November 1, 2021 Regular Council Summary

Committee Recommendations

The City of Nanaimo’s Investment Policy will be updated to reflect a preference for investing in organizations that adopt a socially responsible investment (SRI) platform. Where possible, SRI and green investing criteria will be applied to the selection of investments and it will be recommended to choose SRI and green investments when the return is within 5% of maximum available yields.
Section 10.a.1

The City will be entering into contract with the Community Energy Association, joining 11 other local governments to provide up to 28 EV charging stations in the Mid-Island region. Four public, electric vehicle charging stations will be installed at City-owned sites within the community.
Section 10.a.2

Council approved a $1,000 Community Program Development Grant to the Nanaimo Science and Sustainability Society for The Great Pumpkin Toss event for children and families.
Section 10.a.3

Staff will be considering material from the Diana Krall Plaza Redevelopment Plan as part of the upcoming discussions around the Commercial Street Revitalization Plan.
Section 10.b.1

Staff will focus on bringing forward concepts for The Hub project site (Terminal Avenue & Commercial Street intersection) that accommodate a multi-story mixed-use building.
Section 10.b.2

Development Around Nanaimo

A development permit for 1534 Extension Road, to allow for an 11-unit multi-family development, was approved.
Section 12.a

An Official Community Plan amendment application and rezoning application for 456 Milton Street, to allow for seven residential units, passed two readings. A third reading will be considered once a community amenity contribution and road dedication have been secured.
Section 12.c

General Amendments – Zoning & Parking Bylaws

Amendments to “City of Nanaimo Zoning Bylaw 2011 No. 4500” and “Off-Street Parking Regulation Bylaw 2018 No. 7266” (to make general text and mapping amendments) passed two readings.
Section 12.b

Political Signage Bylaw

A new Political Signage Bylaw, incorporating regulations from existing bylaws, passed three readings. Amendments to the associated bylaws (Traffic and Highways Regulation Amendment Bylaw, Sign Amendment Bylaw and Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw) also passed three readings.
Section 12.e

Administration

Council endorsed the Council Seating Arrangements Policy which formalizes the historical practice of Council seating arrangements at Council meetings. 
Section 12.d

Councillor Hemmens was appointed as a trustee and Councillor Maartman as an alternate to the Vancouver Island Regional Library Board of Trustees for the January 1, 2022 to November 6, 2022 term.
Section 12.f

Bylaw Updates

“Business Licence Bylaw 2021 No. 7318” (To regulate the operation of businesses within the City of Nanaimo) was adopted.

“Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 2021 No. 7041.03” (To add business licence fees) was adopted.

“Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw 2021 No. 7159.13” (To replace the fine schedule for the Business Licence Regulation Bylaw) was adopted.

Section 13 a-c

Council-Led Motions

Council will be supporting the RCMP Community Policing Team in securing a meeting with the Honourable Sheila Malcolmson, MLA, to present the safety audit reports and request a solution.

The following recommendation will be brought forward for discussion at a future Governance and Priorities Committee meeting regarding resolutions for Council to consider endorsing at the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities Convention: “The Council direct Staff to engage with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) to engage the Province on resolving the issue of how 9-1-1 calls can be routed and responded to by mental health specialists (whether Police or Ministry of Health) throughout the province.”

Section 15.a

Council directed Staff to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding with BC Housing which incorporates the following:

• Addresses housing needs identified in the Health and Housing Action Plan;
• Explores opportunities to cap permanent supportive units at 35 residents;
• Creation of dry facilities; and
• Development of transitional housing.

Section 15.b