Remedial action has been completed at two Lewis Street properties, and the Municipality of North Cowichan says it is a step closer to improving public safety in the region.
The order to clean up 5861 and 5865 Lewis Street was issued on Aug. 20 to address a rapidly growing encampment that had raised safety and nuisance concerns for nearby residents and businesses.
Mayor Rob Douglas said although the cleanup has progressed and the properties are now dealt with, the property owner could not be reached and the municipality will take steps to ensure the owner pays for the work.
“The property owner was unable to handle the demolition and the site cleanup, so municipal staff coordinated the demolition permit and environmental testing,” he said. “The property owner will be billed for the work, and if the invoice is not paid, the cost will be added to their future property tax bills.”
Douglas added the cleanup shows how quickly a project can be completed and how quality of life can be improved when the entire region works together.
“This project represents a significant step forward in improving public safety and overall quality of life in the York Road and Lewis Street neighbourhoods,” he said. “It’s a good example of council direction being converted into on-the-ground results.”
The property work was completed on Feb. 7.
There is still a remedial action order in place for a property in Crofton that the municipality has ordered the owner to make safe and compliant with bylaws. The order follows council’s action in October 2025 to declare a Lewis Street property a nuisance and impose specific remediation requirements, including fencing and grounds maintenance, under the Community Charter.
