MINUTES OF A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2023
Official records of the previous Committee of the Whole meeting including discussions on West Shore RCMP updates, animal control, and the Stormont Road traffic calming project.
TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL MINUTES OF A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
HELD ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2023 VIEW ROYAL MUNICIPAL OFFICE – COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PRESENT WERE: Mayor Tobias Councillor Brown Councillor Kowalewich Councillor Lemon Councillor MacKenzie Councillor Mattson Councillor Rogers
PRESENT ALSO: I. Leung, Director of Engineering L. Taylor, Director of Development Services S. Vella, Manager of Accounting Supt. Preston, West Shore RCMP E. Bolster, Deputy Corporate Officer 7 members of the public 0 members of the press
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Tobias called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.
The Mayor 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 Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Lemon
THAT the agenda be approved as presented. CARRIED
3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS, ADOPTION OF
a) Minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held November 14, 2023
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor MacKenzie
THAT the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held November 14, 2023 be adopted. CARRIED
4. PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS
5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD
6. BUSINESS ITEMS
6.1 PROTECTIVE SERVICES – Councillor Brown, Chair
6.1.1 Chair’s Report The Chair noted that the holidays can be a challenging time for some and encourages those experiencing mental health issues to call in to help lines.
6.1.2 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
6.1.3 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
a) West Shore RCMP Update Supt. Preston discussed statistics, calls for service, and open files in View Royal.
The Committee and Supt. Preston discussed calls for service, prolific offenders, shoplifting and vandalism, gang activity, homeless encampments, mental health resources, and West Shore RCMP Mental Health Unit.
b) Capital Regional District Animal Control Update
- Verbal report from M. Groulx, Capital Regional District Chief Bylaw Officer, and C. Henderson, Capital Regional District, Administrative Officer.
Mr. Groulx and Ms. Henderson discussed calls for service and outreach programs.
The Committee and Mr. Groulx discussed investigations into calls for service, outreach programs, and dog attacks.
c) Building Department Report for November 2023 The Committee and staff discussed building permit fees.
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Mattson
THAT the Building Department Report for November 2023 be received. CARRIED
6.1.4 New Business
6.2 ARTS & CULTURE – Councillor Lemon, Chair
6.2.1 Chair’s Report The Chair noted the Greater Victoria Public Library 2024 budget; Juan de Fuca Performing Arts Society Intermunicipal Committee discussions regarding potential venues for a West Shore performing arts centre, including the West Shore Parks and Recreation Centre site; View Royal Reading Centre closure on December 22, 2023 and acknowledgement of volunteers; the Light Up View Royal contest; and the Polar Bear Plunge on January 1, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Portage Park.
6.2.2 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
6.2.3 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
OTHER REPORTS
6.2.4 New Business
6.3 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION – Mayor Tobias, Chair
6.3.1 Chair’s Report The Chair discussed the proposed 2024 Capital Regional District budget.
6.2.2 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
6.2.3 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
a) Budget Variance and Projects Update Report to November 30, 2023
- Report dated December 6, 2023 from the Manager of Accounting
The Committee and staff discussed government grants and transfers, the Watkiss Way/Helmcken Road intersection, St. Giles lighting improvements, and re-opening of Knollwood Park with its replacement playground equipment.
MOVED BY: Councillor MacKenzie SECONDED: Councillor Brown
THAT the report dated December 6, 2023 from the Manager of Accounting titled “Budget Variance and Projects Update Report to October 31, 2023” be received for information. CARRIED
b) Bill 44-2023 Public Meeting – What We Heard Report
- Report dated December 6, 2023 from the Acting Chief Administrative Officer/Director of Corporate Administration
The Committee and staff discussed the distribution of notices for the November 23, 2023 public meeting, the on-line survey questions, whether the Town has received formal notification to proceed, and Provincial deadlines and penalties for non-compliance with these deadlines.
The Director of Development Services described a recent on-line briefing with the Province and the December 7, 2023 publication of on-line manuals on the Provincial website. She noted additional information bulletins are anticipated in the coming months to help local governments work through these changes. The Director of Development Services noted that a workplan and associated required resourcing will be coming forward to Council in January.
