REGIONAL DISTRICT OF NANAIMO
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
REVISED AGENDA

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Board Chambers (Webstreamed)

This meeting will be recorded

 


The Chair will respectfully acknowledge the Coast Salish Nations on whose traditional territory this meeting takes place.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    That the agenda be approved as presented. 

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    1. That the Board receive the Electoral Area F Boundary Study Final Report by Neilson Strategies and Leftside Partners Inc., dated July 2025, and forward it to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

  • 2. That the Board direct that engagement be undertaken with residents of the adjacent Electoral Area G properties in “Area 1a” (identified on Figure 6.2 of the Electoral Area F Boundary Study Final Report, dated July 2025, in the brown hatched area on the map) as soon as practicable.

  • 3. That the Board send a letter to the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs requesting approval and funding of an Incorporation Study as the next phase in this multi-phased restructure study and indicating that Boundary Option B, as outlined in the Electoral Area F Boundary Study Final Report, be used as the basis for the area to be studied in an Incorporation Study, with a view to including “Area 1a“ as well, pending Regional District of Nanaimo engagement with affected Electoral Area G residential property owners.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    1. That the Board receive the Electoral Area G Community Issues Assessment Final Report by Neilson Strategies and Leftside Partners Inc., dated July 2025, and forward it to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

  • 2. That the Board send correspondence to the City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach to determine their interest in and support for commencing discussions with the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs on next steps for a study or studies that explore the potential opportunity for municipal boundary adjustments to encompass the French Creek portion of Electoral Area G, possibly as a multi-staged process that assesses cost impacts, potential funding support, benefits and opportunities before determining whether to proceed to a public engagement process.

  • 3. That the Board direct staff to commence discussions with the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs for an Electoral Area boundary realignment study with adjacent Electoral Areas E, F and H with respect to portions of Electoral Area G except the community of French Creek.

Please note: This item was included on the June 24, 2025, Board agenda and was on hold pending additional information from staff, which was received at the July 8, 2025, Board meeting, and has been added here as Attachment 7. Area Director Comments, updated since the June 24, 2025, Board meeting, have been added as Attachment 6, and additional public submissions have been added as Attachment 8. The motion was moved and seconded and is on the floor.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    That the Board recommend that the Agricultural Land Commission not approve Inclusion Application No. PL2025-050 (ALC File No. 102637) to permit the inclusion of the property at 1860 Spring Place into the Agriculture Land Reserve.

Note: Directors may adopt in one motion all recommendations appearing on the Consent Agenda or, prior to the vote, request an item be removed from the Consent Agenda for debate or discussion, voting in opposition to a recommendation, or declaring a conflict of interest with an item.


Committee recommendations on the Consent Agenda were Carried Unanimously at the Committee level.

  • (Voting rule varies as noted - Unanimous vote required)

    That the following items on the Consent Agenda be adopted by consent:

Please note: Committee recommendation has no accompanying staff report.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    That staff prepare a draft survey and engagement plan for improvements to Dashwood Community Park for the Electoral Area G Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee.

Please note: Committee recommendation has no accompanying staff report.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    That staff proceed with issuing a design-build Request for Proposal for a multi-purpose sport court at Errington Community Park, with dimensions of 68 feet by 64 feet, incorporating line markings for two standard-sized pickleball courts, designed for use with portable nets, and a half basketball court with one hoop, with optional costing provided for a fencing surround and a second basketball hoop, and that the design allows for future sport court expansion.

Please note: Committee recommendation has no accompanying staff report.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    That staff provide a report with cost estimates for the following Electoral Area H Capital Project Priorities, determined by the Electoral Area H Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee:

    • Installation of a portable toilet at the Lighthouse Country Regional Trail North Loop Trailhead / Wildwood Community Park
    • Adding picnic tables and/or benches and brush clear out in the meadow area at Wildwood Community Park
    • Installation of a seasonal toilet at Illusion Lake
    • Paved multi-use area (for basketball, pickleball, skateboarding, etc.) in or adjacent to Lions Community Park
    • Covered seating area between the bike park and playground in Lions Community Park
    • Water fountain within Lions Community Park or on the Lions Hall building

Please note: Committee recommendation has no accompanying staff report.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    That the Board authorize the Nanoose Bay Pickleball Club to fundraise, construct, and install a high-quality practice rebound board at the Jack Bagley Community Park multi-purpose courts using volunteer labour, with final approval of the design and materials subject to review and authorization by the Regional District of Nanaimo prior to installation.

