MERGED AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, February 01, 2021

4:00 p.m. to Proceed In Camera, Reconvene Regular Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

SHAW AUDITORIUM, VANCOUVER ISLAND CONFERENCE CENTRE

80 COMMERCIAL STREET, NANAIMO, BC

SCHEDULED RECESS 9:00 P.M.

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1.

CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER:

2.

PROCEDURAL MOTION:

That the meeting be closed to the public in order to deal with agenda items under the Community Charter:

Section 90(1) A part of the Council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following:

(a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality;
(c) labour relations or other employee relations;
(e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the Council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality;
(g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality;
(i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose;
(n) the consideration of whether a Council meeting should be closed under a provision of this subsection or subsection (2); and,

Community Charter Section 90(2):

(b) the consideration of information received and held in confidence relating to negotiations between the municipality and a provincial government or the federal government or both, or between a provincial government or the federal government or both and a third party.

a.

Add Community Charter Reason 90(1)(k)

(k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the Council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public.

3.

INTRODUCTION OF LATE ITEMS:

4.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

5.

ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES:

a.

Minutes

Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held in the Shaw Auditorium, Vancouver Island Conference Centre, 80 Commercial Street, on Monday, 2021-JAN-18, at 4:30 p.m.

6.

MAYOR'S REPORT:

7.

RISE AND REPORT

8.

PRESENTATIONS:

a.

Dr. Sandra Allison, Medical Health Officer, Central Vancouver Island Region, Island Health

Dr. Sandra Allison, Medical Health Officer, Central Vancouver Island Region, Island Health, to provide Council with an introduction.

9.

COMMITTEE MINUTES:

a.

Minutes

Minutes of the Special Finance and Audit Committee Meeting held in the Shaw Auditorium, Vancouver Island Conference Centre, 80 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, BC, on Friday, 2020-DEC-04, at 9:13 a.m.

b.

Minutes

Minutes of the Special Finance and Audit Committee Meeting held in the Shaw Auditorium, Vancouver Island Conference Centre, 80 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, BC, on Wednesday, 2020-DEC-09, at 8:30 a.m.

c.

Minutes

Minutes of the Finance and Audit Committee Meeting held in the Shaw Auditorium, Vancouver Island Conference Centre, 80 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, BC, on Wednesday, 2020-DEC-16, at 9:00 a.m.

d.

Minutes

Minutes of the Finance and Audit Committee Meeting held in the Shaw Auditorium, Vancouver Island Conference Centre, 80 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, BC, on Wednesday, 2021-JAN-20, at 9:00 a.m.

10.

CONSENT ITEMS:

a.

Finance and Audit Committee 2021-JAN-20

[Note:  A link to the Agenda for the 2021-JAN-20 Finance and Audit Committee Meeting is attached for information.]

1.

Sustainable Procurement Policy and Procurement Policy Update

That Council approve the revised Procurement Policy and the new Sustainable Procurement Policy. 

[Note:  The Sustainable Procurement Policy and Procurement Policy attached to this agenda have been updated to reflect the new policy format. The content has not changed since it was first presented at the Finance and Audit Committee Meeting held 2021-JAN-20.]

2.

2021 Social Planning Grant Recommendations

That Council approve a total of $115,000 for the 2021 Social Planning Grant allocations as follows:

2021 Community Vitality Grants

Organization Project Amount

Nanaimo Community Kitchens Society Cooking Kits for Families $7,000

Protection Island Lions Club Protection Island Neighbourhood Connections $2,900

Newcastle Community Association Illuminight $2,000

Nanaimo Region John Howard Society Clothing for Success $11,600

Old Age Pensioners Nanaimo Social Inclusion Program $1,500

2021 Social Response Grants

Organization Project Amount

AVI Health Centre Trans Wellness Program $35,000

Nanaimo Foodshare E.A.T. Everyone at the Table $25,000

Literacy Central Vancouver Island Word on the Street $30,000

3.

Community Program Development Grant - Nanaimo Science and Sustainability Society (NS3)

That Council approve the request from the Nanaimo Science and Sustainability Society (NS3) for a Community Program Development Grant in the amount of $3,500 to assist in funding the Science in the Park program.

4.

Proposed Bid for the 2026 BC Summer Games

That Council recommend that the City of Nanaimo provide a bid to host 2026 BC Summer Games and that an expenditure of $55,000 cash and $55,000 of in-kind be included in the 2026 budget if successful. 

b.

Finance and Audit Committee 2020-NOV-18

[Note:  A link to the Agenda for the 2020-NOV-18 Finance and Audit Committee Meeting is attached for information.]

