Boards and Committees
The Mayor and Council establish committees, commissions and other advisory bodies from time-to-time to handle matters that are brought before it for consideration. All input, decisions and recommendations received from its advisory bodies are subject to Council approval or formal ratification.
Board and Committee meetings are open to the public. Please note that meetings will be conducted by video conference using the Cisco Webex platform until December 31, 2021. Meetings will be streamed live at www.northcowichan.ca/meetings so that the public may observe the proceedings online. However, a location at the Municipal Hall will be made available for members of the public to observe the livestream.
Advisory Body meetings are open to the public, however, the Community Charter has not provided the authority for these bodies to meet electronically. Therefore, advisory body meetings shall be held in person and streamed live at www.northcowichan.ca/meetings. Although these meetings will be held in person, any members of the public attending a meeting in person will be required to wear a mask at all times and maintain appropriate social distancing of at least 6 feet.
Due to COVID-19, we ask the public, if possible, to watch these meetings from the comfort and safety of their home to protect you, municipal staff, committee, board, and advisory body members, and our community as part of our collective effort to hold the line against this dangerous virus.
Notice of, and agendas for, meetings are posted on the Municipality's website and on the Municipal Hall public notice board a minimum of 72 hours before the time of the meeting. Notices will identify whether the meeting will be conducted in person or virtually. The meeting minutes are provided for information purposes in the next regularly scheduled Council meeting Consent Agenda for Council's review and consideration of any resulting recommendations.
Select Committees
Council establishes select committees to inquire into or consider any matter and then report its findings and opinions to Council. At least one member of a select committee must be a member of Council.
- Environmental Advisory Committee - the Environmental Advisory Committee will advise Council on the Climate Action and Energy Plan (CAEP); other environmental matters, such as natural areas, watershed protection, air quality, climate adaptation; and any emerging issues referred by Council.
- Environmental Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
- Environmental Advisory Committee Membership List
- Environmental Advisory Committee Schedule of Meetings
- Forestry Advisory Committee - the Forestry Advisory Committee will provide Council with advice and recommendations on matters pertaining to the North Cowichan Municipal Forest Reserve.
- Forestry Advisory Committee Terms of Reference (amended July 15, 2020)
- Forestry Advisory Committee Membership List
- Public Engagement Committee - the Public Engagement Committee will help shape the process of creating and implementing a Public Engagement Framework, policy, and staff tool kit, while also helping staff determine how to meet community and Council needs through meaningful engagement.
Standing Committees
The Mayor may establish a standing committee for any matter that the mayor believes would be better managed and regulated by means of such a committee. Matters are referred to the committee and then the committee reports back to Council with or without a recommendation. At least half of the members of a standing committee must be members of Council.
- Audit and Finance Committee
- First Nations Relations Committee
- Regulatory Review Committee
Other Advisory Bodies
An advisory body’s role is to provide recommendations, advice and information to Council and staff on those matters which relate to the mandate of the advisory body and on any matters which may be referred to them by Council or staff. Advisory bodies play an integral role in the Municipality’s public engagement efforts by focusing on a particular topic that has an impact on communities within North Cowichan and its people. They are often asked by staff to provide early feedback on specific projects and initiatives and work within their terms of reference or mandate.
- OCP Advisory Committee - the OCP Advisory Group and Ambassadors provide Council with meaningful input and recommendations on a range of community issues and implementation strategies to support the OCP update.
Boards and Panels
- Joint Utilities Board (governed by Duncan-North Cowichan Joint Utilities Agreement Bylaw 1977)
- Parcel Tax Review Panel (governed by Community Charter Section 204)
- Board of Variance - All Board of Variance Hearings are being held electronically until further notice.
Cowichan Valley Regional District Board
Mayor Al Siebring
Councillor Debra Toporowski
Councillor Kate Marsh
Alternates in order:
Councillor Christopher Justice
Councillor Tek Manhas
Councillor Rosalie Sawrie
External Liaison Appointments (Voting Members)
| Advisory Committee on Disability Issues (City of Duncan) | |
| Alternate | |
| Councillor Rosalie Sawrie | Councillor Kate Marsh |
| Island Savings Centre Commission | |
| Alternate | |
| Mayor Al Siebring | Councillor Rob Douglas |
| Councillor Kate Marsh | Councillor Rosalie Sawrie |
| Councillor Tek Manhas | Councillor Debra Toporowski |
| Tourism Advisory Committee (City of Duncan) | |
| Alternate | |
| Councillor Tek Manhas | Councillor Debra Toporowski |
| Vancouver Island Regional Library Board | |
| Alternate | |
| Councillor Debra Toporowski | Councillor Rosalie Sawrie |
External Liaison Appointments (Non-Voting Members)
| Councillor Tek Manhas |
Mayor Al Siebring |
| Chemainus Festival of Murals Society | Cowichan Communities Health Network |
|
Councillor Kate Marsh |
Councillor Rosalie Sawrie |
|
Cowichan Housing Coalition |
|
|
Councillor Rosalie Sawrie |
Councillor Kate Marsh |
| Crofton Community Centre Society | |
|
Councillor Debra Toporowski |
Councillor Rob Douglas |
| Maple Bay Community Association | |
| Mayor Al Siebring | Councillor Christopher Justice |
| Somenos Management Committee | |
| Councillor Christopher Justice | Councillor Christopher Justice |
| Quamichan Watershed Stewardship Society | |
| Councillor Christopher Justice | |
