Duncan public meetings in 2025
41 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Council
The Duncan City Council will consider and adopt several bylaws, including a utility‑rates amendment, a financial‑plan amendment, and the Inter‑Community Business Licence Bylaw. Council will also direct staff to create a community heritage register and approve the 2026 Acting Mayor schedule. The meeting includes routine approvals of the agenda, minutes, and a report from the Chief Administrative Officer, followed by a closed‑session on land disposition and law‑enforcement matters.
- Adopt Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3212.12, 2025 – sets utility rates for 2026
- Adopt Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 3257.02, 2025 – amends the 2025‑2029 financial plan
- Adopt Inter‑Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 3261, 2025 – re‑establishes inter‑community licensing
- Direct staff to create a community heritage register and notify property owners
- Approve the 2026 Acting Mayor schedule for three councillors
Special Council
This is a special council meeting with only one substantive item: a closed session to discuss employee relations under Section 90(1)(c) of the Community Charter. No public decisions or other business are on the agenda.
- Closed session for employee relations (labour or other employee relations)
Regular Council
The Duncan City Council will meet on December 1, 2025 to approve the circulated agenda. The meeting includes the mayor's opening and closing remarks, recognition of four advisory committees, and the presentation of the 2025 City of Duncan Arts Award. The council will then adjourn.
- Call to Order
- Approval of Agenda
- Mayor's Opening Remarks
- Recognition of Advisory Committees
- 2025 City of Duncan Arts Award Presentation
Special Council
The joint council will vote on where to place the City of Duncan's new north‑end gateway sign, including approval of the $18,000 engineering and fabrication cost and $6,500 installation cost. Council will also receive an update on the 2025 Community Safety Action Plan and Community Safety Advocacy Strategy and direct staff to pursue joint advocacy on homelessness, mental health and addictions. The meeting includes a public question period before adjournment.
- Decision on north‑end gateway sign location – options: current site north of Sherman Road on the Trans‑Canada Highway or southeast corner of the old Cowichan Secondary School field at 497 Trans‑Canada Highway
- Approval of $18,000 for engineering/fabrication and $6,500 for installation of the new gateway sign
- Adoption of the 2025 Community Safety Action Plan and Community Safety Advocacy Strategy
- Directive for staff to develop a joint advocacy package to provincial and federal governments on homelessness, mental health and addictions
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will receive an update on the 2025 Capital Budget and consider the 2026 Capital Budget. The meeting agenda is procedural, with no specific dollar amounts or projects listed for the 2026 budget.
- 2025 Capital Budget Update (information only)
- 2026 Capital Budget (to be endorsed or amended)
- Approval of November 24, 2025 agenda
- Adoption of November 10, 2025 minutes
- Adjournment of meeting
Regular Council
The Duncan City Council will adopt the 2025 Community Safety Action Plan and Advocacy Strategy, replace the Safer Community Plan, and approve several bylaw readings, including the Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw that sets utility rates for 2026. The council will direct staff to renew a three‑year IT support contract with RBS Managed IT Services Inc. and to submit objections to Bill M216, the Professional Reliance Act. Additional actions include repealing and amending several council policies and authorizing a joint letter to the provincial health ministry about the Cowichan District Hospital site.
- Adopt 2025 Community Safety Action Plan and Advocacy Strategy
- Renew IT Support agreement with RBS Managed IT Services Inc. for 3 years starting April 1 2025
- Direct staff to submit objections to Bill M216 Professional Reliance Act
- First three readings of Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3212.12, 2025 to set utility rates for 2026
- First three readings of Inter‑Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 3261, 2025 and approval of the licence agreement
Committee of the Whole - 17 Nov 2025 - Cancelled
The November 17, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting was cancelled. No decisions were made. The agenda included an information-only update on the 2025 capital budget and a proposal to endorse or amend the 2026 capital budget.
- 2025 Capital Budget Update report for information only (pages 5-10 of agenda)
- 2026 Capital Budget: potential endorsement or amendments by Committee (pages 11-32)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will consider endorsing the 2026 budgets for Corporate Services, Planning & Sustainability, and Public Works departments, or direct staff changes. They will also make a recommendation to Council on adopting a new Community Safety Action Plan and Advocacy Strategy, replacing the previous Safer Community Plan.
