CVIMS - Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society

New to British Columbia
2026-01-21 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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

Interim Federal Health Program info session
2026-04-28 16:30 - 17:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
What You’ll Learn
Stay informed about upcoming updates to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). This session will help you understand what’s changing and how it may affect you.
Key Topics:
What’s Changing:An overview of important IFHP updates taking effect on May 1, 2026
Impact on Your Coverage:How these changes may affect your current health benefits and eligibility
Covered Services:A clear breakdown of which services will continue to be covered—and which may no longer be included
What You Need to Do:Steps you should take to ensure your coverage continues without interruption
April 28, 2026
4:30pm – 5:30 pm
Selby Office, Room 10
Register at: workshops@cvims.org

Emergency Preparedness
2026-04-29 16:30 - 17:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Are you ready for emergencies? You should always be prepared for whatever might come!
Join this information session and learn what and how to prepare for emergencies specific to living on Vancouver Island. Understand local risks and learn how to respond with confidence.
In this workshop you will learn common emergencies, what to include in a household emergency kit, how to create an emergency plan, staying informed, and more! Special Guest: Evan Lloyd, Emergency Manager of City of Nanaimo.
Come and learn, be prepared!
REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org
Date and time: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, | 4:30 – 5:45pm
In-person and online!

Canadian Citizenship
2026-05-26 17:00 - 18:00 | BC, Canada
Learn about

Eligibility and Requirements
Process
Necessary documents and fees
What is on the test and how to study

In person or via Zoom
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
5 pm -6 pm
You can email workshops@cvims.org to register.
(spots are limited)

Social Prescribing
2026-06-09 10:00 - 12:00 | BC, Canada
Social Prescribing Information Session for Seniors
When: June 9, 2026 | 10:00–11:00 AM or 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Where: Oliver Woods Community Centre, 6000 Oliver Rd, Nanaimo
Who Can Join: Adults aged 55+ and their family members or loved ones
Learn about free and low-cost programs and services available to seniors in Nanaimo. Social Prescribing connects older adults with community activities and supports that promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
CVIMS clients will have the opportunity to meet with our Health Navigator and staff to explore local resources that help seniors stay healthy, active, and socially connected.
Register with your settlement worker, case manager, or send an email to workshops@cvims.org .

CRA Tax Clinic
2026-06-09 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
Government Benefits and Credits
GST/HST Guidelines
Pension Plans and Retirement Savings
CRA My Account Assistance

Contact your Settlement Worker to register
APPOINTMENTS ARE LIMITED

Canadian Citizenship Classes
2026-06-13 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-20 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-27 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-04 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-11 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-18 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-25 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-08-01 10:00 - 13:00 and 1 more date | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada

Nanaimo Museum Tour
2026-07-08 12:30 - 14:00 | BC, Canada
Join us for free, guided tour at Nanaimo Museum!
Visit a realistic replica of a XIX century mine shaft
See what daily life was like in a traditional Snuyeymuxw First Nation longhouse
Listen to stories of culturally diverse farmers, coal mining company farms, and the story of Five Acres, now known as Harewood
100 Museum Way, Nanaimo
July 8, 2026, 12:30 am
To register email workshops@cvims.org.

Nature Based Art Therapy
2026-07-17 10:00 - 14:00 | BC, Canada
Join Amélie Blanchard, Registered Canadian Art
Therapist, for a nature-based art therapy session.
Enjoy mindfulness, a gentle walk, and eco-art making.
No artistic experience needed. Connect with nature,
create, and recharge.
July 17, 2026, 10 – 2pm
Bowen Park at Wall Street parking lot
Email workshops@cvims.org to register.

CRA & Service Canada
2026-07-21 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!
July 21, 2026
10 am – 3 pm
101-319 Selby street
Contact your Settlement Worker or Case Manager to register.

Fishing is Fun
2026-08-07 10:00 - 12:30 | Long Lake, 4295 Victoria Avenue, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9T2A9, Canada
Join us for a day of fun and relaxation at our fishy event! As part of our ongoing efforts to foster community connections, come join us for a good time fishing at Long Lake, Nanaimo! Open to all ages, no experience needed and all equipment will be provided!
Any further information and to register, please contact: workshops@cvims.org

Menopause Workshop
2026-08-12 17:00 - 19:00 | BC, Canada
Menopause workshop for migrant women to help them understand body changes, reduce isolation, and build practical strategies for wellbeing.
who is it for? Migrant women 35+
in person only
Wednesday, August 12. 5 – 7 pm
101-319 Selby Street
Register with your settlement worker, case manager or email workshops@cvims.org.

Nanaimo Bastion Tour
2026-08-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Bastion Tour, 100 Museum Way, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R 5J8, Canada
Nanaimo’s oldest building and most recognizable landmark.
Come with us to this guided tour of The Bastion building! Learn its history, its importance and its meaning for the Nanaimo area. Do not miss the chance of learning more about Nanaimo’s history, to see the Bastion building inside and out!
Please note that the space inside the Bastion is quite small and confined, and includes three flights of steep stairs. For this reason, the tour is open to participants aged 15 and older and is not suitable for younger children.
Meeting point is in front of the Nanaimo Museum entrance (100 Museum Way).
Spots are limited! make sure to REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org
Friday, August 14 at 10 am

CRA Tax Clinic
2026-08-25 10:00 - 15:00 | BC, Canada
CRA Tax Clinic
Get Expert help on:
Benefits
CGEB
CRA My Account
And more!
Tuesday, August 25
10am-3pm
In Person and by Appointment Only
Speak with your Settlement Worker to sign up to get support from the Canada Revenue Agency.
