Qualicum Beach residents will get a chance to provide their input on a proposal to increase the number of town councillors from four to six.
They can join the discussion at the committee of the whole meeting on Feb. 9 at 10 a.m.
Since 1942, the town has grown with currently more than 9,000 residents. It has been led by an elected mayor and four councillors.
Renewed interest in increasing council size was sparked last year, when only three members were left to make decisions for the town as Coun. Robert Filmer went on medical leave and Coun. Adam Walker resigned to take on his new position as MLA for Parksville-Qualicum.
The number of council members is generally determined by the population of the municipality. It is established in letters patent or in municipal bylaw. If neither applies, the B.C. government has legislated that a:
• City or district with a population of more than 50,000 must have a mayor and eight councillors;
• City or district with a population of 50,000 or less must have a mayor and six councillors;
• Town or village must have a mayor and four councillors.
READ MORE: Qualicum Beach council again discusses proposal to move from 5 members to 7
“We’re proud of our small ‘town’ charm and are not seeking to reclassify as a city,” stated town officials in a notice to residents. “As we have grown from our humble village roots, we’re looking for input from the community on whether additional council representatives are needed at this time.”
The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. To attend the meeting you can register at https://www.qualicumbeach.com/events-2022-2-9-council-size/
If you can’t attend the meeting, residents are advised to email their views to