2024 marks 150 years of Nanaimo's incorporation. The area known as Downtown Nanaimo has been evolving since well before that time and while each decade has shaped the Downtown we know today, the past 25 years have been a particularly important period in Nanaimo's downtown revitalization.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Nanaimo grew outwards rapidly, with large retail malls, offices and housing relocating to other parts of the City and activity dwindling in Nanaimo's traditional core. By the 1990s, fewer people were visiting, stores were closing, and buildings downtown were falling into disrepair. An important question needed to be asked: What can be done to reinvigorate Downtown Nanaimo?

A group of downtown business owners, City councillors and City staff made a commitment to work together on solutions to help Downtown Nanaimo reclaim its role as the heart of our city. For the past 25 years, the private and public sectors have honoured this commitment, continuing to collaborate on a story of downtown revitalization. And the journey doesn't end here!

We invite you to explore some of our downtown revitalization stories below or download a Walking Tour Map and head out to explore Nanaimo's downtown revitalization at your own pace!