulous selection of restaurants and entertainment for all ages. We invite you to join us this Christmas season and experience a “Holi-date” downtown. Use this guide to plan your family’s adventure, whether it is the Santa Fly In, a visit to Santa’s workshop or the Santa Claus Parade, or always a hit - a ride on the downtown Christmas Trolley in December. Couples young and old can enjoy a wide variety of holiday themed entertainment. Step out in style and enjoy an evening at the Port Theatre or visit one of the great night spots downtown and dance the night away with friends on New Year’s Eve. Plan your holiday office party and celebrate in style with cocktails and fine dining or craft beer and tapas. The choices are endless. Of course, downtown is the place to do all of your holiday shopping with plenty of free evening and weekend parking. For great deals, attend the new “Shop the Neighbourhood” event on November 28th (see page 17). Browse the best downtown boutique stores and find that special outfit for a holiday soiree. Taste some of the amazing delights offered by downtown caterers, gourmet food shops and bakeries. Or after all the hustle and bustle, kick back and delight in a well-earned break at a day spa or relax with a gourmet coffee along the waterfront. Whether it is with friends, families or just you and someone special, we want you to discover it all on your Holi-date in downtown Nanaimo. It’s all here.
Our gift to you!
THE COVER - Cover models clothing provided by Catwalk and NYLA Fresh Thread , hair and makeup by Hey Beautiful PROJECT MANAGER: Jane Vinet CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Dave Delgado, Jane Vinet GRAPHIC DESIGN: Jenneson Creatives
Enter to WIN an Amazing Prize Package Filled with Downtown Gift Certificates!
One FREE ENTRY to the Shop the Neighbourhood draw. Drop into any ballot box at a Shop the Neighbourhood participant November 28th. Visit www.dnbia.ca for a list of participants.
Name:____________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________ Phone Number: _________ - __________ - _____________________ Email: _____________________________________________ Draw will be made November 30th, 2015. Visit www.dnbia.ca for contest details and regulations. 3
DNBIA Board John Cooper – City Appointed. Cooper McLintock & Associates,
Shawna McPhillips, Authorized
Representative. Coastal Community Credit Union
from the
Greg Bombardir, Authorized
Representative. MNP
Blake McGuffie. Property Owner/
Esplande Tax
Downtown Nanaimo is the heart and soul of our city’s holiday spirit - offering the kind of urban energy and crisp, winter magic you just can’t find at a mall. From the spectacular tree in the plaza, to the lights and decorations brightening up the town, the music, trolley, Santa’s fly-in and workshop, these festive traditions are what makes the holiday season truly special. It takes dedication and hard work to bring this winter wonderland to life, and I would like to extend my thanks to the DNBIA staff, countless volunteers, downtown merchants and property owners. I encourage you to come and enjoy everything our downtown has to offer this holiday season, from special events like the Santa Claus Parade, to shopping, dining, and celebrating with colleagues, friends and family, all while helping our local small businesses thrive. Remember there is plenty of free evening and weekend parking. Happy holidays from all of us at the DNBIA. - John Cooper, President DNBIA
DNBIA STAFF
Tom Hickey. Ex Officio. General Manager, Community Services, City of Nanaimo Greg Badger. Owner. Funk Your Fashion Bill Carter. Owner. Bastion Jewellers Liberty Eileen Harakas. Owner.
