February 2022
Community Update
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News and Information from the District of Lantzville |
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Municipal Hall COVID-19 Hours - Masks Mandatory
Monday to Friday
By phone or email: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
In-person payment and document drop-off: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Call or email for appointments for other services
Closed Monday, February 21, 2022 for Family Day, re-opening on Tuesday, February 22, 2022
After-hours Public Works emergency call 1.888.826.8271
All other emergencies dial 911
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Wednesday, February 9th - 6:00 pm Regular Council
Wednesday, February 23rd - 6:00 pm Regular Council
For meeting information, including meeting livestreaming and electronic participation, visit lantzville.ca and click on the meeting date on the calendar to access the meeting agenda package, minutes and video recordings. The start time of the open portion/livestreaming of the meetings may vary if a closed portion is required at the beginning of the regular Council meeting. Please refer to the Council meeting agenda, published the week before the meeting, to confirm the open portion/livestream start time.
Until further notice, Council members will be participating electronically (or hybrid with some members in person if conditions permit) via Zoom Webinar (per the Community Charter and the Council Procedure Bylaw). Public attendance is permitted in the Council Chamber to watch and hear the meeting electronically; however, due to ongoing health concerns, the public is encouraged to view the open portion of the meeting via the live-stream, and to provide verbal public input on agenda items by registering in advance using the Zoom Webinar link provided for the Council meeting event at lantzville.ca. Prior to attending Municipal Hall, please self-assess to ensure you are healthy and do not attend if you are ill. Members of the public must wear a mask at all times, remain seated unless invited to address Council, and proof of vaccination is not required for essential government activities and services, including Council meetings. Meetings recorded by the District of Lantzville may be viewed at lantzville.ca. The public is prohibited from recording Council meetings unless authorized by Council. |
- General local elections in B.C. are held every four years on the third Saturday in October.
- Mark the 2022 General Local Election Voting Days on your calendar: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Wednesday, October 5th & 12th (Costin Hall) & Saturday, October 15th (Costin Hall), to elect your new five-member Council and school board representatives for a four-year term.
- Thinking about running for Council in the general local election this fall? Nominations open August 30th! Statutory record keeping requirements started January 1, 2022 when the Election Period began. There are new campaign financing and advertising rules for the 2022 General Local Elections that candidates, elector organizations, and third party advertisers need to be aware of. Visit electionsbc.ca for information about local elections campaign financing, disclosure and election advertising rules administered by Elections BC under the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act.
Questions about voting in the general local election or running for office in Lantzville? Watch for regular articles in the Community Update newsletter and visit lantzville.ca frequently as it will be updated with information regularly, or contact the CEO at vote@lantzville.ca or 250.933.8082. |
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COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses |
The Minister of Municipal Affairs wrote to Council in January to:
- confirm that starting in January 2022, people 18 years and older will get a booking invitation 6 months after the date of your second dose for a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine
- encourage residents to:
- get your booster dose as this is helping to protect our community from COVID-19
- keep watching BC’s Response to COVID-19 website for updates.
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The Nanaimo RCMP report that many calls can be reported online. Please go to the Nanaimo detachment Home page to find out more about this valuable time saving tool (Quick links – Report a Crime) and other services provided by the Nanaimo RCMP. For more information, call the Community Policing Section at 250.755.3257 or email at Nanaimo_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. |
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The City of Nanaimo new spring Activity Guide will be available for viewing at recreation.nanaimo.ca on February 25th with registration beginning on Wednesday, March 2nd.
- “Walk on Winter Wellness Challenge” from February 4th to March 17th. Record your steps on the City’s website for a chance to win weekly prizes and a grand prize courtesy of New Balance Nanaimo for a $200 pair of runners. Challenge your friends and family.
- Beban Pool will be fully open on January 17th, including the main 25-metre pool which has been closed for repairs. In addition, aquafit classes return to both the Beban Pool and the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre pool starting January 17th. Participants of aquafit must pre-register up to 8 days in advance at recreation.nanaimo.ca or by calling 250.756.5200. Participants 12 years and older attending all pools activities must also show proof of vaccination.
- Tuesday, February 1st, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm is a Glow in the Dark Skate at Frank Crane Arena.
- Valentine’s Day, February 14th Parent & Tot Skate 10:00 am - 11:30 am at Frank Crane Arena.
- Valentine’s Day, February 14th Adult Leisure Skate 10:00 am - 11:30 am at Nanaimo Ice Centre.
- Sunday, February 20th, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm is a Starlight Skate at Frank Crane Arena.
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Monday, February 21st is Family Day. Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture will be offering a variety of swimming, skating and other activities (nanaimo.ca for details).
- Every Sunday, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm at Frank Crane Arena is a FREE Lions Skate where admission, skate rentals and helmet rentals are free.
