North Cowichan approves sale of former RCMP station property to Cowichan Tribes
North Cowichan council voted 4-2 on Wednesday to sell the 1.15-hectare, former RCMP station property on Canada Avenue to Cowichan Tribes for $1.2 million.
Mayor Rob Douglas and councillors Christopher Justice, Mike Caljouw and Chris Istace supported the sale, saying it would be good for the municipality and for Tribes.
Caljouw said he considered the sale a “significant milestone” in reconciliation with First Nations, adding the price was determined through an impartial, transparent and ethical process.
Councillors Tek Manhas and Bruce Findlay voted against, saying that as a matter of policy the disposition of municipal lands should be open to everyone.
“All public properties should be put on the open market,” Manhas said.
(The seventh seat on council is vacant as a result of Debra Toporowski’s election as MLA for Cowichan Valley last October. A byelection will be held April 12, with advance voting April 2 and April 8, at an estimated cost of $121,000.)
The municipality hired an independent appraiser who pegged the value of the former RCMP station land and building at $1.4 million. The RCMP moved into its new headquarters on Ford Road in 2024.
A Cowichan Tribes inspection of the building found that the roof needed replacing immediately and that several heat pumps were at the end of their life.
As such, the price was adjusted to $1.2 million.
Cowichan Tribes intends to use the property for administrative purposes, including emergency services and public works, said North Cowichan Chief Administrative Officer Ted Swabey.
A staff report noted that the sale includes a "covenant being registered on title to protect Bings Creek from future development while permitting North Cowichan to conduct restoration and maintenance work as required.
“In addition, North Cowichan secured the front 2.6 meters from the parcel to support the Canada Avenue active transportation project planned for 2025 and 2026.”
Under terms of the sale, North Cowichan is responsible for paying a $10,500 commission to the Cowichan Tribes realtor, resulting in a net transfer of $1,189,500 — money that will be placed in the Land Sales Reserve.
Read more about the forthcoming byelection: https://www.sixmountains.ca/article/8905f563-a635-4d40-a0d2-c03223e81128
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