Project Area History
Departure Bay lies within the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and historically was the site of a Snuneymuxw winter village and burial ground.
The Kin Hut was built as a Centennial Project in 1967 and was originally designed as a change house for swimmers. The present day seawall and promenade dates back to 1969.
Below are a few historical photos of the area courtesy of the Nanaimo Archives.



Today, the beachfront and adjacent foreshore area is a provincially designated archaeological site. At the south end of the project area near the Kin Hut is a designated unpatrolled swimming area and Kin Park. The park has a grassy area with picnic tables and benches that overlook both the beach and playground.