Parking lot upgrades and other upgrades are substantially complete at Nanaimo's Westwood Lake, signalling the end of phase one of upgrades. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

phase one

Updated parking lot at Westwood Lake officially opens

Jun 1, 2023 | 12:13 PM

NANAIMO — The first of two phases to improve a popular year-round recreation destination is complete.

Parking lot upgrades at Nanaimo’s Westwood Lake are substantially complete, with the new spaces opening to the public Thursday, June 1.

“The area remains an active construction site,” an advisory from the City reads. “Park users are asked to follow on-site signage and in the coming weeks, will notice changes to the parking lot entrance and exit points with modified access to the gravel parking lot and non-motorized boat launch.”

Approximately 36 new parking spaces were part of the design which also included underground infrastructure work.

Two new access points along Westwood Rd. remain blocked Thursday as the City awaits installation of gates to close off the park overnight. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Two new access points to the parking area were also created along Westwood Rd., however large concrete blocks prevented access Thursday.

The City told NanaimoNewsNOW the blocks will be replaced by gates in the coming weeks.

A third way in and out of the new area was established near the washroom facility and was open to vehicle access with cars already taking advantage of the new area.

A bike lane and marked, raised crosswalks now feature at the site to make it safer for people accessing the lake’s many beaches.

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)

Construction began in January and included removal of some trees in the area to make more space.

A second phase of construction is slated to begin in early 2024 and will include more direct improvements to the beach.

Included in phase two is an outdoor shower, water main upgrades, concrete sidewalks and some additional paved parking spots.

The City notes children’s play equipment, improved fishing areas and other amenities are planned but not necessarily budgeted for yet.

New spaces at Westwood Lake in Nanaimo are open to the public, after a substantial re-work of the area. (City of Nanaimo)

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