MINUTES OF A COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026

MINUTES OF A COUNCIL MEETING

HELD ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026

VIEW ROYAL MUNICIPAL OFFICE – COUNCIL CHAMBERS

PRESENT WERE: Mayor Tobias Councillor Brown Councillor Kowalewich Councillor Lemon Councillor MacKenzie Councillor Mattson Councillor Rogers

PRESENT ALSO: S. Sommerville, Chief Administrative Officer E. Bolster, Director of Corporate Administration I. Leung, Director of Engineering L. Taylor, Director of Development Services S. Vella, Director of Finance P. Hurst, Director of Protective Services – arrived at 6:42 p.m. B. Lubberts, Deputy Director of Engineering – arrived at 7:07 p.m. J. Cochrane, Deputy Director of Corporate Administration

5 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.

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED: Councillor MacKenzie

THAT the agenda be amended to move items 10. h) to 11. d), 10. l) to 11. a), 10. n) to 11. b), and 10. p) to 11. c);

AND THAT the agenda be approved as amended. CARRIED

3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD

a) K. Irish, Stancil Lane, stated the importance of short-term rentals.

4. BYLAWS

a) Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 1160, 2025 A Bylaw to Amend the Zoning Bylaw with Respect to Amending the CD-26: Helmcken/Island Highway Comprehensive Development Zone

Council discussed the definition of “Personal Services Establishment” and “Retail” uses, parking, and medical clinic use.

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT second reading of Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 1160, 2025 given on November 4, 2025 be rescinded. CARRIED

MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED: Councillor MacKenzie

C-01-26 THAT Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 1160, 2025 be amended to reduce the minimum required floor area allocated to a Café use from 150m² to 74m². CARRIED Councillor Mattson opposed

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Brown

THAT Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 1160, 2025 be amended to remove Personal Service Establishment and Retail uses from the CD-26: Helmcken/Island highway Comprehensive Development Zone. CARRIED Councillors Kowalewich and MacKenzie opposed

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED: Councillor Mattson

THAT Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 1160, 2025 be given second reading as amended. CARRIED

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT a Public Hearing for Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 1160, 2025 be scheduled for February 3, 2026. CARRIED

5. MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Tobias mentioned the Prime Minister’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and gave updates on the commuter rail project with the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, and the ongoing RCMP West Shore Detachment Building Expansion project.

6. PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS

a) C. Andrew, Director - Community Partnerships, The Village Initiative, Dr. S. Cook, Executive Director, Community Social Planning Council, Dr. M. Wan, Medical Health Officer, Island Health, Re: Advancing Child & Youth Well-Being Across West Shore-Sooke Region

C. Andrew gave an introduction to The Village Initiative and discussed the work of the Municipal Leadership Advisory Team to provide regional coordination to advance child and youth wellbeing in the Westshore-Sooke region. Dr. M. Wan and Dr. S. Cook also gave an overview on the request for funding to support a new dedicated Coordinator position.

Council discussed youth in School District No. 61 being able to access services, and current employee funding.

7. STAFF REPORTS

a) Request for Decision - 309 View Royal Avenue Driveway Request

1. Report dated December 16, 2025 from the Director of Engineering

The Director of Engineering gave an overview of the report.

Council and staff discussed intention and location of the second driveway, tree retention, addition of a detached garage with a suite above, and parking.

MOVED BY: Councillor MacKenzie SECONDED: Councillor Brown

THAT a second driveway access be permitted from the 309 View Royal Avenue property to Bessborough Avenue, if the property develops a detached garage with a suite above.

MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Mattson

THAT the above motion be amended to include:

“AND THAT the second driveway be removed when the property is re-developed with a new dwelling(s).” CARRIED Mayor Tobias and Councillor Brown opposed

MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Mattson

C-02-26 THAT a second driveway access be permitted from the 309 View Royal Avenue property to Bessborough Avenue, if the property develops a detached garage with a suite above;

AND THAT the second driveway be removed when the property is re-developed with a new dwelling(s). CARRIED

b) Request for Decision - Early Transportation Project Commencements for 2026

1. Report dated January 5, 2026 from the Director of Engineering

The Director of Engineering gave an overview of the report.

