An automated car wash is slated to be built at the corner of Island Hwy. and Bowen Rd/Norwell Dr. after a development permit was awarded by Nanaimo City Council on Monday, June 3. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

squeaky clean

Automated car wash approved near high-traffic Nanaimo intersection

Jun 4, 2024 | 11:26 AM

NANAIMO — An automated car wash is slated to occupy a long-vacant plot of land near Country Club Centre.

City councillors unanimously awarded a development permit on Monday, June 3, paving the way for a building permit and construction on a one-and-a-half-storey automated car wash at 3109 Island Hwy. North, at the Norwell Dr./Bowen Rd. intersection adjacent to Dairy Queen.

Two paying lanes will funnel into a single-bay car wash tunnel running parallel with Norwell Dr. on the eastern portion of the property. A mechanical room, staff room and kiosk are also included in the build.

A previously included residential component to the property was removed ahead of the application for the development permit, according to the City.

A rendering of the proposed car wash, which features one main car wash station. (City of Nanaimo)

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Coun. Janice Perrino said Monday it’s a welcomed addition to a very visible area.

“I’m so pleased, it’s just a barren piece of cement and it’s just so nice to see a business going in there. It’ll certainly liven that corner up a little bit, it’s good news.”

The project went before the City’s Design Advisory Panel in January 2024, with several recommendations given to developers, including ways to shield vehicle headlights from shining onto Norwell Dr. or the Island Hwy.

Coun. Hilary Eastmure, Council’s representative on the panel, said the developer made the required changes.

“There was a lot of support for this project and I’m glad to see they have, based on recommendations from the Design Advisory Panel, added six additional trees within the landscaping to screen headlights from view on adjacent roads.”

Trees and various landscape features are planned to ensure headlights from cars at the property are not obstructing traffic along Norwell Dr. or the Island Hwy. (City of Nanaimo)

Landscape buffers are planned along Norwell Dr. and at the lighted intersection itself.

The property will maintain two access points off the Island Hwy. and Norwell Dr.

Staff supported two variances ultimately approved with the permit, including a canopy projecting into a side yard setback and a landscape buffer along the Island Hwy.

A building permit is still required before construction can begin.

The site was home to a gas station until 2014, before becoming vacant and eventually being torn down.

Access to the property, as well as the neighbouring Dairy Queen, will be maintained off both Norwell Dr. and the Island Hwy. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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