City of Nanaimo Presents: The Sweet Layered Podcast

In this episode of The Sweet Layered Podcast, we explore how the City of Nanaimo’s culture grants support local organizations, events and creative projects that enrich community life. We welcome the City’s Culture Coordinator and three grant recipients to talk about how funding helps turn ideas into meaningful experiences. From festivals and heritage initiatives to arts programming, the episode highlights the impact of these grants and their role in fostering a vibrant, inclusive and thriving community.

In this episode we explore how the City of Nanaimo is addressing and improving accessibility across its recreation facilities. From physical upgrades and barrier-free design to staff training and service delivery, the conversation highlights the steps being taken to ensure residents of all abilities can access programs, spaces and services with confidence. Our guests are Mike Bryson, Deputy Director of Civic Facilities and Laara Clarkson, Manager of Recreation Services. Listeners will gain insight into how accessibility is considered in both day-to-day operations and long-term planning, as well as the role staff play in creating positive, inclusive experiences.

Tourism touches nearly every part of Nanaimo’s community, from jobs and small business to arts, culture and events. In this episode, we sit down with Carly Pereboom, CEO of Tourism Nanaimo, to talk about what’s coming up this year. The conversation explores new initiatives, seasonal highlights and evolving travel trends, as well as how Tourism Nanaimo balances visitor growth with sustainability and community livability. Listeners will also learn how tourism contributes to Nanaimo’s local economy and why showcasing local stories and experiences matters now more than ever. Whether you’re a resident, business owner or planning a visit, this episode offers insight into how Nanaimo is positioning itself as a welcoming, vibrant destination.  

Municipal elections shape the decisions that affect our everyday lives — from roads, parks and public safety to housing and community services. British Columbia’s next general local election takes place on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, and in this episode, we break down what voters and potential candidates need to know. Joining us is Sheila Gurrie, Director of Legislative Services and Communications, who brings extensive experience overseeing local elections.  We cover who can vote, how and where to cast a ballot, opportunities to work during an election and what’s involved if you’re thinking about running for local office. Whether you’re voting for the first time or considering a run for council, this episode is your starting point.

In this episode of The Sweet Layered Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Derek Poteryko, a family physician, author and well-known wellness advocate in Nanaimo. We talk about his community-based approach to health, including Walk With a Doc and the Orange Bench initiative, and explore what wellness really means, why simple habits matter and how social connections support physical and mental health. Dr. Poteryko also shares practical tips that listeners can start using today, offering clear and accessible advice from one of Nanaimo’s most engaged health advocates.  

In this episode, we sit down with Litzenberger, one of Nanaimo’s Community Safety Officers, to take listeners behind the scenes of one of the City’s most community‑focused frontline roles. CSOs provide uniformed patrols, response to public safety concerns and support residents facing homelessness, mental health challenges and addiction. Ron shares personal insights into the work from coordinating with police, fire, health and outreach teams, to building relationships with downtown businesses, to helping people find the resources they need. We explore the balance between compassion and compliance, what makes the job both rewarding and demanding and how this team plays a key role in keeping Nanaimo safe, connected and supported.

Original airdate: 11/19/2024 *edited to remove out of date information. Adverse weather can be challenging, but with the right services and clear communication it makes all the difference. Clear roads, sidewalks and areas around facilities to safety alerts and critical updates, timely info keeps our community safe, informed and prepared. We chat with Charlotte Davis, Deputy Director of Parks and Natural Areas and David Thompson, Manager of Roads and Traffic Services about what the City does when we get hit with severe weather.

On this episode of the Sweet Layered Podcast, we’re joined by Carina Nilsson, General Manager and Brian McFadden, President of the Vancouver Island Military Museum. Located near Nanaimo’s harbour front, the museum features exhibits tracing Canada’s military history from the War of 1812 to present-day missions. We explore how the museum came to be, how stories and artifacts are selected and the importance of highlighting both battlefield and home front experiences. Carina and Brian share how the museum connects with the community, honours service and sacrifice and inspires reflection across generations. Whether it’s Remembrance Day or any time of year, this episode offers insight into one of Nanaimo’s most meaningful cultural institutions, a place where history is preserved and remembrance lives on.

