Committee of the Whole/Documents/TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL MINUTES OF A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

Minutes

TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL MINUTES OF A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

March 10, 2026Pages 3–85 sectionsOriginal PDF

Minutes from the previous Committee of the Whole meeting documenting discussions on the draft financial plan, Official Community Plan updates, and short-term rental correspondence.

February 10, 2026Meeting called to order at 6:01 p.m.Cost of a facilitator for a Special Council meeting not to exceed $5,000Meeting terminated at 8:23 p.m.

TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL

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MINUTES OF A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

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HELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

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VIEW ROYAL MUNICIPAL OFFICE – COUNCIL CHAMBERS

PRESENT WERE:

Councillor MacKenzie - Chair
Mayor Tobias
Councillor Brown
Councillor Lemon
Councillor Mattson
Councillor Rogers – via Microsoft Teams

REGRETS:

Councillor Kowalewich

PRESENT ALSO:

S. Sommerville, Chief Administrative Officer
E. Bolster, Director of Corporate Administration
L. Taylor, Director of Development Services
I. Leung, Director of Engineering
P. Hurst, Director of Protective Services
S. Vella, Director of Finance
S. Scory, Senior Planner
J. Cochrane, Deputy Director of Corporate Administration
3 members of the public
0 members of the press

CALL TO ORDER – Councillor MacKenzie called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED: Councillor Lemon

THAT the agenda be approved as presented. CARRIED

MINUTES, RECEIPT & ADOPTION OF

a) Minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held January 13, 2026

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED: Councillor Lemon

THAT the minutes from the Committee of the Whole meeting held January 13, 2026 be adopted as presented. CARRIED

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD

a) K. Irish, Stancil Lane, discussed the need for short-term rentals in View Royal and the process for approving related business licences.

PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS

a) M. Groulx, Chief Bylaw Officer, Capital Regional District (CRD), Re: CRD Animal Control Update

Mr. Groulx gave an update regarding the Capital Regional District Animal Control.

The Committee and Mr. Groulx discussed proposed amendments to the Town’s Animal Control Bylaw, e-bike speed limits on regional trails, and projected costs for future Animal Control contract services.

REPORTS

6.1 STAFF REPORTS

a) 2026 Draft Financial Plan - Operating

Report dated January 27, 2026 from the Director of Finance

The Director of Finance gave an overview of the report to the Committee.

The Committee discussed accumulated surplus, small community grants, staffing costs, and development revenue.

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED: Councillor Lemon

THAT the report dated January 27, 2026 from the Director of Finance titled “2026 Draft Financial Plan - Operating” be received for information. CARRIED

The Director of Protective Services left the meeting at 6:59 p.m.

b) Official Community Plan Project Update

Report dated January 26, 2026 from the Senior Planner and the Director of Development Services

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

The Committee discussed amount of public participation and feedback received to date on the Official Community Plan, and the opportunity for Council to further discuss the Western Gateway Corridor component, and costs for a facilitated meeting.

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Brown

COW-07-26 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that a facilitated Special Council meeting be scheduled to gather Council’s input on the Western Gateway Corridor prior to the preparation of a draft Official Community Plan (OCP);

AND THAT the OCP Advisory Committee be invited to attend the Special Council meeting;

AND FURTHER THAT the cost of a facilitator not exceed $5,000. CARRIED Councillor MacKenzie opposed

c) Building Permit Process for Part 9 Building

Report dated January 12, 2026 from the Director of Development Services

The Director of Development Services gave a summary of the report to the Committee.

The Committee and staff discussed digital application submissions, challenging applications, townhouse developments, and unsightly premises.

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Lemon

THAT the report dated January 12, 2026 from the Director of Development Services titled “Building Permit Process for Part 9 Building” be received for information. CARRIED

d) Volunteer Community Improvement Grant Program

Report dated December 2, 2025 from the Director of Development Services

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

The Committee discussed concerns regarding staff time required to review applications, the use of parks for events, and eligibility for funding for block parties.

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED: Councillor Lemon

THAT the report dated December 2, 2025 from the Director of Development Services titled “Volunteer Community Improvement Grant Program” be received for information. CARRIED

e) Budget Variance and Projects Update to December 31, 2025

Report dated January 29, 2026 from the Deputy Director of Finance

The Committee discussed the annual surplus deficit, the timing of principal payments on debt, and the Growing Communities fund.

MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED: Councillor Brown

THAT the report dated January 29, 2026 from the Deputy Director of Finance titled “Budget Variance and Projects Update to December 31, 2025” be received for information. CARRIED

f) Council Resolution Follow Up List - 4th Quarter Update

Report dated February 4, 2026 from the Deputy Director of Corporate Administration

MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED: Councillor Mattson

THAT the report dated February 4, 2026 from the Deputy Director of Corporate Administration titled "Council Resolution Follow Up List - 4th Quarter Update" be received for information. CARRIED

g) Departmental Update

Report dated January 27, 2026 from the Chief Administrative Officer

The Committee discussed the current sidewalk work taking place on Helmcken Road at Burnside Road W., the road closure due to the upcoming BC Hydro project on Island Highway, and annual permit revenue.

MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED: Councillor Mattson

THAT the report dated January 27, 2026 from the Chief Administrative Officer titled “Departmental Update" be received for information. CARRIED

6.2 PORTFOLIO REPORTS

a) FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION – Mayor Tobias

Mayor Tobias gave an update on the response received to date from B.C. municipalities regarding the invitation to participate in a legal judicial review of provincial housing legislation including Bills 44, 47, 13, 15, and M216. He also noted his upcoming interview with City Hall Watch to discuss the judicial review.

b) PROTECTIVE SERVICES & YOUTH – Councillor Brown

Councillor Brown discussed the ongoing Provincial census.

c) ENGAGEMENT – Councillor Kowalewich

d) ARTS & LIBRARY – Councillor Lemon

Councillor Lemon highlighted the recent Greater Victoria Public Library board meeting, announcing the newly appointed Chair and Vice Chair, and introduced the new View Royal Arts Commission.

e) ENVIRONMENT, PARKS & RECREATION – Councillor MacKenzie

Councillor MacKenzie provided a summary of the January West Shore Parks and Recreation Board meeting and shared an update on the progress of the West Shore Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan.

f) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT – Councillor Mattson

Councillor Mattson inquired about the vacancy status of new builds in View Royal and emphasized the need for a percentage of units to be designated as affordable housing.

g) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION – Councillor Rogers

Councillor Rogers discussed changes to the Bus on Shoulder project along Helmcken Road to McKenzie Avenue.

NEW BUSINESS

a) Short Term Rentals

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