Sidewalk FAQS

1. Why doesn’t Nanaimo have sidewalks on every road?

There are a few reasons why Nanaimo’s sidewalk network is incomplete

Historical development

• For many years, roads were constructed with the main goal of moving cars as efficiently as possible, meaning sidewalks were often not included when new roads were built. 
• In the 1970s, Nanaimo amalgamated with formerly rural areas such as Harewood, the Hammond Bay Road area and the Jingle Pot Road area. Many of these were built as rural roads without sidewalks before the City acquired them. 

Cost 

The cost of building new sidewalks is over $2000 per metre, and is steadily increasing. It would cost hundreds of millions of dollars to add sidewalks to all areas of Nanaimo that do not have them.

2. How does the City get more sidewalks?

Because we cannot quickly build out the sidewalk network without breaking the bank, we have to be strategic.

Prioritizing 

We have to ensure we are putting our limited resources towards projects that will have significant benefits. Schedule 3 of City Plan: Nanaimo Reimagined identifies Primary and Secondary Active Mobility Routes, and these are considered priorities for investment.  City Plan also supports considering safety, demand, and equity when prioritizing new pedestrian infrastructure.

Taking opportunities as they come up 

There are times when sidewalks can be added for a smaller cost

• With other infrastructure projects – By building new sidewalks along with other infrastructure projects (such as water or sewer utility line upgrades) we can save a lot of money. This is because costs such as equipment rental and  traffic control can be shared. Even with these cost saving opportunities, we cannot provide sidewalks along with all utility projects due to budget constraints.
• With private development – most larger developments are required to fund and construct “frontage works and services” along their property frontage. This includes sidewalks. Because developers are only obligated to construct works in front of the development property, this can create segments of sidewalks that end at the edge of the development property. We believe that it is better to get some sidewalk than none.
• By using lower-cost interim standards - While sidewalks are the “gold standard”, they are not the only way to enhance pedestrian safety. The City has used lower-cost measures, such as delineating bollards, to improve pedestrian safety at a greatly reduced cost.
  
  

3. My house has a sidewalk in front of it. What are my responsibilities?

The Nanaimo Traffic and Highways Bylaw No. 5000 requires that property owners and occupants (renters) clear snow, ice, and rubbish from sidewalks and footpaths bordering the property within 24 hours. It also requires that snow, ice, or rubbish be removed from rooftops when there is a danger of this falling on people who are using the sidewalk.

Please ensure that waste collection carts do not obstruct the sidewalk or bike lanes - both while stored, and on waste collection day. Carts blocking the sidewalk can be especially disruptive for pedestrians who use mobility devices.

More info on cart placement: [LS4] https://www.nanaimo.ca/city-services/garbage-recycling/cart-placement

4. Are bikes, kick-scooters, skateboards, roller blades/skates etc. allowed on sidewalks?

No. According to Bylaw No 5000, bicycles and "micromobility" devices (e.g. kick scooters and skateboards) must stay on the roadway or in a bike lane. People who use mobility devices such as mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs are pedestrians. These devices are allowed on sidewalks and anywhere else pedestrians travel.