On this episode we welcome Jaime-Brett Sine, the City’s Culture Coordinator, to talk about Luminous Paths: Nanaimo’s 150 and Beyond event held in early 2025 – which recently took home a Creative City Network of Canada Impact Award. Luminous Paths was a month-long winter art festival commemorating the City’s 150th anniversary of Nanaimo City Council’s first meeting. The event, a first of its kind for the city, welcomed nearly 18,000 people taking part in seven art installations stationed around Maffeo Sutton Park.

We thought we'd give it a few months before we have Nanaimo's latest Officer in Charge of the RCMP,  Superintendent Eric Rochette, to the podcast! We talk upbringing in eastern Canada, leadership practice, vision for the detachment and public safety.

Today we’re joined by two of Nanaimo’s dedicated Bylaw Officers, Wally Taylor and Mike Buckler. We’ll be diving into what it’s like to work in bylaw enforcement, bylaws the community may not know about, the challenges, misconceptions and celebrations they experience and how they help keep our community safe and respectful. Thanks for joining us!

Nanaimo is getting ready to welcome 2,700 athletes for the 2025 55+ BC Games, a province-wide celebration of active living and community spirit. In this episode we chat with Games President Diana Johnstone and Vice President Mary Smith about what it takes to organize an event of this size and scale. They talk about the 21 sports being featured, the call for volunteers and how local residents and businesses can get involved. Whether you’re a potential athlete, volunteer or supporter, this episode is your insider look at what’s coming to the Harbour City September 9 to 13, 2025.

Aquatics is one of the most popular programs offered by the City. On this episode we dive into a topic that makes a big splash in our community. Recreation Coordinators Ashley Rowe and Amanda Watkins share information on the many programs offered from swim lessons, Aquafit, water safety and so much more. How many people use the facility each day and how many litres of water is needed to fill a pool? Listen to find out!

Public works, the essential service that keeps our community running smoothly. On this episode we're exploring why public works matter, how they affect our daily lives and what residents might not realize about the planning and people behind the scenes. Most importantly, we discuss Public Works Day! What is it? Listen to find out. Joining us are Sweet Layered Podcast alum Bill Sims, General Manager for Engineering & Public Works and David Thompson, Manager of Roads & Traffic Services.

April is Water to Earth Month and today we discuss and celebrate the critical connections between our environment and everyday lives. In honour of Earth Day, we’re spotlighting a unique partnership that brings together multiple levels of government and private industry to care for something we all rely on, our watershed. From the forests that filter our water, to the rivers that carry salmon home, to the taps in our kitchens, it’s all connected. Joining us is Mike Squire, the City's Manager of Water Resources, Pam Jorgenson the Manager of Community Initiatives & Certifications for Mosaic and James Meldrum, Senior Rebuilding Biologist for Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Ever wonder how the city keeps everything running smoothly? Some of it comes down to data—over 400 layers of it. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) support everything from managing water and wastewater to dispatching emergency services and tracking city assets. GIS helps City staff make informed decisions, improve public safety and even meet legislative requirements. On this episode, we’re joined by Mark Willoughby, the City’s Supervisor of GIS, to break down how this powerful tool works and why it matters.

Ever wonder how buildings in Nanaimo stay safe and up to code? Today, we're taking a look at the Building Inspections and Permits process with Darcy Fox the Manager of Building Inspections. We chat about the folks who review permits, enforce regulations and help turn ideas into reality. Stick around as we break down how their work keeps our community growing strong!

On this episode of The Sweet Layered Podcast, we’re talking trash—literally! In the booth we welcome City Councillor and Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) Director Ben Geselbracht and City Zero Waste Coordinator Travis Barrington. As one of four municipalities in the RDN, the City of Nanaimo plays an important role in supporting the RDN’s Solid Waste Management Plan. While the RDN sets the big-picture goals and targets for solid waste disposal, the City handles services like residential curbside collection, public waste receptacles and Zero Waste initiatives. We also discuss the RDN's new waste source separation bylaw and who it affects plus we find out where your garbage, recycling and compost goes after it is picked up. Tune in as we explore what the new bylaw means for residents, businesses and the environment, and how the City of Nanaimo is supporting these efforts to reduce waste and move closer to Zero Waste goals.

