The Italian Fountain spent three years behind fences and closed off to the public, but was recently opened back up as part of upgrades to the main downtown Nanaimo corridor. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

major landmark

Downtown Nanaimo’s Italian Fountain operating after three years behind fences

Jun 17, 2024 | 4:06 PM

NANAIMO — After more than three years dormant and behind wire fencing, a popular landmark in the city’s downtown has returned in all its glory.

The Italian Fountain along Terminal Ave. by Port Place Shopping Centre had water flowing once again on Wednesday, June 12 in conjunction with upgrades to the surrounding Italian Square Park and the stretch of adjacent roadway between Esplanade and Commercial St.

Phil Stewart, City manager of engineering projects, told NanaimoNewsNOW the three year downtime provided plenty of opportunity to ensure the long-term use of the fountain

“When the parks were originally fenced off, the Parks department took that as a good time to get in there and do a major overhaul of the fountain itself and the equipment in there. There’s been a major reno with all the bits and pieces of the fountain itself.”

Originally created to celebrate B.C.’s 100th anniversary, and last renovated in 2017, the fountain was the site of an encampment which was shut down in March 2021.

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Fencing was erected after the removal of tents and people living in the park, and while the fountain remained on for some time after the eviction, the facility was eventually turned off and drained.

Stewart said the return of the fountain is a major piece to the overall upgrades to Italian Square Park, which saw designers re-shape how the space was used.

“We updated the landscaping in both parks to have it as more of a visual park and a place people can enjoy as they walk by. It never really was intended to be a place to spend a lot of time in these parks, it was a little bit of green space in our downtown which is desperately needed.”

Fences came down around the Italian Fountain as part of park upgrades to the surrounding area. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Stewart added areas which were just open, flat lawn before were now better landscaped with hedges, trees and plants, along with some difficult contours through hills and valleys.

The City’s Community Safety Officers will be tasked as part of their ongoing duties with ensuring those in the area are enjoying both the park and fountain in an appropriate manner.

Expansive upgrades to Terminal Ave. are nearing the finish line, with the project expected to substantially wrap by mid-July.

Stewart said some concrete sidewalk pours need to occur, as well as landscaping on the new centre medians.

Some additional work just outside the project zone on Terminal Ave. will take crews into August, however interruptions to traffic should be minimal.

The new Italian Square Park offers up better landscaping, more conducive to travel through the area instead of longer-term stays. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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