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Electoral Area F Official Community Plan Update

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Electoral Area F Official Community Plan Update

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is updating the Electoral Area F Official Community Plan (OCP). Electoral Area F includes the communities of Coombs, Hilliers, Errington, Meadowood and Whiskey Creek and the surrounding rural areas.

The first Electoral Area F OCP was adopted in 1999, and new Census Canada Data shows that as of 2021, the population has grown over 50% to approximately 8,200 people. Much of the OCP remains relevant today, and this project was initiated in 2019 to address emerging challenges and update sections of the OCP that have become dated.

Draft Electoral Area F Official Community Plan

After completing Round 1 and Round 2 of community engagement, the RDN is pleased to announce the Draft Electoral Area F Official Community Plan (Draft OCP) is ready for community review as part of Round 3 of engagement.

We look forward to hearing from you as we work towards a plan that reflects your vision for the community!

How can I get involved and learn more?


Electoral Area F Official Community Plan Update

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is updating the Electoral Area F Official Community Plan (OCP). Electoral Area F includes the communities of Coombs, Hilliers, Errington, Meadowood and Whiskey Creek and the surrounding rural areas.

The first Electoral Area F OCP was adopted in 1999, and new Census Canada Data shows that as of 2021, the population has grown over 50% to approximately 8,200 people. Much of the OCP remains relevant today, and this project was initiated in 2019 to address emerging challenges and update sections of the OCP that have become dated.

Draft Electoral Area F Official Community Plan

After completing Round 1 and Round 2 of community engagement, the RDN is pleased to announce the Draft Electoral Area F Official Community Plan (Draft OCP) is ready for community review as part of Round 3 of engagement.

We look forward to hearing from you as we work towards a plan that reflects your vision for the community!

How can I get involved and learn more?


Q&A

Do you have a question for the project team on the Area F OCP Update? If so, please ask us here. Most questions and answers will be posted to the website for others to read and learn from. If you would prefer to ask your question privately, please email us directly at  areafocp@rdn.bc.ca.

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  • Share I have friends and family that would like to join our community, but there are very few homes or land available for sale. What plans do you have to address our supply shortage? on Facebook Share I have friends and family that would like to join our community, but there are very few homes or land available for sale. What plans do you have to address our supply shortage? on Twitter Share I have friends and family that would like to join our community, but there are very few homes or land available for sale. What plans do you have to address our supply shortage? on Linkedin Email I have friends and family that would like to join our community, but there are very few homes or land available for sale. What plans do you have to address our supply shortage? link

    I have friends and family that would like to join our community, but there are very few homes or land available for sale. What plans do you have to address our supply shortage?

    Acarey asked over 2 years ago

    Good morning and thank you for your question. An OCP must ensure there is enough land designated for new housing to meet the needs of a growing population, while also balancing both environmental protection and affordable and adequate housing. An OCP can support affordable housing initiatives, secondary suits and diverse housing options like tiny homes. An OCP can also dictate minimum parcel size requirements within different land use designations that can directly impact the availability of land. An OCP cannot however control housing market conditions related to cost of land, housing and material that are driven by factors outside of local government control. We encourage you to review the community workbooks as they propose policy options that address housing and growth within Electoral Area F.  

