The City of Nanaimo finalized the purchase of a north-end property Wednesday to ensure adequate water supply well into the future.
In 2005, the city identified the need for a new water reservoir storage tank in the north end before the city reached a population of 110,000 people.
Property at 5775 Vanderneuk Rd. recently went on the market, and because of its location and specific elevation necessary for a water reservoir, the city purchased it at the appraised price of $425,000.
Bill Sims, the city's manager for water resources, said the reservoir likely won't be built for another 15 years, but it's important to secure the property as development increases in the area.
"The future reservoir will be approximately 9,230 cubic metres in volume and is a necessary part of the overall water strategy that will improve water storage in the north end to satisfy both fire flow and flow balancing requirements," said Sims.
The existing single-family home on the property will be rented in the meantime to help offset the purchase costs.
When built, the majority of the tank will be underground to blend in as much as possible with the surrounding residential neighbourhood. The portion of tank that remains above ground will be the same height as the existing house's roofline.