The Woodgrove Urban Centre is seen as a priority for the City to have an area plan formulated. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

north end planning

City requests funding to help create plan for north Nanaimo urban centre

Jun 8, 2023 | 4:29 PM

NANAIMO — City officials hope to nab a significant discount while forming more detailed land use planning for the gateway to north Nanaimo.

City councillors voted during this week’s council meeting to apply for the Union of BC Municipalities Complete Communities program to develop an area plan for the Woodgrove Urban Centre neighbourhood.

“If we’re successful we’ll be eligible for up to $100,000 and because we’re doing this in combination with the Regional District there could be another $50,000 available for a total of $200,000,” Dale Lindsay, the City’s GM of development services and deputy CAO told councillors.

The remaining $50,000 will come from the City in their already approved budget plan.

Funding announcements are expected by September.

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The City anticipates completing three phases to establish an area plan for the Woodgrove Urban Centre at the same time, with the funding conditional on the plan being formed in one year.

The red-shaded area represents the Woodgrove Urban Centre. (City of Nanaimo)

“The Complete Communities program supports undertaking assessments to inform land use decision-making, considering housing need, supply, and location; providing transportation options including increased walkability; and making connections to infrastructure investment and servicing decisions,” a City staff report stated.

The grant aligns with the City Plan policy approved last year, which requires area plans for urban centres, the staff report noted.

Designated as one of six secondary urban centres in Nanaimo, Woodgrove Urban Centre acts as a regional hub for commercial, residential, institutional and transportation services.

“The Woodgrove Urban Centre is prioritized to develop as a complete community as well as a regional centre, with significant regional road, transit servicing and infrastructure implications to be considered,” the staff report stated.

Forming an area plan for the Woodgrove Urban Centre comes as long-term residential development projects are envisioned for the 42-acre Green Thumb Nursery property, known as the Bowers District.

The owner of Woodgrove Centre publicly revealed nearly three years ago long-term plans to eventually implement condo towers and other amenities to the site.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes