MINUTES OF A COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2025

MINUTES OF A COUNCIL MEETING

HELD ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2025

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
• I. Leung, Director of Engineering
• L. Taylor, Director of Development Services
• S. Vella, Director of Finance
• J. Chow, Senior Planner
• L. Curtis, Community Planner
• J. Cochrane, Deputy Director of Corporate Administration
• 13 members of the public
• 0 members of the press

1. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Tobias called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED BY: Councillor Mattson

THAT the agenda be amended to include item 7. a) 4. a), 9. d), 10. g) - i);

AND THAT the agenda be approved as amended. CARRIED

3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD

a) L. Jeaurond, Ardenlea Place, read I. Brown’s letter out loud which forms 10. i) of this agenda and expressed concern regarding the pedestrian/cyclist safety of the crosswalk at the Helmcken Road/Watkiss Way intersection.

4. BYLAWS

a) Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 1160, 2025 to Amend the CD-26 Zone for 258 Helmcken Road - Covenant for Medical Clinic Use

1. Report dated November 17, 2025 from the Senior Planner The Senior Planner gave an overview of the report to Council. Council and staff discussed the requirements of the covenant including time limits and use of space, parking, and access/egress issues.

MOVED BY: Mayor Tobias SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

C-196-25 THAT a covenant be registered on the title of 258 Helmcken Road prior to adoption of Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 1160, 2025 to require medical clinic use (i.e., family physician, nurse practitioner or medical specialist office) and/or neighbourhood grocery store in a portion of the ground floor commercial unit in the mixed-use building for a minimum of ten years. CARRIED

b) Official Community Plan No. 811, 2011, Amendment Bylaw No. 1156, 2025 A Bylaw to Amend Official Community Plan No. 811, 2011 to Introduce New Land Use Designations for the Small-Scale, Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) and Hospital Transit-Oriented Area, and New Housing Policies to Align the Official Community Plan with the 5 and 20-Year Housing Need in accordance with the Province of BC’s Bill 44 – Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023 and Bill 47 – Housing Statutes (Transit Oriented Areas) Amendment Act, 2023

Council expressed appreciation to staff for their work on the Official Community Plan update and discussed the challenges between complying with provincial legislation and defending local decision-making.

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon

THAT Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 811, 2011, Amendment Bylaw No. 1156, 2025 be given third reading and adopted. CARRIED Mayor Tobias, Councillor Brown opposed

c) Streets Bylaw No. 980, 2019, Amendment Bylaw No. 1159, 2025 A Bylaw to Amend the Streets Bylaw No. 980, 2019 (2025 Update) to Reduce Speed Limits

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon

THAT Streets Bylaw No. 980, 2019, Amendment Bylaw No. 1159, 2025 be adopted. CARRIED

d) Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 1161, 2025 A Bylaw to Amend the Zoning Bylaw by Deleting Zoning Regulations Pertaining to Landscape Security

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

THAT Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 1161, 2025 be adopted. CARRIED

e) Development Procedures Bylaw No. 730, 2009, Amendment Bylaw No. 1162, 2025 A Bylaw to Amend Development Procedures Bylaw to Establish New Procedures Respecting Landscape Security, Cancellation of Applications, and Reapplication

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

THAT Development Procedures Bylaw No. 730, 2009, Amendment Bylaw No. 1162, 2025 be adopted. CARRIED

5. MAYOR’S REPORT

a) Appointment to Committee of the Whole Mayor Tobias announced the Committee of the Whole portfolios, as outlined in Schedule A, a copy of which is attached and forms a part of these minutes.

b) Appointment of Representatives to other Committees, Commissions and Boards MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

THAT the appointment of representatives to other Committees, Commissions and Boards as outlined in Schedule B, items 1 through 25, a copy of which is attached and forms a part of these minutes, be endorsed. CARRIED

c) Miscellaneous Appointments MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

THAT the selection for miscellaneous appointments, as outlined in Schedule C – items 1 through 4, a copy of which is attached and forms a part of these minutes, be endorsed. CARRIED

d) Approval of Tag Days MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

THAT the Tag Days for 2026, as outlined in Schedule D, a copy of which is attached and forms a part of these minutes, be endorsed. CARRIED

6. PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS

7. STAFF REPORTS

a) Development Variance Permit (DVP) 2025-04 - 1701 Island Highway

1. Report dated November 13, 2025 from the Community Planner The Community Planner gave an overview of the report. Council and staff discussed sign height and illumination.
2. Comments from the Applicant
3. Comments from the Public
4. Correspondence a) Email dated December 2, 2025 from J. Cunningham, Re: Development Variance Permit 2025-04

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED BY: Councillor Rogers

THAT the email dated December 2, 2025 from J. Cunningham, Re: Development Variance Permit 2025-04 be received. CARRIED

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED BY: Councillor Rogers

C-197-25 THAT Development Variance Permit (DVP) 2025-04 for 1701 Island Highway be issued in accordance with plans submitted to the Development Services Department on October 22, 2025, subject to the development meeting all the Town’s Sign Bylaw regulations, except for the following variance:

1. increase the maximum sign area from 4m² to 7.40m². CARRIED

b) Development Permit with Variances Application No. 2025-06 - 2818 Shoreline Drive

1. Report dated November 21, 2025 from the Senior Planner The Senior Planner gave an overview of the report. Council and staff discussed the height of the building and the landscape security deposit.
2. Comments from the Applicant
3. Comments from the Public a) J. Zwicker, Park Ridge Place, questioned whether an archaeological assessment had been completed for the property.
4. Correspondence

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED BY: Councillor Mattson

C-198-25 THAT Development Permit with Variances Application No. 2025-06 for 2818 Shoreline Drive be issued in accordance with plans submitted to the Development Services Department on July 14, 2025, subject to the development meeting the regulations of Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014, except for the following variances:

1. increase to the maximum height of a detached residential building from 7.5m to 8.0m.;
2. reduce the minimum front lot line setback for a principal building from 7.5m to 6.4m.;
3. reduce the minimum setback for an accessory structure from the rear lot line from 1.2m to 0.0m to permit an elevated wooden walkway; and
4. reduce the minimum setback for an accessory structure from the natural boundary of the sea from 15.0m to 0.0m to permit an elevated wooden walkway.

AND THAT Development Permit with Variances Application No. 2025-06 for 2818 Shoreline Drive include the following as conditions of the development permit:

1. Works are to be conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the following reports: a) “Natural Watercourse and Shoreline Development Permit Area Review for 2818 Shoreline Drive, Victoria, BC, Town of View Royal” prepared by Swell Environmental Consulting and dated July 10, 2025; b) “Tree Assessment and Development Report” prepared by Scotty Tree & Arborist and dated July 10, 2025; and c) “Flood Construction Level Assessment” prepared by Ryzuk Geotechnical dated September 22, 2023.
2. A landscape security deposit of $43,000.00 for landscaping and protection of the natural environment shall be provided prior to the issuance of a building permit. CARRIED

c) Request for Decision: Helmcken Road/Watkiss Way Intersection

1. Report dated November 6, 2025 from the Director of Engineering The Director of Engineering gave an overview of the report. Council and staff discussed potential lane configuration changes on Helmcken Road, and pedestrian and cyclist safety.

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon

C-199-25 THAT for the purposes of 2026 budget deliberations, Council direct staff to proceed with the design of the Helmcken Road / Watkiss Way intersection that includes: a) a “split phased” signalization design (Option 1 of the report titled “Request for Decision: Helmcken Road / Watkiss Way Intersection”) that incorporates. protected left turning movements from Chancellor Avenue; and b) the addition of a southbound lane on Helmcken Road.

AND THAT Council direct staff to seek and apply for funding opportunities for this project;

AND FURTHER THAT the design does not include a dedicated left turn lane for southbound Helmcken Road traffic turning onto Chancellor Avenue. CARRIED

d) Atkins Road Sidewalk Tender Award

1. Report dated November 18, 2025 from the Director of Engineering Council and staff discussed the budget and costs for the Atkins Road Sidewalk project.

