RDN Approves $391.5M Financial Plan Amid Public Outcry

BREAKING: The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has just approved its $391.5 million Financial Plan for 2026-2030, despite significant pushback from local residents during a heated public meeting. The approval, passed with a weighted two-thirds vote, comes amid urgent calls from community members to reconsider budget allocations.

At the public board meeting on December 9, residents expressed strong concerns over the proposed budget, with representatives from the RDN Taxpayers Alliance leading the charge. They urged the board to eliminate or delay major capital projects outside of healthcare and critical infrastructure, citing the need for a hiring freeze and other cost-cutting measures.

During the meeting, RDN Board Chair Stuart McLean had to remind attendees multiple times to maintain order, warning that disruptions could lead to ejections. The board engaged in a thorough debate about the budget, addressing many of the issues raised by the public.

The approved Financial Plan allocates $204.8 million for operating expenses and $186.7 million for capital projects, with a proposed tax requisition of $101.9 million, reflecting a 7.2 percent increase from the previous year. The tax increase will affect households differently, depending on their specific RDN services.

“The board has done its due diligence to adjust the budget, reducing some expenditures while adapting to rising capital costs,” stated Vanessa Craig, Electoral Area B Director. “By adopting this now, we establish a solid starting point for further adjustments before the fiscal year ends.”

While the plan is now approved, directors retain the authority to amend the Financial Plan, including tax requisition changes, until its final adoption on February 24. This means there may still be opportunities for residents to influence budget decisions.

The current situation highlights the growing tension between local governance and community needs. As RDN staff prepare to implement projects approved under the new budget, residents are left grappling with the implications of increased taxes and the potential impact on their services.

Stay tuned for more updates as the community responds to this urgent financial development.