Community planning in North Cowichan focuses on proactively addressing long-range challenges and opportunities while providing guidance for decision-making. Our planning initiatives encompass various aspects of the community, ensuring a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for all residents.
Official Community Plan
The Official Community Plan establishes the community vision and values that guide decision-making in North Cowichan. It outlines key policies and objectives for land use, transportation, environmental conservation, and other essential aspects of community development.
Provincial Housing Target Order
The Province issued a Housing Target Order requiring North Cowichan to facilitate the construction of 1,233 net new housing units between August 1, 2024 and July 31, 2029. The order is part of the Province's efforts to increase housing supply across B.C.
As of July 31, 2026, 540 of the 1,233 net new housing units have been completed, representing 44% of the five-year target.
Progress toward this target is tracked through a reporting framework established by the Province under the Housing Supply Act. Annual Housing Target Order reports must be received by Council and must be posted to North Cowichan’s website:
- Year 2 progress report covers August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026
- Year 1 progress report covers August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025
Affordable housing
As one of the Council's top 20 priorities, Affordable Housing in North Cowichan highlights our commitment to creating and preserving diverse, safe, and affordable housing options for all residents. The 2022 Official Community Plan supports this commitment through various policies and objectives.
Housing needs assessment
The Cowichan Valley Regional District is collaborating with the Municipality of North Cowichan and three other member municipalities—Town of Ladysmith, City of Duncan, and Town of Lake Cowichan—to develop a comprehensive Regional Housing Needs Assessment. This assessment will help inform future housing policies and strategies.
Strategic Agricultural Plan
The 2001 Strategic Agricultural Plan outlines goals and actions to protect farmland, strengthen the local agricultural economy, and support farmers in North Cowichan. It emphasizes improving planning, marketing, land and water stewardship, and reducing regulatory barriers to ensure a sustainable, diverse, and community-supported agricultural sector.
By working together on these key planning initiatives, we strive to create a sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive community for all residents of North Cowichan.