Council Update – December 2, 2024

The City of Duncan Council Update is a snapshot of items considered at meetings of Council. These are not the official minutes. Meeting agendas, minutes, and videos can be accessed through the City’s Council Meeting Portal.

The December 2, 2024 Council meeting was dedicated to the annual Community Appreciation Night to recognize the valuable contributions of City volunteers, long-serving Fire Department members, and to announce the recipients of the 2024 City Awards.

Committee Recognition

• Mayor Staples introduced the work of the Official Community Plan Advisory Committee and thanked Committee members for guiding the development of the City’s Official Community Plan. This committee concluded in March 2024 upon adoption of the current OCP.
• Councillor Bruce thanked the Advisory Design Panel, noting the Panel provides valuable input on the design of development proposals submitted to the City.
• Councillor Newington thanked members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, highlighting some of the City’s recent achievements from the Duncan Accessibility Plan on which the Committee provided input.
• Councillor Capps introduced the work of the Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee, thanking its members for their contributions towards protecting our environment and making our community a healthier, cleaner, safer place for current and future generations.
• Councillor Duncan thanked members of the Tourism Advisory Committee and recognized the committee’s work over many years to encourage visitors to our community towards developing Duncan as the vibrant and welcoming tourism heart of Cowichan.

Fire Department Long-Service Recognition

• Councillor McKinlay thanked members of the City of Duncan Fire Department for their dedication, and recognized the following members for their long service to the City of Duncan:
  • Chris Irving (more than 20 years of service)
  • Wes Elvins (more than 20 years of service)
  • Gord Wikkerink (more than 15 years of service)
  • Kyle Woodley (more than 15 years of service)
  • Arthur McKinlay (more than 10 years of service)

2024 City of Duncan Awards

• Councillor Middlemiss presented the 2024 City of Duncan Arts Award to Alison Irwin. Alison has been involved in the local Arts community for most of her adult life. While her interests are varied, running from technical graphic arts to photography, her biggest passion is weaving. She is a frequent contributor to local art shows, displaying a unique perspective on what can be done with weaving as an art form. She is a teacher, a promoter, and contributor whose art and commitment adds depth to the local Arts community.
• To conclude the ceremony, Mayor Staples presented the 2024 Special Recognition Award to the Cowichan Intercultural Society’s Nanum’lyus’tth’ele’ Committee for nurturing cultural understanding, enhancing the artistic vibrancy of the City through the installation of murals, and furthering conversations about reconciliation. Members include Albie Charlie, Laureen Charlie, Gill Polard, Merle Seymour, Lucy Thomas, Amanda Vance, and Philomena Williams. Mayor Staples and Councillor Newington are liaisons to this Committee.

 The final Regular Council meeting of 2024 will be held on December 16.

The 2025 Council Meeting calendar can be viewed here.