  • (All Directors - Weighted Vote)

    That staff be directed to enter into a License of Occupation with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit for water access sites E34, E57, E65, and E66, located in Electoral Area E, to enable the installation of access signage, undertake required archaeological assessments, and engage with neighboring residents as part of the improvement planning process.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    1. That the results of the Hallberg Community Park Engagement Summary be received for information.

  • 2. That a Preliminary Concept Design for Hallberg Road Community Road Park be prepared, guided by the design direction established through the initial community engagement feedback.

Please note: Presentation of Report of Community Wellbeing Coordinator, delivered at the July 3, 2025, Electoral Area Services Committee meeting, has been added as Attachment 4.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    1. That the Board receive the Gabriola Island Community Health and Wellbeing Contribution Service Annual Report for information.

  • (All Directors - Weighted Vote)

    2. That the Board approve a renewed 2-year agreement with People for a Healthy Community to provide Health and Wellbeing Coordinator Services for Gabriola Island with the Community Wellbeing Coordinator role continuing as a part-time position and that the 2026-2030 Financial Plan be adjusted accordingly.

Please note: Recommendation #2 was varied by the Committee.

  • (Electoral Area Directors, except EA B - One Vote)

    1. That the Board receive the report titled “Rural Residential Minimum Parcel Size Project” dated July 3, 2025, for information.

  • 2. That staff prepare a report that provides a comparison between the cost for a region-wide project to reduce the minimum parcel size in Rural Residential areas versus servicing studies through the regular Official Community Plan review processes.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    1. That the Board receive the draft Policy and Guidelines for Development Applications Involving Building Strata Lots, as provided in Attachment 1.

  • 2. That the Board approve the proposed consultation plan for the draft Policy and Guidelines for Development Applications Involving Building Strata Lots as outlined in Attachment 3, and direct staff to proceed with consultation.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    1. That the Board receive the draft Proof of Water for Subdivision Policy as provided in Attachment 1.

  • 2. That the Board approve the proposed consultation plan as outlined in Attachment 3 and direct staff to proceed with consultation.

  • (All Directors - Weighted Vote)

    1. That the Regional District of Nanaimo Board approve the purchase of a used 4x4 Rescue Truck for up to $63,000 from the Reserve Fund to replace the existing 2005 Coombs-Hilliers Rescue 103, and that the 2025-2029 Regional District of Nanaimo Financial Plan be amended accordingly.

  • 2. That the Regional District of Nanaimo Board approve the deferral of the replacement of Coombs-Hilliers Rescue 103 from 2028 to 2030 in the 2026-2030 Regional District of Nanaimo Financial Plan.

Please note: Recommendation #1 was varied by the Committee.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    1. That the Board approve Policy A2.24 Community Works Fund Allocation, as amended, by deleting the final sentence of section 5.1.2, which reads “This does not preclude the Board from approving the use of CWF to the benefit of Member Municipalities.” and by replacing “CWF” with “funds” in section 5.1.3.

  • 2. That subject to Resolution #25-259 which allocated $100,000 of Electoral Area E Community Works Funds to Nanoose Place Nanoose Bay Activities and Recreation Society in 2025 for the replacement of the Nanoose Place septic system, the Board acknowledges that the Nanoose Place septic system project is a regional priority within a long-term capital investment plan supported by asset management planning and has not been prioritized over a local government owned priority project.

Please note: Committee recommendation has no accompanying staff report.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    That the Regional District of Nanaimo and Stevie Smith Legacy Foundation proceed with installation of the pump track to be located adjacent to the Cedar Skate Park on the lands the Regional District has a Licence of Use agreement with the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (School District 68).

Please note: Committee recommendation has no accompanying staff report.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    That the Regional District of Nanaimo Parks Use Regulation Bylaw No. 1801 Schedule B Homeless Camping Regulations be amended to include Chattel Road Community Park in the list of prohibited parks for homeless camping in Electoral Area G.

  • (Nanaimo, Lantzville, Electoral Areas A, C - Weighted Vote)

    That the Board approve Nanaimo Arts Council’s request for the Regional District of Nanaimo to provide transit shuttle service for the Nanaimo Artwalk 2025, two-day event on November 22 and 23. The total cost charged to the Nanaimo Arts Council will not exceed $1,000 for both event days.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    That the Board endorse a second application to the Transit Minor Betterment program to complete the transit amenity improvements at Magnolia Court Commercial Centre on Route 99.

