Nearly 400 new housing units added in North Cowichan over past year

Nearly 400 new housing units added in North Cowichan over past year

Published 11:28 am Tuesday, October 6, 2026

North Cowichan has exceeded its second-year provincial housing target, with nearly 400 net new housing units added over the past year.

According to the municipality, 399 net new units were added between Aug. 1 2025 and July 31, 2026, bringing the total number of new units delivered since the provincial target was introduced to 540.

That puts North Cowichan at 44 per cent of its five year target of 1,233 new housing units.

Of the units added so far, 68 per cent have two or more bedrooms and 60 per cent are dedicated rental units.

The Province of B.C. issued North Cowichan a Housing Target Order in 2024, requiring the municipality to facilitate the construction of 1,233 net new housing units over five years.

“Meeting our housing target reflects the collective effort of builders, developers, staff, council and community partners who are helping deliver the housing our community needs,” said Amanda Young, North Cowichan’s director of planning, building and environmental services. “Housing remains one of council’s key priorities and we will continue to support and expedite housing options that meet the needs of current and future residents.”

North Cowichan says it has taken a number of steps in recent years to encourage housing development, including updating planning policies, advancing initiatives identified through housing needs assessments and streamlining development approval processes.

The municipality has also worked to support a broader range of housing options throughout North Cowichan.

Under B.C.’s Housing Supply Act, municipalities that have been issued housing targets are required to report annually on their progress towards meeting provincially established targets.