North Cowichan imposes 8.4% tax hike as $360 million infrastructure bill looms

The Municipality of North Cowichan announced an 8.42 percent increase in property taxes for 2026 to fund a $360 million infrastructure program. Officials cite a growing debt burden and the recent closure of the Crofton mill as key drivers of the fiscal shortfall.

Community members and local commentators warn that building new “elite” neighbourhoods will not solve the underlying maintenance deficit, urging the council to focus on attracting businesses to broaden the tax base instead of expanding housing developments.