MINUTES OF A COUNCIL MEETING - April 21, 2026
Official minutes from the View Royal Council meeting held on April 21, 2026, including approvals for bylaws and grant-in-aid applications.
TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL
MINUTES OF A COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026
VIEW ROYAL MUNICIPAL OFFICE – COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PRESENT WERE: Mayor Tobias Councillor Brown 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 K. Malinosky, Assistant Fire Chief L. Curtis, Community Planner J. Cochrane, Deputy Director of Corporate Administration
10 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 Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown
THAT the agenda be amended to include items 10. i) to o) and move item 10. f) 11. a);
AND THAT the agenda be approved as amended. CARRIED
3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD
a) D. Fownes, Jedburgh Place, expressed her concerns regarding short-term rental regulations in View Royal.
4. BYLAWS
a) 2026-2030 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1168
- Report dated April 16, 2026 from the Director of Finance
MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED BY: Councillor Rogers
THAT the report dated April 16, 2026 from the Director of Finance titled “2026-2030 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1168” be received for information. CARRIED
- Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1168, 2026 A Bylaw to Authorize the Financial Plan for the Years 2026-2030
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown
THAT Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1168, 2026 be given first, second, and third reading. CARRIED
b) 2026 Tax Rates Bylaw No. 1169
- Report dated April 16, 2026 from the Director of Finance
The Director of Finance gave an overview of the report to Council, highlighting noticeable changes from the previous year.
MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED BY: Councillor Mattson
THAT the report dated April 16, 2026 from the Director of Finance titled “2026 Tax Rates Bylaw No. 1169” be received for information. CARRIED
- Tax Rates Bylaw No. 1169, 2026 A Bylaw to Levy Rates for Municipal, Regional District, and Regional Hospital Purposes for the Year 2026
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED BY: Councillor Mattson
THAT Tax Rates Bylaw No. 1169, 2026 be given first, second, and third reading. CARRIED
c) Election Procedures Bylaw No. 989, 2018, Amendment Bylaw No. 1164, 2026 A Bylaw to Amend Election Procedures Bylaw in Relation to Mail Ballot Voting
MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown
THAT Election Procedures Bylaw No. 989, Amendment Bylaw No. 1164, 2026 be adopted. CARRIED
The Director of Protective Services and Assistant Fire Chief left the meeting at 6:15 p.m.
5. MAYOR’S REPORT
6. PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS
a) A. Stone, South Island Prosperity Partnership, Re: South Island Prosperity Partnership Activities, Metrics, Plans and Municipal Partnership Benefits
A. Stone gave a presentation to Council regarding View Royal’s annual contribution, impact to the municipal budget, and value provided to the community.
Council discussed the potential for assistance with an economic development strategy, tangible economic benefits in View Royal to help residents understand impact, First Nations membership in SIPP and related funding, collaboration on implementing economic development actions in the Official Community Plan, regional transportation improvements, and developing connections with local businesses and employers.
7. STAFF REPORTS
a) Development Variance Permit 2026-02 - 309 View Royal Avenue
- Report dated April 9, 2026 from the Community Planner
The Community Planner gave an overview of the report to Council.
Council and staff discussed building height and neighbourhood support for the project.
