Departure Bay Activity Centre to be torn down

Consultation planned on future of site and programs

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed July 18, 2022 1:30 PM

Summary

The remains of the much-loved Departure Bay Activity Centre, damaged by fire on March 17, will be torn down and removed. The City of Nanaimo recently received notice from its insurance company that the building was a constructive loss and cannot be repaired.

Once the facility has been decommissioned and removed, the City will undertake a review process to consider what to do with the site, replacement of lost recreational space and opportunities to work with other groups. Parks, Recreation and Culture will plan a community consultation process to look at options for the site and for facility replacement.

Link to Strategic Plan: Recreation supports the Livability goals of the Strategic Plan

Key Points

Fire broke out at the Departure Bay Activity Centre on March 17. The facility has been closed since then and programs have been relocated or paused.
The City's insurance company deemed the building a constructive total loss and non-repairable.
Parks, Recreation and Culture staff will plan a consultation process to determine the future of programs and the site.