This special year-in-review episode of The Sweet Layered Podcast peeled back the many layers of what makes Nanaimo such a vibrant community. This year, we released 15 episodes, exploring everything from property taxes and water conservation to cultural celebrations and major city projects. With an average of over 100 downloads per episode, we’re proud to be in the top 25th percentile of podcasts worldwide, thanks to you—our amazing listeners! On this episode, we’re revisiting the highlights, sharing memorable moments and celebrating the stories that made 2024 such an exciting year for our podcast. 

In this episode, we’re diving into Nanaimo’s 2025-2029 Draft Financial Plan—a blueprint for managing $4.8 billion in City assets and supporting a growing population of over 100,000. With investments in public safety, housing and infrastructure, the plan reflects the City’s commitment to sustainability, livability and long-term resilience. We chat with Chief Administrative Officer Dale Lindsay and General Manager of Corporate Services Laura Mercer. *Episode recorded on December 3, 2024

Adverse weather can be challenging, but with the right services and clear communication it makes all the difference. Clear roads, sidewalks and areas around facilities to safety alerts and critical updates, timely info keeps our community safe, informed and prepared. Up next we chat with Charlotte Davis, Deputy Director of Parks and Natural Areas and David Thompson, Manager of Roads and Traffic Services about what the City does when it snows or when we get hit with a “Bomb Cyclone”.

Arenas are more than buildings; they're vibrant hubs that bring people together, hosting everything from hockey games to weekend skating sessions all while creating lasting memories. In this episode of The Sweet Layered Podcast, we chat with arenas staff Grace Bell (Arenas Manager), Allison Schneider (Recreation Coordinator) and Aaron Denninger (Arena Maintenance Worker) to explore how sheets of ice are made, why arenas matter and their role in supporting the social fabric of our communities. We also reveal the theme for this year’s Winter Wonderland! 

In this episode, we sit down with Superintendent Andrew Burton, Nanaimo’s new top cop and officer in charge of the RCMP detachment. Andrew shares his vision for the future, reflections on his roots in Port Alberni and stories from his career across Canada. Tune in as we discuss recruitment, employee wellness and much more!

It’s Mayor time! On this episode of The Sweet Layered Podcast we welcome City of Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog. We dig into the Mayor’s youth, influences growing up and his time as a BC Member of Legislative Assembly and Mayor of one of Canada’s fastest growing cities. His fun fact was a good one! 

Next up on The Sweet Layered Podcast is Sadie Robinson, the City’s Transportation Planning Specialist to give us the low-down on Active Transportation. We chat about sustainability plans to encourage walking, rolling, cycling and transit goals. How do we get to be a multi-modal city? What is micro-mobility? What are rules of the road for cyclists and other one or two-wheeled devices? Why are bike lanes a contentious subject and who funds these projects? Tune in to find out!

What is an AAP? Find out on this episode of The Sweet Layered Podcast where we welcome Sheila Gurrie, the City’s Director of Legislative Services. In a previous podcast we discussed the Public Works Yard Updates project and the reasons for the upgrade. This time around we discuss the process municipalities in BC utilize to seek funding for projects such as this. Beginning Sept 18, 2024, the City is conducting an alternative approval process (AAP) to seek elector approval to borrow up to $90 million to finance the cost of replacing the fleet maintenance and crew/administration buildings at the public works yard. Project info: https://www.getinvolvednanaimo.ca/pwy-updates What is the difference between an election, referendum and AAP and how would it apply to this process? How does one submit their opposition to the project and by when? What happens if the AAP passes or fails? Listen to find out! *Episode recorded on September 18, 2024

On this episode of The Sweet Layered Podcast, Bill Sims, the City’s General Manager of Engineering and Public Works, discusses the Public Works Yard Updates project. The original Public Works buildings were constructed in the 1960’s and evolved as Nanaimo’s population grew from less than 45,000 in 1980 to over 107,000 in 2023. We learn more about buildings past its useful life too small to accommodate current staffing levels, not seismically safe and undersized mechanic bays unable to fit fleet vehicles such as fire and sanitation trucks. Why is the City looking at this project now after decades of discussions? What is the projected cost to taxpayers and how has this differed from previous plans? Tune in to find out.

