Calls for improved public notification about Nanaimo’s Civic Sport Merit Awards and Arts and Culture Merit Awards surfaced at a recent joint meeting of the inter-jurisdictional Special District 68 Sports Field and Recreation Committee, highlighting a communication gap between the city, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) and residents in rural parts of the region.
Rural directors say they were out of the loop
Several RDN directors told the committee they had not been informed early enough about the awards' nomination period, and suggested their offices could help spread the word to island and rural communities. The awards, run in partnership by the City of Nanaimo and the RDN parks and recreation staff, recognise individuals, groups, teams and clubs that have brought recognition to the city in sports, arts or culture.
Vanessa Craig, the RDN director for Gabriola, DeCourcy and Mudge Islands, said she only saw an announcement that the awards had taken place. She urged that area directors be looped into the notification process so they can alert residents in their communities.
"I literally did not know this was happening, but I’m glad for the athletes that were recognized."
Jessica Stanley, RDN director for Cedar, South Wellington, Yellowpoint, and Cassidy, echoed the concern, noting she had not heard about the nomination process ahead of time and asking how recipients are chosen.
City and RDN staff outline current process
Tom Osborne, the RDN general manager of recreation and parks, said the need for earlier notification has been identified. He explained the awards operate on a self-nomination model, although staff from the City of Nanaimo and the RDN sometimes reach out to potential nominees to ensure they know about the awards. Application details are available on both the RDN and city websites.
Committee discussion indicated an appetite for a clearer, earlier communications plan that intentionally includes regional directors and uses their networks to reach residents outside the central urban area.
- Who raises the issue: RDN directors Vanessa Craig and Jessica Stanley
- Responsibility: City of Nanaimo and RDN parks and recreation staff
- Current process: Primarily self-nomination, with occasional staff outreach
- Available resources: Applications posted on city and RDN websites
Why the gap matters locally
For many rural residents on Gabriola and other outlying areas, official channels and community networks differ from those in downtown Nanaimo. When nomination calls are not circulated early or through local directors, local athletes, artists and volunteers may miss the opportunity to be recognised for contributions that reflect well on their communities and the city as a whole.
Committee members acknowledged that increasing lead time and widening the distribution list could bring forward candidates who otherwise remain unknown to central administration. Directors stressed their readiness to help promote nomination windows if notified in advance.
| Role | Comment |
|---|---|
| Vanessa Craig (RDN director) | Was unaware of nominations; urged earlier inclusion of area directors |
| Jessica Stanley (RDN director) | Had not heard about the nomination process; questioned selection process |
| Tom Osborne (RDN GM, recreation and parks) | Confirmed earlier notification need; described process as self-nominating with staff outreach |
Moving forward, committee members signalled they will work with city staff to tighten the notification timeline and involve RDN directors earlier. That collaboration seeks to ensure the awards better reflect the full geographic and demographic breadth of Nanaimo and the surrounding regional district.
Greater advance notice could also mean more nominations and a higher profile for local sport and arts achievements, helping sustain volunteer-driven programs and the community recognition that supports them.
