Presentations
Sean De Pol (Regional District of Nanaimo’s Director of Water and Wastewater Services) presented Council with an update on development cost charge rates in the Regional District of Nanaimo.
Section 8a
Committee Updates
Council approved a $550 Travel Assistance Grant for the Nanaimo Minor Hockey Association U13 Tier 1 team to attend provincial championships held in Maple Ridge, BC.
Council approved the Westwood Lake Park Final Concept Plan for Phase One improvements in 2022 and to directed staff to include Phase Two and future improvements in the 2023-2027 Draft Financial Plan.
Council approved a $10,000 Heritage Façade Grant for rehabilitation work recently completed on the Shaw Residence located at 41 Chapel Street.
Council approved the allocation of the 2021 operating surplus as follows:
General Fund
$500,000 – General Financial Stability Reserve
$1,600,000 – Property Acquisition Reserve
$2,068,782 – General Capital Reserve
Sewer Fund
$472,068 – Sewer Reserve
Water Fund
$930,884 – Water Reserve
Council kept the 2022 property tax due date at July 4, with a 2% penalty due after July 4 and an 8% penalty due after August 31.
Council committed $10,000 from the Climate Action Reserve Fund to sponsor classes in Nanaimo schools so that students can participate in the BC Sustainable Energy Association’s Cool It! Climate Leadership Training program.
Council awarded a 2022 Permissive Tax Exemption to the Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank Society for the portion of the property that it leases from the City of Nanaimo at 1861 East Wellington Road that is utilized for charitable activities. The exemption will be reviewed annually until the property is fully utilized for charitable purposes by Loaves and Fishes.
Council directed staff to submit applications to the Infrastructure Canada Active Transportation Fund for the Beban Trail Phase 1 project and the Third Street: Watfield to Pine project. Council would commit $330,000 and $300,000, respectively, to fund both projects.
Section 10a
Administration
“Parks, Recreation and Culture Regulation Bylaw 2022 No. 7340”, “Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 2022 No. 7336.01” and “Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw 2021 No. 7159.16” all passed three readings. Council also endorsed the Guiding Principles for Parks, Recreation and Culture Fees, Charges and Rentals Council Policy. The changes reflect administrative amendments associated with the structure of the Parks, Recreation & Culture Bylaw as part of the Bylaw and Policy Renewal project.
Section 12a
Council approved borrowing two hundred eighty thousand, two hundred and sixty nine dollars ($280,269) from the Municipal Finance Authority of British Columbia for Fire Station No. 1. The Regional District of Nanaimo will be requested to consent to the borrowing over a 20-year term and to include the borrowing in a Security Issuing Bylaw.
Section 12b
Development around Nanaimo
A Remedial Action Order was issued for 6630 Valley View Drive. The order requires the removal of unpermitted structures and shipping containers within 30 days.
Section 12c
A Housing Agreement Repeal Bylaw for 416 Wakesiah Avenue passed three readings. The repeal will allow the 2021 housing agreement bylaw, adopted by Council on November 18, 2021, to be registered.
Section 12d
Bylaw Updates
“Regional Parks and Trails Parcel Tax Repeal Bylaw 2022 No. 7343” (To repeal “Parcel Tax Roll Preparation Bylaw 2021 No. 7323” and “Regional Parks and Trails Parcel Tax Bylaw 2021 No. 7324”) was adopted.