Council met for just under two hours during our Regular Council meeting on February 21, 2024.
My Mayor’s Report included the following:
- I discussed a local grassroots campaign “Unity in the Community” that is encouraging everyone to support local businesses and restaurants during this traditionally slow time of the year. Launched by Doug Mackenzie, who is originally from the Cowichan Valley and still has strong connections to the area, “Unity in the Community” is a way to support local businesses and shine a spotlight on the benefits of shopping and dining close to home. Between now and March 3, I will be joining Doug and others in supporting local restaurants and businesses, and encourage everyone throughout the Cowichan Valley to do the same.
- Earlier this week I had a chance to meet with Mayor Sharie Minions in Port Alberni to discuss some of the common challenges facing our communities and how we can work together to advocate to the senior levels of government for solutions. Much like North Cowichan, Port Alberni has long been a resource dependent community, and shares our concerns regarding the future of the pulp & paper sector in Vancouver Island, as they have their own mill owned by Paper Excellence that continues to be a major employer and taxpayer. I look forward to working together with Port Alberni on a path forward for keeping our mills open and protecting local jobs.
Council heard from two delegations. The first was a presentation from Stephen Watson and Ted Olynyk of BC Hydro who shared BC Hydro’s future plans for accommodating growth due to the projected increase for electricity demand. We learned that one-third of the electrical power used on Vancouver Island is generated right here on the island, and the remaining two-thirds comes from elsewhere in BC. They shared their plans for electrification to increase our reliance on electricity, while reducing fossil fuel reliance.
We then heard from Evan Peterson from Barefoot Planning & Design who presented an overview of West Vista Terrace’s application to amend the Official Community Plan (OCP) to expand the Urban Containment Boundary. The proposed amendment includes lands north of the Herd Road and Bell McKinnon Road intersection, which was on the agenda later in the meeting for Council’s consideration.
Council adopted two bylaws that had previously received three readings:
- The Chemainus Business Improvement Area Bylaw that did not receive sufficient petitions against the local area service, and which renews the Chemainus Business Improvement Area Society for a three-year term, expiring on December 31, 2026.
- A Zoning Amendment Bylaw which updates the off-street parking loading space requirements.
At the January 9 Committee of the Whole meeting, Council reviewed the 2024 – 2028 utility rates. The focus of this year’s utility rate review was on asset management and the need to establish a sustainable funding model. This will allow the municipality to be in a place where we can be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to managing our assets and providing core services to our residents.
At the February 21 Regular meeting, Council gave first three readings to the Sewer and Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw, which proposes to increase sewer parcel taxes for Chemainus, Crofton, and South End sewer services and increase water parcel taxes for Chemainus and South End water services. The Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw — which proposes to increase excess metered water rates, interment fees, and administrative fees, and to update some of the wording in the development application fees section — also received first three readings. Council will consider adoption of both bylaws at an upcoming meeting.
Council deferred consideration of an OCP Amendment Application for expanding the Urban Containment Boundary to include a 12.5-hectare area north of Herd Road (West Vista Terrace) until the next regular Council meeting so that staff can provide additional information.
Council approved a Temporary Use Permit at 2876 Fuller Lake Road (Fuller Lake Arena) that will allow short-term single-day or multi-day events, including exhibitions, shows and sports.
Council also authorized the issuance of a Development Variance Permit at 3351 Auchinachie Road that reduces the setbacks for the existing building, deck, and heat pump to facilitate a 2-lot subdivision.
Councillor Justice introduced a Notice of Motion about the proposed Trans-Canada Highway pedestrian overpass, which Council will discuss and debate at the next regular Council meeting.
The next Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 5:00pm.
Thank you for reading and staying informed!
Rob Douglas, Mayor
Municipality of North Cowichan
T 250.746.3117
E rob.douglas@northcowichan.ca