  • (All Directors - Weighted Vote)

    1. That the 2024 – 2025 Annual Operating Agreement Amendment for Conventional, Custom and Interregional, Nanaimo-Cowichan Express, transit service between the Regional District of Nanaimo and BC Transit for the period of January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025, be approved.

  • 2. That the 2025 – 2026 Annual Operating Agreement for Conventional, Custom and Interregional, Nanaimo-Cowichan Express, transit service between the Regional District of Nanaimo and BC Transit for the period of April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, be approved.

  • (All Directors - Weighted Vote)

    1. That the Board approve the January 4, 2026, annual service expansion for the Conventional Transit Service of 4,000 hours and the corresponding lease of three (3) heavy duty vehicles.

  • 2. That the Board approve the January 4, 2026, annual service expansion for the Custom Transit Service of 3,000 hours and the corresponding lease of two (2) light duty vehicles.


Chair to call for members of the public wishing to speak to Development Variance Permit Application No. PL2025-040, 2099 Bramley Road, Electoral Area C

  • (Electoral Area Directors, except EA B - One Vote)

    That the Board approve Development Variance Permit No. PL2025-040 to reduce the minimum setback requirement to allow for the expansion of the existing water reservoir subject to the terms and conditions outlined in Attachment 2.


Chair to call for members of the public wishing to speak to Development Variance Permit Application No. PL2025-038, 1358 Madrona Drive, Electoral Area E

  • (Electoral Area Directors, except EA B - One Vote)

    That the Board approve Development Variance Permit No. PL2025-038 to reduce the setback from the sea to allow the renovation of and addition to an existing dwelling unit subject to the terms and conditions outlined in Attachment 2.


Chair to call for members of the public wishing to speak to Development Variance Permit Application No. PL2025-085, 990 Englishman River Road, Electoral Area F

  • (Electoral Area Directors, except EA B - One Vote)

    That the Board approve Development Variance Permit No. PL2025-085 to increase the secondary suite maximum floor area to permit the conversion of an existing dwelling to a detached secondary suite subject to the terms and conditions outlined in Attachment 2.

  • (Electoral Area Directors, except EA B - One Vote - Must be taken separately)

    1. That the Board receive the Summary Report of the Community Engagement as provided in Attachment 4.

  • 2. That the Conditions of Approval as provided in Attachment 6 be completed prior to Amendment Bylaw No. 2500.06 being considered for adoption.

  • 3. That “Regional District of Nanaimo Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2500.06, 2025” be introduced and read two times.

  • 4. That the Board direct the Public Hearing on “Regional District of Nanaimo Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2500.06, 2025” be delegated to Director McLean.

Please note: The original recommendation was varied by the Committee.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    1. That number 5 “Alignment of Zoning Bylaw 1285 with Zoning Bylaw 2500” be removed from Attachment 1 of the report titled “Housing Project List and Timeframe 2025-2026” dated July 3, 2025.

  • 2. That the Board endorse the report titled “Housing Project List and Timeframe 2025-2026” and Attachment 1, dated July 3, 2025, as amended, to remove number 5 “Alignment of Zoning Bylaw 1285 with Zoning Bylaw 2500” from Attachment 1.

13.

 
  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    1. That the Board receive for information the Corporate Officer’s Certification indicating that less than 10% of the electors submitted Elector Response Forms in opposition to the Lee Road Community Park Land Exchange.

  • (All Directors - One Vote / 2/3)

    2. That “Regional District of Nanaimo Lee Road Community Park Land Exchange Bylaw No. 1931, 2025” be adopted.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    3. That the Board approve consolidation of the 0.55 hectare Lee Road Community Park parcel with the French Creek Pollution Control Centre property at 957 Lee Road, Parksville.

  • (Electoral Area Directors, except EA B - One Vote - Must be taken separately)

    1. That the Board receive the report of the Public Hearing held on June 26, 2025, for “Regional District of Nanaimo Electoral Area ‘G’ Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1540.07, 2025”.

  • 2. That the Board read “Regional District of Nanaimo Electoral Area ‘G’ Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1540.07, 2025” a third time.

  • (Electoral Area Directors, except EA B - One Vote / 2/3)

    3. That the Board adopt “Regional District of Nanaimo Electoral Area ‘G’ Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1540.07, 2025”.

  • (Nanaimo, Lantzville, Electoral Areas A, C - Weighted Vote)

    That the Board approve the Regional District of Nanaimo Transportation Services to provide transit shuttle service for the 2025 Plus 55 BC Games for a maximum of four events between September 9 and September 13, 2025. The total cost charged to the 2025 Plus 55 BC Games will not exceed $6,000.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    1. That “Regional District of Nanaimo Bylaw Consolidation and Revision Authorization Bylaw No. 1932, 2025” be introduced and read three times.

