Following the completion of a background study on secondary suites as a form of housing in the Regional District of Nanaimo's Electoral Areas A, C, E, F, G and H, the RDN board has approved a secondary suites consultation plan. Land use planning for Gabriola and surrounding islands is a function of Islands Trust, so Electoral Area B will not be part of the planning process.
“Consulting with the public will help us find out if secondary suites are supported within our electoral areas, and if so, what locations and forms residents prefer,” said Joe Stanhope, RDN chairman, adding that anybody with an interest or concerns about secondary suites can participate in the consultation process.
An online survey, informal meetings in each electoral area and community events will be some of the ways people can participate.
If secondary suites are supported by RDN residents and the board of directors, the next step will be to initiate amendments to the applicable zoning bylaws and official community plans to allow for suites. Additional public consultation will then occur in each electoral area.
More information, including a link to the online survey, is available on the project website at www.rdnsecondarysuites.ca or by phoning Greg Keller, RDN senior planner, at 250-390-6510 or by e-mailing planning@rdn.bc.ca.