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Family Day this year (May 28) was an absolutely fantastic day, showcasing an amazing display of community spirit.
The Town would like to express its gratitude to all those who came out and supported the event. Your involvement made all the difference!
A special shoutout goes to the incredible volunteer committee, Rebecca Fenton (Chair), Rob Ferguson, Brittany Marie Gagne, Geraldine Lydon, Jody Macgillivray, Carol Reira, and Councillor Jean Young. Their tireless efforts and dedication in planning and organizing the event were truly remarkable. Likewise, a huge thank you to all the volunteers that helped on the day - some staying all day!
We also want to extend our thanks to the local groups and sponsors whose generous contributions made Family Day even more memorable. Your support played an integral role in creating a truly unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Together, we have demonstrated the power of a united community!
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Funkanometry, the TikTok sensations wowed us for their 2nd year running. Click image for video. | |
The Town's Fire Department made kids smile in both the parade and at the field. | |
Skyhawks Canada performed multiple awe inspiring air acrobatic jumps. | |
To ensure a more inclusive Family Day, the Fouray Quartet serenaded those at the Gardens, Qualicum Manor, and Berwick. | |
Our amazing volunteers helped at multiple points during the day to ensure a smooth operation and fun-filled atmosphere. | |
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Effective at noon Thursday, June 8, and until further notice, all open burning, including campfires, beach fires, and fireworks, is prohibited within the entire Qualicum Beach Fire Protection area to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. This ban has been implemented by the Qualicum Beach Fire Chief in conjunction with BC Wildfire Service.
This ban applies to open fires of any size, campfires, fireworks, sky lanterns, tiki torches and burning barrels. The ban does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or to portable campfire apparatus with a CSA or ULC rating using briquettes, liquid or gaseous fuel, that are not capable of producing a flame longer than 15 centimetres. Portable campfire apparatus that do not meet these conditions are prohibited.
To report a fire, please contact:
- Fire emergency - threat to lives and/or property: 9-1-1
- Beach fires – Conservation Officer Hotline: 1-877-952-7277
For further information on provincial wildfire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website at bcwildfire.ca. To contact the Fire Department phone 250-752-6232
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Saahtlam Park Celebrations - June 17 | |
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As part of the celebrations organized by St. Andrews Lodge Historical & Cultural Society, Chief Michael Reclama of Qualicum First Nations will perform the official naming of Saahtlam Park, formerly known as St. Andrews Waterfront Park, and unveil the new park interpretive signage (shown above and pdf here) that showcases some of the park's history.
The unveiling will take place on Saturday, June 17, 12 pm, at 3319 Island Highway West.
St. Andrews Lodge Historical & Cultural Society has organized a full day of activities, which includes live music and entertainment, as well as nature walks by Arrowsmith Naturalist. The celebrations will end with a Twilight Series concert. For more details visit www.salhacs.ca
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Regional Strategy for Net Zero Buildings
and Localized Energy Generation
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The Town is working with regional partners including the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), City of Nanaimo, and District of Lantzville on a strategy to support energy efficient, low carbon buildings and localized energy generation in our region.
This work will help the Town and other local governments understand the most effective options for the rapid and cost-effective uptake of energy efficient, low emission new buildings and improved energy resilience. This is important to help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our area.
The work will result in the development of a Regional Strategy for Net Zero Buildings and Localized Energy Generation, including potential staff recommendations to the Town of Qualicum Beach Council on implementation of Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code
Further information on the initiative is available on the RDN website, including background material, Frequently Asked Questions and Industry Surveys.
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The Town is seeking qualified candidates to join its team. The following positions are open until June 13 (or until filled):
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Executive Assistant to the CAO (permanent full-time). Reporting to the CAO, this position supports the CAO and the Mayor.
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Climate Action Emergency Program Coordinator (permanent full-time). Reporting to the Director of Planning and Community Development, this unique role applies a climate action lens on the Town’s approach to emergency mitigation and response.
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Planning and Infrastructure Services Assistant (permanent full-time). Reporting to the Director of Planning and Community Development, this position will support Building Inspection, Planning, Bylaw Enforcement, and Engineering with an ongoing commitment to innovation and customer service.
