North Cowichan public meetings in 2023
26 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Sports Wall of Fame Committee
The committee appointed a new Vice-Chair for the 2023-2024 term. Members also received updates on event venues and the 2023 ceremony, and reviewed the current inductee list.
- Appointed Don Bodger as Vice-Chair from September 2023 through August 2024 (Carried)
- Received 2023 Athlete Bios and Inductee List for information (Carried)
- Adopted the agenda as circulated (Carried)
- Adopted minutes from the August 1, 2023 meeting (Carried)
Council - Regular
Council adopted a new Towing and Vehicle Impound Bylaw and endorsed the Accessibility Action Plan. The board also approved a $3,500 grant for the Every Child Matters Walk and supported a potential regional planning function for the Cowichan region.
- Adopted Towing and Vehicle Impound Bylaw No. 3923 and Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3921
- Gave first, second and third reading to Sewer User Fee Amendment Bylaw No. 3926
- Endorsed the Accessibility Action Plan and directed staff to seek public feedback
- Approved $3,500 grant-in-aid to M'akola Housing Society for Every Child Matters Walk
- Supported potential establishment of a regional planning function (Opposed: Findlay)
- Authorized relocating 'Three Generations sculpture' to Waterwheel Park
- Authorized Mayor to provide letter of support for Canadian Bavarian Millwork + Lumber Ltd grant application
- Authorized afterhours use of Chemainus Lake Park for harvesting American bullfrogs
Council - Special
The meeting was conducted entirely in closed session to discuss labour relations, legal advice, law enforcement, and government negotiations. Council rose without report, and no substantive public decisions were recorded.
- Approved closing the meeting to the public under sections 90(1)(c), 90(1)(i), 90(1)(f), and 90(2)(b) of the Community Charter
Accessibility Advisory Committee
The Committee approved the amended Accessibility Action Plan. It also recommended that Council direct staff to create a public engagement page to collect feedback on the plan.
- Appointed Ray Hedstrom as Vice Chair (Carried)
- Adopted the agenda as circulated (Carried)
- Adopted the July 20, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
- Approved the Accessibility Action Plan as amended (Carried)
- Recommended Council direct staff to create a public engagement page for Accessibility Action Plan feedback (Carried)
Environmental Advisory Committee
The Environmental Advisory Committee recommended that Council direct staff to study the impacts of solar installations on civic and residential buildings. The committee also appointed a new Vice-Chair and received an update on the Climate Adaptation Project.
- Recommended Council direct staff to investigate environmental, social, and economic impacts of solar installations on civic and single-family buildings
- Recommended Council seek opportunities to educate residents on solar power
- Recommended Council investigate municipal tools and incentives for solar projects
- Appointed Sandra McPherson as Vice-Chair (September 2023 through August 2024)
- Adopted June 27, 2023 meeting minutes
Public Hearings Agenda
Council gave third reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3916 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3918. Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3918 was also adopted. No public submissions were received for either proposal.
- Approved third reading of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3916 (10029 Beach Drive)
- Approved third reading of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3918 (3208 Cook Street)
- Adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3918 (3208 Cook Street)
Council - Regular
Council adopted several bylaws regarding zoning and miscellaneous offences, while granting first readings to others. The body also approved a five-year land license for the Cowichan Women Against Violence Society and endorsed the RCMP's 2023-2024 Annual Performance Plan.
- Adopted Miscellaneous Offences and Fines Amendment Bylaw No. 3922
- Adopted Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3912
- Approved first and second readings and public hearings for Zoning Amendment Bylaws No. 3919, 3920, and 3925
- Gave first three readings to Towing and Vehicle Impound Bylaw No. 3923 and Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3921
- Endorsed North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Detachment 2023-2024 Annual Performance Plan Initiatives
- Approved five-year licence of occupation for Cowichan Women Against Violence Society at 6002 Canada Avenue
- Supported grant application up to $25,000 for park infrastructure Asset Management Plans
- Gave first reading to OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 3914 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3915
Sports Wall of Fame Committee
The committee adopted the meeting agenda and the minutes from July 10, 2023. The majority of the meeting was held in a closed session to discuss personal information regarding individuals being considered for municipal awards. The committee rose from the closed session without a report.
- Approved agenda as circulated
- Adopted July 10, 2023 meeting minutes
- Approved closing the meeting to the public under section 90(1)(b) of the Community Charter
Committee of the Whole - Special
The meeting was closed to the public to discuss municipal objectives, measures, and progress reports for an annual report. Council rose from the closed session without a report.
- Approved closing the meeting to the public under section 90(1)(l) of the Community Charter
Accessibility Advisory Committee
The Committee approved the amended Short Term Action Plan. Members deferred a decision on a Local Community Accessibility Grant application until October 19, 2023, and requested a staff report on removing barriers to meeting participation.
