Save Loudon Park - Help Protect Long Lake's Public Green Space
Protect Our Public Green Space
Current "Option A" Boathouse Plan Footprint
Threat of "Option A" Boathouse Plan
Nanaimo City Council has voted 5–4 in favor of building "Option A", a 10,500 sq ft boathouse that would eliminate the central waterfront green space at Long Lake’s Loudon Park.
This "Option A" will remove an entire grove of 29 mature trees—many over 80 years old—and replace a cherished public space, which has been parkland since the 1930s, with a building. The loss is especially significant as this area lies in a rapidly urbanizing part of the city, where access to natural spaces is more important than ever.
What’s Being Proposed:
-
A large facility for paddling clubs with the majority of the footprint for boat storage and club meeting and work-out space. Public washrooms are included, relocated from their current footprint along with a small community rental space (1600sqft).
-
The footprint will clear all the trees between the parking lot and the beach, extending across from the old washrooms into the children’s play area.
KEY CONCERNS
1 / A Divisive and Disproportionate Trade-Off
-
Prioritizes one recreational activity of a relatively small user group over thousands of general park users.
-
Ignores the legacy of Bill Loudon, who gifted this land in the 1930’s to allow for all of the community to enjoy nature along the lakefront
2 / Poor Public Process
-
Despite decades of discussion, there has been no meaningful public engagement on the current boathouse footprint or alternatives since 2021—before the current council
-
Most regular park users, outside of paddling clubs, are unaware of the plan’s full scope and location, and had no input on its design.
3 / Social and Environmental Loss
-
Destroys a rare, shaded grove that is used daily by children, families, seniors, visitors, walkers, picnickers, and anyone seeking relaxation in a natural setting.
-
Removes mature tree cover of a grove that could stand for centuries at a time when climate resilience is more vital than ever.
4 / Misleading Information
-
Architectural renderings show trees that won’t remain and obscure the actual footprint of the building. The real impact is much much greater than the visuals suggest.
5 / Financial Concerns
-
Cost has escalated from $4M to $10.8M, almost triple the original budget.
-
More affordable, less destructive alternatives were available and previously supported by council committee.
A Better Path Forward Exists!
It's important to support better facilities for paddling clubs and upgrade washrooms and amenities for all park users—but not at the cost of Loudon Park’s limited green space. Fortunately, alternatives already exists: like "Option B", a $6 million plan that upgrades existing facilities using their current footprints. Other options include phased development that expands on current footprints and into neighbouring properties. With the right approach and commitment, Nanaimo Council can find solutions that preserve green space while meeting the needs of all users—now and for the future.
How to Take ACTION!
Take any or all of the following actions to mobilize the council and the community to reconsider the current plans and look for an alternative that will protect the greenspace and meet all park user needs!
01 Visit the Park and See for yourself.
Get a map of the "Option A" footprint and see on the ground what that looks like. Also a volunteer will be on site from April 24-May 5 from 4-6pm to explain the current plan, show the footprint, explains ways to take action, and provide the opportunity to take a photo of yourself with the trees or in an activity that demonstrates what you appreciate about the park to share with others to raise awareness.
02 Write Mayor and Council
Email Mayor and Council and the councillors who voted to remove the trees and replace the green space, Kindly ask them to reconsider and support a more balanced plan that meets everyone’s needs:
Tyler.brown@nanaimo.ca
Leonard.krog@nanaimo.ca
Ian.thorpe@nanaimo.ca
03 Raise Awareness
-
Share photos of the park and calls to action on social media including sharing the online petition:
-
Email Saveloudonpark@gmail.com and volunteer to Hand out flyers in your neighbourhood and get people to sign the paper petition.
-
Submit a short (under 250 words) letter to the Nanaimo Bulletin
04 Email the Paddling Clubs Involved
Kindly ask the paddling clubs to support a more balanced, less destructive plan:
05 Show up May 5th - 7pm at Council's meeting
Attend the Council Meeting at the Shaw Auditorium in the VI Conference center on commercial St. to support the community's call to rethink this plan. Your presence matters!
06 Volunteer!
Email saveloudonpark@gmail.com to learn how you can help more to get the word out!