Bernadette Ritter

The council meeting covered various municipal matters, including delegations from the Regional District of Nanaimo regarding parks, transit, and pollution control. Legislative actions included readings of the 2026 Property Tax Rates Bylaw. The council decided against zoning changes for former golf course lands and tasked the Environment & Sustainability Committee with a climate action outreach recommendation. Administrative decisions included deferring bulk water rate increases, approving various special event sponsorships and subsidized rental applications, and authorizing the closure of a street for Canada Day. Additionally, the council amended committee terms of reference and meeting schedules, purchased award ceremony tickets, awarded a contract for an operations workplace modernization assessment, and processed several zoning and development permit applications. Postponements were made regarding a covenant discharge and pickleball court cost analysis.

The committee reviewed its function in providing planning and design advice to the council, specifically concerning zoning amendments and development permits. A new chair was selected for the commission. Additionally, the committee evaluated a development application for 673 First Street, discussing elements such as ground floor usage, building height, residential density, site massing, form and character, and the placement of the parking garage entrance.

The council held a committee of the whole meeting to discuss various airport-related matters. Topics included the quarterly report for the Qualicum Beach Airport, public communications regarding airport operations, the collection of aircraft data using ADSB technology, and improvements to noise abatement procedures and the visual terminal procedures chart. The council also reviewed the airport's miscellaneous rates bylaw, the status of grant applications for airport capital assistance, emergency medical transfer reports, and the outcome of the annual live emergency exercise. Finally, the meeting touched upon the need for an airport master plan to guide future decision-making, including considerations for three-phase power to support electric aircraft.

The council discussed airport operations, specifically approving an amendment to fuel service charges for Avgas and Jet A fuel. Additionally, the council authorized staff to submit a grant application for the Eagle Crest Drive infrastructure enhancement and hazard mitigation project, and agreed to communicate the application details to the Member of Parliament and the Member of the Legislative Assembly. The council also discussed the airport's financial sustainability and the possibility of compiling letters of support from non-residents to advocate for regional financial contributions.

The Council discussed various community initiatives and municipal operations. Key topics included the restoration of St. Andrew's Lodge, advocacy for climate action funding, and revisions to airport operations and financial plan bylaws. The Council authorized the execution of a Next Generation 9-1-1 implementation contract, reviewed updates regarding emergency siren testing protocols, and addressed several zoning amendment applications and development permits for local properties. Additionally, the Council awarded multiple infrastructure contracts, including projects for waterfront pipe replacement, watermain improvements, and riverbank erosion protection, alongside plans for skatepark facility upgrades.