We ask you to please reconsider your decision to go forward with plans to replace Loudon Park’s much loved and highly used central waterfront green space with a $11M, 10,000 square foot boathouse.

The wider community is unaware that this plan will remove an entire waterfront grove of 29 mature trees – some well over 80 years old. There are better, more balanced options—ones that support the paddling clubs and protect our precious urban natural areas. We ask you to seek a better solution, one that can upgrade the paddling club’s and park’s facilities while protecting the central waterfront green space.

The current plan is out of sync with the city's adoption of the doughnut economics model and goals for increasing tree canopy. In a time of overlapping crises — climate change, affordability, and biodiversity loss — cities like Nanaimo must lead by example in preserving and enhancing the natural assets we already have. Mature urban trees are among the most effective local tools for reducing heat, capturing carbon, filtering water, and supporting biodiversity.

Access to shaded, healthy green spaces can’t be seen as a luxury, but rather as necessary for public health and equity. People from all walks of life, and those without private transportation all depend on Loudon Park for free, nearby access to nature. Mature fir trees offer food and shelter for a variety of native species, and older, larger trees offer much more to the surrounding ecosystem than newer plantings. Lastly, cutting down mature trees and shrinking public space to build private infrastructure risks alienating many residents and undermines the legacy of a wonderful community gift.

We urge you to consider alternative plans that can meet the needs of all park users and honor the legacy of Bill Loudon with a park space for everyone.