Duncan City Council had a lengthy discussion on an amalgamation with North Cowichan, after the Citizens Assembly’s report was in favour of the municipalities joining.
At the Committee of a Whole meeting, Mayor Phil Kent says council voted to support the recommendation to hold an Amalgamation referendum at the time of the 2018 municipal elections or at some point before those elections. Kent says it’s a tough timeline to work with.
Kent says it’s important people understand exactly what they are voting for in the referendum and the impacts of that. The resolution has been forward to North Cowichan for consideration.
Council discussed hosting a separate referendum before the election, so when that time comes, they could possibly elect just one council for the newly-joined municipality, if the referendum passes.
The motion still has to go before council, but if passed and in agreement with North Cowichan, the City of Duncan will appoint two members to a working group with North Cowichan to discuss these ideas in more detail.
