March 2026

The public are invited to participate in the Eaglecrest Neighbourhood Planning project.

The Project comes after the Town’s purchase of the Eaglecrest Golf Course lands in late 2025, and will focus on neighbourhood scale planning.

Engagement will explore how people move through the area, how parks and green spaces connect, how the neighbourhood should look and feel, and how new development fits with the existing community. Engagement will also inform parcel planning around the closed portion of the golf course lot to the west of Country Club Drive.

Public Engagement Opportunities

Online Survey

March 10 – March 22, 2026

Residents can provide feedback on planning priorities such as walking and cycling routes, traffic circulation and parks, as well as development preferences for the Country Club Drive parcel. The survey will be live on March 10 on the project webpage.

Public Town Hall

April 2, 2026

3:00 pm at the Civic Centre

The Town will present updates on the Eaglecrest Neighbourhood Plan and a summary of community feedback. Residents can participate in a question-and-answer session after the presentation.

Additional Engagement for Eaglecrest Residents

Residents living within the Eaglecrest neighbourhood boundary are invited to participate in engagement activities specific to neighbourhood and parcel planning. Visit the project webpage for more details. (Photo above shows resident workshops).

Feedback received from public engagement will help inform the Preliminary Eaglecrest Neighbourhood Plan.

For more information on how to participate, visit the project webpage.

Council has introduced and given first and second readings to the 2026-2030 Five-Year Financial Plan, which includes a 6.5% municipal property tax increase to maintain municipal services, invest in essential infrastructure, and support long-term financial sustainability.

Council considered several budget scenarios including an 8.1% and 7% increase, before selecting the 6.5% increase. This approach maintains core service levels while moderating the impact on residents.

Public input received during the budget process helps inform Council’s decision and remains an important part of the Town’s financial planning.

What This Means for Residents

For a typical home assessed at the Town average, the increase represents approximately $13 per month in municipal property taxes. Individual impacts may vary depending on property assessment changes.

Investing in the Community

The budget is intended to improve operational efficiency and enhance service delivery, while addressing inflationary and contractual cost pressures, including increases to supplies and materials, wages, benefit premiums, insurance, policing, and other mandated expenditures.

Approximately 51% of taxes collected by the Town are levied on behalf of other agencies, including the Province (school taxes), Regional District of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Regional Library, and Nanaimo Regional Hospital District. These agencies independently set their rates, and are not included in the Town’s municipal tax increase.

Next Steps

• March 25 – Financial Plan Bylaw presented for third reading
• April 1 – Financial Plan Bylaw presented for final adoption

Visit the Financial Plan Project page for more information.

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.

• Residents EAST of Memorial Ave - starts March 9
• Residents WEST of Memorial Ave - starts March 30

IMPORTANT

• The chipper visits each street ONCE, so have branches out by start date.
• Please do NOT place material out earlier than three weeks before collection date.

Follow the guidelines below for a smooth pickup:

Learn more

Applications are currently being accepted for Special Events Sponsorship,with funding up to $2,500 per calendar year. 

Eligible registered non-profit societies will need to demonstrate cultural enrichment, social engagement and/or community pride in Qualicum Beach. Funding will be awarded based on merit, financial need, and alignment with community benefits.

Complete an application before March 31, 2026.

Brant Geese - Dogs on the Beach

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.

Outdoor Burning Permits Available

Garden refuse fires are allowed between March 15 and April 5 on properties within the Agricultural Land Reserve only.

 A permit is required and available at Town Hall or on our website at qualicumbeach.com/burn-permits

Watermain flushing

Keep an eye our for crews performing watermain flushing on March 2, from 8am to 3:30pm, for approximately six weeks.

Field Closure for Maintenance

The Community Park Playing Fields will be closed from March 15 to April 10 for seasonal maintenance. The fields will remain open for general use, but sports bookings will not be accepted during this time.

Snow & Ice Control

Keeping the streets clear during the winter is essential to make way for emergency responders, prevent injuries and accidents and ensure our community stays safe.

Learn more

Town staff proudly wore pink for Pink Shirt Day. This day is a reminder that kindness, respect, and inclusion help make our community stronger. Together, we stand against bullying and support a culture where everyone feels safe and valued.

Contact Council

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