FAQ

• If you are Not Opposed – you don’t need to take any action

***Due to COVID-19 safety measures, residents are strongly encouraged to download the online form rather than obtaining forms in person.

Starting January 6, 2021, AAP forms will be available via methods listed below. 

Forms are not available prior to January 6, 2021.

Online: on the RDN website at:

https://www.rdn.bc.ca/alternative-approval-process-bylaw-1796

By Mail:  members of the public should call the RDN (250-390-4111 or toll free at 1-877-607-4111)  to request a mail-out of the Electoral Response Form, keeping in mind the submission deadlines and requirements (see III)

In Person: at the RDN Administration office (6300 Hammond Bay Road) – if possible, please phone ahead - 250-390-4111 or toll free at 1-877-607-4111

If you are OPPOSED to the adoption of "EV Charging Station Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1796, 2020", you need to let the RDN know through the formal Alternative Approval Process (AAP). 

To do this, submit an original, signed hard copy of your Elector Response Form to the RDN before 4pm on 15 February, 2021.  Full details on where to get a form and how to submit it are on the landing page for this project.

• The RDN Board selected the Alternative Approval Process because it is an efficient use of tax-payer dollars and more appropriate in scale to the bylaw being proposed – the alternative is an expensive referendum
• The AAP is a form of approval that allows electors to indicate whether they are opposed to the Regional District proceeding with the bylaw without first obtaining approval by assent of the electors (referendum)
• Approval of the electors by Alternative Approval Process is obtained if the number of elector responses received is less than 10% of the number of electors of the area to which the approval process applies.   The total number of electors in the area of the AAP is determined to be 19,947, therefore if 1,994 or more elector responses are received, the bylaw may not proceed without a referendum. 

• Station purchase and installation is funded through the Province's Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), CleanBC Communities Fund – the province is paying 73% of the purchase and installation cost and the RDN will pay 27% (to a maximum of $60,000)
• After installation, the RDN will be fully responsible for costs of ongoing operation, maintenance.  These costs are to be paid through taxation in the Electoral Areas receiving the stations.
• The annual cost to operate, maintain and replace stations is: $20,236
• The annual cost allocation across electoral areas is based on 2020 property assessments:

The RDN Board has designated that charging will be free at the stations for the first year of operation. After that point the Board has the option to continue with free charging or implement a fee for station use.

4 new Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations will be installed by the end of 2022, one in each of Electoral Areas B, E, G, and H.  

This is part of a larger mid-Island EV charging station project that will see 28 Level 2 stations installed from Nanaimo up to Campbell River and over to Ucluelet and Tofino.  Under this initiative, chargers are also being installed in partner municipalities of Parksville, Nanaimo and Qualicum Beach.

• All charging stations will be installed at accessible public facilities owned by the RDN and will prioritize public access.  
• The RDN Board prioritized locations that had gaps in the EV charging network and that were in areas that people would be visiting for other purposes (near parks, marinas, community spaces etc.)
• The stations proposed for RDN Electoral Areas (subject to feasibility) are:

A Level 2 charging station adds about 30km of range to an EV per hour of charging.

It is normally used as a 'top up' type charger while visiting other amenities in the area (e.g. while visiting a park, or shopping).

Level 2 charging stations were selected because they encourage people to 'stop and shop' and spend time in the area.

It is the type of charger most people install at home for EV charging.

The new Level 2 charging stations will help fill existing gaps in the mid-island area’s charging network.  They will expand zero emission transportation options for RDN residents, businesses and visitors, helping support the transition away from fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Email your question to:  Inquiries@rdn.bc.ca

Or

Call the RDN's central reception at 250-390-4111 or toll free at 1-877-607-4111 and they will connect you with the appropriate person based on the nature of your question.