Mar 04, 2021

Ladysmith Council Notebook for March 2, 2021

Ladysmith Council met for a virtual Regular Meeting on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 with amendments to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw for the former Dalby’s Automotive property among the agenda highlights.

Council received a delegation from  Dr. David Coupland, president of the Nanaimo Medical Staff Association/Nanaimo Medical Staff Engagement Society, who provided an overview of the five-year plan for Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH).

Coupland spoke about the benefits of upgrading the facility to a tertiary hospital, including priorities for adding a new patient tower, cardiac services, a cancer centre and several other medical services currently provided only in Victoria.

Next, Mayor Stone proclaimed Saturday, March 6, 2021 as World Lymphedema Day in Ladysmith.

Lymphedema is an incurable condition affecting more than 1 million Canadians including 30-40% of all cancer survivors with disfigurement, disabilities, discomfort and distress.

Moving on in the agenda, Council gave first and second reading to Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments for 201/203 Dogwood Drive, otherwise known as the former Dalby’s Automotive property.

Council is also requiring that the developer install a pedestrian signal at the Dogwood Drive and Bayview Avenue crosswalk, or provide cash in lieu to the Town for the completion of the work.  If the crossing signal is not deemed feasible for that location by a traffic engineer, the funds will be held in a Town reserve.

The development proposal for the five-storey building will now proceed to a public hearing later in the spring.

Council then endorsed sending a letter of support to Ladysmith Family and Friends for its Canada Healthy Communities Initiative grant application to build a picnic shelter at the Aggie Hall outdoor playground.

The proposed design would be similar to the recent picnic shelter added near the Transfer Beach Park playground.

Council approved a request from Victoria and VI Greek Community Society to illuminate City Hall to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence (March 25) as well as a request from BC Lyme Society to do the same for Lyme Disease Awareness (May 3).

Council meets as the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 6:30 pm.

The next virtual Regular Meeting of Council is scheduled for March 16, 2021 at 7 pm.

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