Council Meeting Highlights - August 10, 2026 Regular Council Meeting

• A letter will be sent to the Town of Lake Cowichan expressing support for Elect Respect – find out more at https://electrespect.ca/ 

• The heating and cooling system at Memorial Hall will be replaced and funded through the Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP) grant, up to $40,000. Staff will also report back to Council regarding costs for a permanent generator at Memorial Hall. 

• A generator will be purchased and installed at the Village Office, funded through UBCM’s Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (Emergency Operations Centres Equipment and Training stream), to maintain business continuity and support emergency response during power outages. 

• Council approved actions to address concerns about Canada goose populations in the Village, including contacting the Province to request action or partnership, meeting with ministry staff at UBCM, and working with local environmental groups, such as the Environmental Advisory Committee to recruit volunteers for training on the permit and egg addling process. 

• The Village will host public engagement opportunities for the proposed Splash Pad, including an event at Spring Park and online engagement through Get Into It Harrison. The engagement will help gather feedback on desired features, while considering the location and surrounding neighbourhood. Staff will report back with the findings. 

• The Village will be researching options and cost estimates for a community memorial cenotaph, commemorative plaque, and Veterans crosswalk at Esplanade Avenue and Maple Street for consideration in the 2027 financial plan. 

• Bylaw No. 1247, 2026, which sets out the rules and procedures for the Board of Variance, was given first three readings. The Board of Variance hears applications for specific exceptions to the Zoning Bylaw that would cause hardship. Although the Village has had a Board of Variance bylaw in some form since 1976, applications are rare. A Board of Variance bylaw is required for any local government that has adopted a Zoning Bylaw. 

• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1246, 2026, which makes housekeeping updates to Zoning Bylaw No. 1115, 2017, was given first and second readings. A Public Hearing will be scheduled. The amendments correct errors, clarify wording, update references, remove outdated provisions, and improve consistency and usability without changing land use policies or development rights.  

• The Village will work with School District No. 78 (Fraser-Cascade) to develop a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a proposed Civic Campus, for consideration by Council and the School Board. The MOU would outline the exploratory nature of the discussions, prioritize the protection of forested areas and mature trees, explore ways to enhance the use of forested areas, confirm that any exchange of land in Fire Hall Park would require elector approval, and allow for consideration of different configurations for the school and other buildings. 

• A Notice of Motion directing staff to investigate ideas to address the proposed cost difference in user fees for residents and non-residents of the District of Kent to use the Lets’emot Regional Recreation and Aquatic Centre was presented by Councillor Schweinbenz and will be placed on the next agenda for discussion.  
   

Prepared Communities are Resilient Communities 
Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility. As the Village continues to strengthen its emergency response and business continuity, residents have an important role in preparing their households and taking steps now to be ready when an emergency happens. 

• Create a household emergency plan so everyone knows what to do, where to go, and how to reconnect. Don’t wait until an emergency to make a plan. 

• Pack grab-and-go bags with essential supplies before an emergency happens. Have essential supplies ready in case you need to leave quickly or are without power or other services. 

• Sign up for Alertable. Make sure you can receive emergency notifications from the Village, including evacuation alerts and orders. During an emergency, timely information can save lives. 

• Book a free FireSmart Home Ignition Zone Assessment to identify ways to reduce wildfire risk around your property and improve your home's resilience to wildfire.