North Cowichan grants West Coast Pre Fab three-month compliance extension

The North Cowichan municipal council has unanimously agreed to grant West Coast Pre Fab, a manufacturing company based in Chemainus, a three-month reprieve to bring its River Road property into compliance with local bylaws.

The decision follows an appeal from the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Chantal Clarke, who requested additional time to finalize outstanding permitting, environmental, and engineering requirements. Clarke stated that the company is not disputing the necessity of achieving compliance.

Issues at the site date back to March 2024, involving complaints regarding tree removal and soil deposition near Askew Creek. A subsequent site visit by municipal staff identified nine unpermitted structures and several zoning violations, including unauthorized industrial activity, work near a watercourse, and the use of recreational vehicles as permanent dwellings. To date, the municipality has issued 157 bylaw offence notices totaling $17,600. While some permit applications remain incomplete, the company reports progress in environmental assessments and engineering work.