Important Changes to the Public Input Process

In response to recent changes to the Local Government Act, Local Governments are no longer allowed to hold public hearings for residential developments that are consistent with an Official Community Plan (OCP). This is a key component of the provincial strategy to build more homes across the province. The recent changes have refocused the opportunity for public engagement on residential developments towards the process used to develop OCPs. 

Further, the recent legislative changes mean that the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is no longer able to host public information meetings or use other means of seeking public input used to gauge public support for zoning amendments that are solely for the purpose of residential development that is consistent with the applicable OCP.  

Going forward, for all zoning amendment applications that are solely for the purpose of residential development that are consistent with an OCP, the RDN will continue to utilize the Granicus page to share information about the zoning application and provide an opportunity to ask RDN staff questions about the application. Residents can also contact us by email or phone to share their ideas and information that may be used by staff to refine the proposal before it proceeds to the Board for consideration. 

Please note, for zoning Amendment applications involving other types of uses (Industrial, Institutional, Resource Management, Commercial, etc.), the opportunities for public engagement are not affected. As a result, on the above types of applications, public input will be invited on the merits of the proposal and may include a public hearing as directed by the Regional Board.