MINUTES OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 24, 2026

TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL

MINUTES OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026 VIEW ROYAL MUNICIPAL OFFICE – COUNCIL CHAMBERS

PRESENT WERE:

• Mayor Tobias
• Councillor Brown
• Councillor Lemon
• Councillor Mattson
• Councillor Rogers – via Microsoft Teams

REGRETS:

• Councillor Kowalewich
• Councillor MacKenzie

PRESENT ALSO:

• S. Sommerville, Chief Administrative Officer
• E. Bolster, Director of Corporate Administration
• L. Taylor, Director of Development Services
• S. Scory, Senior Planner
• J. Cochrane, Deputy Director of Corporate Administration
• 24 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 Brown SECONDED: Councillor Mattson

   THAT the agenda be amended to include items 10. a);

   AND THAT Public Participation Period be moved to item 6., and the agenda be renumbered accordingly;

   AND THAT the agenda be approved as amended. CARRIED

3. BYLAWS

4. MAYOR’S REPORT

   The Mayor noted this evening's discussion is occurring amid uncertainty regarding growth, infrastructure costs, and transportation pressures. He observed that development has slowed, challenging the assumption that growth pays for growth, particularly given rising infrastructure and policing costs associated with population increases. He emphasized the importance of managing the pace and sequencing of growth responsibly in the Western Gateway Corridor area and emphasized Council’s responsibility to advance a long-term plan aligned with the Official Community Plan and the broader public interest.

5. PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS

6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD

   a) R. Sansom, White Pine Terrace, discussed the proposed development options for the property at 1720 Wilfert Road and expressed concerns about the potential re-designation of the property for exclusively commercial use.

   b) K. Tarek, Azurite Crescent, shared about the Muslim community in View Royal, and the desire for a location in the Westshore for a community centre.

   c) R. Painter, Tuzo Court, representing the Muslim Community of View Royal, spoke in support of scenarios one and two proposed for the Western Gateway corridor.

   d) C. Blanchard, Island Highway, expressed support for locating a hotel in View Royal to provide accommodation for visitors and serve as emergency shelter in the event of a disaster.

7. STAFF REPORTS

   a) Official Community Plan Review and Update - Western Gateway Corridor

   1. Presentation from the facilitator, K. Hamilton, Principal, Tavola Strategy Group and the Senior Planner

   The Senior Planner and K. Hamilton gave a presentation and an overview of the report.

   Council discussed the three proposed land use scenarios for the Western Gateway Corridor component of the Official Community Plan (OCP), being High Growth, Medium Growth, and Low Growth (2011 OCP land uses). Council then engaged in focused discussion on land use and density, transportation, and environmental protection considerations for the Western Gateway Corridor.

   Members of the Official Community Plan Advisory Committee also provided comment:

   M. Lloyd, Werra Road, emphasized the need for a broader urban planning approach that considers business servicing, transportation integration, and infrastructure before development approvals. He also raised concerns about affordability driving building height and emphasized the importance of incorporating green space and tree buffering in dense communities.

   K. Peatt, Shoreline Drive, spoke in support of the north side of the designation map but cautioned against industrial zoning near the Craigflower Creek due to environmental concerns. He favoured a neighbourhood village or mixed-use residential development to build community and expressed strong support for a transit corridor with rail.

   B. Spencer, St. Giles Street, supported the second option (medium growth) and favoured a neighbourhood village with green gathering spaces. He expressed concern about infrastructure keeping pace with development and emphasized the need for transportation planning that accommodates those who rely on cars alongside transit options.

   K, Abraham, Highland Road, expressed support for the proposed Western Gateway corridor land use designation map, noting it is suitable for long term. She emphasized the need for a hotel in the area given limited accommodation options and supported maintaining a commercial designation to allow for that use.

   MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED: Councillor Mattson

   C-27-26 THAT the proposed Commercial land use designation for the parcel on Wilfert Road be changed to Neighbourhood Mixed-Use, consistent with the existing 2011 Official Community Plan land use designation. CARRIED Councillor Rogers opposed

8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES

9. CORRESPONDENCE

10. CONSENT AGENDA

    a) Letter dated February 24, 2026 from R. Sansom, Grayland Consulting Ltd., Re: 1720 Wilfert Road – Official Community Plan – Letter to View Royal Council

    MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Lemon

    THAT the letter dated February 24, 2026 from R. Sansom, Grayland Consulting Ltd., Re: 1720 Wilfert Road – Official Community Plan – Letter to View Royal Council be received. CARRIED

11. CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA

12. NEW BUSINESS

13. QUESTION PERIOD

    a) D. Pace, Price Road, inquired about future OCP consultation opportunities for residents of the Price Road neighbourhood.

14. MOTIONS & NOTICES OF MOTION

15. CLOSED MEETING RESOLUTION

16. RISING REPORT

17. ADJOURNMENT

    MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED: Councillor Mattson

    THAT this meeting now adjourn. Time: 8:59 p.m. CARRIED

MAYOR

CORPORATE OFFICER