Here’s a recap of the key decisions and announcements from Ladysmith’s Feb. 18 council meeting.
Mayor’s Address
Acting Mayor Tricia McKay opened the meeting with remarks aimed at fostering civility and unity within the community. Acknowledging past frustrations over major local decisions, she emphasized the need for residents and council to move forward together.
"Now more than ever, I believe we all need to find a way to stand together, to support and to trust," McKay stated.
She expressed hope that with the upcoming March 1 mayoral election, Ladysmith could enter a period of renewed focus and collaboration toward shared goals.
Business Licence Cancellation
Council voted to cancel the business licence for Natural Massage Spa at 16 High St. The licence holder had been notified and given the opportunity to attend the meeting but confirmed they would not contest the cancellation. The business is no longer licensed to operate.
Committee and Representative Changes
Acting Mayor McKay announced several reassignments for council committee and liaison roles:
• Parcel Tax Review Panel – Acting Mayor McKay replaced Councillor Stevens.
• Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) Alternate Director – Acting Mayor McKay replaced Councillor Stevens.
• Waterfront Implementation Committee – The Mayor-elect to replace Councillor Stevens.
• Social Planning Cowichan – Councillor Paterson replaced Councillor Stevens; Councillor Jacobson appointed as the new alternate.
• School District 68 Long Range Facilities Planning Advisory Committee – Acting Mayor McKay replaced Councillor Stevens.
• Our Cowichan Community Health Network – Councillor Gourlay replaced Councillor Stevens.
• Public Art Committee – Councillor Jacobson replaced Councillor Stevens as the alternate.
• Stocking Lake Advisory Committee – The Mayor-elect to replace Councillor Stevens as the alternate.
• Ladysmith Festival of Lights Society – Acting Mayor McKay replaced Councillor Stevens as the alternate.
Financial Plan and Bylaws
• Council gave first, second, and third readings to Financial Plan Bylaw 2025, No. 2206 (the town's budget)
• Town of Ladysmith Animal Control Bylaw 2024, No. 2167 was adopted.
• Town of Ladysmith Zoning Bylaw 2014, No. 1860, Amendment Bylaw 2024, No. 2169 was adopted.
• Official Community Plan Bylaw 2022, No. 2200, Amendment Bylaw 2024, No. 2190 was adopted.
Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA) Indigenous Engagement Funding
Council directed staff to apply for Year 2 funding through the Emergency and Disaster Management Act Indigenous Engagement Funding Program and to sign the required agreement. The funding would support emergency planning and collaboration with Indigenous governing bodies within the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
Reconsideration of previous resolution
Acting Mayor McKay called for reconsideration of council’s previous decision related to a development application for 1130 Rocky Creek Rd. McKay cited concerns that the integrity of the process had been compromised due to an influx of external input following the public hearing.
She noted that, under Section 470 of the Local Government Act, council members are prohibited from receiving or considering new information related to the resolution after a public hearing has concluded. This is to maintain a fair and transparent process, ensuring that all decisions are based solely on the information presented during the public hearing. Given that members of council had been contacted by multiple parties and exposed to new information and external discussions, McKay stated that the best course of action was to revisit the decision.
Council defeated the previous resolution and a motion was passed to refer the application back to staff, requesting a report that includes:
• A review of past approvals and conditions for driveways at Home Hardware and any restrictions on left-turn movements.
• A traffic study, at the applicant’s cost, to assess the feasibility of redesigning the median for left-hand turns from Home Hardware onto Ludlow Road.
• An updated cost estimate for the proposed roundabout.
• Potential funding options for the roundabout.
Following receipt of this report, a new public hearing will be scheduled.
Acting Mayor McKay emphasized that these steps were necessary to restore public trust and ensure that council operates within legal and ethical guidelines.
Community Fundraiser
Councillor Paterson encouraged council members to join him in participating in the upcoming Cinnamon Bun Challenge, where teams will compete to eat an eight-pound cinnamon bun to raise funds for the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association Food Bank.
Closed Session Updates
Council rose from its closed session with reports on routine resolutions and past confidential decisions.
Next Meeting
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5.