Lobelia’s Lair
Rebecca Kirk. City Appointed Caroline Roach. Authorized
Representative. The Mortgage Centre
Leslie Sutton. Authorized Representative. Community Futures
Judy Stephan. Owner, Nanaimo &
Voyager Magazine
www.dnbia.ca Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written consent of the DNBIA. The DNBIA is not in any way responsible for errors or omissions printed in this booklet and retain the right to edit copy. All content subject to change without notice.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. Corry Hostetter (corry@dnbia.ca) MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR. Jane Vinet (jane@dnbia.ca) INFORMATION & VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR. Sabrina Biserovic (sabrina@dnbia.ca) OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR. Carroll Xavier (carroll@dnbia.ca)
CONTACT INFO
For more information on the DNBIA and its programs, projects and volunteering opportunities please visit www.dnbia.ca or call 250-754-8141
Image by Jordan Johns
A10 Victoria Crescent Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5B8 www.dnbia.ca | 250-754-8141
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PARK IT FOR FREE (& Almost Free)
· In one of 20 private and public lots with over 2,707 downtown parking spaces · For FREE all day every day at 87 Nicol St and 336 Prideaux · For FREE for 2 hours at on-street parking zones (691 spaces available) · For FREE for 2 hours on Shaw Lane off the China Steps · For Free for 3 hours at Port Place for mall customers and patrons of the Great Canadian Casino
FREE EVENINGS & WEEKENDS
Remember there is free evening parking after 5pm. Don’t worry about driving home, leave your car overnight at 6 area City of Nanaimo lots for free on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Whether you’re looking for free or low cost parking, there are plenty of options to choose from.
· At all metered parking from 5pm to 8am Monday through Friday and weekends from 5pm Friday to 8am Monday and statutory holidays. · At the Bastion Street Parkade (236 Bastion Street) · At City of Nanaimo surface lots: 340 Wallace Street 299 Selby Street 35 and 95 Cavan Street 150 Comox Road (Maffeo Sutton Park)
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SANTA FLY-IN Harbour Air Seaplane Terminal, Pioneer Waterfront Plaza, Nanaimo Pioneer Plaza Parkade ($) Saturday, November 28th@ 1:30pm Where else does Santa arrive in all his glory aboard a float plane, but downtown Nanaimo! All the fun and excitement of the holiday season begins at the Harbour Air Seaplane Terminal located at Pioneer Waterfront Plaza across from the Lighthouse Bistro. Arrive at 1:30 as Daryl Major of 102.3 the Wave, gets the party started and keeps us up-to-date on Santa’s imminent arrival to the harbour city.
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Bring a camera and snap a family photo with Turbo the Otter, the Snow Sisters or the Nanaimo Clippers who will be at this great Christmas “Holi-date” event. Thank you to our sponsor Harbour Air Seaplanes for bringing Santa and his elves to Nanaimo.
Downtown Nanaimo comes alive with the magic of the holidays at the Nanaimo Lions Club Santa Claus Parade. Join us in Diana Krall Plaza at 4:30 and enjoy the delightful voices of the Vancouver Island Symphony Children’s Choir followed by the Christmas Tree Light Up. Then grab a hot chocolate or a snack and get ready for the night time Santa Claus Parade.
SANTA’S PARADE TIPS Stay Cosy
· Dress warm · Umbrellas block views – so please bring rain gear in case of rain · Don’t forget your mittens · Bring a folding chair and blanket
Stay on Santa’s Nice List
· Let families with small children sit in front · Please don’t move or occupy chairs families are using to reserve their spots · Please respect parade officials and volunteers
How to Get to the Parade
· If you don’t have your own reindeer, please take public transit · If you drive, please see our parking page for a list of parking locations
GET INVOLVED! For a parade application or to volunteer please go to www.dnbia.ca.
The parade runs from Victoria Cres., along Commercial St. and Church St. and ends at Front St.
ROAD CLOSURES– Watch for No Parking Signs! All streets along the parade route will be closed from 4pm to 8pm – to avoid being towed away, please do not park on any of the streets on the parade route after 4pm. 7
DOWNTOWN NANAIMO
December 5th, 12th and 19th From noon to 4pm
A Holi-date downtown is not complete without a ride on the downtown Nanaimo Christmas Trolley. The free shuttle between the Old City Quarter and Commercial Street runs Saturday afternoons before Christmas from noon to 4pm. Hop on the trolley on Wesley Street in the Old City Quarter, after exploring all of the great shops. Take a ride to 100 Museum Way and Commercial Street, where you can hop off and visit Santa’s Workshop in the lower level of the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. You can jump back on again for your return trip, or take a short walk through the downtown back to the Old City Quarter. Fred and Barney, the Belgian horses are anxiously awaiting your visit. Don’t forget your camera for pictures! Santa’s Parade Route Trolley Routes
Sean Fenzl
CHURCH
The last Trolley of the day leaves at 3:45pm.
