Jul 03, 2024

Ladysmith Council Notebook for July 2, 2024

Ladysmith, July 3, 2024 – Ladysmith Council met for a Regular Meeting of Council on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, with the City Hall Alternative Approval Process results, Royal Canadian Air Force flyby support and Community Centre Fees and Charges among the agenda highlights.

Council kicked off the first Regular Meeting of July by accepting the results of the Alternative Approval Process for the Town's City Hall Loan Authorization Bylaw 2024, No. 2166. Council followed up by unanimously agreeing to abandon the bylaw. The AAP results showed that 2,135 electors (28.8%) submitted valid response forms before the June 25 deadline opposing the $13.5 million loan authorization bylaw for the construction of a new City Hall and institutional space on Buller Street and 1st Avenue. Council did not make any further decisions or commitments regarding a potential new City Hall.

Council then gave the first three readings of the Community Centre Fees and Charges Bylaw. The proposed bylaw will see senior and youth rates increase by 5.5% each year, family rates increase by 2% annually, and child rates rise 2% per year during the 2024-2027 term. Ladysmith residents with financial barriers will continue to be able to participate in the Leisure Access Program, which allows participants to receive a 50% discount on admissions and passes. Community groups and organizations will continue to have an opportunity to receive rate reductions or fees waived, where appropriate for special community events, as part of Council’s grant-in-aid program.

Council also authorized the Royal Canadian Armed Forces to fly an aircraft as low as 500 feet for transit, practice, and shows during the Ladysmith Days celebrations at Transfer Beach next month.

Lastly, Council agreed that Councillors Tricia McKay and Marsh Stevens would replace Councillors Duck Paterson and Jeff Virtanen as the Town's delegates at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention in Vancouver later this year.

The next Regular Meeting of Council is on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

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

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Media Contact
Nicholas Pescod
Communications & Engagement Specialist
npescod@ladysmith.ca
250.268.0606