Council met for just over three hours during our Regular Council meeting on February 18, 2026.
During my Mayor’s Report, I shared the following updates:
- I attended the Duncan-Cowichan Chamber of Commerce’s Big Business Mixer and Expo at the Khowutzun Heritage Centre, which provided a valuable opportunity to connect with exhibitors, strengthen relationships, and celebrate the vibrancy of our local business community. My thanks to the Chamber team and event sponsors for hosting such a well-organized and engaging showcase of regional businesses.
- North Cowichan continues to respond to the permanent closure of the Crofton mill and the ongoing curtailment of the Chemainus sawmill through 2026. I have written to the federal Minister of Jobs and Families to request urgent action to address barriers local forestry workers face in accessing Employment Insurance benefits. I also urged the government to adopt the comprehensive support package for affected workers proposed in the House of Commons by Courtenay–Alberni MP Gord Johns.
- The provincially convened Community Transition Table, established to coordinate supports for impacted mill workers, recently met at Municipal Hall with union leadership and service providers. Planning is now underway for a Jobs Fair to be held at the Cowichan Community Centre on March 5 to connect local workers with job opportunities.
- The BC Budget presented last week will have implications for North Cowichan and municipalities across the province. While new investments are being directed toward improving public safety and addressing street disorder, funding is being reduced in other areas, including affordable housing initiatives supported through the Community Housing Fund.
- In recognition of Pink Shirt Day, North Cowichan Council and staff wore pink shirts and buttons. Established in 2007, Pink Shirt Day raises awareness about the harmful impacts of bullying - whether in schools, workplaces, or communities - while promoting inclusion, respect, and kindness.
- On behalf of North Cowichan, I extended our deepest condolences to the people of Tumbler Ridge as they continue to grieve the recent tragedy in their community. Council reflected on the importance of working together to prevent such senseless acts in the future and observed a moment of silence to honour the victims and their families.
The minutes from the February 10, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting were adopted through the consent agenda. These minutes include a number of adjustments to the 2026 budget, including reducing some budget areas, reallocating expenses from reserves, and deferring items to 2027. The increase in tax revenue required in 2026 was reduce from 10.52% to 8.42%. An information and public input session regarding the 2026 budget is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24 at Municipal Hall, with an information session from 4:30 to 5:30pm, followed by a brief presentation and public input beginning at 5:30pm. The presentation and public input can also be attended virtually. Read more at connectnorthcowichan.ca/budget
Royce Warren, representing the Phoenix Project made a presentation to Council on sustainability in North Cowichan, including a suggestion for the potential redevelopment of the Crofton mill site.
Sandy Leiper presented a proposal to amend the zoning bylaw to include hedges in the definition of “fence” to address fire risk, safety, neighbour relations, and decreased property values. Council agreed to refer the topic to staff for consideration as part of an upcoming review of the zoning bylaw.
Three bylaws were adopted following introductions at earlier Council meetings:
- The Fire Protection Amendment Bylaw which updates definitions and legislative references to align with the Fire Safety Act.
- A zoning amendment bylaw that will permit a total combined maximum of three dwelling units within a maximum of two residential buildings at 2260-2262 Regina Drive.
- The Traffic Bylaw Amendment Bylaw which updates definitions, facilitates enhanced bylaw enforcement of parking-related contraventions, and restricts overnight parking.
The Business Licence Amendment Bylaw was slated for adoption; however, Council proposed several amendments which were ultimately referred to staff for legal advice and to return with a further report. The amendments would set conditions for the issuance of a business licence, including hours of operation, use of amplified music, on-site parking, and the requirement for a good neighbour agreement.
Two zoning amendments received first three readings:
- To permit a maximum of two residential buildings with a total combined maximum of two dwelling units at 6348 Somenos Road received first three readings.
- To reclassify 5850 Highland Avenue from Residential One and Two-family Zone (R3) to Highland Avenue Comprehensive Development Zone (CD27) to facilitate a 20-unit townhouse development. Staff will also register a Section 219 land title covenant that will prohibit construction until sanitary sewer servicing capacity is confirmed.
Updated building fees were given first three readings as part of an amendment to the Fees and Charges bylaw. The changes will improve cost recovery and support service delivery, consistent with Council’s budget direction.
North Cowichan’s engineering director Clay Reitsma, made a presentation on key servicing constraints and options for moving forward. Increased growth and development demands, provincial housing targets, and the recent closure of the Crofton pulp mill have combined to create significant constraints and impacts on North Cowichan’s limited water and sewer servicing, and water licensing limits. A number of funding, operational, and capital project recommendations were presented. Council authorized the Mayor to write a letter to the Minister of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship asking that water licence increases for the Cowichan and Chemainus aquifers be expedited.
North Cowichan’s manager of planning Chris Osborne, then made a presentation on Servicing Allocation Policy options. The purpose of the policy is to permit provisional, time-limited allocations to access water and sewer servicing for subdivision applications prior to final approval.
Council authorized the preapproval of $600,000 for water main work along Cowichan Lake Road. The work will take place between Skinner Road and Kimberley Drive later this spring.
Council authorized an Agricultural Land Commission application to allow for the placement of fill for the reclamation of a depleted aggregate mine back into agricultural land at 4017 Sahtlam Road.
Council received the 2025 Quarter 4 Council Strategic Plan update. Highlights include numerous facility and infrastructure upgrades, construction of the new off-leash dog area in Chemainus, the reaffirmation of Council’s commitment to developing a Municipal Forest Reserve co-management plan in partnership with the Quw’utsun Nation, Council’s request to withdraw from the economic development service with the Cowichan Valley Regional District, and the delivery of a retired fire engine to the Penelakut Tribe Fire Department.
Council authorized $1,500 in grant-in-aid to the Cowichan Valley Wrestling Club. The club will host the provincial wrestling championships later in March at Queen Margaret’s School after the original venue and host location in Vancouver fell through.
Council provided their official support to the RCAF Community Aviation Day on June 2, 2026 at Alexander Elementary School. The event will conclude a year of the students learning about aviation and will include the landing of helicopters on school grounds. The event reinforces STEM learning (science, technology, engineering, and math) for the school’s 300 students.
Council also provided support for a helicopter landing for the Cowichan Emergency Preparedness Expo being held May 2 at the Cowichan Exhibition grounds.
The next regular Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 4 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