A significant grant will see the ditch side of Hwy. 19A north of the Memorial Ave. intersection in-filled to create 100-150 parking spots. (Google)

By Ian Holmes

significant upgrades

Substantial grants target mid island waterfront projects

Apr 3, 2021 | 6:50 AM

NANAIMO — COVID tourism stimulus cheques for Qualicum Beach, Parksville and Ladysmith are aimed at improving waterfront amenities in the respective communities.

The province’s Tourism Dependent Community Fund delivered $700,000 to Qualicum Beach coffers, featuring expanded roadside parking on Highway 19A.

The Town’s director of planning Luke Sales said ongoing improvements to their waterfront will see between 100 and 150 parking spots created on the non-water side of the highway north of Memorial Ave.

“During the summer our parking is in extremely high demand. This creates a lot of conflicts between the Town’s goal for public safety and people desire for convenient parking,” Sales said.

He said a 640 metre section of the ditch will be in-filled to create the extra parking space.

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Servicing kiosks for mobile food vendors are also planned to help “liven up the waterfront”, Sales said, who noted economic development was woven into the Town’s waterfront master plan adopted five years ago.

He noted the provincial funding will include various traffic calming measures to naturally slow down traffic in the area.

Two pedestrian activated crossings will also be established.

While both sides of the highway will see more people converging, Sales said all forms of traffic will be guided in a more controlled manner.

“Think about how you drive through a parking lot, you don’t go through at high speeds even though there’s tons of room because you know there’s a lot of activity underway.”

Sales said a yet to be determined number of parking meters for overnight visitors are planned for the waterfront, while several RV parking spots will also be created.

He expected public discussions with the community and council to take place on the new parking configuration and food truck locations.

Construction of the waterfront initiatives is slated to be underway this summer and be complete by early 2023, Sales said.

Parksville Project

The City of Parksville landed a $315,000 provincial grant to upgrade the main playground in the Parksville Community Park. The City announced new equipment and an expanded surfaced area in the Lions Ventureland Playground will provide an improved play space experience. The upgrades are geared toward eight and 12-year-olds, the City said in a news release.

“Ventureland Playground ensures a quality all-day experience during park visits by families and helps bridge the gap between the other facilities and events in the park which are geared towards adults,” the release said.

Ladysmith improvement

A little over $700,000 will provide a boost to Ladysmith’s waterfront by enhancing public amenities and encouraging economic development. The Town announced a majority of the grant will see an accessible washroom established at Transfer Beach. Ladysmith’s Community Park

The Community Park will also see new shelters, picnic tables, bike racks and a bike service station.

Thirty-two communities received a combined $19.4 million from the ministry of tourism, arts, culture and sport.

The projects must be completed by March, 2023.

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