French Creek School and Parkland Engagement

On Saturday, October 25, 2025, electors of Electoral Area F approved, through referendum, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) to borrow up to $824,000, plus interest, to purchase 2350 Alberni Highway, Coombs, from School District 69. The purchase was completed in early 2026. The RDN Board provided direction for RDN staff to engage with the community on future uses of the property and facilities before providing recommendations for Board consideration this upcoming Fall.

The property includes the former French Creek Community School building, a separate gymnasium building and a field with a playground currently operated as French Creek School Community Park. The original schoolhouse dates back to 1911, with the balance of construction dated to 1977. The buildings are 16,843 square feet and the property is 9.15 acres (3.7 hectares). The Community Park is 6.61 acres (2.674 hectares) which is approximately 72 per cent of the property.

We want to hear from the community. To take part in the survey, ask questions and receive updates, please sign up with your email using the registration button at the top of this page. Your input will help the RDN understand the community's needs and guide the planning and development of the property.

Take Part, Stay Informed and learn more:

• Subscribe to receive email updates
• Check out the What's New updates for the latest information
• Explore this webpage to find out more about the property in the Background Documents and Photos
• Check out the FAQ's, which answer common questions, more will be added based on what we hear
• Attend the open house celebration on June 24, 2026
• Complete the survey by July 10, 2026, to share your thoughts
• Ask a question and we will do our best to answer it and share the information with everyone
• To learn more about the referendum and how we got here please visit the referendum project page