Gabriola Island Health and Wellbeing Contribution Service – Alternative Approval Process

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A new Health and Wellbeing Service is being proposed for Gabriola Island. If established, the proposed service will work to coordinate and advocate for health and wellbeing services on Gabriola Island. This has been a community-driven process in response to feedback collected from community members during engagement of the Regional District of Nanaimo Social Needs Assessment and Stategy (2021) led by the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN). In particular, the Gabriola Health and Wellness Collaborative provided feedback about having assistance in coordinating activities on the island.

In 2022, a Feasibility Report was completed by Urban Matters to identify options for creating a service and examine potential functions and costs.

On November 14, 2023, the RDN Board gave three readings to the proposed service bylaw “Gabriola Island Community Health and Wellbeing Contribution Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1892, 2023” for a health and wellbeing coordinator service. As required by provincial legislation, the proposed services bylaw was referred to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (the Ministry) for approval, which was granted on December 21, 2021. The proposed services bylaw is now proceeding to an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for electors to determine if a Health and Wellbeing Service may be established on Gabriola Island.

The Alternative Approval Process will occur from January 19, 2024 to February 20, 2024.

If less than 10% of electors on Gabriola Island submit Elector Response Forms through the Alternative Approval Process, the service may be established, and funding will be allocated to the Regional District of Nanaimo via property taxation of Gabriola residents. A Request for Statement of Qualifications process will then be undertaken to hire a Community Health and Wellbeing Service Coordinator in 2024/2025. The Coordinator is expected to work on Gabriola Island, and the workplan will be developed and overseen by representatives of on-island groups that work to benefit the health and wellbeing of residents on Gabriola.

How to Participate in the Alternative Approval Process

Not Opposed – If you are NOT OPPOSED to the adoption of this bylaw, then no action is required.

Opposed – If you are OPPOSED to the adoption of “Gabriola Island Community Health and Wellbeing Contribution Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1892, 2023”, you can sign and submit an Elector Response Form if you qualify as an elector of Gabriola Island (details of elector qualifications can be found HERE).

  • Elector Response Forms will be available starting January 19, 2024:

  • Only original, signed copies will be accepted – emailed forms must have an original signature. Submit using the following methods:

    • By email: Send your signed form by email to vote@rdn.bc.ca
    • By mail: send your form to the following address:
      • Regional District of Nanaimo
        Legislative Services
        6300 Hammond Bay Road
        Nanaimo BC V9T 6N2
    • In person: Drop off your form in person at 6300 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo using the mail slot to the right of the front (west) main administration door.

  • Deadline: All elector response forms must be received in the office of the RDN or by mail or email no later than 4 p.m. on Tuesday February 20, 2024. If you are submitting your form by mail, be advised that postmarks will not be accepted as the date of submission.

For More Information

  • Explore this webpage to find out more about the proposed Bylaw and proposed service. Staff reports and other documents can be accessed in the document library.
  • Stay informed by subscribing and leaving your email address to receive email updates as the project moves forward.
  • The FAQ's section contains answers to common questions on the Alternative Approval Process and the proposed Contribution Service.

A new Health and Wellbeing Service is being proposed for Gabriola Island. If established, the proposed service will work to coordinate and advocate for health and wellbeing services on Gabriola Island. This has been a community-driven process in response to feedback collected from community members during engagement of the Regional District of Nanaimo Social Needs Assessment and Stategy (2021) led by the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN). In particular, the Gabriola Health and Wellness Collaborative provided feedback about having assistance in coordinating activities on the island.

In 2022, a Feasibility Report was completed by Urban Matters to identify options for creating a service and examine potential functions and costs.

On November 14, 2023, the RDN Board gave three readings to the proposed service bylaw “Gabriola Island Community Health and Wellbeing Contribution Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1892, 2023” for a health and wellbeing coordinator service. As required by provincial legislation, the proposed services bylaw was referred to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (the Ministry) for approval, which was granted on December 21, 2021. The proposed services bylaw is now proceeding to an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for electors to determine if a Health and Wellbeing Service may be established on Gabriola Island.

The Alternative Approval Process will occur from January 19, 2024 to February 20, 2024.

If less than 10% of electors on Gabriola Island submit Elector Response Forms through the Alternative Approval Process, the service may be established, and funding will be allocated to the Regional District of Nanaimo via property taxation of Gabriola residents. A Request for Statement of Qualifications process will then be undertaken to hire a Community Health and Wellbeing Service Coordinator in 2024/2025. The Coordinator is expected to work on Gabriola Island, and the workplan will be developed and overseen by representatives of on-island groups that work to benefit the health and wellbeing of residents on Gabriola.

How to Participate in the Alternative Approval Process

Not Opposed – If you are NOT OPPOSED to the adoption of this bylaw, then no action is required.

Opposed – If you are OPPOSED to the adoption of “Gabriola Island Community Health and Wellbeing Contribution Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1892, 2023”, you can sign and submit an Elector Response Form if you qualify as an elector of Gabriola Island (details of elector qualifications can be found HERE).

  • Elector Response Forms will be available starting January 19, 2024:

  • Only original, signed copies will be accepted – emailed forms must have an original signature. Submit using the following methods:

    • By email: Send your signed form by email to vote@rdn.bc.ca
    • By mail: send your form to the following address:
      • Regional District of Nanaimo
        Legislative Services
        6300 Hammond Bay Road
        Nanaimo BC V9T 6N2
    • In person: Drop off your form in person at 6300 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo using the mail slot to the right of the front (west) main administration door.

  • Deadline: All elector response forms must be received in the office of the RDN or by mail or email no later than 4 p.m. on Tuesday February 20, 2024. If you are submitting your form by mail, be advised that postmarks will not be accepted as the date of submission.

For More Information

  • Explore this webpage to find out more about the proposed Bylaw and proposed service. Staff reports and other documents can be accessed in the document library.
  • Stay informed by subscribing and leaving your email address to receive email updates as the project moves forward.
  • The FAQ's section contains answers to common questions on the Alternative Approval Process and the proposed Contribution Service.

  • The Alternative Approval Process has started

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    The Alternative Approval Process has started on January 19, 2024. Those opposed to the adoption of the proposed bylaw have until 4 p.m. on February 20, 2024 to fill out and submit an Elector Response Form. Those not opposed to the bylaw do not need to take any action.

  • The time period for submitting Elector Response Forms is now closed.

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    Elector Response forms were accepted until the AAP window closed on 4:00 pm February 20, 2024. Elector Response forms are now being counted and summarized and reported at an upcoming Board Meeting. Those that have subscribed, will receive email notification in advance of the Board meeting where the results of the AAP will be presented.

Page last updated: 21 Feb 2024, 08:00 AM