Council met for just over half an hour during our Special Council meeting on September 8, 2026. The Committee of the Whole meeting previously scheduled for this day was cancelled and a Council meeting held in its place in order to address time sensitive matters.
Seven bylaws that had previously been introduced were adopted:
- A zoning amendment that reclassifies 9337 Trans-Canada Highway from Industrial Heavy (I2) to Commercial General (C2), and 3036 Juniper Road, 3037 Henry Road, 3041 Henry Road from Residential Rural (R1) to Commercial General (C2).
- Two road closure bylaws that will close and remove the dedication of a portion of highway at the end of Esplanade Lane in Chemainus and close a portion of Stoney Hill Road (Murchie).
- Official Community Plan zoning amendment bylaw that reclassifies 3037 and 3047 Westhill Place from A2 to A3.
- A zoning amendment that corrects errors pertaining to the CD25 and CD26 zones.
- A zoning amendment that permits a maximum of two residential buildings at 8641 Sweeney Road.
- The Tax Sale Redemption Period Extension Bylaw that extends the statutory redemption period by one additional year for two properties acquired by North Cowichan at the 2025 annual tax sale to provide the owner with an additional opportunity to redeem the property.
Council discussed six new applications for 2027 permissive tax exemptions and gave the bylaw first three readings. Of the six applications, five were approved:
- Clements Centre Society with a 100% exemption ($4,516)
- Maple Bay Yacht Club with a 50% exemption ($7,102)
- Ducks Unlimited with a 100% exemption ($3)
- Chemainus Community Schools Association with 100% exemption ($1,202)
- ALT 0003 Community Society (Sherman Road housing co-op) with 50% exemption ($11,120)
Tax exemptions are available to organizations that contribute to the community good and align with Council’s goals and objectives and cannot exceed 2% of the current year’s total budgeted property tax levy. Exemptions for places of worship are up to 10 years and not-for-profit organizations for up to four years, or for the remainder of the current cycle. The current cycle concludes in 2027, at which time all applications will be considered. Per provincial legislation, the tax exemption bylaw must be adopted and submitted to BC Assessment no later than October 31 each year.
Council received a report outlining housing target progress in response to the province’s Housing Supply Act. Three hundred and ninety-nine net new units were added for the reporting period from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026, with a cumulative total of 540 units. This represents 44% of the five-year target of 1,233 units.
Council cancelled the September 29 Environmental Advisory Committee meeting and referred the climate action community grant applicant review for consideration by Council after the upcoming election.
The next regularly scheduled Council meeting is November 4 at 5pm which is the inaugural meeting to swear in the new 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