In British Columbia, a tight provincial election is drawing extra attention as two ridings undergo recounts that could influence the final balance of power in the legislature. Following a close contest, the preliminary vote counts have triggered recounts in two key districts, where slim margins separate candidates and the possibility of a shift in party…
Thinking about tackling some ambitious DIY projects around your home? Renting a mini excavator or a Bobcat skid steer opens up a world of possibilities for landscaping, property improvements, and more. Here are a few interesting projects you can consider with these powerful machines. 1. Create a Backyard Pond With a mini excavator, you can…
North Cowichan’s October 18th meeting underscored the importance of regional collaboration in economic development, with a presentation by Steve Nicol of Lions Gate Consulting and Barry O’Riordan from Economic Development Cowichan. Their update on the CVRD Strategic Plan emphasized joint efforts to address economic challenges, including housing shortages, workforce development, and Indigenous economic reconciliation. A…
In the October 18th Economic Development Committee meeting, North Cowichan outlined steps to build a thriving innovation ecosystem in Cowichan Valley as part of its broader Economic Development Action Plan. This strategy seeks to diversify the local economy by encouraging tech growth, supporting entrepreneurship, and enhancing the region’s economic resilience. Barry O’Riordan from Economic Development…
In an October 18th meeting, North Cowichan’s Economic Development Committee advanced its Economic Development Action Plan, a critical roadmap for the region’s sustainable growth. The Action Plan, developed with insights from Deloitte, is built around five strategic priorities: improving the local business climate, supporting traditional industry adaptation, nurturing new economic opportunities, building an attractive community,…
Economic development was another focal point of the CVRD meeting, with the board reviewing funding options for the Cowichan Tech and Innovation Ecosystem Project. Presented by Barry O’Riordan, the project aims to bolster the region’s technology sector by fostering innovation and supporting local entrepreneurs. The project proposes four main components: the development of an angel…
The CVRD meeting also featured a robust discussion on the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) and the potential implications for the region. With regional growth a pressing issue, the board discussed a plan to engage municipalities and electoral areas in developing a long-term growth strategy. The goal of the RGS is to guide development in a…
At the recent CVRD meeting, a comprehensive review of the district’s asset management maturity was presented, highlighting current challenges and future goals. The Asset Management Division, led by Neil Pukesh, introduced a six-box model framework for evaluating the maturity of various asset management practices across departments. The model includes key areas such as strategy and…
A key agenda item during the Committee of the Whole meeting on September 10, 2024, involved a detailed review of the 2025 Permissive Tax Exemption Applications. The council evaluated applications from a diverse range of community organizations, places of worship, and non-profits that provide essential services to residents of North Cowichan. The permissive tax exemption…
The September 10 Committee of the Whole meeting featured a key presentation from Tamara Olson, BC Ferries Community Relations Manager, and Floridor Oprea, Project Manager, who provided an update on the progress of repairs at the Crofton Terminal Berth. The aging berth, which has faced several structural issues over the past year, is now undergoing…