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Ladysmith Council met for a Regular Meeting of Council on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 with a Rezoning and Official Community Plan (OCP) Amendment Application for Lot 5 Holland Creek and the 2021 Financial Statements among the agenda highlights.
The meeting opened with a delegation from MNP’s Cory Vanderhorst, who presented the 2021 audit findings report and the Town’s draft 2021 Financial Statements.
MNP is the Town appointed auditor for the yearly Financial Statements, which provides a summary of the municipality’s liabilities, assets, operating revenue and expenses, as well as the annual surplus.
Deputy Mayor McKay proclaimed May 2022 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Ladysmith. On Tuesday, May 3, lights at City Hall, the Ladysmith sign and above the chessboard on 1st Avenue will be illuminated in green to recognize this initiative.
Next, a majority of Council approved the necessary recommendations in order for a Rezoning and OCP Amendment Application for Lot 5 Holland Creek to proceed to a public hearing.
The 17-hectare parcel is in the northwestern corner of the Holland Creek Development, eventually connecting to the Holland Creek crossing at Colonia Drive. The proposal by the applicant includes a mix of strata homes and townhomes, fee simple single-family homes, commercial and parkland.
Further consultation with Stz’uminus First Nation and the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District is a part of the next phase.
Additionally, Council is requiring the applicant secure multiple covenants prior to the adoption of the amendments – several of the conditions relate to restoration of the natural environment, including trees and native species.
Moving on, a majority of Council accepted the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District’s projections that are used to develop School Site Acquisition Charges – one of the recommendations of SD68’s Long Range Facilities Plan.
The Town will collect School Site Acquisition Charges at the same time as Development Cost Charges on new residential developments with two-doors or more. The funds, minus an administrative fee, are then transferred to the School District for the purpose of purchasing land for future school facilities.
Funds are not used by the School District for construction costs, such as new schools or portables.
Council directed staff to bring forward a bylaw for School Site Acquisition Charges on duplex units once the new Official Community Plan is adopted. The charge will not apply to homes with secondary suites and/or coach houses.
A list of FAQs regarding School Site Acquisition Charges is available on the School District’s website.
Council then adopted a series of bylaws related to 1250 and 1260 Churchill Place. The property at 1250 Churchill Place was dedicated as park, while the land use at 1260 Churchill was changed to a mix of multi-family residential, single family residential and park.
Council also adopted a bylaw to establish a housing agreement and covenant scheme to provide for an affordable housing unit at 1260 Churchill Place.
The Churchill Place property was purchased by the Town to facilitate an emergency access during repairs to the 4th Avenue culvert at Rocky Creek.
Moving on, Council gave first three readings to the Tax Rates Bylaw, Sewer Parcel Tax Bylaw and Water Parcel Tax Bylaw. These rates and figures are used by the Town to produce your property tax bill.
To calculate an estimate of your residential property taxes for 2022, visit our website.
The next Regular Meeting of Council is scheduled for May 3, 2022 at 7 pm.
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For Information:
Mike Gregory Communications and Engagement Specialist mgregory@ladysmith.ca | 250.210.1740