Loudon Activity Centre & Boathouse

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Consultation has concluded

LOUDON PARK REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Coming to tender this Spring!

Project Background and Overview

For over 25 years, the City of Nanaimo has been planning to redevelop Loudon Park and Nanaimo Rowing Club and the Nanaimo Canoe & Kayak Club. Both clubs offer a variety of rowing and paddling programming for all ages, including lessons, programs and hosting competitions. NCKC has called Long Lake their home since forming in 1988 and the Rowing Club since 1992. Both clubs require improved boat storage and facilities for their club members. The clubs joined together to form the Long Lake Flatwater Training Society for

LOUDON PARK REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Coming to tender this Spring!

Project Background and Overview

For over 25 years, the City of Nanaimo has been planning to redevelop Loudon Park and Nanaimo Rowing Club and the Nanaimo Canoe & Kayak Club. Both clubs offer a variety of rowing and paddling programming for all ages, including lessons, programs and hosting competitions. NCKC has called Long Lake their home since forming in 1988 and the Rowing Club since 1992. Both clubs require improved boat storage and facilities for their club members. The clubs joined together to form the Long Lake Flatwater Training Society for the purposes of fundraising for certain aspects of this project.

In 2019, Council gave approval for staff to work with the Rotary Club of Nanaimo North and the Long Lake Flatwater Training Society on the designs for this project.

The organizations have committed to each contributing $100,000 at minimum to the project. The groups are actively fundraising for specific items that are need. Vessel storage and a new dock are examples of what the fundraising is for.

Multiple engagements have been held with the nearby community, user groups, and City Council during the last 25 years to solicit feedback upgrade its site facilities to make Loudon Park a more desirable park for the surrounding community to use and enjoy. The Loudon Park Improvement Plan has been the guiding document during the development of this project over the years.

Loudon Park is a busy waterfront park on Long Lake enjoyed by many and is home to the on this project and have been incorporated into the final design.


Floor Plan of Building

 


Design Overview

Natural wood materials were used for the structure of the building and are expressed throughout the interior and exterior of the building. The timber design is inspired by the craft of traditional wooden boat building. The  curved  glulam beams that form the  wave-like roof are  large-scale versions of the carefully radiused bents used by craftsmen to build  traditional racing skulls,  tenders, skiffs and  canoes. The exterior is clad in durable corrugated cladding with exposed timber and expansive windows to connect the building to its surrounding environment.


Project Scope

Upgrades to the site will include a new boathouse building and training facility for the Long Lake Flat Water Training Society as well as site improvements for the public attending the park. 

The new boathouse building is single story, and is broken into 4 main sections, a boat storage area, a training facility, a public community multipurpose room, and accessible public washrooms and changing areas for park visitors.

Additional concrete and gravel pathways will be added for accessibility improvements to all areas of the park.

The playground will be replaced with inclusive play features and improved fall protection to ensure access for all.

Site utility upgrades are also incorporated into this project ,as well as landscaping and replanting areas of the park.






Project Timelines

The project is anticipated to begin construction in fall of 2023 with an estimated construction timeline of up to 18 months. 

Public access will be maintained as much as possible and closures will be communicated to the public by way of information boards on site as well as through social media.

The building permit application has been made with permit anticipated in Q2/Q3 of 2023. No development permit is required for this project.


Project Team


Park Background

Loudon Park is a busy waterfront park on Long Lake enjoyed by many and is home to the Nanaimo Rowing Club and the Nanaimo Canoe & Kayak Club. Both clubs offer a variety of rowing and paddling programming for all ages, including lessons, programs and hosting competitions. NCKC has called Long Lake their home since forming in 1988 and the Rowing Club since 1992. Both clubs require improved boat storage and facilities for their club members.

The Park's amenities are also in need of updating, and potential upgrades would also include new and accessible public washrooms, upgraded playground equipment, and improved and accessible waterfront access. Plans for the park also include environmental enhancement, preserving natural areas as much as possible, rehabilitation of riparian vegetation and reforestation, as well as areas to manage storm water. At the same time, utility upgrades will be tied in with the project work and will include - servicing the new building with utilities, as well as replace and relocate approximately 81m of ageing sanitary sewer main that runs through the park.

