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. 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.

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.

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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  • Hey, can we get an update on the community center and playground opening date?

    Kimmy asked 3 months ago

    Hi Kimmy

    Thanks for the questions. While this capital project has experienced some major delays we are happy to share that we very close to opening pending an occupancy permit which we are aiming for this month. We are very excited to work with South Wellington and Area Community Association on bringing the facility back to life. 

    During the final inspection after the playground was relocated and re-installed the climbing rope feature was identified as needing to be replaced. This feature has now been ordered and will be installed ASAP. For everyone's safety we ask that people continue to respect the posted signage and fencing. 

  • What is the name and address of the former school in question?

    Hiker999 asked almost 3 years ago

    The school was called South Wellington at 1536 Morden Road. 

  • Is there an opportunity to have a walking/running track put on the field?

    Curiosity asked almost 3 years ago

    Thank 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.

  • How soon can we use the space for a book lending library or other community sharing?

    Seb and Talula asked over 3 years ago

    Hello

    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. 

  • 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 almost 4 years ago

    Hello

    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. 


  • I am interested in opening ba licensed child care facility in this space. Do you have rooms available

    JoHannah Knight asked almost 4 years ago

    Hi 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. 

Page last updated: 10 Jul 2026, 03:11 PM