Council met for four hours during our Regular Council meeting on December 17, 2025.
During my Mayor’s Report, I shared the following updates focused on the Crofton mill closure:
- The Community Transition table met on December 12 at North Cowichan municipal hall to identify immediate actions to connect with and support impacted workers. Participants included provincial representatives, service providers, and union leadership. Organized by the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth, the table initially focuses on immediate worker supports (employment services, career counselling, skills training), before broadening to support local businesses and long-term economic development priorities, including diversification efforts.
- In addition to actions from the community transition table, affected workers need further support beyond current programs. I have requested that the Premier and Forests Minister work with the federal government to access the funding package announced in August to provide upskilling, reskilling, and income supports through Labour Market Development Agreements.
- I have also asked the Province to reopen the Bridging to Retirement Program and lower eligibility to age 50. Launched in 2021, the program provided up to $75,000 to eligible forestry workers 55+ to support retirement transition. Reinstating it would help many impacted Crofton workers and families.
- Last week, Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar met with North Cowichan Council to discuss factors contributing to the mill closure, supports for workers, and next steps for the Crofton site. The Province has retained an external pulp and paper sector consultant to assess options for the mill site, including potential new ownership to resume operations or repurpose the property. I have requested that North Cowichan be actively involved at all stages.
- I also met with MP Jeff Kibble and a Domtar representative to discuss federal support for impacted workers and transition funding for North Cowichan. The focus was on accessing British Columbia’s share of the $50 million federal funding announced in August for reskilling and income supports to provinces for local delivery and securing transitional funding to soften the impact of losing a major industrial tax base.
- Premier Eby has indicated the Ministry of Finance is exploring options to support B.C. municipalities, including North Cowichan, affected by recent mill closures and reductions in industrial tax bases. I have suggested a model similar to the COVID-19 Re-Start Grants from 2020, which helped municipalities offset operating costs during sharp revenue declines. North Cowichan staff are also discussing future assessed value impacts with BC Assessment.
Thomas Bevan, CEO of the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF) presented on the organization’s shared vision update, including, opportunities for transit-oriented planning, vegetation clearing, nature path beside rail expansion and community care. ICF aims to maintain the continuity of the corridor and to contribute to safe, environmentally sound passenger and freight rail services.
Two zoning amendments were introduced, with both now moving to a future public hearing:
- Non-soil based cannabis production at 3925 Cowichan Lake Road, which will include a gothic-arch greenhouse with a concrete perimeter foundation, as an additional permitted use on A2-zone Agricultural Land Reserve property. Earlier in the meeting owner Shaye Donald made a presentation to support the application and outlined the rationale for the request and the steps that will be taken to ensure light and odour concerns are addressed.
- Commercial event space at #2 – 6380 Lakes Road (Oak + Vine), which would allow up to 10 events per year with no more than 80 guests per event. Additional requirements include widening the road to support increased traffic and entering into a Good Neighbour Agreement with the municipality. Earlier in the meeting Careen Unguran presented a petition against the zoning amendment containing 37 signatures from adjacent neighbours.
A temporary use permit to allow a real estate showroom and sales office for Vesta Properties at #114 3257 Woodrush Drive was approved following a statutory hearing.
A zoning amendment was adopted that will facilitate a 23-lot subdivision at 1771 Roberts Street in Crofton. The amendment received third reading in July and now has the appropriate covenants registered on title.
The Revenue Anticipation Borrowing and the Five-Year Financial Plan (2025-2029) amendment bylaws were adopted. These both received first three readings at the December 3 meeting. The borrowing bylaw enables the municipality to borrow money for a short-term, if needed, while waiting for revenue (such as property taxes). The five-year financial plan now includes additional budget to support projects approved during 2025.
Council gave first three readings to the Code of Conduct Bylaw. The bylaw will establish shared standards and expectations with respect to the conduct of council members.
Council gave first three readings to two zoning amendments:
- To permit a total combined maximum of three dwelling units within a maximum of two residential buildings at 2260-2262 Regina Drive. Covenants that will prohibit further subdivision and require financial contributions towards the Short-Term Infrastructure and Affordable Housing fund to be registered on title before the bylaw can be adopted.
- To allow for the internal redevelopment of the former Green Lantern Inn and Pub at 9634-9644 Chemainus Road into a 15-unit apartment building. Two covenants are required before adoption may occur: To prohibit development (no build) until servicing capacity is confirmed and financial contributions are made towards the Affordable Housing fund. Two - Require road dedication and frontage improvements along River Road.
Council received a report outlining steps to address concerns about traffic, parking, and loss of environmentally sensitive lands related to the planned Kingsview child care facility. Council also received a summary of public engagement feedback heard in the spring. The project will now proceed with tendering and construction.
Council discussed upcoming changes to the provincial Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project and approved wording in a response letter to be sent to the Minister of Forests outlining concerns with some of the proposed changes.
Councillor Manhas introduced a notice of motion regarding the appointment of a special task force to review the reasons for the closure of the Crofton pulp mill and curtailment of operations at the Western Forest Products Chemainus sawmill. The motion will be discussed at the next Council meeting.
Note there was an omission in Council Matters from the December 3, 2025 Council meeting:
- Council discussed a letter from the Maple Bay Community Association asking for support with a growing number of derelict vessels anchored in the bay. Council then directed staff to provide a recommended process and actions for coordinating a multi-agency response, taking into account environmental health, navigation safety, community well-being, and the needs of any vulnerable individuals living aboard.
The next Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 21 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