Nanaimo, BC, incorporated as a city in 1874, population 83 810 (2011c), 78 692 (2006c).
Nanaimo, BC, incorporated as a city in 1874, population 83 810 (2011c), 78 692 (2006c). The City of Nanaimo is located on the east coast of VANCOUVER ISLAND, 113 km north of VICTORIA and 23 km west of Vancouver, across the Strait of GEORGIA. Nanaimo is situated on a narrow coastal plain and is surrounded by good agricultural land and rich timber resources. It is the largest city on Vancouver Island (at the 2006 census) and has the second biggest harbour, which has made it an important distribution and regional centre. Nanaimo was dedicated as the "Harbour City" by Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1986. The city is the axis of several transportation routes: the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway (now Southern Railway Vancouver Island); the TRANS-CANADA and Island highways; and ferry services to and from mainland British Columbia. It is governed by a mayor and 8 councillors, but shares some responsibilities with the regional district of Nanaimo, established in 1967.
History
The Snuneymuxw of the Central Coast SALISH were the region's first inhabitants. Nanaimo is the corruption of the name they gave the area, meaning "gathering place." During 1792 the Spanish explorer Alejandro Malaspina dispatched the gallettes SUTIL AND MEXICANA, under the command of Alcalá-Galiano and Cayetano Valdés, to explore the Strait of Georgia. The HUDSON'S BAY COMPANY (HBC) established a fortified post in 1849, and the discovery of COAL in 1852 led to permanent settlement. In 1854, 24 families arrived from England to settle in Colvile Town, the name first given the settlement, after Andrew Colvile, governor of the HBC. The name was gradually discontinued and was little used after 1860.
In 1862 the Vancouver Coal Mining and Land Company bought out the HBC mines and expanded operations. Completion of the Esquimalt to Nanaimo Railway (1886) spurred development. The city grew with its increasing coal output. Production from the 3 main seams in the area reached its peak in 1923 when more than 1 million t were mined. Once the easily accessible coal was mined, however, it became increasingly dangerous and expensive to extract the fuel and by the early 1950s the city turned to forest products. A pulp and paper mill was built in 1950 at Harmac outside the municipal limits.
Cityscape
Central Nanaimo's street pattern is based on a century-old radial pattern of streets converging on the waterfront and central business district. Until the 1950s Nanaimo was a city of contrasts - coal mine officials and entrepreneurs built large homes in certain areas while the miners lived in "stark frame company houses" on the waterfront or on company lands outside the city. The city's waterfront and central core have been extensively rebuilt and have emerged as a lively tourist area.
Economy
Nanaimo has used its excellent harbour for trading, servicing and distribution industries. Fishing and lumbering have also grown since the 1950s. The port of Nanaimo has 4 deep-sea berths, and the provincial ferries have docks at Nanaimo Harbour, Departure Bay and Duke Point. Duke Point Industrial Park focuses on forest products and related industries. Nanaimo's economy has moved from a base largely dependent on the forestry sector to a diversified base including retail and wholesale trade, construction, manufacturing, knowledge-based and technology companies and government services. Malaspina University-College has its main campus in Nanaimo. With its beautiful natural setting, mild climate and beaches, parks and nearby camping sites, the city is also an important tourist centre.
Cultural Life
Nanaimo's most noted annual event is the "bathtub weekend" (during its Marine Festival), when "tubbers" from around the world race in motor-powered bathtubs from Nanaimo Harbour to Departure Bay. The Bastion, a HBC fort built in 1853, is the oldest preserved HBC fort in Canada. The Nanaimo District Museum displays the culture and history of the area. Parks in or around the area include Petroglyph Provincial Park, so named because of the 1000- to 2000-year-old carvings in sandstone; and Newcastle Island Provincial Park, which can only be reached by ferry.