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon

C-200-25 THAT the Atkins Road Sidewalk construction project be awarded to Don Mann Excavating Ltd. in the amount of $379,488.00 plus GST;

AND THAT a contingency of $135,000.00 plus GST be approved for unforeseen additions in construction, contract administration, and inspections. CARRIED

e) Request for Direction: Parks Capital Projects

1. Report dated November 24, 2025 from the Director of Engineering Council and staff discussed the original zoning of the property and funding for the project.

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon

C-201-25 THAT staff proceed with the competitive bid process for the Watkiss Way Community Park construction project, for the purposes of contractor award in January 2026;

AND THAT Council delegate the contract award, provided that the total construction budget does not exceed $153,440 (net of GST);

AND FURTHER THAT the Financial Plan be amended accordingly. CARRIED Councillor Mattson opposed

f) West Shore RCMP Detachment Expansion - Municipal Consent for Bylaw Nos. 4692 and 4693

1. Report dated November 24, 2025 from the Chief Administrative Officer Council and staff discussed borrowing deadlines and previous public engagement opportunities.

MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

C-202-25 THAT Town of View Royal Council consent to the Capital Regional District Board adopting Bylaw No. 4692 “West Shore RCMP Detachment Expansion Service Establishing Bylaw No. 1, 2025” and Bylaw No. 4693, “West Shore RCMP Detachment Expansion Loan Authorization Bylaw No.1, 2025”. CARRIED Councillor Lemon opposed

g) 2026 Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting Schedule

1. Report dated November 18, 2025 from the Deputy Director of Corporate Administration

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon

C-203-25 THAT the 2026 Council and Committee of the Whole meeting schedule be adopted. CARRIED

8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES

9. CORRESPONDENCE

a) Email dated November 25, 2025 from I. Leung, Director of Engineering, Re: UBCM Grant Application - Admirals Road

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED BY: Councillor Mattson

THAT the email dated November 25, 2025 from I. Leung, Director of Engineering, Re: UBCM Grant Application - Admirals Road be received. CARRIED

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED BY: Councillor Mattson

THAT the meeting be extended to 9:30 p.m. CARRIED

b) Email dated November 19, 2025 from N. Groulx, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – BC Chapter, Re: Request for Council Support - BC Coastal Marine Strategy

MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

THAT the email dated November 19, 2025 from N. Groulx, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – BC Chapter, Re: Request for Council Support - BC Coastal Marine Strategy be received. CARRIED

c) Letter received November 16, 2025 from R. Caldwell and P. Hamilton, View Royal Climate Coalition, Re: Request for Council Motion on Oil Tanker Ban

MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

THAT the letter received November 16, 2025 from R. Caldwell and P. Hamilton, View Royal Climate Coalition, Re: Request for Council Motion on Oil Tanker Ban be received. CARRIED

d) Email dated December 1, 2025 from J. Devonshire, Re: Coastal Marine Strategy Implementation

MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

C-204-25 THAT the Mayor write to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier David Eby regarding concerns of environmental impact for pipeline construction and oil transfer over waterways. CARRIED

10. CONSENT AGENDA

a) Minutes of the Council meeting held November 18, 2025

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

THAT the minutes of the Council meeting held November 18, 2025 be adopted. CARRIED

b) Minutes of the West Shore Parks and Recreation Board of Directors meeting held October 9, 2025

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

THAT the minutes from the West Shore Parks and Recreation Board of Directors meeting held October 9, 2025 be received. CARRIED

c) Letter received November 18, 2025 from K. Porter, Re: Short Term Rentals

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

THAT the letter received November 18, 2025 from K. Porter, Re: Short Term Rentals be received. CARRIED

d) Letter dated November 27, 2025 from Hon. C. Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Re: Housing Target Progress Report

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

THAT the letter dated November 27, 2025 from Hon. C. Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Re: Housing Target Progress Report be received. CARRIED

e) Letter received November 14, 2025 from C. Harris, Re: Zoning Application for 258 Island Highway