  • Share I am late to the game and work schedules have been difficult to visit in person, i have 2 questions: I currently reside on a 1HA rr2 property and dont see any language that speaks to the carriage house allowance. We bought this property with the intention of building a proper size residence (currently reside in a 550 sq foot home, which we intend to be the carriage home or a long term rental down the road) I hope with housing issues this is still the case. I have always found the "dwelling" language vague and doesnt seem to stop someone building a mansion and packing 30 people in it to draw on groundwater resources. whereas i would be looking to build the smallest house allowed by carriage house rules as the main dwelling, if thats still the case. secondly: In the approach to encourage climate specific goals or values, or just to mitigate development has the OCP ever been informed that it is the least friendly to solar installs in the whole country? Vancouver used to be the most vigorous in Canada and now the RDN has taken the place of that with structural reviews that cost thousands (usually running upwards of $5000) and chases many away. I can speak to this as a local master electrician who also works as a solar project manager. Even just adopting the Vancouver standard would encourage the use of these systems that can provide a great deal of value for many within the RDN. Even brand new homes with engineered trusses for solar still require stamped engineer visits and assurance letters. thanks for you time Lyndon Lengsfeld on Facebook Share I am late to the game and work schedules have been difficult to visit in person, i have 2 questions: I currently reside on a 1HA rr2 property and dont see any language that speaks to the carriage house allowance. We bought this property with the intention of building a proper size residence (currently reside in a 550 sq foot home, which we intend to be the carriage home or a long term rental down the road) I hope with housing issues this is still the case. I have always found the "dwelling" language vague and doesnt seem to stop someone building a mansion and packing 30 people in it to draw on groundwater resources. whereas i would be looking to build the smallest house allowed by carriage house rules as the main dwelling, if thats still the case. secondly: In the approach to encourage climate specific goals or values, or just to mitigate development has the OCP ever been informed that it is the least friendly to solar installs in the whole country? Vancouver used to be the most vigorous in Canada and now the RDN has taken the place of that with structural reviews that cost thousands (usually running upwards of $5000) and chases many away. I can speak to this as a local master electrician who also works as a solar project manager. Even just adopting the Vancouver standard would encourage the use of these systems that can provide a great deal of value for many within the RDN. Even brand new homes with engineered trusses for solar still require stamped engineer visits and assurance letters. thanks for you time Lyndon Lengsfeld on Twitter Share I am late to the game and work schedules have been difficult to visit in person, i have 2 questions: I currently reside on a 1HA rr2 property and dont see any language that speaks to the carriage house allowance. We bought this property with the intention of building a proper size residence (currently reside in a 550 sq foot home, which we intend to be the carriage home or a long term rental down the road) I hope with housing issues this is still the case. I have always found the "dwelling" language vague and doesnt seem to stop someone building a mansion and packing 30 people in it to draw on groundwater resources. whereas i would be looking to build the smallest house allowed by carriage house rules as the main dwelling, if thats still the case. secondly: In the approach to encourage climate specific goals or values, or just to mitigate development has the OCP ever been informed that it is the least friendly to solar installs in the whole country? Vancouver used to be the most vigorous in Canada and now the RDN has taken the place of that with structural reviews that cost thousands (usually running upwards of $5000) and chases many away. I can speak to this as a local master electrician who also works as a solar project manager. Even just adopting the Vancouver standard would encourage the use of these systems that can provide a great deal of value for many within the RDN. Even brand new homes with engineered trusses for solar still require stamped engineer visits and assurance letters. thanks for you time Lyndon Lengsfeld on Linkedin Email I am late to the game and work schedules have been difficult to visit in person, i have 2 questions: I currently reside on a 1HA rr2 property and dont see any language that speaks to the carriage house allowance. We bought this property with the intention of building a proper size residence (currently reside in a 550 sq foot home, which we intend to be the carriage home or a long term rental down the road) I hope with housing issues this is still the case. I have always found the "dwelling" language vague and doesnt seem to stop someone building a mansion and packing 30 people in it to draw on groundwater resources. whereas i would be looking to build the smallest house allowed by carriage house rules as the main dwelling, if thats still the case. secondly: In the approach to encourage climate specific goals or values, or just to mitigate development has the OCP ever been informed that it is the least friendly to solar installs in the whole country? Vancouver used to be the most vigorous in Canada and now the RDN has taken the place of that with structural reviews that cost thousands (usually running upwards of $5000) and chases many away. I can speak to this as a local master electrician who also works as a solar project manager. Even just adopting the Vancouver standard would encourage the use of these systems that can provide a great deal of value for many within the RDN. Even brand new homes with engineered trusses for solar still require stamped engineer visits and assurance letters. thanks for you time Lyndon Lengsfeld link

