Delegations
Paul Chapman spoke regarding the “Watershed Moments Award” - a annual water stewardship and community engagement award that has been created in honour of the late Rob Lawrance, a former Environmental Planner with the City of Nanaimo.
Jovan Johnson spoke regarding the non-profit society Risebridge and the services they provide to the community, including their Warmreach warming shelter which the City is supporting through funding.
Joanne Sales, representing the Broombusters Invasive Plant Society, spoke regarding concerns with Scotch Broom on Vancouver Island and requested Council’s support for the Town of Qualicum Beach’s resolution regarding the invasive plant at the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities Convention.
Administration
The policy for releasing In-Camera information to the public was replaced with a new policy. A Rise and Report section had previously been added as a standing item on Council agendas, allowing for more timely release of appropriate information. Under the new policy, any motions not released through the Rise and Report process would be reviewed and presented to Council to consider releasing twice a year.
Amendments to the policy outlining the Public Hearing process were endorsed by Council. Some of the amendments under the updated policy include:
- Extending the deadline to receive correspondence to 2:00 pm on the day of the Public Hearing. Any correspondence received after that time will no longer form part of the Public Hearing record or be circulated to Council.
- Posters and placards will not be permitted to be displayed in the Public Hearing venue.
Section 12b
Council directed Staff to submit two resolutions to the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) for consideration at their 2023 Annual General Meeting.
- The first resolution is for a request that the Agricultural Land Commission permit more housing on ALR lands, to be occupied only by farmers working on the land.
- The second resolution requests that BC Housing, EMCR and Island Health enter into an agreement with UBCM to commit to providing resources for long-term warming/cooling centres, including the appropriate staffing to support those in need who access those services.
Council approved a 20-year Land Use Agreement with Nanaimo Amateur Football Association for a portion of May Richards Bennett Pioneer Park (6700 Dover Road).
Council issued a Development Permit for 540 Kennedy Street, to facilitate a four-unit mixed-use development.
Council will be recommending that the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch approve an application to amend the hours of liquor service at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No 256 (1630 East Wellington Rd) to allow liquor services from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., seven days a week.
Council will be recommending that the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch approve an application for Wolf Brewing Company (940 Old Victoria Rd) to permit a permanent 56.1m2 extension to their existing outdoor patio area.
Council were informed of an application that was submitted to BC Hydro’s Sustainable Communities fund regarding an implementation strategy for the upper steps of the BC Energy Step Code and Carbon Pollution Standard.
Council approved a 4-year In-Kind Facility Rental for the Nanaimo Volunteer & Information Centre Society’s Annual Appreciation Luncheon.
“Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw 2023 No. 7337.02” (To amend the 2022 – 2026 Financial Plan) passed three readings. The amendment reflects budget changes that have occurred since the bylaw was last amended on May 9, 2022.
Council will be providing a letter of support for an application to the B.C. Destination Development Fund Activate stream for the Stadium District Development.
Bylaw Updates
"Waterworks Rate and Regulation Amendment Bylaw 2023 No. 7004.20" (A bylaw to add a bulk water rate and water hauling rate) was adopted.
Section 13a