The arts and heritage hub is planned to be the crown jewel of Ladysmith's waterfront. (Town of Ladysmith)

By Spencer Sterritt

waterfront jewel

Ladysmith’s waterfront plans come together with $3.3 million in funding

Jul 5, 2020 | 7:41 AM

LADYSMITH — The dream of an expansive and beautiful arts and heritage hub along Ladysmith’s waterfront is nearly secure.

More than $3 million for the project was announced on Friday, funded through the province and federal government.

Town of Ladysmith mayor Aaron Stone told NanaimoNewsNOW the Arts and Heritage Hub is the heart of their long-in-the-works waterfront plan.

“This will be an interpretive cultural, arts, heritage park space that people can come and rest and linger a bit and hopefully explore the rest of our community.”

The hub will include sizable artist studios and gathering spaces linked by a boardwalk to highlight the recent history of the town and the expansive history of the Stz’uminus First Nation.

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Stone said the waterfront hub will create an ideal attraction for everyone who docks at the Ladysmith marina.

“It’s really such an unrecognized opportunity. Obviously Transfer Beach Park and our amphitheatre are well-known and great place for community gatherings. This really builds on and extends that north through the harbour.”

The $3.3 million in funding builds upon the $1.8 million provided to upgrade the historic Machine Shop, which Stone said is the heart of the Arts and Heritage Hub plan.

The Town of Ladysmith will now contribute a portion of the project cost and apply for a grant through the Island Economic Coastal Trust.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt