Last Night at Council - July 7, 2026

Councillor Stevens attended by zoom

• Ladysmith Primary School Expansion - Council reviewed a Development Variance Permit request related to School District 68’s planned expansion at Ladysmith Primary School. The project includes a new two-storey detached building that would add 10 new classrooms. The variance request included allowing a school building to be two storeys and waiving some road frontage improvement requirements, as 6th Avenue upgrades are already being planned by the Town.

Outcome: motioned passed – all in favour

• Frank Jameson Community Centre Roof Replacement - Council considered awarding Phase 2 of the FJCC roof replacement project to Universal Sheet Metal Ltd. The contract amount was $833,905 (excluding GST).

Outcome: motion passed – all in favour

• Vehicle Diagnostic Equipment - Council reviewed a request to amend the 2026–2030 Financial Plan to include $10,000 for vehicle scanning tools and software, with annual subscription costs included in future budgets.

Outcome: motion passed – Councillor Paterson opposed as he would prefer a unit make in Canada

• Housing Agreement Bylaws – Lot A DL 126 Malone Road

The Affordable Housing Requirement (Bylaw No. 2231) for this development requires that a minimum of 10% of all housing units in Area C (C-1, C-2 & C-3) to be designated as affordable housing (ownership and/or rental).  The agreement secures a portion of the development as affordable housing, protects rental supply, restricts resale/rental terms, and gives the Town long-term tools to maintain affordability.  This agreement will also increase the work load of staff and may require another staff position.

Outcome:  motion passed – all in favour

• Council Sanctions & Transparency - A Notice of Motion was brought forward requesting that past Council sanctions going back 29 years 11 months and 29 days - be publicly reported (“rise and report”)

Outcome: motion defeated Councillor Stevens and Jacobson vote for – all other councillors opposed

The motion also included that Council procedures be amended so future sanctions of elected officials would also be reported publicly. Councillor Virtanen requested that prior to voting additional information regarding best practice/legality be obtained. 

Outcome: motion passed – Councillor Virtanen and Paterson opposed

• Residential Speed Limit Review - Council considered a Notice of Motion asking staff to prepare a report outlining the potential costs and impacts of lowering residential street speed limits from 50 km/h to 30 km/h.

Outcome: motion passed – Councillor Paterson opposed

• Banon Creek Forest Service Road Concerns - A late agenda item addressed ongoing concerns regarding Banon Creek Forest Service Road, including watershed protection, wildfire risks, encampments, cleanup, monitoring, and security. Council discussed requesting additional provincial action and support from regional partners, including the CVRD, Stz’uminus First Nation, and Halalt First Nation.

Outcome: motioned passed – all in favour

“The LRA provides these updates to help residents stay informed about decisions being made at Council and how they may impact our community.”