Duncan launches boundary study as North Cowichan raises concerns over process

The City of Duncan has launched an independent technical study examining potential realignment of its municipal boundary with the Municipality of North Cowichan.

The Boundary Realignment Technical Study will assess possible impacts on services, governance and finances. The city says no boundary changes are being proposed as part of the process.

Mayor Michelle Staples said in a statement the study responds to long-standing public interest.

“The boundary was drawn in 1912, and it no longer reflects the reality of how people live,” Staples said. “Many people living just outside our boundary already think of themselves as being from Duncan.”

The city says the study follows previous public discussion on governance options, including consideration of alternatives to amalgamation. It notes amalgamation has previously been rejected by voters.

Chief Administrative Officer Peter de Verteuil said in a statement the work is intended to be technical and non-prescriptive.

“The study will be transparent, impartial, and includes mutual benefit for both municipalities as a guiding principle,” de Verteuil said. “No changes to boundaries will occur from this study, as there is no plan to hold a referendum at the end of the process.”

The city says the study will examine illustrative scenarios for discussion purposes only. A citizen advisory panel will be formed, and public engagement will follow once the report is completed. The study is expected to be completed in August 2026.

Duncan says it proposed a joint study with North Cowichan in January, but North Cowichan declined.

North Cowichan says it is concerned about Duncan’s decision to proceed.

Mayor Rob Douglas said in a statement that boundary discussions of this scale require collaboration.

“This is a significant step that affects our residents, our economic vibrancy, and our long-term planning,” Douglas said. “We expect early and meaningful collaboration between neighbouring governments on issues of this scale.”

North Cowichan says it previously declined Duncan’s proposal for a shared study, citing timing, cost and staff capacity.

The municipality says provincial policy requires boundary change processes to include consultation with First Nations, affected communities and approval from electors and the province.

North Cowichan notes Duncan separated from the municipality in 1912 and says governance in the region has been reviewed in the past, including a 2018 amalgamation referendum that was rejected by Duncan voters.

North Cowichan says it has contacted the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to raise concerns about Duncan’s approach.

Duncan says the study is intended to provide information to support future public discussion. North Cowichan says it remains committed to regional co-operation.

The Boundary Realignment Technical Study is expected to be completed in August 2026, after which findings will be made public.