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November 28th - SATURDAY@ 2:30pm 101 Gordon Street
Dave Delgado
Join Santa and his elves at the downtown Nanaimo workshop for the ribbon cutting. Inside families can enjoy Christmas music, crafts and cookies. Until 4:15 visit with Santa and pick up free reindeer antlers and snowman sticker sheets. Moms and Dads – bring a camera to record the moment. The workshop will close at 4:30pm on November 28th and reopen Sunday, November 29th at noon. Thank you to our sponsor the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.
Paid parking is available under the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. Or enjoy free parking at six City of Nanaimo lots. Visit dnbia.ca/parking for details.
Workshop Hours & Santa Visits
December Saturdays: 12-5pm Santa departs at 4:30pm
Sundays: 12-4pm (including Nov 29)
Santa departs at3:30pm
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nanaimomuse
Courtesy of Nanaimo Museum
Our December Feature Exhibit:
Christmas in the Golden Age o of Radio December 1st - 31st Admission by Donation in December
Unique Gift Shop Tours • Exhibits
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“Have You Been Good This Year?”
Spot Santa on Friday afternoons in December. Watch for that jolly old elf as he makes his way to different downtown locations posing for photos and handing out holiday swag.
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Looking for some fun things for the kids to do online this holiday season? Be sure to visit the DNBIA’s online Santa’s Village. Play games, write a letter to Santa, read a story and so much more.
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Tips If your home is cooler, you can expect it to take a little longer to bloom
Forcing Bulbs:
Lovely Paperwhites
For a more compact plant, place it in a cooler, well lit location. You can stunt the growth by adding a solution of about 5% alcohol (just add a “splash” of vodka to the water)
With the cold dark days nearly upon us, why not consider bringing a touch of spring indoors. Forcing Paperwhites indoors is a simple way of providing your home with some fragrance and colour. Select a container that has no drainage holes. Set the bulb on top of a layer of stones or marbles so that the water just touches the bottom of the bulb. You know you have done things correctly when you see the white roots reaching down into the water or solution and the foliage emerging from the top of the bulb. Paperwhites will generally start blooming 3 weeks after they have been planted. After being forced, they should be planted in the garden so that they build up an energy reserve.
250.754.6344 1.800.699.6344 marianne@turleysflorist.com 60 Terminal Avenue Nanaimo, BC V9R 5C3
Voted Nanaimo’s #1 florist Best selection of fresh flowers, plants & all floral services
Supporting the Arts in Nanaimo
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turleysflorist.com
S ee
dnbia.ca
for down tow n events
Santa Fly In SATURDAY November 21
SATURDAY November 28
A Cappella Plus
Kirkwood Dance Academy presents THE NUTCRACKER
Nov 21 2:00pm @ Port Theatre (125 Front St) All Ye Who Musik Love: Songs for the Heart www.porttheatre.com Tuesday Nov 24
TUESDAY November 24
Tourism Matters
