Nov 04, 2021

Council Notebook for November 2, 2021

Ladysmith Council met virtually for a Public Hearing and Special Meeting on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 with the agreement for animal control services and the 2022 Budget Workshop to discuss the preliminary operating budget among the agenda highlights.

The meeting started with a Public Hearing for proposed amendments to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw as they apply to 1260 Churchill Place.

The Town previously purchased the property to allow for an emergency access route during construction of the 4th Avenue culvert.

The proposed amendment would change a portion designated Single Family Residential to Multi-Family Residential and Parks and Open Spaces. Additionally, a Multi-Unit Residential area would be added.

The proposed amendment to the Zoning Bylaw would change an area zoned Single Dwelling Residential to Single Dwelling Residential Small Lot.

A map showing the changes can be found on Page 11 of the meeting agenda.

Following the Public Hearing, Council gave third reading to the amendment bylaws.

Next, Mayor Stone proclaimed November 16, 2021 as Louis Riel Day in the Town of Ladysmith. A flag raising will take place with members of the Mid-Island Métis Nation that day at City Hall.

The Mayor also proclaimed November as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Awareness Month and Council approved the request to light City Hall and the “Ladysmith” sign at Bob Stuart Park with orange lights during the week of November 8-15, 2021.

Next on the agenda, Mayor Stone recommended several of the annual appointments which received support from Council.

Councillor McKay will act as Deputy Mayor from November 2021 to April 2022 and Councillor Stevens will takeover in the role from May 2022 to October 2022.

Mayor Stone, Councillor Johnson and Councillor Paterson were appointed to the Parcel Tax Review Panel.

Mayor Stone will continue as Director and Councillor Stevens as Alternate Director representing the Town on the Cowichan Valley Regional District Board.

Councillor Virtanen will continue to sit as Director and Mayor Stone as Alternate Director representing the Town on the Vancouver Island Regional Library Board.

The remaining annual committee and liaison appointments will be discussed at next week’s Special Council meeting.

Moving on, Council held its first 2022 Budget Workshop to discuss the preliminary operating budget.

Before higher level service requests, the operating budget is $19.3 million - which covers the cost of delivering services and running amenities, such as our facilities, or maintaining our parks, streets and trails.

No decisions were required by Council at Tuesday’s meeting with regards to the budget or 2022-2026 Financial Plan.

You can find a schedule of the upcoming 2022 Budget meetings on our website. Slideshow presentations as well as a recap will also be published on the Financial Plan page in the days following the meeting.

Next, Council approved waiving the purchasing policy and entering into a three year agreement with Coastal Animal Control Services of BC Ltd.  The policy was waived due to the limited availability of similar types of service providers in the area.

The Town has held an agreement with Coastal Animal Control Services of BC since 2004.

Staff were also directed to amend the Dog Licensing, Control and Pound Bylaw to increase each of the fees for dog licenses by $5.

The next meeting of Council is Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at a Special Council Meeting for its second budget workshop as well as the Mayor’s appointments to standing and community committees, beginning at 6:00pm. The Committee of the Whole meeting will immediately follow the Special Council meeting.  Both meetings will be held in the City Hall Council Chambers.