Nanaimo is one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada, placing increasing pressure on the transportation system to provide safe, convenient, and affordable travel options.

The Citywide Parking Review examines parking regulations to better align with the City Plan and community goals. This work includes changes to off-street parking and curbside management, resulting in updates to the Off-Street Parking Regulations Bylaw, Traffic and Highway Regulation Bylaw and Crossing Control Bylaw.

At this stage, a new Off-Street Parking Regulations Bylaw is being considered by Council. These regulations focus on new and substantial redevelopment and do not affect on-street parking, parkades, or parking pricing.


Current Status (June 2026)

The City has completed its review of off-street parking regulations and is bringing forward a proposed new Off-Street Parking Regulations Bylaw 2026 No. 7453.

The bylaw will be introduced at the June 22, 2026 Council meeting for consideration of first, second, and third readings. If approved, it may be adopted at a subsequent meeting.

The proposed bylaw reflects Council direction, technical analysis, and community input, and is intended to modernize parking regulations and better align with City Plan goals.


Background

During the engagement period, the City gathered input on:

  • Off-street parking requirements
  • Vehicle parking (including EV infrastructure, accessibility, and loading)
  • Bicycle and e-mobility facilities
  • On- and off-street parking supply
  • Curb space allocation (sidewalks, trees, transit, parking, amenities)
  • Opportunities to support sustainable transportation

Input from residents, accessibility groups, passenger transportation operators, and development industry helped inform the proposed bylaw.


At the October 31, 2025 - GPC meeting Staff presented recommendations from the Nanaimo Parking Review + Bylaw Update Recommendations + Actions report. At the November 17, 2025 meeting, Council directed staff to proceed with bylaw updates. Key directions included:

  • Introducing parking maximums in Urban Centres
  • Allowing reduced parking requirements near frequent transit
  • Requiring transportation demand management (TDM) measures for certain developments
  • Preparing bylaw amendments to implement these changes

For more detailed information, please see the documents on the right.


What's Changing in the Proposed Bylaw?

Key updates include:

  • Lower vehicle parking requirements while remaining context-sensitive, with less parking near Urban Centres and transit, and more in suburban areas.
  • Remove parking minimums and add maximums in Urban Centres
  • Improved accessible parking standards and introduction of mobility scooter parking
  • Expanded bicycle parking and end-of-trip facilities
  • EV-ready infrastructure requirements
  • Introducing Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures to support reduced parking by encouraging alternatives like transit, car share, and cycling.

These changes are intended to support housing, improve transportation options, and reduce reliance on single-occupant vehicles over time.


What Happens Next

  • Council will consider first readings of the proposed bylaw at the June 22, 2026 meeting.
  • If first, second, and third readings are adopted, the bylaw may be considered for adoption at the subsequent meeting on July 6, 2026.
  • The proposed changes apply primarily to new and substantial redevelopment and do not affect on-street parking, parkades, or parking pricing.
  • Additional updates to curbside management, including on-street parking, will be addressed through a separate bylaw review.
  • The proposed Off-Street Parking Regulations Bylaw, 2026, No. 7453, and the June 22, 2026 Council report are available on the City’s website.

Survey