Here’s a recap of the key decisions and announcements from Ladysmith’s Nov. 5 council meeting.
Annual appointments
Acting Mayor McKay made the following appointments for 2024/25:
Deputy Mayor
• November 2024 to April 2025: Coun. Virtanen; May 2025 to October 2025: Coun. Gourlay
Parcel tax review panel
• Council liaisons: Couns. Gourlay, Stevens, Jacobson
Regional representatives
• Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) board: Director – Acting Mayor McKay; alternate – Coun. Stevens
• Vancouver Island Regional Library board: Director – Coun. Jacobson; alternate – Coun. Virtanen
Standing and community committee appointments
• Committee of the whole (all members of council are members of CoW): November 2024 to April 2025 – Chair: Coun. Virtanen, Vice-chair: Coun. Gourlay; May 2025 to October 2025 – Chair: Coun. Gourlay, Vice-chair: Coun. Virtanen
• Waterfront implementation committee: Council liaisons – Acting Mayor McKay; Couns. Stevens, Paterson
• Cowichan North Recreation Commission: Council liaisons – Couns. Stevens, Jacobson; alternates – Couns. Gourlay, Acting Mayor McKay
• Community planning advisory committee: Council liaison – Coun. Virtanen; alternate – Coun. Paterson
• Parks, recreation and culture advisory committee: Council liaison – Coun. Virtanen; alternate – Coun. Paterson
• Accessibility committee: Council liaison – Coun. Jacobson; alternate – Coun. Paterson
• Liquid waste management committee: Council liaisons – Couns. Gourlay, Jacobson, Paterson
• Public art committee: Council liaison – Acting Mayor McKay; alternate – Coun. Stevens
• Stocking Lake advisory committee: Chair – Acting Mayor McKay; council liaison – Coun. Stevens
• Celebrations committee: Council liaison – Coun. Virtanen; alternate – Coun. Jacobson
• Ladysmith Festival of Lights: Council liaison – Coun. Gourlay; alternate – Coun. Stevens
• Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce: Council liaison – Coun. Paterson; alternate – Acting Mayor McKay
• Ladysmith Downtown Business Association: Council liaison – Coun. Gourlay; alternate – Coun. Jacobson
• Social Planning Cowichan: Council liaison – Coun. Stevens; alternate – Coun. Paterson
• Board of Education of School District 68 long-range facilities planning advisory committee: Council liaison – Coun. Stevens
• Our Cowichan Community Health Network: Council liaison – Coun. Stevens
These appointments will guide council members’ roles and responsibilities for the upcoming term, ensuring representation across various local and regional bodies.
Proclamations
Acting Mayor McKay proclaimed November 2024 as Adoption Awareness Month and Nov. 16 at Louis Riel Day.
Development application
Council approved a development variance and permit for 440 1st Ave. (the Island Hotel), allowing modifications to an existing heritage building, including changes to setback requirements, canopy height and parking allocations. The redevelopment will feature ground-level commercial space and 22 residential units, with a requirement for the applicant to provide landscape security to support the planned improvements.
Water and sewer budgets
Council reviewed the 2025 water and sewer budgets as part of the 2025-2029 financial plan, approving several rate changes. These include a three per cent increase in sewer rates, a five per cent increase in water rates, a 2025 sewer parcel tax of $362 per parcel, and a water parcel tax of $459 per parcel.
Bill adjustment
Council approved a billing adjustment of $3,195.82 due to a significant water leak that led to an unusually high bill.
Acting Mayor McKay noted, “This happens when a water leak is detected, a landowner is notified of the leak, they repair it within a 45-day envelope and then they are entitled to have a refund on the water that was lost.”
This decision aligns with the Town of Ladysmith's policy to assist residents facing unexpected charges due to leaks. Residents experiencing similar issues can request a billing adjustment by submitting a Water Leak Adjustment Request form, available on the town’s website.
CVRD Regional Growth Strategy Committee
Ladysmith Director of Development Services Jake Belobaba was appointed to the CVRD Regional Growth Strategy Steering Committee.
The next regular council meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 19.
