Nanaimo will hold an alternative approval process for proposed changes that would allow Snuneymuxw members living on reserve within the city to vote in municipal elections.
City council approved the process at its Feb. 24 meeting. Staff said the goal is to finalize the change in time for members of the nation to vote in this year’s election.
The City of Nanaimo and Snuneymuxw First Nation announced the proposed change earlier this month. Snuneymuxw Chief Michael Wyse said it will correct “1523 years of forced exclusion.”
Currently, Snuneymuxw members who live on reserve land within the city vote in Regional District of Nanaimo elections and school board elections but do not vote for mayor or council. Snuneymuxw members who live off reserve within the city can vote in municipal elections.
The proposed change would affect voting rights only and would not affect property taxes, land use or city services.
The alternative approval process will begin March 11 and end April 13.
An alternative approval process allows eligible electors to register opposition to a proposal. If fewer than 10 per cent of eligible electors submit opposition forms by the deadline, council may proceed with the change.
