Development Application No. PL2020-027

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The RDN is currently looking for your input on these development applications.

The RDN has received a zoning amendment for 860 Sohier Road. The applicant proposes to rezone the subject property from Industrial 2 (I-2) to a new zone described as Industrial 4 (I-4). The I-4 zone would include a reduced minimum parcel size from 2.0 hectares to 1.0 hectare and an increased parcel coverage from 30% on the first hectare and 5% on remaining hectares to 40% parcel coverage overall. Additionally, the zone may limit the permitted uses to industrial activities that require low water usage, pursuant to “Regional District of Nanaimo Electoral Area ‘F’ Zoning and Subdivision Bylaw No. 1285, 2002”.

The subject property currently contains an operational sawmill. The I-2 zone permits a variety of industrial uses. Please see the document library to review permitted uses in the I-2 zone. If the applicant is successful, the new 1-4 zone would continue to permit the sawmill use along with additional industrial uses similar to the currently permitted uses in the 1-2 zone. Additionally, the subject property could be subdivided into two, 1.0 hectare lots and the maximum permitted parcel coverage for buildings and structures could be up to 40% of the land.

This is in your community and we want to hear your thoughts on this proposal. A few ways you can learn more and share your thoughts are by:

  • Checking out our Document Library which includes the site plan and supporting studies
  • To check the status of the application and next steps see our Process
  • Visit the Important Links for more information
  • Be sure to Register to provide your comments
  • If you want to share your thoughts or discuss with other registered participants visit the Start a Discussion tab below
  • Send us your questions and we will provide an answer for all to see in the Q&A tab
  • We will share project updates in the What's New tab as the project moves forward
  • Connect with our team by email or phone? See our contact info in Who's Listening


The RDN has received a zoning amendment for 860 Sohier Road. The applicant proposes to rezone the subject property from Industrial 2 (I-2) to a new zone described as Industrial 4 (I-4). The I-4 zone would include a reduced minimum parcel size from 2.0 hectares to 1.0 hectare and an increased parcel coverage from 30% on the first hectare and 5% on remaining hectares to 40% parcel coverage overall. Additionally, the zone may limit the permitted uses to industrial activities that require low water usage, pursuant to “Regional District of Nanaimo Electoral Area ‘F’ Zoning and Subdivision Bylaw No. 1285, 2002”.

The subject property currently contains an operational sawmill. The I-2 zone permits a variety of industrial uses. Please see the document library to review permitted uses in the I-2 zone. If the applicant is successful, the new 1-4 zone would continue to permit the sawmill use along with additional industrial uses similar to the currently permitted uses in the 1-2 zone. Additionally, the subject property could be subdivided into two, 1.0 hectare lots and the maximum permitted parcel coverage for buildings and structures could be up to 40% of the land.

This is in your community and we want to hear your thoughts on this proposal. A few ways you can learn more and share your thoughts are by:

  • Checking out our Document Library which includes the site plan and supporting studies
  • To check the status of the application and next steps see our Process
  • Visit the Important Links for more information
  • Be sure to Register to provide your comments
  • If you want to share your thoughts or discuss with other registered participants visit the Start a Discussion tab below
  • Send us your questions and we will provide an answer for all to see in the Q&A tab
  • We will share project updates in the What's New tab as the project moves forward
  • Connect with our team by email or phone? See our contact info in Who's Listening


  • The RDN is seeking input on zoning amendment application PL2020-027

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    02 June, 2020

    In response to the COVID-19 pandemic requirements for physical distancing and desire to support online opportunities for public feedback, a Public Information Meeting is not being held. Instead, the public is invited to provide feedback and ask questions online. The deadline for public feedback is July 3, 2020.

  • Providing Input Beyond July 3, 2020

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    02 June, 2020
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    We recognize that this process looks different than what the community is used to and appreciate your patience as we navigate this new tool. At the same time, we recognize that this tool offers a new and exciting opportunity to expand, improve, and modernize the way we engage with the community on development applications.

    It is recognized that some participants want more time to consider the application.

    Please note that you may provide input at any time after July 3rd right up until the public hearing by using this tool. No date has been set for the public hearing. A public hearing date will not be set until and unless the bylaw receives 1st and 2nd reading and it is deemed safe to do so. The methods available to ask questions and provide input now will be available to you throughout the process until the public hearing. All input provided will be summarized and will be presented to the Board. Input received after 1st and 2nd reading will be presented to the Board along with the summary of the public hearing.