Municipality of North Cowichan
Regular Council
AGENDA

Wednesday, March 05, 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 058 8865, 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 held February 19, 2025.

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

Economic Development Committee minutes from February 21, 2025

Purpose: To provide the Economic Development Committee draft minutes for receipt.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receives the draft minutes of the February 21, 2025 Economic Development Committee meeting for information.

2.2.2

Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs re- housing needs projections and recent changes to Canada’s immigration policy

Purpose: To receive the February 13, 2025 responsive letter from Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs regarding housing needs projections and recent changes to Canada’s immigration policy. A copy of the December 20, 2024 letter from Mayor Rob Douglas to Minister Ravi Kahlon is attached for information.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receives the February 13, 2025 responsive letter from Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

2.2.3

Town of Lake Cowichan, Mayor Tim McGonigle re- CAO Joseph Fernandez’s retirement

Purpose: To receive the February 11, 2025 letter from the Town of Lake Cowichan, Mayor Tim McGonigle regarding their long-time CAO Joseph Fernandez’s retirement and to advise that Mark Brown has been appointed as the Temporary Chief Administrative Officer.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receives the February 11, 2025 letter from the Town of Lake Cowichan, Mayor Tim McGonigle.

2.2.4

Catalyst Community Developers Society re- Cowichan Secondary School site

Purpose: To receive the February 20, 2025 letter from Scott Dutchak, President, Catalyst Community Developers Society regarding developing the Cowichan Secondary School site.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receives the February 20, 2025 letter from Scott Dutchak, President, Catalyst Community Developers Society.

2.2.5

Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary re- 125th Anniversary Crosswalk Request

Purpose: To receive the February 17, 2025 letter from Susan Beaubier, Coordinator, Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary requesting discussions with North Cowichan to achieve completion of the 125^th Anniversary Crosswalk by May 1, 2025.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receives the February 17, 2025 letter from Susan Beaubier, Coordinator, Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary.

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

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.

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

Cowichan Green Community

Purpose: Judy Stafford, Executive Director of Cowichan Green Community to introduce the new Executive Director, Vanessa Daether, and to present the Cowichan Green Community’s Annual Year in Review. Link to Annual Year in Review Video. 

7.

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.

7.1

Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw No. 3998, 2025 for adoption

Purpose: To consider adoption of Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw No. 3998, 2025, which received first three readings February 19, 2025. If adopted this bylaw will 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 adopt Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw No. 3998, 2025.

7.2

Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 4001, 2025 for adoption

Purpose: To consider adoption of Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 4001, 2025, which received first three readings February 19, 2025. If adopted this bylaw will establish 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 adopt Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 4001, 2025.

7.3

Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3992, 2025 for adoption

Purpose: To consider adoption of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3992, 2025, which received first three readings February 5, 2025 and the 219 covenant has now been registered on title. If adopted this bylaw will permit a detached accessory dwelling unit within an existing accessory building and a maximum of three dwelling units at 10117 Chemainus Road.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council adopt Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3992, 2025.

7.4

2025 – 2029 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 3996 for first three readings

Purpose: To provide Council with the Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 3996, 2025, which sets out North Cowichan’s objectives and policies for the period from 2025 – 2029, for consideration of first three readings.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council gives first, second and third reading to 2025 – 2029 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 3996, 2025 (Option 1).

7.5

Zoning Bylaw Module 2: Legacy Zones for first and second readings

Purpose: To present Zoning Amendment (Legacy Zoned Sites) Bylaw No. 4002, 2025, for first and second readings.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council:

  1. Gives first and second readings to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4002, 2025; and,
  2. Directs that a public hearing be scheduled.

7.6

Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 3989, 2025 (Child Care Centres) for first and second readings

Purpose: To present for first and second reading a zoning amendment bylaw that will allow child care facilities in more places throughout North Cowichan.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council:

  1. gives first and second reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3989, 2025; and,
  2. directs staff to schedule a public hearing for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3989, 2025.

7.7

Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment No. 4007, 2025 for first three readings

Purpose: To introduce Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 4007, 2025, which proposes to increase cemetery interment fees by 3% annually for five years from 2025 until 2029 and other minor amendments.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council gives first, second, and third readings to Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 4007, 2025

8.

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.

8.1

State of Land Development and Servicing Constraints

Purpose: To update Council on the state of the land development and servicing constraints. A staff presentation will be provided at the meeting.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council received for information the State of Land Development and Servicing Constraints report.

8.2

Cancellation of Fire Department Staffing Pilot Project

Purpose:  To advise Council of the cancellation of the proposed firefighter staffing pilot project to reduce response times for emergency calls.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to delay the fire department staffing pilot project in 2025 and remove the $400,000 in the 2025 – 2029 Financial Plan, and include the implementation of the fire service engine staffing pilot in the 2026 Business planning process.

8.3

Crofton Outdoor Pool Repair

Purpose: To provide an update on the feasibility study for the Crofton outdoor pool upgrades and to seek direction on the next steps.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council directs staff to proceed with:

  1. the design and tendering process for the repairs to the Crofton outdoor pool;
  2. increase the project funding to $360,000; and,
  3. closing of the Crofton pool for the 2025 season to permit the completion of necessary repairs.

8.4

Interim Housing Target Order Progress Report Form: August 1, 2024 – January 31, 2025

Purpose: To receive the interim Housing Target Progress Report Form (Attachment 1) and fulfill North Cowichan’s legislative reporting requirements under the Housing Supply Act.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council accepts the interim Housing Target Progress Report Form for the interim reporting period 1.1 attached to the March 5, 2025 report from the Manager, Planning.

8.5

Disposal of 2002 Superior E-One Fire Engine

Purpose: To seek direction regarding the disposal of the surplus 2002 Superior E-One fire engine in the Fire Department fleet.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to donate the used 2002 surplus Superior E-One fire engine to the Penelakut Fire Rescue.

9.

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.

9.1

Exploration of Surplus Properties for Potential Sale

Purpose: For Councillor Caljouw to move the motion that was introduced at the February 19, 2025 Regular Meeting of Council.

• Recommendation:

  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.

10.

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.

11.

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.

12.

ADJOURNMENT

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