1.

Darren Moss - Community Connect Pilot Project Update to Council

That Council direct Staff to prepare a business case for consideration of the following financial request from the Community Connect Program, to be included in Council’s budget deliberations: 

“Fund a grant of $147,000 to Community Connect to continue enhanced neighbourhood safety program between January 1, 2021 and June 30, 2021.”

2.

Cardena Road Storm Sewer

That Council direct Staff to proceed with watermain replacements along Meadow Lane and Kite Way, with a projected cost of $550,000.  

3.

Housing First Rent Supplements

That Council direct Staff to provide $35,000 in funding from the Housing Legacy Reserve to the Nanaimo Region John Howard Society in order to continue to fund the Housing First Rent Supplement Program for 2021. 

4.

Downtown Business Improvement Area

That Council:

1. Direct Staff to work with the Downtown Nanaimo Business Association leading to the establishment the New Downtown Business Improvement Area for a term of 5 years starting in 2021; and,
2. Undertake the new Downtown Business Improvement Area as a Council initiative petition against.

5.

Reserve Policy Update

That Council revise the minimum and set a maximum balance for the three (3) financial stability reserves, to be reviewed every five (5) years, as follows:

Minimum Balances:

1. $15,000,000 for the General Financial Stability Reserve
2. $500,000 for the Sewer Financial Stability Reserve
3. $1,700,000 for the Water Financial Stability Reserve

Maximum Balances:

60 days of prior year’s budgeted general operating expenditures for all three (3) financial stability reserves.

11.

DELEGATIONS:

12.

REPORTS:

a.

Animal Responsibility Bylaw, Associated Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw & Promise to Return to Council Policy

To be introduced by Sheila Gurrie, Director, Legislative Services.

Purpose:  To bring forward the amended Animal Responsibility Bylaw, Associated Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw, and the Animal Responsibility Promise to Return Council Policy, as recommended by the Governance and Priorities Committee at its 2021-JAN-11 meeting.

Recommendation:

Animal Responsibility Bylaw

1. That “Animal Responsibility Bylaw 2021 NO. 7316” (To include provisions for animal welfare, control, licensing, duties of animal owners, penalties, and enforcement) pass first reading;
2. That “Animal Responsibility Bylaw 2021 NO. 7316” pass second reading; and,
3. That “Animal Responsibility Bylaw 2021 NO. 7316” pass third reading.

Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw

1. That “Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 2021 NO. 7041.02” (To add Animal Control Fees) pass first reading;
2. That “Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 2021 NO. 7041.02” pass second reading; and,
3. That “Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 2021 NO. 7041.02” pass third reading.

Promise to Return

That Council adopt the Animal Responsibility – Promise to Return Council Policy as attached to the February 1, 2021 report by the Deputy City Clerk.

1.

Add Delegation from Allison Cuffley, Officer, Government Relations, BC SPCA

2.

Add Delegation from Leon Davis, Branch Manager, Nanaimo, BC SPCA

b.

Development Permit Application No. DP1195 - 3500 Departure Bay Road

To be introduced by Dale Lindsay, General Manager, Development Services.

Purpose:  To present for Council’s consideration, a development permit application to allow the redevelopment of a single residential dwelling and site improvements partially within the watercourse setback at 3500 Departure Bay Road.

Delegations:

1. Jamie Kuhn, Project Consultant, Pheasant Hill Homes Ltd.

2. Peter Woytiuk, Property Owner.

Recommendation:  That Council issue Development Permit No. DP1195 at 3500 Departure Bay Road with the following variance:

• reduce the watercourse setback measured from the top of bank of Joseph Creek from 15m to 5.99m for the proposed dwelling.

c.

Development Permit Application No. DP1173 - 1421 Princess Royal Avenue

To be introduced by Dale Lindsay, General Manager, Development Services.

Purpose:  To present for Council’s consideration a development permit application for a four-storey multi-family residential building with 16 dwelling units and under-the-building parking.

Recommendation:  That Council issue Development Permit No. DP1173 at 1421 Princess Royal Avenue with the following variances:

• reduce the minimum front yard setback from 6m to 1.5m;
• reduce the minimum north side yard setback from 3m to 0.45m;
• reduce the minimum rear yard setback from 10.5m to 7.35m;
• reduce the minimum front yard setback for an underground parking structure from 1.8m to 1.5m;
• increase the maximum allowable combined height of a fence and retaining wall in a side and rear yard from 2.4m to 3.3m; and,
• increase the maximum allowable percentage of small car parking from 40% to 50%.

d.

