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Ladysmith Council met for a Regular Meeting of Council on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 with the presentation of the draft Official Community Plan (OCP) among the agenda highlights.
At the start of the meeting, Council held its first 2022 Budget Workshop and 2023-2027 Financial Plan discussion.
The workshop was for Council to discuss the Parks, Recreation & Culture operating and capital budgets. Budget deliberations are occurring earlier this year due to the Cowichan Valley Regional District assent voting (referendum) on the proposed regional recreation funding model.
The proposed initiative is to change the funding model to align with usage rather than with ownership. The referendum question will be included on the upcoming Local General Election ballot. For more information, please visit the CVRD website.
Next, Jennifer Fix, principal at ahne Studio and consultant for the OCP Review, provided an overview of the draft OCP. Fix thanked Council, the public and staff for the input that helped in the creation of the policy document.
Members of the public can view the draft OCP on the Town’s website and submit feedback by emailing ocp@ladysmith.ca.
Next, Council issued a Development Variance Permit to allow for the construction of a single unit dwelling at 435 Thetis Drive. The permit includes allowances to increase the maximum height and reduce the minimum front parcel setback.
Moving on, Council approved the 2023-2027 budget for the Frank Jameson Community Centre and directed staff to submit it to the Cowichan Valley Regional District. Council will deliberate the non-FJCC budget amounts later in fall along with the rest of the Financial Plan discussions.
If the Region’s assent voting (referendum) does not pass, Council will have the opportunity to review the budget before final adoption.
Council then directed staff to prepare a one-year Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw for properties identified in the Bylaw, except 314 Buller Street.
Under the Community Charter, tax exemptions are granted to certain properties providing the owner or property itself meet a set of conditions, including ownership, such as not-for profit organizations, charitable organizations and/or care homes.
Additionally, Council provided a one-year Permissive Tax Exemption to the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association for 20 percent of the value at 314 Buller Street, which approximately represents seven deep subsidy units in the 36 unit building.
Council also directed staff to prepare a 10-year Permissive Tax exemption Bylaw for all Island Corridor Foundation properties within the Town’s boundaries.
The approximate value of 2022 taxes foregone, with the exception of 314 Buller Street, for the proposed one-year bylaw is $201,198.
Moving on to bylaws, Council rescinded second reading for amendments to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaws as they pertain to as Arbour Heights Neighbourhood located within the Holland Creek Local Area
Council gave the bylaws second reading as amended and will require the applicant grant the Town an option to purchase the portion of the red-listed ecosystem occurrence on the property located outside of the area to be dedicated as park.
Staff were also directed to schedule a second public hearing pursuant to the Local Government Act. This will take place on September 20th at 6:00 pm.
Next, Council confirmed funding assistance in the amount of $2,000 for the Stz’uminus First Nation traditional canoe races. The races, part of the Stz’uminus Water Festival, were held at Transfer Beach on September 3 and 4, 2022 and attracted racers from as far away as Chilliwack.
Council then endorsed that the Mayor, on behalf of Council, write a letter to the Minister of Environment requesting the Province exempt print newspapers from the Extended Producer Responsibility regulations.
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For Information:
Mike Gregory Communications and Engagement Specialist mgregory@ladysmith.ca
250.210.1740