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor MacKenzie
THAT after giving notice, Council consider the following motion:
THAT Council authorize the issuance of Development Variance Permit (DVP) 2026-02 for 309 View Royal Avenue in accordance with plans submitted to the Development Services Department on April 9, 2026, subject to the proposed development meeting all of the Town’s Zoning Bylaw requirements, except for the following variance:
- Increase the maximum height of an addition to a single-family dwelling from 7.5m to 8m. CARRIED
8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
9. CORRESPONDENCE
a) Letter dated April 1, 2026 from K. Fisher, Executive Director - Governance, Legislation and Workforce, Ministry of Education and Child Care, Re: Trustee Electoral Areas in School District No. 61
MOVED BY: Councillor MacKenzie SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown
THAT the letter dated April 1, 2026 from K. Fisher, Executive Director - Governance, Legislation and Workforce, Ministry of Education and Child Care, Re: Trustee Electoral Areas in School District No. 61 be received. CARRIED
b) Email dated April 15, 2026 from D. Fownes, Re: Short Term Rentals
MOVED BY: Councillor MacKenzie SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
C-91-26 THAT staff prepare a report outlining the Town’s current regulations governing short-term rentals, and identifying the policy and bylaw changes that would be required to permit and regulate short-term rental accommodations for periods of less than ninety (90) days. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor MacKenzie SECONDED BY: Councillor Mattson
THAT the email dated April 15, 2026 from D. Fownes, Re: Short Term Rentals be received. CARRIED
c) Email dated April 15, 2026 from M. Homer and C. Zacharias-Homer, Re: Short Term Rentals
MOVED BY: Councillor MacKenzie SECONDED BY: Councillor Mattson
THAT the email dated April 15, 2026 from M. Homer and C. Zacharias-Homer, Re: Short Term Rentals be received. CARRIED
10. CONSENT AGENDA
a) Minutes of the Special Council meeting held March 31, 2026
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
THAT the minutes of the Special Council meeting held March 31, 2026 be adopted as presented. CARRIED
b) Minutes of the Council meeting held April 7, 2026
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
THAT the minutes of the Council meeting held April 7, 2026 be adopted as presented. CARRIED
c) Minutes of the Official Community Plan Review Advisory Committee dated March 30, 2026
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
THAT the minutes of the Official Community Plan Review Advisory Committee dated March 30, 2026 be received. CARRIED
d) Letter dated April 13, 2026 from Chief R. Sam, Songhees Nation, Re: South Island Powwow Sponsorship Opportunity for 2026
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
THAT the letter dated April 13, 2026 from Chief R. Sam, Songhees Nation, Re: South Island Powwow Sponsorship Opportunity be received. CARRIED
e) Email dated April 13, 2026 from L. Webster, Re: Official Community Plan
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
THAT the email dated April 13, 2026 from L. Webster, Re: Official Community Plan be received. CARRIED
f) Email dated April 14, 2026 from L. Jeaurond, Re: Survey Process/Official Community Plan *moved to item 11 a)
g) Report dated April 16, 2026 from G. Brown, CAO, West Shore Parks and Recreation, Re: 2026 1st Quarter Progress Report - West Shore Regional Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
THAT the report dated April 16, 2026 from G. Brown, CAO, West Shore Parks and Recreation, Re: 2026 1st Quarter Progress Report - West Shore Regional Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan be received. CARRIED
h) From the April 14, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting:
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
C-92-26 THAT a 2026 Grants in Aid be approved in accordance with Policy No. 1600–012 – Grants in Aid to the Peninsula Streams Society for $5,000.00. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
C-93-26 THAT a 2026 Grants in Aid be approved in accordance with Policy No. 1600–012 – Grants in Aid to the ReImagine West Shore Community Society for $1,300.00. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
C-94-26 THAT the Spasticity Research and Awareness Society’s 2026 Grant in Aid application in the amount of $8,000.00 be declined. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
C-95-26 THAT a 2026 Grants in Aid be approved in accordance with Policy No. 1600–012 – Grants in Aid to the Vancouver Island South Film and Media Commission for $3,000.00. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
C-96-26 THAT a 2026 Grants in Aid be approved in accordance with Policy No. 1600–012 – Grants in Aid to the Victoria Brain Injury Society for $1,000.00. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
C-97-26 THAT a 2026 Grants in Aid be approved in accordance with Policy No. 1600–012 – Grants in Aid to to the Victoria Compost and Conservation for $2,000.00. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
C-98-26 THAT a 2026 Grants in Aid be approved in accordance with Policy No. 1600–012 – Grants in Aid to the View Royal Community Association in support of View Royal Summerfest for $6,000.00. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
C-99-26 THAT the View Royal Community Association’s 2026 Grant in Aid application in the amount of $30,000.00 for the View Royal Community Hall enhancement and redevelopment planning initiative be declined. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
