Council met for about two hours during our Regular Council meeting on May 3, 2023. Here are some highlights from the meeting.
During the Mayor’s Report, I provided the following update:
- Last week I had a chance to meet with John Douglas from Port Alberni Council and Wes Hewitt from the Port Alberni Shelter Society, to discuss how other jurisdictions are tackling the growing challenges related to homelessness, mental health, addictions, and street disorder. John and Wes both spent time in Europe studying the successful models in Portugal and Italy, both of which include a strong emphasis on recovery communities, where people struggling with addictions receive treatment and skills training over a much longer period (3 years) than would normally be seen in a rehab facility. They also pointed to other examples of successful recovery communities in Canada and the USA, particularly Utah. Thanks to North Cowichan Councillor Debra Toporowski, Duncan Mayor Michelle Stapes, Nanaimo-North Cowichan MLA Doug Routley, and Cole Smith from Cowichan Valley MLA Sonia Furstenau’s office, for attending the session and discussing how we can learn from other jurisdictions while working together at the local and provincial level to respond to the addictions crisis that is impacting us not only in the Cowichan region but in communities across the province.
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Inspector Chris Bear presented the detachment’s quarterly report for January to March 2023. This quarter saw a 6.4% increase in calls for service, with 4,947 calls. Crimes against persons, which includes assaults, sex offences, and extortion and crimes against property (auto thefts and shoplifting) were also up. Inspector Bear also noted that all employees from the detachment took part in a pilot Indigenous training course in partnership with Vancouver Island University, which provided valuable education in history, cultural awareness, and traditions, and will be beneficial in building relationships with First Nations Peoples.
Auditors from KPMG presented the 2022 Audited Financial Statements, which were accepted by Council.
Two bylaws were adopted after previously receiving three readings:
- The Public Notice Bylaw establishes alternative methods for publishing statutory notices. This bylaw outlines how public notices will be placed, following recent changes to the Community Charter and Local Government Act. Going forward, North Cowichan will place public notices in the local newspaper and on its social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). This is in addition to posts on www.northcowichan.ca. Notification letters will be mailed to owners or residents within 60 metres of a land use application property.
- The 2023 Tax Rates Bylaw establishes the tax rates per property class for 2023.
Two zoning amendment bylaws received first three readings:
- Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3908 proposes to permit a detached accessory dwelling unit at 3543 Auchinachie Road.
- Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3909 proposes to permit a detached accessory dwelling unit at 7245 Bell McKinnon Road.
Both zoning amendment bylaws will head to public hearing in the near future.
A Development Variance Permit was approved to decrease the minimum building front and side yard setbacks for the Italian Kitchen and Deli located at 6159 Lakes Road, including a partially constructed cold storage addition.
A Temporary Mobile Home Permit for 5421 Winchester Road to provide accommodation for a family member was authorized.
Council authorized the purchase of four automated garbage trucks from Rollins Manufacturing in Chemainus. The new trucks include three diesel and one electric vehicle, which will be in service by 2025. The purchase is the next step in the automated curbside collection program.
Councillor Justice introduced a notice of motion regarding the ecological impact of trails. The notice of motion will be discussed at the next Council meeting.
The next Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 17, 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