Nanoose Place Community Centre on NW Bay Rd. has been a pillar in community for 30 years, with recent upgrades poised to extend its life further. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

future secured

‘At least another 30 years:’ surprise septic upgrades nearing completion at Nanoose Place

Jun 29, 2025 | 6:03 AM

NANOOSE BAY — A key community facility has weathered its latest challenge and is now prepared for another 30 years at the heart of local recreation.

A sewer backup at Nanoose Place in November 2024, during a regular bingo night, was a sharp notice of a bigger problem underneath the NW Bay Rd. community centre.

Centre president Eve Flynn told NanaimoNewsNOW their volunteer board of directors and other stakeholders were quick to jump into action, with their work resulting in the installation of a new septic system beginning on Canada Day.

“It would be pretty dire to have to say that you either go out to a porta potty or don’t come, I would suggest maybe health would close the building, I don’t know as it never got to that place. We have had great support and now this will stand the building and the premises and the programs and everything in good stead for at least another 30 years.”

Excavators have cleared space for a new septic system to be installed and hooked up in early July. (submitted photo)

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Their ability to mobilize so quickly was down to relentless fundraising, grant applications and campaigning for support from across the community.

Flynn said they’ve tried to stay on top of a lot of the critical issues which arise in a community centre, as a new roof was installed in recent years, along with upgrades to interior bathrooms, the kitchen and several meeting rooms.

Installation of a new septic system, despite coming as a little bit of a surprise, means their future is secured.

“I think any future work on the insides and other aspects of the building, we can feel really confident that we’re not putting money to waste. Rather, it’s a good investment to keep the building up and running. I think we’re around the corner now and we can concentrate on our fire doors, and some internal building refreshes, like paint, and the seniors’ room needs a new floor.”

Envisioned by the Nanoose Bay Lions in the late 1980s and officially opened in 1992, the sizeable facility neighbouring the community’s elementary school has a full-size gym, three meeting rooms, a dedicated seniors activity room and a commercial kitchen.

It’s been a focal point for locals ever since, serving as a meeting place, a daycare, a recreation hub and much more.

All of the work, including maintenance and operational costs, are the result of hard work from a dedicated team.

“We’ve had a fundraising initiative that began its work by looking at the building as a whole. What deficiencies or things that needed repair or upgrade. As you can think, in 30 years, things do change, as far as health regulations and fire regulations and things like that.”

Through grants and other donations, they’ve raised hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Recent upgrades to neighbouring Jack Bagley Park, including outdoor sport courts and bathrooms, as well as pending upgrades to the field and baseball diamond, are turning the surrounding area into a major player in mid-Island recreation.

The facility is a key partner in the annual Community Day in Nanoose, with activities for the whole family scheduled this year for Sept. 13.

Upgrades over recent years to Jack Bagley Community Park have complemented work done at Nanoose Place, creating a central recreation hub. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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