November 4, 2024 Regular Council Summary

Rise and Report

Donna Hais was appointed to the Nanaimo Port Authority Board of Directors, effective 2024-OCT-21, for a three-year term.
Section 7a

Councillor Hemmens was again appointed as trustee to the Vancouver Island Regional Library Board, and Councillor Eastmure as an alternate, for January 1 to December 31, 2025.
Section 7b

Presentations

Shawna Drinnan, City of Nanaimo Water Resources Specialist and Project Manager for the Midtown Water Supply Project, was presented with the Public Works Association of BC’s Women’s Public Works Ambassador Award.
Section 8a

Committee Recommendations

Recommendations from the October 28, 2024 Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) meeting:

• A motion made at a previous meeting was cancelled and replaced with a motion requesting staff to prepare a report regarding incentives that support City Plan.
• Council directed staff to provide an update at a future meeting on social issues such as warming/cooling centres and shelter spaces and to invite Island Health to attend and participate.
• A discussion regarding the City’s Parking Management Strategy was added as a topic for a future meeting.
• Council directed staff to present a proposed workplan, with budget implications, related to the “Nanaimo Doughnut Economic Framework Awareness Program” for Council to consider during their 2026-2030 budget deliberations.

Section 10a

Delegations

Corry Gervais, Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce CEO, provided Council with an update on the Chamber’s strategic objectives.
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Patrick Ukoustoff spoke regarding the Public Works Yard Updates Alternative Approval Process.
Section 11b

Gil Yaron, Light House’s Managing Director of Circular Innovation, spoke regarding the Vancouver Island Building Material Exchange (BMEX) program.
Section 11c

Dan Hula spoke regarding declaring a climate emergency.
Section 11d

Reports

"Cemetery Bylaw Amendment Bylaw 2024 No. 7084.02" (a bylaw to authorize Commonwealth War Graves Commission memorial and other housekeeping amendments) passed three readings. The amended bylaw allows for the re-erection of 22 Commonwealth War Grave memorial markers in Nanaimo’s Bowen Cemetery which were laid down in the 1960’s.
Section 12a

"Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 2024, No. 7336.11" (a bylaw to amend the cemetery fees and charges) passed three readings. The amended bylaw reflects reasonable increases for 2025 and onwards based on current service offerings.
Section 12b

An rezoning application for 335 Third Street, to facilitate a multi-family development, was referred back to staff with Council requesting that an access assessment be done to examine traffic concerns in the area prior to considering the application.
Section 12c

A development permit was issued for 27 Hispanola Place, to allow site improvements for an existing dwelling within the marine foreshore leave strip.
Section 12d

Council authorized the road closure and disposition of an unnamed lane adjacent to 2209 Bowen Road, and directed staff to enter into a Road Closure and Land Exchange Agreement. The related bylaw passed two readings and staff were directed to provide public notice for the closure and disposition.
Section 12e

Council approved an amended version of the 2025 Acting Mayor schedule and the 2025 Council and Committees key date calendars.
Sections 12f,g

Bylaw Updates

"Property Tax Prepayment Plan Bylaw 2024, No. 7390" (a bylaw to authorize a property tax prepayment plan) was adopted.
Section 13a

"User Rates Auto Debit Plan Bylaw 2024, No. 7391" (a bylaw to authorize a user rates auto debit plan) was adopted.
Section 13b

Correspondence & Other Business

Council will be providing a letter of support for the Salvation Army’s plan to add 28 additional shelter beds as part of the building project at 19 Nicol Street.
Section 14a

The City of Nanaimo Liquor Control Strategy was referred to the Public Safety Committee for input.
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