The City of Nanaimo has agreed to provide a letter of support to a federal grant application by Seacliff Properties for funding assistance to build a grade-separated interchange along the Duke Point Highway. (Image Credit: Google Maps)

By Jordan Davidson

major infrastructure

Nanaimo council provides support for Duke Point Hwy. interchange grant

Jul 14, 2026 | 10:10 AM

NANAIMO — The City of Nanaimo is throwing its support behind a federal grant application for a developer-driven interchange project along the Duke Point Hwy.

Seacliff Properties, currently developing the 2,200-home mixed-use Sandstone project between Cedar and Cinnabar Valley, asked the City to provide a letter of support for a federal grant for the Duke Point interchange project to improve connections to the area.

Vice president of development with Seacliff Properties Georgia Desjardins said they’re prepared to make a “very significant investment” of capital towards an interchange, and it’s about much more than easier access to their development.

“Because the infrastructure provides benefits well beyond our project, including improved transportation efficiency, regional economic growth, and support for a federally significant port, we believe federal participation is entirely appropriate. This is a partnership: private investment delivering public infrastructure.”

She said the interchange would cost approximately $30-40M.

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Desjardins spoke during the Monday, July 13, special council meeting, after councillors deferred the decision during a July 6 meeting until Staff could confirm it would not impact applications submitted by the City under the same federal grant.

The deadline to apply for the grant through the federal Build Communities Strong Fund is Wednesday, July 15.

She said delays in building the interchange would have impacts well beyond their own development, including increasing construction costs.

More information on the proposed benefits of a Duke Point Interchange and the affected area. (Image Credit: Seacliff Properties)

“Delivery of more than 220 acres of employment lands, industrial land, commercial space, and housing would be significantly delayed. It would also reduce the region’s ability to capitalize on the continued growth of the Duke Point Port and surrounding industrial areas. Construction jobs, long-term employment, municipal assessment growth, and substantial private investment would all be postponed.”

Councillors amended the letter of support to make it clear that projects applied for by the City are the main priority, but they support the Seacliff application as well.

The motion was passed unanimously.

The Build Communities Strong Fund provides $3B in funding starting this year, supporting infrastructure projects in areas including housing, education, health, and transit, providing $51B in funding over 10 years, according to the federal government.

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by Jordan Davidson

Nanaimo council provides support for Duke Point Hwy. interchange grant

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