Municipality of North Cowichan
Regular Council
AGENDA

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 5:00 P.m. - 6:00 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 748 3872, 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.

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.

2.1

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. 

2.1.1

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 regular meeting and public hearing held November 5, 2025.

2.1.2

Scheduling of a Public Hearing

Purpose: To request that Council schedule a Public Hearing for December 3, 2025.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council directs staff to schedule a public hearing for December 3, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., for Bylaw No. 4038.

2.1.3

November 12, 2025 Committee of the Whole Recommendations

Purpose: To receive the draft minutes from the November 12, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting and to endorse the recommendations regarding the Analysis of the Large Project Surcharge for OCP Amendments, 2026 Grant-in-Aid, and 2026 Budget Update.

• Recommendation #1:

  November 12, 2025 Committee of the Whole Minutes

  THAT Council receive for information the minutes from the November 12, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting.

• Recommendation #2:

  Analysis of the Large Project Surcharge for OCP Amendments

  THAT Council takes no further action regarding the proposed amendments to the Large Project Surcharge, thereby retaining the existing fee structure under “Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 3784.”

• Recommendation #3:

  2026 Grant-in-Aid

  1. THAT Council defer item (15) Community Land Trust application to the next meeting.
  2. THAT Council approve grant-in-aid amounts for 2026 for a total of $249,700, allocated as follows:
     1. B.C. Forest Discovery Centre - BC Forest Museum $25,000
     2. Chemainus & District Chamber of Commerce $30,000
     3. Chemainus Valley Historical Society $8,500
     4. Cowichan Historical Society $5,500
     5. Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce $34,000
     6. Cowichan Neighbourhood House Association $38,600
     7. Chemainus BIA. - Flower Baskets $24,000
     8. Chemainus Theatre Festival Society $20,000
     9. Chemainus Cemetery (St. Michael’s and All Angels Church) $1,000 to offset water and garbage fees
     10. Chemainus Communities in Bloom $11,500
     11. BC Conservation Foundation $4,000
     12. Cowichan Agricultural Society and Farmers' Institute $7,000, to be taken from the Agricultural Reserve Fund.
     13. Cowichan Family Caregivers Support Society $2,500
     14. Cowichan Valley Youth Services $7,500
     15. Foster Kritters Feral Cat Rescue Society $1,500.
     16. Cowichan - Bring Back Bluebirds $2,000.
     17. Nourish Cowichan Society $5,000.
     18. Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society $700
     19. Cowichan Historical Society $3,000.
     20. Chemainus Rotary Club $700.
     21. Cowichan Valley Arts Council $1,000
     22. Maple Bay Community Association $2,200.
     23. Somenos Community Association $5,000
     24. Vimy Community Club (Hall) $3,000
     25. Cowichan Rugby Club $5,000
     26. Take-a-Hike Foundation $1,500.
• Recommendation #4:

  2026 Budget Update

  1. THAT Council direct staff to prepare a report regarding reallocating the contribution to the Climate Action Energy Plan reserve fund for 2026 to fund wildfire preparedness initiatives, particularly in outfitting the fire department with needed resources for wildland fires and funding the development of a community wildfire preparedness strategy.
  2. THAT Council direct staff to research increasing building inspection fees relative to other jurisdictions.
  3. THAT Council direct staff to bring back a report detailing the costs and expected revenue generated from the hiring of a Digital Media Field Technician for $95,000 and $200,000 for software costs and implementation at the RCMP Detachment.
  4. THAT Council direct staff to prepare a report to include budgeting for the position for a FireSmart Coordinator and for a Community Wildfire Plan from the Climate Action and Energy Program.
  5. THAT Council approve the following to be included in the 2026 budget, as allocated below:
     1. reduce Council travel by 50%, in the 2026 budget only;
     2. to Increase business license fees from $100 to $150 for the 2026 budget
     3. introduce a $2.00 paper fee for utility bills starting in 2026
     4. to increase rental rates for municipally owned properties annually, where applicable
     5. include $50,000 in the 2026 budget to conduct a procurement review;
     6. increase the capital allocation for the Fire Department from $120,000 to $180,000 in the 2026 budget.
     7. include $100,000 in the 2026 budget for a live fire training building.
     8. increase the Fire Equipment reserve by $325,000 in the 2026 budget.
     9. include $25,000 in the 2026 budget to conduct a business license review
     10. Reallocate $200,000 from the Richard's Trail parking lot capital project into a dedicated reserve preparing for turf replacement at Sherman Road soccer field in the 2026 budget
     11. include $110,000 in the 2026 budget for a full-time carpenter
     12. include $450,000 in the 2026 budget for the Maple Bay Rowing Club roof replacement, from the Growing Communities Fund interest
     13. include $25,000 in the 2026 budget for a new Public Works Yard washdown area
     14. include $40,000 in the 2026 budget for paving at Crofton Boat launch;
     15. include $2,000,000 for the Maple Bay Wharf replacement, using funds from the wharf replacement reserve, and the rest from short-term borrowing.
     16. include $42,000 for first nation, veteran and pride crosswalks within North Cowichan
     17. include $100,000 in the 2026 capital budget for the Chemainus Salt Shed.

