Franklyn Street gym is shown in its final moments as it is torn apart by the jaws of an excavator Thursday. (Chris Bush/News Bulletin)

Historic Nanaimo gymnasium demolished

Franklyn Street gym meets date with excavator machines in Nanaimo's Old City Quarter

A building that served the community for nearly a century has succumbed to the jaws of heavy machinery.

Franklyn Street Gymnasium and Auditorium, built in 1922 according to the City of Nanaimo Heritage Registry, had been in continuous use as a gym and community centre until it was damaged by a fire in 2018.

Over the years, the gym served the Quennell School at the corner of Franklyn and Selby streets. It was also used by the Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Society, which used the gym for programming for vulnerable youths and families.

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The floor of the gym was salvaged to be used at Pleasant Valley Elementary School.

The gym was torn down over two days, Wednesday and Thursday.


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Nanaimo News Bulletin