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OVERVIEW
Purpose of Report
To provide Council with an update on the preliminary work being undertaken by Staff with
Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN) staff on Saysutshun (Newcastle) Island (the Island) project,
which is the primary project for the 2016 SFN funds.
Recommendation
That the report on the Saysutshun (Newcastle) Island Project Update, dated February 20, 2017,
be received for information.
DISCUSSION
The City of Nanaimo and the Snuneymuxw First Nations are working together to develop a new
plan for Saysutshun (Newcastle) Island that seeks to enhance access and opportunity for
tourism, recreational activities, cultural understanding and education.
In 2016, Council set aside 2015 surplus funds to engage with SFN at the Protocol Advisory
Working Group (PAWG). The City attempted to flow these funds throughout 2016 and tabled a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in early summer. By fall 2016, the parties were in a
position to agree to allocate the funds, as follows:
The fundamental goals of the City and SFN are to increase the public and tourism uses on the
Island, while protecting the natural environment and cultural/heritage resources. They aim to
create a financially self-sustaining operation providing regional tourism benefits.
IRV1
"In Camera" Council Meeting
2 2017-FEB-20
Information Report February 20, 2017
SAYSUTSHUN (NEWCASTLE) ISLAND PROJECT UPDATE
Page 2
Access Study:
The access study is conducting a desktop study to determine the structural feasibility of a
pedestrian crossing from Vancouver Island to the Island at two locations along Newcastle
Channel. Four design options are under consideration and include:
a fixed overpass structure;
swing bridge;
cable car/zipline; and,
a non-glass tunnel.
The assessment of the options will consider feasibility, order of magnitude cost estimates and
probable operating costs.
Staff has also been working with School District 68 to provide educational programming
opportunities on the Island for elementary school aged children.
Strategic Alignment:
The project enables the City to move forward with the Snuneymuxw First Nation to enhance
access, facilities and opportunities associated with the Island. All proposed initiatives will need
to work within the parameters of the Province of BC Master Parks Plans.
The project also supports and implements the 5 community values of Economic Health,
Environmental Responsibility, Social Equity, Cultural Vitality and Active Lifestyle; and the
Council Priorities of Recreation, Culture, Sports & Tourism and Community Wellness of the City
of Nanaimo Strategic Plan Update 2016-2019.
SUMMARY POINTS
A Memorandum of Understanding has been prepared by the City and the Snuneymuxw
First Nation to guide work on the Island Project.
The goals of the Island Project are to enhance public and tourism uses in a manner that
is fiscally, culturally and environmentally sustainable.
$250,000 in funding has been allocated to the Island Project.
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CITY OF NANAIMO Information Report February 20, 2017
SAYSUTSHUN (NEWCASTLE) ISLAND PROJECT UPDATE
Page 3
ATTACHMENTS
Submitted by:
1<im Fowler
C hief Sustainability Officer