The Nanaimo port authority has no jurisdiction over anchoring it is a federal matter. I would suggest calling the coast guard to find if Nanaimo has been granted a variance giving them this authority. My guess is no. The Coast Guard does not want to start a precedent . The province of Ontario was sued over this matter in the past and it was struck down in Ontario Supream Court.
Pat's Boating in Canada: OBF court challenge 1997
BC parks tried to do the same thing and it was recinded when chalenged. That being said there is a problem with derilicts and private mooring balls eating up our best anchorages. I consider it a safety matter when safe harbors are filled with derilicts and mooring balls .