Development Permit Application No. DP1154 - 475 Stewart Avenue

To be introduced by Dale Lindsay, General Manager, Development Services.

Purpose:  To present for Council’s consideration a development permit application for a four-storey multi-family residential building with six dwelling units.

Recommendation:  That Council issue Development Permit No. DP1154 at 475 Stewart Avenue with the following variances:

• increase the maximum lot coverage from 40% to 44%;
• reduce the minimum rear yard setback from 10.5m to 5.3m;
• reduce the minimum south side yard setback from 3.0m to 1.2m; and,
• increase the maximum allowable combined height of a fence and retaining wall in the north side and rear yard from 2.4m to 3.6m.

1.

Add Delegation from Nancy Mitchell, Newcastle Community Association

2.

Add Delegation from Carolyn or Glenn Hallett

3.

Add Delegation from Raymond de Beeld

4.

Add Delegation from Norm Soares

e.

RDN Duke Point Sewer Service Amendment Bylaw

To be introduced by Bill Sims, General Manager, Engineering and Public Works. 

Purpose:  To obtain Council’s endorsement of the Regional District of Nanaimo’s adoption of a Duke Point Sewer Service Amendment Bylaw.

Recommendation:  That Council consent, on behalf of the electors to the Regional District of Nanaimo’s adoption of "Duke Point Sewer Service Amendment Bylaw No. 1004.08, 2020" and that the Regional District of Nanaimo be notified accordingly.

f.

Economic Development Strategy and External Corporation Charter

To be introduced by Dale Lindsay, General Manager, Development Services.

Purpose:  To provide Council with the final Economic Development Strategy and External Corporation Charter prepared by the Economic Development Task Force.

Presentation:

1. Bill Corsan, Director, Community Development.

Recommendation:  That Council:

1. endorse the final Economic Development Strategy;
2. endorse the External Corporation Charter; and
3. direct Staff to work with the Class B shareholders to prepare Letters of Incorporation and return to an upcoming meeting for Council approval.

g.

Mid-Island Business Initiative - Tech Nanaimo Final Report

To be introduced by Dale Lindsay, General Manager, Development Services.

Purpose:  To provide Council with the final report from Tech Nanaimo.

h.

521 Hecate Street - Acceptance of Project Under "Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw 2018 No. 7261"

To be introduced by Dale Lindsay, General Manager, Development Services.

Purpose:  To obtain Council approval for a multi-family development at 521 Hecate Street to be included in the Downtown Revitalization Tax Exemption program.

Recommendation:  That Council approve the Revitalization Tax Exemption Agreement for a proposed 10-unit multi-family development at 521 Hecate Street.

13.

BYLAWS:

a.

"Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2020 No. 4500.171"

That "Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2020 No. 4500.171"  (To rezone 405 Rosehill Street from Single Dwelling Residential [R1] to Low Density Residential [R6]) be adopted.

b.

Bylaw Status Sheet (For information)

14.

NOTICE OF MOTION:

15.

OTHER BUSINESS:

a.

Councillor Armstrong Motion re: Reduction in Business Licence Fees for Liquor Primary Establishments

At the 2021-JAN-18 Regular Council Meeting Councillor Armstrong advised that she would be bringing forward the following motion for consideration:

That Council direct Staff to reduce the 2021 business licence fee for liquor primary establishments from $1,100 to $165.

b.

Councillor Hemmens Motion re: Memorandum of Understanding between Island Health and BC Housing and Timeline for the Implementation of a Situation Table

At the 2021-JAN-18 Regular Council Meeting Councillor Hemmens advised that she would be bringing forward the following motion for consideration:

That Council direct Staff to report back to Council with an update regarding the following:

1. Memorandum of Understanding between Island Health and BC Housing related to the Navigation Centre; and,
2. Timeline of implementing a provincially funded Situation Table in the City of Nanaimo.

c.

Councillor Bonner and Councillor Hemmens Motion re: Temporary Emergency Accommodation

Councillor Bonner and Councilor Hemmens advised that they would be bringing forward the following motion for consideration:

That a report be prepared as quickly as possible outlining options for implementing a temporary emergency accommodation program, similar to the Cowichan Housing model, in Nanaimo and the report include:

1. The capital costs for 2-3 pilot locations and potential funding sources;
2. The estimated monthly operation costs, potential funding sources, and potential operators; and,
3. Any opportunities for community collaboration; and comment from appropriate city departments, the RCMP and community agencies.

16.

ADJOURNMENT: