FAQ's
What is the Community Issues Assessment for Electoral Area G?
A Community Issues Assessment will be taking place in Electoral Area G this fall. The Community Issues Assessment aims to provide residents with an understanding of the current system of governance in the RDN Electoral Area G, and to identify whether there are any key issues or emerging trends. Depending on the results of the Community Issues Assessment, further study may be considered to assess ways to address them.
Why is a Community Issues Assessment being done?
The community issues assessment will provide residents with information on Electoral Area G’s current system of governance and improve awareness about how services are provided in the community. It will help identify shared interests and opportunities that may lead to further targeted governance work in Electoral Area G.
Who runs the Electoral Area G Community Issues Assessment?
An external expert consultant appointed by the RDN will conduct the Community Issues Assessment.
What is the Area that will be studied?
The entire area of Electoral Area G will be included in the study. This includes the communities of Englishman River, San Pareil, French Creek, Little Qualicum, and Dashwood.
Study Timeline
How long will the Community Issues Assessment take?
The Community Issues Assessment will take approximately eight to nine months.
Will the Assessment timelines change?
It is anticipated that the final report with any recommendations will be completed and presented to the Regional District of Nanaimo Board in June 2025. Any changes to the timelines will be shared with the community.
Residents Role in the study
What role does the public play in this study?
At this time, the Community Issues Assessment has been approved but has not started. The Regional District of Nanaimo is not taking comments yet. Please watch this website to learn more about when and how you can have your say, and register on Get Involved RDN to receive notifications.
How will public engagement take place?
The study consultant will determine how best to engage with the community and interested parties. Ensuring the Community Issues Assessment process is carried out in an inclusive, open, and transparent manner, the study consultant will provide an important link between the community and the Board, complemented by the Electoral Area Director who may assist in raising awareness about the Community Issues Assessment and related public engagement events.
RDN and Ministry of Municipal Affairs staff will undertake engagement and outreach with First Nations who may have an interest in the study and wish to provide their input and views in addition to participating in the public engagement component.
I want to give feedback on services I receive in Area G. How do I do that?
At this time, the Community Issues Assessment has been approved but has not started. The Regional District of Nanaimo is not taking comments yet.
Register on Get Involved RDN to receive a notification when you can give your input.
Study Process
Is a Governance and Services Study happening for Area G?
The Ministry has approved the Regional District of Nanaimo to undergo a Community Issues Assessment for Electoral Area G.
The Community Issues Assessment aims to provide residents with an understanding of the current system of governance in the RDN Electoral Area G, and to identify whether there are any key issues or emerging trends. Depending on the results of the Community Issues Assessment, further study may be considered to assess ways to address them.
What will the Community Issues Assessment process look like?
The study will take approximately eight to nine months in total.
A external expert consultant appointed by the Regional District of Nanaimo will conduct the Community Issues Assessment including public engagement and will provide a final report and presentation on findings to the Regional District of Nanaimo Board.
The Community Issues Assessment will focus on community engagement with the objective of hearing from the community about concerns and challenges and may help shape the focus of any future studies. Unlike a Governance and Service Study, this study does not involve a community study committee.
Who will be making decisions about changes to Area G governance or services?
A Community Issues Assessment will provide residents and the RDN with information on their current system of governance and improve awareness about who provides services in the community.
A consultant appointed by the Regional District of Nanaimo will guide the Community Issues Assessment including public engagement and will provide a final report and presentation on findings to the Regional District of Nanaimo Board.
Following completion of the study, the RDN will convey the findings to the Minister of Municipal Affairs. Depending on the results of the study and subsequent decisions by the RDN Board, further steps towards a governance review for Electoral Area G may be considered by the Minister of Municipal Affairs, if warranted.
How much does the Community Issues Assessment cost?
The cost of the Community Issues Assessment is shared between the RDN and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (Province of BC). The Ministry has provided grant money in the amount of $45,000. The rest of the funding will come from funds Electoral Area G has already saved for this project.
The total cost of the study is currently unknown and will be shared at a later date.