Wesley Ridge Wildfire Updates | | |
The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) continues to respond to the wildfire on the north shore of Cameron Lake. Evacuation Orders and Alerts are currently in effect.
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is coordinating the emergency response and is the primary source for all official information.
For the most current information visit:
Residents are asked to support response efforts in the following ways:
- Stay away from the fire area to avoid hindering emergency crews
- Not fly drones in the area
- Avoid unnecessary stops along the highway
- Refrain from bringing food or supplies to the Reception Centre (Emergency Support Services are unable to accept donations of food, goods, or services)
- Report smoke or fire by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone
Thank you to the first responders, emergency personnel, and everyone supporting one another during the Wesley Ridge wildfire.
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Beach Day, on July 27, was an amazing celebration of our waterfront and community! A special thanks to the Beach Day Committee, who were a powerhouse of inspiration and dedication! Committee members are David James (chair), Councillor Anne Skipsey, Ken Caley, Ross Gilley, Mike Garland, Teresa Hall, Tina Rasmussen, Paul Trudeau, and Lana McCaul.
A huge thank you also to our supporters for their generous contributions: Regional District of Nanaimo, Berwick Retirement Community, Shore Restaurant, St. Stephen’s United Church, PQB News, SOURCES, RE/MAX Anchor Realty, RE/MAX First Realty, MOSAIC Forest Management, Mid Island Co-Op, Shady Rest, Pharmasave, Qualicum Beach Museum, and Qualicum Foods.
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For over 60 years, the Town of Qualicum Beach, in partnership with the Regional District of Nanaimo, has hosted the Ocean Mile Swim.
The swim tests your skills in one mile at the Qualicum Beach waterfront. The competition is friendly, open to all ages, and offers trophies in 15 categories.
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Date: Sunday, August 17
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Time: Registration at 1 pm & races begin at 3 pm
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Location: Waterfront - west of the beach washrooms
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Registration: Register on the day of the event
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Trophies: 15 awards presented at 4:30 pm,
| | Economic Development Strategy Seeks Input | | |
The Town is developing an Economic Development Strategy to support sustainable economic growth, and kicking off engagement with an online survey.
The Strategy aims to foster economic development in a way that protects the environment and quality of life in our community. It will be a visionary, long-term plan grounded in actionable, practical steps.
The Strategy will align with the Official Community Plan, 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, Sustainability Action Plan, and other key strategies. It will provide a clear framework for how the Town invests its resources and efforts to support economic development. Community and business input will play a vital role, with multiple opportunities to share ideas and feedback.
Project Timeline
- Mar 2025 – Tender Awarded
- May 2025 – Project kick-off and background research
- Jul - Aug 2025 – Public engagement activities
- Aug – Oct 2025 – Strategy development
- Oct 2025 – Public review of draft strategic directions
- Dec 2025 – Feb 2026- Finalizing the Strategy
- Feb 2026 – Presentation to Town Council
Public consultation to date has included an online survey (open July 10 to Aug 6), three focus group meetings, and two community pop-up engagements.
Visit qualicumbeach.com/pathways for full project details.
| | Eaglecrest Golf Course Acquisition & Revisioning | | |
A conditional agreement to purchase the Eaglecrest Golf Course lands has been reached, giving the Town an opportunity to guide land use and preserve natural areas.
The proposed $8.5 million land purchase would bring approximately 42.5 hectares (105 acres) of land into public ownership, ending years of uncertainty and allowing the Town to shape the site’s long-term use. The agreement remains subject to public consultation, technical assessments and due diligence.
Land Use
If finalized, approximately 40 per cent of the property will be converted to forested parkland. The remaining lands will be home to a nine-hole golf course and carefully planned housing developments to help meet community needs. The Town has until November 1, 2025 to finalize the purchase agreement if Council chooses to proceed.
Funding
The acquisition will be funded through the sale of up to 10 per cent of the land for housing, in consultation with the community. Short-term costs will be covered by reallocating existing funds in the Town’s budget, which would subsequently be replenished through land sales. Sale of existing Town-owned land in the Eaglecrest neighbourhood will be considered as part of the financing strategy.
Public Consultation
- August - targeted meetings with key stakeholders
- September - Open House Series
- October - Public Hearing
A professional traffic study and preliminary site planning will also be undertaken. After consultations are completed, Council will make a final purchase decision before the November 1, 2025 deadline.
