Bylaw Services

The contents of these online bylaws are for information and reference purposes only, and are not to be relied on as the complete or official versions of Cowichan Tribes bylaws. For more information can be found on www.cowichantribes.com/laws or by contacting our enforcement services.

Needles are used by a wide range of community members, including people with diabetes or other medical conditions, pet owners and people who use illicit substances. 

If a discarded needle is found in a public place, contact Warmland at 250.715.1132 and if you have more questions contact our Enforcement Services at enforcement@cowichantribes.com or 236.800.4023.

Resources and Links:

Lands administers and enforces bylaws relating to animal control. Questions? Contact your Bylaw Officer.

Dog Tags / License

Your dog licenses are available at the Lands and Governance Department.

Emergency Contact Information

Bylaw Officer, Cowichan Tribes: 250.748.3196

SPCA Operating Hours: 250.746.4646 

After hours: call your local police or RCMP

Animal Cruelty Hotline: 1.855.622.7722

Burning Season
Open burning is only permitted from March 15 to April 15, and from October 15 to November 15

Venting Index
If you have to burn, only burn when the venting index is Good. Not when it is Fair or Poor.

Reporting an Illegal Burn
All fire safety concerns or emergencies should be reported to a local fire department or by calling 911 Emergency Services.

Water is our most important resource, and ensuring that it is conserved and protected is a responsibility of every member of the community.

Water conservation tips

• Make simple changes to your use of water around your home
• Turn off the water tap when you can e.g., while washing your hands or brushing your teeth
• Repair leaky toilets and faucets. Even a minor leak can waste 66-litres a day!
• Install water-saving shower heads and aerators on bathroom taps and faucets
• Always use full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher

Here are a few tips on how you can keep people from trespassing on your property, including security devices that’ll help you out. By following these four steps, you will be on your way to having the best security system to prevent trespassing on your property.

Put Up Signs

Placing "No Trespassing" or "Private Property" signs around is an easy way to prevent people from entering your property.

Install Security Cameras

Security cameras can be the most effective tool to deter potential trespassers along with "surveillance warning sign" and "no trespassing sign".  

Create Borders

Using a traditional fence, plants or trees as borders. You are encouraged to to contact lands and/or housing if you have any questions or need further clarification. 

Know your Neighbours

Establishing a strong sense of community may deter trespassers and prevent any undwated activities from occuring.

Fish waste may include, but is not limited to, particles of flesh, skin, bones, entrails or shells. 

Where to dispose fish waste:

• Bings Creek or Peerless Road (check resoources or links for more information)
• The Ocean - Away from high traffic areas such as canoe and boat launch locations

The improper disposal of fish waste can cause environmental and health concerns. These concerns can be mitigated by using the proper disposal methods listed above. 

Resources and Links:

If you encounter an agressive bear or a bear in an urban area contact Conservation Officer Services at 1.877.9520.7277 or Cowichan Tribes Enforcement Services as 236.800.4023.

If you see a bear in the wild, remember each encounter is unqiue and there is no single strategy that will guarantee safety. Avoiding an encounter is the best way to protect both yourself and bears.

A few tips to keep you safe include:

• Watch for bear signs
• Hike in groups
• Monitor children and pets
• Minimize bear attractants
• Be alert and stay on market trails and campsites

Resources and Links: