Japanese Canadian BC Heritage and Legacy Projects

Project Overview`

The City of Nanaimo is proud to partner with the Central Vancouver Island Japanese Canadian Society (7 Potatoes) to deliver two significant public projects that celebrate and recognize Japanese Canadian history, culture, and community. Located at McGregor Park and Beban Park, these projects will create lasting spaces for reflection, gathering, storytelling, and cultural expression while recognizing the important contributions of Japanese Canadians to Nanaimo.

Supported through funding from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society (JCLS) and the City of Nanaimo’s Strategic Infrastructure Reserve Fund, the projects are being developed through collaboration with artists, designers, and the 7 Potatoes to ensure the spaces are meaningful, authentic, and reflective of local Japanese Canadian experiences.

McGregor Park

McGregor Park, funded through the JCLS BC Heritage Sites Program, will become home to a permanent landscape art installation that celebrates Japanese Canadian heritage through thoughtful design and public art integrated into the natural landscape.

Rather than serving as a traditional monument, the project will transform the park into a place of reflection and learning, encouraging visitors to engage with the history and legacy of Japanese Canadians in Nanaimo. The design will blend artistic expression with the surrounding environment, creating a space that invites exploration while enhancing the park’s existing character.

The landscape artwork will provide opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with stories of resilience, perseverance, and community while recognizing the lasting cultural contributions of Japanese Canadians.

The Harbourfront Walkway will remain open throughout construction. Adjacent roads and bike lanes may be temporarily impacted. For your safety, please follow any posted construction signage.

Work is expected to be complete in December 2026.

Beban Park Outdoor Performance Space

A new Nikkei Outdoor Performance Space, funded by a JCLS Legacy Infrastructure grant, will be developed at Beban Park to create a dedicated venue for cultural performances, storytelling, music, educational programming, and community gatherings.

The performance space is envisioned as a flexible outdoor venue that supports both Japanese Canadian cultural programming and broader community events throughout the year. It will provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to experience performances, festivals, ceremonies, and educational activities in a welcoming park setting.

Designed to complement the surrounding landscape, the space will strengthen Beban Park as one of Nanaimo’s premier gathering places while creating new opportunities for cultural celebration and community connection.

Beban Park and Beban Social Centre will be remain open during this work. For your safety, please follow any posted construction signage.

Work is expected to be complete in December 2026.