Public Hearings

The Local Government Act requires that a Public Hearing be held before the Board adopts an amendment to an official community plan bylaw, and some amendments to a zoning bylaw. Public Hearings are held to provide the public with an opportunity to convey their views on proposed amendments to land use regulations and/or policy.

In some cases, a Public Hearing may not be held where a proposed zoning amendment is consistent with an official community plan or if the amendment increases the availability of housing within the area. For all zoning amendments related to residential use, a Public Hearing is not permitted.

Public Hearings are advertised in the local newspaper and online prior to the scheduled Public Hearing. In some instances, Public Notices are also mailed to owners and occupants of surrounding properties and signs are posted on the subject property at least ten days prior to the scheduled Public Hearing.

If you believe that you are affected by a proposed bylaw amendment being considered at a Public Hearing, you may submit written comments prior to, or make a presentation in person, during a scheduled Public Hearing.

For more information on upcoming Public Hearings, please visit the RDN Development Applications or project webpage.

Participate in a Public Hearing

Submit Written Comments to the RDN Board

By Email: planning [at] rdn.bc.ca

By mail: to RDN Development and Emergency Services, 6300 Hammond Bay Road,
Nanaimo, B.C. V9T 6N2

In person: at the above address, at the main entrance Planning counter or after hours in the mail slot.

Written submissions must be received before the close of the Public Hearing. Written submissions received by 4 p.m. the day before the Public Hearing will be posted to the RDN project or application webpage.

NOTE - Please do not include personal or confidential information about yourself or others in your written submission. Written submissions, including names and addresses, will become part of the public record which includes the submissions being made available for public inspection and on the RDN website.

Attend a Public Hearing

Information on meeting time and location for attending a Public Hearing can be found on the RDN website under Public Notices and on the RDN Get Involved Development Applications or project page.

Presentations or submissions must be received by the RDN before the Public Hearing is concluded as the Board is not permitted to receive or consider any further submission or information after the conclusion of the Public Hearing.

What Happens at a Public Hearing?

1. The Chair calls the meeting to order.

2. The Chair describes the procedure for the meeting and proceeds with the first bylaw amendment.

3. When applicable, the applicant is usually invited to speak first followed by the general public. There are no requirements to register for speaking in advance of the meeting. A speakers list is provided at the meeting but a person does not need to be on the list to speak.

4. Everyone who wishes to speak will be given an opportunity to be heard. Once everyone has had a chance to speak, those who wish to speak again may do so. Please keep in mind that if you choose to speak again, you should be presenting new points, not repeating what you have already stated.

5. The Chair calls three times, to ask if anyone else would like to speak, should no one appear at the podium to speak, the bylaw amendment item is then closed.

6. When applicable, the Chair introduces the next bylaw amendment item and the above steps are repeated.

7. Once all bylaw amendment items have been closed, the Chair will adjourn the Public Hearing meeting.