The Regional District of Nanaimo will step in with remedial cleanup efforts at 790/796 Nanaimo River Rd., after years of complaints around social disorder and the unsightly nature of the property. (RDN)

By Jordan Davidson

continuous issues

‘Continues to be a problem:’ RDN cleanup required at Nanaimo River Rd. property

Jun 25, 2025 | 12:52 PM

NANAIMO — The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is moving forward with the cleanup of a derelict property south of Nanaimo, after the owner was unable to get it done on their own.

However, in a report at the Tuesday, June 24, RDN board meeting, it was revealed while work has been done at 790/796 Nanaimo River Rd., it’s still not enough and action from the RDN is required.

Electoral area C director Lauren Melanson said she lives down the road from the property, and it’s been an issue for the community for over 20 years.

“There is a 30-person community group that formed specifically out of fear of this property. This is a property, and while I feel for the owner, that continues to be a problem. There is anecdotal evidence that there are still people living on this property, and frankly, I’m sorry, I don’t have faith that it will be cleaned up, I don’t.”

The well-known problematic property was given 30 days at the end of March to clean up, or the RDN would step in with a remedial cleanup response.

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While the report said no bylaw complaints have been received regarding unsightliness, squatters, or unwanted individuals since the March 25 meeting, Melanson said the RCMP have been at the property in the last week, along with a weekend fire in the area was connected to the property.

While the property owner has taken steps to bring his property into compliance, two derelict buildings remain which need to be torn down. (RDN)

The anticipated cost of this cleanup is estimated to be between $60,000 and $100,000, and it won’t be the first time.

A large-scale clean-up was completed in May of 2023, costing over $160,000, which was recovered from the province and placed on the property tax roll as taxes in arrears.

Besides the garbage and debris, the main issues related to the three dilapidated buildings which needed to be removed.

Cleanup work has been completed on the property since the March board meeting, with the property no longer considered to be “unsightly.”

However, two of three buildings remain in hazardous and unsafe conditions, with the first building torn down without the proper demolition permits.

No building/demolition permit applications have been submitted for the other two buildings as of the June 24 meeting.

Photos of the property from June 23 shows considerable cleanup efforts have occured. (RDN)

Owner Brian Ferstel requested during the meeting to reconsider the remedial action and give him more time to comply.

He said lots of work has already been done, with financial issues causing delays.

“We’ve secured the property with a new gate, we’ve removed mountains of garbage, many vehicles, fibreglass boat moulds that were dumped there, a powerboat full of garbage…we’ve done all this legally, spending all the money and time I can produce. I’ve never worked harder in my life.”

Ferstel said he has installed signage, a new gate, and taken other steps to prevent unwanted visitors.

Electoral Area G director Lehann Wallace said she’s been aware of issues at the property for a decade now, and encouraged her fellow directors to recognize the issues as a serious one.

“The little resources that are available in electoral areas, and when files like this happen, it disrupts an entire community and puts entire communities at risk.”

Directors Leonard Krog, Doug O’Brien, and Ben Geselbracht voted against the motion, wanting to give Ferstel more time to come into compliance.

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