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Alternative approval process begins for municipal boundary extension

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed March 11, 2026 10:00 AM

Summary

An alternative approval process (AAP) to gain residents' permission to amend the municipal boundary to include Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN) reserve lands begins today. 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. Under the Local Government Act, elector approval is required to allow for a municipal boundary extension.

For those who are in favour of the proposed boundary extension, no action is required. Eligible voters in Nanaimo who are opposed to the boundary extension may fill out and submit an elector response form available at City Hall, or on the City website.

Completed forms must be received by the deadline of 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026. Details on how to submit a completed form can be found on the City’s Alternative Approval Process page: www.nanaimo.ca/goto/aap. Each eligible voter is permitted one response.

For more information on this AAP please visit https://nanaimo.ca/goto/boundary-extension-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.
  • 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

"This Alternative Approval Process gives eligible voters a clear and accessible way to share their views on the proposed boundary extension. Making informed decisions starts with accessible information, and we’ve made all AAP materials available online and at City Hall."

Sheila Gurrie
Director, Legislative Services
City of Nanaimo
-30-

Contact:

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

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