The Public Input Period is to offer the public an opportunity to comment on an agenda item before the Board considers the item. The Public Input Period Procedure Policy allows for an allotment of 15 minutes, where the speaker is welcome to comment on any item(s) on the agenda up to a maximum of 3 minutes. This excludes items that are or have been the subject of a Public Hearing. Input from the community is valued and appreciated. We request that input is presented in a friendly and respectful manner. Your cooperation in maintaining a safe, respectful and orderly environment is greatly appreciated.
4.
CORRESPONDENCE
5.
INFORMATION
6.
REPORTS
R1.
Verbal Report from the Asset Management Division Re: Asset Management Maturity Assessment and Roadmap
Report from the General Manager, Land Use Services Department Re: Regional Growth Strategy
Recommendation
That it be recommended to the Board on October 9, 2024:
1. That the Staff Report to Committee of Whole of October 9, 2024, on the topic of Regional Growth Strategy be referred to the City of Duncan, Municipality of North Cowichan, Town of Ladysmith, and Town of Lake Cowichan and that the municipalities be asked to:
a. Appoint a representative to the Regional Growth Strategy Steering Committee;
b. Consider potential additional matters in the development of a Regional Growth Strategy, including but not limited to:
i. Potential municipal incorporation and boundary changes to accommodate future growth and servicing objectives;
ii. The future of the Island Rail Corridor and its connectivity with adjacent regional districts; and
iii. Cooperation with the Regional District of Nanaimo on future growth of lands in the vicinity of the Nanaimo Airport and Cassidy Aquifer.
2. That staff resources for a Regional Growth Strategy project be funded by requisition through the Function 100 (General Government) budget, with equivalent reduction in the Function 325 (Electoral Area Planning) budget, beginning in 2025.
3. That the 2025 budget for Function 100 – General Government include $50,000 to conduct a Regional Planning Service Feasibility Study, funded by requisition.
Report from the Economic Development Division Re: Cowichan Tech & Innovation Ecosystem Project Funding Options
Recommendation
That it be recommended to the Board on October 9, 2024 that:
1. Staff apply for $500,000 in funding from the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program and $62,500 from Island Coastal Economic Trust’s Capital and Innovation Program to support the implementation of the Cowichan Tech & Innovation Ecosystem Project;
2. If the CVRD is unsuccessful in securing ICET funding, then $62,500 be allocated to the project from Function 121 operating reserves; and
3. Letters of support for the project be requested from the Town of Ladysmith, City of Duncan, Municipality of North Cowichan and Town of Lake Cowichan.
The Question Period is an opportunity to offer the public to ask a question regarding the business of CVRD. The Question Period allows for an allotment of 15 minutes and is comprised of two parts. The first is reserved for questions directly related to agenda items. If there is time remaining, questions may be on a matter of public interest related to and in the CVRD jurisdiction. Each questioner is permitted to ask one question, plus one follow-up question related to the answer. The Question must truly be a question, and not a statement of opinion, or speech. We request that your question is presented in a friendly and respectful manner. Your cooperation in maintaining a safe, respectful and orderly environment is greatly appreciated.
10.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion that the meeting be closed to the public in accordance with the Community Charter Part 4, Division 3, Section 90, subsections as noted in accordance with each agenda item.
CSM1 – Closed Session Electoral Area Services Committee Minutes of September 25, 2024
