Oct 21, 2021

Ladysmith Council Notebook for October 19, 2021

Ladysmith Council held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday with the Fall dates for curbside yard waste and a donation from Ladysmith Eagles F.O.E. Aerie and Auxiliary for electronic scoreboards among the agenda highlights.

The meeting opened with a delegation from Dr. Shelley Cook, Executive Director of the Cowichan Housing Association (CHA). Dr. Cook presented the organization’s Annual Report during what was a challenging year.

The CHA administers the Regional Housing Service, which last year delivered $500,000 for projects in Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan and Duncan leading to 452 units of affordable housing.

The Ladysmith Resources Centre Association was successful in its application to the CHA in Spring 2021 and is receiving $317,000 for the Buller Street affordable housing development – supporting seniors, families and persons with disabilities.

Moving on in the agenda, Council gave first and second reading to a Zoning Bylaw amendment that would permit a proposed fourth dwelling unit at 431 1st Avenue.

The property was rezoned in 2018 to allow for four residential units, however, the maximum floor space ratio was not amended at that time to allow for a dwelling unit in the attic space.  

The proposed rezoning brought forward to Council is to increase this maximum floor space ratio. To accommodate the attic unit, the applicant plans to construct four dormers, one on each elevation of the building, reducing the rear setback, if approved.

Next, Council approved changes to re-prioritize the capital water projects to be completed before the year end and early into 2022.

The Kitchener Street watermain replacement project as well as the Parkhill Terrace watermain replacement project are now both scheduled to be completed in the coming months.

The Oyster Bay watermain project is being postponed until 2022 to better align with ongoing improvements to the Arts and Heritage Hub.

Council then approved two additional Yard Waste Pilot Program collection days per route later this Fall, with funding to come from the existing program budget.

Two collection days occurred in the Spring with an approximate 19% participation rate and 22.84 tonnes of yard waste picked up. Watch the Town’s website and social media for more details once the specific dates are confirmed.

Council accepted with gratitude a $50,000 donation from Ladysmith Eagles F.O.E. Aerie and Auxiliary for electronic scoreboards at Aggie Field, Holland Creek Field and Forrest Field.

A dedication sign will be placed at each of the sites acknowledging the community contribution.

Next, Council approved the Mayor sending a letter on behalf of Council to the Province expressing Council’s concern regarding changes announced earlier on Tuesday to South Davis Road.

Find more details in a news release on our website.

Council authorized that the Cowichan Valley Regional District apply for a Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Community Resiliency Investment Program - FireSmart Community Funding and Supports grant on behalf of the Town of Ladysmith. 

The CVRD, if successful, would receive the funds and manage the program, which is intended to reduce the risk and impact of wildfire to communities in BC.

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

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