The Process
WHERE WE'RE AT
In May 2020, we submitted an initial OCP Amendment application to the City of Nanaimo. Soon after, we agreed to develop a more comprehensive Master Plan, as part of this process, to provide more clarity and direction for the future of the site..
The Garden Centre Is still open
and the Green Thumb operations will remain open for as long as possible. Please, direct comments and questions about Bowers District to the redevelopment team:
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
OCP Amendment
The Bowers District Master Plan will form part of the City of Nanaimo Official Community Plan (OCP) and provide detailed policies to guide future development and change on the site over the next 25 years. The plan will provide a roadmap for future land use and urban design, transportation, open spaces, infrastructure, and sustainability measures that support the community’s vision for the future.
It also sets a framework for more detailed planning steps that will include rezoning, subdivision, and development permit process to guide growth in this area. Following the Master Plan process, we will submit a development application for the first phase of development.
Project Update
We are currently finalizing the Bowers District Master Plan. We hope to submit the plan to the City in Winter 2021, as part of an OCP Amendment process.
See below for an approximate project timeline.
Once the Final Plan is approved, we intend to submit a development application for the first phase of Bowers District.
Project Process
BACKGROUND ANALYSES – 2019
The Project Team conducted an in-depth analysis of the site and the
surrounding conditions in order to inform visioning and future site planning.
VISIONING – EARLY 2020
A high-level development vision was developed, based on background analyses and high-level City policies.
CONSULTATION – MID 2020
Community input was sought on the initial development vision via in-person and online engagements.
MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT
-EARLY 2020
A draft Master Plan was developed, based on the preceding steps.
APPLICATION REVIEW & CONSULTATION – MID 2021
The Master Plan will be reviewed by City staff and referral agencies, and
additional community input will be sought.
MASTER PLAN APPROVAL
- LATE 2021
Iterative review and updates will lead to the development of the final
Master Plan.