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…
At the recent Committee of the Whole meeting held on September 10, 2024, the North Cowichan Council took significant steps towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of cemetery services with the approval of the Mountain View Cemetery Services Plan. The plan, which was developed in partnership with Urban Systems, lays out a comprehensive framework for expanding,…
The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) held a pivotal meeting on October 2, 2024, where several important initiatives were discussed and approved, addressing infrastructure, housing, and environmental conservation. One of the key topics was the formal adoption of bylaws related to the Shawnigan Village Water System Service. The Board approved CVRD Bylaw No. 4566 and…