The Committee discussed the potential establishment of an ad hoc committee, expected outcomes from such a committee, and whether it is a valuable use of time. The Mayor volunteered to develop a committee mandate for consideration by Council in January 2024.
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Mattson
THAT the Committee recommend to Council that the Mayor establish an ad hoc committee to engage citizens with respect to how they think Bill 44 Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act and Bill 47 Housing Statutes (Transit-Oriented Areas) Amendment Act will impact the Town. CARRIED Councillor MacKenzie opposed
c) CAO Report
- Report dated December 5, 2023 from the Acting Chief Administrative Officer
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Lemon
THAT the report dated December 5, 2023 from the Chief Administrative Officer titled “CAO Report” be received for information. CARRIED
COMMITTEE REPORTS
OTHER REPORTS
6.2.4 New Business
7. CORRESPONDENCE
8. CLOSED MEETING RESOLUTION
MOVED BY: Councillor MacKenzie SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the meeting now recess at 4:57 p.m.
EVENING BREAK
8.1 CALL TO RECONVENE
Mayor Tobias called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT WERE: Mayor Tobias Councillor Brown Councillor Kowalewich Councillor Lemon Councillor MacKenzie Councillor Mattson Councillor Rogers
PRESENT ALSO: I. Leung, Director of Engineering L. Taylor, Director of Development Services S. Vella, Manager of Accounting J. Chow, Senior Planner E. Bolster, Deputy Corporate Officer 16 members of the public 0 members of the press
8.2 PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS
a) K. Armstrong, Executive Director, Peninsula Streams Society, Re: Letter of Support – Nature Based Solutions Program Funding
Mr. Armstrong gave a presentation to the Committee regarding restoration work completed by the Peninsula Streams Society at Portage Inlet Linear Park beach and Hospital Creek marsh.
He described the Portage Inlet/View Royal Park tidal marsh creation/restoration project and requested a letter of support for the joint Peninsula Streams Society/Pacific Salmon Foundation funding application to the federal government’s Nature Based Solutions Program. Mr. Armstrong also requested in-kind contributions.
The Committee and Mr. Armstrong discussed aspects of the Society’s proposed project that align with the View Royal Park Master Plan, the Town’s approved capital project for this Park, funding, and in-kind contributions.
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor MacKenzie
THAT the Committee recommend to Council that a letter of support be provided to Peninsula Streams Society for projects that align with the View Royal Park Master Plan (excluding Tidal Marsh 1 and 2);
AND THAT funding for in-kind contributions, as proposed by the Peninsula Streams Society, be considered as part of a grant in aid application for budget deliberations in 2024 and 2025. CARRIED
8.3 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD
9. BUSINESS ITEMS
9.1 PARKS & RECREATION – Councillor Kowalewich, Chair
9.1.1 Chair’s Report The Chair noted that the West Shore Performing Arts Centre Society is looking at West Shore Parks and Recreation Society land as a possible location for a performing arts centre.
9.1.2 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
9.1.3 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
OTHER REPORTS
9.1.4 New Business
a) Improvements to Game Nature Park – Councillor Brown Councillor Brown discussed the possibility of improvements at Game Nature Park.
The Committee discussed the use of Game Nature Park, with improvements, as greenspace for neighbouring residents; options to expand this space through degazetting a portion of Game Road; and the View Royal Parks Master Plan.
MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
COW-56-23 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that improvements to Game Nature Park be referred to staff. CARRIED
9.2 ENVIRONMENT – Councillor MacKenzie, Chair
9.2.1 Chair’s Report The Chair noted municipalities that, in addition to the Town of View Royal, have adopted earlier timelines in meeting the Zero Carbon Step Code.
9.2.2 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
9.2.3 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
OTHER REPORTS
9.2.4 New Business
9.3 PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT & ENGAGEMENT – Councillor Mattson, Chair
9.3.1 Chair’s Report
9.3.2 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
9.3.3 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
a) Development Variance Permit Application 2023-03 for 1450 Glentana Road
- Report dated December 6, 2023 from the Senior Planner
The Senior Planner gave a summary of the report to the Committee.
