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Loudon Park Improvements

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The City of Nanaimo is advancing improvements to Loudon Park to enhance public amenities, improve accessibility, and support recreational use of Long Lake.

The project includes a new community-focused amenity building and park improvements that benefit both the surrounding neighbourhood and the wider community. Planned improvements include:

  • A bookable community gathering space
  • Modern public washrooms
  • Space for flatwater paddling and rowing training activities
  • Equipment and boat storage
  • A new playground
  • Improved park trails and beach access
  • Additional outdoor seating and gathering areas
  • Enhanced landscaping and site amenities

These investments are intended to improve the overall park experience while supporting a wide range of recreational and community activities. 

WHY IS THIS PROJECT BEING UNDERTAKEN?

Loudon Park has been the subject of community planning and discussion for many years. Existing park facilities are aging and no longer fully meet community needs.

The project will:

  • Replace aging public amenities
  • Improve accessibility throughout the park
  • Enhance access to Long Lake
  • Add flexible community space
  • Support existing recreational users
  • Expand and improve park amenities for all visitors

The project also benefits from the expansion of the park through the acquisition of two adjacent properties, increasing the park area by approximately 29% and creating additional opportunities for future park improvements. 

CURRENT PROJECT PHASE

In December 2025, Council directed staff to proceed with the preferred concept and associated park improvements following additional community engagement. The project is currently in the design phase and is anticipated to be complete in 2028. 

  • Progress

    PROJECT TIMELINE:

    • 1967 - Building is constructed as a Centennial project, which consisted of public washrooms and a covered picnic area
    • 1987 - Building is modified to accommodate the Nanaimo Canoe & Kayak Club
    • 1992 - A trailer is added to the site to accommodate the Nanaimo Rowing Club
    • 2007 - Loudon Park Improvement Plan for the park is adopted by Nanaimo City Council
    • 2009 - 2010 - Public engagement is held for an updated improvement plan and the need for an improved facility for the community and user-grounds is identified
    • 2010 - Loudon Park Improvement Plan is updated and adopted by Nanaimo City Council and identifies a location for a future facility
    • 2019 - Council directs Staff to work with applicable user groups and the Rotary Club of Nanaimo North on design and fundraising opportunities.
    • 2020 - Funds are allocated in the 2020 budget for detailed design work of the proposed facility
    • May 2021 - Staff present to Council design options for the proposed facility, which included an activity centre with boat storage and user group amenities
    • July 2021 - Based on Council feedback, revised designs are prepared
    • August 2021-September 2021 - User group and community engagement is undertaken
    • November 2021 - Based on feedback from the community, revised designs are prepared and brought to  Council for consideration
    • 2023 - Following pandemic related challenges, Council asks Staff to seek alternate design
    • March 2025 - Staff present to Council a series of design options and associated funding needs
    • April 2025 - Council directs staff to proceed with funding for the initial option with the following motion:

      "That Council direct Staff to increase the budget by $6,169,373 funded by $4,000,000 from the Special Initiatives Reserve and $2,169,373 from the Strategic Infrastructure Reserve Fund to proceed with the current design for the Loudon Park improvements."

    • May 2025 - Council asks Staff to come back with additional options for the project
    • October 2025 - Council purchases additional properties near Loudon Park to further Loudon Park Improvement Plan
    • November 2025 - Staff share additional designs with Council for their consideration with more options for consideration. View the meeting here: 2025-NOV-19 Finance and Audit Committee Meeting
    • December 2025 - Council directs Staff to proceed with Option C1 and the associated park landscape improvements. The project proposes a single, integrated building that will include bookable community space and public washrooms, as well as dedicated areas for flatwater user group training, equipment and boat storage, and administrative functions. Additional park enhancements, including a new playground, improved trails and beach access points, outdoor seating, and enhanced landscaped areas will also be included.
    • 2026 - Procurement of the Design and Construction Team (design development, road closure, permitting, community engagement, trade tendering and site development early works)
    • 2027 - Site Preparation and Servicing (sanitary sewer alignment, commence construction of building)
    • 2028 - Site Development (including playground, docks, picnic areas), Construction Completion
  • Documents
    • Option C1
    • Report from the 2025-Nov-28 Special Finance and Audit Committee
    • Timeline of Council Decisions, Activities and Report Links for Loudon Park
    • News Release from October 1- City Purchases Property to Further Loudon Park Improvement Plan
    • Meeting Minutes from the 2025-Mar-19 Finance and Audit Committee
    • Report from Finance and Audit Committee from 2025-Mar-19 - Funding Options for Loudon Park Facilties
    • Council Report and Presentation - 2019-Oct-16 Finance and Audit Committee
    • Loudon Park Improvement Plan
  • Details
  • Background

    HISTORY OF LOUDON PARK

    Loudon Park, part of the Wellington neighbourhood, was acquired by the City of Nanaimo in 1984. The park is named for William (Bill) Loudon, a World War I veteran, who purchased 700 acres of land in the area from the Dunsmuirs, which included the Wellington Cemetery and a portion of his land was dedicated a public park. He homesteaded and mined the remaining land. The lands formed part of the town of Wellington, which was a distinct community from the City of Nanaimo, until amalgamation with Nanaimo in 1974.

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