‘Integral to community well-being:’ restored south Nanaimo recreation centre re-opened

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A fresh coat of paint and some accessibility upgrades are evident from the outside of the centre, with more substantial renovations inside. (Image Credit: Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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'Integral to community well-being:' restored south Nanaimo recreation centre re-opened

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Built in 1969 and deemed surplus to requirements by the school district in 2013, the facility was slated for demolition.

During its time as a school, the building and surrounding park space had served as a beloved community gathering space for many in the South Wellington area.

Members of SWACA began reaching out to local government representatives in 2021 in a bid to restore the site, with the RDN and SD68 entering a 25-year lease agreement on the former school site a year later.

Over several years, work continued inside and out to bring the building back from the brink of demolition, including a new fire suppression system, asbestos removal and accessibility improvements.

Seismic upgrades were also included in the project.

Easthom said they want to add a daycare facility as a regular tenant of the building, as well as create more programming opportunities for residents, including fitness classes.

A satellite location for Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank is also in the early discussion stages.

“Our main goal is to bring everybody, not just South Wellington, but into Cassidy, Ladysmith, Yellow Point, Cedar, and even our neighbours in Cinnabar and Chase River. There’s not really much in the south of Nanaimo, and so my hopes and dreams are that even though they may not be part of Area A, they feel welcomed and enthusiastic to come take part here.”

The centre will be home to a wide array of programming, including fitness classes, community gatherings and, hopefully, a childcare provider for area residents. (Image Credit: Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Having been a part of this project for many years, first as an SD68 school board trustee and then as the RDN Director for Area A, an emotional Jessica Stanley told a gathered crowd Wednesday how important the centre is.

She praised those who’d worked tirelessly to push the project towards the finish line.

“When the school closed, we lost our connection space. There were no other recreational opportunities at the time…there was no physical location, so this was where everyone met, raised our children, and had events, a place to experience community…it was a real loss to the community.”

She praised the School District for reversing its decision to demolish the building and the RDN for partnering with both SD68 and the local community association.

Restoration of the facility will mean a renewed sense of community for the rural area, according to Stanley.

“This is an opportunity for people to gather, connect, and play…a space where you can just show up, and you might see someone there from your community, or you might have an opportunity to meet someone there from your community. Those social connections are integral to community well-being.”

Updates to the building cost $4.4 million, with $2.9 million covered through the Build Communities Strong Fund Community Stream via the federal government.

The provincial government’s Growing Community Funds contributed $360,765, with the Regional District of Nanaimo adding almost $1.1 million in reserve funding.

Operational costs are being covered by Electoral Area A residents.

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