TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL MINUTES OF A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2025

TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL MINUTES OF A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2025 VIEW ROYAL MUNICIPAL OFFICE – COUNCIL CHAMBERS

PRESENT WERE: Councillor Kowalewich, Chair Mayor Tobias Councillor Brown – via Microsoft Teams Councillor Lemon Councillor MacKenzie Councillor Mattson Councillor Rogers – via Microsoft Teams

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 J. Cochrane, Deputy Director of Corporate Administration 7 members of the public 0 members of the press

1. CALL TO ORDER

Councillor Kowalewich called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Councillor Kowalewich acknowledged that this meeting is being held on the traditional territory of the Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation.

Councillor Kowalewich expressed his condolences on the passing of A. Tetlow and conveyed his gratitude for all her contributions to the Town of View. He also praised Council and staff for the many accomplishments of 2025.

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED: Councillor MacKenzie

THAT the agenda be approved as presented. CARRIED

3. MINUTES, RECEIPT & ADOPTION OF

a) Minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held November 12, 2025

MOVED BY: Mayor Tobias SECONDED: Councillor Mattson

THAT the minutes from the Committee of the Whole meeting held November 12, 2025 be adopted as presented. CARRIED

4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD

a) R. Issac, Bishan Place, discussed her concerns regarding the Urban Forest Strategy.

b) L. Jeaurond, Ardenlea Place, shared her concerns regarding the Urban Forest Strategy recommendations.

c) J. Devonshire, Glenairlie Drive, spoke about urban forest canopy targets and discussed environmental concerns.

5. PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS

6. REPORTS

6.1 STAFF REPORTS

a) Urban Forest Strategy Canopy Targets and Programming

1. Report dated November 13, 2025 from the Director of Engineering

T. Searls, Diamond Head Consulting, gave a presentation regarding the Urban Forest Strategy including the timeline, public engagement, canopy cover targets, and core actions.

Council discussed the cost of replacement trees, tree planting, and the tree replacement program.

The Director of Engineering also gave a brief presentation to highlight budget and action items.

MOVED BY: Mayor Tobias SECONDED: Councillor Mattson

COW-44-25 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that staff report back on the Urban Forest Strategy programming required to achieve 35% and 40% canopy cover target scenarios. CARRIED

b) Budget Variance and Projects Update to October 31, 2025

1. Report dated November 26, 2025 from the Deputy Director of Finance

The Director of Finance gave an overview of the report.

The Committee discussed the Town’s financial surplus and Casino revenue.

MOVED BY: Mayor Tobias SECONDED: Councillor Lemon

THAT the report dated November 26, 2025, titled “Budget Variance and Projects Update to October 31, 2025” from the Deputy Director of Finance be received for information. CARRIED

c) Departmental Update

1. Report dated November 24, 2025 from the Chief Administrative Officer

MOVED BY: Mayor Tobias SECONDED: Councillor Mattson

THAT the report dated November 24, 2025 from the Chief Administrative Officer titled “Departmental Update” be received for information. CARRIED

6.2 PORTFOLIO REPORTS

6.2.1 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION – Mayor Tobias

6.2.2 PROTECTIVE SERVICES & YOUTH – Councillor Brown

6.2.3 ENGAGEMENT – Councillor Kowalewich Councillor Kowalewich noted he would work with staff to develop messaging for the public regarding property taxes and Protective Services issues.

6.2.4 ARTS & LIBRARY – Councillor Lemon Councillor Lemon discussed the Light Up View Royal holiday decorating contest, and the View Royal New Years Day Splash community event at Portage Park.

6.2.5 ENVIRONMENT, PARKS & RECREATION – Councillor MacKenzie Councillor MacKenzie discussed the approval of the West Shore Parks and Recreation budget and provided an update on the Regional Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan.

6.2.6 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT – Councillor Mattson Councillor Mattson noted the sale of a property on Erskine Lane.

6.2.7 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION – Councillor Rogers Councillor Rogers discussed concerns regarding the Province’s Bus on Shoulder project.

7. NEW BUSINESS

8. QUESTION PERIOD

9. ADJOURNMENT

MOVED BY: Mayor Tobias SECONDED: Councillor Mattson

THAT this meeting terminate. Time: 7:45 p.m. CARRIED