The Regional District of Nanaimo facilities are open and programs are running in accordance with current Public Health Orders. Visit www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation to register for programs and access the REC Connect webpage to subscribe to the Active Living Guide and find free activities and resources.
Free Family Day Swim and Skate on Monday, February 21st, Ravensong Aquatic Centre 10:00 am - 2:00 pm and Oceanside Place Arena 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Session maximums will be in place.
Registration for spring and summer programs including swim lessons and day camps will open on Monday, March 7th at 8:00 am.
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Emergency Planning - Power Outages and Downed Power Lines |
Stormy season is here! Wind and snow can knock down branches and powerlines. Downed powerlines may still be electrified and can be very dangerous. If you see a downed powerline, you should:
- Stay back at least 10 meters (that’s about 35 feet, or the length of a transit bus) from the power line, and any object that the line touches
- Call 9-1-1 to report the downed powerline
- Keep others at least 10 meters away from the downed line.
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Here’s a few tips to help you and your family prepare for power outages:
- Have a battery-operated radio so you can listen in to local radio stations for warnings and instructions
- Stow flashlights with extra batteries somewhere easy to grab
- If you have a wood or gas fireplace, regularly inspect your chimney or flue to ensure smoke and other potentially harmful gasses are properly ventilated
- Never use barbecues or camp stoves indoors. These can give off harmful gasses that can hurt you if not properly ventilated
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Register for Voyent Alert, to keep up to date with emergency alerts and information.
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Don’t forget, you can always visit bchydro.com check out for more information on power outages and electrical safety! |
2022 Business Licence Required by January 1st |
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Effective January 1, 2022, it is unlawful for a person to engage in or carry on a business within Lantzville unless that person holds a valid business licence issued by the District of Lantzville. The requirement to hold a District of Lantzville business licence includes non-Lantzville-based business operators who also hold a licence in the municipality where their business has an office, business address or is normally based.
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Fire Rescue Safety Message |
Please make it easy for emergency responders to find your house – install reflective or illuminated house numbers. Drive by your own house in the dark – is your house number visible from the street, driving from both directions? Safety Tip: Your earthquake preparedness kit should last you one week. Don’t forget to include medications! |
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Open Burning – Until April 15, 2022, Open Air and Incinerator fires are permitted ONLY IF every reasonable alternative for reducing, reusing or recycling debris has been pursued first to minimize the amount of debris to be burned and subject to Bylaw No. 185 regulations and the Ventilation Index. No prohibited materials may be burned (e.g. no demolition waste, household waste, treated lumber, etc.). Burn only clean, dry organic materials in a fire less than 1.2 m high by less than 1.8 m in diameter and subject to the venting index. Visit the Province of BC website or call 1.888.281.2992 to confirm the Ventilation Index category for the CNTRL VAN ISLD the day you wish to burn to confirm if venting is GOOD, otherwise burning is prohibited. NO LANDCLEARING FIRES ARE PERMITTED AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR except registered burns on ALR lands Oct 15th - Nov 15th.
Small campfires used for cooking, heating or ceremonial purposes are allowed (except on beaches) subject to conditions. NO OPEN FIRES ARE PERMITTED ON ANY BEACH AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR; only portable propane campfire apparatus (CSA or ULC approved) are permitted on the beach between the hours of 11:00 am - 8:00 pm. For more information view the Fire Protection Services Bylaw No. 185, 2019 and the Outdoor Burning brochure or contact the Fire Chief at nrukus@lantzville.ca. |
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Fieldwork for the Salish Sea Gull Project (an ongoing study on the health of the Salish Sea with researchers from Environment and Climate Change Canada) previously reported to be at our parks and beaches this January, February and March, has been delayed until further notice due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases. |
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Discourage Playing in the Ditches! |
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Although ditches can appear harmless, it’s important to teach your children that ditches are not a safe place to play. The purpose of ditches is to move runoff from roadways and private property. At times of heavy rainfall, the water in ditches can move very quickly! Whether dry or filled with water, many ditches contain garbage or debris that could pose a hazard. And when filled with water, the banks of ditches are very slippery – if someone falls in, they can’t easily get out! Encourage your children to find a safe place to play. |
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Clark Crescent Watermain Replacement Project
Leuco Construction Inc. commenced construction of watermain replacement on December 13, 2021 along Clark Crescent for the District of Lantzville. The duration of work is estimated to take three (3) months. During construction, Clark Crescent will be closed to the public to accommodate construction. Access for local traffic only will be permitted. Construction signage, barricades, cones, etc. will be in place to create awareness and ensure safety for traffic, pedestrians and cyclists. During construction, driveway access will be interrupted, as required in order to complete installation of the upgrades. Notification 24-hours in advance will be provided for any driveway interruptions in order for alternate arrangements to be made, as necessary. Working hours will be Monday-Friday from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. We apologize for any inconvenience that construction may cause and appreciate your patience. In the event that you have any questions or concerns, please contact William Cottrell, Leuco Construction President, at 778.997.6482.
