News Release - February 9, 2016

Proposed Changes will provide clarity for Regional Growth Strategy Minor Amendments

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is considering a modification to the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) that will help clarify which types of changes qualify for an expedited amendment process. The RGS is a strategic plan which establishes a consistent and coordinated approach across the region in order to foster socially, economically and environmentally sustainable communities. It provides a general framework for directing growth and land use throughout the RDN including the municipalities of Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville and Qualicum Beach. Each community uses the RGS to provide guidance and broad context as Official Community Plans (OCP) are developed.

There is currently a provision in the RGS to allow certain types of amendments to go through a minor amendment process. The minor amendment process is simpler and faster and requires fewer approvals than the regular process. One type of minor amendment is a change resulting from a full OCP review process. However, due to the way in which the provision is currently worded, there is some uncertainty as to what is meant by a full OCP review process. The proposed changes to the RGS are intended to address this uncertainty.

"These changes are important because they will clarify what is meant by a full OCP review," said Bill Veenhof, RDN Board Chair. "Clarity will help smooth the process for everyone involved."

The RDN welcomes comments on the proposed changes. For information on the amendment and on how to provide feedback please visit: www.rdn.bc.ca/rgs-amendments. RDN staff will also be available to answer questions and receive comments on Tuesday February 23rd between 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm in the RDN Board Chambers at 6300 Hammond Bay Road in Nanaimo.

 

Contact:

Paul Thompson
Manager of Long Range Planning
Regional District of Nanaimo
250-390-6510
pthompson [at] rdn.bc.ca (pthompson[at]rdn[dot]bc[dot]ca)