Here’s a recap of the key decisions and announcements from Ladysmith’s May 20 council meeting.
Roundabout requirement removed from Rocky Creek development covenant
Following a lengthy debate and public hearing, council approved an amendment to Covenant CB215820. The covenant, originally registered as a condition of approval for Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw Nos. 2068 and 2069, required the developer of a commercial project at 1130 Rocky Creek Rd. to construct a roundabout at the intersection of Ludlow Road and Rocky Creek Road.
The amendment removes that requirement and replaces it with alternate traffic and financial conditions. These include prohibiting access from Ludlow Road, with limited egress restricted to a single, right-out-only exit until the roundabout is built; requiring cash-in-lieu contributions for frontage improvements along Ludlow and Rocky Creek roads at the time of building permit issuance; installing a temporary gravel pathway along the property frontage as outlined in development permit 3060-24-20; and placing no U-turn signs at the Ludlow and Rocky Creek intersection.
Council also directed staff to bring forward a proposal to include the roundabout in the town’s 2026 capital plan.
Several business owners, including representatives from Home Hardware and Ladysmith Motorsports, opposed the amendment during the public hearing, citing traffic safety and access concerns.
However, councillors who supported the change said the revised conditions offered a practical solution that would allow the project to move forward. They pointed to the developer’s completed traffic impact assessment and the inclusion of interim safety measures and expressed concern that delaying or denying the amendment could jeopardize the development entirely, along with its potential economic benefits.
Council ultimately voted 3–2 in favour of the revised covenant.
Town opts out of liquor patio endorsement comment for Zack’s Lounge
Council voted to opt out of providing formal comments to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch regarding a patio endorsement application for Zack’s Lounge at 530 1st Ave. The application concerns a liquor-primary outdoor patio licence.
By opting out, the town neither supports nor opposes the application, leaving the decision to the provincial regulator. Zack’s Lounge currently holds a valid sidewalk patio permit, which remains in effect unless formally revoked. The patio was originally installed under a temporary program introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to support local businesses with outdoor service options.
During question period, staff confirmed that the town will now charge $190 per parking stall used for sidewalk patios — including those at Zack’s — with the fee taking effect following council’s decision.
Remedial action ordered for 324 Morgan Rd.
The owner of 324 Morgan Rd. appeared before council to respond to bylaw violations identified through a building inspection process. The town’s building inspector had previously reported multiple infractions, including the placement of unpermitted shipping containers, the use of recreational vehicles as dwellings, unauthorized plumbing installations, and land alterations near environmentally sensitive areas and the Trans-Canada Highway.
The owner explained that some changes were made to accommodate family members in need and to maintain insurance coverage while working away from home. He also noted that neighbours had not objected to the modifications and that some issues, such as unauthorized RV use, had already been resolved.
Council ultimately voted unanimously to impose a Section 57 notice on the property’s title and to approve a remedial action requirement. The order directs the removal of all shipping containers, the removal of two of the three recreational vehicles from the property, the decommissioning of unauthorized plumbing, and the restoration of affected hillside and riparian areas under professional supervision. The owner has 120 days to comply and may request a council reconsideration in writing within 14 days.
Emergency access through Brown Drive Park referred to advisory committee
Council referred a proposal to construct an emergency access route through Brown Drive Park to the Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee for review. The route, linked to a residential development, would be designed to support emergency services and could also function as a multi-use path.
Tourism Cowichan marketing strategy and development plans
Bob Day, president of Tourism Cowichan Society, and Kenzie Knight, the group’s tourism development specialist, appeared before council to share the organization’s current priorities and upcoming initiatives. Day gave an overview of the society’s mandate and board structure, while Knight outlined strategic goals, marketing campaigns for the spring and fall seasons, and destination development projects in the works.
Recycling agreement updated
Council approved a new agreement with the Cowichan Valley Regional District and Recycle BC, enabling local recycling to be processed at the Bings Creek facility instead of being transported to Nanaimo. The change is expected to reduce contractor travel time and lower costs.
Next Meeting
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
