A joint investment of more than C$15 million (US$11 million) by the government of Canada, the government of British Columbia, the Regional District of Nanaimo and the city of Nanaimo will go towards the Nanaimo Downtown Exchange project, the public transit system in the city of Nanaimo.
“More than ever, public transit is needed to connect people to their jobs, communities, and culture," said Patrick Weiler, a member of Parliament, West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, British Columbia. "The investment our government is making in Nanaimo transit and urban development will create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve community connections for a strong and vibrant Nanaimo.”
The project will include the construction of an expanded off-street transit exchange on Terminal Avenue at Commercial Street in downtown Nanaimo, which is required for future transit expansion in the Regional District of Nanaimo. The project also includes an operator rest facility and layover parking nearby on Cavan Street. The facility will include washroom and break room facilities, bus layover parking and upgrades to allow safe access and use of the site and is designed to provide improved operator working conditions.
This exchange will support a series of transit service changes that will improve bus circulation in the downtown area and increases to transit service level frequency to develop the Transit Future Network.
“Building a new transit exchange in downtown Nanaimo will support our government’s efforts to expand transit in the region so people have reliable, affordable and low-carbon transportation options to get around," said British Columbia Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming. "The new exchange will also play an important part in revitalizing Nanaimo’s downtown core and help build a resilient community that people will be proud to call home.”
The transit exchange will also be designed to achieve the Security Achieved through Functional Environmental Design Standard certification, which is the industry standard to physical security that reduces the risk and fear of crime by design, policy and shaping public spaces. The certification will help the local government create safe, secure and enjoyable places to live, learn, work and play.
The government of Canada is investing C$6 million (US$4.4 million) in the project while the government of British Columbia is investing C$6 million (US$4.4 million), the Regional District of Nanaimo is contributing C$3 million (US$2.2 million) and the city of Nanaimo is contributing the land. The government of Canada’s funding comes from the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
“The Regional District of Nanaimo is a proud partner of the new downtown transit exchange project and appreciates the funding and commitment from the government of Canada to improve transit accessibility and efficiency in our region," said Vanessa Craig, chair, Regional District of Nanaimo. "The new exchange will provide convenient connections between transit routes, enhancing the transit user experience.”
Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment obligations.
