Jul 09, 2020

Ladysmith Council Notebook for July 7, 2020

Ladysmith Council held a Special Meeting on July 7, 2020 with a proposal to build a commercial plaza on Rocky Creek Road and changes to a Town bylaw allowing sidewalk patios and parklets in front of businesses among the agenda highlights.

First on the agenda, Council directed staff to proceed with an application to amend the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw in order to build a commercial plaza at 1130 Rocky Creek Road, a vacant lot at the corner of Ludlow Road.

Council authorized that the application be referred to the Community Planning Advisory Committee for comment, as well forwarded to the Town’s local agency partners for feedback.

Council also directed staff to discuss several follow up questions with the applicant regarding the form and character of the proposed development prior to further consideration. 

Next, Council approved holding all future Council and Committee of the Whole meetings electronically until the Provincial Health Officer’s order on mass gatherings is lifted.  This is in compliance with Ministerial Order M192.

Council has been meeting virtually for Special Council meetings - broadcast live on YouTube - since mid-March as the Town follows provincial health orders and recommendations for helping to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Council Chambers does not allow for appropriate physical distancing between members of Council, staff and the public in attendance.

In order to promote openness, transparency, accessibility and accountability for meetings, the Town will continue to broadcast meetings live on YouTube. The Town will continue to provide notice of meetings and make all agenda documents available through our website.

Archived Council meetings can be accessed through our website or on YouTube.

Members of the public can continue to make submissions for question period on items not normally dealt with by Town staff, by sending an email along with their name and address to info@ladysmith.ca.  

The due date to pay your second quarter Utility Bill is August 27, 2020. 

Each quarter, property owners receive a bill in the mail for their water, sewer and solid waste user fees.

Council previously postponed the penalty date for the first quarter in order to help alleviate any financial hardship due to the impact of COVID-19.  No extension was given for the second quarter.

Staff have completed water meter readings and will be sending out second quarter utility bills in the coming days.

Next, Council moved to a discussion on the COVID-19 economic recovery and approved bylaw amendments clarifying regulations for sidewalk patios and parklets - an extended platform over a parking space.

The changes provide greater certainty to business owners looking to invest in these outdoor features, which help to promote physical distancing among patrons during the economic restart from COVID-19.

Once approved by the Town, a parking space in front of a business can be used for a patio or parklet and be installed annually, March 1 through to October 31, without needing a new permit.

Council then received the Ladysmith and District Historical Society annual report for information.

Mayor and Council expressed their appreciation for the ongoing work of LDHS volunteers in preserving our heritage and sharing the story of Ladysmith and area.

Council will meet as the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 6:30 pm. The next Special Meeting of Council is scheduled for July 21 at 7 pm. 

For the latest news and updates visit the Town’s website at www.ladysmith.ca, as well as FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

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