May 2022
Community Update
News and Information from the District of Lantzville  
Municipal Hall Hours
Monday to Friday
By phone or email: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
In-person payment and document drop-off: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Call or email for appointments for other services
Closed Monday May 23rd for Victoria Day

After-hours Public Works emergency call 1.888.826.8271
All other emergencies dial 911
Upcoming Meetings
Wednesday, May 4th - 6:00 pm Regular Council
Wednesday, May 11th - 9:00 am Special Council
Wednesday, May 18th - 6:00 pm Regular Council

Council members may attend in person, or electronically (except for the Mayor) for a hybrid meeting, or via Zoom Webinar for an Electronic Meeting (per the Community Charter and the Council Procedure Bylaw). Public Hearings are held electronically to provide greater access, transparency and convenience. Zoom also offers the option to dial in by phone. For in person, hybrid and Electronic Meetings the Council Chamber is also open for the public to attend. Due to limited seating, the public is encouraged to view the open portion of the meeting via the livestream, and to provide verbal public input on agenda items by registering in advance using the Zoom Webinar link provided for each Council meeting event at lantzville.ca OR written comments by noon the day of the meeting. Prior to attending at Municipal Hall, please self-assess to ensure you are healthy and do not attend if you are ill. Members of the public must remain seated unless invited to address Council.

Meetings recorded by the District of Lantzville may be viewed at lantzville.ca. The public is prohibited from recording Council meetings unless authorized by Council.

For meeting information, including meeting livestreaming and electronic participation, visit lantzville.ca and click on the meeting date on the calendar to access the meeting agenda package, minutes and video recordings. The start time of the open portion/livestreaming of the meeting may vary if a closed portion is required at the beginning of the regular Council meeting. Please refer to the Council meeting agenda, published the week before the meeting, to confirm the open portion/livestream start time.
Property Tax Information
2022 PROPERTY TAX NOTICES – Property tax notices will be mailed in late May. If you have not received your property tax bill by the first week of June, please call 250.933.8086. Property tax payments and your completed Home Owner Grant (claimed through the Province of BC, if applicable), are due July 4, 2022 with a 2% penalty applied on any outstanding balance on July 5th and an 8% penalty applied on any outstanding balance at the end of day on September 30th. The municipality has no authority to waive or modify these penalty amounts, which are required by law.

PAYMENTS – The Municipal Hall is open Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays, to process payments from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm and staff are available by phone or email from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Property tax payments can be mailed, made through online banking, or in person by cheque, cash, or debit. There is a drop box at Municipal Hall, to the right of the front door.

DEFERRALS – Have you considered deferring your home property taxes? Tax deferment is a low interest loan program managed by the Province that helps qualified BC homeowners pay their annual property taxes on their principal residence. You may qualify for the Regular Program if you’re 55 or older, a surviving spouse of any age, or a person with disabilities OR for the Families with Children Program if you’re a parent, stepparent or financially supporting a child. Deferment applications are processed by the province (not at Municipal Hall). Learn more about the property tax deferment program, including eligibility online, by phone 1.888.355.2700 (toll free), or a Service BC Centre (Nanaimo 250.741.3636).
Note: To defer, you will still need to claim your annual Home Owner Grant with the Province of BC first.
Financial Reporting Award
Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded a Canadian Award for Financial Reporting to the District of Lantzville for its annual financial report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The Canadian Award for Financial Reporting program was established to encourage municipal governments throughout Canada to publish high quality financial reports and to provide peer recognition and technical guidance for officials preparing these reports. In order to be awarded a Canadian Award for Financial Reporting, a government unit must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized annual financial report, whose contents conform to program standards. Such reports should go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles and demonstrate an effort to clearly communicate the municipal government’s financial picture, enhance an understanding of financial reporting by municipal governments, and address user needs. The award is valid for a period of one year only. This is the fourth year in a row that the District of Lantzville has received the award.
Recreation Opportunities
The District of Lantzville partners with the City of Nanaimo, Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), and Seaside Community Society to provide recreation opportunities for the residents of Lantzville.