- 2026 Corporate Services, Bylaw, and Building Inspection Budget endorsement
- 2026 Planning & Sustainability Budget endorsement
- 2026 Public Works Budget endorsement
- Recommendation to Council to adopt 2025 Community Safety Action Plan and Advocacy Strategy
Regular Council
Council will decide whether to confirm, amend, or set aside staff's denial of a development variance permit for a fence at 320 Campbell Street. Council will also consider applying for a sign permit for a new gateway sign near 497 Trans-Canada Highway and adopt a bylaw setting dog licence fees for future years. Appointments to the Vancouver Island Regional Library Board for 2026 are proposed, and a closed session is scheduled for personnel and negotiations.
- Decision on Development Variance Permit DVP-2025-02 for fence height at 320 Campbell Street (three options)
- Application for sign permit for new gateway sign at southeast corner of old Cowichan Secondary School field, adjacent to 497 Trans-Canada Highway
- Adoption of Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3212.11 to establish dog licence fees
- Appointment of Councillor Capps and Councillor Duncan (alternate) to Vancouver Island Regional Library Board for 2026
- Closed session to discuss committee appointments, employee relations, and provincial negotiations
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will receive a 2026 Budget Overview and decide whether to endorse or amend the proposed department budgets for fire, police, administration, corporate services, planning, garbage & recycling, public works, water, and sewer. It will direct staff to draft a Fees & Charges Bylaw amendment raising garbage collection fees by 2.75% for 2026, and to prepare similar bylaw changes for water and sewer rates. The committee will also consider depositing the remaining COVID‑19 Safe Restart Grant funds into the General Capital Reserve and adopting the 2025 Community Safety Action Plan and Advocacy Strategy.
- Draft amendment to Fees & Charges Bylaw for a 2.75% increase to garbage collection fees (2026)
- Draft bylaw changes to water user rates and specific dollar adjustments for large multiple dwellings and 19 mm meter service charges (inside and outside city limits)
- Draft amendment to Fees & Charges Bylaw for an increase to sewer user fees (percentage not specified)
- Deposit remainder of COVID‑19 Safe Restart Grant funds into the General Capital Reserve for 2026 capital projects
- Adopt the 2025 Community Safety Action Plan and Community Safety Advocacy Strategy
Regular Council
The Duncan City Council will adopt the Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 3257.01, 2025, updating the 2025‑2029 financial plan. It will also adopt three permissive tax exemption bylaws (No. 3259, No. 3260 for City Gate Church, and No. 3251.01 for St. John’s Anglican Church). Additional agenda items include approval of several grant‑in‑aid payments ranging from $500 to $13,000 and the first three readings of a dog licence fees amendment bylaw.
- Adopt Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 3257.01, 2025 (amends 2025‑2029 financial plan)
- Adopt Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 3259, 2025 (one‑year exemption for listed properties)
- Adopt Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 3260, 2025 for City Gate Church
- Adopt Permissive Tax Exemption Amendment Bylaw No. 3251.01, 2024 for St. John’s Anglican Church
- Approve grant‑in‑aid payments, including $13,000 for Duncan Cowichan Festival Society and amounts from $500 to $2,000 for various community groups
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will consider recommendations to Council for the 2026 Grant‑in‑Aid program, including specific funding requests from ten community groups totaling $47,500. It will also recommend yearly ongoing Grant‑in‑Aid amounts for six recipients totaling $5,064 to be included in the 2026 financial plan. The agenda also includes approval of the agenda itself and adoption of the September 8, 2025 meeting minutes.
- Annual Grant‑in‑Aid applications: $6,000 BC Conservation Foundation (WildSafe BC), $5,000 Brain on Wheels Rehab Society, $5,000 Clements Centre Society (accessible door at 346 Campbell Street), $2,000 Cowichan Land Trust, $17,500 Cowichan Festival Society, $2,000 Cowichan Valley Arts Council, $2,500 Cowichan Valley Caregivers Society, $2,000 Cowichan Valley Youth Services, $3,000 Jubilee Community Gardens, $2,500 Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation
- Yearly ongoing Grants‑in‑Aid: $500 Blacklock Schroeder Memorial Bursary, $2,500 Downtown Duncan Business Improvement, $1,000 M’akola Housing Society, $432 Cowichan District Hospital parking pass, $432 Rotary Club of Duncan parking pass, $200 Cowichan Music Festival
- Approval of the October 20, 2025 agenda
- Adoption of the September 8, 2025 Committee of the Whole minutes
- Adjournment of the meeting
Regular Council
Duncan Council will consider approving tax exemptions for several organizations and amendments to fire service policies and agreements. The meeting also includes a closed session regarding employee relations.
- Approval of Fire Department Service Level Policy
- Approval of BC Emergency Health Services First Responder Service Agreement
- Approval of Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 3259, 2025
- Denial of Cowichan District Hospital Auxiliary tax exemption application
- Approval of Bylaw Offence Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 3200.05, 2025
Advisory Design Panel
The Advisory Design Panel will consider Development Permit Application DP-2025-05 for a 3-storey, 11-unit rowhouse development at 482 and 490 Festubert Street. The panel will decide whether the proposal is generally consistent with design guidelines or recommend specific design changes. Staff have flagged concerns about parking width, uniform siding, blank walls, and inward-facing balconies. The meeting also includes adoption of the June 26, 2025 minutes.
- Development Permit DP-2025-05 for 3-storey, 11-unit rowhouse at 482/490 Festubert Street
- Panel to vote on consistency with Development Permit Area Design Guidelines or propose design changes
- Staff note potential parking space width deficiency in carports and lack of weather-protected visitor bike parking
- Proposal located within University Village Local Area Plan (UVLAP) and High Density Residential zone
- Adoption of June 26, 2025 Advisory Design Panel minutes
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will approve its agenda and adopt minutes from the June 23, 2025 meeting. Staff will present a draft Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw for the 2026 tax year, including options to grant or deny exemptions for specific properties such as the Cowichan District Hospital Auxiliary at 138 Craig Street, City Gate Church at 127 Station Street, and St. John’s Anglican Church at 486 Jubilee St. The meeting also reviews a Finance Department report listing numerous exemption applications that together represent several thousand dollars in foregone tax revenue.
- Draft bylaw to grant a one‑year 56% tax exemption for Cowichan District Hospital Auxiliary, 138 Craig Street (or recommendation to deny)
- Draft bylaw to grant a one‑year tax exemption for City Gate Church, 127 Station Street (or recommendation to deny)
- Draft amendment bylaw for a one‑year 100% exemption for St. John’s Anglican Church, 486 Jubilee St (or recommendation to deny)
- Application for 100% exemption for Canadian Mental Health, 552 Trunk Road, valued at $7,692 in tax
- Application for 100% exemption for Cowichan Brain Injury Society unit #100, 480 Trans Canada Highway, valued at $4,372 in tax
Regular Council
The City of Duncan Council will decide on a temporary use permit for a winter shelter for people experiencing homelessness. The body is also discussing grant applications for roadworks and amendments to the 2025 Financial Plan.
- Temporary Use Permit TUP-2025-01 for a winter shelter at 140 Trans-Canada Highway (Nov 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026)
- Grant application for Cairnsmore Roundabout with $106,000 for utilities and $441,000 for roadworks
- Bylaw Offence Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 3200.05 to establish fines for Fire Services and Curbside Collection
- Adoption of Works and Services Amendment Bylaw No. 3158.03 regarding infrastructure and highway standards
- Consent to CVRD Bylaw No. 4650 – Regional Emergency Management Establishment Bylaw, 2025
Tourism Advisory Committee
The Tourism Advisory Committee will consider recommending that Council enroll the City of Duncan as a member of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance at an annual cost of $285. Members will also receive updates on the Digital Totem Tour, social media marketing, and city totem projects.
- Recommendation to Council: enroll City as member of Vancouver Island Economic Alliance for $285/year
- Digital Totem Tour: 28 of 44 artist transcripts approved, 25 audio recordings completed, decals being printed for launch
- Social media marketing update for 2025
- City totem report, including refurbishment progress
- Adoption of April 17, 2025 meeting minutes
Regular Council
Council will decide on major infrastructure contracts including the $2.25M Eagle Heights Reservoir Replacement and a $126,000 Rotary Park erosion removal contract. They will also adopt bylaws for automated curbside collection and updated garbage/recycling fees. Additional items include policy updates, a delegation on regional economic development, and proclamations.
