(Councillor Becky Hogg)
North Cowichan council nixes bid to renew logging in Municipal Forest Reserve
Becky Hogg’s emotional apology to Quw’utsun Nation proves pivotal
North Cowichan councillor Becky Hogg broke ranks Wednesday and quashed any notion of renewed logging in the Six Mountains while co-management talks continue with Quw’utsun Nation.
In a teary-eyed address to Halalt Chief James Thomas, sitting in the front row of the packed council chambers, Hogg said: “I would like to express my sincere apologies” for any harm that may have been caused to relationships between Quw’utsun Nation and North Cowichan.
(Halalt Chief James Thomas)
“Thank you, Chief Thomas, for taking the time to speak with us and share your insight. And I really look forward to building a relationship together. And let’s work on that watershed together.”
Thomas had addressed council earlier in the meeting on the issue of flooding and drought on the Chemainus River, citing extensive clearcutting in the watershed.
On August 20, council voted 4-3, including Hogg, in favour of making the renewal of logging a strategic priority in 2026 — even though talks with Quw’utsun Nation on a co-management agreement for the Municipal Forest Reserve are still ongoing.
On October 8, Thomas issued a statement expressing shock and dismay at council’s decision, saying it had “undermined the positive relationship we have been working to build and will directly harm our constitutionally protected rights in our territory.”
The statement: https://www.sixmountains.ca/article/ad63b6b9-a9d4-447d-b6cd-ba3460878dcd
Since her byelection victory last April, Hogg has generally sided with right-of-centre councillors Bruce Findlay, Tek Manhas, and Mike Caljouw, especially on development issues.
On Wednesday, Findlay, with support from Manhas and Caljouw, sought to short-circuit debate on a staff recommendation to not renew logging and to complete talks with First Nations.
(Councillor Bruce Findlay)
Findlay proposed a multi-part motion that included reinstating the Forest Advisory Committee, with representation from Quw’utsun Nation, “to analyze revenue generating options” for the forest reserve.
Mayor Rob Douglas objected to voting on Findlay’s motion before consideration of the staff recommendation.
It was agreed that everyone would have their say on the issue of renewed logging prior to a vote on any motion.
It soon became clear that Findlay’s motion was doomed without Hogg’s support.
Council endorsed — without opposition — the staff recommendation that council:
— Reaffirms its commitment to the co-management framework and plan development in partnership with Quw’utsun Nation.
— Directs staff to complete the co-management framework and plan in partnership with Quw’utsun Nation prior to reconsidering forest harvesting as a strategic priority.
— Directs staff to notify Quw’utsun Nation of Council’s decision.
It's not certain what the co-management agreement might ultimately look like. But an extensive public consultation has shown clear support for conservation management of the forest reserve.
Councillor Christopher Justice said the bid to renew logging had been a “complete waste of the community’s, council’s and staff’s valuable time, not to mention taxpayers’ money.”
A staff report estimated a price tag of $500,000 to create a five-year, forest-management plan, including the hiring of a forester or consultant as well as public and Indigenous engagements.
The report: https://pub-northcowichan.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=21438
Councillor Chris Istace said he could not support any motion that went against a memorandum of understanding signed between North Cowichan and Quw’utsun Nation in 2021.
“It’s the message, we gave our word,” Istace said. “Stick to the staff recommendation.”
Read the MOU: https://www.northcowichan.ca/sites/default/files/2023-12/2021-08-17%20MOU%20MNC%20and%20CNA%20on%20MFR%20SIGNED%20VERSION.pdf
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