The Regional District of Nanaimo will gradually return to in-person public engagement as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
The RDN board approved a staff proposal at its regular meeting on April 12 to resume in-person engagements for projects and educational outreach. Since 2020, the RDN has used virtual engagement to advance projects.
Public safety protocols will still be followed.
Area C (Extension, Nanaimo Lakes, East Wellington and Pleasant Valley) director Charles Pinker said it was time for such a move.
“It’s beneficial in the long run for majority of the board to meet in the office here at the roundtable,” Pinker said.
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RDN chair Tyler Brown said at times it is challenging to chair a hybrid meeting. But he acknowledged that it’s up to the individual directors to decide what they prefer based on the RDN’s procedural bylaw.
Since the RDN went virtual, staff reported an overall increase in the level of involvement with the public in providing input and feedback as it is more convenient and accessible for many.
Staff indicated face-to-face public engagement is a vital component of RDN projects and initiatives and resuming it will further increase public input.