FAQ

Notice of this application and the community’s opportunity to provide was comment on the proposal included a mail out notification sent to all property owners within 200 metres of the subject property and an advertisement was placed in the November 18, 2020 edition of the Nanaimo New Bulletin. A notice was also placed on the RDN Web site, and a sign was posted on the property. This notification was undertaken in accordance with the “Regional District of Nanaimo Development Application and Notification Procedures Bylaw No. 1776, 2018”. 

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and current social distancing requirements, large gatherings are not permitted. This excludes the possibility of holding Public Information Meetings at this time. In response, we thoughtfully developed an approach to online engagement. To ensure that the community is aware of each development application that includes an opportunity for public engagement, the RDN utilized the standard method for advertising a public information meeting outlined above. Further, in recognition that residents are likely to be rightly focused on their health and well-being and the health and well-being of their families and may not have time or mental capacity to participate in these difficult times, the RDN extended the timeframe for providing input. Where we schedule a public information meeting, residents would typically receive about one weeks notice of the meeting. For online engagement, our current practice is to provide one month for public input. However, input on development applications can be provided at any time prior to the end of the public hearing.

Yes, the intent is to use this online engagement tool throughout the process to be able to share information and get feedback. The intent of the December 18^th deadline is to allow us to have a definitive date where we can start considering the application and public feedback and preparing a report for consideration of 1st and 2nd reading. As more information becomes available, we will share it here and provide updates on the process. Public feedback is encouraged throughout the process right up to the public hearing. Feedback provided after December 18^th will be considered and reported out to the Board. Depending on the timing of this feedback, it would either be considered at 1st and 2nd reading or if it is received later, it would be reported at the same meeting that the Board receives the report of the public hearing. Legally, once the public hearing is closed, the Board can not consider any additional feedback or new information.

Following receipt of community comments and concerns raised through the community engagement process, the applicant will have an opportunity to respond to issues raised by providing additional information or revising the application before it proceeds for consideration by the RDN Board. New information and any revisions to the proposed development will be posted on the Get Involved page as details become available.   

 All comments received from the public will be provided in a staff report to the Electoral Area Services Committee (EASC) as part of the application review process. Following consideration by the EASC, the application and recommendations from the Committee will be forwarded to the Regional Board for its consideration of bylaw introduction. If the Board finds merit in the proposal, the proposed Amendment Bylaw would then receive first and second reading and proceed to a formal public hearing.

The application was referred to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) for their review and comment. The applicant was required to provide an assessment prepared by a professional engineer to verify that the required sight distances would meet MOTI standards (see Concept Servicing Report in the Document Library on this page). In addition, a speed zone change is required to reduce the speed from the 50km/hr to a school zone of 30 km/hr. MOTI is not requiring any other road infrastructure related requirements such as turning lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks etc. as part of this application.

The RDN is not the authority over public roads in the regional district. However, RDN staff and the applicants may discuss opportunities to address community concerns related to traffic and safety with MOTI staff to determine if infrastructure improvements could be required. Ultimately, any road related improvements require MOTIs approval and would typically be at the applicants expense.