June 2021
Community Update
News and Information from the District of Lantzville
Municipal Hall COVID-19 Hours
Monday to Friday
By phone or email: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
In-person service (payments only) 8:30 am to 3:30 pm

Closed Thursday July 1st for Canada Day
After-hours Public Works emergency call 1.888.826.8271
All other emergencies dial 911
Upcoming Meetings
Wednesday, June 2, 2021     - 6:00 pm Regular Council
Wednesday, June 14, 2021 - 6:00 pm Special Council
Wednesday, June 16, 2021   - 6:00 pm Regular Council

The start time of the open portion/livestreaming of the meetings 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.

The current Public Health Order on Gatherings and Events restricts the public from attending Council meetings in person. We welcome you to participate electronically and watch livestream council meetings. Click on the meeting date in the calendar to access the meeting agenda package, minutes and video recordings.
Property Tax Information
2021 Property Tax Notices Have Been Mailed!
Contact Municipal Hall at 250.933.8086 if you have not received your property tax notice by June 7th. Property tax payments and completed Home Owner Grants (claimed through the Province of BC, if applicable) are due no later than July 2, 2021 to avoid penalty. Postmarks are not accepted as proof of payment. A 1% penalty applies on any outstanding balance at the end of July 2nd and a 9% penalty applies 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. View the 2021 Property Tax Information brochure.
Home Owner Grant in 2021
Starting May 2021, you will apply for your home owner grant online with the Province. Municipalities are NO longer permitted to accept applications. Program eligibility is unchanged. In order to avoid penalties and interest, apply before the July 2nd tax due date. Learn more at gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant or phone 1.888.355.2700 to speak with a live agent.
Prepayment Plan
Prepay your 2022 property taxes by enrolling in the prepayment plan: ten monthly pre-authorized bank withdrawals will be debited on the 10th of each month from August to May. The recommended monthly withdrawal amount is calculated based on your eligibility to claim the Home Owner Grant. To enroll, contact the Municipal Hall at 250.933.8086 or for details click here.
Planting a New Garden or Landscaping?
Conserve water in your new garden with ‘xeriscaping’ – specifically designed for minimal watering! Xeriscaping saves you some work and reduces water demands during the summer. This style of garden features native plants and shrubbery, cacti, succulents, ornamental grasses, and drought-tolerant turf grasses.
Other things to consider when planting a new garden or landscaping:
  • Confirm your property line to ensure your works are not encroaching on your neighbours’ land or a right of way
  • Reduce wildfire risk within wildland/urban interface – reduce fuel (e.g. brush)
  • Confirm if your property is in a Development Permit Area for steep slope or sensitive ecosystem protection. Contact the Director of Planning & Community Services at 250.933.8083
  • Implement Zero Waste landscaping and composting.

Visit www.rdn.bc.ca for more information.
Recreation Opportunities
The City of Nanaimo Recreation & Parks continues to work with the current Provincial Health Restrictions so check out their website on a regular basis for updates. Summer registration is ongoing - visit recreation.nanaimo.ca to register!
  • Find the Golden Bucket Contest (now until end of July)
  • Water Parks opened on Saturday, May 22nd. Four locations to choose from (Deverill Square Park, Mansfield Park, Harewood Centennial Park and Departure Bay Kiwanis Park). Open daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Playground Program from July 7th to September 1st
  • StoryWalk happening from June 18th to 28th at Harewood Centennial, Departure Bay Kinsmen Park, and Linley Valley Marsh Trail. Drop by and read a story in Hul̓ q̓ umín̓ um̓ (brought to the community through a partnership with the City of Nanaimo, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools and PacificCARE).

For the Summer Activity Guide, click here.

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge is here, and you are invited to take part to get moving and win prizes.
The RDN has been making summer camp memories for more than 20 years with the same priority of offering safe, fun and active programs. From traditional day camps to specialty camps.

Visit online to register for programs and to access the REC Connect webpage where you can subscribe to RDN’s Active Living Newsletter and to find free activities and resources.​
FireSmart BC
For more information visit FireSmartBC.ca to help protect your home from wildfire.
Bylaw Reminders
Burning Ban in Effect
Category 2 OPEN FIRES are PROHIBITED, including burn barrels, backyard burning, incinerators, burn piles, burning grass, fireworks, binary exploding targets, sky lanterns, outdoor burning, etc. and are not permitted on private and public property in the District of Lantzville. Small campfires used for cooking, heating or ceremonial purposes are allowed (except on beaches) subject to conditions as outlined on the District of Lantzville website at lantzville.ca.

NO OPEN FIRES ARE PERMITTED ON ANY BEACH, 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.

NO LANDCLEARING FIRES ARE PERMITTED AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR – except for ALR lands.

