The province provided half the funds for the $5.1-million piece of land in the Chase River neighbourhood for the long-sought recreation hub.
The City of Nanaimo has bought a $5.1-million piece of land in the Chase River neighbourhood for a future community centre.
The purchase from a private owner includes a 1.76-acre parcel for the centre and a smaller parcel for a parking lot. The city said the site aligns with guidelines in its Official Community Plan.
The province contributed $2.5 million for the purchase from its Growing Communities Fund.
There is a “long-standing need” for recreational and gathering spaces in Nanaimo’s south end, the city said, adding council has identified a new community centre as one of its top three priorities.
The need for such amenities has been noted in city planning documents for over 20 years. In 2022, the city began a feasibility study for a new centre south of Tenth Street.
“This is an investment in our residents and in the future of our growing city,” said Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog, at an event Monday at the purchase site. “With the distinction of being one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, we have to start planning ahead for easy access to public spaces that bring people together.”
The city said the facility will be “a central hub” for recreation, education and wellness activities, and could include a gymnasium, child-care space, multi-purpose rooms, a library, space for primary health-care services, and community safety and performing arts spaces.
It’s expected to be 53,000 to 67,000 square feet.
“A community centre builds a sense of belonging, with kids, parents and grandparents building friendships that last a lifetime,” Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Ravi Kahlon said. “We’ll keep investing in communities throughout B.C., bringing the services and spaces people need closer to home that keep pace with our growing communities.”
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