The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) recently held a meeting addressing pressing community issues, including agricultural zoning concerns, housing developments, and water infrastructure projects. The session saw strong participation from residents and key stakeholders.
Farmers Voice Concerns Over Zoning Bylaws
One of the most heated discussions revolved around agricultural zoning regulations and their impact on local farmers. Rebecca Papadopoulos, representing the Cowichan Agricultural Society and King Farm, raised concerns that outdated zoning bylaws are hindering agri-tourism and sustainable farming practices.
Papadopoulos pointed out that while agri-tourism has been a permitted farm use under Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) regulations since 2016, CVRD bylaws still prohibit many agri-tourism activities. She emphasized that farmers in the region are struggling under zoning rules that do not align with modern farming realities, calling for an expedited update to the zoning bylaw process.
The comprehensive zoning bylaw update, first initiated in 2023, has now been extended to mid-2026, raising frustrations among local farmers. Requests for a dedicated Agricultural Advisory Committee and immediate zoning amendments were previously denied by the CVRD. The delay has left farmers questioning how much longer they can endure the restrictions before meaningful policy changes take effect.
Major Housing Development in Mill Bay Moves Forward
A proposed multi-family housing development in Mill Bay was also a focal point of the meeting. The project, which includes two apartment buildings (four to six stories), 22 townhouses, and underground parking, aims to address the region’s ongoing housing shortage.
Concerns were raised about water supply and fire safety infrastructure, particularly given the extreme aquifer deficit in the area. The development’s proponents, Parity Group, assured the CVRD that they are working with Brentwood College and the Mill Bay Waterworks District to secure a new well and water license.
Some directors stressed the importance of ensuring adequate water access before approving the project. However, others emphasized the urgent need for housing in the region, arguing that delays could worsen the housing crisis. The CVRD ultimately voted to move the project forward to the next phase, with further agency referrals required before final approvals.
Water Metering Upgrades for CVRD Systems
The CVRD is seeking funding from British Columbia’s Water Meter Pilot Project to modernize water infrastructure in three regional water systems. If approved, the initiative will bring advanced metering technology to unmetered or partially metered communities, improving water conservation, leak detection, and billing fairness.
The project, with an estimated cost of $2.57 million, would affect 860 residential connections in areas such as Arbutus Ridge, Kerry Village, and Mesachie Lake. The provincial funding program covers up to $5 million per project, meaning CVRD could secure full funding without requiring additional local taxpayer contributions.
Short-Term Rental Regulations and Business Licensing
The meeting also featured an in-depth discussion on short-term rental (STR) regulations, following recent provincial changes under Bill 35. CVRD officials clarified that only about 100 properties in the region currently allow STRs under zoning regulations.
A new provincial registry will require all STR operators, including bed and breakfasts, to register with the province by May 2025 to continue advertising on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. The CVRD is also considering introducing business licensing for short-term rentals, which would allow for more local enforcement. Some directors questioned whether this extra layer of regulation is necessary, given that provincial authorities will already be monitoring STR activity.
Dog Licensing and Bylaw Enforcement Updates
CVRD officials presented a 2024 year-end bylaw enforcement report, highlighting a 20% drop in complaints compared to the previous year. The biggest decreases were in backyard burning violations, building permit issues, and waste management infractions.
On the topic of animal control, 72 new dog licenses were issued due to impounded pets, though directors expressed concerns that many more dogs remain unlicensed in the region.
Next Steps
The CVRD is set to continue engagement with community stakeholders, particularly regarding agriculture zoning, housing policy, and water infrastructure projects. Future meetings will focus on integrating public feedback into the comprehensive zoning bylaw update and evaluating the feasibility of business licensing for short-term rentals.
