As a daughter of one of two living "Freeman of the municipality" honourees, Coun. Anne Skipsey recused herself from a discussion. Coun. Neil Horner's notice of motion to look into options to better honour recipients was unanimously supported by the rest of council. Horner suggested small symbolic gestures that wouldn't have to cost the town much or anything, like special invites and seating at town events.
• Qualicum Beach town council approved a recommendation from their Select Committee on Environment and Sustainability to respond for a request for input on the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture's discussion paper on agri-tourism, responding that the town believes it should be primarily focused on food and crop production, "while supporting the possible ancillary uses on farmland, e.g. (weddings and concerts)."
• Council unanimously approved second reading for a zoning amendment to allow a duplex at 184 First Avenue West, sending it to a public hearing Monday, February 1, 2016 at 7 p.m. at the Qualicum Beach town hall (660 Primrose Street) at the beginning of their regular meeting.
• Council asked staff to request that "the Select Committee on Environment and Sustainability investigate ways the town can work with Broom Busters and other volunteer organizations to make Qualicum Beach the first officially recognized broom free municipality on Vancouver Island within two years."
• Chief Administrative Officer Daniel Sailland welcomed Jolie Wist as the town's new manger of human resources and the promotion of Karla Duarte as the new deputy corporate administrator.
• Coun. Anne Skipsey's motion asking staff to look into options for making Qualicum Beach a more dementia-friendly community.
• Council unanimously forwarded a planning memo on their development cost charge review to their committee of the whole meeting on January 27.
• The next Qualicum Beach regular council meeting is Monday, February 1, 7 p.m. in the town hall council chamber.