Council and staff discussed repairs required on the Craigflower Bridge, work associated with traffic signal renewal, and traffic disruptions.

MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Lemon

C-03-26 THAT the following capital renewal projects for the 2026-2030 Financial Plan be pre-approved:

• Bridge Rehabilitation Project (C-184): carry forward remaining 2025 budget and move ahead a portion of planned 2027 work to 2026, establishing a 2026 budget of $225,000 to complete the Craigflower Bridge and Highland Bridge South repairs;
• Traffic Signal Renewal Project (C-186): carry forward remaining 2025 budget to increase the 2026 budget to $138,020 to complete the 2025 traffic signal renewals. CARRIED

The Deputy Director of Engineering left the meeting at 7:26 p.m.

c) Chancellor Park Playground Equipment Award

1. Report dated December 16, 2025 from the Director of Engineering

The Director of Engineering gave an overview of the report.

Council and staff discussed the users of the park, removal of the we-go-round, need for accessible playground equipment, landscaping and surfacing, installation of benche and location of the playground.

MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED: Councillor MacKenzie

THAT the playground equipment purchase and installation as outlined in Option #1 per the staff report dated December 16, 2025 titled “Chancellor Park Playground Equipment Award”, be awarded to Habitat Systems Inc. in the amount of $267,025 net of GST;

AND THAT this project be included in the 2026-2030 Financial Plan as a 2026 project with a total project budget of $337,025, net of GST.

MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED:

THAT the above motion be amended to include:

“AND FURTHER THAT staff work with the Capital Regional District to place safety signage approaching the park on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.” FAILED FOR LACK OF SECONDER

The question was called on the main motion. DEFEATED Mayor Tobias, Councillors Brown, Kowalewich, and Mattson opposed

d) Consideration of Vacation Rentals

1. Report dated January 5, 2026 from the Director of Development Services

The Director of Development Services gave an overview of the report.

Council and staff discussed the definitions of “Bed and Breakfast” and “Short Term Rental”.

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT the report dated January 5, 2026 from the Director of Development Services titled Consideration of Vacation Rentals be received for information. CARRIED

8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES

9. CORRESPONDENCE

a) Letter dated November 27, 2025 from S. Calderone, Colyvan Pacific Property Management, Re: 294 and 296 Eltham Road & 242 Helmcken Road

Council and staff discussed bylaw complaints received, communication with the property owner, and enforcement actions taken to date.

MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

C-04-26 THAT staff write a letter to the owners of 294, 296 Eltham Road and 242 Helmcken Road to advise of the expectation that these properties be maintained in accordance with the Town’s Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 512, 2003;

AND THAT any work required to bring the properties into compliance with Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 512, 2003 be undertaken immediately. CARRIED

b) Email dated December 8, 2025 from R. Lemmon, Strata VIS3076, Re: Alternatives for Compliance with TP2025-29

MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Brown

THAT the email dated December 8, 2025 from R. Lemmon, Strata VIS3076, Re: Alternatives for Compliance with TP2025-29 be received. CARRIED

c) Letter dated January 6, 2026 from Mayor K. Murdoch, District of Oak Bay, Re: Opportunity for Inter-Municipal/Regional Cooperation on Deer Management

MOVED BY: Councillor MacKenzie SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT the letter dated January 6, 2026 from Mayor K. Murdoch, District of Oak Bay, Re: Opportunity for Inter-Municipal/Regional Cooperation on Deer Management be received. CARRIED

10. CONSENT AGENDA

a) Minutes of the Council meeting held December 2, 2025

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT the minutes of the Council meeting held December 2, 2025 be adopted. CARRIED

b) Minutes of the Public Hearing held December 2, 2025

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT the minutes of the Public Hearing held December 2, 2025 be adopted. CARRIED

c) Minutes of the West Shore Parks and Recreation Board of Directors meeting held November 13, 2025

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT the minutes of the West Shore Parks and Recreation Board of Directors meeting held November 13, 2025 be received. CARRIED

d) Minutes of the Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held November 26, 2025

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT the minutes of the Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held November 26, 2025 be received. CARRIED

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT the Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference be amended to include a public participation portion to the meeting;

AND THAT the Public Participation portion be limited to a maximum duration of thirty minutes and that each individual speaker be provided up to five minutes. CARRIED

e) Email dated December 4, 2025 from T. Moore, West Shore Parks & Recreation, Re: 2026 WSPRS Budget Package

