NANAIMO – The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has put a halt to its announced plan to purchase a piece of property on Gabriola Island which was tentatively to be used as recreation and park lands. At its meeting on September 29 the RDN’s Board of Directors moved to withdraw from a purchase contract with Emcon Services Inc., for three lots totaling 8.5 acres on Paisley Place, adjacent to the present Gabriola Elementary School.
On August 25, 2015 the RDN Board approved the terms of a purchase from Emcon for the properties. As provided in the contract, the RDN then undertook a review to ensure current suitability of the lots for recreation and park use. Based on this review, the Regional District has opted to withdraw its interest.
Following the contract exit, the RDN will also not move forward with previously anticipated elector approval to authorize borrowing for the lands. The Regional District formally thanked Emcon Services for the opportunity to consider the acquisition for community use at the September meeting.