Growing Communities Funding | |
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The Town of Qualicum Beach has received $3,346,000 in funding through the Growing Communities Fund. This Provincial funding provides a one-time total of $1 billion to all BC municipalities and regional districts based on population size and growth.
Council will consider eligible projects and improvements to best utilize these funds during the upcoming budget process, with a focus on priorities that align with the 2023-2027 Council Strategic Plan.
To encourage community engagement, the Proposed 2023-2027 Financial Plan Budget discussions will be open to the public through Committee of the Whole meetings, which will take place on March 15, 16, 23, and 29 at 10 am in the Council Chamber.
For those unable to attend in person, the meetings can be viewed at qualicumbeach.com/council-live-streaming, and input can be provided via email at qbtown@qualicumbeach.com or mailed to P.O. Box 130, Qualicum Beach, V9K 1S7.
The draft Financial Plan will be available on the Town’s website on March 10, at qualicumbeach.com/_finance.
Mayor Teunis Westbroek said, “The Town is thankful for the Provincial funding and acknowledges the weighty task of allocating it responsibly to meet the present and future needs of our community.”
View more information about the Growing Communities Fund, and a breakdown of funding by local government.
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BC Active Transportation Grant | |
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The BC Active Transportation Fund has granted the Town of Qualicum Beach $500,000 to assist in the development of a Waterfront Viewing Platform and Separated Walkway at the Memorial Avenue Waterfront Roundabout.
The funding will support the final phase of the Memorial Avenue Roundabout, featuring a separated walkway and an elevated viewing platform that extends over the Beach Creek Estuary and the "Green Shores" marine spit, both of which have attracted national recognition.
The Active Transportation Fund recognizes the Memorial Avenue Waterfront Roundabout's importance as a vital link in the Town's active transportation network, connecting the uptown to the waterfront and beyond, as well as acting as a gateway to welcome visitors to the waterfront. It also recognizes the need for a separate walkway for pedestrians, allowing a safe, conflict-free passage from cyclists, and vice versa.
This project will help the waterfront reach its full potential, creating a destination for both tourists and locals, and supporting safe, active forms of recreation.
The walkway will include interpretive signage, restorative landscaping, durable street furniture, and a public bicycle repair stand. These features will enhance the walkway's appeal, making it a comfortable and attractive space for visitors and locals alike.
Mayor Teunis Westbroek says, “This grant recognizes that tourism, and active tourism particularly, is key to the economic well-being of our community. This project helps elevate the roundabout from a merely functional piece of infrastructure to a tourist attraction that helps give the Town an edge in a competitive tourist market. The Town is grateful to the Province for their generous support toward this project, and for partnering with the Town to create a healthy and attractive waterfront for generations to come.”
For more information on the project go to qualicumbeach.com/_viewing_walkway
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Joint Digital Fire System Grant | |
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The Town of Qualicum Beach, the Regional District of Nanaimo, and Dashwood Fire Department have been awarded a $90,000 Community Emergency Preparedness Fund grant from the Province of British Columbia for the purchase of a Digital Fire Training System.
This system will be a shared resource between Qualicum Beach Fire Department (QBFD), Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department, and Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department. Coordinated by QBFD on behalf of its regional partners, the grant enables the departments to acquire an advanced training tool that will help our firefighters be even more prepared when responding to emergencies.
The fire training system uses digital panels linked to a smoke generator to produce realistic simulations of flames, sound, and smoke. Each digital fire reacts to either a digital or water hose line, allows for training where live fires are not possible, and eliminates unnecessary health and environmental risk. The portable unit also allows for a variety of fire locations in a single training session, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of training opportunities.
Peter Cornell, Fire Chief for Qualicum Beach, says “The Town is grateful to UBCM for their generous support to our regional fire services. This technology significantly advances the readiness of firefighters to respond effectively and efficiently to a fire event. It will be of huge benefit to us and our regional partners and provide local access to excellent training opportunities”
For more on the UBCM funding, visit www.ubcm.ca/cepf
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Financial Budget Meetings | |
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This is the first year of a two-year process to improve public engagement in the Town’s financial planning process. Council wishes to receive input from residents and businesses to inform the Town’s 2023-2027 financial plan. The financial plan will be available on the Town’s website on March 10 at qualicumbeach.com/_finance
Meetings will be held in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall at 10:00 am:
- Wednesday, March 15, 2023, Committee of the Whole meeting (budget presentations)
- Thursday, March 16, 2023, Committee of the Whole meeting (budget presentations)
- Thursday, March 23, 2023, Committee of the Whole meeting (budget presentations)
- Wednesday, March 29, 2023, Committee of the Whole & Special Council meeting (2023-2027 Financial Plan)
- Wednesday, April 19, 2023, Special Council meeting (2023-2027 Financial Plan)
- Wednesday, April 26, 2023, Special Council meeting (2023-2027 Financial Plan)
- Wednesday, May 3, 2023, Regular Council meeting (2023-2027 Financial Plan and 2024 Tax Rates Bylaw)
- Wednesday, May 10, 2023, Special Council meeting (2023-2027 Financial Plan and 2024 Tax Rates Bylaw)
For those unable to attend in person, the meetings can be viewed at qualicumbeach.com/council-live-streaming, and input can be provided via email at qbtown@qualicumbeach.com or mailed to P.O. Box 130, Qualicum Beach, V9K 1S7.
