Housing remains the priority for the Municipality of North Cowichan, and they say they’re continuing to seek partnerships for more affordable units.
According to a housing report, in 2024 the municipality issued 105 single family building permits were issued, and 21 subdivision applications were approved along with 38 new lots that were created by subdivisions, 816 new dwelling units were authorized, and 296 building permits were issued.
In Chemainus, a project funding totalling over $200,000 was received from BC Housing for a site on Elliot Street, and the municipality was able to resolve site contamination identified at the 3191 Sherman Road housing site.
When the province implemented Bill 44, a piece of legislation aimed at increasing housing supply through zoning changes, the municipality said it responded by preparing amendments to existing bylaws to comply with new policies.
“These were completed and adopted by council on Jun. 19, ahead of the province’s Jun. 30 deadline,” the report says. “As a result, three to four dwelling units are now permitted on most residential lots within the urban areas of North Cowichan.”
An additional building with 262 units was approved by council at the corner of Ford and Drinkwater Roads, as well as a six-storey mixed-use building with ground commercial use and 210 residential apartment units on Beverly Street.
