Ladysmith council approved development applications and advanced new housing regulations at its April 1 meeting, held at the Ladysmith Seniors Centre.
Greenhouse approved for Pamela Anderson’s estate
Council approved a development permit for a 60-square-metre greenhouse at 303 Chemainus Rd., part of Arcady, the waterfront estate owned by actor and personality Pamela Anderson. The property has been undergoing gradual restoration and redevelopment.
The glass-and-brick greenhouse will support an adjacent flower and vegetable garden and is intended to be both functional and visually striking. In a letter to council, architect Darryl Jonas described the structure as a "year-round environment for nurturing seedlings and tropical plants," and a central feature that brings cohesion to the site’s evolving landscape plan.
Jonas noted that the greenhouse’s design was chosen to reflect the estate’s mix of traditional and modern design. The building will be sited in an area that avoids existing trees and uses rainwater collection and subsurface drainage, in keeping with Arcady’s broader sustainability goals.
Town staff confirmed the greenhouse meets zoning requirements and development permit guidelines for the multi-unit residential area. While the larger site spans multiple development permit zones, including commercial and hazard lands, this permit applies only to the residential portion. A broader redevelopment permit for the property has been delayed due to geotechnical considerations related to slope stability at the rear of the parcel.
Height variance granted for garage on 1st Avenue
Council approved a development variance permit for 130 1st Ave., allowing a garage to be built to a height of 4.1 metres, exceeding the 3.5-metre maximum specified in the Old Town Residential (R-2) zone under the Town of Ladysmith Zoning Bylaw 2014, No. 1860. The applicant indicated the extra height is needed to accommodate a car lift for personal use. Staff reported that the proposed structure met all other zoning requirements and would not negatively affect surrounding properties.
Dog bylaw updated
Council gave first, second and third readings to Dog Licencing, Control and Pound Bylaw 1995, No. 1155, Amendment Bylaw 2025, No. 2207. The changes overhaul section 14 of the bylaw, clarifying rules requiring dogs to be under control in public spaces, prohibiting them from sports fields, playgrounds and closed sections of 1st Avenue during special events as well as setting conditions for the cleanup and disposal of dog waste.
The amendment also authorizes municipal staff and officers to enter private property in cases where enforcement action is required, such as ongoing non-compliance or serious violations. An exemption is included for certified guide and service dogs under the British Columbia Guide Dog and Service Dog Act.
RCAF flyby approved
Council authorized Mayor Deena Beeston to issue a letter of approval to the 19 Wing Comox of the Royal Canadian Air Force for a flyby at the upcoming Cowichan Emergency Preparedness Expo. The event will take place Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Transfer Beach and will feature emergency responders, preparedness information and family activities.
Short-term rental bylaw moves to public hearing
Council gave first and second readings to Bylaw 2205, which would amend the Official Community Plan to allow Temporary Use Permits (TUPs) for short-term rentals in zones where they are not currently permitted. Staff were directed to refer the proposal to the Stz’uminus First Nation, Agricultural Land Commission and School District 68, and to schedule a public hearing. Council also approved early acceptance of TUP applications prior to adoption.
The proposed framework aims to bring a limited number of existing rentals into compliance before new provincial rules take effect May 1, which will bar unregistered short-term rentals from appearing on platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO. Staff cautioned that even with the early intake period, operators may not be able to meet the deadline.
The bylaw is part of Ladysmith’s efforts to align with new provincial short-term rental regulations, which began in 2024 with the introduction of business licence requirements. It aligns with the Cowichan Region Workforce Housing Strategy and council’s previous direction to protect long-term housing supply while accommodating tourism and temporary workforce needs.
Council rejects agenda update proposal
A motion to include a standing update in weekly staff memos about removed, deferred or amended agenda items was defeated in a 4–2 vote. Staff had recommended against the change, noting such adjustments are rare and typically involve a discussion between the mayor and the councillor who proposed the item. Council ultimately agreed that staff already provide sufficient updates.
Council Corner
Ladysmith has introduced Council Corner, a weekly opportunity to connect directly with Mayor Beeston and council members. From 2-4 p.m. every Thursday, residents can stop by city hall for an opportunity to ask questions and share concerns in an informal, drop-in setting.
