TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL ANNUAL REPORT Year Ended December 31, 2025 (Draft)

CONTENTS

• INTRODUCTION: 2
• MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR: 3
• COMMUNITY PROFILE: 4
• SUMMARY OF SERVICES & OPERATIONS: 7
• MAYOR & COUNCIL: 9
• ORGANIZATIONAL CHART: 11
• VISION: 12
• MISSION, VALUES & ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE: 13
• STRATEGIC PLAN: 14
• 2025 MUNICIPAL HIGHLIGHTS: 15
  • ADMINISTRATION: 16
  • DEVELOPMENT SERVICES: 19
  • ENGINEERING & PARKS: 22
  • FINANCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: 26
  • PROTECTIVE SERVICES: 28
• 2025 MUNICIPAL GOALS & OBJECTIVES: 29
• LOOKING AHEAD: 41
• FINANCIAL INFORMATION: 49

INTRODUCTION

The 2025 Annual Report highlights the Town of View Royal’s services, operations, objectives, and measures to determine progress towards those objectives. It also includes audited financial statements and other financial information for 2025.

Eagle Creek Village

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Neighbours of View Royal,

It is my privilege to present the Town of View Royal’s Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2025.

This past year saw important progress on infrastructure, transportation, community planning, and regional partnerships that will help shape the future of our community. Major milestones included completion of the Six Mile Road roundabout, continued advancement of the Atkins Road Sidewalk Project, and significant work toward renewal of the Official Community Plan with valuable input from residents and stakeholders.

The Town also continued advancing the Reconciliation Corridor Initiative alongside First Nations and regional partners to help restore rail service between downtown Victoria and Langford through a reconciliation-focused approach.

Access to healthcare became an increasing priority as negotiations began with prospective partners to establish a new clinic in View Royal focused on connecting unattached residents to longitudinal primary care services.

Council also remained focused on financial sustainability, environmental stewardship, public safety, and maintaining the high-quality services residents expect.

Although our model for Fire Service was founded on volunteers, it is clear that it has become increasingly unsustainable. The transition from a composite to a career firehall represents one of the most important service improvements currently underway and will be a major investment in public safety for our community.

I would like to sincerely thank Council, staff, volunteers, and residents for their continued dedication to View Royal. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more connected, and more resilient community.

Sincerely,

Sid Tobias Mayor

COMMUNITY PROFILE

The Town of View Royal is located on southern Vancouver Island, approximately six kilometers west of Victoria, British Columbia. On December 5, 1988 – with a population of less than 5,000 – the Town of View Royal was incorporated and became its own distinct municipality comprising approximately 2,500 hectares of land. The municipality encompasses McKenzie, Pike, Prior and Thetis Lakes and portions of Esquimalt Harbour and Portage Inlet and is situated adjacent to the established jurisdictions of the City of Colwood, Township of Esquimalt, Esquimalt First Nation, District of Highlands, City of Langford, District of Saanich and Songhees First Nation.

The Town of View Royal acknowledges with respect that it is within the unceded traditional territories of the Lekwungen peoples, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, and that their historic connections to these lands continue to this day.

STATISTICS

• 12,539 POPULATION*
• 14.57KM² LAND AREA
• 5,315 HOUSEHOLDS*
• 72 MUNICIPAL PARKS & 2 REGIONAL PARKS
• 30.5KM BIKE LANES
• 27.3KM TRAILS

*as per 2025 BC Stats Estimate

Watkiss Way outside Eagle Creek Village

PRECINCTS

View Royal is divided into eight distinct precincts based on such factors as topography, major transportation corridors, natural environment and the age of housing stock.

POPULATION GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

The Town has experienced significant growth and development while still maintaining much of its small town character. The Town has 230ha of remaining residential-zoned land within the Urban Containment Boundary available for development.

Census Data

• 1991: 5,925
• 1996: 6,441
• 2001: 7,271
• 2006: 8,768
• 2011: 9,381
• 2016: 10,408
• 2021: 11,575
• 2025: 12,539*

E&N Rail Trail Overpass

SUMMARY OF SERVICES & OPERATIONS

TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL SERVICES

The Town of View Royal is responsible for the provision of a wide variety of local services and programs. These include:

• Transportation network (e.g. roads, bridges, street cleaning, sidewalks)*
• Stormwater management
• Garbage/household food waste collection
• Sanitary sewer collection system
• Parks, recreation and cultural facilities
• West Shore Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
• Fire protection and inspection
• Emergency preparedness planning
• Land use planning
• Building permits
• Business licensing
• Bylaw establishment and enforcement
• Economic development
• Heritage and revitalization
• First responder/rescue

*excludes Admirals Road, Six Mile Road and the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1) which are controlled by the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure.

