North Cowichan council is considering how the area around Vancouver Island University’s campus could be transformed into an attractive town centre and economic hub. At a recent council meeting, two councillors made a successful motion to have staff complete a report by the end of March 2026 to address issues within University Village. The report will include a proposed process for building on and expanding the University Village local area plan. Councillor Christopher Justice noted that “despite its central location, the area remains underdeveloped, fragmented, and in places derelict and the focus of street disorder,” and highlighted the importance of addressing these issues. Council voted unanimously for the motion, but several expressed concern about the timing of the report.
