Municipal boundary extension request advances to Province

Elector approval received through an alternative approval process

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed April 22, 2026 12:00 PM

Summary

An alternative approval process (AAP) seeking residents’ permission to amend the municipal boundary to include Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN) reserve lands concluded on April 13, 2026. With 287 forms received during the AAP period, less than 10 per cent of electors stated their opposition to the proposed boundary extension and elector approval has been obtained through the requirements outlined in the Community Charter.

At the Council meeting held on April 20, 2026, Council received the certified results of the AAP and directed staff to forward the necessary documentation to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs to formally request the boundary extension.

If Provincial approval is obtained, the boundary change will see Snuneymuxw reserve lands (IRs 1, 2, 3 and 4) included within the boundary of City of Nanaimo. The change was requested by SFN and is supported by City Plan policy and in alignment with the City’s commitment to advancing reconciliation.

The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs will prepare Letters Patent reflecting the boundary change. The boundary change will require approval by the Lieutenant Governor in Council (Cabinet) through an Order in Council that issues Letters Patent to finalize the municipal boundary extension.

Link to Strategic Plan: The boundary extension supports City Plan's goals of an Empowered Nanaimo, and the commitment outlined in Policy C4.1 Truth & Reconciliation.

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