    I am late to the game and work schedules have been difficult to visit in person, i have 2 questions: I currently reside on a 1HA rr2 property and dont see any language that speaks to the carriage house allowance. We bought this property with the intention of building a proper size residence (currently reside in a 550 sq foot home, which we intend to be the carriage home or a long term rental down the road) I hope with housing issues this is still the case. I have always found the "dwelling" language vague and doesnt seem to stop someone building a mansion and packing 30 people in it to draw on groundwater resources. whereas i would be looking to build the smallest house allowed by carriage house rules as the main dwelling, if thats still the case. secondly: In the approach to encourage climate specific goals or values, or just to mitigate development has the OCP ever been informed that it is the least friendly to solar installs in the whole country? Vancouver used to be the most vigorous in Canada and now the RDN has taken the place of that with structural reviews that cost thousands (usually running upwards of $5000) and chases many away. I can speak to this as a local master electrician who also works as a solar project manager. Even just adopting the Vancouver standard would encourage the use of these systems that can provide a great deal of value for many within the RDN. Even brand new homes with engineered trusses for solar still require stamped engineer visits and assurance letters. thanks for you time Lyndon Lengsfeld

    LyndonL asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your questions. The Rural Residential land use designation within the current and Draft Electoral Area F Official Community Plan both permit 1 dwelling unit per 1.0 hectare. The Rural Residential 2 Zone within Zoning Bylaw 1285 permits 1 dwelling unit per 1 ha and a detached secondary suite up to a maximum of 90 square metres on a property 8000 square metres or larger. There is no maximum dwelling unit size for a primary residence, however, the maximum lot coverage in the Rural Residential 2 Zone of Zoning Bylaw 1285 is 25%.The 25% maximum includes all buildings and structures on the property.

    The Regional District of Nanaimo is currently reviewing our current solar panel permit process/requirements and looking at how we can best support industry and green building initiatives.

    Please visit the following link for more information on Secondary Suites within the Regional District of Nanaimo:

    https://www.rdn.bc.ca/secondary-suites


  • Share When will area f get municipal water ? I have lived on little mountain for 30 years, I've seen a lot of growth in parksville over the years, wondering why is it the develepors can access all the water for their building demands, but we in errington must cut back and reduce our water consumption every summer! AT the rate they are building apartment blocks in parksville , where is the water going to come from? Have you seen how low the water is in the Englishman river? Last fall I walked across the river about half a mile upstream of toprige, it was ankle deep and only 12 feet across! What will the rdn do when we run out of water, will they keep raising taxes or will they deliver bulk water to your doorstep? LEts pray for rain. on Facebook Share When will area f get municipal water ? I have lived on little mountain for 30 years, I've seen a lot of growth in parksville over the years, wondering why is it the develepors can access all the water for their building demands, but we in errington must cut back and reduce our water consumption every summer! AT the rate they are building apartment blocks in parksville , where is the water going to come from? Have you seen how low the water is in the Englishman river? Last fall I walked across the river about half a mile upstream of toprige, it was ankle deep and only 12 feet across! What will the rdn do when we run out of water, will they keep raising taxes or will they deliver bulk water to your doorstep? LEts pray for rain. on Twitter Share When will area f get municipal water ? I have lived on little mountain for 30 years, I've seen a lot of growth in parksville over the years, wondering why is it the develepors can access all the water for their building demands, but we in errington must cut back and reduce our water consumption every summer! AT the rate they are building apartment blocks in parksville , where is the water going to come from? Have you seen how low the water is in the Englishman river? Last fall I walked across the river about half a mile upstream of toprige, it was ankle deep and only 12 feet across! What will the rdn do when we run out of water, will they keep raising taxes or will they deliver bulk water to your doorstep? LEts pray for rain. on Linkedin Email When will area f get municipal water ? I have lived on little mountain for 30 years, I've seen a lot of growth in parksville over the years, wondering why is it the develepors can access all the water for their building demands, but we in errington must cut back and reduce our water consumption every summer! AT the rate they are building apartment blocks in parksville , where is the water going to come from? Have you seen how low the water is in the Englishman river? Last fall I walked across the river about half a mile upstream of toprige, it was ankle deep and only 12 feet across! What will the rdn do when we run out of water, will they keep raising taxes or will they deliver bulk water to your doorstep? LEts pray for rain. link

    When will area f get municipal water ? I have lived on little mountain for 30 years, I've seen a lot of growth in parksville over the years, wondering why is it the develepors can access all the water for their building demands, but we in errington must cut back and reduce our water consumption every summer! AT the rate they are building apartment blocks in parksville , where is the water going to come from? Have you seen how low the water is in the Englishman river? Last fall I walked across the river about half a mile upstream of toprige, it was ankle deep and only 12 feet across! What will the rdn do when we run out of water, will they keep raising taxes or will they deliver bulk water to your doorstep? LEts pray for rain.

