Several significant projects envisioned in Nanaimo were discussed during a committee meeting this week. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

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City councillors examine several potential big ticket infrastructure projects

Mar 31, 2023 | 5:26 AM

NANAIMO — A broad overview of large projects, including essential works, offers a glimpse into substantial City-led initiatives in the coming years.

During a special finance and audit committee meeting on Wednesday, March 29 City of Nanaimo staff outlined basic project details involving emergency, operational and recreational value, where potential timelines and cost estimates were given.

The presentation to councillors focused on four projects: Nanaimo Operations Centre (NOC), South End Community centre, new Nanaimo RCMP detachment and establishing the Departure Bay section of the waterfront walkway.

All initiatives require future Council approval, while the City expects borrowing and electoral approval would be heavily relied upon due a lack of internal reserves.

The City’s director of engineering Poul Rosen said the projects are staggered over several years.

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“As we go with these projects if something comes up we can always change course. We’re not making all of these decisions right now, we’ll make them one at a time as things progress,” Rosen said.

Projected timelines of several large projects that could be built in the coming years in Nanaimo. (City of Nanaimo)

The NOC, to serve as an enhanced public works facility, is envisioned to be constructed in multiple phases, which would see two existing satellite facilities consolidated to Labieux Rd.

Costs for the NOC have grown to the $150 million range, eclipsing the $125 million estimate in 2021, which the City estimates could see work on the first phase take place next year.

The ‘level of confidence’ indicator reflects the City’s level of confidence in its budget estimates for the respective projects. (City of Nanaimo)

The next significant City-envisioned project to proceed is the long-discussed South End Community Centre, which could be built between 2025 and 2027.

Richard Harding, the City’s general manager of parks, recreation and culture, said the idea is for a double-gymnasium facility similar to Oliver Woods Community Centre.

“Time frame is to come back to council this year and the public with final feasibility and give us some options on its type and its potential location. We’ve looked at about eight different locations, we’ll narrow that down,” Harding said.

Establishing a walking route between Departure Bay Beach and the BC Ferries Terminal to lengthen the waterfront walkway has been a longstanding vision for the City.

Estimated to cost in the $30 to $38 million range last year, City staff proposed to update Council with new cost estimates.

As for the future of the Nanaimo RCMP detachment, the City is obligated to provide a suitable venue for its local police force.

Built in 1986 and expanded in the early 2000’s, the City noted the Prideaux St. facility is vastly outdated and too small for current operational needs.

Some staff have already moved out into other offices in a bid to extend its life and prepare for a transition.

Renovating the existing detachment is proposed, followed by constructing a new detachment on the existing property at a cost of $80 to $100 million between 2027 and 2029.

A detailed overview of the City’s overview of the capital projects can be viewed here.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes