Nanaimo City council heard about how the traffic signal boxes in Nanaimo are using public art from the city’s urban design roster at its meeting on Monday.
Council also heard residents speak about safety and noise concerns on Departure Bay Beach, bike lanes and a development that opponents say will endanger rare wetlands in the Rock City neighbourhood.
A presentation on a Climate Hazard Assessment and Mapping Project was received by council, which directed staff to publish its findings on the city website to enhance community awareness of climate hazards and preparedness.
Mayor Leonard Krog said he was disappointed that the dozens of people who attended the delegation about the Rock City Wetland did not stay for the presentation.
“I would have hoped that people would have as much interest in this very important report, which will help guide the safety of the citizens of this city for a long time, as they do about a building project,” he said.
Staff will also use the report in areas such as land use planning, infrastructure and engineering assessments. The City will use the report in its 10-year plan to meet the Emergency and Disaster Management Act.
Council passed housekeeping amendments to the city’s council procedure bylaw.
The amendments passed with Coun. Hilary Eastmure opposed.
Eastmure said she was against the changes that will only allow council to request a staff report or refer an issue to a committee following a delegation, unless two-thirds of council votes in favour of allowing an emergency motion at the same meeting.
“We make major decisions all the time based on a simple majority vote, so the two thirds threshold feels unnecessary to me,” she said.
A motion to add Nob Hill and Deverill Square Park to the list of parks where overnight camping is prohibited passed unanimously.
Council unanimously approved $500,000 to build a recreational trail within the E&N railway corridor that will connect Junction Avenue to Extension Road.
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