Council met for about three hours during our Regular Council meeting on June 21, 2023. Here are some highlights from the meeting.
My Mayor’s Report included the following updates:
- On behalf of Council, I congratulated Neil Pukesh, the Municipality’s Director of Parks and Recreation, on his recent completion of a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University.
- We sadly learned that Cowichan Elder Peter Williams recently passed away at 94 years of age, and on behalf of Council, I offered my condolences to his family. Mr. Williams was well known in the community, including for his work to revitalize the Hul'q'umi'num language.
- In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day,I joined Councillors Chris Istace and Christopher Justice for the Salish Sea Solstice at Waterwheel Park in Chemainus, which featured Coast Salish cuisine and artwork as well as performances from First Nations dancers and musicians. Thanks to the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society for organizing this important event to recognize and honour the Penelakut Tribe.
- Earlier in the day, Council held a workshop to discuss a wide range of approaches for responding to the growing challenges related to homelessness, addictions, mental health and street disorder. Staff were directed to bring forward a report:
- Outlining new service delivery options including open drug use bylaw; revised sidewalk and parks bylaw; nuisance enforcement bylaw; 24/7 staffing and deployment; social planner; “Clean Team;” nighttime security; coordination with other jurisdictions; more housing & social services; community safety office; housing, detox & drug treatment facilities; marsh patrols; and community policing, and
- Targeted advocacy requests from provincial and federal governments related to improved health care services for our region.
Awards were presented to five local students as part of the Environmental Education Program. A total of 858 students learned about pollinators as part of this year’s program. Students could participate in a contest by choosing their favourite pollinator and telling us how they will protect it. The winners were:
- Brielle - Kindergarten
- Maria – Grade 1
- Lilah – Grade 2
- Abbie – Grade 3
- Claire – Grade 5
Jeff Moore from the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) presented the results of the Chemainus River Flood Management Plan, which provides a high-level assessment of strategies for reducing flood damages on the Lower Chemainus River and portions of Bonsall Creek. The strategies were evaluated based on their effectiveness under a 200-year flood condition, accounting for future climate change impacts. Staff were directed to:
- Work with the CVRD to hold a public information session to present the results of the Flood Management Plan to the affected communities.
- Work with the regional partners to support implementation of the recommendations contained within the Flood Management Plan, including prioritize gravel/debris removal as an immediate action.
- Use the hydraulic model for the Chemainus River to model lower return period floods to inform gravel management and other potential flood mitigation measures.
- Partner with the CVRD, Halalt First Nation, the Province of BC and others to develop a Memorandum of Understanding to work on a watershed-based flood management plan as previously requested by the Halalt First Nation and Municipality of North Cowichan.
David Conway, Director, Subdivision and Environmental Services, advised Council that the Province recently announced they will be moving forward with plans for limited gravel removal downstream of the railway bridge this summer.
A Zoning Amendment Bylaw to permit a detached accessory dwelling unit at 7245 Bell McKinnon Road was adopted.
The Traffic Amendment Bylaw received first three readings. The amendment aims to address issues related to RV parking on Croft Street in Chemainus and Duncan Street in the South End, including installing signage and restricting the parking of vehicles over 5,500 kilograms and trailers to no more than 4 hours.
North Cowichan’s 2022 Annual Report was accepted. The report, which is published in accordance with section 99 of the Community Charter, outlines the Municipality’s strategic accomplishments and contains the annual financial reports.
Council was provided with information about the Province’s Housing Supply Act and Housing Supply Regulation, and the implications for North Cowichan. The Act provides a framework for housing targets to be established for specified municipalities. Council directed staff to prioritize initiatives and resources for responding to the Act and Regulation in the 2024 business planning and budget processes.
An updated Travel Expense Policy was adopted. The policy, which applies to staff and Council, clarifies the type and level of expenses that are permissible, sets dollar values for some items such as meal allowances, and establishes clear expense approval requirements
Council directed the Chief Administrative Officer, or their delegate, to use their discretion when enforcing the Noise Bylaw while BC Ferries completes their timber trestle construction at the Crofton Terminal. The construction work is expected to take place from July 18 to August 11 and will include overnight noise from pile installation. BC Ferries will provide residents in the surrounding area with further information about this work.
Councillor Justice introduced a motion to direct staff to investigate the financial and resource impacts of joining the Coastal Douglas Fir and Associated Ecosystems Conservation Partnership and to obtain feedback from the Cowichan Nation Working Group. The motion will be discussed at the next Council meeting on July 19.
A motion by Councillor Manhas regarding a Safe Public Places bylaw was referred to staff to consider for incorporation into the report that staff are preparing for Council based on the earlier workshop, which considers a wide range of approaches to respond to the issues related to homelessness, addictions, mental health, and street disorder.
The next Council meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 19, at 5pm.
Thank you for reading and staying informed!
Rob Douglas, Mayor
Municipality of North Cowichan
T 250.746.3117
E rob.douglas@northcowichan.ca