Nov 24 4:30 – 6:30 pm @Vancouver Island Conference Centre (101 Gordon St) Shop The Neighbourhood Sneak Preview www.dnbia.ca for ticket information
FRIDAY November 27 Kirkwood Dance Academy presents THE NUTCRACKER
Nov 27 7:00pm @ Port Theatre (125 Front Street) This timeless classic showcases the wonderful talent of Nanaimo’s youth. www.porttheatre.com
Nov 28 2:00pm & 7:00pm @ Port Theatre (125 Front Street) This timeless classic showcases the wonderful talent of Nanaimo’s youth. www.porttheatre.com
Annual Christmas Marketplace
Nov 28th 11am-2pm @ Saint Paul’s Church (80 Chapel St) Enjoy a delicious lunch and shop for baking, deli, china & glass, crafts and more. www.stpaulsnanaimo. shawbiz.ca
Shop the Neighbourhood
(SEE PAGE 17) Nov 28th business hours @ Downtown Nanaimo & the Old City Quarter A local shopping event that’s all about celebrating small business and making your community thrive! www.dnbia.ca
(SEE PAGE 6) Nov 28th 1:30pm @Pioneer Waterfront Plaza Downtown waterfront Harbour Air Seaplane Terminal Santa’s and his elves officially arrive in Downtown Nanaimo! www.dnbia.ca
Santa’s Workshop Grand Opening
(SEE PAGE 9) Nov 28th 2:30pm @Vancouver Island Conference Centre- Bottom Floor (101 Gordon St) Santa officially opens the work shop for families to enjoy treats, crafts, music, movies. www.dnbia.ca
Vancouver Island Symphony Children’s Choir & Christmas Tree Light up Nov 28th 4:30pm @ Diana Krall Plaza (51 Gordon St)
Nanaimo Santa Claus Parade
(SEE PAGE 7) Nov 28th 5pm @ Downtown Nanaimo (Victoria Crescent, Commercial, Church to Front St.) www.dnbia.ca
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SUNDAY
Sunday November 29 November 29
Santa’s Workshop
(SEE PAGE 9) Nov 29th 12-4pm Dec 6th, 13th & 20th 12-4pm @Vancouver Island Conference Centre- Bottom Floor (101 Gordon St) Take your picture with Santa and stay for treats, crafts and have jolly good time! www.dnbia.ca
TUESDAY Tuesday December 1 December 1 Christmas in the Golden Age of Radio
Dec 1st – Dec 31st, 10-5pm @Nanaimo Museum (100 Museum Way) Experience the Golden Age of Radio during the Christmas season. Admission by donation for the month of December www.nanaimomuseum.ca
FRIDAY
Friday December 4 December 4
Jingle Mingle!
Dec 4th 4-8pm @ Om Town Yoga Studio (43 Commercial St) Enjoy an Artisan Craft Market and annual pass sale. www.omtown.ca/ events#Jingle
Light Up A Life Community Sing-A-Long
(SEE PAGE 28) with Jona Kristinsson, Sydney Needham & Marty Steele in the Old City Quarter Dec 4th 5pm @ 437 Fitzwilliam St
Pop-Up + Art Walk in the Art Lab
Dec 4th 5-9pm, Dec 5th 10-5pm & Dec 6th 11-5pm @ Nanaimo Art Gallery (150 Commercial St) Let’s get in the spirit of pop up and curate our own mini pop up art show. www.nanaimoartgallery.com
SATURDAY Saturday December 5 Dec 5
17th Annual Nanaimo Art Walk
Dec 5th & 6th @ Downtown Nanaimo and the Old City Quarter For art walk locations and artist bios go to www. nanaimoartwalk.jimdo.com
Downtown Nanaimo Christmas Trolley (SEE PAGE 8)
Dec 5th, 12th & 19th 12-4pm @ Museum Way & Wesley Street Ride the trolley and see the sights the old fashioned way.
www.dnbia.ca 14
Santa’s Workshop
(SEE PAGE 9) Dec 5th, 12th, & 19th 12-4pm @Vancouver Island Conference Centre- Bottom Floor (101 Gordon St) Get your picture with Santa and stay for treats, crafts and have jolly good time!
