Presentations
Committee Recommendations
- Council accepted the 2023 Annual Financial Statements for the City of Nanaimo.
- Council directed Staff to not renew the City's membership with the British Columbia Social Procurement Initiative.
- Council amended Reserve Policy COU-231 to include the new Online Accommodation Platform Reserve Fund and reflect the changes to the Housing Legacy Reserve Fund.
- Council endorsed an application to the Community Resiliency Investment (FireSmart) Program.
- Council directed Staff to bring forward a new ‘Permissive Tax Exemption’ policy that includes criteria for non-market housing, and a separate ‘Other Grants Policy’ for the City’s other grant programs.
- Council increased the 2024 project budget for the Marie Davidson BMX Park by $330,000, funded from the Growing Communities Fund Reserve.
- Council budgeted the RCMP contract at 92% for 2024 and 95% for 2025 to 2028 for the 2024 - 2028 Financial Plan. This change reduces the 2024 Property Tax rate by approximately 0.80%.
Echo McNaughton, Sydney Robertson (South End Community Association) and Grayce Wight (SEED Neighborhood Cooperative) spoke regarding pedestrian safety concerns in the area near Bayview School.
Council deferred a motion regarding pedestrian safety upgrades near Bayview School to an upcoming Governance and Priorities Committee meeting when unallocated pedestrian funds will be discussed. Council directed staff to provide options for Council to consider at that time.
Delegations
Kevan Shaw spoke regarding the Downtown Transit Exchange and concerns regarding public safety and social disorder.
Dan Hula spoke regarding the World Health Organization Pandemic Treaty and declaration of emergencies.
Alan Clarke spoke regarding carbon tax, decriminalization and the BC Housing facility proposed for 1300 Island Highway South.
Reports
Council directed staff to remove section 19.17c from the Council Procedure Bylaw Amendment Bylaw and then the bylaw passed three readings. The amendment bylaw included changes resulting from provincial Bill 44 as it related to Public Hearings along with other housekeeping amendments as shown in
this attachment.
“Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 2023 No 7336.08” (a bylaw to amend the fees for City Parks, Plazas, Pavilions, Amphitheaters, Grounds, Parking Lots and Trails) passed three readings reading. The amended pricing structure will help to reduce the financial barrier for not-for-profit groups whose program, event or services are smaller in size.
A development variance permit was issued for 3024 Barons Road, to reduce the parking requirement for an existing commercial building.
A development permit was issued for 1950 and 1960 Island Diesel Way, to allow for an industrial development consisting of two buildings with warehouse and office space.
A rezoning application for 120 Needham Street, 515, 535, 545, and 575 Nicol Street, to facilitate a multi-family residential development, passed three readings. Council also approved disposing of a piece of City-owned property at 545 Nicol Street for $25,000.
Council received correspondence from the Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon regarding legislative changes and the City of Nanaimo being selected for a Housing Targets Assessment.