DEPARTMENTAL UPDATE (Staff Report)
A comprehensive monthly update from the Chief Administrative Officer covering significant events and happenings across all Town departments.
TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE REPORT
TO: Committee of the Whole FROM: S. Sommerville, CAO DATE: October 29, 2025 MEETING DATE: November 12, 2025
DEPARTMENTAL UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the report dated October 29, 2025 from the Chief Administrative Officer titled “Departmental Update” be received for information.
PURPOSE OF REPORT:
To provide Council with information from each department regarding material events and happenings at Town Hall.
BACKGROUND:
A report for the Committee of the Whole meeting to apprise Council of the highlights of significant activities of the Town.
INFORMATION:
Office of the CAO:
After an extensive search and review of 149 applicants, the Office of the CAO is pleased to announce the hiring of Human Resources Coordinator/Executive Assistant, Acacia Hooker, who will start with us on November 17. Following the promotion of the Executive Assistant to Deputy Director of Corporate Administration, the replacement role was renamed to recognize the increasing need for human resources support.
The CAO attended an orientation meeting with Destination Greater Victoria, followed up with a tour of potential hotel sites with the consultant producing a hotel development prospectus.
The CAO participated in a tour of the new CREST (Capital Region Emergency Service Telecommunications) building as part of the Local Area Administrator’s luncheon. The building and monopole for telecommunications is on City Gate Boulevard near the Costco in Langford, and is constructed to remain operational after a major earthquake.
The CAO continues to represent the Owner’s Group (Langford, Colwood, and View Royal) throughout the validation period and design of the West Shore Detachment.
Corporate Administration:
The Deputy Director of Corporate Administration attended the Corporate Officers Forum, an event bringing together local government professionals from across the province to share best practices, explore legislative updates, and discuss the realities of local government operations.
The Town hosted its annual Halloween Spooktacular Decorating Contest, inviting residents and businesses to showcase their Halloween spirit through creative and festive displays. The contest featured both People’s Choice and Council’s Choice categories, each winner will receive a $50 gift card and year-long bragging rights. Nominations were open from October 10 to 23, followed by a self-guided tour map for residents to explore the decorated addresses. A winner will be announced once voting concludes on November 2. The contest continues to grow in popularity each year, fostering community pride and seasonal fun across View Royal.
On October 17, 2025, the Town launched a year-long campaign to encourage greater civic participation in the next municipal election. The initiative aims to support residents considering running for Council and promote the importance of voting in local elections. Over the next twelve months, the Town’s website and social media channels will highlight what it means to serve on Council, the impact of local decision-making, and the importance of diverse representation around the Council table.
The Archives are planning outreach sessions and learning opportunities for individuals unable to visit during regular working hours. The Archivist attended the three-day virtual conference Archival Innovations: Archives in the 21st Century, hosted by the Yukon Council of Archives and the Archives Association of BC, of which View Royal is a member.
Preparations are underway for the RIM365 Project kickoff on November 3, 2025. The Records Coordinator/Archivist participated in a presentation to Camosun College School of Business students, providing insights into careers in records and information management and municipal government.
In late October, front counter and telephone inquiries increased due to sewer utility invoice questions and payments. Business licence and secondary suite renewal notices will be mailed soon and are expected to keep the front counter active through the end of the year.
Finance:
Finance staff prepared a report and information package for Council to consider applications for permissive tax exemptions for three eligible properties for which tax exemptions were expiring.
Council adopted a bylaw to extend tax exemptions for these properties, after the public notification process was completed. BC Assessment is in receipt of the tax exemption bylaw, which will affect assessments for the years 2026 to 2035 (inclusive).
Sewer utility invoices were sent to residents in late October with payment due December 8, 2025. A total of 498 customers (20.0%) received their bill electronically (2024 – 18.1%).
Finance staff continue to work with each department toward the 2026-2030 Financial Plan, in advance of the February 2026 budget workshops. Concurrently, staff are also preparing for the interim audit by MNP LLP scheduled for the last week of November.
Information Technology
Information Technology successfully completed workstation upgrades to Windows 11. The October deadline was part of our broader strategy to enhance security and performance for all users. The Information and Technology Manager has also been brought in as a Cybersecurity and Administrative resource for the SharePoint Records Information Management (RIM365) project.