- Approved Short Term Action Plan as amended (CARRIED)
- Deferred consideration of Local Community Accessibility Grant application to October 19 meeting (CARRIED)
- Requested staff report on options for removing barriers to meeting participation, including expense reimbursement and meeting times
Council - Special
Council authorized a sanitary service agreement with Cowichan Tribes and approved a development permit for a mini-storage facility on Scott Road. Additionally, Council endorsed the Official Community Plan project schedules and directed staff to provide annual status updates.
- Authorized sanitary service agreement with Cowichan Tribes for 1986 Tzouhalem Road (Carried)
- Approved development permit DP000281 for mini-storage facility and accessory dwelling unit at Lot 23, Scott Road (Carried)
- Granted variance for Lot 23, Scott Road to decrease west property boundary landscaped area from 6.0m to 1.5m (Carried)
- Endorsed Official Community Plan (OCP) project schedules and directed staff to include them in annual business planning (Carried)
- Directed staff to provide annual status report updates on OCP project schedules (Carried)
Public Hearings Agenda
Council adopted a zoning amendment for a childcare facility at 8025 Berridge Street. Two additional zoning amendments for properties on Barnes Road and Osborne Bay Road received third readings.
- Adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3910 (8025 Berridge Street) (CARRIED)
- Gave third reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3911 (1211 Barnes Road) (CARRIED)
- Gave third reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3912 (7325 Osborne Bay Road) (CARRIED, Opposed: Justice)
- Approved the agenda as circulated (CARRIED)
Council - Regular
Council adopted several zoning and traffic bylaws and approved a Housing Accelerator Action Plan featuring seven initiatives. They also provided funding for a local society gala and authorized repairs for the Maple Bay Rowing Club.
- Adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Infill Residential Neighbourhood - R3-N) No. 3887
- Adopted Traffic Amendment Bylaw No. 3917
- Approved North Cowichan Housing Accelerator Action Plan
- Approved $5,565 for Cowichan Missing and Murdered Women, Men and Children Society
- Authorized Maple Bay Rowing Club to proceed with repairs at 6735 Beaumont Avenue
- Gave first and second readings to Zoning Amendment Bylaws No. 3916 and No. 3918
- Gave first, second, and third readings to Miscellaneous Offences and Fines Amendment Bylaw No. 3922
- Deferred first and second readings of OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 3914 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3915 to August 16, 2023
Council - Special
Council met in a special session and voted to close the meeting to the public to discuss land acquisition. The council rose from the closed session without a report.
- Approved closing the meeting to the public under section 90(1)(e) of the Community Charter (Carried)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole recommended that Council adopt the Affordable Housing Policy and Implementation Plan and authorize a funding application to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Staff were directed to conduct public engagement and referrals for the housing policy.
- Recommended Council adopt the Affordable Housing Policy and Implementation Plan (Opposed: Findlay, Manhas)
- Directed staff to seek comments on the draft Affordable Housing Policy from Cowichan Housing Association, Economic Development Cowichan, Co-operative Housing Federation of BC – Community Land Trust, and BC Housing
- Directed staff to proceed with the public engagement plan for the Affordable Housing Policy
- Recommended Council approve the North Cowichan Housing Accelerator Action Plan including seven initiatives
- Authorized staff to apply to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Accelerator Fund
- Adopted the meeting agenda
- Adopted the June 13, 2023 meeting minutes
Sports Wall of Fame Committee
The Sports Wall of Fame Committee recommended an amendment to its Terms of Reference regarding how unsuccessful nominations are handled. The committee also held a closed session to discuss six award applicants, though no reports were issued from that session.
- Recommended Council amend Terms of Reference to replace 'next two subsequent years' with 'next two subsequent award cycles' for unsuccessful nominations (Carried)
- Adopted the meeting agenda (Carried)
- Adopted the June 20, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
- Moved to a closed session to discuss personal information regarding six award applicants (Carried)
Environmental Advisory Committee
The Environmental Advisory Committee approved a list of 11 specific comments and suggestions for the Draft Biodiversity Assessment Report to be forwarded to Diamond Head Consulting. The committee also confirmed the August 22, 2023, meeting will proceed with an item on solar energy.
- Approved 11 suggestions for the Draft Biodiversity Assessment Report to be forwarded to Diamond Head Consulting
- Approved the adoption of May 23, 2023, meeting minutes
- Confirmed August 22, 2023, meeting will proceed and include solar energy on the agenda
Economic Development Committee
The committee received updates on regional, provincial, and federal economic initiatives. The committee voted to recommend that Council adopt the Economic Development 2023 Workplan.
- Approved agenda as circulated
- Recommended that Council adopt the Economic Development 2023 Workplan
Council - Regular
Council approved a series of actions to implement the Chemainus River Flood Management Plan, including public information sessions and gravel removal. Other key decisions included new parking restrictions for heavy vehicles and the adoption of a Travel Expense Policy.