The Fire Protection Services Bylaw prohibits Open Air burning (fire piles on the ground) and Incinerator Fires from April 16th to October 14th. For more information, visit lantzville.ca or contact the Fire Chief at nrukus@lantzville.ca or 250.390.2811.
Stage 2 Watering Restrictions – Effective May 1st
Under the watering restrictions, in Stage 2 , sprinkling is permitted between the hours of 7:00 am to 10:00 am OR 7:00 pm to 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 permit. 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.
Traffic and Parking Regulations Bylaw No. 28 Prohibitions
Did you know? Bylaw No. 28 prohibits the following on streets (includes the road right of way):
  • Parking an unlicensed vehicle;
  • Parking a trailer when not attached to a motor vehicle;
  • Leaving an excavation or obstruction without sufficient fencing, barricading or warning lights;
  • Operating a tracked vehicle without authorization;
  • Placing fuel, lumber, merchandise, etc.;
  • Placing leaflets on the windshield of parked motor vehicles;
  • Parking a vehicle or trailer to display it for sale, for advertising, to display signs or selling flowers, fruits, vegetables, seafood or other products; and
  • Parking a trailer or motorhome for accommodation purposes.
Construction Notices
Lantzville Commercial Core Revitalization Project on Lantzville Road between Dickinson Road and Caillet Road
Construction has started on road upgrades on Lantzville Road between Dickinson and Caillet Roads. The project, funded through grants, includes separated multi-use pathway for pedestrians and cyclists, street trees, raingardens, banner poles, seating areas, and shared on-street parking areas. The contractor (David Stalker Excavating Ltd.) has notified properties affected and provided contact and construction schedule information. Please obey all traffic control; there will be temporary traffic disruptions, detours and periodic parking restrictions. For more information on the Lantzville Commercial Core Revitalization Project, please contact Fred Spears, Director of Public Works, by phone 250.933.2250 or email fspears@lantzville.ca.
Huddlestone Road Storm Sewer Project & Huddlestone Park Parking Lot Closure
Due to construction of storm sewer upgrades, Huddlestone Road between Lantzville Road and Bayview Road will be closed to regular traffic, with access to local traffic only, during the course of construction starting May 31, 2021 for an estimated five weeks. Working hours will be Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Pedestrians and cyclists will have controlled access during the construction hours. The Huddlestone Park parking lot will be closed to the public. The contractor (Leuco Construction) will notify any properties affected by road closures one week prior, and 24 hours in advance for any driveway interruptions in order for alternate arrangements to be made.
Emergency Evacuation in the District of Lantzville - Updates from the RDN
Evacuation Alert
There are two stages of Evacuation. An Evacuation Alert tells you to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. During an alert, remember to gather only the necessities. Get your “Grab and Go” kits ready and wait for more information from emergency personnel. At this point, the movement of persons who require assistance with evacuating will become a priority.
An Evacuation Order means you need to evacuate NOW! It’s time to head to a safe place.
An Evacuation Alert doesn’t always come before an Evacuation Order, so how can you prepare for a quick and smooth exit? Here are some tips from the Evacuation Route Plan for the Lantzville area:
  • Make sure your vehicle always has at least half a tank of gas. Gas stations will give priority to emergency vehicles, and can run out of fuel quickly in emergency situations.
  • Have a “Grab and Go” kit ready for each of your family members, stored somewhere you can access it quickly and easily.
  • Register for the Regional District of Nanaimo’s new emergency alert program – Voyent Alert! Voyent Alert allows residents, businesses or visitors to receive messages through an app, text message, voice call or email for critical events such as floods or wildfires.
  • Arrange accommodation for your family in the event of an evacuation. Emergency Support Services will be available to provide reception centres and emergency relief for up to 72 hours.
  • Practice your evacuation plan with your family!

As information is received from the operational front lines, and examined for specific actions, the public will be kept notified of developments, level of evacuation awareness, specific evacuation routes if required, location of reception centres and other important information. Monitor the Lantzville website lantzville.ca, RDN website rdn.bc.ca, and register for Voyent Alert notifications for official updates.
Emergency Support Services Training Grant
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) and District of Lantzville (Lantzville) have announced the approval of a $30,139 grant for Emergency Support Services (ESS) training and equipment. The ESS grant, funded by the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and administered by the Union of BC Municipalities, will enable the RDN and Lantzville to provide locally focused training to our ESS volunteers. The sessions will build upon their knowledge and experiences and provide opportunities to practice their learning through custom-designed exercises. The equipment being purchased through the grant will provide alignment with Emergency Management BC’s new ESS electronic delivery platform.

Lantzville has contracted with the RDN to coordinate the Lantzville Emergency Program, including recruitment and training of emergency support services community volunteers. Emergency Support Services volunteers assist at disaster sites and provide temporary essential basic needs for evacuees on site at reception centres (evacuation shelters) and group lodging centres. Interested in joining this dedicated team of volunteers? Email emergencyservices@rdn.bc.ca or call 250.390.6565.
To learn more about Emergency Services in the RDN and Lantzville, visit rdn.bc.ca/emergency-services.
Do you Want to Speak With the Mayor?
Call the Municipal Hall at 250.390.4006
if you wish to book an appointment
to speak with Mayor Swain.
Latest Council Update
From the May 19th Meeting
For more information, please contact the Director of Corporate Administration at 250.933.8082 or email district@lantzville.ca.