- Award Eagle Heights Reservoir Replacement tender to Hazelwood Construction Services Inc. for $2,250,875 plus tax and contingency, with early budget approval for $400,000 and $250,000 reallocation
- Award Rotary Park Riverbank Erosion Gravel Removal 2025 contract to Khowutzon Development Corporation for $126,000 plus contingency and invasive species removal
- Adopt Curbside Collection Bylaw No. 3256, 2025 establishing automated solid waste collection service
- Adopt Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3212.10, 2025 updating garbage, recycling, and organics collection fees
- Give first three readings to Works and Services Amendment Bylaw No. 3158.03, 2025 (miscellaneous infrastructure standard amendments)
Advisory Design Panel
The Advisory Design Panel will consider two development permit applications for properties on Festubert Street. The primary item is a 4-storey, 18-unit transitional assisted living facility at 447 Festubert Street, which requires variances to reduce parking from 9 to 3 spaces and increase the front setback. The panel may support, substantially support with conditions, or reject each application.
- Development Permit DP-2025-02 for 447 Festubert Street: 18-unit transitional assisted living facility with ground-floor support services
- Proposed parking variance from 9 to 3 off-street spaces
- Proposed front setback increase from 6 m to 13.2 m
- Development Permit DP-2025-01 for 438 Festubert Street (details not provided in agenda)
- Adoption of January 23, 2025 Advisory Design Panel minutes
Accessibility Advisory Committee
The committee will receive a progress update on the Duncan Accessibility Plan, which was adopted in 2023 and must be updated every three years. The update details completed actions like policy amendments, closed captioning for council meetings, and accessible playground features at McAdam Park and Friendship Square. The committee may recommend that Council receive the report for information.
- Progress update on Duncan Accessibility Plan action items, including policy updates and accessible park features at McAdam Park and Friendship Square
- Update to Human Resources – Recruitment policy requiring accessibility statements in job postings
- Closed captioning now enabled for Council meeting broadcasts via YouTube and Zoom
- City's Communications Plan updated with accessibility lens, including non-electronic communication methods
- Accessible playground structures installed at McAdam Park with rubber surfacing and ramp access
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will forward a recommendation to Council to approve a new Road Dedication at Building Permit Stage Policy. The policy would allow the city to require land dedication as a condition of building permits, using authority added to the Local Government Act. This is the only substantive item on the June 23, 2025 agenda.
- Forward recommendation to Council to approve Road Dedication at Building Permit Stage Policy
- Policy relies on new Section 513.2 of the Local Government Act to require road dedication via building permits
- Intended to address narrow road rights‑of‑way and support future transportation improvements
- Council previously approved up to $3,000 reimbursement for survey and registration costs on small projects
- Agenda also includes routine approvals of agenda, minutes, and adjournment
Regular Council
The City of Duncan Council will consider a new automated solid waste collection bylaw, a tender award for Gibbins Reservoir Tank #2 lining, and updates to garbage and recycling fees. Council will also adopt zoning changes for Dobson Road and Trans-Canada Highway, review the 2024 Climate Action Report, and authorize a revised farmers' market licence for City Square. A closed session is scheduled for employee relations.
- Tender award for Gibbins Reservoir Tank #2 Lining to MCL Group Ltd. for $416,275 plus GST and contingency
- Curbside Collection Bylaw No. 3256 establishing automated solid waste collection service
- Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3212.10 updating garbage, recycling, and organics collection fees
- Climate Action Report with purchase of 217 carbon credits for approximately $6,500 from LGCAP reserve
- Zoning Bylaw Amendments creating HCC2 and HCC3 zones and rezoning 553, 561, 573 Dobson Road and 140 Trans-Canada Highway
Regular Council
Council will hear a delegation from the RCMP officer in charge on the second quarter report and 2025-2026 Annual Performance Plan, and is asked to support it. Staff will also present a report on Island Health requirements for future permanent water disinfection facilities. Other items include a Bee City update, a proclamation for National British Home Child Day, and a status update on strategic plan actions.
