"Whereas Council has stated that “livability” is a Council Priority in the 2019-2022 Strategic Plan, namely that “We proactively plan for Nanaimo’s growth and focus on community infrastructure to support an inclusive, healthy and desirable place to live”; and that, “a safe and connected community” and “active transportation” are key focus areas of the 2019-2022 Strategic Plan; specifically, the necessity of clear and accessible sidewalks for Nanaimo pedestrians, who are disproportionately our most vulnerable citizens: children, the elderly, and the disadvantaged; regarding Bylaw 5000 (Consolidated), Sections 3, Paragraph 21; Section 18; and Section 22,
Council:
a) directs staff to develop and launch a broad communications campaign by 1 October 2019, targeting businesses and commercial property owners and other key stakeholders, that indicates that the City considers compliance with these bylaw sections by commercial property owners a priority;
b) directs Bylaw Services to develop and implement a clear, concise and efficient enforcement policy for implementation by 1 November 2019, that outlines the specific systematic approach that will be taken to enforce these bylaw sections; and
c) supports the commitment and efforts of Bylaw Services to implement the new bylaw policies and procedures, and to enforce Bylaw 5000 (Consolidated), Sections 3, Paragraph 21; Section 18; and Section 22, with all commercial properties, in support of this Council’s 2019-2022 Strategic Plan, in order to help make Nanaimo sidewalks safer for all its citizens.
d) in six months following implementation, it is proposed that staff return to council with an evaluation of the effectiveness of the initiative including financial impacts."