A Christmas CarolMusic & Theatre
Dec 5th 3pm & 7:30pm @ Port Theatre (125 Front Street) Take a break from the holiday rush and settle in for a dramatic telling of this classic Christmas story. www.vancouverislandsymphony.com
A Cappella Plus
Dec 5th 2-3:15pm @Santa’s Workshop (101 Gordon Street) Hear the singing of A Cappella Plus chamber choir under the direction of Patricia Plumley. This free event is sponsored by the DNBIA. www.dnbia.ca
S ee WEDNESDAY
Wednesday December 9 Dec 9
Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Annual Members Christmas Luncheon
dnbia.ca
Dec 12
SATURDAY December 12
Cool As Ice
Dec 9th 11:30 -1pm @Vancouver Island Conference Centre (101 Gordon St) www.nanaimochamber. bc.ca
(SEE PAGE 23) Dec 12th 10am @ Heritage Mews, Wesley Street Master craftsmen sculpt blocks of ice into pieces of art throughout the day. Free event sponsored by the DNBIA www.coolasice.ca
The Ken Lavigne Christmas Old Time Radio Road Show
Island Bel Canto Singers-Christmas Caroling
Dec 9th 7:30pm @ Port Theatre (125 Front Street) www.porttheatre.com
FRIDAY December 11 Frozen
Fri Dec 11 ~ 7:00pm @ Port Theatre (125 Front Street) www.porttheatre.com Tempo Dance Academy is pleased to present a creative and fun dance performance of the much-loved musical “Frozen”
Dec 12th 2pm @ Commercial Street Enjoy the three part harmony of the Island Bel Carto Singers as they carol downtown
Camerata Singers and the Nanaimo Youth Choir
Dec 12th 7 pm @ St. Andrew’s United Church (311 Fitzwilliam St) A family concert by singers from ages 5 to 80, directed by Marian Smith, presenting a traditional celebration of Christmas.
Saturday Gift Wrapping for Charity
November 28th 6 Commercial Street December 5th 437 Fitzwilliam Street Help a local charity this holiday season and give yourself a hand. Have your purchases wrapped by volunteers, for a donation to the Mid Island Ability Association.
Visit www.dnbia.ca for details
for down tow n events Winter Harp
Dec 12th, 3:30 & 7:30pm @ The Port Theatre (125 Front St) This holiday classic is a concert experience that has captured the spirit of the season in a gloriously evocative way. www.porttheatre.com
SUNDAY
Sunday December 13 Dec 13
Malaspina Choir presents Sing-along Messiah
Dec 13th- 2:30pm @ St. Andrew’s United Church (311 Fitzwilliam St) Exalt the glory of the Lord, tell good tidings to Zion, behold the Lamb of God, sing Hallelujah. And if you’re not a singer? Well, you can enjoy being surrounded by this incomparable music and hear the trumpet sound. Friday FRIDAY Dec 18
December 18
9th Annual Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular Dec 18th, 19th & 20th @ The Port Theatre (125 Front St) The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular is a celebration of Christmas as well as an extravaganza of music and dance, lights and decorations, laughter and tears. www.porttheatre.com
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SATURDAY Saturday December 19 Dec 19 Moonshine Mollys Under the Christmas Tree
Dec 19th 2pm @Diana Krall Plaza (51 Gordon St) Enjoy a country Christmas at this free event sponsored by the DNBIA. www.dnbia.ca Friday SUNDAY Dec 20 December 20
Service of Christmas Lessons & Carols
Dec 20th 7pm @ Saint Paul’s Church (100 Chapel St) Come and listen to the familiar Christmas story, sing some favorite carols and hear the Choir’s special music. www.stpaulsnanaimoshawbiz.ca
Thursday THURSDAY Dec 24
Saturday SATURDAY Dec 26
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Boxing Day Party
December 24
Dec 24th, 4pm, 7pm & 10:30pm @ Saint Paul’s Church (29 Church St.) Service of the Holy Communion with a children’s story www.stpaulsnanaimoshawbiz.ca
