Committees
In addition to the Regional Board, Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) Board members direct committees for RDN services and hold membership on a variety of other local committees and commissions. Each of these committees and commissions meets separately to discuss services throughout the region.
More information about committees can be found in "Regional District of Nanaimo Board Procedure Bylaw No. 1862, 2022". Please note: At its January 28, 2025, Regular meeting, the Board voted that the Executive Committee, Regional Parks and Trails Committee, Transit Committee, and the Solid Waste Management Committee be collapsed into annually scheduled quarterly Committee of the Whole meetings. Staff are currently working to bring back an amendment to the "Regional District of Nanaimo Board Procedure Bylaw No. 1862, 2022" to reflect this change.
Disclaimer: Matters considered by the Board may be subsequently placed on a committee agenda without notice. All Committee recommendations are subject to the approval of the Board, except where the Committee has, by bylaw, been delegated a power, duty or function of the Board. Committees generally make recommendations to the Electoral Area Services Committee or to the Committee of the Whole, then to the Board, in accordance with their roles and responsibilities as outlined in their Terms of Reference, linked below*. For details on whether a certain matter has been referred to a committee, please refer to the meeting agendas which can be viewed here: https://rdn.bc.ca/agendas-minutes-videos. Questions may be directed to Corporate Services - contact information is located at the bottom of this page.
*The Oceanside Services Recreation Grants Sub-Committee makes recommendations to the Oceanside Services Committee, then to the Board.
Please visit the Agendas, Minutes & Videos page to view the meeting schedule.
Standing Committees
Standing committees are appointed by the RDN Board Chair under the Local Government Act and are comprised solely of RDN Board members. The RDN Board has five standing committees - the Committee of the Whole, the Electoral Area Services Committee, the Community Grants Committee, the Oceanside Services Committee, and the Oceanside Services Recreation Grants Sub-Committee.
Committee of the Whole
The Terms of Reference for the Committee of the Whole are outlined in the "Regional District of Nanaimo Board Procedure Bylaw No. 1862, 2022" (link provided above), and as outlined in the following excerpt from Section 24:
Electoral Area Services Committee
The Terms of Reference for the Electoral Area Services Committee are outlined in the "Regional District of Nanaimo Board Procedure Bylaw No. 1862, 2022" (link provided above), and as outlined in the following excerpt from Section 24:
2025 appointments: B. Rogers (Chair), S. McLean (Vice Chair), J. Stanley, V. Craig, L. Melanson, L. Salter, L. Wallace
Community Grants Committee
The role of the Community Grants Committee is to review grant applications received from registered non-profit organizations in the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), once a year, and make recommendations to the RDN Board.
For more information about the committee, including its roles and responsibilities, please view the Community Grants Terms of Reference
2025 appointments: L. Melanson (Chair), S. McLean (Vice Chair), J. Perrino
Oceanside Services Committee
The Oceanside Services Committee (OSC) is established as a standing committee of the RDN Board for the purpose of advising the RDN Board as follows:
1. Distribution of funds raised through the Northern Community Economic Development Service (the Service) for the purpose of promoting economic development within the region;
2. Provision of recreation services and programs in the Oceanside area: operation of the Ravensong Aquatic Centre and Oceanside Place;
3. Provide a liaison between the RDN Board and the RCMP regarding volunteer programs providing crime prevention, community justice and community safety services to the communities within Oceanside.
The OSC is comprised of six communities represented by elected officials from Electoral Areas E, F, G and H, the City of Parksville, and the Town of Qualicum Beach.
The OSC provides a central forum for both the elected officials and the public to discuss services jointly shared by the six participating communities.
For more information about the committee, including its roles and responsibilities, please view the Oceanside Services Committee Terms of Reference
2025 appointments: S. Wood (Chair), T. Westbroek (Vice Chair), B. Rogers, L. Salter, L. Wallace, S. McLean, D. O'Brien
Oceanside Services Recreation Grants Sub-Committee
The Oceanside Services Recreation Grants Sub-Committee is established as a standing committee of the RDN Board and a Sub-Committee of the Oceanside Services Committee for the purpose of reviewing recreation, community and youth grant applications from the Oceanside area for grant funding from the Northern Recreation Services function and providing recommendations to the Oceanside Services Committee.
For more information about the committee, including its roles and responsibilities, please view the Oceanside Services Recreation Grants Sub-Committee Terms of Reference
2025 appointments: D. O'Brien (Chair), L. Wallace, S. McLean
Select Committees
Select committees are appointed under the Local Government Act and are comprised solely of RDN Board members. They are established by the Board to consider or inquire into any matter and report its findings and opinions to the Board. Currently, the RDN has no active Select Committees.
Advisory Committees
Advisory committees are appointed by the RDN Board or Chair. These committees and commissions include members of the public and at least one Board member to provide advice and recommendations to the Board (or designated committee through to the Board) on specific matters, as determined by the committee's Terms of Reference.
