A new health and wellness service for Gabriola Island has been approved through the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) after an Alternative Approval Process (AAP).
Over January and February, residents on Gabriola Island had the opportunity to submit a form through the AAP opposing the RDN raising funds through property tax to fund a community health and wellbeing service coordinator for the island.
With 3,928 eligible electors in Electoral Area B, the bylaw to fail, greater than 10 per cent or 392 forms had to be received before the closing date (Feb. 20). Only 101, or 2.57 per cent, of valid forms were received, passing the bylaw.
Dyan Dunsmoor-Farley, a member of the coordinating group for the Gabriola Health and Wellness Collaborative, speaks to CHLY about how the new service will benefit the island as Gabriola Island starts needing support for complex issues. She also talks about what Gabriola Islanders can expect as the AAP passes.
