French Creek School and Parkland Purchase Referendum

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On April 8, 2025, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) Board approved a resolution in camera to purchase the former French Creek School site, a 3.7 hectare (9.15 acre) property located at 2350 Alberni Highway, Coombs, from School District 69 (SD69) for $1,300,000. Part of the purchase would be funded through long-term borrowing which requires elector approval.

On May 27, the RDN Board approved the resolutions required to proceed to referendum to obtain the assent of the electors of the Electoral Area 'F' Community Parks and Halls Local Service Area for borrowing up to $824,000, plus interest, repayable over a period of no more than ten years, to purchase the property. The general voting day for the referendum will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

The purchase of the property is included in the approved 2025-2029 Financial Plan. If the referendum is approved by the electors, the purchase would be funded through $376,000 of Electoral Area ‘F’ Community Parks and Halls reserve funds, $120,000 of Community Works Funds and long-term borrowing of $824,000 plus interest.

The estimated annual cost per average household in Electoral Area F for the loan repayment is $22.71 per year over the ten year loan term. Future use of the property will be determined after public engagement if the referendum is successful.

For More Information and to Get Involved

  • Stay informed by clicking on subscribe to leave your email address and receive email updates
  • Visit our What's New updates that will share information on the referendum including how and when to vote
  • Explore this webpage to find out more about the agreement to purchase the property, the property and next steps including staff reports and other documents in the Background Documents and links
  • Check out the FAQ's, which answer common questions and will be added to along the way based on what we are hearing
  • Drop-in and see us at the upcoming information sessions on September 27 at the Errington Farmers Market, on October 1 at the Coombs Fairgrounds or October 9 at the Meadowood Community Hall
  • Advanced voting day will be held Wednesday, October 15 and 22, 2025 and general voting day Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. at the Coombs Fairgrounds, 1014 Ford Road, Coombs
  • For more information on the referendum, including the three ways to vote, who can vote and voting locations, visit rdn.bc.ca\French-Creek-School-and-Parkland-Purchase-Referendum
  • Ask a question and we will do our best to answer it and share the information with everyone

On April 8, 2025, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) Board approved a resolution in camera to purchase the former French Creek School site, a 3.7 hectare (9.15 acre) property located at 2350 Alberni Highway, Coombs, from School District 69 (SD69) for $1,300,000. Part of the purchase would be funded through long-term borrowing which requires elector approval.

On May 27, the RDN Board approved the resolutions required to proceed to referendum to obtain the assent of the electors of the Electoral Area 'F' Community Parks and Halls Local Service Area for borrowing up to $824,000, plus interest, repayable over a period of no more than ten years, to purchase the property. The general voting day for the referendum will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

The purchase of the property is included in the approved 2025-2029 Financial Plan. If the referendum is approved by the electors, the purchase would be funded through $376,000 of Electoral Area ‘F’ Community Parks and Halls reserve funds, $120,000 of Community Works Funds and long-term borrowing of $824,000 plus interest.

The estimated annual cost per average household in Electoral Area F for the loan repayment is $22.71 per year over the ten year loan term. Future use of the property will be determined after public engagement if the referendum is successful.

For More Information and to Get Involved

  • Stay informed by clicking on subscribe to leave your email address and receive email updates
  • Visit our What's New updates that will share information on the referendum including how and when to vote
  • Explore this webpage to find out more about the agreement to purchase the property, the property and next steps including staff reports and other documents in the Background Documents and links
  • Check out the FAQ's, which answer common questions and will be added to along the way based on what we are hearing
  • Drop-in and see us at the upcoming information sessions on September 27 at the Errington Farmers Market, on October 1 at the Coombs Fairgrounds or October 9 at the Meadowood Community Hall
  • Advanced voting day will be held Wednesday, October 15 and 22, 2025 and general voting day Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. at the Coombs Fairgrounds, 1014 Ford Road, Coombs
  • For more information on the referendum, including the three ways to vote, who can vote and voting locations, visit rdn.bc.ca\French-Creek-School-and-Parkland-Purchase-Referendum
  • Ask a question and we will do our best to answer it and share the information with everyone

Q&A

Do you have a question about the referendum that hasn't been answered in our FAQ's? 

If so, please ask us here. 

