A large swath of properties in the Terminal Ave. area are now exempt from provincial mandates to submit a groundwater quality assessment during the development process. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

less red tape

Major hurdle for downtown Nanaimo development reduced following groundwater decision

Aug 16, 2023 | 5:58 AM

NANAIMO — With a requirement to gauge groundwater quality prior to potential redevelopment for nearly 150 downtown Nanaimo properties removed, the city’s mayor believes the decision will aid revitalization efforts.

The ministry of environment and climate change strategy has determined development related site investigations to assess groundwater quality is no longer necessary in the Terminal Ave. area between Comox Rd. and Esplanade.

It’s a notable regulatory shift, said Leonard Krog, who pointed to reduced costs and other challenges to develop on what was once a tidal inlet which was later in-filled.

“It will save thousands of dollars, reduce delay in getting projects up and running — it’s a good news story all around, the public interest has been entirely protected in this,” Krog told NanaimoNewNOW.

The purple-shaded properties are no longer impacted by groundwater quality assessment requirements during development applications. (City of Nanaimo)

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A multi-partner effort started more than a decade ago, originally led by volunteer-run Planning Design and Development Nanaimo and a former downtown business advocacy organization, to raise money for an environmental study to obtain special consideration from the province.

An application was eventually submitted in 2020, which included findings which concluded there were no mapped groundwater aquifers in the area, while it is also not suitable for a domestic water supply.

Terminal Ave. represents a priority for the City of Nanaimo to modernize, with the stretch between Esplanade and Commercial St. currently an active construction zone to enhance above and below ground infrastructure.

Terminal Ave. is in the process of being reformed during a City-led revitalization process. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

A multi-year project envisions less of a highway feel through the corridor all the way to Stewart Ave. with improved pedestrian amenities.

With numerous building permits awarded in recent years on either side of Terminal Ave., Krog believes removing the groundwater assessment requirement in conjunction with City-led revitalization efforts will make a difference.

“This will really spur the kind of investment we want to see in our downtown, the upgrading of the Terminal Avenue Trench, all of these things will play off each other in a very positive way for everybody,” Krog said.

Earlier this summer the City opened an expressions of interest (EOI) process for development ideas for 6 Commerical St., the site of the former Jean Burns Building at the intersection of Terminal Ave.

The EOI period expiries in September, while City councillors are expected to review development concept ideas this fall.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes