Municipality of North Cowichan
Regular Council
AGENDA

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 3:00 P.m. - 4:00 P.m.

Municipal Hall - Council Chambers & Electronically

This meeting which is open to the public, will be conducted in-person in Council Chambers and by video conference using the Cisco Webex platform, and will be streamed live and archived for viewing on demand at www.northcowichan.ca. All representations to Council form part of the public record.

 

Members of the public may attend the Municipal Hall [7030 Trans-Canada Highway] in person, or join the meeting electronically to participate during the 'Public Input' and 'Question Period' portions of the agenda. Please visit northcowichan.ca/virtualmeeting for instructions on how to connect online or you may dial 1.844.426.4405, enter 1# for English, enter the meeting ID 2771 642 1253, and then enter the meeting password 1111.

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

As soon as there is a quorum present after the time specified for the Council meeting, the Mayor shall call the meeting to order. If there is no quorum of Council present within 15 minutes of the scheduled time for the meeting, the Corporate Officer records the names of the members present and those absent, and adjourns the meeting until the next scheduled meeting.

2.

RESOLUTION TO CLOSE THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC [3:00PM - 5:00PM]

A resolution of Council must be passed during the open portion of the meeting stating the basis under the Community Charter in which the public shall be excluded.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council close the meeting to the public at [time] p.m. based on the following section(s) of the Community Charter:

  • 90(1)(a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality.

  • 90(1)(e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, which the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality.

  • 90(1)(g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality.

  • 90(1)(i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.

2.1

Approval of in-camera meeting Agenda

2.2

Adoption of in-camera meeting Minutes

2.3

In-camera meeting Items

2.3.1

Closed under section 90(1)(e) Land Acquisition

2.3.2

Closed under section 90(1)(e) Land Disposition

2.3.3

Closed under section 90(1)(g) Litigation

2.3.4

Closed under section 90(1)(a) Appointments and 90(1)(i) Legal Advice

2.4

Rise and report

3.

RECESS UNTIL 5:00PM

4.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

To adopt all recommendations appearing on the Consent Agenda in one motion, without discussion or debate. Included are items that are regular, non-controversial, or routine in nature. Any item may be moved out at the request of any Council member for discussion or debate, before the agenda is approved. Items removed from the Consent Agenda will be placed under New Business, as per Council's Consent Agenda Policy.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council approve the Consent Agenda and the recommendations contained therein.

4.1

Items for Decision

All recommendations provided under each of the items listed below will be adopted once the Consent Agenda is approved, unless removed and placed under New Business. 

4.1.1

Council Meeting Minutes for Adoption

Purpose: To consider if there were any errors or omissions prior to adopting the minutes of previous meetings of Council.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council adopt the minutes of their special meeting held January 23, 2025 and regular meeting held February 5, 2025.

4.1.2

Appointment to Maple Bay Community Association

Purpose: To appoint Councillor Findlay to the Maple Bay Community Association, to end of Council's term.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council appoint Councillor Findlay to the Maple Bay Community Association, to end of Council’s term [October 31, 2026].

4.2

Items for Information

All items listed below will be received for information purposes only once the Consent Agenda is approved, unless removed and placed under New Business where Council may consider taking action. 

4.2.1

February 11, 2025 Committee of the Whole Draft Minutes

Purpose: To receive for information the draft minutes from the February 11, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive for information the minutes from the February 11, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting.

4.2.2

Abandoned and Derelict Boats

Purpose: To clarify the role of local government and other authorities regarding abandoned and derelict marine vessels.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive this report for information.

4.2.3

Chemainus Valley Historical Society requests for Canada Day funds

Purpose: To receive the February 7, 2025 email from Ron Waller, President of the Chemainus Valley Historical Society requesting funds for the Chemainus Canada Day event. 

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the February 7, 2025 email from Ron Waller, President of the Chemainus Valley Historical Society for information.

4.2.4

Cowichan Valley Cooperative Marketplace (Cow-op) re- Investing in Local Food & Economic Resilience with Cow-op

Purpose: To receive the February 7, 2025 email from Hanna Elise and Robyn McLean, Community Facilitators, Cowichan Valley Cooperative Marketplace (Cow-op) regarding Investing in Local Food & Economic Resilience with Cow-op.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the February 7, 2025 email from Hanna Elise and Robyn McLean, Community Facilitators, Cowichan Valley Cooperative Marketplace (Cow-op) for information.

5.

APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA

5.1

Introduction of Late Items

To consider a late item of business not included in the agenda it must be introduced and approved at the time the agenda is adopted, and placed under New Business.

5.2

Changes to Order of Business

Matters must be taken up in the order that they are listed on the agenda unless changed at this time.

• Recommendation:

  THAT the agenda be adopted as circulated [or as amended].

6.

MAYOR'S REPORT

The Mayor may provide an update to Council on recent activities and important announcements. 

7.

