A new public works facility is needed along Labieux Rd., however the AAP Nanaimo councillors used to attempt borrowing money may be deemed null and void. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

advanced notice

Administrative error could see second AAP for $48.5m public works facility borrowing

Nov 29, 2023 | 3:35 PM

NANAIMO — Funding for a modern public works facility in central Nanaimo is again up in the air, due to a clerical error.

The City of Nanaimo will potentially run a second Alternative Approval Process (AAP) in January to attempt to borrow up to $48.5 million dollars for phase one of the project after an administrative error was discovered by the City from their initial AAP which concluded in early November.

“Although staff followed the requirements outlined in the City of Nanaimo Public Notice Bylaw 2022 No. 7325, and ran the AAP for an additional seven days (37 days instead of the required 30 days), the timing of the advance notice did not meet the Province’s legislative requirements,” the City said in a statement.

After being made aware of the error, City staff recommended a second AAP proceed “to ensure an open and transparent process.”

Councillors will decide on what steps to take at their Monday, Dec. 4 meeting and should a second AAP be called for, the results of the first vote would not be carried over.

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An AAP requires 10 per cent of eligible electors to submit written objection to the borrowing to proceed in order for the process to stop.

November’s tally saw just under four per cent submit by the deadline.

The exact dates for the second AAP will be discussed at the Monday meeting, however a City staff report will suggest a 34-day window between Jan. 18, 2024 and Feb. 20, 2024.

Additional notices would occur in local media and other methods in late December and early January.

An updated number of eligible electors would also be used, with the City determining 78,892 eligible voters live in Nanaimo.

This number was derived from 2022 registration combined with approximate population increase per year.

A total of 7,889 votes would be required to stop Council from considering borrowing.

A growing number of people showed dissatisfaction with the process in the latter stages of the 37-day voting period and in the immediate aftermath.

Rising property taxes, improper notice and not enough promotion of the AAP to encourage engagement were among their chief concerns.

If a second AAP passes, with fewer than 10 per cent voting against, then Council will again be permitted to borrow the funds to complete phase one construction to replace the aging Public Works Yard on Labieux Rd.

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