Council met for about an hour-and-a-half during our Regular Council meeting on December 18, 2024.
My Mayor’s Report included the following:
- Earlier this month I attended the Cowichan Region Climate Action Gathering, a two-day event held at the Cowichan Community Centre, along with Councillors Mike Caljouw and Christopher Justice. The event featured presentations from various environmental experts and breakout sessions with the participants. North Cowichan staff presented on North Cowichan’s recently adopted Climate Risk Assessment and Adaptation Strategy.
- I recently joined North Cowichan’s bylaw enforcement team, along with Cowichan Valley Regional District Director Ben Maartman, for their regular patrol through the Trans-Canada Highway Corridor and surrounding area. North Cowichan continues to face growing issues related to street disorder, homelessness, opioid use and mental health in this area that are impacting local residents, neighbourhoods, businesses, and the most vulnerable members of our population and their families.
- Last weekend, I attended the memorial service for former Premier John Horgan at the Q Centre in Colwood. More than 3,000 people came to pay their respects, including John’s family, friends, and former political colleagues such as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier David Eby, who spoke about John’s career of public service and dedication to making BC a better place. I had the pleasure of getting to know John over the years, and always appreciated his down-to-earth style, witty sense of humour, and keen interest in listening what others had to say.
- Earlier this week I met with the new Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Gary Begg, where we discussed our growing problems related to street disorder and the opioid crisis, the strain this is putting on bylaw enforcement and the RCMP detachment, and the need for more provincial supports. I also advocated for continued provincial funding for the E-comm 911 service that is scheduled to be downloaded to South Vancouver Island municipalities in spring 2025, which will impact local taxpayers.
The South End Waterworks District Amendment Bylaw was adopted. The amendment allows for the expansion of municipal water to 7570 Mays Road.
Council gave first and second reading and scheduled a public hearing for an update to the Zoning Bylaw that will allow a limited exemption to the natural environment development permit area (DPA 3) to include 3-unit and 4-unit buildings, and revise a change made in the June 2024 zoning bylaw amendment (Bill 44) by updating the density in the Commercial General Zone (C2) and the Commercial Service Zone (C3). These amendments are to ensure our zoning is consistent with the provincial Bill 44, which requires local governments to update their zoning regulations to permit small-scale multi-unit housing.
Council approved the sale of the 1.15 hectare (2.8 acre) site at 6060 Canada Avenue (the former RCMP detachment property) for $1,200,000. Cowichan Tribes will take ownership of the property on January 15, 2025.
The transfer includes a covenant on title to protect Bings Creek from future development while permitting North Cowichan to conduct restoration and maintenance work as required. Work to restore a portion of the north channel of Bings Creek is planned for 2025. A 2.6 metre parcel at the front of the property is not included in the sale as this land will be used to support the upcoming construction of an active transportation project along Canada Avenue that includes a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists.
The former RCMP detachment building was constructed in 1980 but was vacated when the RCMP moved to the new building on Ford Road earlier this year. Cowichan Tribes intends to locate their emergency services and public works staff to the building in early 2025.
Council received an update report on Somenos Lake health with an analysis of the fish kill that occurred this past summer, and an assessment of actions that North Cowichan can take to improve water quality in the lake. Staff were directed to develop an action plan and work with the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society to modify the current water quality sampling work under the service agreement. In addition, $58,000 will be added to the 2025 budget for water quality initiatives in Somenos Lake, gained through a strategic partnership with the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
Council approved long-term borrowing for the RCMP detachment. The final balance for the detachment construction (after previous amounts borrowed or paid through loans or grants) is $11 million, which will be borrowed from the Municipal Finance Authority of B.C. The detachment was completed in June at a cost of $45.6 million, $3.5 million below budget.
Council amended the terms of reference for the Accessibility Advisory Committee to include a member from Clements Centre Society.
The next council meeting is on Wednesday, January 15 at 5pm.
A reminder that the survey on the 2025 budget priorities is open until January 6. Visit connectnorthcowichan.ca/budget-2025 to learn more.
Thank you for reading and staying informed!
Rob Douglas, Mayor
Municipality of North Cowichan
T 250.746.3117
E rob.douglas@northcowichan.ca