Agricultural Advisory Committee
The role of the Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) is to increase awareness of agricultural issues in the RDN, assist in the implementation of the RDN Agricultural Area Plan (AAP) and other agricultural related initiatives, and provide local perspective and expertise to advise the Regional Board on a range of agricultural issues on an ongoing and as needed basis as directed by the Board.
For more information about the committee, including its roles and responsibilities, please view the Agricultural Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
2025 Board member appointments: J. Stanley (Chair), L. Salter, P. Manly
Benson Creek Falls Regional Park Creekside Place Staging Area Advisory Committee
The Benson Creek Falls Regional Park Creekside Place Staging Area Advisory Committee will collaboratively review and provide recommendations to the Regional Parks and Trails Committee through to the RDN Board related to park user pressures at the Benson Creek Falls Regional Park parking lot and staging area in the Creekside Place neighbourhood.
For more information about the committee, including its roles and responsibilities, please view the Benson Creek Falls Regional Park Creekside Place Staging Area Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
2025 Board member appointments: L. Melanson (Chair), J. Stanley
Climate Action Technical Advisory Committee
The Climate Action Technical Advisory Committee (CATAC) will provide advice and recommendations to the RDN Board on specific issues emerging or foreseen as having potential local impacts of global climate change.
For more information about the committee, including its roles and responsibilities, please view the Climate Action Technical Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
2025 Board member appointments: S. McLean (Chair), J. Stanley, B. Geselbracht
Drinking Water & Watershed Protection Technical Advisory Committee
The primary role of the Drinking Water & Watershed Protection Technical Advisory Committee (DWWP-TAC) is to advise staff and the Board on the implementation and review of the Drinking Water and Watershed Protection Service.
For more information about the committee, including its roles and responsibilities, please view the Drinking Water & Watershed Protection Technical Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
No Board members are appointed to this committee.
East Wellington/Pleasant Valley Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee
The East Wellington/Pleasant Valley Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee will advise and provide information to the Electoral Area Services Committee (EASC) through to the RDN Board regarding parks and open space issues in the East Wellington and Pleasant Valley portion of Electoral Area C.
For more information about the committee, including its roles and responsibilities, please view the East Wellington/Pleasant Valley Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
2025 Board member appointment: L. Melanson (Chair)
Electoral Area A Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee
The Electoral Area A Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee will provide recommendations and advice to the Electoral Area Services Committee (EASC) through to the RDN Board regarding community parks and recreation & culture services and issues in Electoral Area A.
For more information about the committee, including its roles and responsibilities, please view the Electoral Area A Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee Terms of Reference
2025 Board member appointment: J. Stanley (Chair)
Electoral Area B Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee
The Electoral Area B Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee will advise and provide information to the Electoral Area Services Committee (EASC) through to the RDN Board regarding parks and open space issues in Electoral Area B.
For more information about the committee, including its roles and responsibilities, please view the Electoral Area B Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
2025 Board member appointment: V. Craig (Chair)
Electoral Area F Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee
The Electoral Area F Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee will advise and provide information to the Electoral Area Services Committee (EASC) through to the RDN Board regarding parks and open space issues in Electoral Area F.
For more information about the committee, including its roles and responsibilities, please view the Electoral Area F Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
2025 Board member appointment: L. Salter (Chair)
Electoral Area G Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee
The Electoral Area G Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee will advise and provide information to the Electoral Area Services Committee (EASC) through to the RDN Board regarding parks and open space issues in Electoral Area G.
For more information about the committee, including its roles and responsibilities, please view the Electoral Area G Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
2025 Board member appointment: L. Wallace (Chair)
Electoral Area H Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee
The Electoral Area H Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee will advise and provide information to the Electoral Area Services Committee (EASC) through to the RDN Board regarding parks and open space issues in Electoral Area H.
For more information about the committee, including its roles and responsibilities, please view the Electoral Area H Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
2025 Board member appointment: S. McLean (Chair)
Fire Services Advisory Committee
The Fire Services Advisory Committee (FSAC) will report to the Electoral Area Services Committee (EASC) and through to the RDN Board on matters related to fire dispatch, fire services response, fire protection, and prevention within the areas encompassed by the RDN.
For more information about the committee, including its roles and responsibilities, please view the Fire Services Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
2025 Board member appointments: L. Melanson (Chair), B. Rogers (Vice Chair), J. Stanley, V. Craig, L. Salter, L. Wallace, S. McLean
Gabriola Island Recreation and Electoral Area B Parks and Trails Master Plan Advisory Committee
The Gabriola Island Recreation and Electoral Area B (EA B) Parks and Trails Master Plan Advisory Committee will provide the consultant(s) insight and guidance, review the development of the Gabriola Island Recreation and EA B Parks and Trails Master Plan, and make recommendations to the RDN Board on these specific matters.
For more information about the committee, including its roles and responsibilities, please view the Gabriola Island Recreation and Electoral Area B Parks and Trails Master Plan Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
2025 Board member appointment: V. Craig (Chair)
Liquid Waste Management Plan Monitoring Committee
While the responsibility for the management of the Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP) ultimately rests with the RDN Board of Directors, the Province requires that a monitoring committee oversees LWMP implementation.
For more information about the committee, including its roles and responsibilities, please view the Liquid Waste Management Plan Monitoring Committee Terms of Reference
2025 Board member appointments: I. Thorpe (Chair), L. Salter, S. Armstrong, S. Wood
Nanoose Bay Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee
The Nanoose Bay Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee will advise and provide information to the Electoral Area Services Committee (EASC) through to the RDN Board regarding parks and open space issues in Electoral Area E.
For more information about the committee, including its roles and responsibilities, please view the Nanoose Bay Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
2025 Board member appointment: B. Rogers (Chair)
Solid Waste Management Plan Monitoring Advisory Committee
The Solid Waste Management Plan Monitoring Advisory Committee (PMAC) will provide input, from a variety of perspectives, on the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Plan (Plan). In accordance with the Ministry of Environment’s Guide to the Preparation of Regional Solid Waste Management Plans a single public and technical advisory committee will act as a “sounding board” of community interests and will provide advice to the Regional Board through the Solid Waste Management Select Committee. The Regional Board is the final authority on decisions. The PMAC will remain in existence for the duration of the current Plan.
For more information about the committee, including its roles and responsibilities, please view the Solid Waste Management Plan Monitoring Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
2025 Board member appointments: J. Perrino (Chair), L. Melanson (Vice Chair), B. Geselbracht, S. Wood
External Appointments
Board members may be appointed annually by the RDN Board Chair to represent the Board on external organizations.
External Appointments
| Committee | Appointment | Alternate |
|---|---|---|
| Arrowsmith Water Service Management Board | L. Wallace | B. Rogers |
| City of Nanaimo /RDN District 68 Sports Field and Recreation Committee | J. Stanley (A) V. Craig (B) L. Melanson (C) M. Swain (Lantzville) |
|
| Early Learning & Child Care Council in Oceanside (ELCCO) | L. Salter | L. Wallace |
| Englishman River Water Service Management Board | B. Rogers | |
| Oceanside Community Track Renewal Steering Committee | L. Wallace | L. Salter |
| Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) - North Island Sunshine Coast Regional Advisory Committee (NISCRAC) | S. McLean | |
| Island Coastal Economic Trust (IECT) - Central South Island Regional Advisory Committee (CSIRAC) | V. Craig | |
| Island Corridor Foundation | B. Geselbracht (Board Appointee, to May 2025) S. Wood (RDN Member Representative, to May 2026) |
|
| Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Roundtable | L. Wallace | L. Melanson |
| Municipal Finance Authority | T. Brown | B. Rogers |
| Municipal Insurance Association of BC | S. McLean | J. Perrino L. Melanson |
| North Island 911 Corporation | S. McLean | L. Wallace |
| Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association | L. Salter | B. Rogers |
| RDN/Port Liaison Committee (Protocol Agreement) | I. W. Thorpe V. Craig |
|
| Qualicum First Nation Cooperation Protocol Working Group | V. Craig S. McLean |
T. Westbroek |
| Snuneymuxw First Nations/Regional District of Nanaimo Protocol Agreement Working Group | V. Craig J. Stanley P. Manly |
L. Krog |
| Te’Mexw Treaty Negotiations Committee | V. Craig | L. Salter |
| Vancouver Island & Coastal Communities Climate Leadership Plan Steering Committee | J. Stanley | P. Manly |
| Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities Committee on Solid Waste and Circular Economy (VICC-CSWCE) | B. Geselbracht | |
| Vancouver Island Regional Library Board | J. Stanley | S. McLean |
| Yellowpoint Ecological Society (YES) | J. Stanley |
Board of Variance
The Board of Variance is an independent board consisting of volunteer members of the public who have been appointed by the RDN Board. For information about the RDN Board of Variance, please visit https://rdn.bc.ca/board-of-variance.
Committee Meeting Schedule
Please visit the Agendas, Minutes & Videos page to view the meeting schedule.
Appearing as a Delegation
All delegations requesting permission to appear before the Board or its committees are required to submit a written request including the presentation topic, an executive summary, and the specific action being requested of the Board or committee. For more information, or to apply to appear as a delegation at a meeting, please see Appearing as a Delegation.
For more information on the activities of the RDN Board and its committees please contact Corporate Services:
Telephone: 250-390-4111 (Nanaimo)
Toll Free: 1-877-607-4111
Fax: 250-390-4163
E-mail: inquiries [at] rdn.bc.ca (inquiries[at]rdn[dot]bc[dot]ca)
6300 Hammond Bay Road
Nanaimo, B.C.
V9T 6N2