FAQs
Buying in Nanaimo is a Good Real Estate Investment
Nanaimo is considered a big city and is the second largest on Vancouver Island. With a population nearing 100,000, this thriving city continues to grow, and the abundance of new construction homes in Nanaimo can meet the growing demand.
Is Nanaimo worth moving to? ›
Nanaimo offers a more laid-back lifestyle with its stunning natural surroundings, including forests, mountains, and beaches, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. It's generally more affordable in terms of housing and living costs compared to Victoria.
Is Nanaimo a good place to retire? ›
The city also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with museums, galleries, and theaters to explore. With its affordable cost of living and access to healthcare, Nanaimo is a great place for seniors to retire.
What is special about Nanaimo? ›
#10 Nanaimo's Natural Wonders
With some many nature-rich parks to chose from in the Nanaimo region, peace and quiet is never hard to find. Common favourites include the tidal lagoon at Pipers Park, sandstone rock formations at Malaspina Galleries, the Abyss fault line, and Ammonite Falls.
Are house prices dropping in Nanaimo? ›
The median list price of homes in Nanaimo, BC overall was $678,168 in May 2024, compared to $678,863 in April 2024, trending down by 0.1% month-over-month.
Is Nanaimo the fastest-growing city in Canada? ›
Nanaimo, home to more than 100,000 people, is one of the top five fastest-growing municipalities in the country according to census data.
Which is better, Nanaimo or Victoria? ›
Victoria's larger size and steady tourism give it more cultural entertainment options. Restaurants and bars are typically trendier, much like those in major cities. However, Nanaimo's laid-back feel and beautiful surroundings make it a better choice for residents looking for more sporadic nights out.
What is the crime rate in Nanaimo BC? ›
According to Statistics Canada figures released Tuesday, Aug. 2, Nanaimo climbed to 129.7 on the crime severity index scale in 2021, from 118.7 in 2020 – a 9.3 per cent increase, but lower than the last pre-pandemic figure in 2019, when Nanaimo hit 142.5 on the index.
Is Nanaimo cheaper than Vancouver? ›
Rent, groceries, and other consumer prices are generally lower in Nanaimo than in Vancouver. Other sources support Nanaimo's more affordable cost of living compared to other British Columbia towns and cities.
Is Nanaimo up and coming? ›
Nanaimo's population of approximately 100,000 is continuing to attract new resident. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and second in population on Vancouver Island only to Saanich. Staff are wrapping up a 10-year projection for the city in terms of housing demand, Lindsay said.
The Indigenous peoples of the area that is now known as Nanaimo are the Snuneymuxw.
What is the nice part of Nanaimo? ›
Dover Bay is one of Nanaimo's most desirable communities and is considered one of its safest. Large luxury homes, ranchers, west coast contemporary, modern designs, condominiums and townhomes are some options available in Dover Bay. Gorgeous ocean views can be seen from many of the homes in the Dover Bay area.
Is Nanaimo a walkable city? ›
As per the State of the Nanaimo Economy report, Nanaimo's walk score, transit score, and bike score stand at 35, 34, and 36 (out of 100), respectively, measuring pedestrian friendliness, access to public transportation, and biking infrastructure.
What is the nickname for Nanaimo? ›
'Welcome to Nanaimo: the Harbour City.” We have so much harbour that we've adopted it as our slogan. There has been debate over the years as to whether we should be known as the Harbour City or the Hub City.
What does Nanaimo mean in English? ›
In 1860 the settlement was renamed Sne-ny-mo (whence Nanaimo) from an Indigenous word meaning “a big, strong tribe,” which was applied to a tribal confederation.
What is the rental market like in Nanaimo? ›
As of May 2024, the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Nanaimo, BC is $1,901. This is -9% lower than the national average.
What is the average price of a condo in Nanaimo BC? ›
Condos for sale in Nanaimo average at a price of $496,722 on the MLS®. Roughly 55% of homes in the city are single detached houses, while small apartment buildings and duplexes make up the rest.