December 26
Dec 26th @ The Palace (275 Skinner St) Themed party until 2pm nanaimoentertainment.com
THURSDAY Thursday December 31 Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Event
FRIDAY Friday December 25 Dec 25 Christmas Day Service
Dec 25th 10am @ 29 Church St. Holy Communion/Carol Service www.stpaulsnanaimoshawbiz.ca
Dec 31st 7:30pm-12:00am @ Casino (620 Terminal Ave) Hourly cash prizes! Free giveaways! Must be 19+! www.casinonanaimo.com
J.A.M.Z Masquerade Ball (SEE PAGE 29) Dec 31st 9:00pm-1:00am @Harbour City Theatre (25 Victoria Rd) Formal masquerade ball in support of arts and music for at risk youth in Nanaimo. Tickets $70 at www.portheatre.com
MONDAY
MondayDec 21 21 December
Christmas Potluck Supper & Service
Dec 21st Supper- 5:30 & Service- 7pm @ Saint Paul’s Church (100 Chapel St) Come and bring a festive dish. Sign up in the Narthex, turkey & ham provided www.stpaulsnanaimoshawbiz.ca
ney on, Syd ay ristinss d s Jona K ll of your holi pm. n a ci si u a 5 f local m ill be playing mber 4th @ o s g n li w ce sty De ho e vocal rty Steele, w ick off Friday, th y jo a n k E m and M p A Life ys, like r Needha at the Light U y holida fo tes ys happ lers. Watch l sa g in favouri ro Ca wil Noth ristmas Singers who om h C g in e shin stroll Canto mber 12th fr e Moon nd Bel Join th under the the Isla aturday, Dece rcial Street. e S rm o Mollys ree for an rf e g Comm p m alon as T 2 to 4p Christm sing-a-long in n o afterno Krall Plaza Diana mber y, Dece Saturda @ 2pm 19th
www.dnbia.ca 16
ISS
TM DON’
SATURDAY - NOVEMBER 28TH Show your support and visit downtown Nanaimo on November 28th and Shop the Neighbourhood. From the waterfront to Commercial Street to the Old City Quarter, look for the yellow balloons, the window clings, and the bright yellow hearts indicating a Shop the Neighbourhood participant. Or, preplan your visit, download the free YP Shopwise App and check out all of the deals before heading downtown. Visit the dnbia.ca website for all of the event details or shoptheneighbourhood.ca for more information.
This year, 75 downtown businesses are taking part in a national event known as Shop the Neighbourhood. Make a local purchase and take advantage of exclusive event deals offered by neighbourhood businesses on this special day.
Remember, behind the small unique businesses that you love downtown are real people, each playing their part to help our neighbourhoods thrive. Downtown area merchants and property owners give to our community year round, but never more so than during the holiday season, through the events planned and executed by the Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association to enhance the community. For a list of downtown participants, make sure to visit www.dnbia.ca
FREE CONTEST BALLOT ON PAENTRY GE 3
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Find something for everyone on Santa’s list – shop the harbourfront, Old City Quarter, arts district and more! With unique shops in every district, you will find something for even the hardest to buy for person. And, with over 2700 parking spaces available, it’s always a short stroll to your destination.* In fact, why hurry? Take your time; browse and find a little something special just for you on the way. For business location information, visit http://dnbia.ca/business-directory/
Quality toys and books for babies through tweens. Nanaimo’s downtown destination toy shop. downtown @ 306-60 Commercial St. (250) 714-0026
Surprise the stitcher on your list with specialty needlework supplies -- from simple to sublime! downtown @ #4 - 70 Church St., (250) 591-6873
*See page 5 for parking details.
