Council Update – December 16, 2024

The City of Duncan Council Update is a snapshot of items considered at meetings of Council. These are not the official minutes. Meeting agendas, minutes, and videos can be accessed through the City’s Council Meeting Portal.

• Council received the report of the Chief Administrative Officer that includes updates on a number of City initiatives.
• Council approved a new policy to accept food donations in lieu of parking fines during the period from December 15 – 31 each year. This policy is intended to promote community spirit, demonstrate social responsibility, encourage compliance, and reduce disputes over parking fines.
• Council directed staff to reiterate to North Cowichan City Council’s intent to discuss the location of the North-end gateway sign at the next joint meeting of the municipal councils.
• Council authorized a five-year lease, from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2027 for a portion of the laneway between 288 Third Street and Centennial Park for the 288 Third Street property owner’s private use of the encroachment area.
• Council appointed the Director of Planning and Sustainability to the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s Regional Growth Strategy Steering Committee.
• Council received a status update on the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan Action Items.
• Council gave first three readings to Waterworks Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 3213.02, 2024 – a bylaw to amend the Waterworks Regulation Bylaw to update the alternate invoice allocation requests and adjustment for underground leaks.
• Council adopted Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3212.09, 2024 – a bylaw to set the utility rates for 2025 and make other housekeeping amendments.
• Council adopted Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 3241.02, 2024 – a bylaw to amend the financial plan for 2024-2028.
• Council approved that a letter of support be sent to the Cowichan Valley Regional District to continue to allocate Online Accommodation Platform Municipal Regional District Tax to affordable housing for the period of January 1, 2025 to July 1, 2027.
• Council directed staff to write a letter of support to the Passenger Transportation Board for Western Educational Adventures’ proposed ski shuttle service.

The next Regular Council meeting will be on Monday, January 13, 2025.

The 2025 Council Meeting calendar can be viewed here.