Visit qualicumbeach.com/eaglecrest-golf-course-revisioning for updates.
| | Town Achieves Budget Award | | |
In recognition of Council’s commitment to transparency and good governance, the Town has been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2025-2029 Financial Plan.
This award recognizes adherence to high standards in governmental budgeting and reflects the efforts of the Town’s governing body and staff.
With over 1,700 participants in the GFOA Budget Awards Program, the Town’s achievement places it among leading municipalities recognized for their budgeting practices.
Read the Financial Report
| | Carboard Bin to Transition to RDN Collection | | |
As of September 29, 2025, the Town’s cardboard collection service will be fully transitioned to the Regional District of Nanaimo’s (RDN) curbside collection program.
For many years, the Town provided a dedicated cardboard collection, known simply as the "Cardboard Bin" on Berwick Road next to the Fern & Cedar, to facilitate responsible recycling for residents. While the option to discontinue this service was first discussed in 2021, Council chose to provide a lengthy transition period to ensure residents could adapt to RDN curbside collection or arrange private recycling services if needed.
With residents now fully transitioned to the RDN’s recycling program, the Town will discontinue the Cardboard Bin, confident that the large recycling carts provided through curbside collection are more than adequate for residential needs.
This change will result in a net cost savings of approximately $75,000 tax dollars per year, and additional weekly clean-up costs. Reallocation of these funds will be considered during Council’s budget process in the fall.
Where can excess cardboard be taken?
Visit the RDN's Curbside Collection webpage for more information.
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Field Closure
The Community Park Playing Fields will be closed for maintenance from August 18 to September 12. The fields will remain open for light general use while the grounds undergo seasonal maintenance but will not be able to withstand sport games, either formal or informal.
Tennis Court Resurfacing
The Qualicum Beach Tennis Courts will be closed the week of August 12 for crack sealing and resurfacing, weather depending.
Board of Variance Vacancy
Help provide independent adjudication of appeals, primarily for minor variances where strict adherence to bylaws would result in undue hardship. Complete a Volunteer Application before August 22
Subsidized Rentals
Applications are being accepted for subsidized rental of the Civic Centre and Community Hall. The deadline to apply is August 15, 2025. Visit qualicumbeach.com for full details.
Seacrest Place Slope Stabilization
Until mid-November, Seacrest Slope will be single lane traffic, with no pedestrian access to ensure safety.
Employment Opportunities
The Town is seeking to fill the following positions:
- Corporate Services Coordinator
- Labourer Trainee Parks
- Human Resources Coordinator
- Director of Infrastructure Services
View full details at qualicumbeach.com/employment
Thursday Night Market Road Closure
Every Thursday night in July & August, Second Avenue West will be closed from approximately 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
Shared Paths in Off-Leash Areas
Some trails behind the Civic Centre are designated as off-leash areas. Walkers and runners should expect to encounter dogs running, barking, and playing freely. Please exercise caution when approaching dogs and avoid sudden movements, yelling, or waving your arms. These trails are shared spaces - thank you for using them with respect and consideration for all.
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Effective July 17, all open burning, including campfires, beach fires, and fireworks, is prohibited in Qualicum Beach. The ban remains in effect until further notice.
Visit qualicumbeach.com for more information.
| | Emergency Expo 2025 - Save the Date | | |
Join us at the 2025 Emergency Expo for a full lineup of displays, demonstrations, and hands-on workshops!
Mark your calendar and join this engaging event, where first responders, government agencies, emergency supply vendors, and expert partners will offer interactive opportunities to enhance your preparedness. This is a free event, and everyone is welcome! Read full details
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From May 15 until September 15 the watering of lawns and gardens is only permitted between the hours of 7 pm and 7 am daily. Hand watering is permitted at any time.
Each municipality sets their own water usage guidelines based on local water sources and consumption. With our dedicated residents maintaining personal water restrictions and being respectful of their water use, Qualicum Beach does not need to escalate water restrictions.
Read the FAQ on water conservation and restrictions
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- Aug 7, 14, 21- Thursday Night Market (Second Ave). 6 pm to 9 pm
- Aug 17 - Ocean Mile Swim, 1 pm to 4 pm
- Aug 16 - Twilight Concert Series, Saahtlam Park, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
- Aug 23 - QB Museum - Children’s Day, 12 pm to 4 pm
- Aug 30 - Twilight Concert Series, Saahtlam Park, 6 pm to 8 pm
All meetings in the Council Chamber, unless otherwise noted.
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