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March 6, 2023 Regular Council Summary

Rise and Report

Brian Anderson was appointed as a member to the Board of Variance for a three-year term.

Presentations

Dr. Deborah Saucier, President and Vice-Chancellor, Vancouver Island University, gave an overview of the VIU’s Strategic Plan, priorities and opportunities.

Dale Lindsay, General Manager, Development Services/Deputy CAO, provided Council with the 2022 Development Review.

Administration

Council reaffirmed support for their Code of Conduct bylaw and asked staff to prepare a report outlining the cost and options for appointing a formal Ethics Commissioner.

Section 12a

Council endorsed the updated terms of reference for the Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness.

Section 12b

Development around Nanaimo

A Development Permit was issued for 1840 Stewart Avenue, allowing for exterior alterations to three existing commercial buildings.

Section 12c

Bylaw Updates

“Officer Designation and Delegation of Authority Bylaw, 2023 No. 7353.01” (housekeeping amendments) was adopted.
Section 13a

Other Business

Letters will be sent to the Federal and Provincial governments advocating for increased support and funding to address the mental health and addiction crisis. The following motion passed unanimously:

"The current policies on mental health and addiction, and the lack of proper funding to address these issues, are impacting communities and municipal governments at an unacceptable level and therefore the City of Nanaimo Council requests that: 

  • the Government of Canada engage in an immediate process of justice reform to create a comprehensive alternate system like the Portugal model where people with addiction and mental health challenges who break laws are steered through a court system with fully funded and functional treatment facilities, rehabilitation, and community service programs; 
  • the Provincial Government immediately fund the detox and treatment beds needed to assist people with addiction and mental health challenges; and 
  • the Federal and Provincial Governments provide the investments needed to address the homelessness crisis, which in turn has been feeding the mental health and addiction crisis."

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