Lake Cowichan council has rejected a zoning amendment that would have allowed a home-based medical clinic to open in town — a decision that has left some residents frustrated as the community continues to grapple with a shortage of family doctors.

At its Aug. 19 meeting, council voted down Bylaw No. 1121-2025, which sought to amend the zoning for 134 Cowichan Lake Rd. to permit a medical office as a home-based business.

The proposal includes a waiting room, three treatment rooms and an accessible suite intended to house visiting clinicians.

Town staff recommended moving the bylaw forward, noting that the plan met floor-area and parking requirements. However, staff also flagged concerns that the scale of the clinic exceeded what was intended under zoning rules for home-based businesses,

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