CVIMS - Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society

Pathways to Permanent Residency
2025-07-08 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Vancouver) | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Are you an International Student? Are you looking into making your stay in Canada more permanent? Whether you are just getting the process started or are looking for some useful tips on navigating the immigration process, this session is for you!
We are excited to welcome a special guest, an experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant who will provide expert insights into various immigration options available to individuals and families. From Express Entry to provincial nominee programs. This session will cover essential information and answer your questions.
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain clarity on the process, understand eligibility requirements, and learn about the resources available to support you on your journey to permanent residency in Canada.
Don’t miss out! Reserve your spot today!
REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org

Community Garden Tour
2025-07-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Park Avenue Farm, 933 Park Avenue, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R 4J3, Canada
Join us for a field trip filled with family fun!
Paired with Nanaimo Foodshare, come join us to this urban farm site in Nanaimo! The Five Acre Farm has been described as an educational urban farm and community classroom. Come with us and explore this community!

Learn about soil & wetlands
Learn about planting, farming, and growing your own food
Enjoy some of the tasty harvest

For more information or to REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org
Date: Friday, July 11, 2025
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: 945Park Avenue, Nanaimo, BC

CRA Tax Clinic
2025-07-15 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-19 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-17 10:00 - 15:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Taxes? Got questions? Make an appointment to attend the CRA Tax Clinic and get one-on-one guidance, assistance and answers to your questions regarding taxes and the Canada Revenue Agency.
Get assistance on:

Taxes: Get clarity on tax filing requirements, deductions, credits, and deadlines, ensuring compliance with CRA regulations while maximizing your tax benefits.
Government Benefits and Credits: Learn about available government benefits, such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), GST/HST credits, and other income support programs, and how to apply for them.
GST/HST Guidelines: Understand the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) requirements for businesses and individuals, including registration, filing, and remittance procedures.
Pension Plans and Retirement Savings: Explore pension plan options, including the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), and how they impact your financial future.
CRA My Account Assistance: Receive assistance with setting up and navigating your CRA My Account, a secure online portal where you can manage your tax and benefit information conveniently.

Contact your Settlement Worker to REGISTER
APPOINTMENTS ARE LIMITED

Museum Tour
2025-07-16 13:30 - 14:30 | Nanaimo Museum, 100 Museum Way, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R 5J8, Canada
Are you familiar with the history of Nanaimo? Would you be interested in finding out more about this beautiful place we live in? Join us for this guided tour at the Nanaimo Museum where we will be learning about Nanaimo’s history, the Snyneymuxw people (Indigenous people from the Nanaimo region), and experience Coast Salish art in all its forms! Do not miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of this place!
Meeting point will be at the front of the Nanaimo Museum (100 Museum Way, Nanaimo, BC).
Make sure to REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org

Cedar Weaving
2025-08-08 12:00 - 15:30 | BC, Canada
Join us for a fun day filled with knowledge! Come to Saysutshun Island and participate in this hands-on experience led by knowledge keeper, David Bodaly. Learn about the culture and history of the land and its people through the materials and technique of Cedar Weaving. Traditional cedar weaving was and still is an important practice for Coast Salish Peoples. It is used to create various items like baskets, mats, and clothing, connecting people to their cultural heritage.
Transportation and activity are FREE for CVIMS clients!
SPACE IS LIMITED and PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED, no later than August 6th.
Date: Friday, August 8th, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 3:30pm
Register: workshops@cvims.org

VIU Pathways to Postsecondary
2025-08-12 17:00 - 18:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Join us for this information session on this program for anyone who needs to take Adult Basic Education (ABE) or English Language Learning (ELL) to get into VIU programs. A great program for those looking to upgrade their skills and succeed in Canada’s in-demand sectors!
You tell us what VIU program you want to take, and we help you make it happen!
REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Time: 5:00 – 6:30pm
Location: In-person or Zoom

Art Therapy
2025-09-19 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-09-26 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-03 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-10 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-17 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-24 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-31 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-11-07 09:30 - 12:00 and 4 more dates | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
This 10-week workshop is designed to help you explore and express your emotions through creativity in a safe and supportive environment. The Art Therapy workshop is a safe group open to all skill levels. There will be a new theme explored each week with the guidance from Amélie Blanchard, a Registered Art Therapist and Pauline Goh, Clinical Counsellor.
Time: 9:3 0am – 12:00 pm
Interested? REGISTER HERE

