Nanaimo Residents Call for Independent Review of Sensitive Wetland Near Barrington Road Development in Linley Valley

NANAIMO, BC — Nanaimo residents and environmental advocates are calling for an independent hydrological review of the proposed 6-storey development at 3400 Barrington Road, citing concerns about potential impacts to a rare pine swamp connected to the Cottle Creek watershed.

Community members say the project would require major blasting and excavation immediately upslope from a sensitive conifer swamp ecosystem near Linley Valley. Residents are concerned this could alter groundwater flow and seasonal watercourses that help sustain the wetland.

The development has already received a Development Permit through delegated authority, despite ongoing environmental concerns raised by residents.  Advocates are questioning whether delegated authority is appropriate for projects involving sensitive wetland ecosystems, significant blasting, and unresolved hydrological concerns, arguing these decisions deserve full public and council scrutiny.

Advocates are asking the City of Nanaimo to pause further approvals until additional independent review is completed and potential Water Sustainability Act concerns are investigated.

“This is not about opposing housing,” said local a resident. “It’s about ensuring sensitive wetlands and systems receive proper scientific review before irreversible work proceeds.”

Residents have launched a public petition and citizen science biodiversity project to document the ecological importance of the area.

Public Resources

• Petition: https://c.org/46Z9VkPBHc
• iNaturalist project: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/linley-valley-pine-swamp