Nanaimo is a vibrant coastal city on the Pacific West Coast of Canada, nestled on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Over the years, it has experienced significant growth and transformation, evolving from its industrial roots into a dynamic urban hub that continues to honor its rich heritage. Long before European settlers arrived, the Snuneymuxw First Nation thrived in this region, cultivating a deep connection to the land and the ocean that sustained them for millennia.
As Nanaimo’s economy shifted from coal mining to forestry, the landscape was dramatically reshaped by expansive logging operations. The legacy of this industrialization, including toxic mine sites, widespread deforestation, and pollution, has left lasting environmental scars. Today, the city faces the ongoing challenge of restoring and healing its natural resources.
Explore the changing landscape of Nanaimo from 1993 to 2023, the cost of these changes on the environment, and the steps toward a more sustainable future in this story map.