RDN says discussions of Master Plan for Recreation, Parks, and Trails will resume this winter

Derek Kilbourn

Sounder News

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) says that the Recreation, Parks, and Trails Master Plan for Electoral Area B will be resuming this coming winter.

The Master Plan is intended to guide the management and development of parks, recreation facilities, programs, infrastructure, resources and investment in Electoral Area B over the next decade.

Area B includes Gabriola, Mudge, and Decourcy islands.

Since the Plan’s initiation in the summer of 2023, RDN staff say significant progress has been made.

“Key milestones include extensive community engagement with over 600 interactions with residents, in-depth research and analysis of trends and assets, and collaborative sessions with the Master Plan Advisory Committee to explore potential core directions for the Master Plan. The ‘What We Heard’ Engagement Summary report is available on the project webpage. Additionally, a Background Report, covering trends, asset inventory, population and demographic analysis, benchmarking, and alignment with broader planning and policy frameworks will be posted once the review is complete.”

The plan was originally expected to be completed by spring of 2024. The RDN says the project timeline has been extended to allow for a thorough review and integration of additional feedback.

The development of the draft Master Plan is expected to resume this winter, with a community review anticipated in February 2025.

Once complete, the Master Plan will serve as a roadmap for the development and enhancement of recreation and parks in Electoral Area B, meeting the community’s needs over the next 10 years.