There remains no clear path forward for a new community and user group facility in Loudon Park, with discussion on five presented options deferred to the end of the month. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

to be determined

‘A pick your own park adventure:’ Nanaimo councillors delay decision on Loudon Park upgrades

Nov 19, 2025 | 2:05 PM

NANAIMO — Direction on the future upgrades to an underdeveloped park on the shores of Long Lake won’t come for at least another week.

After hearing from staff, a trio of delegations, and engaging in initial discussions as part of their Finance and Audit Committee meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 19, councillors opted to defer any decision on upgrades to Loudon Park.

The move came as five new layout and design options were presented on Wednesday, including a mixture of storage and user group space, as well as new indoor community areas, which staff say are sorely needed.

“We have filled the Centennial Building to capacity, the Kin Hut and the Rotary Activity Centre…are also filled on any given time, on any day of the week for a variety of different types of programs,” Darcie Osborne, City director of parks, recreation and culture, said. “Any community space that we are able to secure for our community will be used and used in a very positive way.”

A map of the five options presented Wednesday for Council’s consideration. (City of Nanaimo)

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Five options were presented Wednesday, each similar in building positioning on site, but ranging in size from 6,448 square feet to 10,561 square feet.

Estimated costs ranged from $9.4 million to $12.8 million, with all pricing based on 2024 construction costs with an extra 15 per cent added on top, to estimate the cost in 2027 or 2028 when shovels are expected to go into the ground.

Exact budgets would be determined before the final construction and design is approved.

Common in all proposals was situating the building on newly acquired land on the northeastern side of the park, leaving the existing site untouched by new construction and clear for park-related improvements only.

Differences in size were primarily related to available community space, from nothing to around 1,200 square feet, as well as space reserved for user groups, namely local paddling and rowing clubs.

General manager of community services Lisa Bhopalsingh said changes, both ones underway and ones to come in Nanaimo’s Country Club area, further necessitate additional community space.

“With the density that Council’s approved in the Long Lake area, the usage of that park and those amenities and trails has gone up. We anticipate providing facilities and amenities where people don’t always need to use a vehicle to access, so it’s just a reality as we become more urbanized.”

She added the options presented were somewhat flexible as well, inviting councillors to embark on “a pick your own park adventure”.

A table showing price difference between the five different options presented Wednesday. (City of Nanaimo)

Councillors offered little hints on which direction they were leading towards during discussions on Wednesday.

Two councillors, Ian Thorpe and Sheryl Armstrong, left midway through due to other commitments, while Tyler Brown and Ben Geselbracht were absent.

It left the five remaining members uncomfortable about proceeding, given the project’s size and scope.

Some user groups, however, were consistent in their requests, encouraging councillors to proceed with option C1, which includes the largest proposed boat and equipment storage room, as well as community space.

Isaac Morgan, speaking on behalf of the Nanaimo Rowing Club, said the inclusion of community space is vital to the project’s success.

“This is an excellent opportunity for the city to develop something of lasting value, and I think something that touches a lot of the citizens in the city, and not just the user groups in the park.”

He added while the facility would obviously benefit private user groups, such as the Rowing Club, it would be of benefit to the wider community.

“Yes, we’re clubs, but we’re also service providers to the citizens of Nanaimo. Any one of us can sign up and join in the activity. Just like somebody wouldn’t go to the swimming pool without swimming lessons, typically they don’t go race a kayak without kayaking lessons.”

The Long Lake Flatwater Training Centre Society, who represent a group of people seeking the creation of a training facility on Long Lake, also supported option C1.

Ultimately, a decision to defer to a meeting on Nov. 28 passed unanimously, with the discussion occurring during annual budget deliberations.

“I want to know what the tax implications are,” coun. Sheryl Armstrong said. “People are hurting, and to me this is a ‘nice to have’, a little bit above a ‘nice to have’. I’m really struggling with doing this right now, until we know where we’re at with the budget.”

A complete report and breakdown on all five options is available here.

Consideration of new options comes after Council agreed to an $11 million upgrade to the park, including boat storage and community space, in April, only to reverse course a month later amid growing public outcry.

A rally held at the park highlighted the number of mature trees slated for removal to accommodate a large building right in the middle of the space.

Creation of storage for boats and other equipment for local user groups was a main driver behind the project, with equipment presently stored behind a locked fence which has been the target for vandalism and theft in years past. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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