Thanks to everyone who is helping our frontline and essential workers by staying home as much as possible! As Dr. Henry said “The difference between what could have been and what has happened is because of the collective action of BC citizens.” So far we’re doing well (thank you!), but we need to keep up our efforts as long as our health experts recommend.
I know that non-essential travel on ferries remains of concern. RDN Chair Ian Thorpe was recently a signatory on a letter sent to the Prime Minister, Premier, and BC Ferries requesting that non-essential travel be prevented on the May long-weekend, to help limit the number of recreational visitors to Vancouver Island and the islands.
At the recent Electoral Area Services Committee meeting I was pleased that the committee endorsed the RDN staff applying for a grant to conduct evacuation route planning for Area B. As we know, the islands face challenges associated with an emergency that are unique from other areas in the RDN, and it’s essential that we establish a plan to evacuate neighbourhoods or larger areas in the event of an emergency. The province has announced that the grant intake is on hold because of COVID-19 issues, but staff will be prepared to submit an application once the application period opens.
At the same EASC meeting the committee also endorsed our continued support of the Gabriola Museum – the 3-year agreement provides $16,000 per year in operating funds for the Museum.
At next week’s Board meeting on April 28th (with a 10 am start) we will be discussing a Motion I am bringing forward re homeless camping in the 707. The Motion addresses concerns expressed by the Fire Chief, and requests the Board to temporarily immediately prohibit homeless camping in the 707 community park until the park conditions and wildfire risk associated with homeless camping can be assessed, and a recommendation (from a professional) received whether homeless camping should be prohibited in all or some area of the park either permanently or seasonally, and a mitigation plan developed and implemented, if recommended. Fire Chief Will Sprogis will be appearing as a delegation. Correspondence addressed to the Chair Ian Thorpe and Board on this issue by Monday April 27th (earlier better) will appear on the agenda for the Board’s consideration and can be sent to inquiries@rdn.bc.ca or mailed to the Nanaimo office.
Please check the RDN page for the most up-to-date information on access to RDN services at www.rdn.bc.ca (click the COVID-19 banner at the top for the latest news release). The RDN also has a new web portal through which you can apply for a building permit and track its status, as well as access bylaw services https://cv.rdn.bc.ca/NanaimoPortal. Services such as access to the landfill, transit, and garbage pickup are changing so please check for the latest updates prior to seeking services.
During this time I won’t be holding in-person office hours or meetings. However, you can click the big Contact button at the top right of my website and send me a message.