Nov 12, 2021

Special Council Meeting and Committee of the Whole Notebook for November 9, 2021

Ladysmith Council met for a Special Meeting on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 to discuss the proposed water and sewer budgets for 2022.  The meeting was immediately followed by the Committee of the Whole where the agenda highlights included a proposed renoviction bylaw and a themed lighting policy. 

The Special Meeting was scheduled for Council to hold its second Budget Workshop on the water and sewer budgets. It also included a list of capital projects. 

No increase is proposed for the sewer and water parcel tax.  A portion of the funds collected through parcel taxes is allocated for maintenance of our current infrastructure. 

A $6.29 quarterly water utility rate increase is proposed for a single-family dwelling using a cubic metre of water per day.  There is no increase budgeted for sewer utility rates. 

The next budget meeting is on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 where the sewer and water rates will be finalized. Staff will also introduce a list of proposed general capital projects for the upcoming year. 

Moving onto the Committee of the Whole meeting, the Committee discussed the details of a proposed renoviction bylaw.  Renoviction is an informal term used to describe the process of evicting a tenant so a landlord can complete renovations.

The Community Charter grants powers to municipalities to regulate rental units and residential property that fall under the Province’s Residential Tenancy Act. 

The Committee referred the renoviction bylaw back to staff and included several recommendations to be included in the updated version, to be presented at a future Council meeting 

Next, the Committee received the 2021 third quarter (July - September) Financial Update. A surplus balance is projected in consolidated operations.  Payment and deposits continue to be received which will change the financial figures. 

Next, the Committee recommended that Council approve the updated Water Conservation Plan Policy.  The policy, which defines achievable targets, is a necessary component in many grant applications and subsequent reporting.  

A new water conservation target of 244 litres per person, per day is proposed. The national average is 325 litres per person, per day, based on an average of 2.3 people per dwelling. 

The Committee then recommended that Council approve the Themed Lighting Policy.  

The policy is intended to guide staff when a request is received from an organization to illuminate Town buildings and structures..  Currently, the Town has the ability to illuminate City Hall, the ‘Ladysmith’ sign next to Bob Stuart Park, as well as the Chess Board on 1st Avenue. 

For a schedule of proclamations, guest flags and approved lighting requests, please visit: https://www.ladysmith.ca/discover-ladysmith/current-projects

A Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of Council is scheduled for November 16, 2021 at 6:00 pm.  The Council agenda also includes the third 2022 Budget Workshop. 

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