Snapshots of West Coast locales

Countdown to a New Nanaimo

An air of anticipation reigns in Nanaimo as the Harbour City undergoes a facelift. Exciting new developments in the downtown area over the next two years include a condominium complex, arena and state-of-the-art conference centre.

Dubbed the New Nanaimo Centre, the project is already underway with the construction of the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, expected to open in Artist’s impressions of the New Nanaimo Centre (above)April 2008. This 38,000-sq. ft waterfront facility features a 13,697-sq. ft., column-free ballroom and nine meeting rooms. Shaw Auditorium will seat 200 people and be equipped with the latest in audio-visual and telecommunications technology. One level below will be the new Nanaimo Museum.

Watch for the twin-rink Nanaimo Ice Centre, being developed on Third Street across from the Aquatic Centre and slated to open in June. The 67-year-old Civic Arena will be demolished to make way for 300 residential condo units and more green space.

Named by Canadian Business as one of Canada’s best cities for business, and only a 20-minute, harbour-to-harbour flight from the Lower Mainland, Nanaimo will see two other impressive projects: the $49-million Cape Group’s 157-unit Pacifica Development at the site of the former waterfront Malaspina Hotel, and InSight Development’s 24-storey condo tower on Front Street.

With its natural beauty, abundant adventure activities, a world-class waterfront and one of the mildest climates in Canada, Nanaimo makes a stellar cruise ship destination. Twelve ports of call have been confirmed for 2006, five with major cruise lines. With tourism already surging and with a budding residential community, Nanaimo has never looked better.

Pender Island Paradise

Majestic views from a balcony at the Shangri-La Oceanfront B&B

Another fabulous spot to visit, just a short distance from the mainland and Vancouver Island, is Pender Island’s Shangri-La Oceanfront B&B. Perched on Pender’s exclusive Oak’s Bluff, this heavenly island getaway is a 6,500 sq. ft. house boasting panoramic vistas of ocean and mountains, and all the amenities imaginable to relax and rejuvenate, including a private hot tub on the balcony of every room and a hearty country breakfast. Take the stress out of planning a special occasion with one of the Shangri-La’s luxurious packages. The Birthday Package provides guests with cake, champagne and flowers. For a snug evening with an amour, the Romance Package promises champagne, a massage or three-course dinner and chocolates or flowers. How much better does it get than a deluxe suite named “Lost in Space”?