- RCMP delegation and 2025-2026 Annual Performance Plan
- Island Health requirements for permanent water disinfection facilities
- Bee City update and Pollinator Week proclamation (June 16-22)
- Proclamation of National British Home Child Day (September 28)
- Strategic Plan Actions status update
Special Council
Council is deciding whether to authorize the Mayor and Corporate Officer to enter into a dispatch services agreement with E-Comm 911 for RCMP dispatch, effective April 1 to December 31, 2025. The agreement carries an estimated annual cost of $331,480 for Duncan. Council will also consider proclaiming May 25–31, 2025 as AccessAbility Week.
- Authorize agreement with E-Comm 911 for RCMP dispatch services at $82,870 per quarter (approx. $331,480/year)
- Direct staff to negotiate a post-2025 agreement with E-Comm and explore alternative dispatch options with other South Island municipalities
- Proclaim May 25–31, 2025 as AccessAbility Week in Duncan
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will direct staff to submit a resolution to the 2025 Union of British Columbia Municipalities Convention urging the Province to include the Village Model of housing in the Homes for People Action Plan and ensure ongoing funding from BC Housing. The Committee will also consider a request to erect a Cowichan Peace Pole in Centennial Park.
- UBCM resolution to amend Province's housing plan
- Request to erect Cowichan Peace Pole in Centennial Park
- Delegation from S. McPherson regarding Peace Pole project
Regular Council
Council approved a zoning bylaw amendment with miscellaneous changes related to housing, parking, and consistency with the Official Community Plan. They also accepted the audited 2024 financial statements and received building permit summaries for March and April 2025. Several proclamations were made for awareness weeks and days.
- Adoption of Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3166.11, 2025 (housing, parking, OCP consistency)
- Acceptance of the City's 2024 audited financial statements and audit findings report
- Summary of Building Permits - March 2025 and April 2025 received for information
- Proclamation of June 30, 2025 as 'Indigenous Survivors Day - National Blanket Ceremony Day'
- Proclamation of June 2025 as Deafblind Awareness Month; May 11-17 as Local Government Awareness Week; May 18-24 as National Public Works Week
Public Hearing
The City Council is holding a public hearing to consider Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3166.11, 2025, which would amend the 2017 Zoning Bylaw No. 3166. The meeting will include explanations of the hearing process, a presentation of the amendment text, and a period for public comment. After the hearing the council may decide whether to adopt the amendment.
- Replace Section 1.4.1 to state that zoning adjacent to a highway or lane applies up to the centerline of the highway or lane.
- Insert a new sub‑section in Section 3.10 granting height exemptions for shared roof amenity spaces authorized in a development permit.
- Replace Section 3.19 with new Short‑Term Rental provisions limiting rentals to one per parcel or building strata.
- Add a new sub‑section in Section 3.30 requiring every garage or carport attached to a dwelling unit to have a 240 V outlet for Level 2 EV charging.
- Insert a site‑specific regulation for 531 Herbert Street limiting the maximum building height to 11 m (three habitable storeys).
Regular Council
Council will vote to adopt the Five Year Financial Plan for 2025-2029 and the 2025 Tax Rates Bylaw, which set the city's budget and property tax rates. Other decisions include naming Station Street Park 'Friendship Square – Hiiye'yutul', awarding a $180,700 contract for fire hall generator replacement, and supporting a $77,000 grant application for Next Generation 911 equipment. Council will also give third reading to a zoning bylaw amendment on housing and parking, and approve an updated Public Art Policy.
- Adopt 2025-2029 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 3257, 2025
- Adopt 2025 Tax Rates Bylaw No. 3258, 2025
- Award tender for Fire Hall backup generator replacement to Prep Energy for $180,700, with $48,700 reallocation from reserves
- Select 'Friendship Square – Hiiye'yutul' as name for Station Street Park
- Support application for $77,000 UBCM Next Generation 911 Program grant for fire department data terminals
Tourism Advisory Committee
The Tourism Advisory Committee will consider recommending that Council approve an updated Public Art Policy that incorporates totem pole refurbishment procedures and repeal the current Totem Pole Maintenance Policy. The committee will also receive information reports on the City Totem Update and 2025 Social Media Marketing. Adoption of the February 6, 2025 meeting minutes is also on the agenda.