The facility will be fully accessible, including public washrooms and have upgraded storage for the various clubs' watercraft and equipment. 

The concept for the structure is a signature re-curved timber-framed roof form from the shape of the waterline on the sides of boats as they move through the water. 

Both the Flatwater Training Society and the Rotary Club are actively fundraising to continue to contribute up to $100,000 each to the realization of the project.

Consultation has concluded

Have a question that's not answered about the project at Loudon Park? Let us know. 

  • Share Why is the accessible fishing dock being moved? According to a bathmetry map of Long Lake, the new location is in water less than 10 ft. The current location is on a steep drop off down to about 30 ft, where trout are more likely to be found. Can the City keep the fishing dock in its current location? on Facebook Share Why is the accessible fishing dock being moved? According to a bathmetry map of Long Lake, the new location is in water less than 10 ft. The current location is on a steep drop off down to about 30 ft, where trout are more likely to be found. Can the City keep the fishing dock in its current location? on Twitter Share Why is the accessible fishing dock being moved? According to a bathmetry map of Long Lake, the new location is in water less than 10 ft. The current location is on a steep drop off down to about 30 ft, where trout are more likely to be found. Can the City keep the fishing dock in its current location? on Linkedin Email Why is the accessible fishing dock being moved? According to a bathmetry map of Long Lake, the new location is in water less than 10 ft. The current location is on a steep drop off down to about 30 ft, where trout are more likely to be found. Can the City keep the fishing dock in its current location? link

    Why is the accessible fishing dock being moved? According to a bathmetry map of Long Lake, the new location is in water less than 10 ft. The current location is on a steep drop off down to about 30 ft, where trout are more likely to be found. Can the City keep the fishing dock in its current location?

    LCF_1919 asked over 2 years ago

    Thanks for your questions. The illustrations are for conceptual purposes only. The fishing dock can remain in the area it is currently in.

  • Share It is stated that the Rotary Club and Flatwater Training Society are fundraising to contribute to the cost of this facility. How much has currently been spent on design and consultation for this project? What is the projected price tag at completion, and who's paying the remainder? A donation of up to $200,000 from the interest groups is hardly representative of the proportion of this facility that would be exclusively for the private user groups. Who would manage the Multipurpose Community Room, and what guarantees are there that this small part of the building would actually be available to the public? This is a very busy public park that already suffers from lack of parking and congestion. Is there a plan to expand parking? on Facebook Share It is stated that the Rotary Club and Flatwater Training Society are fundraising to contribute to the cost of this facility. How much has currently been spent on design and consultation for this project? What is the projected price tag at completion, and who's paying the remainder? A donation of up to $200,000 from the interest groups is hardly representative of the proportion of this facility that would be exclusively for the private user groups. Who would manage the Multipurpose Community Room, and what guarantees are there that this small part of the building would actually be available to the public? This is a very busy public park that already suffers from lack of parking and congestion. Is there a plan to expand parking? on Twitter Share It is stated that the Rotary Club and Flatwater Training Society are fundraising to contribute to the cost of this facility. How much has currently been spent on design and consultation for this project? What is the projected price tag at completion, and who's paying the remainder? A donation of up to $200,000 from the interest groups is hardly representative of the proportion of this facility that would be exclusively for the private user groups. Who would manage the Multipurpose Community Room, and what guarantees are there that this small part of the building would actually be available to the public? This is a very busy public park that already suffers from lack of parking and congestion. Is there a plan to expand parking? on Linkedin Email It is stated that the Rotary Club and Flatwater Training Society are fundraising to contribute to the cost of this facility. How much has currently been spent on design and consultation for this project? What is the projected price tag at completion, and who's paying the remainder? A donation of up to $200,000 from the interest groups is hardly representative of the proportion of this facility that would be exclusively for the private user groups. Who would manage the Multipurpose Community Room, and what guarantees are there that this small part of the building would actually be available to the public? This is a very busy public park that already suffers from lack of parking and congestion. Is there a plan to expand parking? link

    It is stated that the Rotary Club and Flatwater Training Society are fundraising to contribute to the cost of this facility. How much has currently been spent on design and consultation for this project? What is the projected price tag at completion, and who's paying the remainder? A donation of up to $200,000 from the interest groups is hardly representative of the proportion of this facility that would be exclusively for the private user groups. Who would manage the Multipurpose Community Room, and what guarantees are there that this small part of the building would actually be available to the public? This is a very busy public park that already suffers from lack of parking and congestion. Is there a plan to expand parking?

    JK asked over 2 years ago

    How much has currently been spent on design and consultation for this project? Design for structure and Park redevelopment budget is $160-170K

    What is the projected price tag at completion, and who's paying the remainder? The 2 community groups have committed to $100K each at minimum as contributions, but both groups are planning and have started to fundraise for the project. The remainder would be covered by various types of City funds and grant applications that will be applied for by all 3 parties to hopefully offset the overall cost.

    Current estimates for the new facility, park redevelopment, new dock, and new playground is $5M. This is a Class D estimate as final designs will not be completed until after the results of the survey have been tabulated and shared with Mayor and Council and the community so that a final decision can be made.

    Who would manage the Multipurpose Community Room? The City would manage the booking of the room as per all other bookable spaces in its inventory.

    Is there a plan to expand parking? There is no plan to expand parking at this point except for some additional accessible stalls closer to the facility.

  • Share I understand that some of the other lakes in the region have had sand added to their beach and water areas. Will this be done here? Is there any plan to do anything with the boat launch? on Facebook Share I understand that some of the other lakes in the region have had sand added to their beach and water areas. Will this be done here? Is there any plan to do anything with the boat launch? on Twitter Share I understand that some of the other lakes in the region have had sand added to their beach and water areas. Will this be done here? Is there any plan to do anything with the boat launch? on Linkedin Email I understand that some of the other lakes in the region have had sand added to their beach and water areas. Will this be done here? Is there any plan to do anything with the boat launch? link

    I understand that some of the other lakes in the region have had sand added to their beach and water areas. Will this be done here? Is there any plan to do anything with the boat launch?

    Allen asked over 2 years ago

    Thanks for your questions. Sand is added every year to the beach and will continue to be added on a yearly basis. 

    The Boat launch is a BC Highways facility. As far as we know, the Ministry has no plans at this point to improve it. 

  • Share I understand the importance for a new Activity Centre and Boathouse for Loudon Park. I would like to put forward that this is also for the public for families to enjoy the swimming and beach time.. I do not see any picnic tables or a covered area for shad for families to enjoy a picnic area that would be coved other than option 3 that has an exterior covered patio available to the public. If I chose option 1 witch makes sense for the long run for the kayaks and rowing club, as it will only grow in time.… Option 3 will not do this, but is the only one with covered area for shad for families to enjoy a picnic area with coverage from the sun. I’m wondering what is the plan for having picnic tables, or even having a covered picnic area that is not attached to the activity Centre and Boathouse. Could you please respond so I can try and make a decision? Thanks on Facebook Share I understand the importance for a new Activity Centre and Boathouse for Loudon Park. I would like to put forward that this is also for the public for families to enjoy the swimming and beach time.. I do not see any picnic tables or a covered area for shad for families to enjoy a picnic area that would be coved other than option 3 that has an exterior covered patio available to the public. If I chose option 1 witch makes sense for the long run for the kayaks and rowing club, as it will only grow in time.… Option 3 will not do this, but is the only one with covered area for shad for families to enjoy a picnic area with coverage from the sun. I’m wondering what is the plan for having picnic tables, or even having a covered picnic area that is not attached to the activity Centre and Boathouse. Could you please respond so I can try and make a decision? Thanks on Twitter Share I understand the importance for a new Activity Centre and Boathouse for Loudon Park. I would like to put forward that this is also for the public for families to enjoy the swimming and beach time.. I do not see any picnic tables or a covered area for shad for families to enjoy a picnic area that would be coved other than option 3 that has an exterior covered patio available to the public. If I chose option 1 witch makes sense for the long run for the kayaks and rowing club, as it will only grow in time.… Option 3 will not do this, but is the only one with covered area for shad for families to enjoy a picnic area with coverage from the sun. I’m wondering what is the plan for having picnic tables, or even having a covered picnic area that is not attached to the activity Centre and Boathouse. Could you please respond so I can try and make a decision? Thanks on Linkedin Email I understand the importance for a new Activity Centre and Boathouse for Loudon Park. I would like to put forward that this is also for the public for families to enjoy the swimming and beach time.. I do not see any picnic tables or a covered area for shad for families to enjoy a picnic area that would be coved other than option 3 that has an exterior covered patio available to the public. If I chose option 1 witch makes sense for the long run for the kayaks and rowing club, as it will only grow in time.… Option 3 will not do this, but is the only one with covered area for shad for families to enjoy a picnic area with coverage from the sun. I’m wondering what is the plan for having picnic tables, or even having a covered picnic area that is not attached to the activity Centre and Boathouse. Could you please respond so I can try and make a decision? Thanks link

