Keeping in touch
Welcome to the third edition of Electoral Area G Update.
In early October, I sent a letter to all Chartwell residents and property owners concerning the proposed boundary extension by the Town of Qualicum Beach to include the Chartwell subdivision within municipal boundaries. Unfortunately, there has been a lot of conflicting information circulating on this important issue.
While it is clear to me that the residents wish to join the Town, I still believe it is important that they do so with a clear and accurate understanding of the costs they will bear. The RDN is working closely with the Town and the Province to convene a public meeting to present all residents with "the facts." I believe that there needs to be a frank discussion about the pros and cons of this proposal and cost implications. One key issue is removing the Chartwell subdivision from the French Creek Water Local Service Area and the impact to Sandpiper residents. Once all financial information is available from the Province, residents will be notified about this upcoming public meeting.
It was my pleasure as RDN Chairperson toattend a special ceremony in October to announce the purchase of Block 602, a 439 acre property along the banks of the Englishman River. This significant purchase will protect and secure the Englishman River for future generations.
More details about the RDN’s plans for this property are included in this newsletter.
I hope many of you will take the opportunity to enjoy Oceanside Place – the Regional District of Nanaimo’s new multiplex arena, which officially opened October 24. Thanks to the support of area taxpayers and the hard work of RDN staff, we have a facility everyone can be proud of. I’m certain that residents throughout the region will enjoy Oceanside Place for many years to come.
Once again, I welcome your feedback. You may reach me by telephone, fax or email. Contact information appears on the back of this newsletter. I wish you all a happy and safe holiday season.
Joe Stanhope, Director, Electoral Area G
Land Acquisition Secures Future of Englishman River
The RDN and other funding partners recently announced that a 439-acre property along side the Englishman River will become a new regional park. |
The Regional District will manage and operate the property as a regional park through a 99-year lease with The Nature Trust. The RDN will work with The Nature Trust and other funding partners to prepare a detailed Management Plan to protect the outstanding recreational, fishery, wildlife and other biodiversity values of the site. Opportunities for trail linkages to Top Bridge Community Park and the potential for numerous other recreational activities will benefit the whole area.
The purchase is significant because the property has potential as a site for future intake infrastructure for the Arrowsmith Water Service bulk water system. Drinking water supply and protection is one of the region's highest strategic priorities and participation in this land purchase helps protect this interest.
The Englishman River, one of the most endangered rivers in B.C., is the most important salmon-producing stream on the mid-east coast of Vancouver Island and supports threatened runs of Steelhead and Coho Salmon. A small fish hatchery is located on the property. The Pacific Salmon Foundation and Department of Fisheries & Oceans have selected the river as a top priority for salmon habitat restoration and enhancement efforts.
Other funding partners working with the RDN on this initiative included the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, the Pacific Estuary Conservation Program, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Pacific Salmon Foundation, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Environment Canada, the Vancouver Foundation, Canadian Wildlife Service, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and several anonymous private donors.
French Creek Estates Proposal
Over 100 people attended a public information meeting October 30 to discuss plans and issues related to future development of the remaining lands at Admiral’s Point in French Creek. The owner, French Creek Estates Ltd., proposes to build 220 multi-family units on the site as provided for under the current zoning. At the meeting, RDN staff reviewed applicable development guidelines and the developer, John Moore, presented an overview of the development concept. There was a presentation by the French Creek Resident’s Association followed by a question and answer period. The public can provide further input once the RDN considers a Development Permit Application.
RDN 2004 Annual Budget
Work is progressing on the Regional District of Nanaimo’s 2004 Annual Budget and updated five year financial plan (2004 to 2009). Both documents must be adopted by March 31. The requirement to prepare a five year financial plan reflects changes in the Local Government Act that took effect January 2003. The Board will hold public meetings at the RDN Board Room as well as special open houses in the northern and southern portions of the region in early 2004 to explain the budget and financial plan. Watch for meeting times and dates in local newspapers and on the RDN website.
Community Policing Costs Deferred
The Solicitor General Ministry, responsible for policing, has deferred the issue of additional policing costs for residents in unincorporated areas and municipalities under 5,000 until the year 2007. The RDN remains opposed to the proposal in its current form because it would significantly increase taxes in an unfair and inequitable manner. Under the provincial plan, rural areas and municipalities under 5,000 will contribute an average of 50 percent towards the cost of rural policing. This formula is based on a Province wide assessment, which results in RDN residents in the unincorporated areas paying for 86 percent of policing costs. The RDN has prepared a position paper that states that any formula implemented to recover policing costs should be established on the principle of fairness and equity, in which all regional districts pay their share based upon service provided to their area. The RDN will continue to advocate its position to the Province.
Building Boom Continues
A building boom that started in 2002 shows no signs of slowing down. The value of new housing construction in Area G topped $17 million from January to November 24, 2003.
Remain Water Wise
Watering restrictions in the Regional District of Nanaimo ended September 30 but the RDN encourages residents to remain water conscious throughout the year. Water levels in wells and reservoirs are recovering after an exceptionally dry summer. Adequate supply was maintained during the summer period thanks to residents’ efforts to comply with watering restrictions. However, a low winter snow pack and/or lower than normal precipitation could affect water resources next year. Please continue efforts to conserve water.
A Burning Issue: Reduce Wood Stove Smoke
Cold winter weather means more people are using woodstoves. Wood smoke has become a serious kind of air pollution in B.C. That’s because it contains fine particulates. Exposure to high levels of fine particulates can cause respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and emphysema. To reduce wood stove smoke, pay attention to what you burn and how you operate your wood stove. A few simple steps can make wood stoves much more efficient.
