Council met for just over two and a half hours during our Regular Council meeting on October 1, 2025.
During my Mayor’s Report I shared the following:
- Community Safety Expo: I attended the 2nd Annual Community Safety Expo at the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment, where various safety organizations such as police, fire, paramedics, and search and rescue were showcased. The event included interactive activities like a mock crime scene, impairment goggles, and equipment displays, offering insights into volunteer and career opportunities.
- Union of British Columbia Municipalities Convention (UBCM): North Cowichan Council attended the UBCM convention in Victoria, where we joined elected officials from across B.C. to engage with provincial leaders, attend workshops and tours, debate policy, and hear directly from key figures, including the Premier and opposition leaders. Alongside Duncan, Ladysmith, the Cowichan Valley Regional District, and MLA Debra Toporowski, we met with several cabinet ministers to raise concerns about key regional priorities including fibre access for local mills, year-round licensing for the Chemainus wells, highway safety, and infrastructure funding for housing.
- Providence Farm Dinner: I attended the 3rd Annual Farm Table Dinner at Providence Farm, a non-profit society that provides nature-based therapeutic programs for adults and seniors with mental health challenges as well as developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities, and age-related illnesses. Guests were given a tour of the 400-acre property, which includes a working farm, forested areas, and historic buildings.
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Councillor Justice and I participated in the Cowichan Tribes’ walk to honor residential school survivors and acknowledge the lasting impacts on Indigenous communities. The event included powerful speeches, performances, and a flag-raising ceremony at Duncan City Hall in recognition of Cowichan Tribes.
Two delegations made presentations to Council:
- Feona Lim, Shawna Martsen, Becky Klasen, and Adrienne Richards, presented a request to amend the zoning bylaw to allow the keeping of backyard hens on residential lots smaller than 1.98 acres. Council referred the presentation to the upcoming Agricultural Advisory Committee for their comments.
- Sheila Leadbetter presented information regarding concerns related to the Kingsview/Donnay Drive child care facility.
A petition objecting to the Official Community Plan and zoning bylaw amendments for a portion of 1673 Grant Road with 68 signatures was submitted by Catherine Worthingham.
Two land use applications were given first two readings and will both have public hearings scheduled:
- A zoning amendment to the Maple Bay School Site Comprehensive Development (CD8) zone to support expansion of the ‘Hand of Man’ museum.
- Amendments to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw to facilitate a proposed subdivision by rezoning a portion of 1673 Grant Road from R1 to R2.
An amendment to the Animal Responsibility Bylaw was given first three readings. This amendment will establish a year-round off-leash dog area on Elm Street, Chemainus, and to remove Chemainus Ball Park Field 3 as a designated off-leash dog area. This follows public engagement on the issue earlier this summer.
Councillor Justice’s motion for an analysis of the financial impact on taxpayers of possible upper phases of the Kingsview development project was endorsed by Council. A fiscal analysis report will be prepared before Council considers an extension of the phased development agreement for the project.
Two notices of motion were introduced and will be discussed at the next Council meeting on October 15:
- Mayor Douglas’s notice of motion regarding remedial action requirement for the Twin Gables property at 1508 & 1524 Joan Avenue, Crofton.
- Councillors Justice and Hogg’s notice of motion regarding the advancement of a vibrant University Village Town Centre vision. This includes boosting the area’s economic vitality, increasing density and supporting diverse housing options, creating public spaces including a town square, enhancing connections including transit-oriented development, and fostering collaboration with the City of Duncan on shared regional priorities.
The next regular council meeting will be on Wednesday, October 15 at 5pm.
Thank you for reading and staying informed!
Rob Douglas, Mayor
Municipality of North Cowichan
250-746-3117
rob.douglas@northcowichan.ca