Here is a recap of key decisions from the July 22 Ladysmith council meeting.
Bed and breakfast zoning bylaw moves ahead
Council gave third reading to Bylaw 2213, which would permit bed and breakfasts as an accessory use in the Small Lot A (R-1-A) and Local Commercial (C-1) zones. A public hearing was held at the start of the meeting, with one written submission in support and no objections raised in person.
Town to join local bylaw adjudication system
Council directed staff to proceed with establishing a bylaw dispute adjudication system, joining more than 140 other B.C. municipalities using this model. The system allows minor bylaw infractions — such as parking violations or noise complaints — to be heard by independent adjudicators instead of provincial judges, reducing legal costs and wait times.
Council procedure bylaw to be updated
Council advanced several updates to Council Procedure Bylaw 2009, No. 1666 following recommendations from the July 15 Committee of the Whole meeting. While some proposed changes — such as shifting meeting start times to 6 p.m. or moving Question Period earlier — were defeated, others received council’s support.
Staff will now prepare bylaw amendments to implement a set of housekeeping updates, expand meeting conduct rules to include audience members, update legal language, and add new criteria for denying delegation requests.
Council also supported a change allowing any councillor who voted with the prevailing side of a motion to bring it back for reconsideration within 30 days. This is a power previously reserved for the mayor. According to the staff report, this could be helpful if new information emerges or if an error in judgment is realized. The proposed amendments will return for formal consideration at a future meeting.
Election bylaw changes headed for revision
Council voted to amend the town’s election bylaw to set the minimum number of qualified nominators for council candidates at 10, as permitted by the Local Government Act.
Support for marine rescue and community garden
Council directed staff to reach out to federal and provincial ministries to encourage collaboration with Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue on funding needs.
In a separate motion, staff were directed to consult with Island Health to explore the possibility of establishing a community garden on the grounds of the Ladysmith Urgent Care Centre.
Special occasion policy expanded to include Holland Creek Fields
Council approved a policy amendment to allow special occasion licences (such as for beer gardens) at the Holland Creek Fields between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Town to sponsor Rotary charity golf tournament
Council approved a $350 sponsorship of the 15th annual Rotary Charity Golf Tournament, taking place Sept. 20, 2025, with funds coming from the public relations budget.
