January 23, 2017 Special Council Summary

Referendum preparations underway
Any resident wishing to register to vote in the upcoming Assent Voting Process (referendum) proposed for March 11, can do so at the time of voting as Council passed an amendment to the General Election Bylaw to allow for same day registration. The City will use also the Provincial voters’ list as an existing list which can be found at City Hall.

The public can learn more about the proposed events centre, financing and the upcoming Assent Voting Process (referendum) at one of six open houses scheduled at different locations across Nanaimo starting on February 9. Residents are encouraged to visit the City’s website to find open house dates and locations.
Section 6 a, b
Motion carried.

Support for upcoming Partners in Parks project
A Partners in Parks project to add a playground in Linley Valley Drive Neighbourhood Park received $35,000 in funding. The money will come out of the Partners in Parks (PIP) Program fund.
Section 8 a
Motion carried.

SPCA to be much easier to find
It will be easier to find the new SPCA location with a directional sign to be placed at the Westwood and Jingle Pot Road and East Wellington and Jingle Pot intersections getting Council’s go ahead.
Section 8 b
Motion carried.

Support for Deep Discovery Centre
Council supported, in principle, the concept of a Nanaimo Deep Discovery Centre. This visitor attraction will showcase deep sea technology, local marine ecology and First Nations culture. Further decisions from Council and staff will be made once the group behind this project, Nanaimo Deep Discovery Association, brings forth a business plan and funding model.
Section 8 c
Motion carried.

Council supports funding Adult Basic Education
Council passed a motion to endorse the BC Federation of Students’ campaign Don't Close the Doors to reinstate Provincial funding of Adult Basic Education programs. 
Section 13 a
Motion carried

January 23, 2017 Special Council Meeting - agenda, documents and video