Signage is already up at Westwood Lake about the upcoming construction to overhaul the parking area and improve beach access. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

parking changes

Construction beginning on parking & accessibility upgrades at Westwood Lake

Jan 16, 2023 | 4:18 PM

NANAIMO — Construction at one of the city’s most popular recreational destinations is slated to start this week.

Phase one of the Westwood Lake improvement project is beginning, with the goal to improve parking in the notoriously crowded area and make the beach more accessible.

Director of facility and parks operations Art Groot said changes involve a complete overhaul of how vehicles operate in the lot, adding approximately 36 parking stalls and other improvements.

“Additional parking into where the caretaker’s residence used to be and then with the intent in the second phase to improve the beach, bring the beach up higher, make the beach more accessible and make it larger. But the main focus in phase one is the parking lot.”

Groot said construction fencing will be put up over the coming days, as well as erosion and sediment control measures.

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Estimates in early 2022 suggested 35 trees would need to be removed to facilitate the expanded parking area, but none were deemed crucial.

Some trees which will remain will get bright orange fencing wrapped around to keep them safe from construction.

“That’s going to end up being some of the more disruptive work just because it’ll be really important for the contractor to keep themselves as well as the attending public safe, so there will be some traffic control measures in place.”

An animated, overhead look of a new planned parking lot at the primary entrance to Westwood Lake Park, compared to the current satellite view. (City of Nanaimo/Google Earth)

Groot said phase one is already in the City’s budget for this year and includes money for design work for the larger phase two, which includes an outdoor shower, water main upgrades, concrete sidewalks and some paved parking spots.

Budget 2024 is where the City will implement some of this work and they are hoping to follow a similar timeline as phase one.

“Similar to what we did this year, we can do an early start so that the majority of work can be completed before the extra busy season starts.”

Groot said breaking this project into two phases will ensure there is as little disruption to the public as possible from a park use perspective.

Typical work hours for this project are between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, with after-hours and weekend work as required.

Signage will be in place, and affected residents and businesses will be notified 24 hours in advance of any scheduled water shutdowns.

More information can be found at getinvolvednanaimo.ca/westwood.

Phase one upgrades are expected to be complete by spring 2023.

Phase two will also include some additional amenity improvements around the washrooms and playground. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow