EA A Community Centre Project - former South Wellington School site

PROJECT UPDATE: (Aug. 2026) The South Wellington Community Centre is now complete. The facility is operated by the South Wellington and Area Community Association (SWACA). For info about programming, bookings and other facility news, visit their website. With the project complete, this page will no longer be updated.

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 learn about the project including the document library and the FAQ tabs.
  • Check out our What's New updates as the project moves forward.
  • Ask us a question using the Q&A tab below.
  • Subscribe to receive direct email communications for project updates.

PROJECT UPDATE: (Aug. 2026) The South Wellington Community Centre is now complete. The facility is operated by the South Wellington and Area Community Association (SWACA). For info about programming, bookings and other facility news, visit their website. With the project complete, this page will no longer be updated.

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 learn about the project including the document library and the FAQ tabs.
  • Check out our What's New updates as the project moves forward.
  • Ask us a question using the Q&A tab below.
  • Subscribe to receive direct email communications for project updates.

  • Project Architect Selected- Phase 1 Stage 1 Underway

    We are pleased to announce that Iredale Architecture has been selected as the Prime Consultant for the EA A Community Centre project. The firm will provide architectural and engineering services for Phase 1 Stage 1 of the remediation and conversion of the former South Wellington School to a Community Recreation space.

    Phase 1 Stage 1 will include the following work:

    • A facility space audit and space needs analysis
    • Provide recommendations by way of a Concept and Schematic design
    • Establish a project schedule and assist in developing a cost estimate

    The focus of this phase will prioritize bringing the building to a safe and occupiable state and will be mindful to account for any likely future changes and system upgrades to ensure integration is possible.

    We are pleased to announce that Iredale Architecture has been selected as the Prime Consultant for the EA A Community Centre project. The firm will provide architectural and engineering services for Phase 1 Stage 1 of the remediation and conversion of the former South Wellington School to a Community Recreation space.

    Phase 1 Stage 1 will include the following work:

    • A facility space audit and space needs analysis
    • Provide recommendations by way of a Concept and Schematic design
    • Establish a project schedule and assist in developing a cost estimate

    The focus of this phase will prioritize bringing the building to a safe and occupiable state and will be mindful to account for any likely future changes and system upgrades to ensure integration is possible.

  • Winter 2023 Update

    RC Strategies has been working with the South Wellington Area Community Association (SWACA) to develop an operating plan for the future community centre for the past few months. They will be hosting another planning session this month (March).

    Ground maintenance and clean up at the site has been completed, including new signage. The grounds are now a part of the community park operations program.

    RC Strategies has been working with the South Wellington Area Community Association (SWACA) to develop an operating plan for the future community centre for the past few months. They will be hosting another planning session this month (March).

    Ground maintenance and clean up at the site has been completed, including new signage. The grounds are now a part of the community park operations program.

Page last updated: 25 Aug 2026, 08:53 AM