November 12, 2024 – North Cowichan, BC – North Cowichan Council convened on November 6 to discuss critical projects and community updates. Mayor Rob Douglas led the three-hour meeting, addressing recent developments and plans that reflect the Council’s commitment to community welfare and sustainable growth. Mayor’s Report Celebrates Community Achievements and New MLA Appointment Mayor…
The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) recently held a meeting focused on advancing projects to support environmental conservation, enhance community facilities, and bolster local agriculture. Here’s a summary of the top discussions and decisions: 1. Grants for Environmental and Community Development Projects The board approved several grants to support environmental and community initiatives: $11,000 to…
In the most recent Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) board meeting, several major initiatives were discussed, showcasing the district’s commitment to environmental sustainability, community services, and public safety. Here are the highlights: Disaster Resilience Funding for Duncan The CVRD board has moved forward with a $1.85 million grant application to the Ministry of Emergency Management…
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…