Council met for about three and a half hours during our Regular Council meeting on February 5, 2025.
My Mayor’s Report included the following:
- Last week, North Cowichan Council gathered on the steps of the Legislature in Victoria with mayors and councillors from nine other South Vancouver Island municipalities, to express our opposition to the impending downloading of RCMP dispatch costs to our communities, which will result in an additional $664,000 in costs for North Cowichan residents in 2025. I subsequently joined the other mayors for a meeting with the Minister of Public Safety & the Solicitor General, Gary Begg, to discuss a path forward, and am hopefully we can secure provincial funding before our municipal budgets are finalized.
- Last week I also hosted a meeting here at the North Cowichan Municipal Hall between the BC Minister of Agriculture & Food, Lana Popham, and our local farmers representing the Cowichan Agricultural Society & Farmers Institute. This meeting was set up so that the Minister could hear the perspectives of our local farmers on what the province can do to better support the viability of local agriculture and expand food production in the region.
- The 14th annual Islands Agricultural Show was held last week at the Cowichan Exhibition Park in North Cowichan, which I attended along with Councillors Manhas, Findlay, Caljouw, and Justice. The Islands Agriculture Show is a two-day conference and trade show for farmers, policymakers, industry representatives, and various agricultural experts from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
- I met with Cowichan Tribes Chief Cindy Daniels, Cowichan Valley MLA Debra Toporowski, leadership from Rowing Canada including new CEO Jeff Powell, and North Cowichan staff, to discuss our current work to address water quality issues in Quamichan Lake and our plans going forward, which will include aeration. We all agreed on the importance of working together in our efforts to secure funding from the provincial government to clean up the lake, and I’m hopeful that through joint advocacy and a unified message, we will be successful.
Kenzie Knight, Tourism Development Specialist with Tourism Cowichan, presented the organization’s annual year in review. The presentation highlighted key tourism campaigns, events and festivals, and marketing goals.
Ron French, Fire Chief, presented the North Cowichan Fire Department quarterly report for October to December 2024. The four firehalls received a total of 382 calls and members took part in more than 2,400 human hours of training during the quarter.
Paul Fletcher, Executive Director of Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society, presented an overview of the society’s service agreement with North Cowichan. The report included updates on riparian restoration, water quality, and parrot’s feather for 2024.
A request for a plot fee reduction at Mountain View Cemetery was reconsidered following a previous decision. Council directed staff to amend the Fees and Charges bylaw to allow eligible resident rates for veterans that previously lived in North Cowichan.
A Zoning Amendment Bylaw to permit a detached accessory dwelling unit within an existing accessory building and a maximum of three dwelling units at 10117 Chemainus Road was given first three readings.
An amendment to the Delegation of Authority Bylaw received first three readings. The amendments would delegate authority for minor development variance permits to a Council delegate. Amendments to the Fees and Charges, and Development Procedures bylaws to incorporate amendments to the Delegation of Authority Bylaw also received first three readings.
The 2025 – 2029 Utility Rate Budget, which covers rates for water, sanitary sewer, garbage, and recycling, was set and will be incorporated into the five-year financial plan, which is expected to be received by council on February 11 at a committee of the whole meeting. The rates for garbage and recycling for 2025 will increase $4 for the year from $153 to $157.
Council authorized the three-year purchase agreement for water and wastewater treatment chemicals with ClearTech Industries Inc. in the amount of $748,380.35. North Cowichan operates three water treatment plants and three wastewater treatment plants.
Council received the Council Strategic Plan quarterly update for October 1 to December 31, 2024. The report outlined achievements and progress related to the Council Strategic Plan. Some highlights include:
- Completion of the $4.6 million Crofton Firehall replacement. A grand opening will take place in May, and members of the public are invited to attend.
- Drop-in admissions to the Cowichan Aquatic Centre decreased slightly for the fourth quarter of 2024, mostly due to the annual maintenance shut down, however attendance for the year was up 13%.
- Work progressed with the Community Land Trust Foundation of BC on the development of 92 units of affordable co-operative housing at 3191 Sherman Road.
- Three new electric vehicles were added to North Cowichan’s fleet.
- Cowichan Trail Stewardship Society hosted the Mount Prevost Combine which attracted local amateur mountain bikers to participate in a 3-day downhill race event.
The next council meeting is on Wednesday, February 19 at 5pm. A Committee of the Whole meeting is also scheduled for February 11 at 5pm and will be an opportunity for Council to review the operating and capital financial plan.
Thank you for reading and staying informed!
Rob Douglas, Mayor
Municipality of North Cowichan
T 250.746.3117
E rob.douglas@northcowichan.ca