The Project
Loudon Park, located on Long Lake, is one of Nanaimo's most active waterfront recreation areas. The growth of the Nanaimo Rowing Club (NRC) and the Nanaimo Canoe & Kayak Club (NCKC) has made it clear that updated facilities are desperately needed. The current building was originally a picnic shelter built in the 1960s, which was renovated to house the NCKC in 1988. A trailer was added on when the Rowing Club was established in 1992. A modern boathouse will safeguard equipment, improve accessibility, while providing a safe, welcoming, multipurpose sport and activity hub for residents, program participants, and visitors.
Loudon Park and facility as of 2025
A new building will provide exceptional value to the community:
Health & Wellness
Year-round opportunities for residents to stay active through safe, low-impact outdoor sport
Inclusivity & Community-Building
Bring together participants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, helping to strengthen community ties
Youth & Family Programming
Programs to engage youth, encourage healthy lifestyles, and create positive social connections
Tourism & Economic Benefit
Regattas, training camps, and events draw athletes and families from across B.C., Canada, and the United States, generating economic activity and increasing Nanaimo's profile as a sport destination
Aligns with City Goals
Investment in this project supports the City’s long-term objectives around recreation, active living, and equitable access to public spaces. It supports a green, connected, empowered, healthy and properous Nanaimo!
Improvements to Loudon Park will include:
New public accessible and inclusive washrooms
A refreshed facility with indoor training space and equipment storage for NRC/NCKC
A community space for gathering and programming
Potable water
Enhanced park layout
A new playground
Improved trails and beach access
Improved seating
Improved landscaping
These improvements will significantly enhance public use of the park and support the continued success of two organizations that contribute so positively to Nanaimo!
What makes Long Lake special?
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Centrally located in Nanaimo, a rapidly growing city on Vancouver Island
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Transit and bike access
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Popular swimming and picnic spot in the summer
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Popular for year-round water sports
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Few tree deadheads or obstructions, consistent water level throughout the year
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Idyllic year-round water access (yes even in January!)
Over the years there have been multiple efforts to build a new facility at Loudon Park. There have been several improvement plans developed by the City of Nanaimo, the first in 2006 approved in 2007, an update in 2009-2010, and multiple plans to replace the facility since 2010. Between 2021 to 2025, a boathouse design was proposed but ultimately rejected by the community due to the removal of many mature park trees. In 2025, the City of Nanaimo purchased two properties adjacent to the park in order to expand the park. The LLFTCS is currently in consultation with the City of Nanaimo about next steps in the construction project - the Loudon Park Improvement Project.
Please follow along in our journey to a new boathouse by 2028! You can check out our News page or the City of Nanaimo Loudon Park Improvement Project page.