Sad faces were attached to 29 trees at Loudon Park on Saturday, April 19, to represent each tree which would need to be cut down to facilitate a 10,000 square foot building at the park. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

not the right direction

‘Finding a happy medium:’ Nanaimo residents call on Council to reconsider Loudon Park project

Apr 19, 2025 | 3:24 PM

NANAIMO — Around 150 people gathered at Loudon Park on Saturday to make a clear and simple request of City Councillors: reconsider your decision about the park’s future.

Council voted 5-4 in favour in early April for an expansive development to include a 10,000 square foot boat storage building, washroom and community meeting space at the small park on the southeastern shores of Long Lake, but the project would come at the cost of significant green space and 29 mature trees.

Heather Baitz, board member with the Rock City Neighbourhood Association, told NanaimoNewsNOW she is supportive of amenity upgrades at the park, but the scope of this $10.8 million project is too big for the area and she’s hopeful Council will discuss it again.

“Reconsider different solutions that might be possible so that we can have the amenities that are needed without sacrificing this beautiful park that so many people come to enjoy in the summertime. When it’s hot, we’ve got this lovely shade, people come to the water, and it would just be a real shame if that was entirely gone because of this one building.”

Investments to enhance the playground, fishing pier, swimming area, as well as trail system/park access enhancements, are also included in the present version of the project.

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Baitz is also a member of the Nanaimo Climate Action Hub, who co-hosted the event with other neighbourhood associations and groups.

Participants listened to speakers, and also took part in hands-on demonstrations including the tying of ribbons around all 29 affected trees, reminiscent of logging practices.

Organizers also outlined the building footprint in the park, for a visual representation of its size.

A pink ribbon line ran around the park, representing the proposed building’s footprint. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Christopher Brown, a member of the Rock City Neighbourhood Association, said he and his family use the park regularly, and “felt a great amount of sadness and concern” when Council made its decision.

He, too, said a compromise needs to be found so the rowing and paddling clubs can continue to operate and use the area, without sacrificing high-value green space in Nanaimo.

“We’re asking Council to reconsider, to find a solution that is more amenable to all user groups, because we do recognize that this is a valued recreational space, and…the boathouses need to be upgraded. So finding a happy medium for all user groups is what we’re asking.”

Brown said he’s trying to present to Council as a delegation at a future meeting, and will continue to campaign for a more equitable solution.

He added he’s already reached out to Council directly via email.

“Some people responded, basically saying the decision has been made, end of story. We’re hoping that some cooler heads, more reasonable heads, prevail, and they reopen the conversation about what a Plan B or C would look like.”

Coun. Ben Geselbracht spoke passionately during Saturday’s demonstration, urging his colleagues to reconsider their decision on this project and find a more balanced solution. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Coun. Hilary Eastmure and Ben Geselbracht were the only two representatives from Council who attended Saturday’s event.

Both voted against the project.

Geselbracht told the crowd the park has been an amazing place in community since the 1930s.

“I really, truly believe that Council wasn’t fully aware about the footprint of this building, and I have faith that there will be reconsiderations. But the issue is that the decision was made not really listening to the wider public or really engaging in a meaningful way with the actual details of the plan.”

He added talk about upgrading the boathouse dated back to at least the turn of the century and work should be done to upgrade infrastructure in the area to support not only user groups, but the general public as well.

Geselbracht praised the rowing and paddling community for their “amazing contributions to this community” and said no-one believes they don’t deserve a better facility.

“We have the opportunity to expand. People have reached out and said they’re willing to expand this park and we can do a phased development where we can meet immediate needs, get these tired washrooms dealt with, get the boat storage and paddling club amenities set. Then if we need a community space and a room to have birthday parties in, or meetings, we can start building that out as we extend.”

In brief remarks, Eastmure said “someone in a position of leadership” in Nanaimo dubbed Loudon Park “an environmental wasteland”, but did not elaborate further.

She instead referred to the park as a “much loved community green space.”

In order for the project to return to the Council table, one of the five who voted for it would have to request it be added to the agenda for discussion.

Councillors Sheryl Armstrong, Janice Perrino, Tyler Brown, Thorpe and Mayor Leonard Krog voted in favour at the April 7 meeting.

Concerned residents attended the Loudon Park demonstration Saturday, attempting to voice their displeasure with City Council. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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