Save Quamichan Creek, Endangered Great Blue Herons Nests, and Sacred Lands

We are calling on the Municipality of North Cowichan and provincial decision-makers to protect Quamichan Creek and the surrounding watershed from a proposed rezoning that would allow high-density development in one of the area’s most sensitive ecological corridors. Quamichan Creek runs directly through this Property, and is the outflow for Quamichan Lake. The developer wants to bulldoze this quiet, rural property and build high density housing (condos and townhomes)  

A 3.5 acre property which has a delicate riparian zone running through it, is currently zoned R1 (single-family residential) is being considered for rezoning to R3 (multi family units) and most concerningly R6 (townhouses/condos) which could allow multi-family housing such as townhouses, condos, and apartment-style buildings. This represents a dramatic increase in land-use intensity in a fragile area that supports wildlife, wetlands, and important natural systems connected directly to Quamichan Lake and the Somenos Marsh. 

Approving a development of this magnitude on such a small parcel of land is deeply concerning given the ecological sensitivity of the site. Increased density would mean significant tree removal, loss of habitat, more pavement and roofs, increased stormwater runoff, noise, lighting, and human activity — all of which place additional stress on an already vulnerable creek and watershed.

This is not an appropriate location for high-intensity development. 

Why this matters:

🟢 Critical Wildlife Habitat

This property and its surrounding trees provide habitat for numerous species, including great blue herons, which have been observed nesting on the property itself. Great blue herons are a species of special concern in British Columbia and depend on quiet, undisturbed nesting areas near wetlands and waterways. Disturbance, tree removal, noise, lighting, and increased human activity could permanently displace these birds and other wildlife including owls, eagles, wood ducks, and songbirds. 

💧 A Sensitive Waterway

Quamichan Creek flows directly through this area and serves as an outflow for Quamichan Lake before continuing downstream into the Cowichan River — one of the region’s most important wetland ecosystems. Quamichan Creek mingles with Somenos Creek before reaching the Cowichan River, and traverses through many wetlands, marshes, and other ecologically fragile areas. Such an increased density (one home to 56 multi-family units!) would bring more impermeable surfaces, stormwater runoff, pollution, and erosion risks, threatening water quality, fish habitat, and flood resilience for the entire watershed.

Quamichan Lake has long struggled with eutrophication (too many nutrients → algae blooms).

The creek helps by:

Carrying excess nutrients downstream
Moving sediment out
Preventing the lake from becoming stagnant
If the outflow is damaged or restricted, nutrients can build up faster — worsening algae problems.

🌿 Rare Ecosystems at Risk

The site contains Garry oak habitat and camas meadows, ecosystems that are among the most endangered in Canada. These landscapes support unique plant communities, pollinators, and wildlife found almost nowhere else. Once destroyed, they cannot be replaced.

🪶 Potential Cultural Significance

Areas along Quamichan Creek have long histories of Indigenous use and settlement. Disturbing land without careful archaeological and cultural assessment risks damaging irreplaceable heritage.

🏡 Community Impacts

This proposal would transform a low-impact residential area into an urban-style development, bringing increased traffic, noise, light pollution, and strain on infrastructure — while removing green space that currently protects both people and wildlife.

This property lies outside North Cowichan’s Urban Containment Boundary, where the Official Community Plan clearly intends to limit urban-style growth and protect environmentally sensitive lands. Approving high-density rezoning at this location would contradict the municipality’s own long-term planning framework and place the Quamichan Lake watershed at further risk.

The OCP is the municipality’s long-term vision document.

The UCB is usually one of its core tools.

So if land outside the UCB is proposed for urban-style rezoning, the argument is:

👉 It conflicts with the OCP
👉 It undermines growth management policy
👉 It may require an OCP amendment

And OCP amendments are supposed to be rare and justified by strong public interest — not just a single development proposal.

I urge the Cowichan Council to uphold the OCP, respect the Urban Containment Boundary, and protect Quamichan Creek for future generations.

We urge decision-makers to:

Protect Quamichan Creek and its riparian buffers
Preserve wildlife habitat, especially nesting areas
Safeguard Garry oak and camas ecosystems
Require independent environmental and archaeological assessments
Reject rezoning that would cause irreversible ecological damage
 

Please join us in protecting these precious lands by signing this petition. Together, we can make a stand against reckless development and ensure these vital ecosystems remain undisturbed for generations to come. Your signature can make a difference in this fight to protect our Garry Oak meadows, Blue Herons, and watersheds! Sign now and help us preserve the Cowichan Valley's natural beauty for future generations.

Check the website here for more information

Read The story of Q’ise’q and Quamichan Creek

The-story-of-qiseq-and-quamichan-creek

This is a story, a sxweim, a tall tale with magic and power beyond any mortal person.

By Jared Qwustenuxun Williams