EA A Community Centre Project - former South Wellington School site
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) and the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District (SD68) have entered a 25-year lease of the South Wellington School site. The lease allows for the former school and the surrounding property to be operated as a community center by the RDN. The school, constructed in 1969, is located in Electoral Area A and was in operation until 2013. The facility includes 9,108 sq. ft. of functional indoor space with an additional 5,932 sq. ft. of storage and 2,207 sq. ft. of covered outdoor space. The property also includes a playing field, playground, and sports court. TheContinue reading
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) and the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District (SD68) have entered a 25-year lease of the South Wellington School site. The lease allows for the former school and the surrounding property to be operated as a community center by the RDN. The school, constructed in 1969, is located in Electoral Area A and was in operation until 2013. The facility includes 9,108 sq. ft. of functional indoor space with an additional 5,932 sq. ft. of storage and 2,207 sq. ft. of covered outdoor space. The property also includes a playing field, playground, and sports court. The outdoor spaces are now a community park.
How can you learn more or keep informed?
- For more information explore this webpage to find out more about the project including the document library and the FAQ tabs.
- Register to receive direct email communications for project updates.
The RDN looks forward to your participation.
Ask Us a Question
We will do our best to answer and then share both the question and answer for all to see.
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Share What is the name and address of the former school in question? on Facebook Share What is the name and address of the former school in question? on Twitter Share What is the name and address of the former school in question? on Linkedin Email What is the name and address of the former school in question? link
What is the name and address of the former school in question?
Hiker999 asked about 1 year agoThe school was called South Wellington at 1536 Morden Road.
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Share Is there an opportunity to have a walking/running track put on the field? on Facebook Share Is there an opportunity to have a walking/running track put on the field? on Twitter Share Is there an opportunity to have a walking/running track put on the field? on Linkedin Email Is there an opportunity to have a walking/running track put on the field? link
Is there an opportunity to have a walking/running track put on the field?
Curiosity asked over 1 year agoThank you for your question and suggestion.
At this stage of the project the focus is on identifying the full scope of work required to bring the former school building up to code so as to allow for community use. Check out the 'What's New' section for more information on what is happening.
The grounds around the building are now being operated as a community park and upgrades/changes will be minimal for the foreseeable future.
Major park improvements will occur after building renovations are complete, and will be determined through public consultation. Please stay in touch as the project moves along and the focus shifts towards site development.
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Share How soon can we use the space for a book lending library or other community sharing? on Facebook Share How soon can we use the space for a book lending library or other community sharing? on Twitter Share How soon can we use the space for a book lending library or other community sharing? on Linkedin Email How soon can we use the space for a book lending library or other community sharing? link
How soon can we use the space for a book lending library or other community sharing?
Seb and Talula asked about 2 years agoHello
It is still a bit early in the process for us to be able to provide even an estimated opening date for the Centre, sorry. The best we can offer is that you follow this page and watch for updates to the timeline.
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Share I was just wondering if an architect has been selected for the Wellington Community Centre project. Do you know the timing for construction and how it will be procured? Thank you. on Facebook Share I was just wondering if an architect has been selected for the Wellington Community Centre project. Do you know the timing for construction and how it will be procured? Thank you. on Twitter Share I was just wondering if an architect has been selected for the Wellington Community Centre project. Do you know the timing for construction and how it will be procured? Thank you. on Linkedin Email I was just wondering if an architect has been selected for the Wellington Community Centre project. Do you know the timing for construction and how it will be procured? Thank you. link
I was just wondering if an architect has been selected for the Wellington Community Centre project. Do you know the timing for construction and how it will be procured? Thank you.
cschindler asked about 2 years agoHello
Yes, an Architect firm has been selected and they have submitted their scope of work which is now being reviewed. We hope to be able to share the name of the firm in the near future, We will also be able better to answer your question about timeline at that point.
Please continue to follow the page and watch for timeline updates on the sidebar.
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Share I am interested in opening ba licensed child care facility in this space. Do you have rooms available on Facebook Share I am interested in opening ba licensed child care facility in this space. Do you have rooms available on Twitter Share I am interested in opening ba licensed child care facility in this space. Do you have rooms available on Linkedin Email I am interested in opening ba licensed child care facility in this space. Do you have rooms available link
I am interested in opening ba licensed child care facility in this space. Do you have rooms available
JoHannah Knight asked over 2 years agoHi JoHannah - Thank you for your interest. The capital project work and facility management agreement need to be completed before we consider and confirm space availability. Both of these are in the early stages and will continue through 2023. Please continue to follow this page for updates.
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Timeline
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June 2021
EA A Community Centre Project - former South Wellington School site has finished this stageDuring the spring of 2021, the South Wellington Community Centre Facility and Site Assessment and Operational Review was completed. The document includes a series of recommendations in regards to how best to operate the facility.
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September 2021
EA A Community Centre Project - former South Wellington School site has finished this stageNanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (NLPS) submitted a recommendation to the Minister of Education regarding the disposition of the South Wellington School Site for the purpose of leasing it to the Regional District of Nanaimo for a term of 25 years.
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November, 2021
EA A Community Centre Project - former South Wellington School site has finished this stageRDN Board to review staff report on Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for EA A residents to approve the 25 year lease with NLPS.
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January - February 2022
EA A Community Centre Project - former South Wellington School site has finished this stageThe Alternative Approval Process will take place during this time frame. Those opposed to the long term lease of the South Wellington facility and site will have until February 14 to submit an Elector Response Form. https://www.rdn.bc.ca/alternative-approval-process-long-term-lease
The AAP has now closed
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February, 2022
EA A Community Centre Project - former South Wellington School site has finished this stageAfter the AAP report goes to the Board on February 22, the agreement with SD68 may commence. This spring the RDN will begin the process to retain consulting firms for the design and construction of required renovation work and for the development of an operational plan for the future community centre with the South Wellington and Area Community Association.
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October 2022 - Development of an Operating Plan Begins
EA A Community Centre Project - former South Wellington School site has finished this stageWork with the South Wellington and Area Community Association (SWACA) begins on the development of an operating plan for the former South Wellington School conversion to a community centre
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March 2023 -Consulting and Concept Design Work Underway
EA A Community Centre Project - former South Wellington School site has finished this stageThe RDN has selected Iredale Architecture to complete Phase 1 of Stage 1 of the capital upgrade work on the former school facility.
RC Strategies continues to work with South Wellington and Area Community Association (SWACA) on the development of an operating plan for the facility.
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April 2023 - Review of Facility and Scope of Work Begins
EA A Community Centre Project - former South Wellington School site has finished this stageDetailed review of the following critical facility operating systems and project scope and schedule begins.
- Hazardous Material Asessment and Abatement Plan Developed
- Seismic
- Underground Oil Storage Tank
- Fire Alarm and Suppression Systems
- Water and Septic Systems
- Heating
- Building Envelope (roof, exterior doors, windows, sidings)
- Heating System
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May 2023 Facility and Scope of Work Continues
EA A Community Centre Project - former South Wellington School site has finished this stageRemediation work towards converting the school to a community centre continues as the review of the majority of scope of work required is completed. The following changes required by law to re-open and re-purpose the facility and impact on the now South Wellington Community Park site are considered:
- Accessibility Improvements
- Building perimeter emergency access
- Parking
- Washroom Upgrade
- RDN Strategic Priorities (Corporate Carbon Carbon Neutral 2032 Plan)
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Project Scheduling and Costing Continues
EA A Community Centre Project - former South Wellington School site has finished this stageThe Phasing and Staging of the project is further developed and priority continues to be competing the required work to safely open the facility as quickly as possible.
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Fall 2023 - Project Update to RDN Board
EA A Community Centre Project - former South Wellington School site has finished this stageA staff report will be provided to the RDN Board during a regular RDN Board meeting that will include updated projected costing, scheduling, and scope of work.
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RDN Board Approves Additional Project Funding
EA A Community Centre Project - former South Wellington School site has finished this stageThe RDN Board has approved additional funding for the project as well as revised limits on procurements amounts and signing authorization limits in response to project timelines.
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Project Schedule to be Finalized and Tendering to Begin
EA A Community Centre Project - former South Wellington School site has finished this stage -
Fall 2024
EA A Community Centre Project - former South Wellington School site has finished this stagePending permit approval process, tendering process and unforeseen circumstances capital work will commence in fall 2024.
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December-February 2025
EA A Community Centre Project - former South Wellington School site is currently at this stageHeatherbrae Builders will serve as the construction management firm for the capital project work. The next few months will involve civil and abatement work including the construction of an entrance to the property off Wellington Road and onsite parking.
FAQ
- When will details of the changes to be done to the interior be available?
- How do I inquire about renting the community centre once it is opened?
- Is the tennis court and concrete play areas going to stay where they are or change?
- Has a name for the facility when it reopens as a community centre been chosen?
- Has the RDN Board approved all phases and funding of the project?
- How will the project be funded?
- Who will operate the facility?
- What conditions need to be met before the lease is finalized?
Document Library
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EA A Community Centre- Spring 2024 Information Boards (3.98 MB) (pdf)
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Community Centre Operational Plan (5.29 MB) (pdf)
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RDN NLPS Joint News Release - South Wellington School Lease.pdf (276 KB) (pdf)
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South Wellington Community Centre Facility Site Assessment and Operational Review Final.pdf (2.6 MB) (pdf)
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Area A Recreation Inventory.pdf (4.45 MB) (pdf)
Follow Project
Who's Listening
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Email hking@rdn.bc.ca -
Manager, Recreation Services
Email dbanman@rdn.bc.ca