February 28, 2022 Regular Council Summary

Presentations

Lisa Bhopalsingh (Director, Community Development) gave a presentation regarding the REIMAGINE NANAIMO Phase 3 engagement launch for the draft City Plan

Section 8a

Jeremy Holm (Director, Development Approvals) and Darren Moss, both co-chairs of the Joint Building Permit Advisory Working Group, gave an update on the City's building permit function review, including the Fast Track Program.
Section 8b

Committee Recommendations

Council approved the updated Committee Operating Guidelines, which outline terms and conditions common to all committees. 

Council directed staff to install joint restraints on the Rock City Road water supply line, and a pipe bridge on the Duke Point water supply main over York Creek. Funding for both projects, totalling $350,000 and $400,000 respectively, will be added to the 2022-2026 Financial Plan.

Council is supporting the City’s application to the Union of BC Municipalities for the Community Resiliency Investment Program (FireSmart Community Funding and Supports Program). If the application is successful, the 2022-2026 Financial Plan will be amended to include this grant.

Council approved a $2,450 Community Program Development Grant to the Nanaimo Nature Society, to assist in funding the Buttertubs Marsh Guided Nature Tours program.

Council approved using $10,000 from the Climate Action Reserve Fund to support a joint application to BC Hydro with the Regional District of Nanaimo for an “Oil to Heat Pump Pilot Program with Equity-Centered Outreach Design”.

Council has designated the existing Caledonia Emergency Warming Centre as a general warming centre for the month of March 2022, and allocated $15,000 in funding (carried forward from the 2018-2020 daytime resource centre) to support operations. The warming centre will be operating between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Sections 10,11

Administration

Council endorsed the Leisure Economic Access Policy (LEAP). The LEAP program is a financial assistance program provided to residents of the City of Nanaimo to have access to programs and services offered by Parks, Recreation and Culture regardless of the ability to pay.

Section 13a

Council appointed Amber Knapman as a Bylaw Enforcement Officer, to fulfill her duties as a Poundkeeper.
Section 13b

Development around Nanaimo

A Housing Agreement for 6030 Linley Valley Drive, to secure rental housing for a portion of a multi-family residential development, passed three readings. Staff will be registering a covenant to reinforce the terms of the Housing Agreement.

Section 13c

An application to amend the covenant on the property titles at 3789 and 3801 Shenton Road, to remove the requirement that the lots be consolidated, was approved. A Development Permit Application, to allow for a proposed mixed-use residential and office development on the properties, was also approved.
Section 13d

Council issued a Development Permit for 5320 Tanya Drive, to allow for a multi-family development with 35 townhouse units.

Section 13e

Council issued a Development Permit for 2585 Battersea Road, with a variance to reduce the minimum required setback from the present natural boundary of the sea from 15.0m to 8.5m in order to allow the existing retaining walls and stairs to remain and allow the proposed concrete patio and paved driveway.
Section 13f

A recommendation will be sent to the Liquor Cannabis and Regulation Branch to approve the application for 1431 Bowen Road (Quarterway Pub) to permit an outdoor patio.

Section 13g

Council approved the Revitalization Tax Exemption Agreement for a proposed 12-unit multi-family development at 227 Prideaux Street.
Section 13h

Council approve the amended Revitalization Tax Exemption Agreement for a proposed 27-unit mixed-use development at 507 Milton Street.

Section 13i

Bylaw Updates

“Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2021 No. 4500.184” (To rezone the 5915 Metral Drive from Single Dwelling Residential [R1] to Residential Corridor [COR1] to allow a multi-family residential development) was adopted.

“Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw 2022 No. 7320.02” (To amend the 2021 – 2025 Financial Plan) was adopted.

“Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 2021 No. 6500.044” (To re-designate portions of the subject properties and replace the Sandstone Master Plan [Schedule B to Schedule C – Chase River Neighbourhood Plan of the Official Community Plan]) was adopted.

“Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 2021 No. 6500.046” (To allow seven residential units at 456 Milton Street) was adopted.

Section 14

Other Business

Council will be providing a letter of support to Minister of Health Adrian Dix for the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program.
Section 16b

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