TOWN SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT

• Animal control
• Wastewater treatment
• Water supply
• Recycling & Blue Box Program

Garbage & Household Food Waste Collection

TOWN SERVICES PROVIDED BY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

• School system (Provincial Government and Local School Boards)
• Social and health programs (Provincial Government)
• Hospital care system (Provincial Government)
• Real property assessments (B.C. Assessment)
• Library collection and distribution system (Greater Victoria Public Library; the Town is a part owner of the Downtown Branch)
• Planning and the management of public transit (Victoria Regional Transit System)
• West Shore Parks & Recreation

Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre

Victoria General Hospital

MAYOR & COUNCIL

The Town of View Royal is governed by an elected mayor and six councillors for a four-year term (2023-2026). Each member of Council is also appointed to serve on various Town and Regional committees. Council meets regularly and the public is welcome to attend any open meeting or provide feedback in writing via mail or email. Learn more at viewroyal.ca/mayor-council.html.

Mayor Sid Tobias

* Committee of the Whole - Finance & Administration Portfolio * CRD Board/Committee of the Whole * CRD Housing Trust Fund Commission * CRD Environmental Services Committee * CRD Core Area Liquid Waste Management Committee * CRD Regional Parks Committee * Capital Regional Hospital District Board * Capital Region Housing Corporation Board * Police Building Liaison Committee * West Shore Parks and Recreation Owners * South Island Reconciliation Advisory Committee * Westshore Chamber of Commerce * Westshore Community Policing Advisory Committee

Councillor Don Brown

* Committee of the Whole - Protective Services & Youth Portfolio * Capital Region Emergency Service Telecommunications Inc. (CREST) * Municipal Insurance Association * South Island Prosperity Association * Victoria Family Court & Youth Justice Committee

Councillor Damian Kowalewich

* Committee of the Whole - Engagement Portfolio * Joint School District / Municipal Committee

Councillor Gery Lemon

• Committee of the Whole - Arts & Library Portfolio
• CRD Arts Commission
• Greater Victoria Public Library
• Westshore Arts & Culture Centre Intermunicipal Advisory Ad Hoc Committee

Councillor Alison MacKenzie

• Committee of the Whole - Environment, Parks & Recreation Portfolio
• CRD Climate Action Inter-municipal Task Force
• Parents’ Advisory Committee
• Westshore Parks & Recreation Board

Councillor Ron Mattson

• Committee of the Whole - Planning & Development Portfolio
• Colquitz/Gorge Watershed Special Management Area Initiative
• Esquimalt Harbour Advisory Committee

Councillor John Rogers

• Committee of the Whole - Public Works & Transportation Portfolio
• CRD Regional Water Supply Commission
• Destination Greater Victoria Transportation & Destination Management Committee
• Juan de Fuca Water Distribution Commission

TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

• Mayor & Council
  • Chief Administrative Officer
    • Executive Assistant
    • Director of Corporate Administration
      • Deputy Director of Corporate Administration
      • Corporate Administration Clerk/ Receptionist
      • Records Coordinator/ Archivist
      • Communications & Engagement Coordinator (0.5 FTE)
    • Director of Engineering
      • Deputy Director of Engineering
      • Engineering Technologist
      • Engineering Technologist - Development & Public Works
      • GIS Technician
      • Engineering Clerks (1.5 FTE)
      • Parks Supervisor
      • Parks Workers (4 FTE)
    • Director of Protective Services/ Fire Chief
      • Assistant Fire Chief (2 FTE)
      • Captain - Emergency Programs
      • Captain - Fire Prevention
      • Firefighters (6 FTE)
      • Fire Department Clerk
      • Bylaw Compliance Officer
      • Bylaw Compliance Services Clerk (0.5 FTE)
    • Director of Finance
      • Deputy Director of Finance
      • Senior Accountant/ Financial Analyst
      • Accounting Clerk 2
      • Finance Clerk 1 (0.6 FTE)
      • IT Manager
    • Director of Development Services
      • Senior Planner (2 FTE)
      • Community Planner
      • Building Inspector
      • Development & Licensing Services Clerk

VISION

View Royal is a dynamic and inclusive community that manages growth, while retaining the charm of its traditional neighbourhoods. It is home and workplace to people from all walks of life. Its neighbourhoods are attractive, affordable, walkable and safe. Each neighbourhood has an identifiable character and is connected to nearby centres – and a recognizable central community gathering place – through greenspace corridors and pedestrian/cyclist-friendly streets. Some centres are parks for families to gather and youth to play sports. Other centres are bustling, mixed-use places with a range of services, amenities, businesses and housing.

View Royal recognizes the impacts of climate change, and is responding by actively promoting energy-efficient, sustainable development, and environmental protection. Well-designed compact housing ensures choice, affordability and better use of land. Infill and redevelopment near neighbourhood centres and transit corridors provides jobs and services closer to where people live – minimizing the need for commuting, and creating pedestrian-friendly streets and destinations.

The local economy is diversified and strong, providing employment, shopping and service options to local and regional residents. Heritage tourism and eco-tourism are promoted as sustainable ways to stimulate the economy and showcase View Royal’s environmental and cultural assets.

Viable alternatives to vehicle travel will be put in place to get around Town safely by foot, bike, bus, etc. Train, light rail and other forms of future rapid transit are supported by development that facilitates ridership and walkability.

The Town is endowed with unique natural environments – Thetis Lake Park, Millstream Creek, Craigflower Creek, Esquimalt Harbour and Portage Inlet. The integrity and beauty of these natural amenities are protected and enhanced, while public access to recreation and natural areas is improved. The Town’s vast recreation assets are well promoted and integrated into the community. Environmental stewardship and better use of resources are pursued, such as alternative energy generation and enhanced waste management.

Livable View Royal – simply the best place to call home.

MISSION, VALUES & ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE

MISSION

View Royal is committed to building a resilient, safe, healthy, and vibrant community that provides services and good governance while maintaining Town assets and fostering economic, environmental, and social wellbeing.

VALUES

The Town of View Royal pursues good community through a corporate culture that is:

• Accountable
• Respectful
• Ethical
• Open and transparent
• Collaborative
• Innovative
• Proactive
• Inclusive
• Efficient
• Effective

ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE

The Town of View Royal is committed to providing the best possible local government for our residents and business community. This commitment drives constant improvement, with particular emphasis on:

• providing strong, strategic policy-based governance;
• demonstrating collaborative leadership and effective shared decision-making within the community, with our regional partners, including First Nations;
• nurturing productive working relationships at the legislative and executive level;
• pursuing excellence founded on core values, approved plans, policies and our commitment to innovation;
• decision-making processes to be transparent and responsive;
• integrating strategic planning, business planning, budgeting and performance management systems;
• embracing evidence-based best practices for professionalism;
• enhancing customer service and related communications capacity; and
• positioning sustainability as the foundation of our municipal culture.

STRATEGIC PLAN

We’re working together to make View Royal better everyday by focusing on what matters to our community, constantly improving how we do business, and planning for the future to build a strong, healthy, and thriving town.

The Strategic Plan reflects what we heard from residents about their priorities and what they want the Town to achieve on their behalf. It outlines the key focus areas that guide our work, helping us prioritize efforts and resources while setting clear goals, measures, targets, and timelines for implementation.

Six strategic priorities were identified for 2023 - 2026:

2025 MUNICIPAL HIGHLIGHTS

View Royal Welcome Sign

ADMINISTRATION

Administration provides operational support through customer service, meeting management, communications, web and social media, archives and records management, information and privacy compliance, legal and risk management, and elections administration. This division plays a key role in strategic planning and community engagement.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• In January, the Town launched Engage View Royal, a new online engagement and communications platform powered by Social PinPoint, designed to enhance community participation and create more opportunities for residents to provide feedback on Town projects, policies, and initiatives. The platform features tools such as surveys, interactive maps, idea boards, and project updates to support more open and inclusive engagement. During its first year, Engage View Royal recorded 6,674 visits from 4,186 users and attracted 216 followers.
• A community representative was appointed to the Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee for a two-year term.
• The Town expanded its social media presence in 2025 through the launch of official BlueSky and Instagram accounts, providing additional ways for residents to stay informed and connected with Town news, projects, events, and initiatives. At the same time, the Town discontinued posting on X (formerly Twitter) effective January 31.
• Staff applied for and received a $25,000 Local Community Accessibility Grant from the Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia. The funding supported Council approved projects including improvements to the Town Hall entrance and the Town website refresh project.
• Improvements were completed in the Town Archives to create a more functional and accessible workspace. The revised floorplan accommodated an ergonomic staff workstation, increased space for volunteers and researchers, and included the installation of a new display wall to showcase materials from the Town’s archival collections.
• The Chief Administrative Officer worked collaboratively with South Island municipalities to address concerns related to the downloading of 911 service costs from the Provincial and Federal governments. Discussions focused on funding inequities, governance considerations related to E-Comm, and opportunities for local government input into future emergency communications funding models.
• In early June, the Town’s Electronic Records and Information Management Solution project (M365 Project) was awarded to Elantis Solutions Inc. The project advanced the Town’s transition to a collaborative Microsoft 365 cloud environment supported by enhanced cybersecurity and data loss prevention tools. Work continued throughout the year on information architecture development, records migration planning, and the review of the Town’s existing electronic workspaces.

