July 27, 2026 Special Council Summary

Presentations

Council endorsed the Nanaimo Accord as a shared framework for partner alignment, coordinated advocacy and collective action.
Section 8a

Delegations

Andréa Coutu spoke regarding factors to consider when reviewing school zone speed limits.
Section 11a

Administrative Reports

Council awarded permissive tax exemptions for the 2027 taxation year to the following organizations and properties:

• Vancouver Island Real Estate Board – 6374 Metral Drive
• Nanaimo Youth Services – 290 Bastion Street
• Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 15 – 245 Fraser Street

Council directed staff to exclude the following organizations and properties from the 2027 Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw:

• Bethlehem Investors Group – 2393 Arbot Road & 2371 Arbot Road
• St. Andrew’s United Church – 315 Fitzwilliam Street
• Hope Lutheran Church – 2174 Departure Bay Road
• Mid-Island Abilities & Independent Living Society – 3999 Victoria Avenue
• Society for Equity, Inclusion and Advocacy – 489 Wallace Street
• Nanaimo Systems Planning Organization Society – 495 Dunsmuir Street

Section 12a

Council committed to advocating to the Provincial government to maintain Provincial Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP) funding beyond 2027.
Section 12b

Council deferred consideration of the options listed in the report “Emissions Intensive Heavy Industry Uses” until engagement with Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation take place.
Section 12c

Council received information regarding single and sole source purchases, awards in excess of $250,000 and reporting of instances of exceptions to Trade Agreements for the 2025-OCT-01 to 2025-DEC-31, 2026-JAN-01 to 2026-MAR-31 and 2026-APR-01 to 2026-JUN-30 periods.
Sections 12d-f

Development Reports

A Development Variance Permit was issued for 1451 Belford Avenue, to allow for construction of an open deck.
Section 13a

A Rezoning Application for 2080 and 2160 East Wellington Road, to facilitate a light industrial subdivision, passed first and second reading. A Public Hearing will be held prior to third reading of the bylaw being considered.
Section 13b

A Development Permit was issued for 3679 Shenton Road, to allow for a mixed-use development.
Section 13c

Council will be recommending that the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch approve the application for a liquor primary licence at unit 105 -1825 Bowen Road.
Section 13d

Bylaw Updates

• "Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2026 No. 4500.255" passed third reading.
• "Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2026 No. 4500.256" passed third reading.
• "Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2026 No. 4500.257" passed third reading.
• "Council Procedure Bylaw Amendment Bylaw 2026 No.  7272.06" was adopted.
• "Off-Street Parking Regulations Bylaw 2026 No. 7453" was adopted.
• "Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw 2026 No. 7454" was adopted.
• "Housing Agreement Bylaw 2026 No. 7458" was adopted.
• "Residential Tenant Assistance Bylaw 2026 No. 7459" was adopted.
• "Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw 2026 No. 7159.27" was adopted.

Sections 14a-i

Other Business

Council directed staff to provide a report on options for the interim use of 6 Commercial Street (former Jean Burns site).
Section 17a

That Council direct Staff to prepare a report identifying the process and estimated costs to acquire the three Lost Intersections Temporary Public Art installations by Jackie Wong for inclusion in the City's Permanent Public Art Collection.
Section 17b

July 27, 2026 Regular Council meeting – agenda, documents and video