Municipality of North Cowichan
Regular Council
AGENDA

Wednesday, August 20, 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 2773 385 2776, 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 July 16, 2025 and special meeting held August 12, 2025.

2.1.2

Request for a Letter of Support from the City of Duncan

Purpose: To consider providing the City of Duncan a letter in support of their application to the UBCM Strategic Priorities Fund for a grant to construct the Cairnsmore Roundabout. 

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council authorizes the Mayor to provide a letter of support to the City of Duncan to include in their application to the UBCM for a Strategic Priorities Fund Grant to construct the Cairnsmore Roundabout. 

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

Agricultural Advisory Committee July 22, 2025 Meeting Minutes

Purpose: To provide the Agricultural Advisory Committee (AgAC) minutes for receipt.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receives the minutes of the July 22, 2025, Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting.

2.2.2

City of Campbell River re- an Open Letter to Premier David Eby

Purpose: To receive the letter dated July 29, 2025 from Kermit Dahl, Mayor, City of Campbell River regarding BC’s Coastal Forestry Crisis. 

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the letter dated July 29, 2025 from Kermit Dahl, Mayor, City of Campbell River, for information. 

2.2.3

City of Campbell River re- Invitation to UBCM Events and UBCM Resolution

Purpose: To receive the letter dated August 13, 2025 from Kermit Dahl, Mayor, City of Campbell River inviting North Cowichan to their UBCM Networking Reception and seeking support for their UBCM Resolution:  Inclusion of Rural and Resource Communities in Provincial Economic Decision-Making 

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the letter and UBCM resolution dated August 13, 2025 from Kermit Dahl, Mayor, City of Campbell River, for information. 

2.2.4

City of Campbell River re- Invitation to Tour Campbell River

Purpose: To receive the invitation dated August 13, 2025 from Kermit Dahl, Mayor, City of Campbell River inviting North Cowichan to Tour Campbell River. 

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the invitation dated August 13, 2025 from Kermit Dahl, Mayor, City of Campbell River, for information. 

2.2.5

The Village of Lions Bay re- their UBCM Resolution on Emergency Water Treatment Plants

Purpose: To receive the letter dated August 8, 2025 from Councillor Neville Abbott, Infrastructure Committee Chair, on behalf of Village of Lions Bay Council regarding their UBCM Resolution on Emergency Water Treatment Plants. 

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the letter dated August 8, 2025 from Councillor Neville Abbott, Infrastructure Committee Chair, on behalf of Village of Lions Bay Council, for information. 

2.2.6

District of Summerland re- 2025 UBCM Meeting of Mayor and Council of Farming Municipalities

Purpose: To receive the email dated July 18, 2025 from Doug Holmes, Mayor, District of Summerland inviting North Cowichan to attend this year’s UBCM meeting for Mayors and Councillors from municipalities with a significant amount of land within the Agricultural Land Reserve.   

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the email dated July 18, 2025 from Doug Holmes, Mayor, District of Summerland, for information.  

2.2.7

Legislative Assembly of BC re- 2025 UBCM Official Opposition Meeting Opportunities

Purpose: To receive the email dated August 8, 2025 from Tony Luck, MLA, Official Opposition Critic for Municipal Affairs inviting North Cowichan to the 2025 UBCM Official Opposition Meeting Opportunities.    

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the email dated August 8, 2025 from Tony Luck, MLA, Official Opposition Critic for Municipal Affairs, for information.  

2.2.8

British Columbia Ombudsperson re- Quarterly Report: January 1 – March 31, 2025

Purpose: To receive the letter dated June 30, 2025 from the British Columbia Ombudsperson enclosing their Quarterly Report:  January 1 – March 31, 2025, with attachment. 

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the letter dated June 30, 2025 from the British Columbia Ombudsperson, for information.  

2.2.9

Dr. Goetz Schuerholz, Chair, Cowichan Estuary Restoration & Conservation Association (CERCA) re- a request for North Cowichan to apply for the Responsibility of the Blackley Dike

Purpose: To receive the letter dated July 15, 2025 from Dr. Goetz Schuerholz, Chair, Cowichan Estuary Restoration & Conservation Association (CERCA) requesting that North Cowichan apply for responsibility of the Blackley Dike Trail. 

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the letter dated July 15, 2025 from Dr. Goetz Schuerholz, Chair, Cowichan Estuary Restoration & Conservation Association (CERCA), for information.   

2.2.10

Bruce Coates, President of Nature Cowichan re- Transferring Blackley Dike Trail to North Cowichan Authority

Purpose: To receive the letter dated August 4, 2025 from Bruce Coates, President, Nature Cowichan regarding transferring Blackley Dike Trail to North Cowichan Authority.  

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the letter dated August 4, 2025 from Bruce Coates, President, Nature Cowichan, for information.  

2.2.11

Brad McRae, Director, Government Relations, Western Forest Products re- reinstituting the North Cowichan Revitalization Tax Bylaw

Purpose: To receive the email dated August 5, 2025 from Brad McRae, Director, Government Relations, Western Forest Products regarding their request that North Cowichan reinstitute the Revitalization Tax Bylaw, with two attachments.  

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the email dated August 5, 2025 from Brad McRae, Director, Government Relations, Western Forest Products, for information.  

2.2.12

Ivan Scott re- Judicial Accountability and Revolving-Door Justice in British Columbia

Purpose: To receive the email dated July 30, 2025 from Ivan Scott regarding Judicial Accountability and Revolving-Door Justice in British Columbia and a copy of his letter to the Members of the Canadian Judicial Council.  

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the email dated July 30, 2025 from Ivan Scott, for information.  

2.2.13

A. Charlie Gonzales re- Golf Cart Licensing for Chemainus

Purpose: To receive the email dated July 22, 2025 from A. Charlie Gonzales regarding golf cart licensing for Chemainus.  

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the email dated July 22, 2025 from A. Charlie Gonzales, 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

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.

6.1.1

North Cowichan Youth Services Review

Purpose: To provide information on the recreation department’s Youth Services Review that was completed in 2024 to identify and analyze youth service needs in North Cowichan. A presentation will be provided by Urban Systems.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receives this report for information.

6.1.2

CVRD Economic Development Service Review

Purpose:  For Allan Neilson to present the preliminary findings of the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) Economic Development Cowichan Service Review.  

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

Remedial Action update for 2961 Sherman Road [Deferred from July 16, 2025 meeting]

To provide Council with background information on a Remedial Action Requirement for 2961 Sherman Road and to provide options to address the outstanding requirements.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council amends the remedial action requirement from January 15, 2025, requiring the property owner or their representative to:

  • Demolition Permit Application: Submit a demolition permit application by September 30, 2025.
  • Demolition Permit Compliance: Ensure all requirements of the demolition permit are satisfied by December 15, 2025.

7.2

2025 Updates – Draft Affordable Housing Policy [Deferred from the August 12, 2025 meeting]

Purpose: To provide Council with background information on a revised Affordable Housing Policy and Implementation Plan (Attachment 1) and to seek Council's endorsement of the policy.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council adopts the Affordable Housing Policy and Implementation Plan, as attached to the August 12, 2025, report.

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

Servicing Officers Bylaw No. 4009, 2025 for first, second and third reading

Purpose: To present Delegation of Authority Bylaw Amendment Bylaw 4009 for first three readings and accompanying draft Servicing Officer policy for Council's review.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council gives first, second and third reading to Delegation of Authority Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 4009, 2025.

8.2

Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4026, 2025 [7999 Stoney Hill Road] for first, second and third reading

Purpose: To introduce Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4026, 2025, which proposes to amend Zoning Bylaw No. 2950, 1997, to permit a second detached dwelling at 7999 Stoney Hill Road.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council:

  1. Gives first, second, and third readings to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4026, 2025; and,
  2. Requires the registration of a section 219 Land Title Act covenant prior to consideration of the adoption of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4026, 2025, to:
     1. restrict the size of the second detached dwelling unit at 7999 Stoney Hill to 97 m² in gross floor area; and,
     2. prohibit subdivision or stratification of the property.

8.3

Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4027, 2025 for first, second and third reading

Purpose: To introduce Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4027, 2025, which proposes amending the Zoning Bylaw to facilitate a maximum of 25 shipping containers for accessory storage use at 3900 Drinkwater Road (Cowichan Valley Regional District Bings Creek Recycling & Waste Management Centre).

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council:

  1. Gives first and second reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4027, 2025, to permit a maximum of 25 shipping containers at 3900 Drinkwater Road, and,
  2. Directs staff to schedule a public hearing for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4027, 2025.

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

Official Community Plan Amendment - 3499 Henry Road

Purpose: To present a summary of the implications associated with creating and implementing a new land use designation in the Official Community Plan (OCP) to facilitate a zoning amendment and subsequent bare land strata subdivision of 3499 Henry Road.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council denies the early consideration OCP Amendment application for 3499 Henry Road.

9.2

Strategic Planning Session Outcomes

To report out on the Strategic Planning Workshop held July 15, 2025, and seek Council direction to amend the Strategic Plan to reflect the top priorities identified during the Closed Committee of the Whole session.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council directs staff to:

  1. Amend the Strategic Plan to include the following
     • (identify priority);
     • (identify priority);
     • (identify priority);
     • …..
  2. Provide budget implications for the 2026 financial plan to initiate work on these new priorities.
  3. Return with a report(s) that provide scoping for the new projects adopted in recommendation #1, budget implications, and impact on other strategic priorities of Council.

9.3

Statement of Concurrence for a 35-metre Monopole Telecommunications Antenna Structure on 1750 Mann Street

Purpose: To consider a request for a Statement of Concurrence for a proposed 35-metre monopole telecommunications tower on 1750 Mann Street.

