Adding a roundabout to Hammond Bay Rd. at Brickyard Rd. is proposed by City staff, but the project has received lukewarm reaction from area residents as well as some Councillors to date. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

traffic flows

‘Want rather than a need:’ proposed north Nanaimo roundabout receives muted response

Feb 12, 2026 | 3:54 PM

NANAIMO — A proposed roundabout along one of the city’s busiest corridors is receiving a lukewarm reception.

City traffic staff want to take advantage of existing construction along Hammond Bay Rd., and install a roundabout at Brickyard Rd. to help improve traffic flows, curb speeding, and enhance overall safety at a key point in the Dover neighbourhood.

Jamie Rose, City manager of transportation, told the City’s Public Safety Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 11, vehicle speeds warrant some form of response, but in a way which still enables free-flowing movement.

“One of the advantages of a roundabout is the speed moderation. We’ve got measured speeds along this corridor with a majority speed of about 63 kilometres per hour; statistically, that’s not survivable for pedestrians. Traffic signals have no speed moderation.”

A schematic of the proposed roundabout. (Image Credit: City of Nanaimo)

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Proposed is a roundabout guiding vehicles through the three-way intersection, allowing easier access to the residential neighbourhood off Brickyard Rd.

Staff estimates the project at $350,000 and would be tied into the existing construction schedule for ongoing local infrastructure work.

Money would come from the 2026 Active Transportation Unallocated budget.

The intersection is a well-used area due to it being between three area schools, including Dover Bay Secondary, and both McGirr and Rutherford elementary schools.

City projections anticipates speeds of around 40 kilometres per hour through the roundabout, and a collision reduction of around 70 per cent.

The idea was first presented to Council for approval on Monday, Feb. 2, but was referred to the committee for discussion.

The Brickyard medical services building is a main driver of traffic at the intersection, as are a trio of nearby schools. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Bill Manners, president of the Dover Community Association, told the committee the project isn’t at the top of their wish list, calling it a “want rather than a need”.

He highlighted a section of Uplands Dr. between Hammond Bay Rd. and Dover Rd., which has long been an issue, with conflicting commitments from the City.

“Yes, we’re going to do it. No, it’s kind of on hold. Yes, we’re going to do it, now it’s on hold, and the latest I heard was it’s on hold. So, we have an area that is of concern of the residents that’s being consistently put on hold, and all of a sudden this has appeared out of, to us, nowhere.”

Crosswalks would be a more desired solution throughout the Dover community, according to Manners, including at the Hammond Bay and Brickyard roads.

Manners also pitched the idea of both a traffic signal, which would likely cost more money, or a three-way stop.

“One of the reasons why it’s such a busy intersection and has so much traffic is due to the medical services offered on the corner. A lot of people are going to there daily, also it is one of the easiest access exit points for that section of Dover, north of McGirr.”

After being referred to the file, committee members decided against making any recommendation to Council, with the topic poised to return for councillors to discuss at a future meeting, likely on Feb. 23, due to time pressures associated with completing the project.

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