The City of Nanaimo is purchasing 2367 Arbot Rd., site of the Westwood Lake Tennis Club, with the property set to become a publicly accessible park space. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

additional space

Nanaimo’s Westwood Lake expands through City land purchase

Sep 16, 2026 | 4:02 PM

NANAIMO — Previously considered as land for townhouses, a 2.85-acre property will instead be folded into the surrounding Westwood Lake Park grounds.

The City of Nanaimo announced Wednesday, Sept. 16, the pending completion of a $2.88 million purchase of 2367 Arbot Rd., site of the current Westwood Tennis Club, and a property which came before Council in late 2025 for potential housing use.

In a statement, the municipality stated they will take possession of the property, on the northwestern corner of the lake, on Dec. 18, 2026.

“In the near term, the City plans to make several immediate improvements, including new signage, enhanced entrance features, and access upgrades. Longer term, a comprehensive planning process will be undertaken to determine how the site can best be integrated into Westwood Lake Park and serve the needs of the community.”

As part of the transition, the Westwood Lake Tennis Club will cease operations at the start of November, with the “tennis bubble” to be removed shortly after.

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While the club will not operate on-site, the City expects courts to remain a feature of the property.

“The site currently features landscaped grounds, outdoor tennis courts, walkways, and gravel parking areas,” the statement read. “It also features buildings that have the potential to be repurposed for community use. As part of the park expansion, the City sees opportunities to improve access to Westwood Lake Park while providing additional active and passive recreation amenities.”

Developers had pitched a low-density housing initiative for the site in October 2025, which would have consisted of 30 townhouses on the deep but narrow property, however Council rejected the pitch in a 7-2 vote.

Nearly a dozen delegations lobbied for the decision, with nearby residents citing their desire for the land to remain part of the tranquil lake environment.

Some were concerned development of 2367 Arbot Rd. would set precedent for other lakeside properties, resulting in over 200 units potentially being built.

The City expects the property to be opened up to the public soon after the Dec. 18 acquisition.

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by Alex Rawnsley

Nanaimo’s Westwood Lake expands through City land purchase

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