Ceremonial ground breaking for Loudon Park Activity Centre

Community space, new washrooms, boat training and storage, park improvements; work starting soon at Long Lake's popular park

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed July 30, 2026 8:31 PM

Summary

The much-anticipated ceremonial ground breaking for the new community activity centre at Loudon Park was held on Thursday, July 30.

The improvements will replace aging infrastructure, support existing recreational users and create a more accessible, welcoming and inclusive destination for residents and visitors. The project budget is $11.4 million.

Inspired by community feedback, project improvements include:

a bookable community gathering space with a kitchen
an outdoor terrace
modern, accessible public washrooms
areas supporting flatwater paddling and rowing training activities
equipment and boat storage

Additional park enhancements include:

an expanded beach and improved landscaping
a new playground
improved trails and enhanced accessibility throughout the park
outdoor seating and gathering areas, including picnicking and food truck areas
improved access to Long Lake and waterfront recreation opportunities, including a new dock
showers, cycling amenities and more

Design, contracting and some early site preparations are scheduled for 2026. This includes the removal of two Victoria Ave houses on the two adjacent properties the City purchased in 2025 to expand the park. One of the houses will be moved to a new site while the other home will be demolished. The majority of construction will take place in 2027-2028.

For more information on the project visit the Loudon Park Project page on the City website.

Link to Strategic Plan: Creating and improving City of Nanaimo amenities aligns with maintaining and growing current services, one of the key focus areas from the Council's Strategic Framework.

Key Points

The ceremonial ground-breaking event for the new activity centre at Loudon Park took place on Thursday, July 30. The majority of construction will take place 2027-2028.
The overall project includes plans for a new multi-purpose community activity centre, accessible public facilities and significant park enhancements designed to improve access, recreation opportunities and community gathering spaces.
The updated design incorporates feedback received through previous engagement with residents, user groups and community organizations.

Quotes

"The new Loudon Park Activity Centre is an investment in community, recreation and inclusion. This project reflects the feedback we've heard from residents and will create an accessible waterfront destination where people of all ages and abilities can gather, be active and connect with nature. We're excited to celebrate this important milestone and look forward to seeing the lasting benefits this space will bring to Nanaimo."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

In December 2025, Council directed staff to proceed with their preferred activity building concept and associated park improvements, following community engagement. The project is anticipated to reach completion in 2028.
In October 2025, the City acquired two properties adjacent to Loudon Park, adding approximately 0.5 acres of parkland and increasing the park's size by approximately 29 percent. The land acquisition provides greater flexibility for park improvements and will minimize impacts to mature trees.
The proposed improvements will replace aging infrastructure, support existing recreational users and create a more accessible, welcoming and inclusive destination for residents and visitors. The project budget is $11.4M.