Town Tidings Newsletter

Public Works Week Open House

In celebration of Public Works week last month, the Town opened its doors to provide a behind-the-scenes look at our daily operations! The event was lots of fun, with good attendance from the public and local schools. For more photos visit our website.

Family Day Success!

Despite the “West Coast weather”, Family Day this year was a fantastic day showcasing a strong sense of community spirit!

A special shoutout goes to the incredible volunteer committee above, left to right: Jaidan Holder, Carol Riera, Councillor Jean Young, Geraldine Lydon, Jody Macgillivray, Rebecca Fenton (Chair), and Brittany Marie Gagne (not pictured). Their tireless efforts and dedication in planning and organizing the event were truly remarkable. Likewise, a huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped on the day - some staying from 8 am to 5pm!

Check out photos at qualicumbeach.com/qualicum-beach-family-day

Taxes & Utilities

The 2024 property tax and utility notices have now been mailed out. The due date

is July 2, 2024.

HOME OWNER GRANT

Your Home Owner Grant must be claimed each year that you are eligible. All eligible homeowners must apply to the Province, either:

Online at gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant, or
By telephone at 1-888-355-2700.

DEFERMENT OF PROPERTY TAXES

All submissions must be completed online with the Province. For more information:

Visit gov.bc.ca/propertytaxdeferment
Call 1-250-387-0555 or Toll Free 1-888-355-2700.

Important Notes:

To remain eligible for deferment, you must claim your Home Owner grant. Any arrears must also be paid off before your taxes can be deferred.

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 details go to gov.bc.ca/propertytaxdeferment

Bill 44 - Provincial Housing Changes

The Town has taken its first steps toward implementing zoning and bylaw changes to comply with the Province’s Bill 44 - Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023.

The updated bylaws were presented to Council at the May 29, 2024, Regular Council meeting and included changes to permitted density, maximum height, minimum setbacks, parking requirements, parcel coverage, and other land use controls.

These changes must be updated prior to June 30, 2024, and require significant updates to the Town’s current zoning. While the changes will allow for infill housing on single-family

and duplex parcels, the Town is working with policy tools to retain the character of Qualicum Beach neighbourhoods while still achieving the Province’s housing objectives.

The Province’s intent for Bill 44 is to make it easier to create small-scale, multi-unit homes that fit into existing neighbourhoods.

For more information visit qualicumbeach.com/housing_change

Beach Toy Library

There is a fun new addition to the waterfront!

The Town has fabricated and installed a Toy Library to allow a space for beach toys to be shared. This community-minded initiative provides a dedicated space for donated beach toys for residents and visitors to freely enjoy.

Community groups will be invited to drop off and manage these toys, while the Town will handle maintenance to the Toy Library structure.

The Toy Library will be in place from June to late Summer, offering a fun and practical addition for all beachgoers. It is hoped that this will enhance the waterfront experience, creating more fun and memorable moments.

Airport Open House/Forum - Date Changed

In 2023, Town Council began a consultation process to address opportunities and challenges for the Qualicum Beach Airport. This process involved stakeholder input, Council workshops, and public surveys.

As a result, bi-annual Open House meetings were established for ongoing public input. We invite you to the first of these meetings to discuss airport-related matters with Town Council.

Meeting: Committee of the Whole Meeting

Date: July 10, 2024 (changed from June 19)

Time: 4:00 pm

Location: Council Chamber (660 Primrose St)

Agenda: Available on the Town’s website the week before the meeting.

For more information on the project visit qualicumbeach.com/airport-consult

Crescent Road East Closure

The Town is undertaking the crucial replacement of two deteriorating corrugated steel culverts that will require an extended period of road closure on Crescent Road East.

The project timeframe is set for June to October 2024, during which time road diversions from Crescent Road East will be necessary. Detours, signage, and traffic control are now in place.

For further information and updates on the culvert replacement project visit qualicumbeach.com/bc_culvert_repair

Notices

Water Restrictions

From May 15 to September 15, 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. For more information visit here

Notice of Annual Report

The Annual Municipal Report will be available on our website qualicumbeach.com , and at the Town Hall for inspection beginning June 12, 2024, from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays) until June 26, 2024. Council will receive submissions and questions from the public regarding the Annual Report from June 12, 2024, until the start of the June 26, 2024, Council meeting. For full details, visit qualicumbeach.com.

Subsidized Rentals

Applications are being accepted for subsidized rental of the Town Civic Centre and Community Hall. Apply before 28, 2024. For full information, visit qualicumbeach.com

Council Schedule

For the latest updates to Town meetings visit qualicumbeach.com/meeting-schedule

Event Road Closure

June 14 - Qualicum Beach Collective Movie Night

The following roads will be closed from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm: