File photo.
The preliminary results in Saturday’s referendum on amalgamation in Duncan and North Cowichan suggest they will continue to operate as separate municipalities.
A majority of voters in North Cowichan voted in favour of the initiative, with 3051 voting yes and 2140 saying no.
Voters in Duncan were just as clear in their opposition, with 835 voting no and 395 saying yes to the question “Do you support The Corporation of the City of Duncan and The Corporation of the District of North Cowichan amalgamating into a new municipality?”
Under Provincial legislation, 50% of the votes in both municipalities need to favour amalgamation for it to proceed.
“Unless the final results change the outcome of the referendum, Duncan and North Cowichan will continue to operate as separate municipalities,” reads a press release from the municipality of North Cowichan and the City of Duncan.
Ben O'Hara
