Southern Railway of BC engines are on their way to tie down for the day in Wellcox yard - Date/Photographer unknown.

20 December 2012

Project Could Create Hub for Transportation

Nanaimo Vancouver Island British Columbia - The city's potential land-purchase along the south industrial waterfront could spur development and transform the area into a "transportation hub," says Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan.
 
The City of Nanaimo announced last week it's working on a $3.4 million land deal to buy half of the Wellcox Rail yard, the only industrial property listed for sale along the south waterfront.
 
The Canadian Pacific Railway's 56-acre real estate has long been seen by city staff members and south-end residents as one of the few opportunities to change the century-old industrial park.
 
There has been a long-expressed interest to see the waterfront transformed into an extension of the downtown, with retail shops, walkways, and residential developments dotting the landscape. But the evolution of the Wellcox lands hinged on private landowners.
 
Other landowners, like Western Forest Products, have no plans to leave and until now there has been only "periodic" interest in the CP Rail site.
 
With the city now looking at a purchase agreement, and a potential $100,000 south waterfront master plan to guide future development in the area, the waterfront could be on the verge of the change people have been waiting for, says Ruttan.
 
"I am very, very, pleased that the city is able to look at the purchase of this land. There is long term (and unlimited) development potential there," he said. "I'd like to see the property become a transportation hub."
 
The city is already in negotiations with the Regional District of Nanaimo to use a portion of the Wellcox property for a new transit exchange, but the mayor points out that is also the potential for the city to facilitate a fast-ferry service and a passenger rail to Victoria along the south end waterfront. The network, which would also include the cruise ship terminal, could "more easily accommodate getting people into the downtown and Nanaimo" and help create "economic stimulus" for local businesses, Ruttan said.
 
He also points out that part of the Wellcox lands are still for sale and could allow for further opportunity for change.
 
The future of the south end waterfront and how development rolls out, however, would be guided by community groups and government leaders through a proposed $100,000 south waterfront master plan. If approved by council, the plan would establish visions and goals for the land wedged between the Gabriola ferry terminal and Snuneymuxw reserve, and become the first strategy of its kind since city staff members highlighted a need for it in 2002.
 
City staff members are also proposing a $100,000 waterfront study to look at enhancement efforts for the waterfront and the challenges associated with creating an extended waterfront trail from Departure Bay to the south waterfront industrial park.
 
Douglas Hardie, president of the South End Community Association, welcomes the plans and the city's potential purchase of the Wellcox property, calling it a positive step forward that "opens up potential for lots of different possibilities." He hopes efforts lead to the city opening the industrial park to the general public, who have never been able to enjoy the coastline south of the Gabriola ferry terminal.
 
"Nanaimo's greatest jewel is its waterfront," Hardie said. "But residents living in south Nanaimo have never been able to enjoy it in their own neighbourhood. Access is all privately owned."
 
Snuneymuxw Chief Doug White said he was unaware of the city plans to purchase the Wellcox rail yard, and its negotiations with the RDN over a transit exchange but said the Snuneymuxw must be involved and their treaty respected.
 
Tamara Cunningham.