LAST NIGHT IN COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
Councillor Stevens Absent
Councillor Paterson Attended virtually
2. Committee of the Whole Recommendations - Sept. 8
2.1 Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 2238
Direct staff to amend the Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw to add fines relating to additional animals and amend fees & charges bylaw to reflect expanded import fees – motion carried
2.2 Rutti Park Implementation Plan
Endorse the implementation plan.
o Include Phase 1 costing, including: Pathway and Children's play area brought forward from Phase 2
o Costs to be considered during 2027 capital budget deliberations. – motion carried
2.3 Tree Protection Bylaw
Receive the Development Services report which includes development of a Ladysmith-specific tree protection framework - motion carried
2.4 4th Avenue & Belaire Street
Explore remedies to improve safety at the intersection and staff to report back to Council - motion carried
2.5 “Shop Local, Shop Ladysmith, Buy Canadian” Signs
Design, purchase and installation at:
Two highway sign stations
Aggie Hall
Only if accommodated within the approved budget.
Signs would be displayed when locations aren't being used for community events. – motion carried
3. REPORTS
3.1 Frank Jameson Community Centre — 2027 Regional Recreation Budget
Proposed 2027 FJCC budget: $2,855,387
Increase from 2026: $109,552 / 3.99%
Council asked to submit the 3.99% budget to CVRD.
Also asked to support the Swim to Survive program as a regional function. – motion carried
3.3 Council Remuneration Review - Councillor Virtanen recused himself (current candidate for council)
Current proposal
Maintain annual CPI adjustment for Mayor and Councillors.
Increase Councillor remuneration effective January 1, 2027 to $20,657.
Report states current Councillor remuneration is 13.63% below the 25th percentile benchmark.
Councillor MacKay brought forward motion that council remuneration be 50% of mayor – motion carried.
3.4 Street Trees
Staff asked to obtain a legal opinion on whether funds collected for street trees from particular developments can legally be redirected to other areas of the municipality. 17 subdivisions are effected where there is no suitable space on Town owned lands. – motion carried
Director of Infrastructure Tim Tanton suggested the possibility of introducing a tree voucher program where residents in the effected areas could apply to plant trees on their private property. Pending outcome of legal opinion other options may be discussed.
4. BYLAWS - Councillor Gourlay recused himself for the balance of meeting
4.1 2027 Permissive Tax Exemptions Bylaw No. 2246
Permissive tax exemptions for 2027 listed – motioned passed
4.2 Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2197
Proposed adoption of bylaw, amending the definitions of electric vehicle, electric charging station, and level 2 charging station. Bylaw No. 2197 Comprehensive Development 3- Malone Road; pending registration of required covenant/housing agreement – motion carried
5. LRCA — $75,000 REQUEST
5.1 Request for $75,000 from funds held by Town
LRCA is asking Council to release $75,000 from funds held in trust by the Town under the current Town/LRCA lease agreement for the LRCA operational expenses
Councillors Jacobson, Paterson, Virtanen felt additional information was required – motion failed
LRCA to provide additional information to revisit the request at a later date
6. LRCA — REQUEST FOR $50,000 FROM CVRD
6.1 Regional funding request Council is asked to receive LRCA's request to ask the CVRD Board to consider a $50,000 contribution through the 2027 CVRD budget process – motion carried
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