PUBLIC NOTICE
Proposed Local Area Service by Council Initiative
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Council of the Municipality of North Cowichan proposes to establish a local area service to provide for the acquisition of two parcels of land on the western side of Donnay Drive (Lot A, PID: 027-871-665, Size: 7.7 acres, and Lot A, PID: 023-216-573, Size: 1.9 acres) shown highlighted in red in Schedule A, attached to this notice, for nature conservation and the development and preservation of an existing trail network. The boundary of the proposed Donnay Drive Land Acquisition Local Area Service is shown outlined in heavy black in Schedule A, attached to this notice.
The estimated cost of the service is $1,163,000 to be recovered by parcel tax. Operating costs will be funded through general municipal property taxes.
Council intends to fund the acquisition of the properties from North Cowichan’s Local Area Service reserve and will recover those costs from the residents within the proposed local area service using an amortization formula to spread the cost-plus interest over 20 years. This means each property pays approximately $129.66 per year, which totals $2,593.20 per property ($129.66x20) at a 4% interest rate. Alternatively, property owners may choose to pay a one-time lump sum of approximately $1,756.80 at the start of the service.
Property owners within the proposed service area may petition against the service. To prevent Council from proceeding, the petition must be signed by at least 50% of the property owners, representing at least 50% of the assessed value of land and improvements subject to the tax.
Council may proceed with the local area service unless it receives a sufficient petition against the service within 30 days after notice has been given. Petitions will be available and accepted from October 1, 2025, to 4:00 p.m. on October 31, 2025.
For more information and petitions available October 1, please visit www.connectnorthcowichan.ca/donnay-lands.
This notice is given as required by Section 213 of the Community Charter.
Tricia Mayea, Corporate Officer