• Recommendation:

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council issues a Statement of Concurrence in support of TAS00006 for the construction of a Telecommunication Antenna Structure on 1750 Mann Street.

9.4

Clean up order for 5861 and 5865 York Road

Purpose: To seek Council’s direction regarding the issuance of a Remedial Action Requirement to the owners of 5861 and 5865 York Road. The proposed requirement would direct the property owners, or their representatives, to remediate the properties by clearing the interior of the structures and obtaining and fulfilling the conditions of a demolition permit from North Cowichan for all structures on the site.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council:

  1. Declare the subject properties (5861 and 5865 York Road) a nuisance and determine that the two structures are in or create an unsafe and hazardous condition; and,
  2. Impose a Remedial Action Requirement that the owner or their representative submit a demolition permit application within 60 days of receiving a “notice to affected persons” related to the two structures on the subject properties, and that the requirements of the demolition permit be satisfied within 90 days of the permit’s issuance.

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

Development Cost Charges and other Community Amenity Contributions

Purpose: For Councillor Justice to move the motion that was introduced at the July 16, 2025 regular Council meeting:

THAT Council reaffirms its commitment to keeping municipal taxes as low as possible by ensuring that growth pays for itself, through Development Cost Charges (DCCs) and other community amenity contributions set at levels that reflect actual costs and that do not unfairly burden existing taxpayers with the cost of any new or upgraded infrastructure needed to support growth.

10.2

Legacy Memorial Bench / Waterwheel Park in Chemainus

Purpose: Following a discussion with Mr. Bunyan, the Mayor has directed that Council formally review and deliberate on his submitted request.

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.

11.1

Traffic Bylaw Amendments [RV Parking]

Purpose:  So that Councillor Hogg can provide notice of the following motion to be considered at the September 3, 2025 Regular Council meeting:

“THAT Council directs staff to prepare a report outlining potential amendments to North Cowichan’s bylaws related to the parking of Recreational Vehicles (RVs) in designated parking areas, including:

• A proposed reduction of the current 24-hour parking allowance to a 4-hour maximum; and
• Additional bylaw amendments to improve enforceability.”

11.2

Identify land suitable for the development of a Foundry Centre

Purpose:  So that Councillors Justice and Istace can provide a joint notice of the following motion to be considered at the September 3, 2025 Regular Council meeting:

“THAT Council direct staff to prepare a brief staff report that provides background information on the Foundry concept of integrated youth services and outlines the role that a municipality can play in supporting the establishment of a Foundry Centre in the community, including the identification of suitable land or an existing building, as time permits, as staff advance through other key priorities.”

11.3

Council Access to Mayor’s Invitations

Purpose: So that Councillor Findlay can provide notice of the following motion to be considered at the September 3, 2025 Regular Council meeting:

“Whereas the Mayor frequently receives invitations for meetings, tours, and presentations from various individuals, organizations, and groups as the primary representative of Council;

And whereas some of these invitations may include opportunities for other members of Council to participate;

And whereas Council members may wish to accompany the Mayor on certain occasions where appropriate;

Therefore be it resolved that a summary of the Mayor’s scheduled external engagements be shared privately with Council on a monthly basis, indicating which events are open to additional Council participation, and weekly updates shall be provided each Monday to reflect any changes."

11.4

Developer Donations and Disclosure of Developer Meetings

Purpose: So that Mayor Douglas can provide notice of the following motion to be considered at the September 3, 2025 Regular Council meeting.

“WHEREAS public trust in land-use and development decisions depends on transparency and impartiality;

WHEREAS campaign donations from developers may create real or perceived bias in decision-making;

WHEREAS private meetings with developers can raise concerns about undue influence;

WHEREAS other jurisdictions have adopted effective policies requiring recusal and disclosure to enhance accountability;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Municipality of North Cowichan adopts the following policies:

1. Campaign Donation Disclosure

• Council members must publicly disclose all donations from developers or entities with a business interest in municipal zoning or development decisions.
• Campaign disclosure statements must include donor name, amount, nature of interest, and be published to North Cowichan’s website.

2. Recusal Requirement

• Council members are encouraged to consider recusing themselves from decisions involving any developer, business entity, or individual closely associated with the donor (such as a family member, business partner, or representative) who contributed to their campaign during the current election cycle.
• Applies to all zoning, land-use, or development matters with potential benefit to the donor.

3. Disclosure of Developer Meetings

• All meetings with developers or land-use lobbyists must be disclosed within (30) calendar days.
• Disclosures must include names, date, location, and general subject matter.
• A public log of meetings will be maintained and available for public viewing on the municipal website.
• Council members must seek guidance before proceeding with votes or meetings if unsure about the appearance of impartiality.

4. Transparency Reporting

• An annual report summarizing developer meetings, disclosures, and recusals will be published for public review.”

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.