Apr 08, 2022

Ladysmith Council Notebook for April 5, 2022

Ladysmith Council met for a Regular Meeting of Council on April 5, 2022 with the 2022 property tax rates and a pair of development variance permits among the agenda highlights.

Council issued a Development Variance Permit for 432 Methuen Street to allow for an accessory building with a second storey to be constructed where there is an existing garage. 

The permit includes allowances to decrease the side and rear setbacks defined within the Zoning Bylaw as well as for the building to be within a sight triangle.

Millie Stirling, Economic Development Coordinator for Island Coastal Economic Trust and the incumbent executive director of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce then presented as a delegate before Council and provided an update on the organization’s initiatives to promote local business and tourism.  

In particular, she highlighted the success of the Shop Local initiative and Locals Love Ladysmith campaign, the latter of which is a partnership with the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association.

Next, Council approved issuing a Development Variance Permit for 901 Hanington Road to allow for the construction of single-family home with a secondary suite.

The steep grade on the property meant it would be difficult to comply with the height restriction contained within the Town’s Zoning Bylaw.  As a result, the applicant applied to vary the maximum overall height and perimeter wall height of the proposed dwelling, as well as the maximum height of a retaining wall. 

Council further directed that staff send a letter to the property owners of the shared easement at 901 Hanington Road, encouraging them to upgrade the roadway to address safety and stormwater management concerns.

Moving on, Council authorized staff to apply to the Union of BC Municipalities’ Regional Community to Community Forum Program to support a gathering between the Stz’uminus First Nation and Town councils. 

The forum is an opportunity to further strengthen the relationship between the two communities and discuss matters of common interest.

Council directed that a request be sent to the Cowichan Valley Regional District Board requesting permission for the Town to opt out of the Region’s fireworks bylaw.

If approved, Ladysmith staff will prepare a bylaw to be administered within the Town boundary that covers the sale, possession and discharge of fireworks.

Council then directed that the property tax rate for 2022 increase overall by 3.8% after accounting for growth (also known as new construction values or non-market change).

Also included in the Council direction is the phasing in of a Class 5 property class rate for Light Industrial.

The next Regular Meeting of Council is on Tuesday, April 19, 2022.

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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For Information:
Mike Gregory
Communications and Engagement Specialist
mgregory@ladysmith.ca | 250.210.1740