The City of Nanaimo announced it's purchasing land and eyeing redevelopment in the 500 block of Terminal Ave., which includes the hole where the ACME Building used to stand. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

transit

City eyes relocating downtown Nanaimo transit exchange to high-profile site

May 28, 2021 | 2:36 PM

NANAIMO — A major thoroughfare through downtown Nanaimo could have a new transit exchange.

The City of Nanaimo announced on Friday, May 28 it purchased 565 and 575 Terminal Ave. and is in the process of purchasing 14 Commercial St. to redevelop the area and possibly move the RDN Transit exchange.

“The 500 block of Terminal Ave. was identified as a priority for revitalization,” a City release said. “In recent years, the City has undertaken several studies that have identified opportunities for pedestrian and transit improvements in the Downtown core and the 500 block of Terminal Avenue was identified as a priority area for revitalization.”

14 Commercial St. is the former Jean Burns building, often referred to as the old ACME Building, which has existed as a large hole since the building burned down in March, 2016.

565 Terminal Ave. is currently the In Print shop and 575 Terminal Ave. is Black and Blue Tattoo.

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Highlighted areas are slated for redevelopment by the City, including possibly a new transit exchange. (Farnaz Farrokhi/City of Nanaimo)

In April, 2021, the City’s transportation manager Jamie Rose told Council the area is being eyed for a new transit hub.

“There are a few things that have given us cause to revisit the Terminal and Commercial location,” Rose told councillors on April 12, 2021 when specifically discussing re-siting the transit exchange from 1 Port Dr. “More and more information has come to light.”

Work in the area includes geotechnical and soil investigations, preliminary efforts to estimate a cost of renovating the area and designing concepts.

The City confirmed it is not persuing purchasing the old A&B Sound Building directly across from the areas purchased.

A public consultation process is expected to begin in mid July before concepts for the area are finalized.

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