    Mikey asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your questions. There are currently no plans to construct or extend community water systems in Electoral Area F. 

    As we experience prolonged droughts it is important to consider additional means to protect water sources. The Draft Electoral Area F Official Community Plan proposes an Aquifer Protection Development Permit Area to protect the quality and quantity of groundwater. 

    Please visit the document library at https://www.getinvolved.rdn.ca/areafocp/widgets/47067/documents to review the Draft OCP and Draft Development Permit Areas and learn how these documents propose measures to protect groundwater within Electoral Area F. 

  • Share Will the Whiskey Creek store be rebuilt. on Facebook Share Will the Whiskey Creek store be rebuilt. on Twitter Share Will the Whiskey Creek store be rebuilt. on Linkedin Email Will the Whiskey Creek store be rebuilt. link

    Will the Whiskey Creek store be rebuilt.

    Survey WC asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question. The Whiskey Creek store was privately owned and the decision to develop the property belongs to the property owner, and is subject to all applicable bylaws and policies of the Regional District of Nanaimo. 

  • Share The last update to this page was 1 year ago, June 20th 2022. At that time it was anticipated that phase 3 would commence in Fall 2022. This timeline was communicated to the board, and has been a factor in decision making in board meetings. When can we expect an update on this process? It seems to be taking longer than expected and impacting decision making and bylaw enforcement. I would appreciate an update on the process and some revised timelines. Thank you! on Facebook Share The last update to this page was 1 year ago, June 20th 2022. At that time it was anticipated that phase 3 would commence in Fall 2022. This timeline was communicated to the board, and has been a factor in decision making in board meetings. When can we expect an update on this process? It seems to be taking longer than expected and impacting decision making and bylaw enforcement. I would appreciate an update on the process and some revised timelines. Thank you! on Twitter Share The last update to this page was 1 year ago, June 20th 2022. At that time it was anticipated that phase 3 would commence in Fall 2022. This timeline was communicated to the board, and has been a factor in decision making in board meetings. When can we expect an update on this process? It seems to be taking longer than expected and impacting decision making and bylaw enforcement. I would appreciate an update on the process and some revised timelines. Thank you! on Linkedin Email The last update to this page was 1 year ago, June 20th 2022. At that time it was anticipated that phase 3 would commence in Fall 2022. This timeline was communicated to the board, and has been a factor in decision making in board meetings. When can we expect an update on this process? It seems to be taking longer than expected and impacting decision making and bylaw enforcement. I would appreciate an update on the process and some revised timelines. Thank you! link

    The last update to this page was 1 year ago, June 20th 2022. At that time it was anticipated that phase 3 would commence in Fall 2022. This timeline was communicated to the board, and has been a factor in decision making in board meetings. When can we expect an update on this process? It seems to be taking longer than expected and impacting decision making and bylaw enforcement. I would appreciate an update on the process and some revised timelines. Thank you!

    mpattisonbba asked over 1 year ago

    Good afternoon. Thank you for your patience and interest in this project. The Draft Electoral Area F Official Community Plan is now available on the project webpage and Round 3 of community engagement has started. We look forward to hearing from you!

  • Share Hello, For Area F, what is the current stance or process for building agro-tourism accomodation cabins? There are lots of new farms starting out in the Coombs area, and this would be a great way to rejuvenate the area. on Facebook Share Hello, For Area F, what is the current stance or process for building agro-tourism accomodation cabins? There are lots of new farms starting out in the Coombs area, and this would be a great way to rejuvenate the area. on Twitter Share Hello, For Area F, what is the current stance or process for building agro-tourism accomodation cabins? There are lots of new farms starting out in the Coombs area, and this would be a great way to rejuvenate the area. on Linkedin Email Hello, For Area F, what is the current stance or process for building agro-tourism accomodation cabins? There are lots of new farms starting out in the Coombs area, and this would be a great way to rejuvenate the area. link

    Hello, For Area F, what is the current stance or process for building agro-tourism accomodation cabins? There are lots of new farms starting out in the Coombs area, and this would be a great way to rejuvenate the area.

