The RDN board chamber currently has 19 raised seats for Directors, as well as six additional lower seats. The RDNis looking at options to add to their seating capacity in anticipation of an increased population requiring more directors, and additional participation from First Nation members. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

more seats the table

RDN mulls chamber renovations in anticipation of future additional board members

Sep 16, 2023 | 6:54 AM

NANAIMO — Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) officials are examining expansion plans to its primary governing space.

During an RDN board meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 12., RDN directors adopted a report about possible renovations to its chambers to make room for additional board seats.

Population growth in the future is expected to increase the number of directors on the RDN board in order to have accurate and proportional representation.

It also stems from a provincial commitment to increase First Nations’ participation in regional board districts, with the ministry of municipal affairs providing the RDN with grant money in March to make it happen.

A renewed Protocol Agreement was signed in Nov. 2022, where Qualicum First Nation Chief Michael Recalma began attending board meetings to serve as a participating non-voting member and alternate director.

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In order to accommodate these additional members and any additional future directors, the RDN stated it needs to expand its chambers room at the RDN administration building on Hammond Bay Rd. to include more seating.

Currently, there are 19 representatives at the RDN board table, encompassing municipal regional councillors, mayors and area directors.

A number of options were included in the report, which included different configurations for the board chairs and gallery in order to maximize the number of seats.

A number of design options will be considered by the RDN board chamber in order to maximize the existing space to include additional directors in the future. (RDN)

The proposed changes will also include the replacement of end-of-life audiovisual equipment, and the inclusion of television screens on the inside of the desks for improved viewing of presentations, as well as a large television in the lobby for overflow viewing.

Infrastructure will also be in place for potential future upgrades, including the possibility of electronic voting.

The current room has a posted capacity of 80 people, and none of the available options will impact the current capacity limit.

Deciding on which configuration will work best and any financial implications will be discussed and voted on at future RDN meetings.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow