Heads up, Nanaimo! The first phase of the Design Commercial Project is kicking off downtown! This exciting project will give Commercial Street a fresh new look while making the street more welcoming, accessible and inclusive.
So what’s affected?
From now until May 2025, traffic on Commercial Street between Wharf Street and Church Street will be closed. Traffic on and through Bastion Street will still remain open. During this time, street parking will not be available, but don’t worry—your favourite spots are still open and ready to welcome you! That’s right, despite the construction in Downtown Nanaimo, you can still support the stores, restaurants, and services you love.
Parking Options & Accessible Parking Locations
Although street parking between Wharf Street and Bastion Street will not be accessible from September until May, Nanaimo’s downtown has a variety of great parkades with accessible parking, all within a short stroll to Commerical Street.
Here are our recommendations for easy access to the downtown area:
- 236 Bastion St Parkade
- 12 Bastion St – Dorchester Hotel Parkade
- 51 Gordon St – Harbour Front Parkade
- 101 Gordon St – VI Conference Centre Parkade
- View all parking options here
How to Shop
Whether you’re browsing online or hitting the streets in person, there are plenty of ways to keep supporting your favourite local businesses during this time.
Remember, all businesses you know and love are open and accessible during this time, which means you can still gather your friends and head downtown for some retail therapy, grab food at your go-to brunch spot, or stop for a tour of the Art Gallery or Museum.
Not in town but still want to support local businesses in Nanaimo? Many of Nanaimo’s local shops offer online shopping, so you can keep supporting them no matter where you are.
Your Support is Crucial
We know you’ve got a lot of love for Nanaimo, and your support means the world right now. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, shopping for something special, or just telling a friend about your favourite local spot, it all adds up. Together, we’re keeping downtown buzzing and making sure our city stays as awesome as ever.
