Higher density housing is planned for a mostly forested lot atop Rutherford Rd., after the initial stages of rezoning was unanimously approved by Nanaimo Councillors this week. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

higher density housing

Rezoning underway for row housing off Nanaimo’s Rutherford Rd.

Jun 19, 2025 | 4:08 PM

NANAIMO — The concept of row houses has been approved for a trio of Rutherford Rd. lots in the city’s north end.

Councillors, on Monday, June 16, gave the first three readings to a rezoning bylaw for 5190, 5196 and 5200 Rutherford Rd., properties on the southeast corner of the roundabout intersection with Linley Valley Rd.

Development plans call for 68 units across 17 buildings in a newly constructed subdivision, with access off both Rutherford Rd. and Linley Valley Dr.

“A community amenity contribution proposal for the rezoning includes park dedication and a trail connection on the southern portion of the property, as well as road dedication and off-site improvements, including a raised pedestrian crossing on Linley Valley Rd. at the east leg of that roundabout,” Jeremy Holm, City director of development approvals, told Councillors.

The concept plan for 68 units across 17 different buildings at the corner of Rutherford Rd. and Linley Valley Dr. (City of Nanaimo)

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Community consultation and other surveying done in late 2024 and early 2025 showed general support for the project, and many concerns raised were minor in nature and mostly related to connections to parkland and trail links in the area.

A City report notes the property is on a steep slope, and is being rezoned accordingly to an R7 designation, which will allow developers more flexibility in building height and other characteristics.

Safety of the area was a chief concern around the Council table, with multiple Councillors raising objections to vehicle speeds and volumes through the roundabout.

Holm said they are aware and would look at other ways of reducing issues in the future.

“The proposal would include a raised pedestrian crossing on the east leg of the roundabout, which would improve pedestrian safety in the area, as well as slow vehicles down in that movement on and off of the roundabout. That was something that was identified as a community concern…as well as a technical concern through the staff review.”

A raised crosswalk will be installed by developers on the eastern side of the Rutherford Rd. roundabout, at Linley Valley Dr. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Coun. Janice Perrino said they would need to watch the area very closely.

“This particular development is so desperately needed, but every child will be crossing that road to go to Randerson (Elementary School), that is of school age. It’s definitely a concern for the neighbourhood, and it’s worrisome…it’s just such a busy area.”

The rezoning passed the first three readings unanimously, with Council directing staff to make the necessary arrangements related to the rezoning prior to final adoption.

Council will cast one more vote for rezoning at a future meeting, however development and building permits are still required to be approved before construction can begin.

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