Book a Space & More

Looking to book a space in a City of Nanaimo Facility? Click below to find out more information and availability on our bookable rooms and outdoor spaces

Click to learn the difference between an Activity Centre & a Community Centre

Activity Centres

Stand-alone facility available to rent for programs, meetings, special events, or activities.

Community Centres

Public facilities with multiple rooms and spaces available for a variety of rentals and uses.

Activity Centres Meetings / Programs / Room Rentals / Events Community Centres Meetings / Programs / Room Rentals / Events Fields Sports / General Bookings / Tournaments Arenas Ice / Dry Floor / Lounge Aquatics Swimming / Lanes / Rooms Parks & Outdoor Spaces Outdoor Special Events / Information Outdoor Courts Sport Courts / Volleyball / Tennis / Pickleball Picnic Shelters Group Picnics / Covered Space Birthday Parties Options / Rooms / Activities

To start the application process to rent a space with the City of Nanaimo, you must submit a rental request form. These forms are requests only and do not confirm a booking, an Allocations Clerk will reach to you upon receiving your request to discuss your options.

Click below to find the form that fits your needs:

Click here to view all Rental Request Forms

FAQ's – Facility & Field Rentals

How far in advance can I book a facility?

Private booking requests are considered after our Parks, Recreation and Culture programming is finalized for the upcoming season. Requests can be submitted at any time and will be filed until the clerk is ready to prepare for the season. Visit our City of Nanaimo Facility Rental’s webpage to find the form that best fits your request.

How do I submit a booking request?

To submit a booking request visit our City of Nanaimo Facility Rental Form webpage and find the form that is best suited to your event.

These forms are requests only and not confirmation of a booking. The Allocation Clerk will contact you after reviewing the form to discuss options and availability.

Should the requested time include set up and take down?

Yes, request enough time to set up and take down in addition to your event time. For example, a 2-hour event may require a 3-hour booking to allow for 30 minutes to set up and 30 minutes to take down/clean up.

Am I responsible for set up and clean up?

Yes, you are responsible to set up, take down and clean up the rented space within the time rented. Some indoor facilities may have the added service for our staff to perform table and chair set up/take down with an additional fee. This must be pre-arranged with the Allocation Clerk when booking the facility.

Can I serve food or alcohol?

Yes, certain facilities allow food and/or alcohol but you may require permits. You must indicate on the request form or when communicating with the Allocation Clerk if you will be having food or alcohol. All bookings having alcohol must obtain a Liquor Special Event Permit and you may be required to have liability insurance. Selling and serving food to the public may require various Health Permits. Inquire further if needed.

Can I rent a room and attend a public swim/skate session?

Yes, check the schedule for public skating or swimming times and book the room to coincide. The room rental does not include admissions to a swim/skate session and must be planned separately. Let the Allocation Clerk know you are coordinating with a public session.

Am I allowed to play music during my booking?

Yes, music and dancing are allowed in rented facilities. This must be communicated at the time of booking the facility as there may be music licensing fees depending on the event.

What type of indoor spaces are there and what are their capacities?

Community Centres

Facility	Largest Space & Capacity	Additional Spaces	Amenities/Notes
Beban Park Complex	Auditorium A & B + Lounge C • Theatre seating: 1,090 • Table seating: 700	8 multipurpose rooms Centennial Building (625 capacity)	Stage access, commercial kitchen & bar
Bowen Park Complex	Auditorium • Theatre seating: 306 • Table seating: 200	6 multipurpose rooms	Kitchen available
Nanaimo Aquatic Centre	Jack Little A & B • Theatre: 165 • Table: 88	2 multipurpose rooms	Rooms can combine
Nanaimo Ice Centre	Lounge upstairs • Theatre: 80 • Table: 60	—	—
Oliver Woods Community Centre	2 gymnasiums • Both: 272 • Single: 128	6 multipurpose rooms	Sports-focused

Activity Centres

Facility	Theatre Seating	Table Seating	Notes
Rotary Field House	80	50	—
Kin Activity Hut	85	50	—

What are the booking costs for indoor facilities?

*If you are a registered non-profit group, please let us know as you may be eligible for a discounted rate. Prices will increase every September*

Beban Park Complex

Room	Private/hr	Commercial/hr
Auditorium A	$64.35	$71.50
Auditorium B	$64.35	$71.50
Lounge C	$23.77	$26.41
Stage	$17.10	$19.00
Kitchen	$17.10	$19.00
Room 1–8	$17.10	$19.00
Centennial Building	$37.47	$41.63

Bowen Park Complex

Room	Private/hr	Commercial/hr
Auditorium	$64.35	$71.50
Kitchen	$17.10	$19.00
Clubhouse	$23.77	$26.41
Rooms 1–6	$11.21–$23.77	$12.45–$26.41

Oliver Woods Community Centre

Room	Private/hr	Commercial/hr
Gym 1	$48.24	$73.69
Gym 2	$48.24	$73.69
Monarch 1	$17.10	$19.00
Monarch 2	$17.10	$19.00
Tree Frog	$17.10	$19.00
Hemlock	$17.10	$19.00
Salal 1	$17.10	$19.00
Salal 2	$23.77	$26.41
Salal 3	$17.10	$19.00

What is the cancellation policy?

Bookings that are 8 hours or less including set up/take down: a minimum written notice of 4 working days prior to the booking is required to receive a full refund.

For bookings over 8 hours or multi-day events: minimum written notice of 90 days prior to the booking is required to receive a full refund. Less than 90 days notice may result in being charged 50% of rental fees, plus any costs already incurred.

Can I have a bouncy castle?

Sportsfields: notify the Allocation Clerk at the time of booking. No staking into the ground – must use sandbags and provide insurance listing the City of Nanaimo as an Added Insured.

Beban Social Centre: notify the Allocation Clerk, approval required based on room size. Must use sandbags and provide insurance listing the City of Nanaimo as an Added Insured.

Can I check availability online?

Yes, for sports fields, gymnasiums, sand volleyball courts, Bowen picnic shelters, arenas, Community Centres, and Activity Centres you can review availability online.

What can I book online?

Bowen Sand Volleyball Courts and Bowen Picnic Shelters.

Can I book outdoor tennis or pickleball courts?

No, outdoor courts are first come-first served. For more information on courts we offer please head to our Outdoor Courts page

Other City of Nanaimo facilities and parks

Visit the Nanaimo Facilities Search for information on City facilities.
Visit the Nanaimo Parks Search for information on City parks.

Last updated: June 30, 2026

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