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Nanaimo receives Destination Development Funds

$1 million fund allocated to Stadium District Improvement Project

Organization logo, see content for who is part of this release
Organization logo, see content for who is part of this release

JOINT NEWS RELEASE - Distributed April 27, 2023 12:30 PM

The City of Nanaimo and Tourism Nanaimo have new funds for sports and events thanks to a $1 million grant from the BC government's Destination Development Fund. The provincial money will help fund accessible bleacher seating at the q'unq'inuqwstuxw Stadium, parking lot improvements, lighting and a media and coaching booth.

The Stadium District, located near Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Nanaimo Ice Centre, consists of the Serauxmen baseball stadium, the Multi-Purpose Sports Stadium (Q'unq'inqstuxw Artificial Turf Field), Rotary Bowl Track and Field Stadium, and a plaza and common area.

The City has committed to investing approximately $12.2 million in the Stadium District and invested almost $7 million between 2019 and 2022 to improve Serauxmen Stadium, Rotary Bowl and q'unq'inuqwstuxw Stadium. The work so far has included track resurfacing at Rotary Bowl to achieve a Class 2 Athletics facility certification, fencing, outfield lighting, bleacher repairs, a new score clock, the addition of an artificial turf field and an Hul'q'umi'num art installation.

Work is underway to add additional amenities to the site, including a ticket kiosk, washcar units, safety netting and utility upgrades.

Key Points

  • Nanaimo's Stadium District was one of 90 projects to receive funding from the Province of British Columbia's Destination Development Fund.
  • This latest $50 million funding comes in addition to previous B.C. government grants that help to support BC fairs, festivals, and events, Indigenous tourism businesses, community-based tourism infrastructure, and destination development.
  • The $1 million grant will be used to add amenities to the Stadium District, including accessible bleacher seating at the q'unq'inuqwstuxw Stadium, lighting, parking lot improvements and a media and coaching booth.

Quotes

"The City of Nanaimo is grateful to the Province of British Columbia for this extra funding to support the Stadium District - an important project for increasing sports tourism in our community. Thank you also to Tourism Nanaimo for submitting this grant on the City's behalf. The Stadium District Project will be a great economic boost to our community and enhance event quality for our citizens and visitors alike."

Leonard Krog
Mayor
City of Nanaimo

"Destination development funding, like these new dollars from the Province is critical to advancing the benefits of tourism in our community. The City and Tourism have taken a “Team Nanaimo” approach working in collaboration on this grant and partnering on successful bids including PlayOn Canada, BC 55+ Games (2025), with additional sporting events expected to be confirmed this summer."

Ian Simpson
Chair
Tourism Nanaimo
-30-

Contact:

For media enquiries, please contact:
Communications
City of Nanaimo
250-754-4251

Print News Release

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