- Approved Zoning Amendment (Section 53 exemption) Bylaw No. 3909
- Passed first three readings of Traffic Amendment Bylaw No. 3917 to restrict parking for vehicles over 5,500kg and trailers to 4 hours at Croft Street and Duncan Street
- Accepted the 2022 Annual Report
- Directed staff to prioritize Housing Supply Act initiatives in 2024 planning and budgeting
- Approved the Travel Expense Policy
- Authorized CAO discretion for Noise Bylaw enforcement at Crofton Terminal from July 18 to August 11, 2023
- Directed staff to hold public sessions and prioritize gravel/debris removal for the Chemainus River Flood Management Plan
- Referred the drafting of a Safe Public Places Bylaw to staff for integration into a Public Disorder report
Council - Special
Council directed staff to prepare a report outlining new service delivery options to manage public disorder related to homelessness, drug addiction, and mental health. The request includes specific bylaw revisions, staffing options, and targeted advocacy for provincial and federal health care services.
- Directed staff to report on service delivery options for public disorder, including an Open Drug Use Bylaw, Revised Sidewalk, Parks Bylaw, and Nuisance Enforcement Bylaw
- Directed staff to report on staffing and resource options including 24/7 deployment, a Social Planner, Clean Team, nighttime security, and marsh patrols
- Directed staff to report on coordination with other jurisdictions, community policing, a Community Safety Office, and housing, detox, and drug treatment facilities
- Directed staff to develop targeted advocacy requests to Provincial and Federal Governments for improved regional health care services
Sports Wall of Fame Committee
The committee extended the 2023 nomination deadline and scheduled two in-camera meetings to review submissions. The committee also recommended a date for the 2023 ceremony.
- Extended nomination deadline to July 21, 2023 (Carried)
- Directed staff to advertise nominations on social media, Cowichan Valley Citizen, and Chemainus Courier (Carried)
- Scheduled In-Camera meeting for July 10, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. (Carried)
- Scheduled In-Camera meeting for August 1, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. (Carried)
- Recommended Council schedule the 2023 Ceremony for November 18, 2023 (Carried)
- Adopted the agenda as circulated (Carried)
Accessibility Advisory Committee
The committee approved the meeting agenda and established a schedule for the remainder of 2023. Members received overviews of procedural rules and the committee's Terms of Reference.
- Adopted the agenda as circulated (Carried)
- Approved 2023 meeting schedule for July 20, August 24, and October 19 (Carried)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole decided to hold a workshop with the Environmental Advisory Committee to review technical information and provide feedback on the North Cowichan Biodiversity Assessment report. A separate motion to direct staff to finalize the assessment and start policy development was defeated.
- Approved workshop with Environmental Advisory Committee to review biodiversity assessment report (Opposed: Caljouw, Findlay, Manhas)
- Defeated direction to staff to finalize biodiversity assessment and start policy development (Opposed: Douglas, Istace, Justice, Toporowski)
- Adopted the agenda as circulated
- Adopted the May 9, 2023 meeting minutes
Public Hearings Agenda
Council held public hearings for two zoning amendments. Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3908 was given third reading and adopted, while Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3909 received third reading.
- Adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3908, 2023 (3543 Auchinachie Road) (CARRIED)
- Gave third reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3908, 2023 (CARRIED)
- Gave third reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3909, 2023 (7245 Bell McKinnon Road) (CARRIED)
- Approved the meeting agenda (CARRIED)
Council - Regular
Council gave first and second readings to three zoning amendment bylaws and approved several development variance permits. The body also directed staff to increase parking time limits and draft a new Towing Bylaw. A motion to draft a Safe Public Places Bylaw regarding drug use was introduced for future consideration.
- Gave first and second readings to Zoning Amendment Bylaws No. 3910, 3911, and 3912
- Approved variance for hot tub enclosure and storage shed at 8100 Bertha Street
- Approved front yard setback reduction at 6125 Lakeview Drive
- Approved side yard setback reductions for 2019/2021 Otter Close and 6467/6469 Marine Crescent
- Directed staff to increase parking limitations on Croft and Duncan Streets to 4 hours
- Authorized staff to contract a towing company and draft a Towing Bylaw
- Approved the 2022 Statement of Financial Information
- Authorized Mayor to provide a letter of support to Cowichan Green Community
Environmental Advisory Committee
The committee adopted its meeting schedule for the remainder of 2023 and approved the minutes from September 27, 2022. Members discussed the 2023 Workplan and received a staff update regarding zero-carbon new building options.
- Adopted amended agenda (Carried)
- Adopted September 27, 2022 meeting minutes as amended (Carried)
- Set 2023 meeting schedule for May 23, June 27, August 22, October 17, and December 5 (Carried)