For more information visit qualicumbeach.com/employment
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Viewing Platform and Separated Walkway
Funding & Construction
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The Town is pleased to announce that work commenced this week (June 5) on the Memorial Roundabout Viewing Platform and Separated Walkway, coinciding with the announcement of funding received from the Government of Canada through the Active Transportation Fund (ATF). This significant federal funding of $1,018,638 will propel the Town's efforts to create an enhanced and accessible waterfront experience for residents and visitors.
Scheduled to take place within the Fisheries construction window designated by the Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada, the construction crews will operate from 7 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. The anticipated traffic interruptions will be minimal, with only brief pauses required to facilitate machinery access. The project is expected to be completed by November 2023.
The project tender was awarded to Knappett Industries for a cost of $2,493,051. This federal ATF funding, in addition to $500,000 BC Active Transportation Provincial funding, has further solidified the financial support for this important project.
"We are immensely grateful to the federal and provincial government funding that enables us to accelerate the construction of the Memorial Roundabout Viewing Platform and Separated Walkway," said Mayor Teunis Westbroek. "This funding will play a pivotal role in unlocking the waterfront's full potential, creating a destination that promotes safety, accessibility, and active forms of recreation."
For more information and updates go to qualicumbeach.com/_viewing_walkway
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The Annual Municipal Report and Financial Information Report will be presented at the Regular Council Meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 10:00 am in the Council Chambers.
The Annual Municipal Report will also be available on our website qualicumbeach.com and at the Town Hall for inspection beginning May 31, 2023, from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday.
Council will receive submissions and questions from the public regarding the Annual Report from May 31, 2023, until the start of the June 14, 2023, Council meeting.
If you have any questions please contact Heather Svensen, Corporate Administrator, at 250-752-6921 or email hsvensen@qualicumbeach.com
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Summer Baskets Kick off Summer | |
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Who doesn't love a truckload of flowers?
Last week our crews helped kick off Summer with our lush flower baskets that the Town is so famous for! The Town hangs 50 Victorian baskets which include a felt liner and wick, and 72 wooden baskets with microperf liner.
Thanks to our awesome crews for keeping us in bloom!
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Property Tax & Utilities Billing | |
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The 2023 property tax notices have now been mailed out. The due date is July 4, 2023.
HOME OWNER GRANT
Your Home Owner Grant must be claimed each year that you are eligible.
All eligible homeowners must to apply to the Province, either:
DEFERMENT OF PROPERTY TAXES
All submissions must be completed online with the Province. For more information:
Important Notes:
To remain eligible for deferment, you must claim your Home Owner grant
Any arrears balances must be paid off prior to deferring your taxes
If you are already on the deferment program you should have received a letter from the deferment office.
- If you selected the “Automatic Renewal” option, there is no action except to claim your Home Owner Grant.
- If you did not select the “Automatic Renewal” option, you must renew your deferment agreement online, and also claim your Home Owner Grant.
For more information, go to www.gov.bc.ca/propertytaxdeferment
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From May 15th until September 15th the watering of lawns and gardens will only be permitted between the hours of 7 pm and 7 am daily. Hand watering is permitted at any time. | |
- Jun 12 - Public Open House, 10 am
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Jun 14 - Regular Council Meeting, 10 am
- Jun 15 - Public Hearing 172 Fern Rd, 4 pm
- Jun 16 - Movie Night
- Jun 17 - St. Andrew's Art & Musical Festival (and official naming of Saahtlam Park)
- Jun 17 - Street Dance
- Jun 18 - Father’s Day Show n’ Shine
- Jun 21 - Committee of the Whole, 10 am
- Jun 24 - Grad Parade
- Jun 25 - Qualicum Beach Triathlon
- Jun 26 - Public Open House, 10 am
- Jul 1 – Canada Day Celebrations
- Jul 16 - Beach Day
- Jul 22 - St Mark’s Fair
All meetings in the Council Chamber, unless otherwise noted.
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