Local municipalities are encouraging residents to sign up for digital bill-paying services to avoid service disruptions during the Canada Post strike. (The Canadian Press)

By Jordan Davidson

avoid dealys

Mid-island municipalities encourage digital accounts in wake of Canada Post strike

Oct 7, 2025 | 3:12 PM

NANAIMO — As the strike by Canadian postal workers extends into October, local municipalities are warning residents about how to avoid any possible service disruptions it may cause.

Regular mail and parcels will not be processed or delivered during the strike, which began on Sept. 25, affecting how some users pay bills and participate in certain voting processes.

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is in the middle of a referendum for the $1.3M purchase of the French Creek School property, and sent out a release last week stating mailed-in ballots can no longer be accepted at this time.

Four mail ballot package pick-up and drop-off locations will be made available for those who still want to vote by mail, with more information found here on the RDN’s website.

In-person voting remains unaffected, with general voting day occurring on Oct 25.

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The RDN has also extended the deadline to Oct. 8 for the fire truck storage facility construction survey.

Due dates for utility payments in the RDN and all other municipalities remain in effect, with alternative methods for bill paying available here.

The City of Nanaimo has also provided information on ways to manage your bills and account digitally.

The City of Parksville has also provided information on how to pay utility bills digitally on their website, as well as details related to planning, rezoning, or development applications.

They have also postponed Oct. 20 public hearing on a proposed south-end grocery store development until the strike ends, as they’re unable to provide enough legally required notice.

The Town of Ladysmith is also encouraging its residents to receive their utility bills digitally by emailing their name and account number to finance@ladysmith.ca, or by calling 250-245-6400.

More information can be found here.

In a statement released on Friday, the union representing Canada Post workers says the Crown corporation is “making a mockery of the collective bargaining process” with its latest contract offers.

The union said it would take time to review more than 500 pages of the latest offer from the Crown corporation, which they called a “major step backwards.”

—With files from The Canadian Press.

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