City of Nanaimo — Park Event Permits

City-wide — Nanaimo parks, plazas and civic spaces; Bowen Park picnic shelters

Published rates — copied from the operator’s own schedule

Space / item	Who	Published rate	Notes (as published)
Bowen Park Picnic Shelter – Lower (by River)	Youth Non-Profit	$8.53/hr	Picnic Shelters page; Fees are subject to increase in September 2026
Bowen Park Picnic Shelter – Lower (by River)	Not-for-Profit	$13.66/hr	Picnic Shelters page
Bowen Park Picnic Shelter – Lower (by River)	Private	$15.36/hr	Picnic Shelters page
Bowen Park Picnic Shelter – Lower (by River)	Commercial	$17.07/hr	Picnic Shelters page
Bowen Park Picnic Shelter – Upper (by Kin Pool)	Youth Non-Profit	$8.53/hr	Picnic Shelters page; fees identical to Lower shelter
Bowen Park Picnic Shelter – Upper (by Kin Pool)	Not-for-Profit	$13.66/hr	Picnic Shelters page
Bowen Park Picnic Shelter – Upper (by Kin Pool)	Private	$15.36/hr	Picnic Shelters page
Bowen Park Picnic Shelter – Upper (by Kin Pool)	Commercial	$17.07/hr	Picnic Shelters page

Every figure is copied exactly as published in Picnic Shelters — City of Nanaimo (Bowen Park shelter fees); event rules from the City of Nanaimo Special Event Tool Kit — nothing is estimated or rounded by us. Schedule: Picnic Shelters page last updated September 1, 2026; fees subject to increase in September 2026. Add-ons (custodial, security, insurance, taxes) apply exactly as the operator’s schedule states.

Spaces you can rent

picnic shelterselectricityfree parkingpicnic tableswashroomsplaygroundtrails

Use policy — as the operator publishes it

⛔ Key restrictions in the operator’s own policyPicnic shelters require 7 days notice to book, and the City requires at least two weeks notice to reserve a park (longer for special events). Alcohol is not permitted at the Bowen Park picnic shelters; the Upper shelter allows propane BBQs only; only one high-energy appliance may be used at a time and electrical boxes require a key (deposit required, arranged through the allocation clerk). Booking a specific park does not prohibit the public from entering the park — a park booking grants priority use of the designated space only (Special Event Tool Kit). Liability insurance is mandatory for events on City property: proof of general liability insurance of at least $2 million naming the City of Nanaimo as additionally insured, with higher coverage ($5 million) required for higher-risk events involving alcohol, open flames, fireworks, large equipment or machinery, live animals or water activities; final approval is only given once insurance is provided. Serving or selling liquor requires a BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch Special Event Permit (SEP) — patrons must not bring their own liquor and self-service is not allowed — and serving or selling food requires Island Health temporary-event permits. Smoking or vaping is prohibited on all City-owned property including parks and event spaces unless in a clearly marked designated smoking area. Amplified sound is governed by the City of Nanaimo Noise Control Bylaw 1994 No. 4750. Weddings in a City park require a separate wedding ceremony application.

Book or ask

🌐 Book / rentals page ↗📞 (250) 756-5200 ✉️ [email protected]

You book directly with the operator. Taps on the contact buttons are counted anonymously (counts only, no personal data) so operators can see this page sends real enquiries.

Rates & details: Picnic Shelters — City of Nanaimo (Bowen Park shelter fees); event rules from the City of Nanaimo Special Event Tool Kit · Checked Oct 23, 2026 · www.nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/recreation-facilities-schedules/book-a-space---more/picnic-shelters ↗

How to read this listing. We checked — on the date shown — that this programme is real, publicly listed, and rents the spaces described, using the operator’s own pages. That’s a listing check, not an inspection and not a recommendation: we haven’t attended events there or verified insurance or licences. Prices, capacity and availability come from the operator’s own schedule and can change — confirm directly with the operator before you book or pay anything.

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