- Recommendation to Council to approve updated Public Art Policy incorporating totem pole refurbishment process
- Recommendation to Council to repeal the Totem Pole Maintenance Policy
- Information report: City Totem Update
- Information report: 2025 Social Media Marketing
- Adoption of February 6, 2025 Tourism Advisory Committee minutes
Regular Council
The City of Duncan Council will discuss the 2025-2029 Financial Plan and the 2025 tax rates. The meeting includes decisions on infrastructure contracts, zoning amendments, and a new tree rebate program.
- Highland Avenue Watermain Upgrade contract award to In The Dirt Contracting Ltd. for $367,025 plus tax
- Proposed $25,000 Tree Rebate Program and Tree Sale funded by Local Government Climate Action Program reserve
- Allocation of $24,000 to reimburse property owners up to $3,000 for road dedication survey and registration costs
- First and second readings of Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3166.11 regarding housing and parking
- First three readings of Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 3257 and Tax Rates Bylaw No. 3258
Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee
The Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee is discussing a proposal to incentivize planting trees on private land. The proposed programs would be funded by the Local Government Climate Action Program Reserve.
- Proposed $100 rebate for trees costing $100 or more
- Proposed strategic planting rebate of up to $1,000 for up to three trees
- Proposed tree sale of up to 75 trees priced at $20 each
- Discussion of regional cooperation with CVRD, Cowichan Tribes, and District of North Cowichan
CANCELLED - Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee
This meeting of the Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee (ESAC) was cancelled. The agenda included a proposal to create a Tree Rebate Program and Tree Sale, funded from the Local Government Climate Action Program Reserve, which would have been forwarded to City Council for approval. No decisions were made due to the cancellation.
- Proposed Tree Rebate Program: $100 rebate per tree (or full cost up to $100) for property owners, with a second category for strategic planting up to $1,000
- Proposed Tree Sale: City would purchase up to 75 trees at $100 each and sell for $20 each, including soil
- Funding source: Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP) Reserve
Regular Council
Council will vote on amending a development permit for 725 Canada Avenue to delete a green roof condition. Other items include endorsing an automated solid waste collection communication plan with a $12,000 allocation, purchasing used blue carts from Nanaimo, adopting the Servicing Officers Bylaw, and considering a letter supporting the Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Program.
- Amend Development Permit DP-2024-05 for 725 Canada Avenue to remove green roof requirement (or refuse)
- Endorse Automated Solid Waste Collection Communication Plan and allocate $12,000 from Solid Waste Operating Reserve
- Direct staff to negotiate purchase of ~500 used 240L blue carts from City of Nanaimo at below-new price
- Adopt Servicing Officers Bylaw No. 3255, 2025
- Direct letter to Health Minister supporting ongoing funding for Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Program
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is discussing the 2025 Tax Rates Bylaw to balance tax increases between residential and commercial properties. The body is also reviewing budget adjustments for a parking lot and contributions to a sports wall of fame.
- Proposed 2025 Tax Rates Bylaw with a commercial tax multiple of 2.9650
- Budget increase for 177 Third Street Parking Lot from $24,224 to $38,000
- Proposed $6,813 general surplus contribution to North Cowichan/Duncan Sports Wall of Fame
- Proposed $3,400 annual operating reserve for the Sports Wall of Fame
- Review of questions for the 2025 Citizen Survey
Regular Council
Council will consider awarding a contract for Coronation Avenue Protected Bike Lanes, approving purchases of automated waste collection carts, and repealing three administrative policies. It will also decide on withdrawing a resolution about the former Cowichan District Hospital and give three readings to a Servicing Officers Bylaw.
- Award tender to R&H Williams Trucking Ltd. for Coronation Ave bike lanes ($722,883 plus $144,000 line painting and contingency)
- Purchase up to 4,350 automated waste carts (100L, 120L, 240L) from multiple suppliers, pending negotiations
- Repeal three policies: Rezoning & OCP Amendments Notifications, Building Accessibility for Disabled Persons, Easements and Rights of Way
- Withdraw AVICC resolution on repurposing Cowichan District Hospital, prepare joint letter with North Cowichan
- Give three readings to Servicing Officers Bylaw No. 3255
Regular Council
Council will give first three readings to three zoning amendment bylaws affecting 140 Trans-Canada Highway, 553/561/573 Dobson Road, and 490 Ypres Street with 483/491 Festubert Street. They will also consider updating the Advisory Design Panel Terms of Reference and the Public Performance Code of Conduct policy. A delegation from the Cowichan Housing Association is scheduled. The meeting includes a closed session for personnel and labour matters.
