What is the qRD, exactly?

The qathet Regional District is a federation whose members include City of Powell River. The entire qRD has five areas covering different geographic regions of the district, with a population of approximately 21,496 including the City’s population of 13,942 in 2021. It covers about 5,000 square kilometres of land from north of Toba Inlet to Saltery Bay as well as Texada, Savary and Lasqueti Islands. Just under 30 square kilometres of that land base is the City of Powell River.

There are five electoral area directors who govern qathet. They are: Electoral Areas A (north), B (Paradise Valley), C (south), D (Texada Island) and E (Lasqueti Island). In addition, the City has two seats at the regional board and holds a weighted vote on financial issues. Tla’amin Nation has its own separate government.

The City of Powell River includes the communities of Westview, Cranberry, Wildwood and the original Townsite. The City has one mayor and six councillors. As well, two city councillors are required to sit on and represent the city on the qathet Regional Board.

Despite the fact that we all live on the upper Sunshine Coast, there are many differences between how the City and the RD operate. Unlike the City, the RD has no noise bylaw so industrial operations can run all night. There’s no zoning bylaws – you can build a cement plant in the middle of a residential area. Each regional director has their own grant in aid pot they can use at their own discretion for their area. The RD doesn’t require building inspection.