A development permit has been approved for a 6-storey, 102-unit residential building at 3400 Barrington Road, immediately upslope from a sensitive pine swamp ecosystem in Linley Valley, Snuneymuxw Territory (Nanaimo, BC). This swamp is more urgently threatened— but it's not too late to ensure this ecosystem receives proper independent scientific review and protection.

The project would require significant blasting and excavation of steep rocky terrain directly above a groundwater-fed wetland system. Residents, biologists, and provincial experts are concerned this work could alter shallow groundwater pathways and seasonal water flow that sustain the wetland ecosystem.

This rare wetland and surrounding forest support Pacific chorus frogs (Pseudacris regilla), North American beaver (Castor canadensis), garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis), barred owls (Strix varia), lodgepole pine ecosystems (Pinus contorta), bats, wetland birds, and the SARA-listed Northern red-legged frogs (Rana aurora). 

The most celebrated wetlands in BC, Burns Bog and the Pine Bog trail in the Pacific Rim National Park are pine wetlands, but this is even more rare and special. Pine swamps are rated S1 ecosystems: critically imperil and red listed. These are among the most rare ecosystems in BC and there may not be another mapped ecosystem like this in all of British Columbia.  The wetland appears to depend on slow subsurface groundwater movement through fractured rock and soils from the slope above the proposed development site.

Although the development permit has already been approved through delegated authority, significant environmental concerns remain unresolved. The City of Nanaimo recently increased the setback for one on-site wetland feature from 7.5 m to 15 m, acknowledging the ecological sensitivity of the area. However, residents remain concerned given that this building's 7.5m will be grandfathered in, despite provincial guidelines. Experts are concerned that the broader groundwater system and seasonal hydrology supporting the wetland have not received sufficient independent review.

These wetlands help regulate water flow, retain moisture in the landscape, provide wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and contribute to climate resilience. Altering drainage patterns and removing steep forested terrain may increase downstream flooding risk, reduce natural moisture retention, and increase wildfire vulnerability in surrounding interface forests.

The Rock City neighbourhood is cherished for its natural beauty, quiet environment, and close connection to Linley Valley. Residents support responsible housing development — but not at the expense of irreplaceable wetland ecosystems and watershed functions.

We are calling on the City of Nanaimo to:
• Require an independent hydrological assessment of upslope groundwater flow and wetland connectivity;
• Require a comprehensive species inventory and ecological review;
• Ensure post-development water balance modelling protects wetland function beyond mapped boundaries;
• Conduct a neighbourhood-level traffic and safety assessment for the Rock City Road area;
• Assess cumulative wildfire, drainage, and downstream flooding risks; and
• Require a comprehensive blasting management and monitoring plan with transparent public reporting.

We urge Mayor and Council to pause further approvals until these concerns can be independently reviewed.

Join us in advocating for responsible, science-based development that protects both housing needs and irreplaceable ecosystems.

Building permit application​

Development permit report​

iNaturalist Bioblitz Project​

Donate to the scientific review 

Please visit our wetland and fall in love:

Google maps location

Join the movement on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EDjRH4Pjf/

Email Mayor.council@nanaimo.ca