January 21, 2019 Regular Council Summary

Housing agreements
A housing agreement bylaw to include affordable housing and allow for rental units in a proposed strata townhouse development at 548 Steeves Road passed three readings. 

An amendment to the housing agreement bylaw for 1406 Bowen Road to increase the number of units from 24 to 25 passed three readings.
Sections 10 a, b

Affordable housing funding
Revenue from the Online Accommodation Platform from the Municipal and Regional District Tax will go to the Housing Legacy Reserve to fund affordable housing initiatives. 
Section 10 i

Funding for Pride Society, SPCA
The Nanaimo Pride Society will receive $7,500 in funding this year from Council’s contingency fund and the Nanaimo and District SPCA will receive $25,000 over two years from general taxation. 

A policy to provide direction and expectations for responding to requests from non-profit organizations for funding outside of current grant programs will be drafted.
Sections 10 g, h

Updating smoking bylaw
A new smoking bylaw, amended to align with the Province’s no smoking buffer zone of 6 metres around building entrances, windows and air intakes, passed three readings.
Section 10 f

Development around Nanaimo
A development variance permit was issued for 15284 Sherbourne Drive.

Nanaimo’s first legal cannabis retail store took steps to becoming a reality with a rezoning application for 111 Nicol Street to allow a cannabis retail store passing two readings. A third reading will be considered after a community contribution has been secured and the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Brach has given license approval.  

A land exchange was approved and a road closure bylaw for a portion of Labieux Road to build a roundabout at the intersection of Kenworth and Labieux Road passed two readings. 
Sections 10 c-e

Bylaw Updates
The Official Community Plan amendment bylaw for 40 Maki Road, zoning amendment bylaws for 40 Maki Road and 5400 Dewar Road, 5351 Redmond Road and adjacent right-of-way and highway closure and dedication removal bylaw for 5400 Dewar Road and 5351 Redmond Road were adopted.
Section 11 a

January 21, 2019 Regular Council Meeting - agenda, documents and video