Committees

When vacancies arise in one of North Cowichan’s advisory bodies, recruitment details will be posted to this webpage, advertised in the local newspaper, posted on the website and the notice board at Municipal Hall, and shared on North Cowichan's social media platforms. 

We request applicants fill out the appropriate advisory body application form and email them to legislativeservices@northcowichan.ca All applications submitted to the Municipality will be provided to Council for their consideration at a closed (“in-camera”) meeting, pursuant to Section 90(1)(a) of the Community Charter. All applicants will receive a letter from Legislative Services notifying them of Council’s decision. Council resolutions to appoint Members will be reported publicly in an open meeting of Council, as a “Rise and Report” item after the applicants have been notified.

We encourage applicants of all ages, abilities, genders/gender identities, racialized identities, ethnicities, ancestries, sexual orientations, income levels, residency statuses, and other lived experience to volunteer to help shape our policies and services to better serve everyone in our community.

The Council Advisory Body Policy provides more information on the recruitment and appointment process.

Time commitments vary from one advisory body to another, but meetings are usually held on a bi-monthly basis. Please see the specific Committee or Boards Terms of Reference for meeting details.

Advisory body terms coincide with the term of Council [November 2022 – October 2026] unless otherwise stipulated. We encourage all those who are interested in serving on an advisory body to apply, even if you are apprehensive about a four-year term. If a member is unable to fulfil their entire term, recruitment for a new member may be undertaken to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term. Board of Variance terms are for a three-year period.

The Accessibility Advisory Committee is a select committee of Council established under section 142 of the Community Charter in accordance with section 9 of the Accessible British Columbia Act. The mandate of the committee is to provide advice on policies, programs, services, built environments, infrastructure and outdoor spaces in order to continue to improve the livability, inclusivity and accessibility for persons with Disabilities, who live, work and play in North Cowichan.

• Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
• Accessibility Advisory Committee Membership List

The Agricultural Advisory Committee is a select committee of Council established under section 142 of the Community Charter. The mandate of the committee is to provide advice to Council on a range of agricultural issues and initiatives.

• Agricultural Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
• Agricultural Advisory Committee Membership List

The Environmental Advisory Committee is a select committee of Council established under section 142 of the Community Charter. The mandate of the committee is to provide advice to Council on matters pertaining to the Environment and aligned with Council’s strategic plans.

• Environmental Advisory Committee Terms of Reference 
• Environmental Advisory Committee Membership List

The Forestry Advisory Committee (FAC) is a select committee of Council established under section 142 of the Community Charter. The mandate of the committee is to provide a combined indigenous, community and a professional forester’s perspective and advice to Council on matters pertaining to the North Cowichan Municipal Forest Reserve, with an emphasis on sustainable forestry, ecological stewardship & sound fiscal management.

• Forestry Advisory Committee Terms of Reference

Note- that the Forestry Advisory Committee is currently on hold due to ongoing discussions between the Quw'utsun Nation and the Municipality of North Cowichan. For more information, see the News release regarding Management of Municipal Forest Reserve Lands.

The Sports Wall of Fame Committee (SWOFC) is a select committee of Council established under section 142 of the Community Charter. The mandate of the committee is to recognize those individuals and teams which have attained high achievement and/or made a significant contribution to athletics within North Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada and/or the World. 

• Sports Wall of Fame Committee Terms of Reference 
• Sports Wall of Fame Committee Membership List

The Economic Development Committee is a standing committee of Council established under section 141 of the Community Charter. The mandate of the committee is to facilitate socially and environmentally responsible community economic development in North Cowichan and provide Council with advice and recommendations on economic development issues for North Cowichan.

• Economic Development Committee Terms of Reference
• Economic Development Committee Membership List

The North Cowichan Mill Closure Response Working Group (“the Working Group”) is a standing committee of Council, established by the Mayor pursuant to section 141 of the Community Charter.

The mandate of the Working Group is to provide advice and recommendations to the Mayor and Council regarding municipal, intergovernmental and community responses to the permanent closure of the Crofton pulp mill, the temporary curtailment of the Chemainus sawmill, and other disruptions within the local forest industry.

In fulfilling its mandate, the Working Group will focus on:

• Supporting affected workers, families, and local businesses through advocacy and coordination
  with senior governments;
• Identifying and mitigating risks to the municipal tax base and local economy arising from forest
  sector disruptions;

• Improving community preparedness and resilience in the event of further mill curtailments or closures in the region.

  ---

• Mill Closure Response Working Group Terms of Reference
• Mill Closure Response Working Group Membership List