    Cristina Ciotinga asked over 2 years ago

    Hi Cristina, thank you for your comment and participating in the Electoral Area F Official Community Plan (OCP) Update. Agri-tourism accommodation is provincially regulated by the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) and currently permitted within the Agriculture 1 (A-1) zone of Zoning Bylaw 1285 (see document library) which outlines regulations and requirements related to this activity. Further information can be found on the ALC's website: https://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/alc/content/home. Policies to expand/modify the agri-tourism regulations as part of a subsequent zoning bylaw review is something that can be encouraged within the OCP Update.

  • Share Will minimum lot sizes be reduced to 2.5 acres to allow for subdivision and to increase housing supply? on Facebook Share Will minimum lot sizes be reduced to 2.5 acres to allow for subdivision and to increase housing supply? on Twitter Share Will minimum lot sizes be reduced to 2.5 acres to allow for subdivision and to increase housing supply? on Linkedin Email Will minimum lot sizes be reduced to 2.5 acres to allow for subdivision and to increase housing supply? link

    Will minimum lot sizes be reduced to 2.5 acres to allow for subdivision and to increase housing supply?

    Miranda Scott asked over 2 years ago

    Hi Miranda, thank you for taking an interest in your community and getting involved in the Area F OCP Update. Land use designations within an OCP can address minimum lot sizes and this topic is identified under the diverging topic section within the Growth Community Workbook. We encourage you to submit your comments related to minimum parcel size requirements as part of this process or attend an upcoming town hall to further discuss this, or any other topic of interest to you. 

  • Share I have friends and family that would like to join our community, but there is very few homes or land available for sale. What plans do you have to address our supply shortage? on Facebook Share I have friends and family that would like to join our community, but there is very few homes or land available for sale. What plans do you have to address our supply shortage? on Twitter Share I have friends and family that would like to join our community, but there is very few homes or land available for sale. What plans do you have to address our supply shortage? on Linkedin Email I have friends and family that would like to join our community, but there is very few homes or land available for sale. What plans do you have to address our supply shortage? link

    I have friends and family that would like to join our community, but there is very few homes or land available for sale. What plans do you have to address our supply shortage?

    Acarey asked over 2 years ago

    Good morning and thank you for your question. An OCP must ensure there is enough land designated for new housing to meet the needs of a growing population, while also balancing both environmental protection and affordable and adequate housing. An OCP can support affordable housing initiatives, secondary suits and diverse housing options like tiny homes. An OCP can also dictate minimum parcel size requirements within different land use designations that can directly impact the availability of land. An OCP cannot however control housing market conditions related to cost of land, housing and material that are driven by factors outside of local government control. We encourage you to review the community workbooks as they propose policy options that address housing and growth within Electoral Area F. 

  • Share Given the fact that the City of Parksville has made several overtures in the past and most recently to take over the industrial section of Errington in Area F, can the topic of a renewed "Incorporation Study" be added to the Area F OCP in order to protect our current boundaries and rural tax base? on Facebook Share Given the fact that the City of Parksville has made several overtures in the past and most recently to take over the industrial section of Errington in Area F, can the topic of a renewed "Incorporation Study" be added to the Area F OCP in order to protect our current boundaries and rural tax base? on Twitter Share Given the fact that the City of Parksville has made several overtures in the past and most recently to take over the industrial section of Errington in Area F, can the topic of a renewed "Incorporation Study" be added to the Area F OCP in order to protect our current boundaries and rural tax base? on Linkedin Email Given the fact that the City of Parksville has made several overtures in the past and most recently to take over the industrial section of Errington in Area F, can the topic of a renewed "Incorporation Study" be added to the Area F OCP in order to protect our current boundaries and rural tax base? link

    Given the fact that the City of Parksville has made several overtures in the past and most recently to take over the industrial section of Errington in Area F, can the topic of a renewed "Incorporation Study" be added to the Area F OCP in order to protect our current boundaries and rural tax base?

    noz asked almost 5 years ago

    Thank you for your comment and question. The comments you provided on the topic of an incorporation study will be included in an Engagement Summary Report as part of the first round of community engagement for this project. Undertaking an incorporation study is not part of this OCP Update, but it could be included in the OCP in a list of implementation actions to be done at a later date.

