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Ladysmith Council met for a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 with the 4th Avenue reconstruction update among the agenda highlights.
Council issued a Development Variance Permit allowing for a dock to be built in Ladysmith Harbour adjacent to the upland property at 303 Chemainus Road. The permit required approval of variances to the applicable Zoning Bylaw regulations.
The proposed dock will be built over the footprint of a former dock that has since been removed with only deteriorated timber piles remaining.
The applicant also received the required approvals for this project from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development as well as Transport Canada.
Moving on, Council directed that the water portion of the utility bills for eight properties on Methuen Street be adjusted to zero for October to December 2021 and January to March 2022.
The recent inclement weather delayed the flushing of the cast iron water main leading to some discolouration of the water due to rust on the interior of the pipe.
A replacement of the Methuen water main is capital project that has received tender approval. Work is anticipated to begin in February pending the availability of materials. Watch the Town’s website for more construction details.
Next on the agenda, Council increased the proposed 2022-2026 Financial Plan budgeted amount for the Ladysmith Fire/Rescue Aerial Device Truck.
Council directed that the Town proceed with the required Alternative Approval Process., which is required due to the increased borrowing amount.
The timeline for replacing the aerial device truck was expedited due to better pricing on the new vehicle.
Next, Council directed staff to include the 4th Avenue Improvement Project in the 2022-2026 Financial Plan. The initial phase of the project is for Root Street to White Street at a cost of $1,880,000 with the additional funding to come from the Water Reserve and Gas Tax/Canada Community Building Fund.
The improvements to the 4th Avenue corridor were originally proposed in 2015; however, the replacement of the Rocky Creek culvert delayed the start date for the project.
The new scope includes adding a smaller roundabout at Belaire Avenue and 4th Avenue helping to improve the flow of traffic at the intersection.
Staff have factored in a contingency that takes into account the variable nature of roadwork, material price fluctuations and other possible constraints to scheduling.
Council then approved supporting the Cowichan Valley Regional District proposal to apply, and if successful in its application, manage the UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund Emergency Support Services grant funding on behalf of the Town.
The intent of the grant is to build local capacity to provide emergency support services including the purchase of ESS equipment. The CVRD administers and operates the ESS program for all local authorities and several First Nations in the Cowichan area.
Wrapping up the meeting, Council directed staff to prepare a report presenting options and budget for the creation of a permanent memorial to recognize citizens that have brought honour to or improved our community.
The motion for considering the memorial was brought forward by Councillor Johnson.
The next Regular Meeting of Council is scheduled for February 1, 2022 and will be held electronically through Zoom. To register as a participant for this meeting please visit our website.
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For Information:
Mike Gregory Communications and Engagement Specialist mgregory@ladysmith.ca 250.210.1740