Regional District of Nanaimo

The combined efforts of local eagle lovers, land holders, regional governments and First Nations have raised funding for the purchase and protection of an eagle sanctuary in French Creek.

The Agents of Change Project builds volunteer engagement programs in communities across Canada to support residents taking action to build climate resilience and reduce local greenhouse gas emissions, according to a joint media release by the RDN and the City of Nanaimo.

The province has approved a $153,387 grant to enable the RDN to continue its FireSmart initiatives that focus on education, interagency cooperation, cross training and vegetation management.

Vancouver Island’s first eagle reserve is within $300,000 of becoming a reality.

The RDN asked residents not to put out any extra waste that does not fit inside their recycling and garbage carts with lids fully closed.

The RDN is gathering feedback on its Get Involved project page. It will host public webinars on Aug. 19 and Sept. 9 at 10 a.m., as well as private presentations for interested groups.

“The RDN needs to acknowledge that building permits aren’t just stacks of paper on a desk — they are roofs over people’s heads and that’s what the community needs right now,” said Mark Jones.

The committee also carried a motion to continue project planning with a goal to begin the expansion in 2023.

Douglas Holmes was selected by the board of directors after a cross-Canada search and brings over 25 years of experience in the public sector.

“With this grant, the RDN and Lantzville have the opportunity to provide volunteers with training in their own community,” said Tyler Brown, RDN chair.