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The Spring Chipping Program is set to go.
- Residents EAST of Memorial Avenue are to have chipping out by 8 am, March 13
- Residents WEST of Memorial Avenue are to have chipping out by 8am, April 3
Follow the guidelines below for a smooth pickup:
YES
- ONE pile per property
- Small trees, branches, woody shrub materials
- Maximum pile of 8ft x 8ft x 5ft high
- Wood under 4 inches in diameter
- Neatly stacked at the roadside with butt ends facing the same direction
NO
- Grass clippings, leaves, soft plant materials
- Piles in excess of 8ft x 8ft x 5ft high
- Piles with gravel, dirt, or roots with dirt
- Wood in excess of 4 inches in diameter
For more details on our chipping program visit our qualicumbeach.com/chipping-program.
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Curbside Collection Now Includes Yard Waste | |
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The Regional District of Nanaimo, which manage the curbside collection for Qualicum Beach has made an exciting announcement.
Starting March 1, organics carts can now be topped up with leaves, grass clippings, and light yard trimmings.
Expanding the curbside program will reduce waste and provide residents with an accessible and cost-effective way to dispose of light yard waste.
Learn more about the expanded organics program, what you can and can't include in your cart at getinvolved.rdn.ca/expanded-organics
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Grandon Creek Stairs Underway | |
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Great news, the Grandon Creek Trail stairs are under construction!
After delays caused by supply and labour shortages, the contractor has mobilized in the area and will be working to complete the stairs by the end of March.
The new aluminum stairs have an expected lifespan of 50 plus years and will ensure durability and grip to withstand the high usage that this trail enjoys.
Stay tuned, for the official re-opening date.
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Quick Summary of the Council Meeting | |
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Want to get a quick update on what happened in the Council Meetings? Council Corner offers a quick five-minute read, with links to related videos, that gives you a summary of what is happening in your Town.
Read the latest at our Council Corner Page.
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Watermain Flushing
Watermain flushing is one of the most important practices carried out by our public works crews to maintain high water quality, improve the capacity of pipes, and ensure proper operation of the hydrants.
Crews will begin flushing on March 6, from 8am to 3:30pm, for approximately 3 weeks.
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Dogs on Beach
To protect geese in migration, dogs are not permitted (on-leash or off-leash) on any public beach between March 1 to April 30. Dog owners may be subject to a fine of $100, as per Animal Control Bylaw No. 649.
Dogs are permitted on the street level walkway on-leash.
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Outdoor Burning
Garden refuse fires are allowed between March 15 and April 5 on properties within the Agricultural Land Reserve only. A permit is required and available at Town Hall or on our website.
Other fires are permitted in outdoor fireplaces as long as they are burning clean dry fire wood (no garden refuse).
For more details visit qualicumbeach.com/fire_regulate
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Waterfront Parking Work Started
Work commenced on Highway 19A on February 14, 2023, and will continue through to Spring this year.
The project will infill sections of the ditch on the south side of Highway 19A to create additional and safer waterfront parking.
Traffic will be single-lane as required, traffic control is in place.
For more details visit https://conta.cc/3IfLFvJ
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- March 13 - Public Open House, 10am
- March 15 - Committee of the Whole (Budget), 10am
- March 16 - Committee of the Whole (Budget), 10am
- March 22 - Regular Council Meeting, 10am
- March 23 - Committee of the Whole (Budget), 10am
- March 27 - Public Open House, 10am
- March 29 - Committee of the Whole & Special Council Meeting (Financial Plan & 2024 Tax Rates Bylaw)
Council meetings qualicumbeach.com/council-live-streaming
Upcoming events qualicumbeach.com/events
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