On this episode of The Sweet Layered Podcast, we welcome James Knight, the City's Capital Project Management Specialist, to discuss the exciting Commercial Street upgrade in downtown Nanaimo. The project, also named Design Commercial, aims to refresh the downtown core by improving accessibility, replacing aging infrastructure and enhancing spaces for community events. The revitalization will create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly destination that supports local businesses and fosters a thriving, dynamic downtown. Listen to find out more about the years-long process to get to this point and whether he is related to Jonathan and Jordan Knight from New Kids On The Block!

Join us as we chat with Kamal Parmar, the City’s Poet Laureate whose work spans Haiku poetry and creative non-fiction. Kamal's writing reflects her journey from India to Canada, exploring themes like childhood memories, the Canadian prairies and her mother's battle with Alzheimer's. With publications across the UK, Canada and India and several books to her name, Kamal is a vibrant part of the literary community. She is active in various writers' organizations and has played a key role in Nanaimo's cultural scene, making this episode a rich exploration of her creative life.

On this episode of The Sweet Layered Podcast, Paige Pierce, Nanaimo's Youth Poet Laureate for 2024-2026 shares stories of her youth, how her love of reading lead to publishing numerous books and her early start to writing poetry. What is her goal as Youth Poet Laureate? Listen to find out. The City of Nanaimo's Youth Poet Laureate serves as a “young people’s poet”, raising awareness of poetry, the literary arts and the positive impact literature and poetry can have on community life.

In December 1874, the City of Nanaimo became the sixth municipality to be incorporated in British Columbia. Fast forward to 2024 and Nanaimo is known to be one of the fastest growing cities in Canada. 150 years of incorporation provides a chance to highlight the City's success and recognize its citizens and community partners who have contributed to Nanaimo’s vibrancy over the last 150 years. Nanaimo has a rich history dating back before its time as a coal mining, forestry, tech and tourist hub. The Snuneymuxw First Nation resides in the centre of Coast Salish territory on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island and encompasses one of the most magnificent and resource rich areas at the heart of the Salish Sea. Since time immemorial, the Snuneymuxw People have resided in Snuneymuxw Territory as the first peoples. In the booth is City of Nanaimo's Planner for community and heritage, Chris Sholberg and Christine Meutzner, the Manager for Nanaimo Archives. *Nanaimo 150 logo created by artist Amy Pye

Wildfires are ravaging forests and communities in BC and across the globe. Nanaimo is not immune. With the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, it's crucial for every citizen to be prepared and informed. In this episode, we discuss the factors contributing to wildfire risk in BC, including climate change and forest management practices. We'll also explore what actions the City, individuals and communities can take to mitigate the threat and ensure safety during wildfire season. From evacuation plans to understanding emergency alerts, join us as we unpack what you need to know to protect yourself and your community in the face of this growing environmental challenge. In the booth, we're joined by Evan Lloyd the City’s Emergency Program Manager and David Dales Nanaimo Fire Rescue Assistant Fire Chief. They'll share their insights on wildfire prevention strategies, emergency response plans, and how communities can better prepare for wildfire threats.

Access to clean drinking water is as easy as turning on a tap, but have you ever wondered where Nanaimo gets its water? As communities face frequent water restrictions, especially during the summer months, it's more important than ever to understand the complex and crucial work that goes into ensuring we all have access to clean, safe water. From maintaining infrastructure to implementing conservation measures, our local government is at the forefront of managing our water supply, balancing the needs of our growing city with the realities of our environment. On this episode of the Sweet Layered Podcast we will welcome Mike Squire, the City's Manager of Water Resources and Jaymie Miller, Lead Supervisor of Waterworks. We focus on water restriction levels, history of the City's water source, various dams and the water treatment plant. Do you know what turbidity is? Listen to find out this and more!

There's a popular saying: There are two guarantees in life - death and taxes. The Sweet Layered Podcast discusses the latter and peels back the many layers involved in collecting property taxes and the many ways in which it benefits the community. Where do your taxes dollars go, what is collected and how do you pay it? These questions and more with Director of Finance, Wendy Fulla and Manager of Financial Services and Special Projects, Jamie Slater.

Nanaimo's most informative podcast - Bar None!