Nov 04, 2020

Council Notebook for November 3, 2020

Ladysmith Council met for a virtual meeting on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 with a presentation of the proposed 2021 Preliminary Operating Budget among the agenda highlights.

The meeting opened with Mayor Stone proclaiming November 16, 2020 as Louis Riel Day in the Town of Ladysmith.  This year marks the 135th anniversary of Riel's death and the annual declaration recognizes the Metis leader’s contribution to Canadian history.

Next on the agenda, Council confirmed the annual appointments to various boards and committees, as well as for the role of deputy mayor.

A full list of the appointments will be listed on our website in the coming days.

Moving on, Council held its first 2021 Budget Workshop and were presented with the proposed Preliminary Operating Budget.

The Town's Operating Budget covers the cost of services such as policing and fire rescue, running our recreation facilities, road, sidewalk and street maintenance, upkeep of our parks and trails, and collection of garbage, recycling and organics.

Council did not make any decisions regarding the budget at its meeting.

Staff are proposing no increase to the water and sewer parcel taxes. The reduction in recreation and cultural programming due to COVID-19 provincial health orders is also expected to reduce Town revenues in 2021.

Water and sewer utility rates will be discussed at the next budget workshop scheduled for November 10.  For a full schedule of upcoming budget workshops, visit the Town's website.

Next, Council approved increasing the budget to replace an in-channel spiral screen at the Waste Water Treatment Plant and awarded the contract for the work to West Coast Prefab.

The existing screen is in need of replacement and funds for the project will come from the Sewer Utility Fund.

Council approved changes to the Road Closure Bylaw that are necessary to allow for the building of the permanent downtown public washroom.

Construction on the new facility is expected to begin in the near future.

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

You can also receive up-to-date information in your email inbox by subscribing to the Town's newsletter.