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  • Share Why are the tax payers being asked to buy property they have already paid for that the school board used? Is this not double dipping? Maybe property bought by the tax payers should be passed around to the different organizations that the government runs, or volunteer organizations that people run. on Facebook Share Why are the tax payers being asked to buy property they have already paid for that the school board used? Is this not double dipping? Maybe property bought by the tax payers should be passed around to the different organizations that the government runs, or volunteer organizations that people run. on Twitter Share Why are the tax payers being asked to buy property they have already paid for that the school board used? Is this not double dipping? Maybe property bought by the tax payers should be passed around to the different organizations that the government runs, or volunteer organizations that people run. on Linkedin Email Why are the tax payers being asked to buy property they have already paid for that the school board used? Is this not double dipping? Maybe property bought by the tax payers should be passed around to the different organizations that the government runs, or volunteer organizations that people run. link

    Why are the tax payers being asked to buy property they have already paid for that the school board used? Is this not double dipping? Maybe property bought by the tax payers should be passed around to the different organizations that the government runs, or volunteer organizations that people run.

    raysan asked about 1 month ago

    In British Columbia, a Board of Education must follow the School Building Closure and Disposal Policies and obtain approval from the Minister of Education and Child Care before disposing of any property (including land or buildings) by sale, transfer, or lease of 10 years or more. As such, often School Districts and local governments negotiate through either a purchase or lease agreement to keep these valuable properties available for community use. If the referendum is not approved by the electors and the funding is not available for the purchase, School District 69 (Qualicum) has the ability to sell the lands to another entity.

     We encourage you to cast your vote on October 25, 2025. To learn more about the three ways to vote please visit rdn.bc.ca/French-Creek-School-and-Parkland-Purchase-Referendum.

  • Share Can the property legally be gifted or sold for a nominal fee to the Area F residents who previously owned it so any financial taxpayer resources can be focused on needed repairs and upgrades to make the property usable? on Facebook Share Can the property legally be gifted or sold for a nominal fee to the Area F residents who previously owned it so any financial taxpayer resources can be focused on needed repairs and upgrades to make the property usable? on Twitter Share Can the property legally be gifted or sold for a nominal fee to the Area F residents who previously owned it so any financial taxpayer resources can be focused on needed repairs and upgrades to make the property usable? on Linkedin Email Can the property legally be gifted or sold for a nominal fee to the Area F residents who previously owned it so any financial taxpayer resources can be focused on needed repairs and upgrades to make the property usable? link

    Can the property legally be gifted or sold for a nominal fee to the Area F residents who previously owned it so any financial taxpayer resources can be focused on needed repairs and upgrades to make the property usable?

    Jennah asked 4 months ago

    In British Columbia, a Board of Education must follow the School Building Closure and Disposal Policy and obtain approval from the Minister of Education and Child Care before disposing of any property (including land or buildings) by sale, transfer, or lease of 10 years or more. The School District Board has elected to sell the site.

  • Share Electoral Area F already has a number of community and recreation facilities which regularly host recreational and community programming. Many of these facilities are aging and would benefit from increased investment and support. Given this, what is the rationale for purchasing another aging building with significant repair needs rather than investing in and supporting the facilities we already have and use? on Facebook Share Electoral Area F already has a number of community and recreation facilities which regularly host recreational and community programming. Many of these facilities are aging and would benefit from increased investment and support. Given this, what is the rationale for purchasing another aging building with significant repair needs rather than investing in and supporting the facilities we already have and use? on Twitter Share Electoral Area F already has a number of community and recreation facilities which regularly host recreational and community programming. Many of these facilities are aging and would benefit from increased investment and support. Given this, what is the rationale for purchasing another aging building with significant repair needs rather than investing in and supporting the facilities we already have and use? on Linkedin Email Electoral Area F already has a number of community and recreation facilities which regularly host recreational and community programming. Many of these facilities are aging and would benefit from increased investment and support. Given this, what is the rationale for purchasing another aging building with significant repair needs rather than investing in and supporting the facilities we already have and use? link

    Electoral Area F already has a number of community and recreation facilities which regularly host recreational and community programming. Many of these facilities are aging and would benefit from increased investment and support. Given this, what is the rationale for purchasing another aging building with significant repair needs rather than investing in and supporting the facilities we already have and use?

    arabyg asked 3 months ago

    The community and recreation facilities in Electoral Area F are not all owned and maintained by the Regional District of Nanaimo. The Regional District of Nanaimo has a community grant program where non-profit organizations can apply to receive grant funding for capital improvements to facilities that serve the community. Several facilities in Electoral Area F have successfully received funding for improvements either through this grant program or through Electoral Area F Community Works Funds along with funding direct from the Electoral Area F Community Parks and Halls Service per Bylaw 804. In Electoral Area F Meadowood Hall, Arrowsmith Hall and Errington War Memorial Hall have all received funding.

