Current Initiatives

Vancouver Island Agricultural Adaptation Strategy

Climate models show that Canada’s agricultural regions will likely see drier summers from coast to coast with increased winter and spring precipitation over the next sixty years. While agricultural producers are used to planning for uncertainty, climate change brings a different scope and scale of change from that previously experienced.

To prepare for these changes the RDN partnered with the BC Agriculture and Food Climate Action Initiative (CAI), other Island regional districts (CRD, CVRD, and CVRD) and agricultural groups in the development of the Vancouver Island Agricultural Adaptation Strategy. The intent of this project is to improve our understanding of climate change impacts and adaptation strategies, as well as support and complement other related initiatives in the region including the RDN’s Agriculture Area Plan.

The development of the Strategy was coordinated by the CAI and overseen by an Advisory Committee. In addition members of the agricultural community from across the Island were contacted to provide their input and insights.

For more details on the project please visit the CAI webpage or for local inquiries contact the RDN planning department on Tel: 250-390-6510 or Email: planning [at] rdn.bc.ca (planning[at]rdn[dot]bc[dot]ca)

Past Initiatives

Agricultural Bylaw and Policy Update Project

A thorough review of all RDN Bylaws and Policies to identify and address obstacles and barriers to agriculture in the region.

Agricultural Land Use Inventory

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is working with the Ministry of Agriculture (AGRI) and the Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia to protect water resources and promote sustainable food and agriculture systems that are part of the economic, environmental, and social fabric of the region.

Other RDN Initiatives:

If you are interested in finding out more about other RDN programs and initiatives, visit the RDN get involved section