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For “one of a kind” vintage gifts, vintage Christmas decorations, hostess helpers and lots of interesting ways to wrap those gifts. downtown @ 83 Commercial St. (250) 591-1595
THE place to find that special sparkle. May we suggest Troll Beads... every story has a bead. downtown @ 143 Commercial St. (250) 754-4531
European inspired home decor featuring Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan, French soaps, linen for your table and bed. downtown @ 99 Commercial St., (250) 754-2192
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May we suggest‌ Gift Certificates available by amount or beauty service. downtown @ 123c Commercial St. (250) 591-3285
Put the ho! ho! ho! in your holiday gifts this year with fabulous finds at Quintessential. Great gift ideas starting at $15! downtown @ 201-70 Commercial St. (250) 753-1041
Something special... top to toes and everything in between clothing and accessories. downtown @ 2 Commercial St. (250) 753-3365
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Give the gift of menswear this holiday season from Vancouver Island’s #1 destination for Fresh Classic Casual Menswear downtown @ 206 Commercial St., (250) 716-3331
Fluevogs now at Catwalk. Timeless funkiness and comfort. Become a Vogger today! downtown @ 13 Commercial St. (250) 716-1300
Get all wrapped up in this season’s hottest accessory, the blanket scarf. Lots of colours and patterns to choose from! downtown @ 45 Commercial St. 250-591-1444
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Specializing in midcentury furnishings, pop culture memorabilia / collectibles, and curious objects of days past downtown @ #6 China Steps, (250) 716-9969
Local, handmade, traditional and modern quilts, hangings, weaving and original oils. Give the gift of art. downtown @ #102-10 Esplanade, (250) 753-2080
Get a bike on the road with Hub City Cycles gift certificates for cyclists and mechanics. downtown @ 12 Lois Lane, (250) 591-2159
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Cool As Ice
Ice Sculpting Demonstration Saturday, December 12th starting at 10am @ Heritage Mews, Wesley St Watch master craftsmen Aaron Grant and Ken Harper from Cool as Ice sculpt blocks of ice into works of art throughout the day. This is a free event sponsored by the DNBIA. www.coolasice.ca
Spirit of Giving Window Decorating Contest
Check Out The Festive Holiday Windows Downtown. Downtown businesses are vying to win bragging rights as the best downtown holiday window in the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Spirit of Giving contest. Let us know who your favourite is on the downtown Nanaimo Facebook page and be entered to win a prize. Contest closes December 22nd. nanaimo.downtown.bia
4 great locations to serve you! 1150 Terminal Ave T:250-754-7731
5777 Turner Rd T:250-390-1248
9 Nicol St T:250-734-7590
1810 Dufferin Cres T:250-716-2600
On average versus any other Canadian Bank. Individual branch hours may vary. 23
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visit www.oldcityquarter.com for more shops and information
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Port Theatre
THE
this Season
The holiday season is a time for family, a time for community, and a time for joy. Here at The Port Theatre Society, we’re lucky to be able to facilitate experiences that bring these three things together.
We’ve all felt the anticipation of sitting in an audience waiting for the curtains to rise. We’ve felt the tingles of emotion evoked through a live performance. We’ve laughed and cried amongst friends and strangers alike. We’ve held some of these memories as our dearest, and strive to share them with others. This holiday season, help us spread even more of this magic: Donations to the Theatre Angels program allow us to give joy and a sense of belonging to less fortunate members of our community by providing tickets to over 50 local social service agencies. A gift of Membership can show support for our non-profit society and give access to early buys and discounts on hot ticket events. Meanwhile, gift certificates are always a surefire way to give the gift of live entertainment. The holiday season brings us together to remember the important things, and to celebrate them together. However you celebrate this season, we hope that you make sharing an experience at The Port Theatre part of your tradition.
Buy 2 or more tickets before Dec 7 to be entered to win a $150 gift basket from Lobelia’s Lair
presented by
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For more details www.oldcityquarter.com Help us spread some community cheer this holiday season as we get into the spirit of giving at the Old City Quarter’s Light Up a Life event! This annual campaign benefits Haven Society, a local organization that provides crisis support and shelter for women and children who are victims of abuse. Non-perishable gift items will be collected at: Sartorial Boutique, Lobelia’s Lair and The Teak Tree. “Light Up A Life Community Sing-A-Long” with Jona Kristinsson, Sydney Needham and Marty Steele December 4th from 5:00-6:00 pm @ #102 – 437 Fitzwilliam (beside the Teak Tree) Following the sing-along, we will be spreading the holiday magic to Cappy Yates Park, where we will be lighting up a Christmas tree for the very first time!
