Departure Bay Pump Station and Forcemain Project

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Plans for a significant—and much-needed—infrastructure upgrade are underway. Welcome to your source for updates and information as we move towards construction. Sign up to receive the latest updates!

About the Project

The Departure Bay Forcemain was constructed in 1974 to convey wastewater from the Departure Bay Pump Station to the Greater Nanaimo Pollution Control Centre. It carries wastewater from over half of the population in Nanaimo and is the largest of all forcemains operated by the RDN.

The forcemain and pump station need to be upgraded to accommodate current flows during severe storms and future growth.

To upgrade this infrastructure:

  • The Departure Bay Pump Station (next to Departure Bay Beach, near the intersection of Hammond Bay and Departure Bay roads) will undergo a major upgrade and;
  • A new forcemain will be installed along Hammond Bay Road from the pump station to the Greater Nanaimo Pollution Control Centre (wastewater treatment facility) at McGuffie Road.

Current Status

The Departure Bay Pump Station and Forcemain (DBPF) Project is currently in the preliminary design stage. The RDN is working with the City of Nanaimo and the rest of the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) team, to complete the planning and preliminary design and create a safe and efficient construction plan.

Because the project is still in the design stage, there are many details to be confirmed including schedule, traffic plans, property impacts and related City of Nanaimo upgrades that may be incorporated.

Construction is currently estimated to begin in late 2025/early 2026.

Keeping you Informed

We understand this project will be disruptive and of high interest to many in the corridor and throughout the area. This page will be the primary source for updates and information will be shared proactively as details are confirmed.

We invite you to:

  • Subscribe to get the latest updates to your inbox
  • Ask the project team a question below
  • Visit our FAQs

Plans for a significant—and much-needed—infrastructure upgrade are underway. Welcome to your source for updates and information as we move towards construction. Sign up to receive the latest updates!

About the Project

The Departure Bay Forcemain was constructed in 1974 to convey wastewater from the Departure Bay Pump Station to the Greater Nanaimo Pollution Control Centre. It carries wastewater from over half of the population in Nanaimo and is the largest of all forcemains operated by the RDN.

The forcemain and pump station need to be upgraded to accommodate current flows during severe storms and future growth.

To upgrade this infrastructure:

  • The Departure Bay Pump Station (next to Departure Bay Beach, near the intersection of Hammond Bay and Departure Bay roads) will undergo a major upgrade and;
  • A new forcemain will be installed along Hammond Bay Road from the pump station to the Greater Nanaimo Pollution Control Centre (wastewater treatment facility) at McGuffie Road.

Current Status

The Departure Bay Pump Station and Forcemain (DBPF) Project is currently in the preliminary design stage. The RDN is working with the City of Nanaimo and the rest of the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) team, to complete the planning and preliminary design and create a safe and efficient construction plan.

Because the project is still in the design stage, there are many details to be confirmed including schedule, traffic plans, property impacts and related City of Nanaimo upgrades that may be incorporated.

Construction is currently estimated to begin in late 2025/early 2026.

Keeping you Informed

We understand this project will be disruptive and of high interest to many in the corridor and throughout the area. This page will be the primary source for updates and information will be shared proactively as details are confirmed.

We invite you to:

  • Subscribe to get the latest updates to your inbox
  • Ask the project team a question below
  • Visit our FAQs

Questions? Ask them here

Have any questions about the Departure Bay Pump Station and Forcemain Project? Share them here and the project team will get back to you!

