Feb 05, 2021

Ladysmith Council Notebook for February 2, 2021

Ladysmith Council met for a virtual regular meeting on February 2, 2021 with the awarding of the consulting contract for the Official Community Plan (OCP) Review among the agenda highlights.

The meeting opened with Mayor Aaron Stone proclaiming February 15-21, 2021 as Heritage Week in the Town of Ladysmith.

The Ladysmith & District Historical Society is organizing educational opportunities for the public during Heritage Week that will also comply with COVID-19 protocols.  Watch the Town’s website and social media channels for more information.

Next, Council awarded the consulting contract for the OCP Review to AHNE Studio.

The Town received five proposals for the comprehensive review which is expected to take place over a period of 18-21 months.

AHNE’s principal founder Jennifer Fix was the project consultant lead for DIALOG during the creation of the award-winning Waterfront Area Plan, which involved extensive public participation.

Moving on in the agenda, Council directed staff to submit with Stz’uminus First Nation a federal grant application to fund the removal of sunken and derelict vessels from Ladysmith Harbour.

The program provides 100% funding up to $3.5 million for coastal cleanup projects.

It is estimated that at least 15 sunken vessels are on the harbour bottom.

The funding opportunity to help clean up and remediate the harbour removes a barrier to successfully implementing the Waterfront Area Plan, together with Stz’uminus First Nation.

City Hall will be illuminated in blue LED lighting later this month in support of Girl Guides’ Guiding Lights Across British Columbia.  Council approved the new lighting for City Hall and directed staff to develop a themed lighting policy for other community lighting requests.

The matter was also referred to a future Committee of the Whole meeting where costing and other community lighting options, such as alternative buildings, landmarks or locations,  can be discussed.

Next, Council directed staff to install traffic counters on Mackie Road following a petition from local residents.   Council also approved installing signs at either end of the road indicating local traffic only.

The results of the traffic count will be presented at a future Committee of the Whole meeting.

Council approved a request from the Victoria and Vancouver Island Greek Community Society to fly the Greek flag at City Hall on March 25, 2021 in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the country’s independence.

The next Council meeting is scheduled for February 16, 2021 at 7 pm.