On November 22, 2011, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) Board adopted "Regional District of Nanaimo Regional Growth Strategy Bylaw No. 1615". This document replaces the 2003 Regional Growth Strategy (RGS). It represents the second time that the RDN's Growth Management Plan has been fully reviewed and updated since it was first adopted in 1997. Click here to see the timeline leading up to the adoption of the RGS.
The adoption of the 2011 RGS enables the RDN to continue to use Growth Containment Boundaries and policies intended to manage growth in a way that improves the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the region. The updated RGS reflects community priorities and legislative changes by addressing a broader range of sustainability goals and policies including; economic development, groundwater protection, food security, affordable housing and climate change.
Process leading to the Adoption of the RGS
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) Board initiated the review process which included three phases of public consultation, the first starting in 2008. The table below provides an overview of the review process since a revised draft RGS was released for public feedback on April 8, 2011 until the adoption of the November 22, 2011 RGS. The table also provides links to recent staff reports.Review Process since April 8, 2011 & Next Steps
| April 8, 2011 | Release Draft RGS As part of the third and final phase of public consultation, a revised draft RGS was released for public feedback on April 8, 2011. |
| April 8 - May 27, 2011 | Community Engagement on April 8, 2011 Draft RGS |
| May 27, 2011 | Close of Public Input on April 8, 2011 Draft RGS |
| May - Early June, 2011 | Compilation of Input - See Final Report on Survey |
| June 14, 2011 | Report to Committee of the Whole (CoW) - CoW recommended that the RDN Board give an updated June 6, 2011 Draft RGS (with minor changes resulting from public consultation) 1st and 2nd Reading |
| June 28, 2011 | 1st & 2nd Reading Report (June 1, 2011) RDN Board accepts recommendations from CoW and Bylaw No. 1615 is introduced and given 1st & 2nd reading (June 6, 2011 Draft RGS) |
| August 23, 2011 | 2nd Reading Report (August 8, 2011) The RDN Board approved further changes to the draft RGS based on requests from First Nations and Provincial Agencies. This involved rescinding the 2nd reading of Bylaw No. 1615 given on June 28, 2011 and giving another 2nd reading to an amended August 23, 2011 Draft RGS. |
| September 13, 2011 | 2nd Reading Report (September 8, 2011) The RDN Board approved further changes received after August 23, 2011 based on requests from K'ómoks First Nation and the Town of Qualicum Beach. This involved rescinding the 2nd reading of Bylaw No. 1615 given on August 23, 2011 and giving another 2nd reading to an amended September 13, 2011 Draft RGS. |
| October 5 & 6, 2011 | October 5 & 6, 2011 - Public Hearing In order to provide better accessibility to residents living in different areas of the RDN, the public hearing for Bylaw No. 1615 was scheduled on two consecutive dates (October 5 and 6, 2011) at two different locations (City of Nanaimo and Town of Qualicum Beach). The public hearing represented the final opportunity for members of the public to provide comments on the draft RGS Bylaw No. 1615 prior to the RDN Board considering its adoption. Approximately 40 people attended the public hearing (14 people in the City of Nanaimo on October 5, and 26 people in the Town of Qualicum Beach on October 6). Of those attending, 10 made verbal presentations. A total of 5 written submissions about the Bylaw were received. All the input received as part of the public hearing was summarized in a report to the RDN Board. |
| October 11, 2011 | Public Hearing & Referrals Report (October 7, 2011) The RDN Board received a report summarizing input received at the public hearing on October 11, 2011. The Board directed staff to make no further changes to RGS Bylaw No. 1615 and to proceed with referrals to member municipalities and adjacent regional districts for their consideration of acceptance. |
| October 12, 2011 | RGS Bylaw Referred for Acceptance by 'Affected Local Governments'
Referrals sent out to 'affected local governments' (member municipalities and adjacent regional districts), for their consideration of acceptance of RGS Bylaw No. 1615. In accordance with the Local Government Act, the RDN Board cannot consider adopting the RGS Bylaw until each of these local governments has accepted the Bylaw by resolution within 60 days receipt of the referral. |
| November 21, 2011 | Confirmation received that all 'affected local governments' accept the proposed RGS Bylaw. This allows the RDN Board to consider 3rd and final Readings to adopt the RGS Bylaw. |
| November 22, 2011 |
3rd Reading Report (November 22, 2011) RDN Board gives RGS Bylaw No. 1615 3rd and final Readings to adopt it. |
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