Council met for about an hour and a half during our Regular Council meeting on October 16, 2024.
My Mayor’s Report included the following:
- Last week staff and I travelled to Penelakut Island to meet with Chief Chakeenakwaut (Pam) Jack to learn about her community and history, and to discuss our common challenges and shared priorities, from economic development and housing to health, environment, and reconciliation. I look forward to working together with Chief Jack to build a stronger relationship between the Penelakut Tribe and North Cowichan.
- Earlier this month, Council was given a tour of Paulcan and Jemico Enterprises Limited, a family-owned company located in the Chemainus Industrial Park. Founded in 1985 by long-time owner Paul Beltgens, the operation includes a modern sawmill that is now one of the largest producers of hardwood lumber (alder and maple) in British Columbia, a planer mill, and four large volume dry-kilns. With more than 40 workers, the company is an important local employer and major contributor to the regional economy, as well as a significant taxpayer to the municipality.
Fire Chief Ron French presented the North Cowichan Fire Department quarterly report (July to September 2024). A fire service strategic review that was completed by a consultant has been distributed to all fire members, and staff are now working on prioritizing the 56 short-term and long-term recommendations. A recruitment drive closed this week, with excellent interest. Applicants will be shortlisted, and successful applicants will start in early 2025. The South End fire hall continued to receive the most calls (280) last quarter.
The Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw was adopted. The bylaw exempts certain properties in 2025 and future years, from municipal property taxes. The list of properties, which were discussed at the September 10, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting and received first three readings on October 2, can be read in these meeting minutes (Item 9.2).
An Official Community Plan Amendment and Zoning Amendment Bylaw to facilitate the redevelopment of 9337 Trans-Canada Highway, 3036 Juniper Road, 3037 Henry Road, and 3041 Henry Road for general commercial uses including a drive-through restaurant received first reading and will go to a public hearing, to be scheduled at a future date.
Council received the North Cowichan Q3 Council Strategic Plan Update for the period July 1 – September 30, 2024. Highlights from the report include:
- A grant was provided to M’akola Housing Society to help organize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation walk on September 30.
- 335 homes have converted to electric heat pumps, which has resulted in an annual decrease of 1,040 tones of GHG annually.
- Council approved the Master Transportation Plan and the Climate Change Risk Assessment and Adaptation Strategy, both important road maps for implementation and future projects.
- Youth Recreation Services operated a daily drop-in program throughout the summer in Crofton.
- Memberships in the Aquatic Centre have increased 29% compared to Q3 of last year.
- The Minister of Housing announced the co-op housing project with 92 units on Sherman Road will receive funding from the province to proceed.
- We completed consultation on a new Safer Community Plan.
- We continue to work with the Ministry of Mental Health & Addictions and non-profits such as Together We Can to identify options for expanding addictions treatment facilities in the region.
Council directed staff to develop an engagement plan for the draft Interim Community Amenity Contribution Policy and use the draft policy as a basis for negotiations for new and in-stream zoning amendment applications while the engagement is ongoing. The policy seeks contributions from new development to both pay for infrastructure that will support growth and for affordable housing.
Council authorized the Mayor to formally communicate Council’s position regarding parking and ferry queuing on Chaplin Street, to BC Ferries and the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure as part of the upcoming redevelopment of the Crofton Ferry Terminal. My notice of motion states that North Cowichan will only support a plan that responds to community concerns related to reducing the impacts of any terminal operation on Chaplin Street and access to community services such as the boat launch and skateboard park.
The next council meeting is on Wednesday, November 6 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