Vehicle access changes at Westwood Lake Park

Key Points

• Westwood Lake Park is one of the busiest and most popular places to visit in Nanaimo. The Park is in the process of undergoing a variety of phased improvements over several years. Ahead of the busy summer season, the City of Nanaimo is planning beach maintenance activities and early beach expansion into a portion of the park that will no longer be used for parking.
• In 2023 the "Westwood Lake Amenity Improvement project Phase one" saw improvements to access at the Park including the construction of a new accessible parking lot with natural storm water management system.
• A phase two project is planned for this fall winter 2024/25 and will include improvements to first beach, the addition of shade, beach amenities and new universal washrooms.
• The changes taking place this week are temporary and are to help park users get used to the changes that will come as part of the phase two project which will see the pedestrianisation (converting a street or an area to pedestrian-only use) of the area behind first beach to all but boat traffic along with many accessibility improvements.

Quotes

Quick Facts

• Westwood Lake Park is a prime destination for swimming, walking, running, paddling, biking, fishing, nature appreciation and public events.
• Council approved a multi-phased Amenity Improvement Plan for Westwood Lake Park in 2021. Phase 1 improvements focused on an accessible and expanded parking lot that opened in 2023. The new lot features an integrated storm water management system that captures and filters rainwater, new emergency access, new sidewalks, a bike lane and marked raised crosswalks for safe park circulation.
• Phase 2 improvements are expected to begin this fall and will include an expanded sandy beach with universal access to the water, picnic areas, seating, shade, green space and accessible inclusive washrooms.
• Other future work may include children’s play equipment, improved fishing facilities, park buffers and recreation amenities including some for mountain biking. Improvements to other locations in the 208 hectare park and an overall park strategy may be considered by City Council at a future date.

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