Nanaimo public meetings in 2023
28 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Council Meeting
Council approved the allocation of $150,000 for rent supplement programs and $75,000 in bridge funding for the Nanaimo Region Rent Bank. Both amounts were drawn from the Online Accommodation Platform fund to address key housing needs. Council also endorsed Councillor Eastmure for a committee role with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
- Approved $150,000 from Online Accommodation Platform fund for rent supplement programs (Unanimous)
- Approved $75,000 from Online Accommodation Platform fund for Nanaimo Region Rent Bank bridge funding until 2024-MAR-31 (Unanimous)
- Directed Staff to work with BC Rent Bank to review program alignment with the Nanaimo Housing Needs Report 2023 (Unanimous)
- Endorsed Councillor Eastmure to serve as a committee member on FCM Board of Directors committees from September 2023 to June 2025 (Unanimous)
- Approved City to assume all costs for Councillor Eastmure's attendance at FCM Board of Directors meetings (Unanimous)
Special Council Meeting
The meeting was procedural and conducted in camera to discuss personnel and labour relations. No substantive public decisions were recorded.
- Approved the agenda (unanimous)
- Approved motion to close meeting to the public for in camera session (unanimous)
Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness
The Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness unanimously recommended that Council support Zoning Bylaw amendments to increase adaptable housing. The committee also reviewed accessibility audits for three city facilities and discussed housing needs and family-friendly housing requirements.
- Approved recommendation for Council to support Zoning Bylaw amendments for adaptable housing (unanimous)
- Adopted the meeting agenda (unanimous)
- Adopted the June 7, 2023, meeting minutes (unanimous)
Special Council Meeting
The meeting was procedural and conducted primarily in camera to discuss personnel and labour relations. No substantive public decisions were recorded.
- Approved the agenda (unanimous)
- Approved motion to proceed in camera to discuss personnel and labour relations (unanimous)
Regular Council Meeting
Council reported the approval of a five-year Venue Management Agreement with OVG360 to operate the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. The meeting also included presentations on Nanaimo Regional General Hospital infrastructure and the Te’tuxwtun housing project.
- Approved Venue Management Agreement with OVG360 for term 2023-JAN-01 to 2027-DEC-31
- Appointed Hector Alcala to the Design Advisory Panel for a two-year term ending 2025-JUL-10
- Appointed Michael Bassili to the Board of Variance for a three-year term ending 2026-JUL-24
- Adopted the meeting agenda as amended (unanimous)
- Adopted minutes from July 24 and July 27, 2023 meetings (unanimous)
Special Council Meeting
The meeting was procedural and conducted primarily in camera to discuss matters subject to solicitor-client privilege. No substantive public decisions were recorded.
- Approved the agenda (unanimous)
- Approved motion to proceed in camera to receive solicitor-client privilege advice (unanimous)
Board of Variance
The Board of Variance approved two applications to vary zoning bylaws due to undue hardship. These decisions allow for a setback reduction for a deck repair and a height increase for a building construction error.
- Approved application BOV00773 at 2595 Battersea Road to reduce flanking side yard setback from 4.0m to 0.0m (Unanimous)
- Approved application BOV00774 at 4541 Suncrest Road to increase maximum allowable height from 9.0m to 9.18m (Unanimous)
- Appointed Nelson Allen as Acting Chair (Unanimous)
- Adopted the meeting agenda (Unanimous)
- Adopted minutes from the April 6, 2023 meeting (Unanimous)
Mayor's Leaders' Table
The Mayor's Leaders' Table unanimously approved a letter of support to the Province for a Patient Tower and Catheterization Lab at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. The group also recommended that Council explore expanding the City's fibre network and supported the creation of a South End Community Centre.
- Approved letter of support to the Province for a Catheterization Lab and Patient Tower at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (Unanimous)
- Recommended Council provide a letter of support, direct staff to assist with a media campaign, and advocate for a Catheterization Lab and Patient Tower (Unanimous)
- Recommended Council direct staff to prepare a report on options for expanding and integrating the City's fibre network (Unanimous)
- Approved support for the creation of a South End Community Centre (Unanimous)
- Adopted the agenda (Unanimous)
- Adopted the June 8, 2023, meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Public Hearing
Council passed the third reading for rezoning applications at 1224 Manzanita Place and 355 Nicol Street. Additionally, Council directed the Corporate Officer to file five Bylaw Contravention Notices for properties with building permit violations.