  • (All Directors - One Vote / 2/3)

    2. That “Regional District of Nanaimo Bylaw Consolidation and Revision Authorization Bylaw No. 1932, 2025” be adopted.

  • (All Directors - One Vote - Must be taken separately)

    3. That “Wellington Fire Protection Local Service Area Establishment and Boundary Amendment Bylaw No. 1933, 2025” be introduced and read two times.

  • 4. That “Wellington Streetlighting Local Service Area Establishment and Boundary Amendment Bylaw No. 1934, 2025” be introduced and read two times.

  • (All Directors - Weighted Vote)

    That the five-year short-term borrowing of up to $689,423 be authorized for the purchase of a new fire engine for the Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department in accordance with the approved 2025-2029 Financial Plan.

  • (All Directors - Weighted Vote)

    That the five-year short-term borrowing of up to $550,000 be authorized for the purchase of two new fire apparatus hook-trucks for the Errington Volunteer Fire Department in accordance with the approved 2025-2029 Financial Plan.

  • (All Directors - Weighted Vote)

    That the five-year short-term borrowing of up to $475,000 be authorized for the purchase of a new fire engine for the Bow Horn Bay Volunteer Fire Department in accordance with the approved 2025-2029 Financial Plan.

  • (All Directors - Weighted Vote)

    That the 9-1-1 Call Answer Centre Service agreement between Emergency Communications for British Columbia Incorporated and the Central Island 911 Partnership for January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, be approved.

  • (All Directors - Weighted Vote)

    1. That the agreement with the Connective Support Society for the term of January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027, for Southern Community restorative justice services, be approved.

  • 2. That the Chair and the Corporate Officer be authorized to execute the Connective Support Society agreement on behalf of the Regional District of Nanaimo.

  • (All Directors - Weighted Vote)

    That staff proceed with detailed design and associated permits, bylaw amendments and approval applications for the Descanso Bay Regional Park Accessible Beach Access improvements.

  • (All Directors - Weighted Vote)

    That the Board approve the transfer of $30,000 from the Geographic Information System (GIS) Service operating budget to the GIS Service capital budget for the replacement of a failing large format scanner, and that the 2025-2029 Financial Plan be amended accordingly.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    That the Regional District of Nanaimo Board receive the "2026-2030 Financial Plan Engagement Summary" staff report, dated July 22, 2025, for information.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    That the Board endorse the following projects for grant applications to the Canada Community Building Fund - Strategic Priorities Fund, and support overall grant management activities:

    Capital Infrastructure Stream

    • Errington Firehall #2 Replacement
    • Departure Bay Pump Station Upgrade
    • Hammond Bay Forcemain Twinning Project

    Capacity Building Stream

    • Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN) Asset Management and Infrastructure Planning Project
  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    That the Board receive the report titled “Second Quarter 2025 Externally Sourced Grant Update”, dated July 22, 2025, for information.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    That the Board receive the report titled “Second Quarter 2025 Key Initiatives Update”, dated July 22, 2025, for information.

Director Wallace provided notice of the following motion to the Corporate Officer:

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    That the Board directs Staff to develop a report, for the Northern Communities, that:

    1. Explains the apportioned costs for the French Creek Pollution Control Centre capital project as determined by "Regional District of Nanaimo Northern Community Sewer Local Service Conversion Bylaw No. 889, 1993”.

    2. Provides the apportioned amounts of the French Creek Pollution Control Centre capital project Development Cost Charge funding per area.

    3. Explains the Development Cost Charges collected by the contributing areas and cite any Development Cost Charge shortfalls.

    4. Provides all Development Cost Charge exemptions provided to date, as approved by the Board, including lost Development Cost Charge revenues as determined by “Regional District of Nanaimo Not-for-Profit-Rental Housing Sewer Development Cost Charge Reduction Bylaw No. 1577, 2010”.

    5. Determines the total cost by category for each service area, including reserves, taxation contributions, borrowing, Development Cost Charges (including shortfalls) and interest.

    6. Clarifies how the 5.25% collection fee to the electoral areas impacts taxation in the service areas.

  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    That pursuant to the following sections of the Community Charter the Board proceed to an In Camera meeting:

    • 90(1)(e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality;
    • 90(1)(k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public; and
    • 90(1)(m) a matter that, under another enactment, is such that the public may be excluded from the meeting.
  • (All Directors - One Vote)

    That the meeting be adjourned.

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