2.2

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. 

2.2.1

2026 AVICC AGM & Convention re- deadlines for Resolutions, Nominations, Session Proposals, and Student Delegates

Purpose:  To receive the October 29, 2025 email from the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) regarding the upcoming deadlines for Resolutions, Nominations, Session Proposals, and Student Delegates for the 2026 AVICC AGM & Convention, for information.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the October 29, 2025 email from the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC), for information. 

2.2.2

Fisheries and Oceans Canada re- derelict and abandoned vessels in the Cowichan region

Purpose:  To receive the November 7, 2025 response from the Manager, Ministerial Correspondence Unit regarding Derelict and abandoned vessels in the Cowichan region on Vancouver Island for information. 

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the November 7, 2025 letter from the Manager, Ministerial Correspondence Unit, for information. 

2.2.3

Vancouver Island Regional Library re- Chemainus Branch Operating Hours

Purpose:  To receive the October 21, 2025 response from Erin Hemmens, Chair, VIRL Board of Trustees regarding the operating hours at the Chemainus Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library, for information. 

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the October 21, 2025 letter from Erin Hemmens, Chair, VIRL Board of Trustees, for information. 

2.2.4

Minister of Children and Family Development re- November is Adoption and Permanency Awareness Month

Purpose:  To receive the October 31, 2025 email from the Honourable Jodie Wickens, Minister of Children and Family Development advising that November is Adoption and Permanency Awareness Month, for information.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the October 31, 2025 email from the Honourable Jodie Wickens, Minister of Children and Family Development, for information. 

3.

APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA

3.1

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.

3.2

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].

4.

MAYOR'S REPORT

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

5.

PUBLIC INPUT ON AGENDA ITEMS

Public Input is an opportunity for the public to provide feedback on matters included on the agenda. The maximum number of speakers to be heard during the public input period is limited to five (5), and each speaker is allotted up to a maximum of three (3) minutes to provide their input. Members of the public must register at least 10 minutes and not more than 30 minutes before the meeting using the webform available on North Cowichan’s website. Please visit Addressing Council to access the webform and for instructions on how to participate. Speakers are asked to state their name and residential address when commencing their address to Council, as per Council’s Public Input and Meeting Conduct Policy.

6.

PRESENTATIONS AND PETITIONS

6.1

Delegations

In accordance with Council’s Delegations and Presenters Policy, delegations must submit their request at least seven (7) business days before the meeting they wish to appear before Council to make a presentation, request for action, provide an update on projects, or discuss issues not currently under consideration through an active input process.  Items must be of municipal interest or concern, and delegations are limited to 10 minutes to address Council.

6.1.1

Ryall Road Residents Association – Speed Limit

Purpose: For Norman Radcliffe and others from the Ryall Road Residents Association to present to Council regarding speed limits concerns at the bottom of Sherman Road and Ryall Road.

7.

UNFINISHED AND POSTPONED BUSINESS

This section includes matters that have been postponed to a certain time or referred to staff, a committee or some other organization or person, and shall be placed under this section when the matter is returned to Council for consideration.

7.1

Implementation of North Cowichan’s Response to homelessness, mental health and addictions

Purpose: To seek Council approval of the implementation plan to address homelessness, mental health and addictions in North Cowichan. A presentation will be provided by staff.

[As referred from the November 5, 2025 Regular Council Meeting]

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council:

  1. Approves the implementation plan as outlined in the report dated November 5, 2025 from the Director, Social Planning and Protective Services.
  2. Consider adding two Bylaw Compliance Officers to support the implementation efforts.
  3. Considers increasing the public space custodians from part-time to full-time to support implementation efforts at a cost of $97,244 in the 2026 budget.
  4. Allocates $150,000 in the 2026 budget for the removal of refuse.
  5. Allocates $15,000 in the 2026 budget for a public portable toilet program.
  6. Includes $2,000 in the 2026 budget to support the Safety and Solutions group.

8.

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.

8.1

Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 4042, 2025 for adoption

Purpose: To consider adopting Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 4042, 2025, which received the first three readings on October 15, 2025. Notice of Council’s intention to proceed with this Bylaw was published pursuant to Sections 94 and 227 of the Community Charter. If adopted, this bylaw would create a Revitalization Tax Exemption program for industrial lands within North Cowichan.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council adopt Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 4042, 2025.

