The Municipality’s Agricultural Advisory Committee is launch…

The Municipality’s Agricultural Advisory Committee is launching an update of the Strategic Agricultural Plan, with Workshop #1 this month focused on key themes, engagement planning, and the backyard hens issue. The update process extends from May 2026 to June 2027: - AgAC Workshop #2 (June 2026) - Community engagement (November 2026 – March 2027) - AgAC Workshop #3, draft plan, Workshop #4, external review - Final SAP to Council in June 2027 The backyard hens issue is explicitly scoped, indicating that amendments to animal control or zoning provisions for urban poultry may emerge from this process. The agricultural plan update may also influence agricultural land use designations and farm-related regulations in the OCP, though no draft policy text is yet available. The final plan presentation to Council is scheduled for June 2027.

An Official Community Plan amendment application has been submitted for an undisclosed address in North Cowichan, BC. The applicant is proposing changes to the designated land use at the property. The application is scheduled for consideration at a public meeting on April 21, 2026.