Questions to Council re: 1621 Dufferin Crescent
Fred H.J. Taylor: January 3, 2013
City of Nanaimo 455 Wallace Street Nanaimo, B.C.Mayor Ruttan & Council Members:
John Horn (City of Nanaimo), Randy Churchill (City of Nanaimo), R.C.M.P. and VIHA all promoted a supportive housing project for the site at a Public Meeting on June 17, 2010.
The Provincial Government was also promoted into release of cemetery statues of the land for a supportive housing project including an amendment to an Order in Council issued in 1994.
I do understand the proposed contractor for the supportive housing has had a copy of this idea of selling a portion of the cemetery land to private ownership and private use in hand for considerable time.
Why, in my opinion has there been a false / misleading promotion to the Public of the use of cemetery land?
I do not believe the Elder Chinese Community donated the land to be turned into cash.
I understand the intention of the City is to sell the land for use other than the present zoning, therefore, the City has an obligation to rezone to support the sale.
I remain of the opinion the Council as a group is in conflict with the direction of this Public Hearing and I remind you of my opinion, an underhanded way of disposal of cemetery land.
I do not agree the city taxpayer will provide and pay for ‘works and services’ for the property.
Your truly,
Fred Taylor
Posts and Comments on Nanaimo Governance 
Who is the proposed contractor?
The purchaser is R.W. (Bob) Wall Ltd
See: http://www.nanaimo.ca/bid_opportunities/bid_details.aspx?id=711
As I understand it, this property was, prior to recent subdivision, a part of the Chinese cemetery which came into the possession of the City. In BC, cemeteries are under special jurisdiction. I am unaware of the details of the original transaction from the
Chinese Community to the City other than that such a transfer usually involves perpetual use as a cemetery and perpetual care. I further understand that the City gained permission from the province to subdivide the parcel in order to build a supportive housing project, with the land to be donated by the City and the structure and its operation to be by the Province, through VIHA. Whether the provincial consent granted for the supportive housing included provision for further subdivision and the subsequent sale of a commercial development as well as supportive housing is the subject of Mr. Taylor’s question to Council.
I too would be interested in the details of the history of this property and its transition via legislation dealing with cemeteries, from Chinese cemetery to a cemetery, supportive housing and a commercial property. If anyone has knowledge of the history of this cemetery and its transfer to the City, please reply.