Nanaimo developments

[Phil McAvity]

Thanks for all the updates guys

A group of us (including Dylan) went up in March but there was zero high-rise activity although a few 6 story buildings were finishing

[Islandtime]

Originally Posted by Phil McAvity

Thanks for all the updates guys

A group of us (including Dylan) went up in March but there was zero high-rise activity although a few 6 story buildings were finishing

Nanaimo is a few years out from any meaningful highrise construction. Current construction costs aren't helping either.

The areas where some height might be achieved are the Hospital District with a new patient tower and in North Nanaimo in a proposed development called the Bowers District.

Bowers is right beside Woodgrove and with the proposed repositioning of the transit hub to, potentially, a closer proximity with the Bowers District we could see some towers. This would be due to the provincial gov upzoning areas proximate to transit hubs.

Also of note is the City of Nanaimo removing mandatory parking spaces for downtown residential construction. This would be a considerable cost saver for any downtown highrise developement.

Additionally Nanaimo will soon start construction on a new downtown transit hub which will be across the street from a large underused (and soon to be upzoned?) mall. And very close to a very large, vacant, waterfront property owned by the city.

The pieces are being put in place and now it's just waiting to see what, if anything, happens.

[Islandtime]

Developers are planning a five-storey, 95-unit condo development at 2124 Northfield Rd., just east of the Bowen Rd. intersection and immediately behind Beban Plaza featuring a grocery store, coffee shop, and other amenities.

Karl Binder, general manager of Momentum Design Build, told the City of Nanaimo’s Design Advisory Panel on Thursday, May 28, the property is geared towards a range of people either looking to get into the local housing market or downsizing.

Eight studio apartments, 17 one-bedroom, 57 two-bedroom, and 13 three-bedroom units are planned, with several also featuring dens.

https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/05/29/fi...mmercial-build-planned-on-northfield-rd/

[Islandtime]

The population of Nanaimo has been estimated at 112,672 in 2025, and it is projected to reach 121,941 by 2030, according to the city’s annual state of the economy report

Nanaimo’s economic development officer Amrit Manhas told council at a recent meeting that the city’s population continues to grow, but at a slower pace than the past five years.

“This is partly due to broader provincial and federal policy changes around immigration,” she said.

“Growth has slowed from 10 per cent over the last five years to about eight per cent over the coming five years, so around 1.6 per cent annually.”

https://nanaimobulletin.com/2026/06/16/nanaimos-population-reached-more-than-112600-people-in-2025/

[Islandtime]

Parking requirements getting overhaul for new Nanaimo developments.

NANAIMO — Changes are coming to off-street parking regulations for all new forms of construction within the Harbour City.

The updated regulations will affect the number of vehicle parking spaces required for a new build, loading requirements for pick-up and drop-off areas, changes to mobility scooter and bicycle parking, and electric-vehicle charging infrastructure.

Director of engineering Poul Rosen said they heard from developers who want more flexibility when planning their proposed builds.

“We’re hoping that with the parking being contextualized with fewer parking spaces required the closer you get to urban centres, and more required in suburban areas, that should be aligned with where transit and alternative modes are supported.

https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/06/23/pa...g-overhaul-for-new-nanaimo-developments/

[Islandtime]

NANAIMO — City councillors have given their initial endorsement to pre-zone a number of properties in a bid to encourage more social, subsidized housing.

Unanimous support was given to the first two readings of a zoning bylaw on Monday, June 22, which would add a new Social Housing Zone designation to roughly 2,100 selected properties throughout the city.

The optional designation would allow future development to exceed zoning limits on height and density, provided certain subsidized housing targets are met, according to community planner Kasia Biegun.

“We’re recommending about seven per cent of all parcels in the city be re-zoned, or be called eligible parcels for this optional zone. Heritage properties listed in City Plan…have been excluded to address concerns raised by Council and the community, and a height limit of six stories is also being placed for the majority of the…downtown.”

Eligible developments under the option zoning would need to ensure 20 per cent of their total units were subsidized and offered for 20 per cent below market rents for comparable units.

https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/06/24/it...oning-properties-for-subsidized-housing/

[Islandtime]

In an area known for its large lots, large homes, beach proximity and amazing views the City of Nanaimo is encouraging increased density.

A proposal that would see approximately 43-housing units built on a 1.14-acre lot at 2335 Departure Bay Road is being viewed favourably by Nanaimo city council...which includes the construction of a four-storey multifamily building that would face Departure Bay Road, with additional housing units located on the western part of the property facing Lynburn Crescent...Coun. Paul Manly pointed out that the City Plan has identified the Departure Bay Road corridor for increased density.

“It’s close to amenities, schools, shopping centres and this is on a transit route so this is where it makes sense to add density,” he said.

“It’s not designated as a suburban neighbourhood in our city plan"

The current single family home:


Google Earth

The proposed development:






https://nanaimobulletin.com/2026/06/30/p...ct-on-departure-bay-road-gets-thumbs-up/