ICIP Funding has been announced!
On Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and his Worship Leonard Krog, Mayor of the City of Nanaimo announced a joint investment of more than $15 million to support public transit in Nanaimo, British Columbia. The Government of Canada is investing $6,018,033 in this project, while the Government of British Columbia is investing $6,018,033 and the Regional District of Nanaimo is contributing $3,009,016. The City of Nanaimo is contributing the land.
Link to News Release
Downtown Transit Exchange
The Downtown Nanaimo Transit Exchange, located on the 500 Block of Terminal Avenue will include:
- A northbound rapid bus stop in front of the Italian fountain servicing the proposed #1 Terminal Rapid Bus Route
- Two southbound "drop-off only" stops fronting the new development at 6 Commercial Street and the main exchange
- The southbound #1 Terminal Rapid Bus Route will have a dedicated spot within the exchange
- Three other bus stops within the exchange will be for passenger pick-up
- New shelters will be within the exchange and one installed for the northbound rapid bus route
- New lighting, utility servicing, concrete sidewalks, concrete bus pads and directional signage
- Accessible public washroom building
The project team has commenced detailed design on the Downtown Transit Exchange. A detailed site plan of the improvements can be found below:
Concept Site Plan for Downtown Transit Exchange
View from Gordon Street Crosswalk
Transit Operator Respite Facility
Through public engagement, the
public has expressed their want for a development/building on 6 Commercial
Street (Former Jean Burns Property) and to keep Commercial Street as a two-way road.
With this in mind, the available space along 500 Commercial Street is reduced,
and not large enough to provide both the transit exchange and a respite
facility.
Several
nearby locations within Nanaimo’s downtown were reviewed. 35 Cavan Street was
selected as the best option as it is already owned by the City, provides the
easiest access for bus drivers, and will ultimately be the most cost-effective. A respite location here will accommodate driver breaks, recovery time, and future charging of
battery electric buses with only a short distance between it and the exchange.
Concept Site Plan for Cavan Street Operator Respite Facility
Artistic Rendering of Cavan Street Operator Respite Facility