Gabriola trustees seek housing-enforcement talks and options
The Local Trust Committee voted to request a deferment of Regional District of Nanaimo bylaw enforcement and to explore options for non-conforming dwellings.
The Denman Firestarter · Governance · 2026-09-23 · Gabriola Island
The Gabriola Island Local Trust Committee voted to ask the Regional District of Nanaimo to defer current bylaw enforcement on three South Road and Stalker Road properties while owners pursue rezoning through the Official Community Plan review. [1] The committee also voted to invite Regional District staff to discuss policy options for Gabriola’s housing needs. [1]
The committee voted to ask staff to explore options for non-conforming dwellings, including Temporary Use Permits, cob, natural build and non-manufactured tiny homes, while supporting the new Land Use Bylaw and Official Community Plan. [1] Trustee Elliott recused her vote on that motion. [1]
The minutes record significant concern from community members about potential Regional District action against property owners providing non-conforming housing, including concerns about eviction, homelessness and family housing. [1] The minutes also record trustees clarifying that enforcement had been deferred and that evictions would not occur until transitional paths were developed. [1]
The committee also directed staff to draft Official Community Plan policies according to a presented table of contents and approved a revised project charter. [1] The minutes say the engagement phase received over 500 responses. [1]
The next regular meeting was scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 10:30 am at the Gabriola Arts and Heritage Centre. [1]
Sources
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Gabriola Island Local Trust Committee Minutes, October 9, 2025
that the Gabriola Island Local Trust Committee request the Chair to write to the Regional Director Craig and planning staff at the Regional District of Nanaimo to respectfully request a deferment of current Regional District of Nanaimo bylaw enforcement on 750 South Road, 1400 South Road, and 1965 Stalker Road, in order to grant time to the property owners who intend to rezone their lots to a site-specific eco-village designation through the Gabriola Island Official Community Plan Review.
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