PUBLIC INPUT ON AGENDA ITEMS

Members of the public shall be provided an opportunity to address Council regarding matters to be considered at the meeting during Public Input. The maximum number of speakers to be heard during the public input period is limited to five, with a maximum of three minutes allotted to each speaker. Members of the public attending the meeting in person must register at least 10 minutes prior to the meeting by signing the sheet posted outside of Council Chambers. Members of the public attending electronically must raise their hand once the meeting has been called to order. Please visit northcowichan.ca/virtualmeeting for instructions on how to raise your hand. Speakers are asked to state their name and residential address when commencing their address to Council.

8.

PRESENTATIONS AND PETITIONS

8.1

Presenters

In accordance with Council’s Delegations and Presenters Policy, a presenter [person or organization] is invited to appear before Council and is not subject to the 10-minute speaking limit.

8.1.1

RCMP Quarterly Report (October - December 2024)

Purpose: Staff Sergeant, Ken Beard, Acting Officer in Charge, to present the Quarterly Report (October – December 2024) from the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receives for information the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Quarterly Report (October - December 2024).

9.

BYLAWS

Bylaws appearing under this section will be listed in order of readings as follows: (a) bylaws for adoption shall appear first, followed by (b) bylaws receiving third reading, then (c) bylaws receiving first and second or first three readings.

9.1

Delegation of Authority Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3975, Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3981 and Development Procedures Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3983 for adoption

Purpose: To consider adoption of:

1. Delegation of Authority Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3975,
2. Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3981, and
3. Development Procedures Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3983.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council adopts:

  1. Delegation of Authority Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3975, 2025,
  2. Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3981, 2025, and
  3. Development Procedures Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3983, 2025.

9.2

Road Closure and Removal of Highway Dedication Bylaw No. 3991, 2025 for adoption

Purpose: To consider adoption of Road Closure and Removal of Highway Dedication Bylaw No. 3991, 2025 which received first two readings January 15, 2025, third reading following the statutory hearing February 5, 2025, and received Ministry of Transportation approval on February 12, 2025. If adopted this bylaw will close and remove the dedication of portions of highway on North Paddle Road.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council adopt Road Closure and Removal of Highway Dedication Bylaw No. 3991, 2025.

9.3

Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 4001, 2025 for first three readings

Purpose: To introduce Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 4001, 2025, which proposes establishing resident rates to eligible veterans who wish to be buried in the veteran’s section at Mountain View Cemetery and have previously lived and/or paid property taxes in North Cowichan.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council gives first, second, and third readings to Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 4001, 2025.

9.4

Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw No. 3998, 2025

To introduce Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw No. 3998, 2025, to enable North Cowichan to borrow money for a short term, if needed, to continue municipal operations while waiting for anticipated revenue (i.e. property taxes) to be received.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council give first, second and third readings to Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw No. 3998, 2025.

10.

REPORTS

This section includes reports from staff requiring a decision of Council and/or staff presentations. Staff reports for information only are placed in the Consent Agenda.

10.1

Low Carbon Fuel Standard credit aggregation

Purpose: To seek Council direction on aggregating credits earned through B.C.’s Low Carbon Fuel Standards.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council:

  1. directs the municipality to work towards an agreement with the Community Energy Association to act as a credit aggregator; and,
  2. directs credit sale revenues to the Climate Action and Energy Plan Reserve Fund.

      

10.2

Cowichan Valley Regional District Electoral Areas Draft Official Community Plan Referral

Purpose: To provide the Cowichan Valley Regional District draft Electoral Areas Official Community Plan to Council with an assessment of consistency with North Cowichan’s policy context and current projects and provide formal comment to the CVRD in response.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council directs staff to provide a response to the Cowichan Valley Regional District on behalf of Council containing the following comments on the draft Electoral Areas Official Community Plan:

  1. The growth rate projections are significant for a regional district and demonstrate the need for a Regional Growth Strategy to coordinate growth and focus it on urban areas. The process of developing a Regional Growth Strategy will provide an ideal forum to review this issue and ensure that the various jurisdictions are appropriately aligned.
  2. Growth discussions for Areas D & E should reference sanitary servicing through the Joint Utility Board (JUB) and acknowledge that growth past 2050 may depend on the availability and purchase of additional JUB units.
  3. A number of natural asset policies require partnerships with other local governments to be effective. Recognition of this should be added to policies NA.4 and NA.15, and North Cowichan should be explicitly mentioned in policy NA.22.
  4. Explicit recognition of and support for the forestry and milling sector should be added to the Regional Prosperity section.
  5. The legend on Map E1.3 in Schedule E should be amended from “Chemainus Volunteer Fire Department” to “North Cowichan Fire Department (Chemainus Station)”
  6. [… additional comments to be identified by Council]

10.3

Correspondence from Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs re – Zoning Bylaw Amendments

Purpose: To seek Council endorsement for a response to the letter received from the Honourable Ravi Kahlon, B.C. Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, dated January 10, 2025.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council authorizes the Mayor to write a letter to the BC Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs explaining how North Cowichan considered the “Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Policy Manual and Site Standards” and requesting further information about what specific concerns that the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs has about North Cowichan’s Zoning Bylaw.

