An alternative approval process (AAP) wrapped Monday, April 13, to attempt to gain elector approval for a municipal boundary extension enabling inclusion of Snuneymuxw First Nation members to vote in Nanaimo elections. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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NANAIMO — Those living on Snuneymuxw First Nation reserve lands could be eligible to vote in City of Nanaimo elections, beginning this October.

An alternative approval process, requesting elector approval to extend the municipal boundary for the City ended Monday, April 13, with 287 valid forms registering an objection received prior to a 4:30 p.m. deadline.

Just under 8,000, or 10 per cent, of the eligible electors in the City of Nanaimo were required to stop the proposal.

With elector approval, it clears the way for around 800 people living on Snuneymuxw’s four reserves to cast a ballot for Mayor and Council in the October election, as well as other votes affecting the City of Nanaimo.

The move is still pending Nanaimo Council decision, due Monday, April 20, and subsequent provincial government approval.

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Previously, some members had voted in Regional District and School District 68 elections, as well as votes for Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief and Council.

First announced in February, the move does not change any existing service agreements for infrastructure, transportation, and other assets.

SFN Chief Michael Wyse said at the time this step was a practical and meaningful way to further advance the relationship between the City and SFN.

“Snuneymuxw is Nanaimo, and Nanaimo is Snuneymuxw. However, when boundary lines were arbitrarily drawn on a piece of paper, Snuneymuxw was purposely left out of the municipal boundaries, and only a tiny portion was included in the RDN boundary.”

Opponents to the boundary adjustment said those living on Snuneymuxw First Nation land would not pay taxes to the city but would receive City infrastructure benefits.

They were also concerned about “800 organized votes,” which “could easily swing Nanaimo results in ‘friendly’ candidates’ favor [sic].”

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by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Nanaimo municipal boundary extension passes AAP

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