C-100-26 THAT a 2026 Grants in Aid be approved in accordance with Policy No. 1600–012 – Grants in Aid to the View Royal Elementary School PAC for $2,930.00. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
C-101-26 THAT a 2026 Grants in Aid be approved in accordance with Policy No. 1600–012 – Grants in Aid to the Boys & Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria for $5,000.00. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
C-102-26 THAT a 2026 Grants in Aid be approved in accordance with Policy No. 1600–012 – Grants in Aid to the Capital Bike (Bike Society Victoria) for $1,000.00. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
C-103-26 THAT a 2026 Grants in Aid be approved in accordance with Policy No. 1600–012 – Grants in Aid to the Rewired Recovery Foundation for $2,500.00. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
C-104-26 THAT a 2026 Grants in Aid be approved in accordance with Policy No. 1600–012 – Grants in Aid to the View Royal Arts Foundation for $5,000.00. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
C-105-26 THAT a 2026 Grants in Aid be approved in accordance with Policy No. 1600–012 – Grants in Aid to the View Royal Climate Coalition for $350.00. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
C-106-26 THAT the 2026-2030 Financial Plan be approved in principle, as amended;
AND THAT the 2026-2030 Financial Plan bylaw be prepared for consideration at the April 21, 2026 Council meeting. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
C-107-26 THAT staff prepare the required 2026 Tax Rates Bylaw to implement uniform tax increase across all classes. CARRIED
i) Letter dated April 17, 2026 from E. Brown, President, Victoria Airport Authority, Re: Support for Continued Participation in the South Island Prosperity Partnership
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
THAT the letter dated April 17, 2026 from E. Brown, President, Victoria Airport Authority, Re: Support for Continued Participation in the South Island Prosperity Partnership be received. CARRIED
j) Email dated April 18, 2026 from T. Blodgett, Re: Short Term Rentals
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
THAT the email dated April 18, 2026 from T. Blodgett, Re: Short Term Rentals be received. CARRIED
k) Email dated April 19, 2026 from S. Bradbury, Owner, Fort Properties Ltd., Re: View Royal and South Island Prosperity Partnership Support
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
THAT the email dated April 19, 2026 from S. Bradbury, Owner, Fort Properties Ltd., Re: View Royal and South Island Prosperity Partnership Support be received. CARRIED
l) Email dated April 20, 2026 from M. Donahue, Director, SIPP, Re: Letter of Support – South Island Prosperity Project
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
THAT the email dated April 20, 2026 from M. Donahue, Director, SIPP, Re: Letter of Support – South Island Prosperity Project be received. CARRIED
m) Email dated April 20, 2026 from J. Wilson, CEO, Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Re: Letter of Support for View Royal’s Continued Partnership with the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP)
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
THAT the email dated April 20, 2026 from J. Wilson, CEO, Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Re: Letter of Support for View Royal’s Continued Partnership with the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) be received. CARRIED
n) Email dated April 20, 2026 from A. Miller, Re: Short Term Rentals Discussion
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
THAT the email dated April 20, 2026 from A. Miller, Re: Short Term Rentals Discussion be received. CARRIED
o) Letter dated April 21, 2026 from S. Slothouber, Re: 309 View Royal Avenue Letter Of Support
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
THAT the letter dated April 21, 2026 from S. Slothouber, Re: 309 View Royal Avenue Letter of Support be received. CARRIED
11. CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
a) Email dated April 14, 2026 from L. Jeaurond, Re: Survey Process/Official Community Plan
Council discussed the complexity of the Official Community Plan review survey, user functionality, and ways for the public to provide feedback.
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown
THAT the email dated April 14, 2026 from L. Jeaurond, Re: Survey Process/Official Community Plan be received. CARRIED
12. NEW BUSINESS
13. QUESTION PERIOD
a) G. Matties, Stewart Avenue, inquired about the contents of a previous staff report regarding a building in his neighbourhood.
b) D. Wilson, View Royal Avenue, inquired about the potential for a third-party review of the matter regarding a building in his neighbourhood.
14. MOTIONS & NOTICES OF MOTION
a) Motions
- South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) – Councillor Brown
Council discussed the benefits of SIPP membership to View Royal and the potential extension of membership subject to tangible support for the Official Community Plan.
MOVED BY: Mayor Tobias SECONDED BY: Councillor Mattson
C-108-26 THAT the Town of View Royal extend its membership with the South Island Prosperity Partnership for a one-year term, with a focus on advancing the priorities outlined in the Official Community Plan, such as the Western Gateway Corridor, the Atkins Hub and the Hospital District. CARRIED
b) Notices of Motion
15. CLOSED MEETING RESOLUTION
MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon
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)(g) - litigation and (i) - receipt of advice. CARRIED
16. RISING REPORT
17. ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED BY: Councillor MacKenzie
THAT this meeting now adjourn. Time: 7:40 p.m. CARRIED
MAYOR
CORPORATE OFFICER
Document Images
(1)