    I understand the importance for a new Activity Centre and Boathouse for Loudon Park. I would like to put forward that this is also for the public for families to enjoy the swimming and beach time.. I do not see any picnic tables or a covered area for shad for families to enjoy a picnic area that would be coved other than option 3 that has an exterior covered patio available to the public. If I chose option 1 witch makes sense for the long run for the kayaks and rowing club, as it will only grow in time.… Option 3 will not do this, but is the only one with covered area for shad for families to enjoy a picnic area with coverage from the sun. I’m wondering what is the plan for having picnic tables, or even having a covered picnic area that is not attached to the activity Centre and Boathouse. Could you please respond so I can try and make a decision? Thanks

    Mitch asked over 2 years ago

    Thanks for the email, Mitch. We really appreciate you taking the time to fill out a survey response. Apologies for there not being anything on the plans that indicates where the picnic tables and benches will be.

     The playground is also getting replaced as part of the overall project and will influence where the benches and tables go.

     There will still be plenty of shaded areas amongst the trees where there will be benches and tables for people to enjoy.

     Your idea of a shade shelter will be passed onto on to the project team for consideration.

  • Share Why spend so much money on an expensive roof ? When that money could be used on much needed storage space and walls for the storage area making the boat storage more secure , there have been a lot of thefts of boats through the chain link fence ! on Facebook Share Why spend so much money on an expensive roof ? When that money could be used on much needed storage space and walls for the storage area making the boat storage more secure , there have been a lot of thefts of boats through the chain link fence ! on Twitter Share Why spend so much money on an expensive roof ? When that money could be used on much needed storage space and walls for the storage area making the boat storage more secure , there have been a lot of thefts of boats through the chain link fence ! on Linkedin Email Why spend so much money on an expensive roof ? When that money could be used on much needed storage space and walls for the storage area making the boat storage more secure , there have been a lot of thefts of boats through the chain link fence ! link

    Why spend so much money on an expensive roof ? When that money could be used on much needed storage space and walls for the storage area making the boat storage more secure , there have been a lot of thefts of boats through the chain link fence !

    Carol asked over 2 years ago

    Thanks for the question!  As part of the building permit process, the design will be reviewed by the Design Advisory Panel.  On previous projects for municipal buildings, staff understand that there would be a requirement to consider aesthetics in the design and a simple square box would not get approval.  Accounting for this, the architects have developed a form and character for the proposed structure that is intended to compliment the park with timber features that integrate with the building's surroundings including the trees and natural area of the park. The curved roof design is intended to invoke the movement of the water on a side of a boat as it moves through the water.  

    The security of the boats in the storage area has been considered in all options that are presented.  Hope that answers your question.  

    Loudon Park Project Team

    building design,security
    building design security