Here’s a recap of the key decisions and announcements from Ladysmith’s Nov. 19 council meeting.
Development applications
Council approved first and second readings of "Town of Ladysmith Zoning Bylaw 2014, No. 1860, Amendment Bylaw, No. 2173," for a property at 10910 Westdowne Rd. Staff were directed to schedule and notify a public hearing and refer the bylaw to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure after third reading. As conditions of approval before adoption, the applicant must submit a stormwater management plan by a qualified engineer, construct and pave the driveway apron and throat to ministry standards, and register a stormwater management covenant on the property title at the applicant's cost.
Committee of the Whole Recommendations
Council approved recommendations from the Nov. 12 Committee of the Whole meeting, which included: Approval for first, second and third readings of the "Special Event Bylaw 2024, No. 2196".
• This bylaw outlines the requirements for obtaining permits, sets standards for event operations, and ensures that events are conducted safely and in alignment with community standards.
• Direction to staff to bring forward amendments to the Beer Garden and Special Occasion Licence Applications Policy, as outlined in the Nov. 12 staff report.
• Approval to invite an interested secondary student to apply to attend the business sessions at the 2025 AVICC AGM and Convention, scheduled for April 11-13, 2025 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo.
2025-2029 Financial Plan Discussions
Council approved the continuation of temporary part-time positions for a Development Services administrative assistant and planner, starting Jan. 1, 2025, with funding sourced from surplus and reserve funds. Additionally, council authorized 214 extra annual hours for the Facility Maintenance Department to accommodate cleaning and maintenance needs at the fire department and new office spaces at Public Works. These decisions are part of the 2025-2029 Financial Plan discussions. They focus on meeting operational needs by aligning staffing and facilities.
Animal Control Agreement
Council waived "Purchasing Policy 5-1790-D" to enter a three-year agreement with Coastal Animal Control Services at an average annual cost of $57,333. The agreement will provide ongoing animal control services to ensure bylaw compliance and support animal welfare.
Grants-in-Aid
Council considered waiving “Grants-in-Aid Policy 05-1850-A” to provide an additional grant-in-aid of up to $641 for the 2024 Ladysmith Family and Friends Winter Celebration fundraiser. The request fell outside the usual grants-in-aid application process, prompting a debate about whether an exception was warranted. Ultimately, the motion was defeated, with council reaffirming the importance of adhering to the policy to maintain fairness and transparency in funding decisions. Council members were encouraged to make personal contributions to support the event.
Crown Land Water Tenure
Council reviewed Crown Land Water Tenure Application 0181156 for Raven Point Marina and, having no concerns about the application, voted to opt out of the local government comment process. The application involves minor upgrades, including repairs to a boat launch, which staff deemed straightforward, requiring no further input.
Honouring John Horgan
Council ratified its Nov. 12 electronic vote to lower flags to half-mast in honour of John Horgan, former premier of British Columbia, who died that day.
Municipal Regional District Tax
Council approved supporting the CVRD’s allocation of Online Accommodation Platform Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT) revenues to affordable housing initiatives for the remainder of the five-year MRDT agreement period, ending July 1, 2027. The decision aligns with CVRD's strategic goals to address the regional housing crisis and support workforce stability in the tourism and service industries by directing incremental MRDT revenues towards housing development and related programs.
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 3.