8.2

Counter Petition Results for Donnay Drive Land Acquisition Local Area Service Establishment Bylaw

Purpose: To present the results of the Local Area Service petition regarding the acquisition of two parcels of land adjacent to Donnay Drive, for nature conservation and the development and preservation of an existing trail network.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council:

  1. Receives the results of the Donnay Drive Local Area Service counter petition, which met the statutory requirements to prevent the proposed Local Area Service from proceeding.
  2. Abandons Donnay Drive Land Acquisition Local Area Service Establishment Bylaw No. 4035, 2025, which had received three readings but has not been adopted.
  3. Directs staff to discontinue further action on the proposed acquisition of the two parcels of land on the western side of Donnay Drive for nature conservation and trail development.
  4. Directs staff to notify the Vancouver Island Providence Community Association (Providence Farm) that the Municipality will not be proceeding with the acquisition.

8.3

Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4014, 2025

Purpose: To propose amendments to Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 4014, 2025, to better align with Zoning Bylaw 1997, No. 2950.

• Recommendation:
  1. THAT Council rescinds second and third reading of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4014, 2025.
  2. THAT Council amends Section 2 of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4014, 2025 by inserting the words “the smaller of which may have a maximum gross floor area of 136 m².” to the end of the wording for subsection (t).
  3. THAT Council gives second and third reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4014, 2025, as amended.

9.

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.

9.1

Asset Management Strategic Priority – Budget Implications

Purpose: To provide Council with staff recommendations and budget implications for the 2026-2030 Financial Plan supporting the Strategic Priority “Funded Asset Management” as directed in the August 2025 Regular Council Meeting.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council endorses the following items for inclusion in the 2026–2030 Financial Plan:

  1. Allocates $100,000 in the 2026 budget, $200,000 in the 2027 budget, and $100,000 in the 2028 budget for the implementation of an enterprise asset management software solution.
  2. Converts the temporary Manager of Asset Management position to a permanent role.
  3. Applies a 1% annual increase in general taxation to contribute to the Infrastructure Renewal Reserve, addressing infrastructure renewal deficits.

9.2

Emergency Management Cowichan Grant Applications to the Union of BC Municipalities

Purpose: To seek Council’s approval to support the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) in applying for grants through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), specifically under the Emergency Support Services and Emergency Operations Centre funding streams.

• Recommendation:
  1. THAT Council support the Cowichan Valley Regional District in applying for, receiving and managing the Union of BC Municipalities Community Emergency Preparedness Fund - Emergency Support Services 2026 Grant funding, up to $150,000, on behalf of the Municipality of North Cowichan.
  2. THAT Council support the Cowichan Valley Regional District in applying for, receiving, and managing the Union of BC Municipalities Community Emergency Preparedness Fund - Emergency Operations Centre 2026 grant funding, up to $150,000, on behalf of the Municipality of North Cowichan.

9.3

Community Land Trust – 2026 Grant-in-Aid

Purpose: To recommend the grant-in-aid amount for Council’s consideration, pursuant to the June 28, 2022 invitation to Community Land Trust to apply for a grant-in-aid for a housing development at 3181 Sherman Road.

• Recommendation:
  1. THAT Council approves a grant-in-aid for 50% of the Development Cost Charges and building permit fees for 3181 Sherman Road in the amount $371,932 to Community Land Trust (CLT) and issue a refund to TL Housing in the amount of $61,880.
  2. THAT Council provide a letter of support for a Letter of Intent by CLT to the Cowichan Housing Association Executive Director.

10.

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.

10.1

Request for Comparative Analysis of Residential Tax Levels

Purpose: For Councillor Justice to move the motion that was introduced at the November 5, 2025 Council meeting:

“WHEREAS residents want to understand whether they are receiving good value for their property taxes and how their tax burden compares to that of other communities;

AND WHEREAS without clear comparisons to similar municipalities, it is difficult to determine whether North Cowichan’s residential tax levels are high, low, or appropriate—information that is essential for informed decisions on budgets, service levels, infrastructure, and tax policy;

AND WHEREAS benchmarking tax rates and tax burdens against comparable municipalities supports financial accountability, helps identify opportunities for greater efficiency, and contributes to keeping taxes as low as possible while maintaining service levels and infrastructure;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to prepare a report analyzing the residential property tax burden in the District of North Cowichan using 2025 data, and comparing it with a selection of British Columbia municipalities that represent reasonable and defensible comparators in terms of population size, geographic location, service levels, and assessment base;

AND THAT the report include, but not be limited to, the following measures of residential tax burden:

• • Per capita tax burden: Total residential property taxes divided by the total population;
  • Residential tax rate: The tax rate charged per $1,000 of assessed property value;
  • Average tax bill: An estimated annual tax for a representative residential property (e.g., the average assessed value in North Cowichan);

AND THAT the methodology used in the report rely on readily available data and be designed to allow replication in future years;

AND THAT the report identify the comparator municipalities selected, provide the rationale for their inclusion, and offer a high-level summary of major known differences in service levels (e.g., recreation, fire protection) and infrastructure conditions among the comparator municipalities, based on available data.”

11.

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.

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.

13.

ADJOURNMENT

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