ADMINISTRATION (CON’T)

Canada Day at Craigflower Manor

• Canada Day was celebrated at the Craigflower Manor site through a community event co-hosted by the Town of View Royal and the Victoria Highland Games Association. The event featured indoor and outdoor music and dance performances, traditional Highland games, community booths, Manor house tours, face painting, balloon art, food vendors, and family-friendly activities supported by staff and community volunteers.
• Council adopted an amendment to the Town’s Procedure Bylaw in July, changing the start time of Council and Committee of the Whole meetings from 7:00pm to 6:00pm. The amendment also introduced a formal Consent Agenda process intended to streamline meeting procedures while maintaining transparency. The updated meeting schedule was implemented to improve accessibility and encourage greater participation in local government.
• Select archival materials were digitized and prepared for future upload to the Archives website. Projects included the digitization and description of a 1938 View Royal Ratepayers’ Association Minute Book, historical business receipts, and a student project completed in partnership with Eagle View Elementary School.
• The Town relaunched its monthly e-newsletter in 2025 under a new design and brand titled Inside View Royal, providing residents with regular updates on Town projects, initiatives, events, and Council activities.

ADMINISTRATION (CON’T)

• The Town hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation event in September at the Victoria Scottish Community Centre. Approximately 60 volunteers and their guests attended the lunch, which celebrated the many individuals who contribute their time and energy to support community programs, services, and events throughout View Royal.
• On October 17, the Town launched a year-long civic participation campaign aimed at encouraging greater involvement in the 2026 Local General Election. Through the Town’s website and social media channels, the campaign highlighted the role of local government, the importance of voting, and opportunities for residents to consider serving on Council.
• The Town continued to support community-building events and seasonal initiatives throughout the year, including the annual Halloween Spooktacular decorating contest, the Light Up View Royal holiday decorating contest, and the Best in Bloom Spring contest. These initiatives encouraged community participation and celebrated residents and businesses for their creativity, neighbourhood pride, and contributions to beautifying the community.
• View Royal Council authorized the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer to explore participation in a coordinated judicial review related to recent provincial housing legislation. The initiative sought clarification regarding provincial authority, procedural fairness, and local government decision-making processes.
• The Town participated in a regional partnership with the Lekwungen Nations and local governments to explore future opportunities for passenger rail service within the Island Rail Corridor between Victoria and Langford. The partnership reflected a shared commitment to long-term regional transportation planning and collaboration.
• December saw long-service recognition for four employees with 85 years of combined service to the Town.

Helmcken Centennial Park

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Development Services provides the current and future land use, planning, and zoning work for View Royal and is responsible for the Official Community Plan (OCP) that guides future growth. Additionally, Development Services supports economic development initiatives and programs.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• In January, the Town formally launched View Royal 2050, the review and update of the Official Community Plan (OCP). The multi-phase process included both a technical review and a comprehensive public engagement program. Engagement was supported through the Town’s new Engage View Royal platform and included surveys, workshops, pop-up events, open houses, stakeholder meetings, and other online engagement opportunities designed to gather community input on the future of View Royal over the next 20 years.
  • Over the course of the year, staff undertook five major engagement touchpoints focused on visioning, community growth, the Western Gateway corridor, and policy review. Additional engagement included a Business Mixer and Consultation Event, where local business owners and operators provided feedback on economic development, business challenges, and opportunities to support future growth in View Royal. Public input gathered through these engagement activities helped inform updated policy directions and long-term planning priorities for the Town.
  • Staff also initiated engagement with the Kosapsum and Songhees First Nations. Staff presented to the Songhees Chief and Council in June.
  • On December 2, 2025, Council adopted Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 811, 2011, Amendment Bylaw No. 1156, 2025. Adoption of the bylaw represented a significant milestone for the Town and ensured compliance with new provincial housing legislation requiring municipalities across British Columbia to update their Official Community Plans by December 31, 2025. Following adoption of the amended Official Community Plan bylaw, staff and consultants continued preparing engagement summary reports and the first draft of the updated Official Community Plan for additional community review and feedback in 2026.
• In February 2025, Council adopted an updated Sustainability Checklist, which further advances the sustainability objectives in the Official Community Plan and Community Climate Action Strategy in new developments. The checklist is applied to rezoning, development permit, and development variance permit applications, if applicable.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (CON’T)

