Dec 21, 2018

Ladysmith council notebook for Dec. 17, 2018

Ladysmith council held its last meeting of 2018 on Monday night. Here are a few of the highlights:

Mayor Aaron Stone presented the outgoing 2014-2018 council members with a stunning Michael Dean print of Roberts Street as a sign of appreciation for their service to the community.

Special tribute was also paid to Rob Hutchins who served as mayor for 21 years as well as another four on council.

The Arts Council of Ladysmith and District’s president Kathy Holmes provided the annual update to council and highlighted another record attendance year for the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery.  A total of 22 unique exhibits were held in 2018 which attracted over 13,000 visitors, surpassing the previous record of 10,000.  Holmes highlighted the economic impact of the gallery.

Ongoing work includes a renovation of the Gallery’s washroom and kitchen to make the space wheelchair accessible and a contract with the town to develop Ladysmith’s Public Art Strategy. The Arts Council also has plans to undertake a poetry trail project early in the New Year.

Council was presented with an application from Michael Roethe to amend the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw for the Traveller's Hotel property. Located at 422 First Avenue, Mr. Roethe is proposing to restore the historic building and open restaurant on the main floor with 20 hotel accommodations on the upper floors.  A partial fourth storey is also in the plans but subject to adoption of the Zoning Bylaw amendment.

Mr. Roethe held a neighbourhood meeting recently to present plans for the building. To view the staff report see here.  A public hearing for the application will be held at a council meeting in the New Year.

The Ladysmith Resources Centre Association’s Temporary Use Permit to keep the Extreme Weather Resource Shelter (EWRS) open every night from Nov. 1 to Mar. 31 was approved by council.  The shelter is located at 631 First Avenue and has 10 beds, with four specifically designated for women, and provides shower and laundry facilities.  The TUP is for three years with one renewal. 

The schedule of budget workshop meetings to review the 2019-2023 Financial Plan was approved.  Council had expressed a desire to complete the financial plan discussions earlier this year.  The dates are as follows:

  • Monday, Jan. 7 – preliminary operating budgets;
  • Thursday, Jan. 10 – budget workshop – review operating budgets and introduction of capital budgets;
  • Tuesday, Jan. 22 – budget workshop – review of capital budgets;
  • Thursday, Jan. 24 – budget workshop, direction to prepare the water and sewer rate bylaws and early budget approval of capital projects.

Budget information will be posted on the Town’s website www.ladysmith.ca starting in January.

A letter was received by council from Ladysmith Citizens on Patrol (COP) coordinator George Newton asking for assistance with required maintenance of the organization’s van.  The Town of Ladysmith purchased the van for the Ladysmith COP in 2011 and maintains ownership.  Insurance for the vehicle is also paid by the municipality.

Council directed staff to have the van inspected and work completed unless the cost of the carrying out the repairs is extensive.