Cowichan Tribes poised to purchase former RCMP station property
North Cowichan is planning to sell the former RCMP station property to Cowichan Tribes for $1.2 million.
A staff report coming to council on Wednesday says the 1.15-hectare property at 6060 Canada Avenue houses the one-storey former RCMP station, constructed in 1980. The RCMP moved into its new headquarters on Ford Road in 2024.
Chief Administrative Officer Ted Swabey said in a statement Monday to sixmountains.ca that an independent appraiser hired by North Cowichan valued the land and building at $1.4 million.
Cowichan Tribes "conducted due diligence on the property and during their inspection found that the roof needs to be replaced immediately and that many of the existing heat pumps were at the end of life," Swabey said.
As such, the price was adjusted to $1.2 million.
"Cowichan Tribes intend to use the property for administrative purposes, including their Emergency Services and Public Works functions," Swabey said.
The staff report notes 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.”
Staff presented council with an offer from Cowichan Tribes to buy the property at an in-camera council meeting on July 17.
Under terms of the transfer, North Cowichan would be responsible for paying the $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.
The Municipality placed a “notice of property disposition” advertisement last Wednesday in The Citizen.
Council and Cowichan Tribes held a private meeting Friday at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds. (Photo included).
Have a comment or request for council? Write council@northcowichan.ca.
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