Council met for about three hours during our Regular Council meeting on September 2, 2026.
During my Mayor’s Report, I shared the following updates:
- I had the pleasure of touring HoneyBee Lane Bees at Quail Grove Farm with owners Janette and Tom Chudleigh, along with several local farmers, and learning more about beekeeping and the important role bees play in agriculture and food security. The visit was also a valuable opportunity to hear directly from local farmers about the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in North Cowichan.
- The Sikh Temple on Sherman Road recently celebrated 41 years since its establishment, and I was honoured to join the congregation for Nishan Sahib Seva and the completion of Sri Akhand Path Sahib Ji and Katha Kirtan. I am grateful for the congregation’s continued commitment to Seva, sharing, equality, compassion, and helping those in need in our community.
- I was pleased to attend the official opening of North Cowichan’s new 18-hole disc golf course at Fuller Lake, developed on underutilized municipal land in partnership with the Cowichan Valley Disc Golf Club and community partners. It is encouraging to see the course has already attracted more than 1,100 players who have completed over 5,500 rounds.
- A visit to Powell River included a meeting with Mayor Ron Woznow and a tour of the former paper mill site to learn from their experience following the mill’s permanent closure and the redevelopment of the property. The visit provided valuable lessons for North Cowichan as we consider the future of the Crofton mill site and work to maintain its important industrial role in our community.
- While in Powell River, I visited two treatment and recovery facilities operated by Miklat Recovery in partnership with Together We Can, providing 24 beds for people struggling with addiction. The facilities receive ongoing funding through Vancouver Coastal Health, and North Cowichan is advocating to Island Health and the Province for similar funding to support treatment and recovery beds in our community.
- In Crofton, members of the community came together to mark International Overdose Awareness Day and remember those we have lost to the toxic drug crisis. I was honoured to be part of an evening organized by Chadd Cawson to remember his sister Jeni and support others who have lost loved ones, and I want to thank Chadd, the Tzinquaw dancers, and everyone who came together.
Fire Chief Ron French presented the Fire Department’s biannual report. Eleven new firefighters, including two with previous experience, were hired and are now undergoing training. The department attended 936 calls in the first six months of 2026, compared to 852 in the same period last year. The South End hall continues to be the busiest, with almost half of all calls. The department investigated 159 fires and delivered 20 public education events, with 1,982 participants.
The discussion on developer donations and disclosure of development meetings was deferred to the November 18 agenda. The legal opinion on the matter was published in the agenda.
Three bylaws that were previously introduced were adopted:
- Amendments to the Inter-Community Business Licence Agreement and Bylaw to renew North Cowichan's participation in the program.
- The Road Naming Bylaw to name two new roads adjacent to the new Quw'utsun Valley Hospital/Quw'utsun Hulitun-ew't-hw as Bullrush and Salishan Streets. The names were proposed by the hospital project following proposals endorsed by the Elders of the Cowichan Tribes S-ul'wheen Language. The name bullrush represents a common plant harvested in the area, and the name Salishan is a sign of respect for all the Salish Nations in the area.
- An amendment to the Fire Safety Bylaw that includes improvements to fire safety administration, emergency response authority, enforcement capabilities, and cost recovery measures.
The Tax Sale Redemption Period Extension Bylaw was introduced. This bylaw would extend the statutory redemption period by one additional year for two properties acquired by the Municipality at the 2025 annual tax sale. Under the Local Government Act, municipalities are required to offer for sale by public auction properties with delinquent taxes. Following a tax sale, the property owner has a statutory one-year right of redemption to pay the required taxes, interest, penalties, and costs. When a municipality is the successful bidder at a tax sale, Council can extend the redemption period by one additional year to provide the owner with an additional opportunity to redeem the property.
Two notices on title were considered:
- A notice on title at 3425 River Road was deferred for three months to allow the property owner an opportunity to comply, including obtaining building and occupancy permits, and addressing unlawful development in the riparian area and violations of the zoning and building regulations.
- A notice on title was filed for 3057 Cowichan Lake Road. The owner failed to obtain required building permits, resulting in multiple contraventions of North Cowichan’s zoning and building regulations.
Council adopted the North Cowichan Natural Assets Management Strategy. Staff will now work with the Environmental Advisory Committee on a prioritization plan. Natural assets are the resources and ecosystems – including include wetlands, forests, watercourses, soils, and other natural systems – that deliver services to the municipality and local residents and businesses, such as drainage, flood mitigation, water filtration, and climate regulation. The Natural Asset Management Strategy provides an inventory of the natural assets in North Cowichan, assesses their current condition, estimates their financial value, and explores Bings Creek as a pilot study, before outlining a wide range of actions to maintain and restore these assets. North Cowichan’s natural assets are valued at $5.3 billion.
Council received a report on E-Comm service fees and projected cost increases for 2027-2029. The agency manages 9-1-1 calls and dispatches police responses. A review of the service has resulted in a new cost allocation model (which had historically been paid by the provincial and federal governments). In 2025, North Cowichan paid $663,000 for the service, $888,000 in 2026, and $1.12 million is projected for 2027.
Council granted a Community Amenity Contribution exemption for properties at 3037 & 3047 Westhill Place. The property owner negotiated the reduction of $2,500 to the short-term infrastructure fund and $1,000 to the affordable housing fund, following subdivision of the properties.
Council referred the matter of additional accessible parking spaces in Chemainus back to staff for further review.
Council approved the start of procurement for the future purchase of two Frontline fire engines. The trucks are expected to be delivered in 2028 at a cost of $3 million.
Council received a report on the Memorial Bench and Tree Policy. Staff will amend the fees to reflect full cost recovery, increase the fees by 3% each year, and continue to allow eligible pre-2009 tribute program participants with a one-time 10-year transition period beginning from the date they were contacted and informed of the current policy requirements. Through the program, people can honour a loved one with a dedicated bench, picnic table, or tree in a park or on a trail. Details can be found at northcowichan.ca
A motion previously introduced by Councillor Istace regarding the prohibition of data centres in North Cowichan was discussed. Council has requested a zoning bylaw amendment to define and prohibit data centres as a land use throughout North Cowichan.
A notice of motion by Councillor Caljouw regarding agricultural land support was introduced and will be considered at the November 18 Council meeting.
This is the last scheduled regular Council meeting for this term. A special Council meeting was held September 8, replacing the scheduled Committee of the Whole meeting, in order to address time sensitive items. Another Council Matters will be sent out summarizing this meeting.
The next Council meeting will be held on November 4 at 5pm and will include the swearing in of the newly elected Council.
The general local election takes place on October 17, with opportunities to vote on that day, at advance polls, and by mail.
- Visit northcowichan.ca/voters to find out how you can cast your vote.
Thank you for reading and staying informed!
Rob Douglas, Mayor
Municipality of North Cowichan
T 250-746-3117
E rob.douglas@northcowichan.ca