For Forunique uniquegifts, gifts,the theperfect perfectbite, bite, or ortototour tourall allofofthe thehistorical historical charm charmby byhorse-drawn horse-drawntrolley, trolley,visit visit the theOld OldCity CityQuarter Quarterthis thisChristmas. Christmas.
Just a short stroll from Nanaimo’s waterfront, this charming district features an eclectic mix of retail shops, local restaurants and services.
visit www.oldcityquarter.com for shopping information 28
NEW YEAR’S EVE IN NANAIMO Save the best Holi-date downtown for New Year’s Eve. With over 65 downtown restaurants and night clubs, there are so many options to choose from. What about a pub crawl with your mates, a special dinner with friends, or try changing your luck at the Nanaimo Casino. If you are looking for a party where you will ‘see and be seen’, don’t miss the New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball presented by Indie Entertainment, at the Harbour City Theatre. A formal attire fundraiser in support of J.A.M.Z.,
a music and arts program benefitting at-risk-youth, will be the toast of the town. With red carpet photos, three live bands, a midnight champagne toast, silent and a live auction of one-of-a kind masquerade masks designed by local artists, it is going to be THE party downtown. Only 150 tickets are available through the Port Theatre ticket centre. www.porttheatre.com So ring in 2016 with style. See you next year in downtown Nanaimo, it’s all here.
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COMMUNITY CONTACTS TRANSPORTATION
OTHER AGENCIES
AC Taxi 250-753-1231 BC Ferries 1-888-223-3779 Double Dees Designated Drivers 250-802-9072 Get a Go Go Designated Drivers 250-244-3456 Greyhound Nanaimo 250 753-0697 HandyDART Nanaimo 250 390-3000 Nanaimo Airporter 250-758-2133 Nanaimo Regional Transit 250-390-4531 Operation Red Nose 250 755-6969 VIA Rail Canada 1-888-842-7245 Yellow Cab 250-751-1111
Mid Island Abilities and Independent Living Society 250-756-9455 Nanaimo City Hall 250-754-4251 Garbage Collection 250 758-5222 Public Works 250 758-5222 Snow Removal 250 758-5222 Nanaimo Disability Resource 250-758-5547 Nanaimo Animal Control Service 250-754-1397 Nanaimo Community Archives 250-753-4462 Nanaimo District Museum 250-753-1821 Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation 250-591-1551 Nanaimo Recycling Exchange 250-758-7777 Nanaimo Regional General Hospital 250-755-7691 Nanaimo Visitor Centre 250 751-1556 Regional District Landfill 250-722-2044 Regional Transit Authority 250-390-4531 WorkSafe BC 1-888-621-7233
EVENT TICKETS Port Theatre Box Office www.porttheatre.com
125 Front Street 250-754-8550
SERVICE NUMBERS EMERGENCY Fire /Police/Ambulance NON-EMERGENCY Fire (non-emergency) Police (non-emergency) RCMP Victim Services Animal Control Service Bylaw Services Health Link BC Poison Control
911 250 753-7311 250-754-2345 250-755-3146 250-753-0043 250-755-4422 811 1-800-567-8911
RECREATIONAL CENTRES 250-756-5200 Aquatic Centre, 741 Third Street / Beban Park Pool & Cliff McNabb Arena, 2300 Bowen Road / Nanaimo Ice Centre 2 , 750 3rd Street / Oliver Woods Community Centre, 6000 Oliver Road
ONLINE RESOURCES Tourism Nanaimo City of Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Downtown Nanaimo BIA Events Listings BC Highways Report
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www.tourismnanaimo.com www.nanaimo.ca www.nanaimochamber.bc.ca www.dnbia.ca www.dnbia.ca/events www.drivebc.ca