Public Invited to Engage on the Future of Housing

Residents, workers, businesses and organizations are invited to help guide the future of housing via the 2025 Official Community Plan (OCP) Review, focused specifically on housing in order to comply with new provincial housing regulations.


Engagement Series

A two-month engagement series will offer opportunities for input through open houses, guided discussions, and pop-up events. Online surveys and video presentations will also be available for those unable to attend in-person events.

                     

Background

The Official Community Plan, or “OCP” is the overarching plan for the Town’s future with goals, objectives, and policies specifically related to land use.

With a projected demand of 2,435 new housing units in Qualicum Beach over the next 20 years, the Town’s 2025 OCP Review will focus on housing to comply with new Provincial housing regulations.


Don’t Miss a Beat!

To stay informed of engagement opportunities, sign up for “Projects & Planning” emails and visit the project webpage.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS


Introductory Open House

  • Mar 31 - Open House, 2-7 pm, Civic Centre (Pioneer Hall). Drop-in presentations at 2 pm, 4 pm and 6 pm


Who Needs Housing Support? 

  • Apr 7 -  Guided Discussion, 2-4 pm, Civic Centre (Lions Room)
  • Apr 9  - Pop Up, 3:30-5:30 pm, Ravensong Pool
  • Apr 10 - Pop Up, 1-3 pm, near TOSH & Quality Foods
  • Apr 12 - Farmers Market


Where Should New Housing and Density be Located?

  • Apr 14 - Guided Discussion, 2-4 pm, Civic Centre (Lions Room)
  • Apr 16 - Pop Up, 1-3 pm, near TOSH & Quality Food


What Should New Housing and Density Look Like?

  • Apr 28 - Guided Discussion, 2-4 pm, Civic Centre (Lions Room)
  • Apr 29 - Pop Up, 6-8 pm, East Village
  • Apr 30 - Pop Up, 1-3 pm, near TOSH & Quality Foods
  • May 3 - Farmers Market


How Should the Town be Involved in Housing?

  • May 12 - Guided Discussion, 2-4 pm, Civic Centre (Lions Room)
  • May 13 - Pop Up, 5-7 pm, Waterfront
  • May 15 - Pop Up, 3:30-5:30 pm, Ravensong Pool
  • May 16 - Pop Up, 1-3 pm, near TOSH & Quality Foods


Summary

  • June 5 - Open House, 4-7 pm, Civic Centre (Pioneer Hall)
Sign Up for OCP News
Visit the Project Webpage

Expanded Parking & Safety on Highway 19A

Building on previous enhancements at the central waterfront, the Town is now creating additional parking spaces, and bicycle/pedestrian shoulders along the west and east ends of Highway 19A. 


Recognizing the significance of the waterfront as a premier tourism attraction for Qualicum Beach, the Town understands the importance of enhancing accessibility to unlock its potential fully. The expansion of parking facilities and the provision of dedicated cycling lanes will not only enhance safety, but also improve year-round accessibility.


The total anticipated cost of the project is $737,000, with $500,000 secured through the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure program, reducing the Town’s portion to $237,000.

During construction, single-lane alternating traffic will be in effect with minor delays expected. Project completion is anticipated by the end of June 2025.


For more information visit qualicumbeach.com/water_expan

Earth Day Clean Up - April 25

This Earth Day join Rotary to care for our town: 


Friday, April 25

9am - 12pm

Meet at Rotary House

211 Fern Road


This civic pride project is sponsored by Rotary and the Town of Qualicum Beach, to remove litter and refuse along our roadways and waterfront.


Whether you’re an individual, a group, or a business, you are welcome to be part of the team. Come rain or shine, with appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes, gloves and reflective vests where possible. Pickers and garbage bags are provided. Let’s roll up our sleeves for a cleaner community!

Spring Chipping Continues

Each year the Town offers a seasonal chipping program in both Spring and Fall, providing residents with the convenience of placing branches curbside for easy collection. Please do not place materials out more than three weeks prior to collection.


Chipping will commence for:

  • Residents EAST of Memorial Ave - COMPLETE
  • Residents WEST of Memorial Ave - March 31 at 8 am


Follow the guidelines for smooth collection:

  • ONE pile per property
  • Small trees, branches, woody shrub materials
  • Maximum pile of 8ft x 8ft x 5ft high
  • Wood under 4 inches in diameter
  • Butt ends facing the same direction

NO

  • Grass clippings, leaves, soft plant materials (eg. flowers)
  • Piles in excess of 8ft x 8ft x 5ft high
  • Piles with gravel, dirt, or roots covered with dirt
  • Wood in excess of 4 inches in diameter

Seacrest Slope Stabilization Project Commenced

Essential slope stabilization and road reconstruction on Seacrest Place commenced on March 7, 2025. This critical infrastructure project will ensure the safety and long-term stability of the slope in the Eaglecrest subdivision.

