Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Michael Wyse (left) and Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog (right) during a February press conference announcing a proposed boundary change. The move now has provincial approval, allowing those living on Snuneymuxw First Nation reserve lands to vote in City of Nanaimo elections, beginning this fall. (Image Credit: File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

boundary change

Province approves SFN voting in City of Nanaimo elections

Jul 21, 2026 | 3:59 PM

NANAIMO — A change to the City boundary will be in effect for October’s municipal election.

The provincial government has approved a joint request by the City of Nanaimo and Snuneymuxw First Nation to change the City’s boundary to include a number of Snuneymuxw reserve lands.

It means around 800 residents living on those lands are now eligible to vote for Nanaimo’s Mayor and Council, after previously only being allowed to vote for Regional District of Nanaimo directors and School Board 68 trustees.

“This boundary change is an important step toward equity, ensuring our members who live on reserve lands have the same opportunity to participate in municipal decision-making as their neighbours,” Snuneymuxw Chief Michael Wyse said in a statement. “For too long, arbitrary boundaries within our territory limited our voices.”

The proposal passed a required alternative approval process (AAP) in the spring, with only 287 valid objections noted.

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It was well short of the nearly 8,000 required to pause the process and potentially trigger a referendum.

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

“This important change allows for eligible Snuneymuxw residents living on reserve lands to help shape decisions that affect our community, reflecting our shared commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and building a stronger future together,” Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog added in a release.

Approval was given by the province on Friday, July 17, with the agreement signed by the Lieutenant Governor.

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by Alex Rawnsley

Province approves SFN voting in City of Nanaimo elections

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