- Passed third reading of Zoning Amendment Bylaw 4500.210 to rezone 1224 Manzanita Place from R6 to R8 (Unanimous)
- Passed third reading of Zoning Amendment Bylaw 4500.209 to rezone 355 Nicol Street within the CS1 zone (Unanimous)
- Approved Bylaw Contravention Notice for 450 Wentworth Street for incomplete construction (Unanimous)
- Approved Bylaw Contravention Notice for 2232 Wilgress Road for construction without a permit (Unanimous)
- Approved Bylaw Contravention Notice for Unit 2, 2210 Wilgress Road for construction without a permit (Unanimous)
- Approved Bylaw Contravention Notice for 5353 Dewar Road for construction without a permit (Unanimous)
- Approved Bylaw Contravention Notice for 847 Victoria Road for construction without a permit (Unanimous)
Special Governance and Priorities Committee
The committee discussed a proposed policy to implement the BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code for new constructions. The proposal includes a phased timeline for building permit requirements through 2026. No final decision was recorded in the minutes.
- Approved the agenda as amended (unanimously)
Regular Council Meeting
Council unanimously adopted a series of consent items including pedestrian sidewalk projects, water supply upgrades, and stadium funding. The body also approved an application for the CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund and updated financial reserve policies.
- Approved 8 pedestrian sidewalk projects and $30,000 from strategic infrastructure reserve
- Approved advancement of Extension Road traffic calming to implementation stage
- Directed staff to apply for CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund
- Revised minimum balances for General ($17M), Sewer ($600K), and Water ($1.75M) stability reserves
- Approved $4,595,259 for Midtown Water Supply project from various reserves
- Endorsed Draft Sponsorship, Advertising and Naming Rights Policy
- Increased Stadium District project budget by $1.0M via Destination Development Fund grant
- Approved $111,100 for Caledonia Park practice and security lighting
Special Council Meeting
The meeting was primarily conducted in camera to discuss personal information regarding municipal positions and labour relations. No substantive public decisions were recorded.
- Approved the agenda (unanimous)
- Approved motion to proceed in camera under Section 90(1) of the Community Charter (unanimous)
Finance and Audit Committee Meeting
The Finance and Audit Committee recommended several funding allocations for infrastructure, including water supply upgrades and stadium improvements. They also endorsed a new sponsorship policy and a bid to host national youth track and field championships. Most motions were recommended for Council approval.
- Recommended applying for CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund grant (unanimous)
- Recommended amending Reserve Policy COU-231 and revising stability reserve minimums (carried; Councillor Brown opposed)
- Recommended $4,595,259 funding for Midtown Water Supply project (unanimous)
- Recommended endorsing Draft Sponsorship, Advertising and Naming Rights Policy and a pilot project (carried; Councillors Brown and Geselbracht opposed)
- Recommended increasing Stadium District budget by $1.0M via BC grant (unanimous)
- Recommended $111,100 for Caledonia Park practice and security lighting (unanimous)
- Recommended committing up to $100,000 for 2026-2027 Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships bid (unanimous)
Governance and Priorities Committee
The Governance and Priorities Committee approved a review of parking requirements for Seniors Congregate Housing and a business case for transit stop amenities. The committee also received presentations on homelessness data and parking management strategies.
- Directed Staff to review parking requirements for Seniors Congregate Housing and Transportation Demand Management tools (Carried; Opposed: Mayor Krog)
- Directed Staff to include a decision point in the 2024–2028 Financial Plan for additional Parking Administration support for a Bylaw Exemption program (Carried; Opposed: Mayor Krog)
- Recommended Council support a Business Case for transit stop amenities based on 'Option 2 – Corridor-Based Hybrid' (Carried unanimously)
- Adopted the agenda as amended (Carried unanimously)
- Adopted minutes from June 12 and June 26, 2023 (Carried unanimously)
Design Advisory Panel Meeting
The Design Advisory Panel reviewed Development Permit Application DP001300 for a Nissan dealership at 3612 Island Hwy N. The Panel supported the height variance but required the application to return with amendments based on several landscaping and site design recommendations.