  • Share It appears that no comprehensive feasibility or sustainability study has been completed to assess long-term viability, operating models, or demand relative to existing community facilities. Why is the public being asked to vote before this critical due diligence has been completed and shared transparently? on Facebook Share It appears that no comprehensive feasibility or sustainability study has been completed to assess long-term viability, operating models, or demand relative to existing community facilities. Why is the public being asked to vote before this critical due diligence has been completed and shared transparently? on Twitter Share It appears that no comprehensive feasibility or sustainability study has been completed to assess long-term viability, operating models, or demand relative to existing community facilities. Why is the public being asked to vote before this critical due diligence has been completed and shared transparently? on Linkedin Email It appears that no comprehensive feasibility or sustainability study has been completed to assess long-term viability, operating models, or demand relative to existing community facilities. Why is the public being asked to vote before this critical due diligence has been completed and shared transparently? link

    It appears that no comprehensive feasibility or sustainability study has been completed to assess long-term viability, operating models, or demand relative to existing community facilities. Why is the public being asked to vote before this critical due diligence has been completed and shared transparently?

    arabyg asked 3 months ago

    Correct, no feasibility or sustainability studies have been completed. The RDN Board was provided with the property appraisal and condition report in the November 28, 2023 Board report along with other useful information. After reviewing the information, the RDN Board provided direction to pursue a purchase and sale agreement for the property. Electoral Area F, particularly the Coombs area, has minimal useable parkland for community use and the disposition of this property provided the RDN an opportunity to secure parkland and community facility for long-term community use. Since approving the purchase and sale agreement, the RDN has commissioned a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment and a Hazardous Building Materials Assessment which can now be found in the background documents on the get involved website.

  • Share The referendum materials highlight an annual cost of $22.71 per household, but this only reflects loan repayment. According to the internal staff report, the facility will require over $2 million in short-term repairs, $80,000–$190,000 annually in maintenance and utilities, and another $1.5 million in long-term improvements. Presenting only the borrowing cost risks misleading voters about the true costs involved. Why isn't the full financial picture being presented more prominently in the public materials. on Facebook Share The referendum materials highlight an annual cost of $22.71 per household, but this only reflects loan repayment. According to the internal staff report, the facility will require over $2 million in short-term repairs, $80,000–$190,000 annually in maintenance and utilities, and another $1.5 million in long-term improvements. Presenting only the borrowing cost risks misleading voters about the true costs involved. Why isn't the full financial picture being presented more prominently in the public materials. on Twitter Share The referendum materials highlight an annual cost of $22.71 per household, but this only reflects loan repayment. According to the internal staff report, the facility will require over $2 million in short-term repairs, $80,000–$190,000 annually in maintenance and utilities, and another $1.5 million in long-term improvements. Presenting only the borrowing cost risks misleading voters about the true costs involved. Why isn't the full financial picture being presented more prominently in the public materials. on Linkedin Email The referendum materials highlight an annual cost of $22.71 per household, but this only reflects loan repayment. According to the internal staff report, the facility will require over $2 million in short-term repairs, $80,000–$190,000 annually in maintenance and utilities, and another $1.5 million in long-term improvements. Presenting only the borrowing cost risks misleading voters about the true costs involved. Why isn't the full financial picture being presented more prominently in the public materials. link

    The referendum materials highlight an annual cost of $22.71 per household, but this only reflects loan repayment. According to the internal staff report, the facility will require over $2 million in short-term repairs, $80,000–$190,000 annually in maintenance and utilities, and another $1.5 million in long-term improvements. Presenting only the borrowing cost risks misleading voters about the true costs involved. Why isn't the full financial picture being presented more prominently in the public materials.

    arabyg asked 3 months ago

    Correct, the $22.71 is only for the debt repayment. Board direction, since the November 28, 2023 Board report, has been that the main school building shall remain unoccupied until further direction is provided by the Board and that no further costs be requested until the sale of the property is finalized and the Electoral Area F Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee have made recommendations to the Board on the future uses of the facilities and property. 

     The Board approved the allocation of $30,000 for annual carrying costs of the buildings including insurance and utilities. Given the Board direction, staff are unable to provide additional financial information. If the referendum is approved, staff would prepare a report, following engagement with the community, Arrowsmith Community Recreation Association and the Electoral Area F Parks and Open Spaces Advisory Committee, on the community uses for the facility and lands with financial implications for Board consideration.

