In 1894 the Nanaimo District Agricultural and Horticultural Society applied for membership under the BC Agricultural Societies Act and Amending Act. The agreed objectives of the society were stated as:
" a) To encourage within the Electoral Districts of Nanaimo District and Nanaimo City, the proper cultivation of the soil, the breeding and improvement of stock and the general development of all the agricultural resources of the above name districes,
b) To foster and encourage every branch of mechanical and household arts, calculated to increase the happiness of home life.
c) To hold public exhibitions and to further the above objects.
d) To do all such legitimate acts and things as are incidental to the objects of the society."