What's Next for Downtown Nanaimo's Terminal Corridor?

Have you read part 1 of this series? If not, start here.

Continued from Part 1:

Thanks to the volunteer work of the Planning Design Development Nanaimo Society (PDDN), the properties within the 'Terminal Trench' are no longer restricted by unsurmountable environmental barriers. With this roadblock removed, it is now possible for volunteers, civic leaders, and property developers to kickstart a revitalization process in Downtown Nanaimo that has been dreamed about for decades.

Despite seemingly chronic pessimism amongst some citizens, there is clear evidence that Nanaimo possesses incredible potential from a cultural and urban design perspective.?

We just need to change the way we think about downtown.

I'd like to shed some light on a few positive examples that demonstrate what could be possible in the heart of Nanaimo if we dream big and work collaboratively.

Example Project 1: Terminal-Nicol Reimagined

The Terminal Nicol Reimagined Project is a prime example of a volunteer-driven initiative to reshape the look and feel of the corridor for the betterment of the whole community. Collaboratively funded by the DNBIA, the City of Nanaimo, and the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation, the project was developed in consultation with citizens and presented to council back in 2016.

Since then, elements of the TN Reimagined project have gradually been infused into the City of Nanaimo’s own redevelopment plans for the corridor. Because Terminal Ave is technically part of the #1 Highway, the Ministry of Transport is ultimately responsible for the highway infrastructure, and thus collaboration between the City and Province continues to be essential to getting anything done.

With utility upgrades currently underway on the high-speed curve of Terminal Ave, PDDN’s volunteers are looking forward to more of their hard work realised in the years to come.

Examples of project concepts from TN Reimagined can be seen in Figures 1-4, with the full document available here.

Figure 1: Original extent of the Terminal Nicol Reimagined Project. The area-wide drinking water exemption applies mainly to Area 3.?

Figure 2: Concept images from the Terminal Nicol Reimagined Project

Figure 3: Examples of suggested improvements to the Terminal Nicol Corridor to promote enhanced connectivity, incentivize new business, and promote redevelopment of derelict sites.

Figure 4: Examples of suggested improvements to the Terminal Nicol Corridor, both short-term (upper) and long-term (lower), to improve access, visual appeal, and safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

Example 2: Royal Architecture Institute Charrette

More cases of inspiration also come from 2016, when professional planners and architects from around the world descended on Nanaimo as part of the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada’s Festival of Architecture. During this event, the DNBIA facilitated a design charrette that enabled urban design professionals from around the world to explore downtown Nanaimo and find inspiration for bold urban design concepts.

Throughout their stay, designers focussed on ways to “create and promote dynamic, attractive and welcoming places and spaces that are animated and engaging;” spaces that could “facilitate connection and interaction, promote a comfortable and memorable experience, and reflect the unique character of the West Coast.”

A few results from the charrette can be seen in Figures 5 and 6:

Figure 5: Example of concepts created for the A&B Sound Building through the Festival of Architecture, Nanaimo, 2016

Figure 6: Example of concepts created for the China Steps through the Festival of Architecture, Nanaimo, 2016

As seen above, designers gave attention to some of downtown Nanaimo's most important “what if” locations, including Diana Krall Plaza, the A&B Sound building, Waterfront, and China Steps. The results of this charrette are impressive and ingenious examples of what’s possible when we dream big, work collaboratively, and think creatively about our future.

Sometimes, a little outside perspective really helps us to see our home in new and novel ways.?

Filling the Gap

When the Jean Burns / ACME building burned down in 2017, downtown Nanaimo was in a collective state of shock. Ever since the site was demolished, the hole left behind has felt like a constant mocking reminder of how slowly things change in a downtown core bereft of investment.

But things are starting to change.

6 Commercial street is now for sale, and the City of Nanaimo is clearly keen to inspire bold vision for the property. Building on the success of recent projects like the new Marriot Hotel on Gordon Street and the incoming 200 unit Telus building on Wallace Street, it might finally be time for investors to seize the potential of this site and leverage it for the common good of locals, visitors, and entrepreneurs.

Some of the design concepts for this site are shown below in Figures 7-9:

Figure 7: View of potential building at 6 Commercial St, facing NE from the bottom of Albert Street. Note the bold ideation for pedestrian only access.

Figure 8: View of potential building and streetscaping at 6 Commercial St, facing South from the intersection of Terminal and Commercial.

Challenge Your First Impressions

These kinds of projects might seem impossible based on our current perceptions of downtown Nanaimo; however, I encourage readers to question their initial reactions to these kinds of bold and creative concepts:

• If your initial response is negative, ask yourself "what would I change about this concept to make it more appealing?"
• If your initial response is positive, tell others what you think!
• Focus your conversations on "what ifs," rather than "why nots."
• Instead of talking about "why it'll never happen," consider discussing "what would it take to make this possible."

Changing our city starts with changing the way we talk about it.

Building Energy & Momentum

The recent success of PDDN's efforts to remove environmental barriers, inspire new ideas, and promote collaboration is proof that volunteers CAN and MUST play an integral role in projects that impact the future of our communities.

There are many ways that each of us can contribute to the heart and soul of our city. As a member of PDDN myself, I choose to spread good news and celebrate exciting opportunities rather than constantly complain about what is or isn't happening. This is just a small thing I can do to promote pride in place while generating the kind of energy we need to inspire action amongst those who have the power to change to look and feel of our city.

With so little standing in our way, now is the time to champion brilliant ideas, and bring them to fruition – together!

“With this phase of the revitalization project complete, we at the PDDN are excited to see City of Nanaimo and Ministry of Transportation move forward with the first phase of utility and surface improvements of the Terminal Ave Corridor, including many of the elements described in the 2016 TN ReImagined report being incorporated.?

Revitalization is a long process that requires patience and creative collaboration. It gains momentum at unpredictable times, and thus we need creative leadership to take advantage of this momentum when it arises. With strategic pieces of land being offered for sale, targeted relaxations of environmental regulations, Municipal and Provincial investment along Terminal Ave Corridor, the Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation ready to take on new initiatives, and Hullo Fast Ferries starting service to Vancouver in August, we believe that now is an important time for collaborative and creative leadership to steer our downtown towards a vibrant future.”

Above: Press Release from Planning Design Development Nanaimo Society (PDDN), July 2023

Figure 9: View of potential building and streetscaping at 6 Commercial St, facing North from above intersection of Albert and Wallace.