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

C-05-26 THAT the 2026 West Shore Parks & Recreation Society Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan be approved. CARRIED

f) Letter dated November 27, 2025 from S. Khair, Board Chair and M. Sawa, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Victoria Public Library, Re: Greater Victoria Public Library 2026 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

C-06-26 THAT the Greater Victoria Public Library 2026 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan be approved. CARRIED

g) Letter received December 5, 2025 from M. Motz, Re: Garden Waste Collection

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT the letter received December 5, 2025 from M. Motz, Re: Garden Waste Collection be received. CARRIED

h) Email dated December 8, 2025 from L. Jeaurond, View Royal Climate Coalition, Re: Urban Forest Strategy Canopy Targets and Programming (moved to item 11. d))

i) Report dated December 16, 2025 from G. Brown, Chief Administrative Officer, West Shore Parks and Recreation (WSPRS), Re: 2025 Year End Progress Report - West Shore Regional Parks & Recreation Facilities Master Plan

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT the report dated December 16, 2025 from G. Brown, Chief Administrative Officer, West Shore Parks and Recreation (WSPRS), Re: 2025 Year End Progress Report - West Shore Regional Parks & Recreation Facilities Master Plan be received. CARRIED

j) Email dated December 9, 2025 from P. Gooch, Re: Urban Forest Strategy and Programming

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT the email dated December 9, 2025 from P. Gooch, Re: Urban Forest Strategy Canopy Targets and Programming be received. CARRIED

k) Letter dated December 17, 2025 from J. Kibble, Member of Parliament - Cowichan-Malahat-Langford, Re: Letter of Support - New West Shore RCMP Facility

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT the letter dated December 17, 2025 from J. Kibble, Member of Parliament - Cowichan-Malahat-Langford, Re: Letter of Support - New West Shore RCMP Facility be received. CARRIED

l) Letter dated December 31, 2025 from a View Royal resident, Re: Short Term Rentals (moved to 11.a))

m) Email dated January 5, 2026 from L. Jeaurond, Re: Open Letter- Subject: Urgent Opposition to Bill M-216 Regarding Climate Targets, Public Safety, and the Right to a Healthy Environment

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT the email dated January 5, 2026 from L. Jeaurond, Re: Open Letter- Subject: Urgent Opposition to Bill M-216 Regarding Climate Targets, Public Safety, and the Right to a Healthy Environment be received. CARRIED

n) Letter received January 9, 2026 from J. Yncio, Re: Letter of Support for Short- Term Rental Housing for Healthcare Professionals (moved to 11. b))

o) Email dated January 14, 2026 from A. Martin, Re: The Royale

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT the email dated January 14, 2026 from A. Martin, Re: The Royale be received. CARRIED

p) Email dated January 15, 2026 from A. de Rosenroll, Re: 268 Helmcken Road (moved to 11.c))

q) From the January 13, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting:

1. Rezoning Application No. 2025-01 for 258 Helmcken Road

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT amendment to Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 1160, 2025 to reduce the minimum required floor area allocated to a Café use from 150m² to 74m² be considered at the January 20, 2026 Council meeting. CARRIED

2. West Shore RCMP Facility Expansion Council Validation

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

C-07-26 THAT the West Shore RCMP Facility Expansion Council Validation Report (Appendix A) be endorsed;

AND THAT the Chief Administrative Officer finalize and enter into a CCDC-30 contract for execution;

AND FURTHER THAT the detailed design and construction of the project be approved to move forward. CARRIED

3. Chancellor Park Playground Equipment Area

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT the report dated December 16, 2025 from the Director of Engineering titled “Chancellor Park Playground Equipment Award” be tabled to the January 20, 2026 Council meeting. CARRIED

4. Volunteer Community Improvement Grant Program

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

C-08-26 THAT the report dated December 2, 2025 from the Director of Development Services titled “Volunteer Community Improvement Grant Program” be tabled to the February 10, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting. CARRIED

5. Departmental Update

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

C-10-26 THAT the report dated December 23, 2025 from the Chief Administrative Officer titled “Departmental Update” be tabled to the February 10, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting. CARRIED