J. Gavidia, President, C. Richardson, Vice-President, and J. Ogloff, Treasurer, Strata Corporation EPS5750, 1450 Glentana Road, discussed site security concerns and their resultant desire to extend the fence height from 1.4m to 1.8m to prevent unauthorized access.
The Committee and the Strata Corporation representatives discussed security measures that have been implemented, the location of the proposed fence height increase, and other potential measures such as the fencing company’s proposed pinch top design.
MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the report dated December 6, 2023 from the Senior Planner titled “Development Variance Permit Application 2023-03 for 1450 Glentana Road” be received for information. CARRIED
b) Rezoning Application 2023-04 – 294 and 296 Eltham Road and 242 Helmcken Road
- Report dated December 6, 2023 from the Senior Planner
The Senior Planner gave a summary of the report to the Committee.
The Committee and staff discussed permitted uses in the existing zone, rear setback, visual impact of the north elevation which would be seen from Helmcken Road and the east elevation from Ashley Gate, parking, access and egress, screening between neighbouring properties, neighbourhood engagement, and density.
D. Dupuis, Ankenman Marchand Architects, spoke to the Committee regarding setbacks to adjacent properties and the north elevation.
MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED: Councillor Kowalewich
THAT the report dated December 6, 2023 from the Senior Planner titled “Rezoning Application 2023-04 – 294 and 296 Eltham Road and 242 Helmcken Road” be received for information. CARRIED
COMMITTEE REPORTS
OTHER REPORTS
9.3.4 New Business
9.4 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION – Councillor Rogers, Chair
9.3.1 Chair’s Report At the Chair’s request, the Committee agreed to invite both BC Transit and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to a meeting to provide an update on the Rapid Transit Project and the work involving rock blasting on the Saanich/View Royal border respectively.
9.3.2 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
9.3.3 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
a) Stormont Road Traffic Calming Update
- Report dated December 6, 2023 from the Director of Engineering
The Director of Engineering gave a summary of the report to the Committee.
The Committee and staff discussed effectiveness of traffic calming measures, including speed limit reductions; the background of Council-requested Capital Project N-081; that the traffic counter data does not indicate speed as an issue on Stormont Road; the setting of a precedent for the Town to provide a solution where the data does not show a requirement; the extent of sidewalks on Stormont Road; and the importance of logical, evidence-based incremental steps.
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Brown
THAT the Committee recommend to Council that a quick-build chicane be installed on Stormont Road as part of Capital Project N-081. CARRIED Councillors Kowalewich and MacKenzie opposed
b) Left Turn Signal Update – Island Highway Intersections
- Report dated December 6, 2023 from the Director of Engineering
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Mayor Tobias
THAT the report dated December 6, 2023 from the Director of Engineering titled “Left Turn Signal Update – Island Highway Intersections” be received for information. CARRIED
COMMITTEE REPORTS
OTHER REPORTS
9.3.4 New Business
10. CORRESPONDENCE
a) Letter dated November 1, 2023 from Mayor Alto, City of Victoria, Re: Installation of Speed and Red Light Cameras
MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED: Councillor Brown
THAT the letter dated November 1, 2023 from Mayor Alto, City of Victoria, Re: Installation of Speed and Red Light Cameras be received. CARRIED
11. QUESTION PERIOD
a) D. Frewing, View Royal Avenue, questioned whether Council can regulate the specific number of units per zone.
The Director of Development Services noted that typically unit count is not stipulated in a zone; instead, provisions of density – such as floor area, setbacks and site coverage – control unit count.
b) C. McDougall, View Royal Avenue, questioned whether traffic volume has ever been counted on Stormont Avenue.
12. MOTIONS & NOTICES OF MOTION
13. CLOSED MEETING RESOLUTION
14. TERMINATION
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT this meeting terminate. Time: 9:26 p.m. CARRIED
MAYOR
CORPORATE OFFICER
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