Cowichan Valley Citizen Questions
- How should North Cowichan approach new development in the municipality?
All new development in the municipality should be guided by our Official Community Plan (OCP). Having a solid plan in place is so important, especially as our community grows. A lot of time, effort, and input from residents have shaped the OCP, giving us a clear direction for the future. While it needs to be flexible as things change, any updates should be made carefully to keep its core vision intact. The OCP is a living document meant to span many years, guiding us through growth in a way that makes sense. By following it, we can protect what we love about North Cowichan while building a strong and sustainable future.
- What should North Cowichan do to address climate change?
North Cowichan has a real opportunity to make a difference when it comes to sustainability. Switching the municipal fleet to electric vehicles is a great step, and we should also make it easier for people to choose EVs by expanding charging stations. Using solar power for municipal buildings would save money and support a greener future, and I’d love to see new developments include solar panels as part of their plan.
Transit also needs to work better for people—more routes, shorter wait times, and better accessibility would make it a real option instead of a last resort. If we make transit more convenient, more people will use it, which means less congestion and fewer emissions. These kinds of smart, practical changes can add up to a healthier, more sustainable community for everyone.
- How should North Cowichan be dealing with social issues, particularly the social disorder in the highway corridor area?
Homelessness and addiction in North Cowichan are complex challenges with no quick fixes. The social disorder along our highway corridor is a clear sign that we need real, lasting solutions.
The key is working with those who dedicate their lives to this—local non-profits, frontline workers, and community advocates. During COVID, emergency funding proved that when we have the resources, we can house people and create stability. The Village at 610 Trunk Road was built afterward, showing that with collaboration, supportive housing can happen quickly.
John Horn, Director of Social Planning and Protective Services, is leading the Safer Community Plan, which focuses on strengthening bylaws, increasing street-level presence, and expanding partnerships with social services and healthcare providers. These steps can help reduce open drug use and improve safety for everyone.
At the heart of it all, housing is the foundation. Without stable, affordable, and supportive homes, people remain on the streets with nowhere to go. With safe housing, they can begin to heal, find work, and rebuild their lives. We must approach this issue with compassion and action—addressing all aspects at once to create real change
- What should North Cowichan do to see more affordable housing provided in the municipality?
North Cowichan can encourage more affordable housing by making it easier and more appealing for developers to build. Government funding—like grants, subsidies, and low-interest loans—can help cover costs, making projects more affordable. Speeding up the permit process also helps because delays make construction more expensive.
Another great approach is mixed-income housing, where a mix of market-rate and affordable units are built together. This helps developers keep projects financially stable while creating diverse, welcoming communities.
By working together—government, businesses, and the community—we can build more homes that people can afford while ensuring it’s a win for everyone involved.
- What would you like to see done to keep property tax increases as low as possible?
North Cowichan has a great opportunity to lower taxes without raising costs for residents. Along with traditional approaches—like securing government grants, attracting new industries, and fostering public-private partnerships—we can make better use of underutilized municipal resources to generate new revenue. These funds can be flagged specifically to help reduce taxes while also supporting local businesses and services.
Potential Opportunities:
- Outdoor Recreation Rentals – Partner with local businesses to offer kayak, paddleboard, or canoe rentals at local beaches, bringing in revenue while promoting eco-tourism.
- Seasonal Vendors & Events – Rent out space for food vendors in parks and expand permits for weddings and community events at scenic locations like Maple Bay.
- Urban Agriculture & Greenhouse Leasing – Lease municipal land for small greenhouse projects or rooftop gardens, supporting local food production.
- Eco-Tourism & Cultural Experiences – Collaborate with First Nations and historians to offer guided tours, sharing ticket revenue while promoting local heritage.
- Renewable Energy Projects – Install solar panels on municipal buildings to cut energy costs and sell excess power.
By using a revenue-sharing model, where the municipality partners with businesses and receives a portion of the profits, we can reinvest in our community and keep more money in residents’ pockets—all while building a stronger, more sustainable North Cowichan.