Development Services:
In October, the Development Services team responded to a consistent number of zoning, land use, building, and business license inquiries, and also reviewed and processed development applications. Development Services (Planning and Building) received nine new applications, which are summarized in the following table:
| Application Type | Number of Applications |
|---|---|
| Rezoning | 0 |
| Development Permit | 0 |
| Development Variance Permit | 1 |
| Temporary Use Permit | 0 |
| Subdivision | 0 |
| Sign Permit | 2 |
| Board of Variance | 0 |
| Building Permit | 3 |
| Plumbing Permit | 0 |
| Business License | 3 |
The monthly Housing and Building Reports are attached to this report (refer to Attachments 1 and 2).
Staff launched the next phase of Official Community Plan (OCP) engagement on the Western Gateway Corridor, the area along Island Highway between the Colwood border and the Atkins Interchange. The purpose of the engagement was to explore future land use options for this area, including opportunities for new housing, businesses, services, and employment spaces that support a complete, connected, and sustainable community. An in-person open house and workshop were held on Saturday, October 18 at West Shore Parks and Recreation, and a second in-person open house was held on Wednesday, October 22 at Town Hall. Fifty-three (53) View Royal residents attended the open houses, and nine people participated in the workshop. In addition, staff facilitated a focus group session with property owners and business owners along the Western Gateway Corridor. A survey on the Western Gateway Corridor was launched on October 3 and will close on November 7. Staff will bring forward a “What We Heard Report” to the December Committee of the Whole meeting.
Engineering:
Town Hall accessibility improvements are in progress, starting with the replacement of the front door and push button to ensure front access to the hall is barrier free (project C-189).
Sewer & Drain
Emergency repairs to the sewer main on Watkiss Way between Creed Road and Marler Drive have been completed under budget by approximately 10%.
Streets & Roads
The parks and boulevard irrigation systems were winterized and the backflow preventers tested.
The competitive bid process for the Boulevard Maintenance Contract is underway, as the current contract will be expiring at the end of the year. Anticipated recommendation of award will be forthcoming to Council.
An expedited replacement was carried out on the flashing crosswalk at Burnside Road West near Kami Court after being damaged by a hit and run. Streetlight and traffic signal inspections and maintenance were carried out.
The Atkins Road pedestrian improvement project is currently in the tender phase, with an anticipated award in November.
The Transportation Master Plan Online Survey has been launched and will close on November 16. Participants can fill out the survey on by visiting https://engage.viewroyal.ca/TMP and hard copies are also available at Town Hall. A What We Heard Summary Report will then be presented to Council.
Developments
Various developments are completing their site servicing as the wet fall and winter season approaches. Staff are conducting their rounds to ensure that developments are accountable for their sediment and erosion control measures.
Parks
On Saturday, October 25, 2025, Greater Victoria Green Team (GVGT) hosted thirty-three community members at the Watkiss Way Park for the removal of invasive plants. Sixteen cubic metres of invasive Himalayan blackberry, Evergreen Blackberry, Scotch Broom and Daphne were removed, and 150 m² of the park was revitalized.
Protective Services:
Career and paid on-call staff have spent the past six months completing training in First Responder Health, Firefighter Occupational Health, and Awareness Online Training. Members are now nearing completion of their certification requirements.
In addition, members participated in a Forcible Entry training session hosted by View Royal Fire Department and presented by Northern Hands-On Training.
The Victoria Police Department and RCMP Emergency Response Teams utilized the department’s training area for specialized exercises during this reporting month.
Fire Prevention inspections currently have a 90% completion rate. The remaining 10% were delayed due to staff Injuries and scheduled leave. All new pre-incident plans have been completed and shared with West Shore departments.
The Bylaw Department had two major encampment cleanups in October, resulting in the removal of three dump truck loads of material. Staff continue to engage with individuals experiencing homelessness, focusing on safety, compliance, and support.
There has been an increase in parking tickets this month, as well as a rise in uninsured vehicles identified. Bylaw staff have been working closely with the RCMP to address and remove these vehicles from the road.
Administrative work continues on the implementation of Vector Solutions, a new database platform designed for staffing and asset management. The department is also progressing on bylaw updates and operational guideline revisions.
The Director attended the recent E-COMM meeting for CAO’s, where it was reported that there will be a 9-15% increase in costs associated with police access and dispatch services through E-COMM.
Budget preparations are ongoing, with continued focus on identifying efficiencies and reallocating funds to meet staff priorities.
A new replacement fire engine was received in October from Safetek in Abbotsford. This truck replaces an aged first-due engine and is expected to be placed in service by November.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the report dated October 29, 2025 from the Chief Administrative Officer titled “Departmental Update” be received for information.
SUBMITTED BY:
S. Sommerville, Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENTS
- Housing Report for October 2025
- Building Report for October 2025
Document Images
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