Last Nights Council Meeting - May 5, 2026
- May 6
- 2 min read
· Absent councillors: Marsh Stevens and Ray Gourlay
Regional Recreation Facility Needs Assessment for the CVRD presented. Full report attached
· The report compiled data from about 1000 respondents from the online survey and in person
Engagement - that is only slightly better than 1% of the population.
· highlighted the growing demand for recreation infrastructure across the region and identified long-term priorities including potential 1-2 new ice sheets by 2040, future aquatics facility serving the south Cowichan area, upgrades to the Cowichan Sportsplex, and exploration of a regional pickleball hub rather than local.
Council approved a new five-year Recycle BC agreement for consolidation and transfer services, allowing Ladysmith to continue its local recycling operations under updated terms.
Council endorsed the next phase of the Waterfront Area Plan related to development of the water lots and foreshore areas.
· Outlined ongoing progress involving reconciliation efforts with Stz’uminus First Nation, environmental remediation work, marina operations, and future redevelopment opportunities for the waterfront area.
· It proposed a phased approach to development which would enable the normally required environmental assessments be bypassed. (attached)
Council adopted the 2026 Property Tax Rates Bylaw, and annual sewer and water parcel tax bylaw.
Community engagement plan regarding future City Hall options discussed, the outcome to frame borrowing that would go to referendum during the next election (October 2026) - full report attached
The plan identifies four possible options for City Hall:
Keep the current Town Hall with no expansion
Lease additional office space
Construct new office space
Purchase existing office space
The engagement process is divided into two streams:
Broad public engagement
Focused engagement with stakeholder groups, including organizations such as the Ladysmith Historical Society, Ladysmith Residents Association, business groups, developers, and leaseholders.
Key Engagement Dates
The plan schedules several public and stakeholder events:
Wednesday, May 13 - Guided Town Hall tour and presentation at Ladysmith Town Hall from 6:30–8:30 p.m. for stakeholder representatives.
Friday, May 22 - Virtual discussion session from 10:00–11:30 a.m. via Zoom.
Tuesday, May 26 - Second virtual discussion session from 2:00–4:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Thursday, June 4 - Public open house from 5:00–8:00 p.m., planned for an indoor venue such as Aggie Hall.
Saturday, June 6 - Outdoor public open house from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., proposed for First Avenue downtown.
When asked about the short notice period - not yet provided - for the engagement CAO stated everyone was local so it wouldn’t be a problem.
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