Council met for three hours during our Regular Council meeting on September 3, 2025.
During my Mayor’s Report I shared the following:
- In late August, staff and I met with Environment and Parks Minister Tamara Davidson to discuss ongoing water quality concerns in Quamichan and Somenos Lakes. We outlined our monitoring efforts, including funding for Quamichan Lake and plans to launch an aeration project in early 2026. We also highlighted our partnership with the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society on restoration work. I thanked the Minister for provincial approval for the aeration project, requested provincial funding support—similar to Elk and Beaver Lakes—and invited her to tour both sites later this year.
- On International Overdose Awareness Day, I attended Jeni’s Steps to Overdose Awareness, an event organized in Crofton by local reporter Chadd Cawson, who lost a loved one to the opioid crisis. The walk united many affected community members. Since the 2016 public health emergency declaration, over 20,000 lives have been lost in B.C. – each one a person with a story. While local governments lack the full tools to address this crisis, we must continue advocating for provincial investment in treatment, recovery, prevention, and harm reduction, with compassion at the core.
- Last Monday, I joined the Labour Day Picnic at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith. Thanks to the Nanaimo Duncan & District Labour Council for hosting this family-friendly celebration of workers’ contributions. The labour movement remains vital in defending rights and raising living standards – especially amid rising costs and inequality. A special thanks to CUPE Local 358, representing North Cowichan’s municipal employees, including paid on-call firefighters, whose work keeps our community safe, connected, and thriving.
Acting Officer in Charge Ken Beard, from North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, presented the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP’s quarterly report for April to June 2025. Overall, crime statistics are for the most part stable or even decreasing, compared to the same quarter last year.
An amendment to the Delegation of Authority Bylaw was adopted, which designates certain staff as Servicing Officers. These officers will be able to require land dedication for road upgrades, new roads, and transportation, as a condition of a building permit being issued.
A Zoning Amendment Bylaw to permit an existing detached accessory dwelling building at 6560 Nevilane Road was adopted.
After a lengthy debate, two Official Community Plan bylaw amendments for the Bell McKinnon area received first two readings and will be forwarded to a public hearing. If adopted, these amendments will expand the Urban Containment Boundary to include the current Future Growth Area on the north side of Herd Road (including the proposal known as West Vista).
First three readings were given to an amendment to the Building Bylaw, which proposes to reduce the minimum required Zero Carbon Step Code level, following direction provided by Council at the June 18 meeting.
A Zoning Amendment to permit a detached accessory dwelling unit on 2901 Fuller Lake Road was adopted.
A Notice on Title was filed for a property at 9886 Maple Street due to the owner's failure to obtain a building permit, resulting in a contravention of building regulations.
Council recommended the 2026 Regional Recreation budgets be approved by the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD). Through Regional Recreation, 100% of the Cowichan Aquatic Centre and Fuller Lake Arena budgeted expenses (less revenue) are provided by the CVRD.
Council received North Cowichan’s Quarter 2 Council Strategic Plan update for April 1 to June 30, 2025. Highlights from the quarter include public engagement for an off-leash dog area in Chemainus, free swims at the Cowichan Aquatic Centre, the unveiling of Squ’apthut – Gathering Place art installation by Penelakut artist Maynard Johnny Jr., and the adoption of the Economic Development Action Plan.
Four notices of motion, introduced at the last meeting, were discussed and actioned:
- Councillor Becky Hogg’s Traffic Bylaw Amendments related to time restrictions for RV parking to four hours during business hours was referred to staff to prepare a report.
- Councillors Christopher Justice and Chris Istace’s motion to identify land suitable for the development of a Foundry Centre was also referred to staff for a report. Foundry is a province-wide network of integrated health and wellness services for young people ages 12 to 24.
- Councillor Bruce Findlay’s motion regarding Council access to the Mayor’s invitations resulted in direction to the Office of the Mayor and CAO to adopt the following policies: These practices, while already occurring informally, will now be formally established.
- Distribute all invitations for events, tours, and meetings addressed to or open to the Mayor and Council to all Council members;
- Include a list of upcoming public events that may be of interest to Council in the weekly bulletin;
- Ensure the Mayor provides regular updates during each Council meeting via the Mayor’s Report on meetings with senior levels of government and key organizations.
- My motion regarding developerdonations and disclosure of developer meetings was referred to staff to provide a report that includes:
- A legal review.
- Definition of ‘developer’ and a ‘sensitive meeting.’
- A review of the City of Colwood’s policy on developer meetings and donations.
Two notices of motion were introduced and will be discussed at the September 17 Council meeting:
- Councillor Becky Hogg introduced a notice of motion to receive a staff report on the feasibility of developing a Mobile Integrated Crisis Response (MICR) in the Cowichan Valley. A MICR team has been in place through West Shore RCMP, which pairs frontline police officers with registered nurses trained in mental health and substance use care.
Councillors Christopher Justice and Mike Caljouw introduced a notice of motion to develop and implement a Wildfire Preparedness Strategic Priority. This would encompass several actions, including continuing work to manage forest fuels adjacent to communities, providing a public education program, offering incentives for residents to FireSmart their properties, and strengthening the North Cowichan Fire Department’s capacity to respond to wildfires.
The next regular council meeting will be on Wednesday, September 17 at 5pm.
Thank you for reading and staying informed!
Rob Douglas, Mayor
Municipality of North Cowichan
250-746-3117
rob.douglas@northcowichan.ca