- Approved height variance for DP001300 (carried; opposed: Kaien Shimizu)
- Required DP001300 to return with an amended application
- Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
- Adopted June 22, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
Regular Council Meeting
Council approved development permits for multi-family housing at Bradley Street, Watfield Avenue, and Barrington Road. The city also extended a contract for a breakfast meal program for the unhoused and approved a budget line item for an Ethics Commissioner.
- Approved $107,000 budget line item for Ethics Commissioner in 2024-2028 Financial Plan (unanimous)
- Endorsed revised Integrated Action Plan (unanimous)
- Extended Breakfast Program Contract for 4 months (unanimous)
- Issued Development Variance Permit DVP452 for LED signs at 1150 Terminal Avenue North (carried; Brown, Geselbracht, Manly opposed)
- Issued Development Permit DP1293 for five-unit development at 582 Bradley Street (unanimous)
- Issued Development Permit DP1284 for multi-family development at 380 and 385 Watfield Avenue (unanimous)
- Issued Development Permit DP1235 for 26-unit development at 3401 Barrington Road (unanimous)
Governance and Priorities Committee
The Governance and Priorities Committee recommended that Council maintain an ad-hoc Ethics Commissioner and allocate $107,000 in the 2024–2028 Financial Plan for related costs. The Committee also recommended that Council endorse a revised Integrated Action Plan to guide budget considerations and the implementation of the City Plan.
- Recommended retaining status quo of using an ad-hoc Ethics Commissioner (Opposed: Brown, Geselbracht, Manly)
- Recommended establishing a $107,000 Ethics Commissioner line item in the 2024–2028 Financial Plan (Opposed: Brown, Geselbracht, Manly)
- Recommended Council endorse the revised Integrated Action Plan (Opposed: Armstrong, Thorpe)
- Approved amendment to integrate Doughnut Economic Framework language into Actions 173 through 175 of the Integrated Action Plan (Opposed: Armstrong, Thorpe)
Design Advisory Panel Meeting
The Design Advisory Panel unanimously accepted Development Permit Application DP001307 for a project at 924 Old Victoria Road, including support for requested variances. The approval included 14 specific recommendations regarding landscaping, pedestrian circulation, and building amenities.
- Approved Development Permit Application DP001307 (unanimous)
- Supported variances for 924 Old Victoria Road (unanimous)
- Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
- Adopted May 25, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
Regular Council Meeting
Council approved $60,000 for Beban Pool steam room repairs and increased the Terminal Avenue Corridor Upgrades Phase 1 budget by $1,556,158. The city also committed to a 1% annual property tax increase for the General Asset Management Reserve Fund from 2024-2028.
- Approved $60,000 for Beban Pool steam room repairs
- Increased Terminal Avenue Corridor Upgrades Phase 1 budget by $1,556,158
- Approved 1% annual property tax increase (2024-2028) for General Asset Management Reserve Fund
- Maintained 2% annual water user fee increase for Water Asset Management Reserve Fund
- Directed staff to study audio enhancement and closed captioning for City facilities
- Endorsed Newcastle neighbourhood priority actions for traffic safety, security, and promotion
- Directed staff to begin community consultation on secondary suite and infill housing regulations
- Directed staff to begin community consultation on family-friendly and adaptable housing policies
Special Council Meeting
Council voted unanimously to file bylaw contravention notices against three properties for building permit violations. These notices will be filed at the Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia. No public testimony was provided for these items.
- Approved Bylaw Contravention Notice for 1236 Okanagan Place (unanimous)
- Approved Bylaw Contravention Notice for 3172 and 3174 Robin Hood Drive (unanimous)
- Approved Bylaw Contravention Notice for 698 Howard Avenue (unanimous)
Special Council Meeting
The meeting was called to order and the agenda was adopted. Council moved into a closed session (In Camera) to discuss litigation and confidential government negotiations. No substantive public decisions were recorded.
- Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)
- Approved motion to close meeting to the public for In Camera session (unanimous)
Finance and Audit Committee Meeting
The Finance and Audit Committee recommended continuing a 1% property tax increase for the General Asset Management Reserve Fund and a 2% water user fee increase for the Water Asset Management Reserve Fund. The committee also recommended $60,000 for Beban Park Pool steam room repairs.
- Recommended 1% annual property tax increase for General Asset Management Reserve Fund (2024-2028) (Unanimous)
- Recommended maintaining 2% annual water user fee increase for Water Asset Management Reserve Fund (Unanimous)
- Recommended $60,000 from Facility Development Reserve Fund for Beban Park Pool steam room repairs (Unanimous)
- Adopted the meeting agenda (Unanimous)
- Adopted minutes from 2023-MAY-17 meeting (Unanimous)
Governance and Priorities Committee
The Governance and Priorities Committee recommended that Council endorse priority actions from neighbourhood associations for the draft Integrated Action Plan. This included specific updated requests for the Newcastle neighbourhood regarding traffic safety, security, and promotion. The committee also recommended that Council receive the 2023 Housing Needs Report.
- Recommended Council replace Newcastle Neighbourhood Association priority actions with new goals for traffic safety, neighbourhood security, and promotion (Unanimous)
- Recommended Council endorse priority actions from all neighbourhood associations for the draft Integrated Action Plan (Unanimous)
- Recommended Council receive the 2023 Housing Needs Report (Unanimous)
- Adopted the meeting agenda as amended (Unanimous)
- Adopted minutes from April 26 and May 8, 2023 meetings (Unanimous)
Special Mayor's Leaders' Table
The committee met to review its Terms of Reference and discuss potential collaborative projects, including healthcare and housing. No substantive policy decisions were made; the group focused on introductions and reviewing previous reports.
- Adopted the meeting agenda (unanimous)
- Agreed to schedule an additional meeting in mid to late July
- Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)
Sp. Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness
The Special Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness met for orientation and planning. The committee recommended that Council direct staff to study audio enhancement and closed captioning for hearing-impaired individuals. Staff provided updates on the City Plan and pedestrian infrastructure upgrades.
- Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
- Recommended Council direct Staff to prepare a report on feasibility of audio enhancement and closed captioning options for hearing impaired individuals at City facilities (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting at 5:44 p.m. (unanimous)
Regular Council Meeting
Council adopted a new strategic framework focusing on six key areas, including public safety and capital projects. Several community grants were approved, and a liquor license extension was granted for Melange Restaurant.
- Endorsed 2023-2026 Council Strategic Framework (Opposed: Councillor Brown)
- Awarded $25,000 to Douglas Island Garden Society for community garden improvements
- Awarded $50,000 for Rocky Point Park improvements, including Harry Wipper Park playground
- Approved $1,600 grant to Nanaimo Nature Society for Buttertubs Tour Guide Program
- Directed staff to proceed with 3-year Nanaimo Youth Resilience Strategy agreement with Public Safety Canada
- Endorsed amendments to Council Spending and Amenities Policy
- Accepted 2022 Statement of Financial Information for filing
- Recommended approval for Melange Restaurant (223 Commercial Street) to extend liquor hours to 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily
Special Council Meeting
The meeting was procedural and conducted primarily in camera to discuss personnel and labour relations. No substantive public decisions were recorded.
- Approved the agenda (unanimous)
- Approved motion to close meeting to the public for personnel and labour relations matters (unanimous)
Design Advisory Panel Meeting
The panel accepted Development Permit Application DP001306 for 3201 Ross Road with support for the requested variances. The panel provided recommendations regarding pedestrian pathway textures and plantings on the parking structure.
- Adopted the meeting agenda (unanimous)
- Adopted minutes from May 11, 2023 (unanimous)
- Accepted Development Permit Application DP001306 as presented with support for variances (unanimous)