A community in French Creek, B.C., situated on the east coast of Vancouver Island, is determined to pursue self-governance despite neighboring municipalities rejecting its incorporation proposal. French Creek, nestled between Qualicum Beach and Parksville within the Regional District of Nanaimo, has been advocating for autonomy since 2018, with the French Creek Residents Association leading the charge.
Robert Williams, the vice-president of the association, emphasized the community’s desire for direct control over local affairs rather than relying on a single area director among a board of 19. The ongoing struggle of French Creek sheds light on the complexities surrounding self-governance within British Columbia’s regional districts in contrast to established municipalities.
French Creek falls under Electoral Area G of the Regional District of Nanaimo, alongside Englishman River, San Pareil, Little Qualicum, and Dashwood, with a total population exceeding 8,000 residents according to the 2021 census, where a significant majority resides in French Creek. The community prides itself on being the most urbanized rural area in Canada.
Unlike municipalities with mayors and councils overseeing services like waste management and infrastructure, electoral areas are represented by a single director within the regional district. The challenges faced by French Creek residents in coordinating with both the regional district and the Ministry of Transportation and Transit have fueled their determination to incorporate, which would grant them more localized decision-making power.
Vanessa Craig, chair of the Regional District of Nanaimo, acknowledged the evolving needs of rapidly developing areas within electoral regions, emphasizing the varying capacities and authorities between municipalities and electoral areas. The potential annexation of French Creek by neighboring municipalities has been met with a mixed response, with local councils expressing reservations due to concerns over increased service demands and resource allocation.
The path to municipal status involves an intricate process, including boundary assessments, community engagement, and ultimately a referendum. Following a recent community issues assessment, French Creek is progressing towards potential incorporation, pending further studies and public consultations.
As French Creek navigates its journey towards self-governance, the community remains steadfast in its pursuit of independence and local empowerment, aiming to shape its future through a more direct and responsive governance structure tailored to its unique needs and aspirations.