Nov 08, 2019

Council Notebook for November 4, 2019

Ladysmith Council met for an hour and a half on Monday, November 4, 2019 with highlights of the meeting, with its 600-plus page agenda, being adoption of the 2020-2023 Strategic Plan and a development application for the former RCMP detachment at 336 Belaire Street.

Mayor Aaron Stone proclaimed Saturday, November 16, 2019 as Louis Riel Day in Ladysmith. The day recognizes the contribution of Louis Riel in shaping Canada's history and commemorates the 134th anniversary of his death.

The 2020-2023 Strategic Plan is now available for the public to review and provides a clear direction to Council and staff on key priorities over the current term.

The Strategic Plan is organized into four sections: Infrastructure, Community, Waterfront and Economy.  

Several themes also weave through the document such as partnerships, climate change, infrastructure renewal, economic growth and affordability.

Council looks forward to sharing achievements of the Strategic Plan with the community and invites the public to submit feedback. The Plan is available on the Town's website.  Print copies can be picked up at City Hall.

A public hearing is being scheduled for a proposed development at 336 Belaire Street.

Council gave first and second readings to Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments to allow for a three storey mixed-use building on the site of the former RCMP detachment.

The proposed new building will have a commercial first storey and up to eight residential units on the upper floors.

Watch for notice of the public hearing on the Town’s website as well as in the Ladysmith Chronicle newspaper.

Next on the agenda, Council awarded the Holland Creek Water Supply Main Replacement to IWC Excavating Ltd.

The December 2018 windstorm highlighted the potential vulnerability of the water supply main located along the Holland Creek Trail due to falling trees.

The water supply main will be moved from the trail onto the nearby road network comprised of Colonia, Mackie and Malone. IWC Excavating Ltd submitted the lowest of seven bids in response to the Town's tender.

The work will take place during the off season and the public will be notified of any resulting trail closures.

Council is interested in promoting more public art in our community and is starting with the 160 street banners that already add vibrancy and community spirit in our downtown.

The street banners hanging downtown for the past two summers were designed for Canada 150 by Stz'uminus First Nation artist John Marston and two Ladysmith Secondary School students.

Staff were directed to begin discussions with the Arts Council of Ladysmith and District on a service agreement for the banner program.

Council would approve the themes for the banners and no additional costs are expected as part of any proposed changes.

The next Council meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2019 at 7 pm.