Here’s a recap of the key decisions and announcements from Ladysmith’s May 6 council meeting.
Proclamations
Mayor Deena Beeston proclaimed May 18 to 24 as National Public Works Week in acknowledgment of the professionals who focus on infrastructure, facilities and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, high quality of life and well-being of the people of Ladysmith.
Beeston also proclaimed May 30 to June 6 as Island Good Days to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Island Good producers and manufacturers to our local economy and community. Island Good (created by the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance in 2018) celebrates its 7th anniversary in 2025, with more than 140 Island Good licensed businesses across the region, including four in Ladysmith.
Purchasing policy waived
Council approved the waiving of Purchasing Policy 5-1790-D to allow surplus fire/rescue vehicle tools and equipment (in storage since 2013) to be donated to the Tobiano Fire Department in Kamloops. This small fire department administered by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (west of Kamloops) services several kilometers of Highway 1. Tobiano is in the process of receiving a donated rescue truck, which needs to be outfitted with tools but the purchase of new tools would be cost prohibitive.
Tax rates approved
After receiving three readings at the April 15 meeting, council adopted bylaws setting 2025 property tax rates and utility parcel taxes including Bylaw 2209 (Property Tax Rates), Bylaw 2210 (Sewer Parcel Tax), and Bylaw 2211 (Water Parcel Tax).
The municipal residential tax rate of $2.7667 per $1,000 of net taxable value was adopted. The approved parcel tax amounts include a sewer parcel tax of $362 and a water parcel tax of $459 per residential property.
Councillor Ray Gourlay brought forward a motion to solicit feedback regarding the annual large item disposal program. Council voted to direct staff to engage the community and request input using the town's online public engagement platform.
These rates apply to the municipal portion of the tax bill. Additional levies from other jurisdictions will appear on final tax notices.
Letters to Members of Parliament for Nanaimo-Ladysmith
Council approved a motion to direct staff to send a letter of thanks to outgoing Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP Lisa Marie Barron and a welcome letter to the incoming MP, Tamara Kronis.
Rocky Creek Road development: roundabout condition removed
Council approved, in principle, an amendment to the development covenant for 1130 Rocky Creek Rd. that would remove the requirement for the developer to construct a roundabout at Ludlow Road and Rocky Creek Road. In its place, a series of interim traffic control measures — including a right-turn-only exit, temporary median, directional signage, and frontage improvements — will be secured through a new covenant. A separate motion to require a $200,000 developer contribution toward the future roundabout was defeated after being considered independently. A new public hearing and provincial ministry approval are still required.
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20.
