The Old City Quarter is born from a storied past but within this community is a desire to forge a unique identity.
OCQ’s Story
Once the original centre of Nanaimo, the OCQ as it is known today serves as a collective of unique businesses and apartments. While the buildings date back to the late 19th and early 20th century, the shop fronts are home to new tenants.
Upon the discovery of coal in Nanaimo, the growing downtown served as the economic heart of the city. Even as the world’s need for coal declined, the city grew well into the 20th century, positioning Nanaimo as much more than an industrial centre.
But with outward expansion, fires, and the economic centre shifting closer to the waterfront, the aging historic downtown began to lose some of its initial lustre. However, revitalization campaigns and the formation of the OCQ association in 93’ changed the tide on this eclectic group of heritage buildings.
Different From the Rest
Monica Briggs, an OCQ board member, notes that “a major factor for success in the area is that the building owners and merchants all work together to help make it a destination spot.”
Pop into Black Rabbit Café to “enjoy your dang confit!” and then stroll over to “This and That” for all your this’s and that’s.
The OCQ works because it is not cut from the corporate cloth. It has formed organically from the community. Business owners come from the community meaning they bring their individuality to the business they operate.
“The OCQ, with all its independent shops, is really the best cross-section of what Nanaimo has to offer,” says Ryan Zuvich, La Stella Trattoria’s head chef.
Histroric Charm
Built in 1910/11, the Fitzwilliam Centre housed tenants in the apartments upstairs and shops served customers below. The iconic centre has seen many residents and eager business owners over the years. But perhaps unsurprisingly, the atmosphere has remained remarkably consistent. The top floor still offers character apartments while the storefronts below house Old City Tattoos, A Wee Cupcake, and Perla & Giron Alterations & Tailor Shop.
Heritage Mews, at the heart of the OCQ, is lined with unique and interesting businesses—from fine-dining restaurants to boutiques. Fitzwilliam Gate (next to Heritage Mews) was constructed in 1994/95 and stands as a prominent feature in the OCQ with retail stores on the ground floor and office spaces above. Although new, Fitzwilliam Gate and Heritage Mews were constructed to match the neighbouring restored buildings.
People want to see their own culture and attitudes reflected in their city. The OCQ is not just a collection of buildings but a living narrative: a tale of renewal, resilience, community, and where old becomes new again.