October 17, 2016 Regular Council Summary

Changes in store for NEDC

The Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation will see some changes to their operations including a new partnership agreement and accountability strategy, moving the organization to a City-owned facility to save money on office rental and removing tourism marketing services from their mandate.

Section 15b

Information was received.

Downtown fire clean-up

Clean up efforts from the fire that destroyed the historic Jean Burns and other buildings downtown earlier this year continue to be put on hold as the building owner works with their insurance company. However, due to the lack of progress and other issues related to the security and unsightliness of the buildings, Council is considering imposing a remedial action order to have the buildings either cleaned-up or demolished. 

Section 9e

Information was received.

Carrying out Core Review recommendations

Council and staff will begin working to implement recommendations from the recently completed Core Services Review. While all recommendations will be considered, not all will be implemented.

Section 15a

Motion carried.

Canada 150 plans underway

The co-chairs of Nanaimo’s Canada 150 Board, Wally Wells and Diana Johnstone provided an update on plans for next year’s Canada Day events. The theme of the festivities, Black Stones and Bathubs, will showcase Nanaimo’s story. The celebration will include involvement from the Snuneymuxw First Nation and local schools.  There will also be a Sing-along choir and, for the first time in Nanaimo during Canada Day, fireworks. More details will be announced as events take form.

Section 5a

Information was received.

Parkade loan paid

A loan taken on in the 1990’s for the Harbourfront Parkade was paid off using reserve funds. The outstanding balance was $810,791.

Section 8b

Motion carried.

Nanaimo development updates

A proposed two-storey commercial building project at 1880 Dufferin Crescent got the go-ahead with a variance to reduce the front yard setback from 7.5m to 3.65m.

Section 9a

Motion carried.

The Harewood neighbourhood will see some new retail stores with Council giving developers the greenlight to build two new commercial buildings at 508 Eighth Street.

Section 9b

Motion carried.

Grant updates

The Nanaimo Disability Resource Centre will receive a grant of $2,500 for education and training programs rather than the requested $4,856 in permissive tax exemptions for 2016. An application for a 2016 tax exemption from the Boys and Girls Club was also turned down because the organization is in good financial condition and doesn’t seem to be in extraordinary financial need.

Section 8a

Motion carried.

October 17, 2016 Regular Council Meeting - agenda, documents and video

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