Electoral Area A Parks, Recreation, and Culture Services

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Spring 2023 Programs are now open for registration!

New to Electoral Area A Parks, Recreation, and Culture and not sure where to start? Review some of the frequently asked questions for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create an account to register for programs?

1. Click the blue Register for Area A Recreation Programs button above.

2. Click Create an Account.

             

3. Enter your email and click Next. 

4. Enter your details and create a password.

5. Under your Account Options, click Manage Family Member to add your family to your account

           

6. Once all family members have been added, you are ready to register for programs.

7. Click Activities in the blue menu bar and search Area A to view all programs in Cedar, South Wellington, Yellowpoint, and Cassidy.

Please don't hesitate to contact Recreation Coordinator at 250-268-7354 with any questions, or for assistance in creating your account and adding family members.

How do I get access to my online account if it was created by RDN staff over the phone?

To access your online account if a Recreation Coordinator or Recreation Receptionist created an account for you over the phone:

1. Click the blue Register for Area A Recreation Programs button above.

2. Click Sign In.

3. Enter your email and click Forgot your password?

4. Check your inbox or junk mail folder for the email with a link to reset your password.

How do I find out about new programs available?

Typically, programs are released on a seasonal basis however, we may add new programs as they are developed. To find out about new programs available in Area A, click the blue Register for Area A Recreation Programs button above and look for the symbol. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to stay informed about services, program releases, and registration.

 Alternatively, contact the Recreation Coordinator for information by phone at 250-268-7354 or by email at jthorne [at] rdn.bc.ca.

Winter Weather and Program Cancellations

If bad weather occurs, we will reach out to registered participants to let them know if a program needs to be cancelled.

Above all else, if you are uncomfortable or it is unsafe for you to travel, please stay home. 

Watch RDN social media for the most immediate service notices; Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram or subscribe to RDN alerts to stay informed on all RDN services. 

If schools are cancelled, community recreation morning programs will also be cancelled. 

If conditions at a specific site are compromised due to power outages, ice or snow removal, emails will be sent to program registrants as soon as possible. 

Anything that is scheduled after 12:00 pm will be reassessed by 11:00 am and updated on social media and by email, if possible.

What is your refund policy?

Withdrawal from camps (partial or full day) requires seven (7) days notice prior to the start date.

Withdrawal from programs and activities requires 72 hours notice prior to the start date. If less than the required amount of time is provided, no refund or credit will be issued.

Regrettably, if a minimum number of registrants are not met, we may have to cancel or combine classes due to low registration. These decisions are made prior to the program start date. Please register early and spread the word to avoid disappointment. A 100% refund is granted when we cancel a program.

Extended illness/injury: In case of extended illness or injury, a prorated refund or credit may be granted upon the provision of a medical note.

Missed Classes: Classes missed due to illness, vacation, or other reasons will not be refunded or credited. 

My child is not attending a program today, how do I let the leaders know?

If your child will not be attending a program, please call or email the Recreation Coordinator as soon as possible at jthorne [at] rdn.bc.ca or 250-268-7354. 

Informing us your child will be absent from the program helps us ensure we know who to expect at the program and to adjust planned activities as necessary.

How do I view a schedule of my family's upcoming activities?

Your My Account feature allows you to view a weekly or monthly schedule of your family's upcoming activities. This is the quickest was to double check what days you or your child are registered in activities or programs.

1. Click the blue Register for Area A Recreation Programs button above.

2. Click Sign-in to access your online account. 

3. Click View Family Members Schedule.

            

4. Select the Family Members you wish to view.

           

5. Select the Schedule Type. We recommend that you Select all so you don't miss an activity or FlexReg program. You can also search by Center and Facilities.

6. Select Week or Month view.

7. If you wish, click Print or Add to calendar.

Have questions?

Contact the Area A Parks, Recreation, and Culture Services Team.

The Electoral Area A Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission plays a key role as an advisory body to the Regional Board regarding the administration and operation of the RDN service functions related to parks, recreation, and culture for the electoral area. Although the Commission is involved with community parks services, regional parks services are maintained under a separate function which can be found in the links below.

In consultation with local community organizations and the RDN Board, the Commission identified a need for a Recreation Coordinator to contribute to the planning and implementation of recreation and culture programs within Cedar, Cassidy, South Wellington, and Yellowpoint.

The Electoral Area A Recreation Coordinator will offer direct recreation and culture programs for all ages; develop a sense of community, foster partnerships, and create opportunities for individual growth.

General Information

What does the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Commission do?

Recreation and Culture Services

1. Make recommendations and provide advice to the Regional Board and staff regarding a wide range of Electoral Area A recreation & culture program issues including planning, development, and implementation of recreation and culture services.

