The regular meetings of Council are generally held on the fourth Tuesdays of the month except on holidays or on days as approved by Council .

The citizens of the Town of Lake Cowichan elect its Mayor and four Councillors every three years.

Powers and Duties of the Mayor:

The mayor is the head and chief executive officer of the municipality. The mayor has the following responsibilities in addition to his/her powers and duties as a member of council:

* sees that the laws for the improvement and good government of the municipality are carried out;

* communicates to the council information and recommends such bylaws, resolutions and measures which, in his/her opinion, may ensure the peace, order and good government of the municipality in relation to the powers conferred on the council by legislation;

* establishes standing committees for matters he/she considers would be better regulated and managed by means of such committees, and appoints members of council to such committees; but the proceedings of a committee are subject to the approval of council, except for delegated executive or administrative proceedings; and

* directs the conduct of municipal officers and employees and directs the management of municipal business and affairs.

Council Powers:

The Town Council is the governing body of the municipal corporation and the custodian of its powers, both legislative and administrative. It is a continuing body; not withstanding changes in membership by election or appointment. Council develops policies, adopts bylaws or resolutions based on these policies and then ensures that they are executed by its administrative staff.

The Community Charter provides that councils can only exercise the powers of the municipal corporation either by bylaw or resolution passed at regular or special meeting when a quorum is present.

It is important to note that individual members of council cannot make a valid and binding decision behalf of council, even though they may be aware that there is unanimous agreement. They must give a collective judgement as a group at a properly convened meeting. Councils may not grant special privileges or immunities to individuals or corporations unless the Community Charter specifically allows them to do so. They cannot lend money to corporations, give away land or guarantee loans for business purposes. Some types of tax exemptions are allowed under the Partners in Enterprise program.