    To share additional ideas and comments about the update, we invite you to attend one of our upcoming in-person events or provide your feedback through an online survey that will be available soon. Stay tuned for more opportunities to provide comments and ideas in the spring when there will be a second round of community engagement looking at options for specific changes that could be made to the OCP to address the challenges and opportunities heard during this first round.


  • Share Hello, As a person who is concerned about Area F and in particular affordable housing/rental options. From the history of Area F there is quite a few lots that have multiple residential housing options; if an owner was able to strata the residential housing on the lots it would create affordable housing. If you look at the residential real estate market whats missing is the starter homes; a prospective buyer can not save the required deposit to purchase a home in todays market. Typically strata housing is cheaper because multiple owners can own and maintain the property. My question is this, how does a person with this idea put forward a proposal to see this vision become a reality? Thanks for your time. on Facebook Share Hello, As a person who is concerned about Area F and in particular affordable housing/rental options. From the history of Area F there is quite a few lots that have multiple residential housing options; if an owner was able to strata the residential housing on the lots it would create affordable housing. If you look at the residential real estate market whats missing is the starter homes; a prospective buyer can not save the required deposit to purchase a home in todays market. Typically strata housing is cheaper because multiple owners can own and maintain the property. My question is this, how does a person with this idea put forward a proposal to see this vision become a reality? Thanks for your time. on Twitter Share Hello, As a person who is concerned about Area F and in particular affordable housing/rental options. From the history of Area F there is quite a few lots that have multiple residential housing options; if an owner was able to strata the residential housing on the lots it would create affordable housing. If you look at the residential real estate market whats missing is the starter homes; a prospective buyer can not save the required deposit to purchase a home in todays market. Typically strata housing is cheaper because multiple owners can own and maintain the property. My question is this, how does a person with this idea put forward a proposal to see this vision become a reality? Thanks for your time. on Linkedin Email Hello, As a person who is concerned about Area F and in particular affordable housing/rental options. From the history of Area F there is quite a few lots that have multiple residential housing options; if an owner was able to strata the residential housing on the lots it would create affordable housing. If you look at the residential real estate market whats missing is the starter homes; a prospective buyer can not save the required deposit to purchase a home in todays market. Typically strata housing is cheaper because multiple owners can own and maintain the property. My question is this, how does a person with this idea put forward a proposal to see this vision become a reality? Thanks for your time. link

    Hello, As a person who is concerned about Area F and in particular affordable housing/rental options. From the history of Area F there is quite a few lots that have multiple residential housing options; if an owner was able to strata the residential housing on the lots it would create affordable housing. If you look at the residential real estate market whats missing is the starter homes; a prospective buyer can not save the required deposit to purchase a home in todays market. Typically strata housing is cheaper because multiple owners can own and maintain the property. My question is this, how does a person with this idea put forward a proposal to see this vision become a reality? Thanks for your time.

    Dela Cruz asked almost 5 years ago

    Thank you for your comments and question!

    Affordable housing is one of the key topic areas of this OCP Update project. The comments you provided on challenges and opportunities for affordable housing are helpful to the conversation and will also be included in an Engagement Summary Report as part of the initial round of engagement. To share additional ideas about affordable housing, you can attend one of our upcoming in-person events, or provide feedback through an online survey that will be available from February 16 – March 9.

    Stay tuned for more opportunities to provide comments and ideas in the spring when there will be a second round of community engagement looking at options for specific changes that could be made to the OCP to address the challenges and opportunities heard during this first round.

    Also, if you haven’t seen it already, have a look at the Housing Snapshot on the website that includes background information on housing and the current OCP policies.

    Housing
    Housing
Page last updated: 06 Nov 2024, 09:02 AM