The Municipality of North Cowichan is expressing concern and disappointment following today’s announcement by the City of Duncan of its intent to pursue a unilateral boundary review process in preparation for annexation of parts of North Cowichan.
- Read the City of Duncan news release https://duncan.ca/2026/05/city-launches-independent-study-on-realignment-of-the-boundary-between-duncan-and-north-cowichan/
“This is a significant step that affects our residents, our economic vibrancy, and our long-term planning,” said Mayor Rob Douglas. “We expect early and meaningful collaboration between neighbouring governments on issues of this scale.”
North Cowichan recognizes the financial pressures facing smaller municipalities such as Duncan, and their desire to expand their tax base. Many communities across British Columbia are dealing with rising infrastructure costs, aging assets, and limited tax bases to support both capital and operating needs. These pressures are real and shared across the region.
At the same time, provincial policy is clear. Boundary changes and annexation proposals are expected to be guided by local leadership, intergovernmental collaboration, and consultation with affected communities. Boundary change conversations also need to be informed through consultation with First Nations. North Cowichan is concerned that Duncan’s proposed process is not starting from a place of partnership or collaboration.
In January, the City of Duncan proposed a shared boundary realignment study with North Cowichan, estimated at $80,000. North Cowichan Council declined the proposal, citing timing, cost, limited staff capacity, and noting the work was not a current strategic priority.
Duncan seceded from North Cowichan in 1912 due to differences in rural and urban priorities. Since that time, the two municipalities have worked together on shared initiatives. A number of governance changes have been examined in the past, including a provincially supported process that led to a 2018 referendum on amalgamation. While North Cowichan residents supported the idea, Duncan voters rejected it, and the proposal did not proceed. In the leadup to the referendum, a well informed and thoughtfully structured process was established including a citizens’ assembly that investigated many aspects of amalgamation, including taxation benefits or impacts, infrastructure and service delivery, and transition costs and staffing.
It should be noted that there are other boundary and amalgamation discussions underway elsewhere in the Cowichan region, including in the south Cowichan area, where there have been initial talks of Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, and Cobble Hill forming a new municipality. That conversation will no doubt be undertaken with a strong regional lens and based on shared benefits, efficiencies, and stable taxation.
“North Cowichan remains steadfast in providing the best and most efficient services for our residents and businesses,” said Mayor Rob Douglas. “Any discussions on boundary realignments should involve deep and meaningful conversations with residents, businesses, and key stakeholders, and from a regional perspective.
In response to the City of Duncan’s boundary review announcement, North Cowichan has contacted the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to discuss concerns with this proposal, which clearly does not align with provincial policy, and to discuss options including the possibility of undertaking a structured and informed amalgamation review.
North Cowichan remains committed to collaborative, regional solutions that support strong, sustainable communities and the long-term interests of the entire Cowichan region.
Contact:
Mayor Rob Douglas
mayor@northcowichan.ca