2. Liaise, provide leadership and work with community and neighbourhood groups on a wide range of Electoral Area A recreation and culture programs and services.

3. Play a leadership role and provide a focal point for cooperation between community interests and the Regional District on Electoral Area A recreation and culture programs and services. Provide community input into planning documents including the development and updating of Electoral Area A recreation and culture services master plans.

Electoral Area Community Parks

1. Make recommendations and provide advice to the Regional Board regarding a wide range of Electoral Area A parks and open space issues including:

• the acquisition or tenure of community park sites as per RDN Policy A1-21 (Land Acquisition Process)
• subdivision park land dedications as per RDN Policy C1-05 (Review of Consideration of Parkland - Subdivision Application Process)
• the development and maintenance of community park sites
• priorities for expenditure of community park operations and reserve fund

2. Liaise provide leadership, and work with community and neighbourhood groups on a wide range of Electoral Area A parks and open space matters including:

• volunteer park development projects
• obtaining input regarding park planning and acquisition priorities
• trail system planning and development
• Ministry of Transportation waterfront accesses

3. Play a leadership role and provide a focal point for co-operation between community interests and the Regional District on Electoral Area A parks and open space issues.

4. Provide community input into park planning documents including the development and updating of the Electoral Area A community parks and trails master plan and specific community park development plans.

5. Work within the objectives and policies of the Regional Growth Management Plan, the Electoral Area Official Community Plan, the Area A Community Trails Study, the Regional Parks & Trails Plan, and any other statutory plans that are applicable to Electoral Area A.      

Commission Members and Meetings               

Electoral Area A Parks Services

Electoral Area A hosts several beautiful parks and trails including Thelma Griffith Community Park, South Wellington Community Park, Nanaimo River Trail, and Morden Colliery Regional Trail. 

Visit the  Parks Services page for more information on the parks, trails, and current projects within Area A.

Recreation Grants Program

The Electoral Area A Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission has a grant program that is targeted toward local community organizations providing recreation and culture services within Electoral Area A.

For more information on the application process and to download the application forms, click here.

Local Organizations with Recreation Opportunities

Local groups and organizations also offer recreation programs and facility rental services. 

For a listing of local groups that may be offering community recreation programs, please visit Community Links.

Program Proposal

Do you have an idea for a program or workshop you'd like to offer through the RDN Recreation and Parks department in Yellowpoint, Cedar, Cassidy, or South Wellington? We'd love to hear about it. 

For more information on the program proposal process, click here.

Area A Recreation Services Inventory  

The purpose of this project was to develop an inventory of recreational services in Electoral Area A for the Area A Parks, Recreation, and Culture Commission (the Commission). Ultimately, the inventory will be used by the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) and the Commission to inform future needs assessment discussions.

Click the link to view the final report, Area A Recreation Services Inventory - 2019

Electoral Area A Recreation and Culture Services Master Plan

On June 26, 2007, the Regional District of Nanaimo Board adopted the Area 'A' Recreation and Culture Services Master Plan. The Master Plan defines direction, philosophy, policies, priorities, and actions regarding the development and provision of Area A recreation and cultural services. It is a strategic plan that provided the basic framework to shape and guide recreation and cultural services administered and operated by the Regional District of Nanaimo Recreation and Parks Department in conjunction with other key community organizations over ten years (2007-2016).

To view the 2007 Master Plan in full, please Click Here.

The Master Plan process was initiated following the approval, in 2005, of an Electoral Area 'A' referendum, which includes the communities of Cassidy, Cedar, South Wellington, and part of Yellowpoint. Residents were asked if they were in favour of adopting "Electoral Area 'A' Recreation and Culture Services Bylaw No. 1467, 2005", which would establish a service to provide recreation and cultural services, and acquire, construct, and operate recreation and culture facilities in Electoral Area 'A'.

The first, four of twenty-six key recommendations referred to Governance and Administration of the services. As an outcome of these recommendations, a Commission was established to advise the Regional Board on the development and delivery of the recreation and culture services. The current Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission also advises the Regional Board on parks services.

Sports Fields and Recreation Services Agreement

It is important to note that in addition to the provision of localized recreation and cultural services, Electoral Area A is included in the District 68 Sports Field and Recreation Services Agreement between the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) and the City of Nanaimo. The Agreement was renewed in 2005 as an outcome of Phase One of the RDN Regional Service Review and provides local taxes from Electoral Areas A, B, and C and, the District of Lantzville to the City of Nanaimo for operational costs of City recreation services based on usage by each community.

To view the Services Agreement, please Click Here.