6. West Shore Municipal Approaches to Supporting Access to Primary Care

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

C-11-26 THAT the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to continue discussions with health care providers, property owners, and Island Health, and to report back to Council with updates and any proposals intended to increase primary health care coverage for the residents of View Royal. CARRIED

11. CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA

a) Letter dated December 31, 2025 from a View Royal resident, Re: Short Term Rentals

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED: Councillor Mattson

C-12-26 THAT the letter dated December 31, 2025 from a View Royal resident, Re: Short Term Rentals be tabled to the February 10, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting. CARRIED

b) January 9, 2026 from J. Yncio, Re: Letter of Support for Short- Term Rental Housing for Healthcare Professionals

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED: Councillor Mattson

C-13-26 THAT the letter received January 9, 2026 from J. Yncio, Re: Letter of Support for Short- Term Rental Housing for Healthcare Professionals be tabled to the February 10, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting. CARRIED

c) Email dated January 15, 2026 from A. de Rosenroll, Re: 268 Helmcken Road

MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED: Councillor Brown

THAT the email dated January 15, 2026 from A. de Rosenroll, Re: 268 Helmcken Road be received. CARRIED

d) Email dated December 8, 2025 from L. Jeaurond, View Royal Climate Coalition, Re: Urban Forest Strategy Canopy Targets and Programming

MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Brown

THAT the email dated December 8, 2025 from L. Jeaurond, View Royal Climate Coalition, Re: Urban Forest Strategy Canopy Targets and Programming be received. CARRIED

12. NEW BUSINESS

12. QUESTION PERIOD

13. MOTIONS & NOTICES OF MOTION

a) Motions from the December 2, 2025 Council meeting:

1. Allow Short Term Rentals From June 1, 2026 to July 31, 2026 – Councillor Brown

Council and staff discussed potential benefits to the local economy, impacts to bylaw resources, and future implications.

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED: Councillor Mattson

C-14-26 THAT there be a non-enforcement period for Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014 pertaining to short-term rentals from June 1, 2026 to July 31, 2026 during the 2026 World Cup of Soccer. CARRIED Mayor Tobias and Councillor MacKenzie opposed

2. Report and Public Engagement – Spending for Proposed RCMP Building – Councillor Lemon

MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED: Mayor Tobias

C-15-26 THAT pending the approval of the validation report by the City of Colwood, City of Langford, and Town of View Royal, that the following motion from Councillor Lemon be brought forward to the March 10, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting:

THAT staff prepare a report outlining the total cost to the Town of View Royal associated with the Capital Regional District borrowing for the West Shore RCMP building expansion project, including funding implications to View Royal residents;

AND THAT a Town Hall meeting be held to provide information and answer questions from the community. CARRIED

b) Notices of Motion:

1. Cable Barrier for the Trans-Canada Highway - Councillor Brown

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT same day consideration be given to Councillor Brown’s notice of motion – Cable Barrier for the Trans-Canada Highway. CARRIED

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

C-16-26 THAT the Mayor write to the Minister of Transportation and Transit requesting consideration of a barrier on the Trans-Canada Highway between Millstream Road and McKenzie Avenue. CARRIED

14. CLOSED MEETING RESOLUTION

MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT there is a need to have a meeting closed to the public and persons other than the immediate members of Council, officers and employees of the Town, and those identified under Section 91 (2) of the Community Charter shall be excluded on the basis of Section 90 (1)(e) - land and (k) – municipal service. CARRIED

15. RISING REPORT

MOVED BY: Councillor MacKenzie SECONDED: Councillor Mattson

a) 2026-2030 Boulevard Maintenance Contract Award From the January 20, 2026 In-Camera Council meeting

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Mayor Tobias

C-17-26 THAT the 2026–2028 Boulevard Maintenance Services Contract be awarded to Shield Landscaping Ltd. for an annual value of $190,00 net of applicable taxes and annual CPI adjustments, for a three-year term, with provisions for one optional two-year extension. CARRIED Councillors Lemon and Rogers opposed

16. ADJOURNMENT

MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED: Councillor Rogers

THAT this meeting now adjourn. Time: 9:35 p.m. CARRIED

MAYOR

CORPORATE OFFICER