MINUTES OF A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025
Minutes from the previous Committee of the Whole meeting including discussions on rezoning applications and various capital projects.
TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL
MINUTES OF A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
HELD ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025
VIEW ROYAL MUNICIPAL OFFICE – COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PRESENT WERE: Mayor Tobias Councillor Brown Councillor Kowalewich – via Microsoft Teams Councillor Lemon – via Microsoft Teams Councillor MacKenzie – via Microsoft Teams Councillor Mattson Councillor Rogers
PRESENT ALSO: S. Sommerville, Chief Administrative Officer E. Bolster, Director of Corporate Administration L. Taylor, Director of Development Services I. Leung, Director of Engineering S. Vella, Director of Finance L. Curtis, Community Planners J. Cochrane, Deputy Director of Corporate Administration 7 members of the public 0 members of the press
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Tobias called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Tobias acknowledged that this meeting is being held on the traditional territory of the Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Brown
THAT the agenda be approved as presented. CARRIED
3. MINUTES, RECEIPT & ADOPTION OF
a) Minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held September 9, 2025
MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the minutes from the Committee of the Whole meeting held September 9, 2025 be adopted as presented. CARRIED
Mayor Tobias announced he will not be seeking re-election in 2026 and encouraged others to step forward and engage in public service.
4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD
5. PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS
a) D. Foord, President, Invictus Commercial Investment Corporation, Re: Potential Rezoning Application - 346 Island Highway
The Committee and D. Foord discussed the proposed development at 346 Island Highway including the size of the residential units, the access and egress to the development, and potential uses for the commercial space.
6. REPORTS
6.1 STAFF REPORTS
a) Development Variance Permit 2025-03 - 1449 (1301-1305) Burnside Road W
- Report dated September 25, 2025 from the Community Planner
The Community Planner provided the Committee with a summary of the report.
The Committee and staff discussed the size, location, and design of the signs, and guidelines for temporary banners.
MOVED BY: Mayor Tobias SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
COW-30-25 THAT the Committee recommend that Council, after giving notice, consider the following motion:
THAT Council authorize the issuance of Development Variance Permit (DVP) No. 2025-03 for 1449 (1301-1305) Burnside Road W in accordance with plans submitted to the Development Services Department on August 29, 2025, subject to the development meeting all of the Town’s Sign Bylaw regulations, except for the following variances:
i. Variance to Section 6.2.b) to increase the maximum number of freestanding signs within the Attached Residential Sign District from 0 to 3 in association with the apartment residential use of the property; ii. Variance to Section 6.2 to increase the maximum sign area from 0.3m² to 1.7m² for Sign 3 within the Attached Residential Sign District; iii. Variance to Section 6.7.a) to permit unilluminated wall signs within the Attached Residential Sign District with a maximum area of 0.21 m² in association with the apartment residential use of the property for Sign 4C; and iv. Variance to Section 6.7.a) to permit unilluminated wall signs within the Attached Residential Sign District with a maximum area of 0.88m² in association with the apartment residential use of the property for Sign 4D. CARRIED
b) Review of 2026 Capital and Non-Core Projects Summaries
- Report dated October 8, 2025 from the Director of Finance
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
COW-31-25 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that Capital Projects N-064 (Helmcken Centennial Park Master Plan) be tabled to the 2026 budget deliberations. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Mattson
COW-32-25 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that Capital Project N-087 (Little Road Park Plan) be tabled to the 2026 budget deliberations. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Mattson
COW-33-25 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that Capital Project C-017 (View Royal Ave Drainage (Beaumont to Stewart and Beaumont to Plowright)) be tabled to the 2026 budget deliberations. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Brown
COW-34-25 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that Capital Project C-129 (North Burnside Drainage Improvements) be tabled to the 2026 budget deliberations. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
COW-35-25 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that Capital Project C-032 (Playground Replacement Program) be amended to defer Chalmers Park to 2027. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Mayor Tobias
COW-36-25 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that Capital Project C-035 (View Royal Park Development) be tabled to the 2026 budget deliberations. CARRIED
c) Departmental Update
- Report dated October 1, 2025 from the Chief Administrative Officer
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Brown
THAT the report dated October 1, 2025 from the Chief Administrative Officer titled “Departmental Update” be received for information. CARRIED
d) Building Department Reports for September 2025
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Mattson
THAT the Building Department Reports for September 2025 be received for information. CARRIED
6.2 PORTFOLIO REPORTS:
6.2.1 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION – Mayor Tobias
Mayor Tobias reported on the ongoing RCMP West Shore Detachment Building Expansion project meetings, the upcoming review of RCMP governance model, and his upcoming involvement in the selection of a new Superintendent for the West Shore RCMP Detachment.
6.2.2 PROTECTIVE SERVICES & YOUTH – Councillor Brown
Councillor Brown discussed bringing forward proposed amendments to the Animal Control Bylaw, specifically regarding dangerous dogs to align with neighbouring municipalities.
6.2.3 ENGAGEMENT – Councillor Kowalewich
6.2.4 ARTS & LIBRARY – Councillor Lemon
Councillor Lemon gave an overview of UBCM sessions she attended concerning regional libraries and recent changes to the types of library services being required, specifically security needs and social supports. She also discussed the upcoming 2025 West Shore Arts Gala.
6.2.5 ENVIRONMENT, PARKS & RECREATION – Councillor MacKenzie
Councillor MacKenzie encouraged Council to submit their feedback for the draft West Shore Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan and also discussed funding options for Youth Night at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, and options for youth transportation to and from local recreation centres.
6.2.6 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT – Councillor Mattson
Councillor Mattson expressed appreciation for developers having preliminary discussions with Council to gather early feedback prior to submitting an application.
6.2.7 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION – Councillor Rogers
Councillor Rogers discussed the upcoming survey for the Transportation Master Plan, the new sidewalk at Watkiss Way and Erskine Lane, residents of Price Road making a left turn onto Island Highway, and illegal dumping at Knollwood Road and Kislingbury Road.
7. NEW BUSINESS
a) Bill 25-2025 - Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 - Mayor Tobias
- Bill 25-2025 - Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2025
- Letter dated October 9, 2025 from Hon. C. Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Re: New Legislation to Improve the Implementation of Small- Scale Multi-Unit Housing
The Committee discussed the new bill, the lack of public consultation, the requirement of on-street parking, and consideration of non-compliance.
MOVED BY: Mayor Tobias SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the meeting be extended until 9:05 p.m. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Brown
COW-37-25 THAT the Mayor write to the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs to inform that the Town of View Royal will not comply with Bill 25-2025 - Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 due to safety concerns;
AND THAT the letter also include an invitation to the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs for a personal tour of View Royal. CARRIED
8. QUESTION PERIOD
9. ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED: Councillor Mattson
THAT this meeting terminate. Time: 9:02 p.m. CARRIED
MAYOR
CORPORATE OFFICER
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