Six Mountains Questions
Answers to Questions:
Submitted by: Johanne Kemmler
Attached is a new head shot if you wish to use it
Thanks so much for putting this together - I appreciate it. If possible, I’d love for my responses to be shared so the full context comes through. Thanks again for your work on this.
Council last Nov. 20 voted 4-2 to amend the Official Community Plan and allow a major new development north of Herd Road in the Bell McKinnon area. In doing so, council went against the advice of staff, who said the existing Bell McKinnon Growth Centre can accommodate about 85 percent of North Cowichan’s housing needs for the next 20 years.
Do you support the OCP adopted in 2022? How would you have voted on Nov. 20?
Yes I support the OCP. It is essential for a community to have a strong guiding framework. A document such as this has to be a living document as unforeseen challenges can arise. Our OCP has to serve our community over time and all decisions have to be looked at with this as a background and guiding light.
Well, I understand where you're coming from by asking this particular question. It causes me pause as this agenda item has already been voted on. The existing Councillors had lots of time to research, consult with constituents and talk to staff before they made their decision. There was a lengthy time in which to study all the parameters of this particular vote and change.
I believe it doesn’t serve anyone to challenge the decision that was recently made, especially with thoughts and ideas of ours that may not be as well-informed. The councillors acted in what they believed to be the best interest of our community.
I'll just reiterate that if I'm elected, I will tackle each challenge head on. That is my strength, to tackle each challenge, give it its full attention, and make an informed decision.
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At the council meeting on March 5 this year, staff warned that municipal infrastructure is not keeping pace with the “unprecedented” number of development applications. Modelling suggests infrastructure capacity can handle 4,200 units, but current applications exceed 10,000 units.
How would you respond to this issue?
We are in a critical time of housing need, with a strong demand for affordable housing. The provincial government has set a target for North Cowichan to build 1,233 new housing units over the next five years. Additionally, the Bell McKinnon area has been designated as a key growth center, with plans for over 6,000 new dwelling units.
At the same time, our infrastructure capacity must be addressed. With a decline in revenue over the past five years, we have fallen behind on expansion. It’s essential to prioritize this work in order to fulfil our OCP and Provincial Mandates.
What steps should council take now to address the drug and homeless issue in our community?
The unhoused and drug issues in North Cowichan are complex social issues. If there were easy fixes this wouldn't be an issue today.
We need to start with affordable and supportive housing. Members of The Cowichan Coalition to address Homelessness presented a plan to Council called The Way Out - a Vision for Wellness, a 3 Phase comprehensive plan that Requires all levels of government to work collaboratively. To see this plan in its entirety visit https://www.cowichanhousing.com/coalitionresources. This is an amazing plan that will take the collaboration of North Cowichan, Duncan, Quw’utsun Nation, Provincial and Federal Governments.
When Covid struck the Provincial Government provided funding for shelters and housing for all who needed it. It worked. We housed everyone in the Valley that wanted to be housed. Unfortunately when Covid ended so did the financing from the Provincial Government, we don’t have the resources to house everyone now the funding has diminished. This shows with collaboration it can be done. “The Village” at 610 Trunk Road is a successful “pod housing” supported housing site with supports that we were able to build after the other funding ended. This type of housing is quick and relatively inexpensive to create and support.
At this time we have a shortage of shelter beds. Also we have a lack of supports available to our citizens with complex needs. Once people are housed and in a relatively stable environment, mental health and addiction challenges can be addressed.
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Do you believe that climate change is the result of human actions (ie, the burning of fossil fuels)? What steps, if any, should North Cowichan take on this issue?
Yes, I believe we are contributing to climate change, and North Cowichan has an opportunity to take meaningful action. Supporting and promoting electric vehicles is one step—especially as the municipality has already begun investing in electric garbage trucks. Continuing to replace the aging fleet with electric vehicles would make a difference.
Solar power is also underutilized. We could install panels on municipal buildings and encourage new developments to incorporate solar options.
Another key solution is improving our transit system to reduce reliance on individual vehicles and promote more accessible, efficient mass transit.
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Questions regarding the Municipal Forest Reserve:
— Will you respect the public’s wishes as expressed through a lengthy consultation process showing 76-per-cent support for conservation management of the Municipal Forest Reserve?
The consultation process you’re referring to did support conservation management. It also established direction for a framework for collaboration between the Quw’utsun Nation and North Cowichan to develop a logging management plan. I would carefully consider their recommendations while keeping in mind the public’s expressed wishes from that consultation.
— If the results of the ongoing consultation with Quw’utsun Nation on co-management of the forest reserve conflict with the results of the public consultation, how will you deal with that?
Consultations regarding our Forest Reserve have made it clear that any forest management decisions must be made in partnership with the Quw’utsun Nation, which includes Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, and Stz’uminus First Nation.
To support this, a working group was established, consisting of staff representatives from both North Cowichan and Quw’utsun Nation communities. Their role as stewards of the land is to share knowledge and develop a plan that benefits the entire North Cowichan community. The Request for Proposal for the proponent to lead this co-management framework is currently open.
Whatever opportunities this partnership presents, I am committed to listening, learning, and making informed decisions that reflect the needs and values of our community.
— Since North Cowichan and Quw’utsun Nation signed a memorandum of understanding related to the forest reserve in 2021, the public has received only one significant update on the status of talks. Do you believe the public should be provided with regular updates on this consultation?
Yes I think the public should be getting updates.
— Do you believe North Cowichan citizens should have a say in whatever co-management agreement is reached between council and Quw’utsun Nation?
I do believe that citizens should have a say in the agreement. Citizens always have the right to attend meetings and speak their voice. Also they can email and contact their Elected Officials. If a more formal collaboration is desired, then that request could be made.