Gabriola Island Reimagining Growth Survey - What We Heard Report

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Survey Results Summary 
Gabriola Island: Reimaging Growth 
Engagement Period: September 8 to October 1, 2025 
Report Date: March 19, 2026 
 
 
Introduction 
As part of community engagement on the Official Community Plan and Land Use Bylaw Review Project, 
the Gabriola Island community was invited to complete a survey designed to gather community input on 
topics relating to density. This report summarizes key themes, concerns, and priorities expressed by 
community members. It reflects what we heard, not decisions or final outcomes. 
 
About the Survey 
The anonymous survey asked three questions designed to collect input on three central approaches used 
to manage growth: subdivision, rezoning, and secondary dwelling units. 
 
It was completed by 156 respondents and took, on average, 5 minutes to complete with a 95% completion 
rate. Only comments directly related to the survey questions were considered. Off-topic comments or 
unrelated feedback have not been included or responded to. All responses were reviewed, and any content 
that is defamatory, profane, or inappropriate for a general audience was removed. 
 
How input was collected: 
• Online survey available on the Islands Trust website 
• Paper copies of the survey at the Islands Trust office on Gabriola and the Gabriola public 
library 
• Promotion through social media and subscriber lists 
 
Key Themes We Heard 
1. Subdivision Potential 
Question 1 described the existing zoning and subdivision potential on Gabriola Island, which could 
result in up to 45 new lots and up to 90 new dwelling units, and asked respondents to indicate 
which, if any, of the listed options they support. 

 
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As displayed in the table above
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• 89% of respondents were in support of limiting subdivision in some form:  
o 58% want to see subdivision limited to areas deemed to be suitable, and 
o 31% want subdivision of new lots limited to specific instances such as for 
affordable housing. 
• 19% wish to see the current subdivision rules continue 
• 11% did not support any of the response options  
• 1% were unsure 
 
While there was support for increasing the supply of affordable, flexible housing options, 
respondents placed strong emphasis on the need to protect ecosystems and water, and to limit 
growth. Comments in favour of affordable housing expressed support for smaller lots and 
subdivision to meet housing needs, and there was a suggestion to create incentives for owners to 
build on existing vacant lots. The need to provide for active transportation, services and amenities 
in planning for additional housing was also raised. Others were not in support of increasing density, 
citing concerns about groundwater availability and continued environmental degradation. 
 
Appendix A includes the full list of comments from respondents grouped by theme. 
 
2. Rezoning 
Question 2 listed options for rezoning that could be enabled through the updated Official 
Community Plan and asked respondents whi

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