The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is one of the fastest growing regions in British Columbia, Canada with a population of more than 131,000 people and some of Vancouver Island's most livable communities. Located on Vancouver Island, Its boundaries stretch from Cassidy, just south of the Nanaimo airport, to Deep Bay in the north, and inland to Mount Arrowsmith. It also includes Gabriola and adjacent islands.

The Regional District consists of 8 Electoral Areas and 4 Municipalities. The RDN is one 27 regional governments in B.C. The RDN provides and coordinates a range of services in both urban and rural areas, depending on local needs. Regional districts are B.C.'s way of ensuring that all residents have access to commonly needed services, regardless of where they live.

Created in 1967, the RDN is a partnership of the four municipalities of Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Lantzville and eight unincorporated electoral areas. It is governed by a Board of 17 Directors. The Board meets monthly to govern RDN affairs and to establish local bylaws and public policy.

The RDN provides those services that are best delivered on a cooperative, region-wide basis. It has a special mandate to ensure access to basic services for residents in unincorporated areas. Residents pay only for those services provided to the electoral area or municipality in which they live.

The RDN's responsibilities and services include regional and community planning, transit, liquid and solid waste treatment, recreation and parks, building inspection and bylaw enforcement, water and sewer utilities, general administration and emergency planning.