(North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas)
Election Notebook #7: North Cowichan Mayor says results of public consultation on the forest reserve should be honoured
‘We heard loud and clear that you want to see a greater focus on conservation’
North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas says the results of an extensive public consultation process showing overwhelming support for conservation management of the 5,000-hectare Municipal Forest Reserve should be honoured.
“I will respect the results of the public engagement process that we undertook for the Municipal Forest Reserve,” Douglas told a crowded all-candidates meeting at the Maple Bay Fire Hall.
“Many of us here in the community have strong views on the forest industry. I support the forest industry.
“But the reality is that we went out to residents and we heard loud and clear that you want to see a greater focus on conservation in our community forest.…”
Douglas is seeking a second term as mayor.
An on-line survey in 2023 showed 76-per-cent support for two conservation-based management options for the forest — active conservation and passive conservation — while a statistically valid random phone survey of residents showed 67-per-cent support.
Passive conservation would have no logging.
Active conservation would allow some logging for purposes such as restoring/enhancing ecosystem conditions that promote biodiversity. Douglas said such activities might include FireSmart initiatives to reduce fire risk (already occurring) and work to create "old-growth conditions over time."
The public would have the right to comment on any co-management agreement with First Nations, he said.
Chris Wilkinson, who is also vying for the mayoralty, did not speak to the issue directly at the all-candidates meeting. His election platform states that the forest reserve and other natural areas "contribute enormously to our quality of life and deserve thoughtful stewardship" but he makes no specific commitments.
Valerie Russell, seeking election for the first time as a councillor, said that “our forest reserve is a remarkable community asset that should be managed using good science and with respect for the extensive public consultation that has already taken place.”
During the meeting Saturday, candidates were asked to raise their hands if they supported the following question: “Are you in favour of logging in the municipal forests?”
No one appeared to raise their hand.
Minutes later, councillor Tek Manhas decried lost revenue from not logging since 2019
and spoke of “maintaining our existing excellent biodiversity in our municipal forests.”
(Staff report in November 2025 estimates $500,000 bill to taxpayers to renew logging: https://pub-northcowichan.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=21438 )
In 2020 Manhas sought to renew logging in the forest reserve but council rejected the idea.
The forest reserve is part of the coastal Douglas-fir forest, the most endangered forest type in BC due to human development and logging on southeastern Vancouver Island.
Learn more about this forest type and why it is endangered: https://www.sixmountains.ca/article/5b6ea833-de31-45f0-9c05-616a3283a050 )
In a controversial move protested by First Nations in August 2025, Manhas and councillors Bruce Findlay, Mike Caljouw and Becky Hogg sought to make renewed logging in the forest reserve a strategic priority in 2026.
But all that changed in November after a presentation from Halalt Chief James Thomas.
Council voted unanimously to complete a co-management framework and plan in partnership with Quw’utsun Nation prior to any reconsideration of forest harvesting as a strategic priority.
Twenty-one working group meetings between the two parties have been held from February 2022 to August 2026.
What’s being discussed?
The municipality has stated: “The co-management framework and plan will include partner alignment on a number of areas, including shared decision making, economic and employment opportunities, recognition of key Indigenous forest management practices, stewardship of culturally sensitive areas, revenue sharing, recreation and future trail development, access, and economic opportunities.”
Only Hogg did not attend Saturday's all-candidates meeting, sponsored by Quamichan Lake Neighbourhood Association.
Meeting video, courtesy Nazar Associates Inc.: https://youtu.be/PeCmNuvOIv8
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OTHER ALL-CANDIDATE MEETINGS:
— September 24, 6:30-9 pm, 2244 Moose Road. North Cowichan candidates. Focus on health issues. Sponsored by Clements Centre, Providence Farm, Cowichan Valley Basket Society and Volunteer Cowichan.
— October 1, 5:45-8:30 pm, candidates in CVRD electoral areas A, B, and C, Shawnigan Lake Community Centre, 2804 Shawnigan Lake Road, https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bx8Hr9xPo/ .
— October 1, 7-9 pm, North Cowichan candidates, Chemainus Secondary School, multi-purpose room, 9947 Daniel Street, Chemainus Residents Association, https://chemainusresidents.ca/
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North Cowichan candidates: https://www.northcowichan.ca/election/meet-candidates
CVRD candidates: https://cvrd.ca/government-administration/legislative-services/elections-referenda/meet-the-candidates/
North Cowichan will hold advance polls from 8 am to 8 pm on October 7 and October 13 at Municipal Hall, 7030 Trans-Canada Highway.
Election day is October 17.
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— Larry Pynn, Sept. 19, 2026
