A render of the City's proposed waterfront walkway connecting Departure Bay ferry terminal with the neighbouring beach. (City of Nanaimo)
WALKABILITY

Proposed $25 million pedestrian connection around Nanaimo needing public feedback

Jun 11, 2021 | 8:20 AM

NANAIMO — A proposed pedestrian pathway between Departure Bay ferry terminal and neighbouring beach area is requesting public input.

The City of Nanaimo opened up an online public feedback session through its website on Friday, June 11, to gather ideas about the project. The Departure Bay connection is the first in a multi-step process eventually connecting the area to the Nanaimo Estuary south of the city, by foot.

Work along Departure Bay would connect the ferry terminal to Kinsmen Park, restore beaches, add new public access points and provide separated pedestrian and cycle paths.

“The Departure Bay section as proposed would use a ‘green shores’ approach to create a safe pedestrian and cycle pathway along the waterfront and meets a number of the community’s goals around active transportation, environmental Restoration and economic development,” a release from the City read.

The City will also use existing infrastructure in the downtown, including Maffeo Sutton Park, as part of the improvements.

Completion of the total project is eyed for 2027 and would result in 13 kilometres of pathway developed in phases. Cost estimates have the project between $25 and 30 million.

The six-phase plan for the City of Nanaimo to create a walking network between Departure Bay and south of Nanaimo. (City of Nanaimo)

Nanaimo’s Waterfront Walkway Implementation Plan is driving the project, which has outlined ways to make it easier for residents to move around the city on food.

It’s part of the City’s push to develop its active transportation network, which has seen the implementation of several bike lane and pedestrian enhanced road upgrades in recent years.

More information on the project, along with a survey is available on the City’s website.

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