City of Nanaimo – reports May 4th is the start of summer program registration. The online guide can be viewed starting on Friday, April 29th.
  • May is Invasive Species Month - several work parties are organized, as well as a Drop Zone for those who are wanting to get rid of the invasive plants in their own gardens and yard. It will be held Saturday, May 28th 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at Bowen Park (lower parking lot). View informational poster.
  • May 1st to 7th is Youth Week - several programs are available, including special skates, a dive-in movie and a hike up to Sugarloaf Mountain. View informational poster.
  • Family Fishing Day - is happening on Saturday, May 7th 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at Colliery Dam Park. This free event will have crafts, opportunities to learn how to fish, entertainment by Fiddelium Folk Band and a trout release. View informational poster.
  • Special Mother’s Day Skate: Sunday, May 8th 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm at Cliff McNabb Arena.
Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) – reports registration for spring and summer programs is ongoing. Visit RDN Recreation to view activities for all ages and interests.
  • Qualicum Beach Family Day Free Swim - Sunday, May 29th from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, wrap up your family day with a free swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre
  • Go By Bike & Bike to School Week - May 30th to June 5th. For more information on what’s happening locally, visit go by bike online.
Lantzville Community Facilities – What’s happening at Costin Hall? The Seaside Community Society reports that the following activities are now meeting regularly at Costin Hall: line dancing, chair yoga, short-mat bowling, two PROBUS meetings, Tidesmen Chorus, Brownies, Zumba, and square dancing. New program: Chair yoga with weights starting Mondays from April 25th at 11:30 am. For more information email [email protected] and check out these upcoming events:
  • Swap and Shop Donation Drop Off - Friday April 29th 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Swap and Shop Shopping - Saturday April 30th 10:00 am - noon
  • Movie Night - Friday May 13th Doors open at 5:30 pm and movie (Encanto) starts at 6:00 pm (This will be the last movie night until October)
  • Mid Island Artists Spring Art Show - Saturday May 7th and Sunday May 8th 11:00 am - 4:00 pm - 20 artists showing 
To enquire about rentals, the application form can be found on the website CostinHall.com.
Emergency Preparedness Week
The District of Lantzville contracts with the RDN to provide emergency planning services and they have a great line-up of events for Emergency Preparedness Week May 2nd to 8th. During Emergency Preparedness week, the RDN Emergency Services Department will be offering a series of informative webinars, hosted on Zoom, to help residents become as prepared as possible. Plus, they’ll be launching the “26 Weeks to Emergency Preparedness” on social media, so residents can follow along and take steps each week to get prepared! Finally, if you attend one (or several) of the webinars, your name will be entered into a draw for some exciting Emergency Preparedness Prizes! Emergency Preparedness Week webinar schedule:

  • 26 Weeks to Emergency Preparedness - May 2nd at 10:00 am and May 4th at 6:30 pm. Learn how to help your family prepare for emergencies one week at a time! Start your 26 Weeks to Emergency Preparedness journey!
  • What is Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness? - May 2nd at 6:30 pm and May 5th at 10:00 am. Do you know your neighbours? In a large-scale emergency, your neighbours will likely be your first support. Find out what you can do to connect with your neighbours, and build a resilient Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Plan.
  • Emergency Communications in Your Neighbourhood – with Coast Emergency Communications Association (CECA) - May 3rd at 10:00 am and May 5th at 6:30 pm. How do I find out if there’s an emergency in our area? How do I contact my family and friends? How do I use a radio? This webinar will answer some of these questions and discuss how emergency information is distributed to the public. 