- First three readings for Zoning Bylaw Amendment at 140 Trans-Canada Highway creating new HCC3 zone and HDR zone with covenant conditions
- First three readings for Zoning Bylaw Amendment at 553, 561, 573 Dobson Road creating new HCC2 zone
- First three readings and adoption for Zoning Bylaw Amendment at 490 Ypres Street and 483, 491 Festubert Street with site-specific regulations
- Approval of revised Advisory Design Panel Terms of Reference
- Update to Public Performance Code of Conduct policy and repeal of Busking policy
Tourism Advisory Committee
The Tourism Advisory Committee will consider forwarding a proposed 2025 tourism budget of $14,550 to City Council for approval. The committee will also receive updates on the City Totem and a Totem Pole Maintenance Policy as information items.
- Proposed 2025 tourism budget of $14,550, within Council's $26,000 allocation
- Recommendation to Council to approve the budget, as presented in a report from the Corporate Services Coordinator
- Information item: City Totem update report
- Information item: Totem Pole Maintenance Policy report
- Budget includes $3,000 for social media advertising and $2,000 for wayfinding signage maintenance
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will discuss two staff reports. The first recommends not to proceed with inclusionary zoning for affordable housing, citing a financial feasibility analysis showing high-density development is currently unviable, and to stop negotiating affordable housing contributions in zoning amendments. The second report presents the 2025–2029 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw for direction to draft, including carry-forward of 2024 unfinished capital projects.
- Directing staff not to bring forward inclusionary zoning provisions for Council consideration
- Directing staff to discontinue negotiating for affordable housing contributions in zoning bylaw amendment or variance applications
- Directing staff to bring forward a report in late 2026 re-evaluating market conditions for inclusionary zoning
- Directing staff to draft the 2025–2029 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw as presented, with options for changes
Regular Council
Council will discuss the Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall Relocation Project, with a recommendation to complete design but put construction on hold unless additional funding is secured. It will also consider early approval of over $1.1M in capital projects, including road paving, water meter replacements, and fire department upgrades. Other items include reallocating $128,000 for a pathway, adopting bylaw amendments, and authorizing the mayor to attend a municipal leaders conference.
- Consider pausing sewage outfall project; cost to users $31.7M ($1,830/ERU)
- Approve early 2025 budget for 21 capital projects totaling $1,135,000, including Well #4 pump replacement ($205,000), water meter replacements ($175,000), and McAdam playground ($40,000)
- Reallocate $128,000 for TCH pathway from Police Bridging Capital to LGCAP reserve
- Adopt Council Procedure Amendment Bylaw No. 3050.05 to update meeting schedule and notice posting
- Adopt Waterworks Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 3213.02 to update alternate invoice allocation and underground leak adjustments
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is considering updates to the Public Performance Code of Conduct and the repeal of a 1997 busking policy. The body is also reviewing a request to allocate funds for community event supplies and receiving an information report on a vehicle purchase for the sharps collection program.
- Proposed update to the Public Performance Code of Conduct policy
- Proposed repeal of the February 24, 1997 Busking policy
- Allocation of up to $1,000 from the 2025 General Government operating budget for community event supplies
- Information report on a $4,000 equipment reserve expenditure for a Sharps Collection Program vehicle
Advisory Design Panel
The panel will vote on whether to support, substantially support, or not support Development Permit Application No. DP-2024-09 for 490 Ypres Street. The proposal seeks a zoning bylaw amendment to increase the building height from five to six storeys and to reduce the minimum off‑street parking requirement. The development would be a six‑storey, 84‑unit residential building with rooftop amenity space, solar panels, and a tree plan. The panel will also review recommendations related to protected trees and parking provisions.
- DP-2024-09: zoning amendment to raise height to six storeys at 490 Ypres Street
- Proposal reduces minimum off‑street parking from 89 to 84 spaces
- Rooftop amenity area and solar panels included in the design
- Eight protected trees identified on the site; 24 new trees and four street trees proposed
- 84 residential units (30 studios, 29 1‑bedroom + den, 17 2‑bedroom, 8 3‑bedroom)