Expect some delays along Dufferin Cres. in front of the main entrance of NRGH this week, as BC Hydro installs power lines for the under-construction Nanaimo Cancer Centre. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW staff

construction work

Traffic delays near Nanaimo hospital’s main entrance

Mar 9, 2026 | 2:53 PM

NANAIMO — Expect vehicular traffic delays this week around the main entrance of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH).

Starting Tuesday, March 10, BC Hydro crews along Dufferin Cres. will be working with a crane to install new power lines for the currently under-construction Nanaimo Cancer Centre, which broke ground in October and is slated to open in 2028.

Island Health anticipates impacts until at least Saturday, March 14.

However, intermittent single-lane traffic on Dufferin Cres. just west of Seafield Cres. was in place Monday afternoon as large dump trucks accessed the future cancer centre work site.

In a news release, Island Health stated hospital access will be maintained, but delays are expected, and anyone with an appointment should allow for extra time.

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In addition to establishing a new regional cancer centre at NRGH, a new three-storey parkade is also actively under construction at the Dufferin/Boundary Ave. intersection to expand on surface-level parking capacity.

Minor traffic delays due to construction were already occurring on Monday, March 9, near Nanaimo hospital’s main entrance off Dufferin Cres. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Meanwhile, a much-discussed expansion to NRGH is currently in the early stages, with the B.C. government outlining $2.8 billion for “new and expanded hospitals and health care facilities throughout the province,” in last month’s annual provincial budget document.

Island Health confirmed early concept planning is underway for NRGH expansion, which includes increasing capacity for acute and cardiac services.

A new patient tower and catheterization lab at NRGH were election promises made by David Eby in the lead-up to the 2024 provincial election.

Recent improvements to NRGH have been focused on additions to the current facility, including a new high acuity unit opened last year, coupled with a new intensive care unit opened in 2023.

Cranes installing new power lines will impact traffic on Dufferin Cres. in front of NRGH until at least Saturday. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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