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

THAT the letter received November 14, 2025 from C. Harris, Re: Zoning Application for 258 Island Highway be received. CARRIED

f) Minutes from the Official Community Plan Review Advisory Committee meeting held November 3, 2025

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

THAT the minutes from the Official Community Plan Review Advisory Committee meeting held November 3, 2025 be received. CARRIED

g) Letter dated November 30, 2025 from M. Mashford, Re: Short Term Rentals

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

THAT the letter dated November 30, 2025 from M. Mashford, Re: Short Term Rentals be received. CARRIED

h) Email dated December 1, 2025 from D. Screech, Re: Borrowing for the Police Building Expansion

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

THAT the email dated December 1, 2025 from D. Screech, Re: Borrowing for the Police Building Expansion be received. CARRIED

i) Email dated December 1, 2025 from I. Brown, Re: Watkiss Way and Helmcken Road Intersection

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

THAT the email dated December 1, 2025 from I. Brown, Re: Watkiss Way and Helmcken Road Intersection be received. CARRIED

11. CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA

12. NEW BUSINESS

a) View Royal’s Response re: Bill M-216 – Professional Reliance Act - Mayor Tobias

MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon

THAT Mayor Tobias’ “View Royal’s Response re: Bill M-216 – Professional Reliance Act” be endorsed. CARRIED

13. QUESTION PERIOD

14. MOTIONS & NOTICES OF MOTION

a) Motions from the November 18, 2025 Council meeting:

1. Amendment to Animal Control Bylaw - Councillor Brown

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED BY: Councillor Rogers

C-205-25 THAT the Animal Control Bylaw No. 614, 2005 be amended to add an aggressive dog designation. CARRIED

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

MOVED BY: Councillor Brown SECONDED BY: Councillor Lemon

C-206-25 THAT the proposed motion regarding a moratorium on enforcement of the Zoning Bylaw pertaining to short term rentals during the period of June 1, 2026 to July 31, 2026 be referred to staff for consideration and impact to the Town;

AND THAT the following motion be tabled to the January 20, 2026 Council meeting:

THAT there be an amnesty of enforcement of the Zoning Bylaw pertaining to Short Term Rentals during the period of June 1, 2026 to July 31, 2026 during the 2026 World Cup of Soccer. CARRIED

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

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Rogers

THAT the meeting be extended to 9:45 p.m. CARRIED

MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED BY: Councillor Mattson

C-207-25 THAT the following motion from Councillor Lemon be tabled to the January 20, 2026 Council 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

15. CLOSED MEETING RESOLUTION

16. RISING REPORT

a) Judicial Review of Recent Provincial Housing Legislation - Mayor Tobias

1. From the November 18, 2025 In-Camera Council meeting:

MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED BY: Councillor Mattson

THAT the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to:

1. engage legal counsel to assess the merits, scope, and structure of a potential Judicial Review of recent provincial housing legislation, including Bills 44, 47, 13, 15, and M216;
2. collaborate with other interested BC municipalities, regional districts, and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) to evaluate opportunities for a coordinated or cost-shared Judicial Review;
3. enter into preliminary discussions and agreements required to develop a multi-municipality legal partnership, including draft cost-sharing models; and
4. report back to Council with legal options, coalition details, and estimated financial implications prior to initiating any litigation.

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

THAT the Mayor formally invite other BC municipalities, regional districts, and UBCM to join the Town of View Royal in evaluating and potentially pursuing a coordinated Judicial Review of recent provincial housing legislation;

AND THAT Council request BC municipalities, regional districts, and UBCM consider:

1. supporting a joint municipal working group to evaluate legal issues and shared concerns;
2. providing financial contributions toward a coordinated Judicial Review; and
3. facilitating province-wide municipal participation and information-sharing;

AND FURTHER THAT the Mayor and CAO be authorized to engage with local governments and community associations expressing interest and to report back to Council on partnership opportunities.

17. ADJOURNMENT

MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED BY: Councillor Brown

THAT this meeting now adjourn. Time: 9:43 p.m. CARRIED

MAYOR

CORPORATE OFFICER