By Spencer Sterritt

Alternatives to closure looked at for Departure Bay Activity Centre

Nov 1, 2017 | 3:39 PM

NANAIMO — The City of Nanaimo is exploring options which could provide a new lease on life for the Departure Bay Activity Centre instead of simply closing it down.

The 2016 Core Services review prepared for the City recommended the closure of the aging facility for a one-time savings of $2.1-million.

During a presentation to City Council Monday night about the Core Review, parks, recreation and environment director Richard Harding said his department is analyzing alternatives for the venue near Departure Bay Beach.

The gymnasium-style building is currently used for activities like table tennis, badminton and dance.

Harding told NanaimoNewsNOW any decisions about the Wingrove St. facility will be decided after his department creates a parks, recreation and facilities master plan. He said they’ll engage with area residents and people throughout the community about where they want to see recreation and parks services.

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“We know, for example, gymnasium space is always in demand and popular. It could be that to a variety of different types of recreation services for that area.”

In preliminary talks with the community, Harding said there were concerns about losing valuable space.

“People don’t like to lose anything. So if they see any kind of meeting space lost, there’s a number of concerns about it.”

The building, which was originally built in the 1950’s and expanded in stages over the decades, needs to be “replaced or a substantial amount of money put into it to keep it going,” Harding said.

Work on the parks and recreation master plan is expected to start next year.

spencer@naniamonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit