News Release

May 10, 2022

School partners with local government to collect School Site Acquisition Charge

Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools has adopted a new bylaw requiring local governments to collect a School Site Acquisition Charge (SSAC) for any new residential developments in the region. The SSACs are collected by local governments and transferred to school boards to help with the purchase of land for new or expanded school sites.

In the City of Nanaimo, the charges will be collected by the City at subdivision approval for single residential developments or at building permit issuance for multi-family residential developments of two units or more. Once collected, funds will then be transferred to the school district.

“Our school district continues to experience increasing enrolment,” said Board Chair Charlene McKay. “Nanaimo is one of the top five fastest growing cities in Canada. With more students coming we need to make sure we have space for them in the classroom. I thank our local government partners in implementing these processes within their respective organizations.”

“The City of Nanaimo experienced record growth in recent years, and through our ReImagine Nanaimo process we are projecting continued high population growth,” said Mayor Leonard Krog. “Through its Long Range Facilities Plan, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools is likewise planning for school facility needs due to growth within our community. The School Site Acquisition Charge will provide funding for the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools to acquire land for new and expanded school sites to support new residential growth.”

The school district will also partner with the towns of Ladysmith and Lantzville, regional districts of Nanaimo and Cowichan Valley as well as Islands Trust.

For more information on the SSAC, please refer to the district’s website.

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