• The Town continued its collaboration with the City of Victoria, Township of Esquimalt, District of Saanich, and the Capital Regional District on the Gorge Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy. In September 2025, more than 70 stakeholders and community members attended a workshop at the Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion to help identify community values and priorities related to sea level rise and coastal flooding along the Gorge Waterway and Portage Inlet. Feedback collected through the workshop and accompanying public survey informed ongoing technical analysis and future adaptation planning.

The Royale - Island Highway

Beaumont Shoreline Access

ENGINEERING & PARKS

The Engineering & Parks Department is responsible for the ongoing maintenance and capital project delivery for View Royal’s Engineering and Parks assets.

In Engineering, this includes the Town’s transportation systems (roadways, bridges, sidewalks, signage, boulevards, bus shelters, street lighting, traffic signals and storm drains), and environmental systems (garbage, food and yard waste contracting, sanitary sewer conveyance).

In Parks, this includes the maintenance and development of over 70 parks in View Royal that includes manicured and natural green spaces, trails and shoreline accesses, off leash dog areas and pathways, and playgrounds and sports fields. Parks also maintains the grounds at Town Hall and oversees building and fleet maintenance.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Town secured up to $500,000 in provincial grant funding for the Atkins Road Sidewalk Extension project. The successful application followed several previous attempts and was supported through staff efforts, Council direction, and the Town’s Active Transportation Network Plan.
• A new traffic signal at the intersection of Island Highway and Atkins Road was completed and activated, providing a protected pedestrian crossing and supporting the implementation of new priority transit lanes along the corridor.
• The Island Highway Sidewalk Upgrade project near Howie’s Car Corral was completed, improving pedestrian connectivity and accessibility along a busy section of the corridor. Additional pedestrian accessibility improvements were completed on Watkiss Way near Erskine Lane through the construction of a new asphalt sidewalk extension and pavement shoulder widening to enhance pedestrian safety and access.
• The Town completed asphalt pavement repairs on major roads throughout View Royal and renewed painted road markings across the municipality as part of ongoing road maintenance and transportation safety initiatives. Additional traffic improvements included the installation of a new traffic loop detector at the Island Highway and Helmcken Road intersection to improve afternoon traffic flow.
• A new bus shelter was installed on Six Mile Road south of Chilco Road as part of the Town’s Bus Shelter Improvement Capital Project, enhancing transit infrastructure and rider comfort.
• Work continued on several major infrastructure and capital projects throughout 2025, including the Six Mile Road Improvements Program, Helmcken Road and Watkiss Way Intersection Improvements, the Drainage Master Plan, the Glenairlie Pump Station Upgrade, and Atkins Road pump replacements.
• Public engagement and detailed design work were completed for the future Watkiss Community Park located near the BC HandyDART site.

ENGINEERING & PARKS (CON’T)

Helmcken Road outside View Royal Elementary School

• In October, the Town initiated a year-long process to update the Transportation Master Plan. The update includes four phases and multiple community engagement opportunities. The first round of engagement featured an online survey that received more than 237 responses from residents. Public feedback gathered through the process will help inform future transportation priorities and planning initiatives.
• Accessibility improvements at Town Hall progressed in 2025, including upgrades to the front entrance doors and push-button access system to improve barrier-free access to the facility.
• A draft Urban Forest Strategy was prepared for public engagement and feedback, supporting the Town’s ongoing efforts to strengthen urban forest management, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience.
• The Town continued to support environmental sustainability initiatives through the purchase of two electric vehicles for the Engineering and Parks Departments, reducing reliance on fossil fuels within the municipal fleet.
• The Resident Tree Planting Program continued in 2025 with spring and fall tree giveaway events. A total of 74 trees were distributed to residents for planting on private property, supporting urban forest expansion and environmental sustainability throughout the community.