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Metro & Mart Paving Improvements Project
IWC Excavation Ltd. will be starting construction of road improvements and paving along Mart and Metro Road on February 7, 2022. The project is expected to be complete by the beginning of May 2022. Necessary accommodations will be made throughout the course of construction allowing residents and businesses continued access to their driveways. Traffic control personnel will be available to safely assist traffic through the construction zone during the day. Roads and driveways will be restored at the end of each working day allowing traffic to safely travel through the construction zone while crews are not on site. Although it is the contractor’s full intention to minimize any impact, disruption of water services as well as redirection of traffic may apply in construction areas for the duration. Please follow the direction or advisement of traffic control signage and or personnel. If any changes arise, notification of changes will be distributed. Please use caution around the construction areas. Working hours will be Monday - Friday from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, with no work being done on weekends or statutory holidays. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. If you have any concerns, please contact the IWCE Project Manager, Jason Clark, at 250.585.0492.
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Regional Growth Strategy Review is Underway |
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The Regional District of Nanaimo is working in partnership with the City of Parksville, City of Nanaimo, Town of Qualicum Beach, District of Lantzville, and the seven unincorporated electoral areas to update the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS). The current RGS, Shaping Our Future, was adopted in November 2011, to establish a collective vision for how anticipated growth will be managed to support the creation of sustainable, complete communities.
Community input is being sought on the topics of growth, land use, active transportation, housing and climate adaptation and mitigation planning. Community and key stakeholder engagement will begin in February 2022, including a survey open to all residents in the region.
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What is your Property Assessment? |
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BC Assessment sends assessment notices to all BC property owners in January each year. BC Assessment released the 2022 property assessment information on January 4, 2022. Property owners throughout Vancouver Island received by mail in the first or second week of January, their 2022 assessment notices which reflected market value as of July 1, 2021. Visit the BC Assessment Authority website for more information on property assessment.
You can also search bcassessment.ca to compare your assessment with neighbouring properties to get a sense of the values in your area. Review your notice carefully and contact BC Assessment immediately if you feel your assessment is incorrect or before submitting an official Notice of Complaint (Appeal) before the January 31, 2022 deadline. The BC Assessment website Appeals page has detailed information, including videos about property assessment, property taxes, and appeals.
"Vancouver Island’s real estate market has increased in value across all property types over the past year" per BC Assessment. "Increases of 15 to 35 percent are generally evident for single family dwellings, strata homes, industrial and commercial properties throughout the Island with notably larger percent increases in both central and northern Vancouver Island communities." The total assessment value of all properties in Lantzville increased by 34 percent.
Property taxes are calculated based on the assessment values set by BC Assessment. Your property taxes are based on this formula: Net Assessed Property Value/$1,000 multiplied by Property Tax Rate equals Property Tax Bill.
If you are a homeowner who received a higher-than-expected property assessment, you're likely wondering how it will affect your next property tax notice.
Here are three of the most common property tax myths explained:
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Is your home valued above $1.975 M? |
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The Province administers the home owner grant (HOG) program. Effective in 2021, eligible homeowners in all BC municipalities submit their annual HOG application directly to the Province on-line or over the phone. Applications for 2022 will open in May when the majority of property tax notices are mailed. Program details and eligibility requirements have not changed; however, the 2022 HOG threshold is set at $1.975 million. You may be able to claim the full regular grant amount if your property has an assessed or partitioned value of $1,975,000 or less. For every $1,000 of assessed value above the $1.975 million HOG threshold, your homeowner grant will be reduced by $5. For more information about the HOG threshold, visit the Home Owner Grant page or call 1.888.355.2700.
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Food Waste, Garbage & Recycling Schedule |
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If you missed the 2022 Collection Schedule (published by the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) in your mailbox, view at lantzville.ca or pick up a copy at Municipal Hall. Curbside collection continues on Tuesdays in February. A friendly reminder that curbside days bump ahead for each statutory holiday and carts should be placed out at the curb by 8:00 am. After Family Day (February 21st), curbside collection resumes on Wednesday, February 23rd with Recycling and Food Waste and continues on Wednesdays through March.
Remember to Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe (Dr. Bonnie Henry). The District of Lantzville is committed to providing a workplace free of bullying and harassment. While we understand frustrations with service disruptions, verbal abuse will not be tolerated nor will it resolve your concerns. Please understand that the District of Lantzville does not manage curbside collection as it is part of the regional solid waste and recycling service. Visit rdn.bc.ca for service information or call Waste Connections of Canada at 1.866.999.8227, or contact the RDN direct at 250.390.6560 or email rcu@rdn.bc.ca .
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Latest Council Updates
From the January Council Meetings
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For more information, please contact the Director of Corporate Administration at 250.933.8082 or email district@lantzville.ca. |
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