10.4

Zoning Bylaw Module 2: Legacy Zonings – Bare Point Road Parcel

Purpose: To seek Council direction on the zoning approach to the parcel at Bare Point Road subject to “legacy zoning” considerations.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council directs that the parcel at Bare Point Road PID: 010-798-587 is included within the “legacy zoned” sites zoning amendment bylaw with a proposed change from I1 to R1-U.

10.5

Active Transportation Fund Grant Application for Sherman Road Cycling Improvements

Purpose: To inform Council about an external grant opportunity and to seek endorsement to submit an application for proposed cycling safety improvements along Sherman Road from Somenos Road to Canada Avenue.

• Recommendation:

  That Council:

  1. supports the application for the Active Transportation Fund grant to fund up to 60% of the cost of a 1.7 km long, protected cycling facility along Sherman Road from Canada Avenue to the Somenos Road/ Cowichan Lake Road/ Sherman Road roundabout, with the remaining 40% of the cost to be borne by North Cowichan.
  2. authorizes the Director, Engineering to apply for the Active Transportation Fund grant opportunity from the Federal Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada on behalf of North Cowichan.
  3. directs staff to update the five-year capital plan as necessary, depending on the outcome of the grant application.

10.6

Cowichan Aquatic Centre – Equipment Financing

Purpose: To seek Council's approval for $165,000 in short-term borrowing to fund the purchase of fitness equipment and construction of a secure compound at the Cowichan Aquatic Centre.

• Recommendation:

  THAT the Council of the Corporation of the District of North Cowichan authorizes

  1. up to $165,000 be borrowed, under Section 175 of the Community Charter, from the Municipal Finance Authority, for the purpose of fitness equipment and a secure compound at the Cowichan Aquatic Centre; and,
  2. that the loan be repaid within five years, with no rights of renewal.

10.7

Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure – Equipment Financing

Purpose: To seek Council's approval for $339,830 in short-term borrowing to assist with the costs associated with the electrification of 12 light duty vehicles, a refuse truck and the installation of charging infrastructure.

• Recommendation:

  THAT the Council of the Corporation of the District of North Cowichan authorizes:

  1. up to $339,830 be borrowed, under section 175 of the Community Charter, from the Municipal Finance Authority, for the purpose of the electrification of 12 light-duty vehicles, a refuse truck and installation of charging infrastructure; and,
  2. that the loan be repaid within five years, with no rights of renewal.

10.8

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Occupancy Agreement

Purpose: To seek Council’s approval of a new agreement to accommodate the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s (RCMP) non-municipal personnel within the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Detachment building located at 6430 Ford Road.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council approves and authorizes the Chief Administrative Officer and Director, Financial Services to sign the Occupancy Agreement with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for a term of ten years, ending April 30, 2034, with the option to renew for an additional two renewal periods of five years.

11.

NEW BUSINESS

This section includes external items that require a decision of Council, items that have been removed from the Consent Agenda, and motions submitted by Council members, where previous notice has been given, for Council consideration.

12.

NOTICE OF MOTIONS

This section includes notices of motions submitted by Members of Council for introduction only, discussion and debate of the motion shall occur at a future meeting. Introductory remarks or clarifying questions are not permitted at this time as per Council’s Notice of Motion Policy.

12.1

Exploration of Surplus Properties for Potential Sale

Purpose: So that Councillor Caljouw can provide notice of the following motion to be considered at the March 5, 2025 regular Council meeting:

“Whereas:

1. The Municipality of North Cowichan is committed to fiscal responsibility and ensuring that property taxes remain affordable for residents and businesses.
2. The municipality owns a portfolio of properties, some of which may no longer be required for municipal purposes and could be considered surplus.
3. The sale of surplus properties has the potential to generate revenue that could be used to offset budgetary pressures and reduce the need for tax increases.

Therefore, be it resolved that:

1. Staff be directed to conduct a review of municipally owned properties to identify those that are surplus to the needs of the municipality.
2. Staff provide a report to Council outlining the identified surplus properties, including their estimated market value, potential uses, and any legal or environmental considerations.
3. The staff report includes recommendations on the potential sale or disposition of surplus properties, with a focus on maximizing revenue to support the municipality’s financial goals.
4. Staff explore opportunities to prioritize the sale of surplus properties in a manner that aligns with the municipality’s strategic priorities, including community development and environmental sustainability.

Be it further resolved that the proceeds from the sale of surplus properties, where appropriate, be allocated to a dedicated land sale reserve fund.”

13.

QUESTION PERIOD

Members of the public shall be provided an opportunity to ask questions of Council regarding matters discussed at the meeting and shall be allotted up to 30 seconds each to ask their question. Question Period is limited to 15 minutes.

14.

ADJOURNMENT

Once all the business is done and over with, the Mayor may declare the meeting adjourned without requiring a resolution of Council.