2020 - 2022 Civic Sport and Culture Merit Awards
Certificates of congratulations and medallions were presented to individuals, groups, teams and clubs who brought recognition to the City of Nanaimo as gold medal winners at the Provincial, Western Canadian and National or International level. (to view the full award ceremony, watch the video beginning at the 11:50 mark:
https://ow.ly/cG1g50PkW4h)
Consent Items
Staff will review the parking requirements for Seniors Congregate Housing and explore ways that transportation demand management tools could be used to reduce the financial burdens associated with personal vehicle dependency. In addition, a new staff position to support a Parking Bylaw Exemption program will be brought forward for Council to consider during the 2024 – 2028 Financial Planning discussions.
Council approved the following projects, funded by $1,000,000 in Pedestrian Unallocated Funds and $30,000 from the Strategic Infrastructure Reserve:
- Sidewalk on the south side of Departure Bay Road from Alan-A-Dale to Wardropper Park (Estimate: $365,000)
- Crosswalk at Dufferin Crescent at Grant Avenue (Estimate: $100,000)
- Crosswalk at Pine Street and Wentworth Street (Estimate: $200,000)
- Crosswalk at Howard Avenue at Regal Street (Estimate: $50,000)
- Crosswalk at Dover Road at Applecross Road (Estimate: $45,000)
- Crosswalk at Brickyard Road at Broadway Road (Estimate $150,000)
- Crosswalk at 3700 Block of Departure Bay Road (Estimate: $45,000)
- Crosswalk at 400 Block of Campbell Street (Estimate: $75,000)
The timeline for a traffic calming project on Extension Road was moved ahead. The project will now start this fall and be completed by spring 2024.
An application will be submitted to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation - Housing Accelerator Fund. If the application is successful, the City could receive an estimated $15,150,000 to invest in two infrastructure projects, purchase of two sites for supportive housing, and various planning projects that support increasing housing supply in the city.
Council’s Reserve Policy COU-231 was amended to include the Growing Communities Reserve Fund. In addition, the minimum balances for the three financial stability reserves were increased. The new minimum balances are:
- $17,000,000 for the General Financial Stability Reserve
- $600,000 for the Sewer Financial Stability Reserve
- $1,750,000 for the Water Financial Stability Reserve
An additional $4,595,259 in funding was approved for the Midtown Water Supply project in the 2024-2028 Draft Financial Plan. The funding will come from three reserve funds as well as the Water Supply DCC's Fund.
Council endorsed the Sponsorship, Advertising and Naming Rights Policy and directed staff to develop a pilot project for a sponsorship program using the Vancouver Island Conference Centre and the City of Nanaimo Stadium District (including the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, Nanaimo Ice Centre and outdoor sports and events venues) for Council’s review and consideration.
The 2023-2027 Financial Plan was amended to increase the Stadium District project budget by $1.0 M, funded from the successful Destination Development Fund grant application.
Caledonia Park will see some upgrades this year, with a $111,100 project added to the 2023-2027 Financial Plan for the installation of practice lights on the East and West sides of the park field and security lighting at the park.
Council committed up to $100,000 in the 2024 - 2028 Financial Plan towards the Legion Branch 10 bid to host the 2026 and 2027 Legion National Youth Canadian Track and Field Championships.
Delegations
John Horn and Susan Clift, representing Connective, spoke regarding Connective programs and services that are supported by the City of Nanaimo including Rent Bank, rental supplements, restorative justice and supportive housing at 285 Prideaux St.
Dave Lawrence, Willow Friday and Kevan Shaw spoke regarding their concerns with public safety and a proposed bus exchange in downtown Nanaimo.
Development around Nanaimo
A Development Variance Permit was issued for 300 Howard Avenue, to reduce the minimum parking requirements for a proposed neighbourhood pub.
A Development Variance Permit was issued for 505 Eighth Street, to modify the requirements for Works and Services and construction standards for a proposed subdivision.
A Development Permit was issued for 6201 Oliver Road, to allow for a 35-unit multi-family development.
An application to rezone 1044 and 1048, to allow for a light industrial development, passed two readings. Third reading will be considered at a future Public Hearing.