Council met for just over three-and-a-half hours during our Regular Council meeting on October 15, 2025.
During my Mayor’s Report, I shared the following:
- Council attended the North Cowichan Fire Department 2025 Service Awards and Achievement Recognition Dinner at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds, where we had the privilege of honouring the outstanding contributions of firefighters from the Chemainus, Crofton, Maple Bay and the South End fire halls. We celebrated their training achievements, years of dedicated service, and unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe.
- Alongside a United Steelworkers representative and an advisor to the Minister of Forests, I met with laid-off workers from the Chemainus sawmill. We discussed the mill's ongoing closure due to tough market conditions, fibre supply issues, and high tariffs. These workers – many with decades of industry experience – shared their concerns, including delays with timber harvesting permits and the export of raw logs. While we remain hopeful for reopening in the new year, we’re preparing to collaborate with the provincial government to support affected workers through a Community Transition Table, if needed.
- I recently toured the Chemainus Valley Museum with Ron Waller of the Chemainus Valley Historical Society. While the museum has traditionally focused on pioneer and timber history, it’s expanding to include the stories of Japanese settlers and is now collaborating with the Penelakut Tribe to respectfully share their history. North Cowichan continues to support the museum through grants and funding for its expansion.
Jeff Kibble, Member of Parliament for Cowichan-Malahat-Langford, presented his priorities for the riding, including addressing the high cost of living, improving public safety, and protecting Canadian sovereignty. He also took questions from Council on collaboration on topics of mutual interest.
Council reconsidered and upheld an amendment to the Official Community Plan (OCP) to expand the Urban Containment Boundary by over 100 acres in the Bell McKinnon area, north of Herd Road, including the proposed West Vista development. The bylaw has received first and second readings and move to a public hearing later this fall.
Several bylaws were adopted or introduced:
- A zoning amendment to permit a detached accessory dwelling unit on 7911 Stoney Hill Road was adopted.
- A zoning amendment to allow up to 25 shipping containers for storage at the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s Bings Creek Recycling & Waste Management Centre was adopted.
- The Animal Responsibility Bylaw was updated to include a new year-round off-leash dog area on Elm Street in Chemainus and remove Field 3. This change will take effect on January 1, 2026.
- A zoning amendment bylaw for a detached accessory dwelling unit on 2350 Calais Road was given first three readings.
- A zoning amendment bylaw to increase the number of residents at 6682 Norcross Road from 10 to 20 beds was given first two readings. It will now proceed to a public hearing at a future date following an information meeting hosted by the applicant, Together We Can, a non-profit society based in Vancouver.
An OCP amendment to comply with provincial housing requirements under Bill 44 was referred to the November 12, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting for further discussion. The proposed changes are intended to reflect new housing targets and address concerns regarding potable water capacity and connections for agricultural purposes.
The Revitalization Tax Exemption Program Bylaw was given first three readings. This program will offer a 10-year tax exemption on improvements to industrial lands, aiming to encourage investment, revitalization, and employment. It applies to projects valued at $2 million or more.
Council took the first step in transitioning away from the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s (CVRD)economic development service. North Cowichan will provide notice of intent to withdraw, while preparing a transition plan. Earlier this year, the CVRD presented a review of the economic development service to Council including an assessment of the service’s value to member municipalities. North Cowichan funds 34% of the cost of the regional service ($232,253 in 2025). In May, North Cowichan implemented its own Economic Development Action Plan.
Construction on a new child care facility in Crofton will begin in early 2026. The $5.4 million facility, funded entirely by the Ministry of Education and Child Care, will serve 44 children. Council reviewed a traffic study that showed minimal impact on the surrounding area, addressing concerns raised by residents. The facility will be built on a municipally owned lot on Berridge Street.
Council authorized the following grant applications:
- A $30,000 grant application to the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund Grant to acquire wildland personal protective equipment for North Cowichan firefighters.
- An application to the Green Municipal Fund’s Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation Initiative for the Lower Chemainus Climate Adaptation and Ecological Resilience Project (on behalf of the Halalt First Nation).
- An application to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Growing Canada’s Community Canopies program for an Urban Forest Strategy. The development of an urban forestry strategy was approved as part of the 2025 municipal budget, pending funding approval through grants ($190,000).
Council approved remedial action for 2566 Lewis Street after declaring the property a nuisance. The property owner will be required to install appropriate fencing, maintain the lawn to prevent fire hazards, and remove trespassers and debris, including installing “No Trespassing” signs.
A motion I introduced for remedial action at the Twin Gables property (1508 & 1524 Joan Avenue, Crofton) was discussed and approved. North Cowichan staff will now prepare a remedial action order to address safety and nuisance concerns, while respecting the existing residential tenancy agreements.
Councillors Becky Hogg and Christopher Justice introduced a motion to advance a vision for a vibrant town centre in the University Village area, which surrounds the Vancouver Island University campus and Cowichan Community Centre. Staff will prepare a report on economic vitality, density, diverse housing, public spaces, and enhanced connections, including transit-oriented development and collaboration with the City of Duncan on regional priorities.
Three new notices of motion were introduced and will be discussed at the next Council meeting on November 5:
- Councillor Bruce Findlay proposes an amendment to the zoning bylaw to permit the keeping of backyard hens on all residential lots, including referring the item to the Agricultural Advisory Committee.
- Councillor Tek Manhas proposes a change in Council appointments to the Municipal Director roles on the Cowichan Valley Regional District board of directors to appoint Councillor Bruce Findlay, replacing Councillor Christopher Justice.
- Mayor Rob Douglas proposes writing to the Minister of Health to request that the Province and Island Health explore the possibility of redeveloping the existing Cowichan District Hospital site to support addictions and mental health treatment and recovery.
The next regular council meeting will be on Wednesday, November 5 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