Did you know that simply sweeping your front steps clear of leaves and debris helps keep your home FireSmart? Join us at Introduction to FireSmart to talk about how FireSmart principles can help make your home, neighbourhood and community more resilient in the face of wildfire. Joining us is Willow Bloomquist, FireSmart Coordinator for the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department, to tell us about her experiences encouraging communities to become FireSmart. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

To register for a webinar session visit rdn.com and check out the Grab and Go Essentials and Introduction to FireSmart sessions.
Bylaw Reminders
Effective April 16th Burning Ban in Effect Until October 14th
Category 2 OPEN FIRES (burn barrels, backyard burning, incinerators, burn piles, burning grass, fireworks, binary exploding targets, sky lanterns, outdoor burning, etc.) are NOT permitted on private and public property in the District of Lantzville. Watch for notices issued by the provincial government restricting open burning.

NO OPEN FIRES ARE PERMITTED ON ANY BEACH AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR; only portable propane campfire apparatus (CSA or ULC approved) are permitted on the beach between the hours of 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Small campfires used for cooking, heating or ceremonial purposes are allowed (except on beaches) subject to conditions:
  • must be contained in a device or fixture
  • campfire must be away from combustible materials and campfire must not exceed 0.61 m in size
  • only propane, natural gas, charcoal or clean organic wood can be used; no branches, yard waste or construction materials
  • responsible person must be in attendance at the campfire at all times, with a hand tool or at least eight litres of water available to properly extinguish the fire
  • ensure campfire is completely extinguished and ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area
  • be considerate of neighbours when planning a campfire.
Watch for notices banning campfires due to drying conditions.

For more information, visit lantzville.ca to view Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 185, 2019 and the Outdoor Burning Brochure, or contact the Fire Chief at [email protected].
Stage 2 Watering Restrictions – Effective May 1st 

Under Stage 2 watering restrictions, sprinkling is permitted between the hours of 7:00 am and 10:00 am
OR 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm for a maximum of 2 hours every other day on the following days:
  • Odd-numbered addresses on odd-numbered days
  • Even-numbered addresses on even-numbered days.

Sprinkling includes watering lawns, ornamental shrubs, flowers and trees and use of pop-up spray, rotors and sprinklers.

Putting in a new lawn? Apply for a new lawn watering permit by emailing [email protected]. The following are permitted at any time in Stage 2: hand-watering (trees, shrubs, vegetables), drip irrigation, and micro irrigation (check regularly for leaks); washing vehicles, boats, and houses (siding) if using a hose with a shutoff device; filling fountains, pools, or hot tubs; pressure washing walkways, driveways and siding. Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from all watering restrictions but watering in the early morning or in the evening is recommended – less evaporation. Private wells are not subject to municipal watering restrictions, but conservation is encouraged because water is a shared resource.
Illegal Dumping

Remember: Each property owner is responsible for disposing of your own grass clippings and yard waste on your own property through composting, contracting with a private recycling service to pick-up, or taking it to a recycling depot or the landfill. It is illegal to dump your yard waste on rights of ways, public property or private property owned by others.
Temporary Speed Limit Change – Portion of Dickinson Road

The 30 km/h speed limit on Dickinson Road at Lantzville Road has temporarily been extended to Jack’s Road until Dickinson Road design works have been approved and constructed.
Curbside Collection Schedule Reminder
Your curbside collection continues on Thursdays until after the May 23rd holiday (Victoria Day) when it moves to Fridays starting May 27th. Forget your garbage day no more! Visit the District or RDN websites for your schedule and What Goes Where (recycling) or download the RDN Curbside app.
Cut the Broom when it is Blooming!
The District of Lantzville has partnered with the Broombusters Invasive Plant Society again this year to assist in controlling the alien invasive plant Scotch broom in our community. The Broombusting season has just begun and Broombusters could use your help. If you have an hour or two, they can loan you some loppers for you to cut on your own or join them for some weekly community cuts. Help protect our environment from this invasive, alien plant and enjoy some time with fellow residents. Watch for signs in your neighbourhood with dates and times. Contact Sharon at [email protected] for further details, to borrow loppers, or add your name to the email list. For more info, check out the Broombusters’ website (including a ‘How to Cut Broom’ video). Cuts are held rain or shine – loppers are provided!
Salish Sea Gull Project &
Call for Gull Sightings Report
Environment and Climate Change Canada is conducting a 5-year project on the health and movement of Gulls in the Salish Sea. The Salish Sea Gull Project recently completed fieldwork in Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. Researchers captured Gulls, took samples to assess physiological condition, and attached tracking devices to study movements. This information will help researchers understand how variations in diet and habitat influence contaminant exposure and human made stressors of Gulls wintering in the Salish Sea.

