What's Happening?

Three sections of the Departure Bay walkway would be constructed in one phase:

• South Segment: from the existing BC Ferries trail across Northfield Creek
• Central Segment: Below Cilaire Bluffs (from White Eagle Terrace to Battersea Road)
• North Segment: along Battersea and Randle Roads to connect to the Kin Hut area

The Departure Bay segment (S1 in the map) between Departure Bay and the BC Ferries Terminal has been identified as a high priority based on public feedback and is the focus of this project.

To learn more about the improvements for Departure Bay, read our Project Brochure.

Key Improvements

• Better public access to beaches in key areas
• Improved access for all ages and abilities
• Separated cycle path and waterfront walkway in key areas
• Increased connectivity to existing cycling and pedestrian networks including a bridge over Northfield Creek
• Improved amenities such as seating, picnic areas, rest areas, cycle parking, and low grade lighting
• Coastal restoration that protects and enhances shoreline areas for improved sustainability and considers anticipated sea level rise impacts
• Habitat improvements to the Northfield estuary including protection of existing environmentally sensitive areas
• Re-vegetation and protection of existing treed slopes in areas
• Interpretive elements for cultural learning and nature appreciation
• Traffic calming, “local vehicle only” areas, and parking restrictions on Battersea and Randle Roads to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety

Improvements are part of the larger Implementation Plan which envisions a continuous walkway from Departure Bay to the Nanaimo River Estuary. The plan was endorsed by Council based on public support to to expand and improve upon the existing sections of walkway which are focused around the downtown core and along Newcastle Channel. Recommended improvements to the waterfront walkway have also been noted in multiple existing policy documents including the 2016-2019 Strategic Plan Update, the Official Community Plan, and the Transportation Master Plan. Implementation of the overall walkway would be developed in phases with anticipated completion of the 13 km-long segment around 2027.

Expansion of the walkway will require continued technical development as well as continued coordination with local stakeholders, interest groups, and the community.