Work is currently being done at Nanaimo's McGregor Park along Front St. to transform it into a permanent art installation celebrating Japanese-Canadian heritage, thanks to efforts from the local non-profit, 7 Potatoes. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

7 potatoes

Downtown Nanaimo park being transformed to honour local Japanese culture

Jul 17, 2026 | 5:35 AM

NANAIMO — A high pedestrian area in Nanaimo’s downtown is currently undergoing a makeover to pay tribute to local Japanese culture and history.

McGregor Park, located along the Harbourfront Walkway on Front St., is being transformed into the Nanaimo Japanese Canadian Heritage Site, a permanent “landscape art installation” celebrating the heritage of Japanese Canadians, according to the City.

The area is being transformed into a place of reflection and learning, offering visitors a chance to “connect with stories of resilience, perseverance, and community while recognizing the lasting cultural contributions of Japanese Canadians,” according to the City.

Adjacent sidewalks, bike lanes, and roads in the area remain open, but may be temporarily impacted during construction.

This section along the Harbourfront Walkway will blend the artist’s work with the natural environment. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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An early rendering of the finished look of the Nanaimo Japanese Canadian Heritage Site at McGregor Park in the downtown. (Image Credit: City of Nanaimo)

The City worked in collaboration with the Central Vancouver Island Japanese Canadian Society, known as 7 Potatoes, which asked for over $741,000 in funding last year to complete two local projects, including the work at McGregor Park.

$341,000 went to the memorial garden, while an additional $400,000 was provided for the Nikkei Outdoor Performance Space, to be located directly outside room six of the Beban Park Social Centre.

It’s intended to be a dedicated space which complements the natural area, used for “cultural performances, storytelling, music, educational programming, and community gatherings,” supporting Japanese Canadian cultural programs as well as other community events throughout the year.

7 Potatoes also secured $1.35 million in grant money through the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society (JCLS) for the projects.

Work on both projects is expected to be complete by December.

The Nikkei Outdoor Performance Space located outside room six at the Beban Park Social Centre. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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by Jordan Davidson

Downtown Nanaimo park being transformed to honour local Japanese culture

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