  • Share Has the RDN reviewed potential options for acquiring the property even if the local borrowing referendum is not approved? on Facebook Share Has the RDN reviewed potential options for acquiring the property even if the local borrowing referendum is not approved? on Twitter Share Has the RDN reviewed potential options for acquiring the property even if the local borrowing referendum is not approved? on Linkedin Email Has the RDN reviewed potential options for acquiring the property even if the local borrowing referendum is not approved? link

    Has the RDN reviewed potential options for acquiring the property even if the local borrowing referendum is not approved?

    Jennah asked 3 months ago

    At In Camera RDN Board meetings, alternate funding models were considered however, RDN Board direction was for the Electoral Area F Community Parks and Halls local service to fund the purchase for use by the community. The service doesn’t have the funds available for the entire purchase however, $376,000 of Electoral Area F Community Parks and Halls reserve funds have been committed as well as $120,000 of Electoral Area F Community Works Funds. The remaining $824,000 of the $1,320,000 acquisition cost requires borrowing as no other funds are available. Securing borrowing is a condition of the purchase agreement with the School District therefore, if the referendum is not approved, the conditions of the agreement cannot be met.

  • Share What metric was used to decide the properties desirability for purchase as parkland? on Facebook Share What metric was used to decide the properties desirability for purchase as parkland? on Twitter Share What metric was used to decide the properties desirability for purchase as parkland? on Linkedin Email What metric was used to decide the properties desirability for purchase as parkland? link

    What metric was used to decide the properties desirability for purchase as parkland?

    Jennah asked 4 months ago

    Specific metrics were not applied when deciding to acquire the property. The RDN Board was provided with the property appraisal and condition report in the November 28, 2023 Board report along with other useful information. After reviewing the information, the RDN Board provided direction to pursue a purchase and sale agreement for the property. The property is currently operated as a community park and the loss of this space would be significant. Electoral Area F, particularly the Coombs area, has minimal useable parkland for community use and the disposition of this property provided the RDN an opportunity to secure parkland and community facility for long-term community use.

  • Share why is the RDN, the tax payers money, paying again for a piece of property they have already paid for? on Facebook Share why is the RDN, the tax payers money, paying again for a piece of property they have already paid for? on Twitter Share why is the RDN, the tax payers money, paying again for a piece of property they have already paid for? on Linkedin Email why is the RDN, the tax payers money, paying again for a piece of property they have already paid for? link

    why is the RDN, the tax payers money, paying again for a piece of property they have already paid for?

    Salmons asked 4 months ago

    In British Columbia, a Board of Education must follow the School Building Closure and Disposal Policy and obtain approval from the Minister of Education and Child Care before disposing of any property (including land or buildings) by sale, transfer, or lease of 10 years or more. As such, often School Districts and local governments negotiate through either a purchase or lease agreement to keep these valuable properties available for community use. If the referendum is not approved by the electors and the funding is not available for the purchase, School District 69 (Qualicum) has the ability to sell the lands to another entity.

  • Share Could this property be purchased as a regional park without the need for borrowing by a very small tax base? on Facebook Share Could this property be purchased as a regional park without the need for borrowing by a very small tax base? on Twitter Share Could this property be purchased as a regional park without the need for borrowing by a very small tax base? on Linkedin Email Could this property be purchased as a regional park without the need for borrowing by a very small tax base? link

    Could this property be purchased as a regional park without the need for borrowing by a very small tax base?

    Jennah asked 4 months ago

    This property does not meet the criteria, identified in the RDN’s Regional Park Acquisition Criteria & Rating Framework, to be considered a regional park. At the In Camera RDN Board meetings, alternate funding models were considered however, the RDN Board direction was for the Area F Community Parks and Halls local service to fund the purchase for use by the community.

  • Share Is there an inspection report on the property and buildings so the public knows what it’s buying into? on Facebook Share Is there an inspection report on the property and buildings so the public knows what it’s buying into? on Twitter Share Is there an inspection report on the property and buildings so the public knows what it’s buying into? on Linkedin Email Is there an inspection report on the property and buildings so the public knows what it’s buying into? link

    Is there an inspection report on the property and buildings so the public knows what it’s buying into?

    Jennah asked 4 months ago

    Yes, an inspection report can be found as an attachment to the November 28, 2023 RDN Board report located in the Background Documents. The information contained in the Financial Implications section of this Board report is outdated. Since the writing of this report further investigation and negotiations have taken place and Board direction was provided based on the updated information. Discussions were made In Camera and therefore cannot be shared at this time however, RDN staff are working to provide further information for release later this summer. We encourage you to register at getinvolved.rdn.ca and subscribe to receive updates about the project at getinvolved.rdn.ca/french-creek-school-and-parkland-purchase-referendum.

Page last updated: 09 Oct 2025, 02:11 PM