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City to undertake AAP to include Snuneymuxw reserve lands within City boundary

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed February 24, 2026 1:00 PM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo will be undertaking an alternative approval process (AAP) to gain permission from residents to amend the municipal boundary to include Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN) reserve lands. Under the Local Government Act, elector approval is required to allow for a municipal boundary extension. Nanaimo City Council provided direction to proceed with an AAP at their meeting held on February 23, 2026.

A municipal boundary extension, to include SFN reserves (IRs 1, 2, 3 and 4) was requested by SFN and is supported by City Plan policy and in alignment with the City’s commitment to advancing reconciliation. Including these lands within the City boundary would enable Snuneymuxw residents living on reserve to participate in City of Nanaimo municipal elections.

The City would not be required to provide new services as part of the proposed boundary extension. Existing servicing arrangements between SFN, other levels of government and the City covering infrastructure, transportation and other assets would remain unchanged.

The AAP process will begin on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. and will run until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026.

For more information on the Alternative Approval Process visit www.nanaimo.ca/goto/aap.

Link to Strategic Plan: The proposed boundary extension supports City Plan's goals of an Empowered Nanaimo, and the commitment outlined in Policy C4.1 Truth & Reconciliation. Communicating with the community and providing the opportunity to be heard through the AAP process reflects Council's commitment to governance excellence.

Key Points

  • The Alternative Approval Process will run from Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026.
  • In an AAP, eligible electors who are opposed to the proposed boundary extension may fill out an Elector Response Form which will be made available on Wednesday, March 11.
  • If 10 per cent or more of eligible voters submit an Elector Response Form in opposition, a referendum would need to be held to seek approval of the electors before the boundary extension could proceed.
  • If less than 10 per cent of eligible voters submit an elector response form, Council may proceed with the boundary extension request, which requires Provincial Cabinet approval.

Quotes

"For far too long, people living on Snuneymuxw reserve lands have been unable to vote for those making decisions that directly affect their neighbourhoods. This proposed change will ensure all Snuneymuxw residents living on reserve lands will have the opportunity to elect the leaders who represent them. This is about correcting the past and planning responsibly for Nanaimo’s future."

Leonard Krog
Mayor
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • When Nanaimo amalgamated in 1975, reserve lands were not included in the City’s Letters Patent. As a result, SFN members living on reserve vote in Regional District of Nanaimo elections rather than municipal elections.
  • Letters Patent are legal documents issued by the B.C. government to create or modify a municipality or regional district.
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Contact:

For media enquiries, please contact:
Communications
City of Nanaimo
(250) 754-4251

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