The City of Nanaimo is looking to ensure those who say they represent neighbourhood associations are doing just that and actually represent the views of their surrounding area. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

rules and regs

New City guidelines lay out rules for Nanaimo neighbourhood associations

Apr 30, 2022 | 8:21 AM

NANAIMO — The way neighbourhood associations run and are recognized in the city are being adjusted.

City councillors recently passed new rules pertaining to the groups, formally listing who they are, what members they represent and how often they meet.

Lisa Brinkman, manager of community planning, told council Monday, April 25 they wanted to formalize and properly structure exactly what a neighbourhood association was, which would give credibility to those groups who then come before Council.

“The goal of the policy is to ensure an ongoing neighbourhood planning approach so that neighbourhood priorities are confirmed based on regular engagement with neighbourhood associations.”

The changes won’t stop neighbourhood associations for forming, but will limit how they are recognized by the City and what attention their requests receive.

niche amenities

Trio of community park projects advancing in Nanaimo

7h ago

final farewell

Family, friends and fans to gather at memorial for former B.C. premier John Horgan

8h ago

holiday vibes

Grizzlies spoil Clippers' teddy bear toss night

15h ago

Under the new guidelines, neighbourhood associations would be required to meet minimum criteria including meeting on a regular basis, establishing an elected executive, hold an annual general meeting and provide minutes of the meeting to the City.

Active engagement with members prior to responding to the City regarding development in their respective regions will also be required.

Council also passed $10,000 in City funds to be reserved for an annual grant, starting in 2023, for neighbourhood associations to use in their operations.

Some councillors believed the money to be too little, however suggested it would be easy to raise it in the future if needed.

Concerns were raised by councillors on a number of topics, including any additional oversight these more recognized groups would have for development in their area.

Brinkman said no impact is expected.

“If a proposed development conforms to the zoning bylaw and conforms to the guidelines in the development permit area, there is an obligation to approve that development permit, it is not a discretionary decision of Council and it’s not a decision in which we invite public input.”

Coun. Ian Thorpe added despite the changes, it will still be up to Council to decide how credible some members of associations are when making their pitch for support.

“The good work here is not going to help Council make decisions when we have an individual come to the podium and say ‘I’m speaking on behalf of the x-y-z neighbourhood association.’ We still will not be able to make any kind of determination whether that person is a bonafide representative of their association.”

A list of recognized neighbourhood associations is available on the City’s website

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW