General Information & Regulations
- Hours
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- Parks are generally open between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. unless marked otherwise at a park entrance.
- Entrance gates at Moorecroft and Top Bridge close at 9 p.m. (subject to earlier closure during winter months).
- Dogs
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- Dogs are permitted in RDN Parks if kept under control.
- Dogs must be leashed at Moorecroft, Horne Lake and Descanso Bay Regional Parks, as well as any parks or areas where signage instructs to do so.
- Dogs are not permitted in the Little Qualicum River Estuary Conservation Area at any time.
- Parks Use Permits & Special Events
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- Park Use Permits are required for any commercial activity, commercial filming and for any event taking place within an RDN park.
- For more information on permit fees and conditions, refer to Bylaw 1801
- Please apply at least six weeks prior to the event to ensure time to process the permit.
- Park Use Permit process:
- Please fill out the application.
- Once the application is received you will be contacted by staff in order to discuss your applications, and we may request further information.
- Submit insurance and additional required supporting documents.
- Permit will be completed and emailed for payment. Once payment is received, the permit will be emailed to you for signature. Please sign and return a copy to RDN parks staff.
- For events with over 500 people, a RDN Special Event Permit is required.
- Parks Amenity Donation Program
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- The Regional District of Nanaimo's Parks Amenity Donation Program provides an opportunity for an individual, organization or service group to contribute toward park improvements in the RDN.
- More information on this program is available at https://www.rdn.bc.ca/parks-amenity-donation-program
- Camping and Campfires
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- Camping is available at Descanso Bay and Horne Lake Regional Parks
- Campfires are only permitted within RDN Campgrounds. Campfire bans may be in effect during dry weather. Please check here for any bans or alerts.
- Parks Advisory Committees
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- Community Park planning in the RDN is supported by area residents who volunteer to participate in Advisory Committees.
- Regional Parks and Trails planning is supported by a Committee made up of RDN Board representatives.
- Learn more about RDN Parks Advisory Committees and how to volunteer
- Vehicles, E-Bikes and Vessels
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- ATVs, dirt bikes and other personal motorized recreational vehicles are not permitted in RDN Parks or Trails.
- Electric bikes are not considered vehicles and are permitted in RDN Parks and Trails.
- Overnight mooring of vessels (on land or water) is not permitted.
- No person shall bring in, park, operate, launch or run ashore a personal watercraft (seadoo/jet-ski).
- Please refer to Bylaw 1801 for more information.
- Wildlife & Our Natural Environment
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- The RDN is bear and cougar country. Learn facts and tips here!
- Please respect wildlife, vegetation and other natural features in RDN Parks and Trails.
- Hunting, harvesting, salvage or disturbance of any natural feature is not permitted.
- Where garbage cans are not provided, please take out what you take in.
- Park Use Regulations
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- For safe enjoyment by all park visitors, please observe and obey signage posted at RDN Parks and Trails.
- Additional information can be found in the Park Use Regulations Bylaw No. 1801.
- Park Use Bylaw 1801 - Frequently Asked Questions
- Park Policies
- Development Cost Charges
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Community Park Development Cost Charges have been set in place for Electoral Areas A, B, G and H.
DCC’s are fees collected from land developers, on a user pay basis, to help fund the cost of the new infrastructure and parks needed to service new development. DCCs help ensure developers pay their fair share of the costs required to develop new infrastructure and park improvements.
Parkland development works that are eligible for DCC application are limited to fencing, landscaping, drainage, irrigation, trails, restrooms, changing rooms, playground equipment, and playing field equipment.
DCCs do not pay for the operation and maintenance of parks, new or upgraded works needed for the existing population, new parks & recreation buildings, parking, sports field lighting, artificial turf, and sports courts.
DCCs are paid by applicants for:
- Subdivision approval to create single family lots
- Building permits to construct multi-family development
Development Cost Charge Bylaws
Electoral Area 'A' Community Parks Development Cost Charge Bylaw No. 1839, 2021
Electoral Area 'B' Community Parks Development Cost Charge Bylaw No. 1840, 2021
Electoral Area G Community Parks Development Cost Charge Bylaw No. 1841, 2021
Electoral Area 'H' Community Parks Development Cost Charge Bylaw No. 1842, 2021
Amendments to the DCC bylaws are made from time to time. The copies on this webpage are provided for convenience only. Please contact the RDN at recparks [at] rdn.bc.catarget="_blank" to confirm whether a new or updated bylaw is available, or if you have any questions about whether the DCC bylaws apply to your project.
- Water quality testing of park water systems