In 2022, researchers banded 183 adult and juvenile Glaucous-winged Gulls with coloured leg bands (see image example) to collect additional information on movements, habitat use, and site fidelity. You can support this work by reporting sightings of colour banded Gulls using the short form.

Contact [email protected] for additional information. Environment and Climate Change Canada will share periodic updates as the Salish Sea Gull Project develops. Thank you for your interest in this research.
Municipal Election 101
2022 General Local Election Voting Days are at Costin Hall, 7232 Lantzville Road, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Wednesday, October 5th & 12th & Saturday, October 15th or register to Vote by Mail, to elect your five-member Council for a four-year term that starts at the Inaugural Council meeting scheduled for 6:00 pm, Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at Costin Hall.

Learn the voting rules and regulations! Election offences can result in up to a $10,000 fine ($20,000 for an organization), up to two years in prison, and disqualification. This election is regulated by the Community Charter, the Local Government Act, the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act and the District of Lantzville Election and Assent Voting Bylaw. Some key rules to follow include:
  • No consenting to nomination when not qualified or voting when ineligible
  • Voting is by a secret ballot – no talking in the Voting Place about how you or someone else votes, no displaying your ballot and only one person per voting booth
  • No canvassing or soliciting votes or attempting to influence voters within 100 metres of the Voting Place
  • No interfering with, hindering or obstructing an election official
  • No vote buying – i.e. no inducement, broadly defined as “money, gift, valuable consideration, refreshment, entertainment, office, placement, employment and any other benefit of any kind”
  • Turn off all cameras, phones and technology BEFORE entering the Voting Place – it is unlawful to reproduce a ballot
  • No removing ballots from a Voting Place, no interfering with a voting machine or ballot box
  • No TV, radio or newspaper campaign ads on General Voting Day.

Visit elections.bc.ca for information about local election candidate campaign financing, disclosure and election advertising rules administered by Elections BC under the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act. For information about legislation governing municipal elections, visit www.gov.bc.ca/localelections.

Questions about voting in the general local election or running for office in Lantzville?
Watch for articles in the Community Update newsletter and visit lantzville.ca for regular updates, or contact the CEO at [email protected] or 250.933.8082.
Lymantria Moth Spraying Program
Since February 2022, the province mailed out post cards, published notices and held a virtual open house to inform residents in the Lantzville area of the aerial spray over 1000 ha being conducted this May to eradicate a recently discovered population of invasive and highly destructive Lymantria moths (now called the Spongy moth). Egg masses attached to an RV or the outdoor household goods of someone recently arriving from eastern Canada are the likely sources of this infestation. A bacterial insecticide that is harmless to humans and other animals, but specifically kills only caterpillars, will be sprayed by fixed wing aircraft early in the morning (5:00 am - 8:30 am) three times from early May to early June. Current treatment dates are available at www.gov.bc.ca/lymantria-news and by calling the 24 hour information line 1.866.917.5999.

The spray block is very large and will take three mornings to complete. Spray operations can be postponed or halted if rain or high winds occur prior and during the treatment but will resume the next available morning until the entire block is completed. If you wish to avoid contacting the droplets, simply stay indoors for at least half an hour after the morning’s treatment is completed. The droplet residue can be removed easily with water and a bit of scrubbing but will weather naturally in a week without harming paint finishes. For more information about the moth, the treatment and the Btk product being used, check out the Ministry’s Lymantria moth web site www.gov.bc.ca/lymantriamoth.
Latest Council Updates
From the 2022 Council Meetings
For more information, please contact the Director of Corporate Administration at 250.933.8082 or email [email protected].