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  • Share I would like to reiterate what Bob has said about improvements to the Hammond Bay corridor. I attended a city-wide neighbourhood association meeting last night with city counsellor members including Mayor Krog. It was indicated that only $1 million has been allocated to rebuild Hammond Bay Rd, which would mean no road improvements (sidewalks, bike lanes, etc). Hammond Bay Road is the only east-west arterial route connecting several northern neighborhoods, including Linley Valley, Stephenson Point, Pipers Lagoon, Dover Bay, and Rocky Point. It also provides essential access to two of Nanaimo’s most beloved waterfront parks: Neck Point Park and Pipers Lagoon Park. Despite its importance, the road lacks continuous sidewalks, offers no protected infrastructure for cyclists, and presents daily safety risks for pedestrians, drivers, and children traveling to schools or recreational areas. In addition to the safety concerns for residents, the lack of investment in active transportation infrastructure represents a missed opportunity for quality of life improvements. A continuous, scenic bike lane between Departure Bay and Neck Point and Pipers Lagoon would offer a world-class cycling experience for both residents and visitors, linking beaches, parks, and neighborhoods through one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the city. With the right infrastructure, Hammond Bay Road could become a key feature in promoting active transportation, local business, healthy lifestyles, and decreased reliance on vehicle transporation. I recognize and support the City's ongoing efforts to invest in historically underserved and higher-density areas, particularly in the south end. However, the absence of alternative routes into and out of these northern neighborhoods makes Hammond Bay Road a uniquely vital transportation link. The growing volume of commuters, school traffic, and residential development calls for a future-focused approach—not merely a restoration to the current inadequate conditions. I urge you to reconsider the scope of the planned investment. I also encourage the City to pursue available provincial and federal infrastructure and active transportation grants that could help fund meaningful improvements. Hammond Bay Road deserves continuous sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and safe crossings—not another generation of temporary or patchwork solutions. on Facebook Share I would like to reiterate what Bob has said about improvements to the Hammond Bay corridor. I attended a city-wide neighbourhood association meeting last night with city counsellor members including Mayor Krog. It was indicated that only $1 million has been allocated to rebuild Hammond Bay Rd, which would mean no road improvements (sidewalks, bike lanes, etc). Hammond Bay Road is the only east-west arterial route connecting several northern neighborhoods, including Linley Valley, Stephenson Point, Pipers Lagoon, Dover Bay, and Rocky Point. It also provides essential access to two of Nanaimo’s most beloved waterfront parks: Neck Point Park and Pipers Lagoon Park. Despite its importance, the road lacks continuous sidewalks, offers no protected infrastructure for cyclists, and presents daily safety risks for pedestrians, drivers, and children traveling to schools or recreational areas. In addition to the safety concerns for residents, the lack of investment in active transportation infrastructure represents a missed opportunity for quality of life improvements. A continuous, scenic bike lane between Departure Bay and Neck Point and Pipers Lagoon would offer a world-class cycling experience for both residents and visitors, linking beaches, parks, and neighborhoods through one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the city. With the right infrastructure, Hammond Bay Road could become a key feature in promoting active transportation, local business, healthy lifestyles, and decreased reliance on vehicle transporation. I recognize and support the City's ongoing efforts to invest in historically underserved and higher-density areas, particularly in the south end. However, the absence of alternative routes into and out of these northern neighborhoods makes Hammond Bay Road a uniquely vital transportation link. The growing volume of commuters, school traffic, and residential development calls for a future-focused approach—not merely a restoration to the current inadequate conditions. I urge you to reconsider the scope of the planned investment. I also encourage the City to pursue available provincial and federal infrastructure and active transportation grants that could help fund meaningful improvements. Hammond Bay Road deserves continuous sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and safe crossings—not another generation of temporary or patchwork solutions. on Twitter Share I would like to reiterate what Bob has said about improvements to the Hammond Bay corridor. I attended a city-wide neighbourhood association meeting last night with city counsellor members including Mayor Krog. It was indicated that only $1 million has been allocated to rebuild Hammond Bay Rd, which would mean no road improvements (sidewalks, bike lanes, etc). Hammond Bay Road is the only east-west arterial route connecting several northern neighborhoods, including Linley Valley, Stephenson Point, Pipers Lagoon, Dover Bay, and Rocky Point. It also provides essential access to two of Nanaimo’s most beloved waterfront parks: Neck Point Park and Pipers Lagoon Park. Despite its importance, the road lacks continuous sidewalks, offers no protected infrastructure for cyclists, and presents daily safety risks for pedestrians, drivers, and children traveling to schools or recreational areas. In addition to the safety concerns for residents, the lack of investment in active transportation infrastructure represents a missed opportunity for quality of life improvements. A continuous, scenic bike lane between Departure Bay and Neck Point and Pipers Lagoon would offer a world-class cycling experience for both residents and visitors, linking beaches, parks, and neighborhoods through one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the city. With the right infrastructure, Hammond Bay Road could become a key feature in promoting active transportation, local business, healthy lifestyles, and decreased reliance on vehicle transporation. I recognize and support the City's ongoing efforts to invest in historically underserved and higher-density areas, particularly in the south end. However, the absence of alternative routes into and out of these northern neighborhoods makes Hammond Bay Road a uniquely vital transportation link. The growing volume of commuters, school traffic, and residential development calls for a future-focused approach—not merely a restoration to the current inadequate conditions. I urge you to reconsider the scope of the planned investment. I also encourage the City to pursue available provincial and federal infrastructure and active transportation grants that could help fund meaningful improvements. Hammond Bay Road deserves continuous sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and safe crossings—not another generation of temporary or patchwork solutions. on Linkedin Email I would like to reiterate what Bob has said about improvements to the Hammond Bay corridor. I attended a city-wide neighbourhood association meeting last night with city counsellor members including Mayor Krog. It was indicated that only $1 million has been allocated to rebuild Hammond Bay Rd, which would mean no road improvements (sidewalks, bike lanes, etc). Hammond Bay Road is the only east-west arterial route connecting several northern neighborhoods, including Linley Valley, Stephenson Point, Pipers Lagoon, Dover Bay, and Rocky Point. It also provides essential access to two of Nanaimo’s most beloved waterfront parks: Neck Point Park and Pipers Lagoon Park. Despite its importance, the road lacks continuous sidewalks, offers no protected infrastructure for cyclists, and presents daily safety risks for pedestrians, drivers, and children traveling to schools or recreational areas. In addition to the safety concerns for residents, the lack of investment in active transportation infrastructure represents a missed opportunity for quality of life improvements. A continuous, scenic bike lane between Departure Bay and Neck Point and Pipers Lagoon would offer a world-class cycling experience for both residents and visitors, linking beaches, parks, and neighborhoods through one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the city. With the right infrastructure, Hammond Bay Road could become a key feature in promoting active transportation, local business, healthy lifestyles, and decreased reliance on vehicle transporation. I recognize and support the City's ongoing efforts to invest in historically underserved and higher-density areas, particularly in the south end. However, the absence of alternative routes into and out of these northern neighborhoods makes Hammond Bay Road a uniquely vital transportation link. The growing volume of commuters, school traffic, and residential development calls for a future-focused approach—not merely a restoration to the current inadequate conditions. I urge you to reconsider the scope of the planned investment. I also encourage the City to pursue available provincial and federal infrastructure and active transportation grants that could help fund meaningful improvements. Hammond Bay Road deserves continuous sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and safe crossings—not another generation of temporary or patchwork solutions. link

