Council met for about one hour during our Regular Council meeting on April 3, 2024.
My Mayor’s Report included the following:
- The Chemainus Residents Association recently hosted a “fireside chat” on local efforts to adapt to the effects of climate change, where I had an opportunity to provide an overview of the municipality’s work underway to develop a Climate Adaptation Strategy, building on the public engagement and the risk and vulnerability assessment already completed.
- Along with Councillor Chris Istace, I attended the Chemainus & District Chamber of Commerce’s Annual General Meeting held at the Chemainus Public Market. I provided the membership with an update on North Cowichan’s current efforts to advance economic development in the municipality, which include re-establishing our Economic Development Committee and creating a new Economic Development Action Plan.
- Principal Jamie Doyle from Chemainus Secondary School recently invited me to provide students in his political science course with an overview of the role municipalities play on our communities. These students all asked very thoughtful and intelligent questions, making for a productive discussion.
- BC Ferries has informed me that they are deferring some of the projects planned for the Crofton and Vesuvius terminals. While BC Ferries will be proceeding with the berth replacement at the Crofton terminal to accommodate the new island class vessels that will be coming by 2027, I was disappointed to hear the upland improvements will not take place at this time. I have asked that BC Ferries work with us to help get answers to a number of the more detailed questions around traffic staging and impacts related to the deferral of this work. BC Ferries have committed to do this before the end of April.
- On behalf of Council, I congratulated our Chief Administrative Officer, Ted Swabey, on receiving a long service award from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators. Mr. Swabey has now reached a 15-year milestone in his role as a senior administrator, demonstrating his commitment and dedication to public service.
Sarah Grieves, Engineering Technologist, Environmental Programs presented awards to local students for the Environmental Education Program. A total of 690 students participated this year, with the theme being different waste streams, food waste, and composting. Along with student winners for each grade, Jennifer Ward won a worm bin composter for their Grade 6 class at Maple Bay Elementary.
Mayor Rob Douglas and Sarah Grieves, Engineering Technologist, Environmental Programs, pose with the winners of the 2024 environmental education contest.
A Development Variance Permit application to vary a side yard fence at 9837 Napier Place, Chemainus, from 1.2 metres to 2.0 metres, was authorized.
Council directed staff to undertake a collaborative process to develop a new Safer Community Plan. The updated plan will address crime, public safety, public disorder and the impacts of the addictions and mental health crisis on our community. A draft of the plan will return to Council at a later date.
Council suspended the “no heavy truck route” restriction on Bell McKinnon Road during the construction of the Cowichan District Hospital Replacement. Mays Road from Herd Road to Bell McKinnon Road will be designated as a “no heavy truck” route and appropriate signage will be installed. Staff will work with the construction project team and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to develop a detour route. Road users can stay up to date on the work at northcowichan.ca
Councillor Bruce Findlay submitted three notices of motion that will be discussed at the next Council meeting on April 17:
- A request for termination of the Covid-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers
- Support for the "Save BC Restaurants" proposals to support the restaurant and food service industry
- To postpone adoption of the BC Zero Carbon Step Code Emission Level 4 (EL-4)
Thank you for reading and staying informed!
Rob Douglas, Mayor
Municipality of North Cowichan
T 250.746.3117
E rob.douglas@northcowichan.ca