After Qualicum Beach refused to accept an amendment to the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Regional Growth Strategy, the two sides determined mediation is the best option for helping them resolve the dispute.

The dispute arose after Qualicum Beach council considered a proposed housing development at the Pheasant Glen Gold Resort in 2013. Council of the day wanted to consider it a minor amendment to the Regional Growth Strategy. According to the Regional District of Nanaimo’s manager Paul Thompson, Regional Growth Strategy can be amended one of two ways. Either through the regular process, which is longer that needs more approvals, or the minor amendment process, as he is requesting.

According to Thompson, there have been no discussions about the proposed development at any town council meetings for longer than a year. The issue triggered a review of what should be handled through minor amendment and the two government entities are unable to agree. All municipalities must accept any Regional Growth Strategy amendments or go through the dispute process, according to provincial legislation.

At its meeting in late July, the Regional District of Nanaimo directed staff to begin a dispute resolution process with the Town of Qualicum Beach. According to Thompson, the two sides intend to work together.

According to the mayor of Qualicum Beach, the town is hopeful about mediation, and the council wants to cooperate with the rest of the region. However, he points out they need to be reasonable regarding how far they are willing to go concerning the wording of the amendment.