City acquires land for future community centre in south Nanaimo

Investment addresses need for growing city and gap in local amenities

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed July 7, 2025 3:23 PM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo has purchased land in the Chase River neighbourhood for a future community centre. The $5.1 million budget to acquire the properties was funded in part by a $2.5 million contribution from the Province of British Columbia’s Growing Communities Fund.

The purchases help address a long-standing need for recreational and gathering spaces in the south end of Nanaimo. City Council has identified a community centre for the area as one of its top three priorities.

The Growing Communities Fund supports infrastructure and amenities in rapidly growing communities across B.C. by helping local governments invest in core services and facilities.

Planning for the new community centre will be guided by a feasibility study already in progress, further community engagement and must align with City Plan: Nanaimo ReImagined. City Council will consider next steps at a future public meeting.

Link to Strategic Plan: The purchase of land and addition of community space aligns with the City's Official Community Plan that addresses growth and development to 2046 and beyond.

Key Points

The City purchased parcels of land for the development of a future community centre in Nanaimo's Chase River neighbourhood.
The $5.1 million budget to acquire the properties was funded in part by a $2.5 million contribution from the Province of British Columbia’s Growing Communities Fund.
The City of Nanaimo's south end has long been identified as lacking sufficient community amenities, a challenge that has been highlighted in several City planning documents over the past two decades and has been identified as one of City Council’s top three priorities.

Quotes

"A community centre builds a sense of belonging, with kids, parents and grandparents building friendships that last a lifetime. We’ll keep investing in communities throughout B.C., bringing the services and spaces people need closer to home that keep pace with our growing communities."

Ravi Kahlon

Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs

Province of BC

"The new Chase River Community Centre means more chances for people in Nanaimo to gather, connect, and build the kind of neighborhoods we’re proud to call home. By working with local governments here and across B.C., we’re creating spaces that bring people together and strengthen the fabric of our communities."

George Anderson

MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville

Province of BC

"This is an investment in our residents and in the future of our growing city. With the distinction of being one of Canada's fastest growing cities, we have to start planning ahead for easy access to public spaces that bring people together. Purchasing this land brings us one step closer to delivering the kind of inclusive and accessible amenities that our city needs and deserves."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

A feasibility study began in early 2022 to identify a preferred site, review governance and operating model best practices, develop a conceptual plan, and complete a financial analysis for a new community centre to be located south of Tenth Street.
The proposed facility is envisioned as a central hub that will serve the City's growing needs by providing access to much-needed community services and spaces for recreation, education and wellness activities.
The Study revealed the need for a gymnasium, childcare facilities and multipurpose rooms, among other recreational needs. The proposed facility will range between approximately 53,000 and 67,000 square feet.
There is potential for the community centre to include a library, space for primary health care services and possibly community safety and performing arts spaces.