September 19 – Goals and Visions
September 26 – CVIMS Closed, no workshop
October 3 – Stress Management
October 10 – Healthy Boundaries
October 17 – Anger Management
October 24 – Communication Skills
October 31 – Grief & Loss pt. 1
November 7 – Grief & Loss pt. 2
November 14 – Self Care
November 21 – Courage & Resilience
November 28 – Cultivating Community
December 5 – Exploratory

Mentor Connect
2025-10-08 16:30 - 17:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Information Session
In partnership with Immigrant Employment Council of BC [IECBC], learn their MentoConnect Program. Skilled immigrants are connected with professionals to help them familiarize themselves with local professionals norms, networks, and Canada’s labour market. These one-on-one mentorships can bring valuable insights and connections.
Can be attended in-person or via Zoom.
Register: workshops@cvims.org

Banking in Canada
2025-10-15 16:30 - 18:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Managing your finances can be overwhelming. Join this information session led by Derek Chen, Community General Manager of CIBC Bank and learn how to better manage your money. Understand how to manage every day expenses and unexpected expenses, as well as how to budget in to achieve your financial goals and protect your money.
In-Person or via Zoom session
REGISTER HERE

Halloween Safety | Trick or Treating
2025-10-31 15:30 - 17:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
A time for SPOOKY FUN!
Parents and children welcome! Parents will attend to learn about Halloween safety while children make some crafts with the SWIS Team. Then, we can all join in some Halloween fun and go Trick or Treating to the CVIMS buildings.
For the Parents’ Halloween Safety Workshop, REGISTER HERE!
Register children up to grade 12 for Trick or Treating HERE!

New to British Columbia
2026-01-21 17:00 - 18:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
If you’re new to B.C. or are returning after living outside of the province, here’s what you need to know about driving, calculating your insurance premiums, initial rates and more.
In Person 5-5:45 pm
319 Selby St, Room 23
Register at workshops@cvims.org

Art Therapy
2026-01-30 10:00 - 13:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Art therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, reduce stress, and promote healing through guided creative expression. Join Amélie Blanchard, a Registered Art Therapist and Pauline Goh, Clinical Counsellor help you explore and express your emotions through creativity in a safe and supportive environment. The Art Therapy workshop is a safe group open to all skill levels.
January 30, Room 9 & 10
Time: 9:45 0am – 1:00 pm
Interested? Event Registration

Breast Cancer Awareness
2026-02-06 11:30 - 12:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
This Information Session aims to increase knowledge,
promote early detection, raise awareness of resources
and support.
February 6, 2026
11:30 am-12:30 pm
Room 21
Register at: Event Registration

Super Clinic with CRA and Service Canada
2026-02-17 10:00 - 15:00 | BC, Canada
Join us to find out more about the benefits,
credits, pensions, programs, and services
you may be entitled to!
10 am – 3 pm
101-319 Selby St. Room 9
Contact your Settlement Worker or Case Manager to Register

Art Therapy
2026-02-27 10:00 - 13:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Art therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, reduce stress, and promote healing through guided creative expression. Join Amélie Blanchard, a Registered Art Therapist and Pauline Goh, Clinical Counsellor help you explore and express your emotions through creativity in a safe and supportive environment. The Art Therapy workshop is a safe group open to all skill levels.
February 27, Room 9 & 10
Time: 9:45 0am – 1:00 pm
Interested? Event Registration

Art Therapy
2026-03-20 10:00 - 13:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Art therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, reduce stress, and promote healing through guided creative expression. Join Amélie Blanchard, a Registered Art Therapist and Pauline Goh, Clinical Counsellor help you explore and express your emotions through creativity in a safe and supportive environment. The Art Therapy workshop is a safe group open to all skill levels.
March 20, Room 9 & 10
Time: 9:45 0am – 1:00 pm
Interested? Event Registration

World Earth Day
2026-04-22 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Interactive Workshop for Newcomers in Nanaimo
Learn. Practice. Feel Confident. Make a Difference.
Are you new to Nanaimo and unsure how to manage your household waste? Join our interactive workshop designed to help you understand local waste sorting rules and build confidence in your daily routine.
What You’ll Learn
Sort Waste the Right WayLearn how to correctly separate recycling, compost, and garbage according to Nanaimo’s guidelines.
Understand Local RulesGet familiar with local waste management practices and avoid common mistakes.
Reduce Household WasteDiscover simple and practical ways to minimize waste at home.
Support a Cleaner CommunityContribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable Nanaimo.
Build Everyday ConfidenceFeel confident managing your waste and navigating daily life in your new community.
For more information contact workshops@cvims.org