 

Seacrest Place is a dead-end residential road incorporated into the Town from the Regional District of Nanaimo in 1991. Over time, the hill has experienced significant ground movement due to poor drainage, weak soils, and an over-steepened slope. The road’s continued shifting increases the risk of a catastrophic failure, which could impact essential underground utilities, including water, stormwater, sanitary sewer, and multiple utility services.

 

In recent years, slope failures in the immediate area have caused property damage, raising concerns about road safety and access for residents. A failure of the roadway could result in prolonged access restrictions, potentially cutting off the only route to 26 residential properties and impeding emergency services.

 

The project will stabilize the slope with a robust retaining wall and upgrade essential infrastructure to improve safety and reliability. Drainage improvements will also help prevent further shifting, while new guardrails and repaving will ensure safe and lasting access for residents.

 

The project commenced with tree removal and site clearing, necessary to construct the mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall.

Funding Received for Joint Fire Department Projects

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), Town of Qualicum Beach, District of Lantzville and Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department have been awarded a $200,000 grant for two projects from the Government of British Columbia’s Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF).


The first project is the purchase of live fire training props for the joint training center at the Qualicum Beach firehall, used by Qualicum Beach Fire Rescue, Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department and Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department.


The second project is the purchase of equipment to support a new joint training facility to be used by Nanoose Volunteer Fire Department and Lantzville Fire Rescue. Coordinated and administered by the RDN on behalf of its regional partners, the grant will enable each department to enhance its training capabilities greatly and allow firefighters to meet the BC Structure Firefighter Minimum Training Standards through local training opportunities.


The live fire training props for the joint training centre at the Qualicum Beach firehall will be fully funded by $120,000 of the grant. The new props will enable a safer and controlled live-fire training experience for firefighters, currently unavailable at this joint training centre. This project also includes funding for about three firefighters from the three project partner fire departments to attend the 2025 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit. At the Summit, they will enhance their wildland firefighting skills and knowledge, which will help build regional resilience against interface wildfires.


Read full details 

Notices

Join the Team

The Town is seeking quality candidates for the following:

  • Student, Public Works (Utilities)
  • Labourer Trainee Public Works
  • Labourer Trainee Parks
  • Labourer Trainee Parks
  • Executive Office Coordinator
  • Director of Infrastructure Services


Find out more

No Dogs on Beach - March 1 - April 30

Each Spring, Brant Geese arrive on our shores to rest and regain strength on their way to the Alaskan Peninsula.

 

Dogs are not permitted (on-leash or off-leash) on any public beach between March 1 to April 30. Dogs are permitted on the street level walkway on-leash.

Museum New Hours

Now open Saturdays year-round, the Museum offers not only local history exhibits, but activities for children, special events, and volunteer opportunities. 


Visit https://qbmuseum.ca

Be Bear Aware

Help keep wildlife safe:

  • Set out carts on your collection day, between 5-8 am
  • Bring in carts after collection or by 10 p.m.

Visit rdn.bc.ca/wildlife-waste

Are you a community-minded person? Become a Town Committee member and help Council to shape life in Qualicum Beach!


Apply today to the following committees:

  • Parks & Recreation Committee - Member at Large
  • Parks & Recreation Committee - Youth Member


Applications are due by April 11, 2025. Get full details and apply today.

In Other News

What's Happening

  • Apr 7  - OCP Guided Discussion, 2-4 pm, Civic Centre
  • Apr 9  - Special Council Meeting, 10 am, Town Hall
  • Apr 9  - OCP Pop Up, 3:30-5:30 pm, Ravensong Pool
  • Apr 10 - OPC Pop Up, 1-3 pm, near TOSH & Quality Foods
  • Apr 12 - OCP Farmers Market, time TBC
  • Apr 14 - OCP Guided Discussion, 2-4 pm, Civic Centre
  • Apr 16 - Regular Council Meeting, 10 am, Town Hall
  • Apr 16 - OCP Pop Up, 1-3 pm, near TOSH & Quality Foods
  • Apr 23 - Committee of the Whole, 10 am, Town Hall
  • Apr 28 - OCP Guided Discussion, 2-4 pm, Civic Centre
  • Apr 29 - OCP Pop Up, 6-8 pm, East Village
  • Apr 30 - OCP Pop Up, 1-3 pm, near TOSH & Quality Foods
  • May 3 - OCP Farmers Market, time TBC


Visit qualicumbeach.com/events for calendar, agendas and minutes

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