Council acquires key downtown lands in support of redevelopment

Public input sought on concepts for 500 Block of Terminal Avenue

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed July 27, 2021 10:00 AM

Summary

On Monday, July 26, 2021, at the Regular Council Meeting, the Mayor announced that the City of Nanaimo purchased properties along the 500 block of Terminal Avenue, which Council identified early in its term as a key redevelopment site in Nanaimo’s downtown. The properties consist of the former Jean Burns Building, In-Print Graphic Design and Black & Blue Tattoo. When combined with other City-owned properties, Council has taken a significant step in redeveloping the 500 Block of Terminal Avenue, from Esplanade to Commercial.

Community feedback consistently notes that a vibrant pedestrian realm along Terminal Avenue is critical to providing a thriving downtown. Over the next few months, Nanaimoites will have an opportunity to provide input to concept designs for the area, which include:

Pedestrian improvements to Terminal Avenue, from Esplanade to Commercial
Attractive public space or plaza on the site of the former Jean Burns building, incorporating this block of Commercial
Potential to incorporate a transit hub between Terminal and Shaw Lane
Development of the Albert St cycle route to and through the downtown
Potential to fix the challenging Albert-Wallace-Victoria-Commercial intersection
Coherent urban design plan for the Commercial Street Corridor to enhance the street as an attractive and inviting public space

More information about this project will be available in the coming weeks here: Terminal Avenue Project page.

Link to Strategic Plan: Council is committed to transforming Downtown Nanaimo to be a more livable space with complete streets and public realm spaces.

Key Points

Nanaimo Council purchased a number of properties in the 500 Block of Terminal Avenue to take command of a key redevelopment site in the downtown core.
Public engagement on concepts for how the area will be built is upcoming later this summer, through www.getinvolvednanaimo.ca.
A transit hub has been looking for a permanent home. Potential to incorporate a transit hub between Terminal and Shaw Lane as part of the redevelopment of the 500 block of Terminal Avenue.

Quotes

"Two years ago, Council made it clear that one of its priorities was redevelopment of key sites in Nanaimo’s downtown. I am pleased to announce that Council has taken a bold step forward in assembling the property in this neighbourhood to fulfil that redevelopment. Council and I look forward to hearing community feedback on the concepts for this space."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

Images

500 Block of Terminal Avenue Concept Drawing

Contact:

For media enquiries, please contact

Communications

City of Nanaimo

250-754-4251

Media.Requests@nanaimo.ca

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