    I would like to reiterate what Bob has said about improvements to the Hammond Bay corridor. I attended a city-wide neighbourhood association meeting last night with city counsellor members including Mayor Krog. It was indicated that only $1 million has been allocated to rebuild Hammond Bay Rd, which would mean no road improvements (sidewalks, bike lanes, etc). Hammond Bay Road is the only east-west arterial route connecting several northern neighborhoods, including Linley Valley, Stephenson Point, Pipers Lagoon, Dover Bay, and Rocky Point. It also provides essential access to two of Nanaimo’s most beloved waterfront parks: Neck Point Park and Pipers Lagoon Park. Despite its importance, the road lacks continuous sidewalks, offers no protected infrastructure for cyclists, and presents daily safety risks for pedestrians, drivers, and children traveling to schools or recreational areas. In addition to the safety concerns for residents, the lack of investment in active transportation infrastructure represents a missed opportunity for quality of life improvements. A continuous, scenic bike lane between Departure Bay and Neck Point and Pipers Lagoon would offer a world-class cycling experience for both residents and visitors, linking beaches, parks, and neighborhoods through one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the city. With the right infrastructure, Hammond Bay Road could become a key feature in promoting active transportation, local business, healthy lifestyles, and decreased reliance on vehicle transporation. I recognize and support the City's ongoing efforts to invest in historically underserved and higher-density areas, particularly in the south end. However, the absence of alternative routes into and out of these northern neighborhoods makes Hammond Bay Road a uniquely vital transportation link. The growing volume of commuters, school traffic, and residential development calls for a future-focused approach—not merely a restoration to the current inadequate conditions. I urge you to reconsider the scope of the planned investment. I also encourage the City to pursue available provincial and federal infrastructure and active transportation grants that could help fund meaningful improvements. Hammond Bay Road deserves continuous sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and safe crossings—not another generation of temporary or patchwork solutions.

    Karolien asked 6 days ago

    Hello – thank you for your comment. We understand that there is a desire to see improvements throughout the corridor and the project team is still looking at what options, or degree of upgrade, is feasible given resources and physical constraints of the area. The City plans to engage with residents and associations in the fall with more information and to collect feedback that will help inform decisions ahead. We look forward to talking with the community about this more.

  • Share As the Hammond Bay corridor is a very busy narrow road from Departure Bay to McDuffie; I would like to know if the city would please include proper sidewalks and bike lanes with the water main upgrades? I live in the area and it is very unsafe to ride & walk in this area. We definitely like to improves for the area to become more pedestrian friendly. Thank you! on Facebook Share As the Hammond Bay corridor is a very busy narrow road from Departure Bay to McDuffie; I would like to know if the city would please include proper sidewalks and bike lanes with the water main upgrades? I live in the area and it is very unsafe to ride & walk in this area. We definitely like to improves for the area to become more pedestrian friendly. Thank you! on Twitter Share As the Hammond Bay corridor is a very busy narrow road from Departure Bay to McDuffie; I would like to know if the city would please include proper sidewalks and bike lanes with the water main upgrades? I live in the area and it is very unsafe to ride & walk in this area. We definitely like to improves for the area to become more pedestrian friendly. Thank you! on Linkedin Email As the Hammond Bay corridor is a very busy narrow road from Departure Bay to McDuffie; I would like to know if the city would please include proper sidewalks and bike lanes with the water main upgrades? I live in the area and it is very unsafe to ride & walk in this area. We definitely like to improves for the area to become more pedestrian friendly. Thank you! link

    As the Hammond Bay corridor is a very busy narrow road from Departure Bay to McDuffie; I would like to know if the city would please include proper sidewalks and bike lanes with the water main upgrades? I live in the area and it is very unsafe to ride & walk in this area. We definitely like to improves for the area to become more pedestrian friendly. Thank you!

    Bob & Gayle asked 4 months ago

    Hello Bob & Gayle – thank you for the question and feedback. The project is currently in the preliminary design stage. The City of Nanaimo may be looking at other potential improvements through the corridor as plans progress. We’ll work with the City of Nanaimo to share updates about plans as they’re developed. 

Page last updated: 24 Apr 2025, 10:36 AM