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Ladysmith Council met virtually on Tuesday, October 6 with a proposed development for the former Dalby's Service property and re-opening of the Frank Jameson Community Centre (FJCC) pool among the agenda highlights.
This was the first meeting for the Town's new CAO Allison McCarrick; Mayor and Council extended a warm welcome to McCarrick, who previously served as CAO in Port Hardy, and thanked former A/CAO Erin Anderson for leading the staff team since May.
The meeting opened with Mayor Stone proclaiming October as Foster Family Month in the Town of Ladysmith. The Mayor also declared October 19-25 as Waste Reduction Week in the community.
Next on the agenda, Council discussed the proposed Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan amendments for 201 and 203 Dogwood Drive - the former site of Dalby's Service.
Council directed that a five storey building design option be investigated, and that the developer include consideration for view corridors, height, neighbourhood character and public concerns, among other factors.
Additionally, Council amended the resolution to include a rental covenant structure - an agreement between the Town and developer securing a specified number of rental units within the building - and a description of a remediation plan for the site, both to be included in next steps before proceeding to a public hearing.
Council approved the 2021 schedule for regular Council and Committee of the Whole (CoW) meetings. Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month, unless the meeting falls on a statutory holiday. CoW meetings are held the second Tuesday of every second month.
Moving on in the agenda, Council directed staff to submit an application for a federal infrastructure grant in order to help fund the completion of Phase 2 rehabilitation work at the Machine Shop.
Council approved the Town's share of supporting funds, pending the successful receipt of the grant, come from the Real Property Reserve and General Government Reserve.
The Town received federal Gas Tax funding in 2018 to complete upgrades to the Machine Shop. The work completed to date has included extensive code, seismic and building upgrades which will help to create new spaces for future commercial and community amenities.
Council approved amending the budget for the permanent downtown washroom project with funds to come from the Real Property Reserve. The Ladysmith Kinsmen Club has community fundraising efforts for the project.
The balance of the project costs will come from community donations and potential grant sources.
COVID-19 and the installation downtown patio table has demonstrated the necessity of a public washroom on First Avenue. A temporary washroom was installed downtown earlier this summer to help meet increased public demand and will remain in place until the permanent facility is built.
Council approved a phased reopening of the Frank Jameson Community Centre pool as of November 2, 2020.
The Town's COVID-19 safety plan for the pool will require patrons register for programs ahead of their visit.
Additional measures are being implemented to ensure the Town is in compliance with Provincial Health Officer’s orders and recommendations, as well as guidelines from agencies such as the Lifesaving Society.
Watch for more details in the 2020 Fall Aquatic Guide available online on Friday, October 16.
The next Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 7 pm.
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