While it's now known the Departure Bay Activity Centre will be torn down, the future use of the site is uncertain. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

write off

Fire-ravaged Departure Bay Activity Centre won’t be repaired, facility to be demolished

Jul 18, 2022 | 1:54 PM

NANAIMO — What’s left of a community hall in the heart of Nanaimo’s Departure Bay neighbourhood will be torn down, the City of Nanaimo confirmed.

The City stated it recently received notice from its insurance company that the building was a constructive loss and cannot be repaired.

The gymnasium-style building was badly damaged in a suspicious fire on March 17 and has been closed since.

“Once the facility has been decommissioned and removed, the City will undertake a review process to consider what to do with the site, replacement of lost recreational space and opportunities to work with other groups,’ a City news release stated. “Parks, Recreation and Culture will plan a community consultation process to look at options for the site and for facility replacement.”

The fire caused numerous user groups to be displaced or paused their operations.

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No injuries were reported in the fire, which badly torched the building’s interior and exterior.

The Wingrove St. facility was originally built in the 1950s, serving for many years as a recreational venue for seniors, youth as well as providing meeting space for multiple organizations.

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