FAQ
What are public Water Access Sites?
Public water access sites are areas within Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT) road rights-of-way that provide public access to the shoreline. These sites are public land and are generally undeveloped. Many appear as unmarked, forested corridors leading from a public road to the waterfront.
Like any public road right-of-way, these areas are open to the public. However, access conditions vary by location and some sites may have steep terrain, vegetation, or limited access to the shoreline.
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) does not own these sites. To undertake activities such as trail maintenance, vegetation management, or signage, the RDN must obtain a License of Occupation from the Province.
How are public water access sites created?
Public water access sites are typically created when waterfront properties are subdivided. During the subdivision process, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT) may retain a public road right-of-way to provide public access to the shoreline, lake, river, or stream.
MoTT does not acquire private property to create public water access sites. These opportunities arise when new subdivisions are proposed and access can be secured as part of the approval process.
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When Does the RDN Gets Involved with Water Accesses?
Public water access sites located within Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT) road rights-of-way are owned and managed by the Province. The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) does not have authority to manage or make improvements to these sites unless it first obtains a License of Occupation (LoO) from the Province.
If an LoO is approved, the RDN may assume responsibility for the management of the site. Management activities are funded through the applicable Electoral Area Community Parks Service and may include activities such as trail maintenance, vegetation management, signage, and other site management measures.
The extent and timing of public water access projects depend on available funding, local priorities, and Provincial approvals.
Where are the Water Accesses in My Area?
Public water access sites are located throughout Nanoose Bay. View the map below to see the locations of known public water access sites, including the Dorcas Point Road, Seahaven Road, and Terrien Road sites currently being considered for management through the Nanoose Bay Waterfront Access program.
How did the RDN decide which sites to focus on?
Public waterfront access sites throughout Nanoose Bay were evaluated to identify locations that could provide the greatest overall benefit to the community. Factors considered included shoreline quality, safety, accessibility, recreational value, connections to existing parks and trails, geographic distribution throughout Nanoose Bay, and the feasibility of future management activities.
This evaluation helped identify sites that offered a balance of public benefit, practicality, and access opportunities across the community.
What is proposed at these sites?
If approved, the RDN may undertake trail maintenance, vegetation and tree management, and the installation of trail marker and informational signage.
Will public access be expanded or will new parking be added?
No. The current project is intended to support the management of existing public water access sites and does not include expanded access, new recreational facilities, or additional parking.
How is this project funded?
The proposed management of public water access sites is funded through the RDN Electoral Area E Community Parks Service.
Will additional water access sites be considered in the future?
The Nanoose Bay Waterfront Access program is an ongoing Electoral Area E Community Parks Service program. Information about future projects and updates will be shared through this page.