ANNUAL REPORT Year Ended December 31, 2024

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 2024 MUNICIPAL HIGHLIGHTS......................................................................................14 ADMINISTRATION......................................................................................................15 DEVELOPMENT SERVICES..........................................................................................17 ENGINEERING & PARKS ...........................................................................................21 FINANCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ...........................................................25 PROTECTIVE SERVICES...............................................................................................27 2024 MUNICIPAL GOALS & OBJECTIVES .....................................................................29 LOOKING AHEAD............................................................................................................41 FINANCIAL INFORMATION .............................................................................................50

INTRODUCTION

This year’s Annual Report outlines the Town’s achievements and major projects for 2024. It shows the progress on our 2024 municipal goals and objectives, highlights financial reporting, and gives insight into plans for the future.

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Neighbours of View Royal,

It is my pleasure to present the 2024 Annual Report for the Town of View Royal. This report highlights the achievements and challenges of the past year and provides a forward looking view of the work ahead as we continue to shape a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable community.

This year, View Royal was recognized by The Globe and Mail as the most livable city in Canada for entrepreneurs. This national recognition affirms what many of us already know—View Royal is a vibrant, connected, and opportunity-rich community where people and businesses can thrive. With a strong local economy, expanding transportation infrastructure, and a continued focus on quality of life, View Royal is increasingly being seen as a destination of choice for both residents and businesses.

As our population grows, we are deeply aware of the pressures this brings, particularly around housing and affordability. In 2024, Council and staff took important steps to implement new housing legislation, update zoning bylaws, and support small-scale, multi-unit housing options. These changes are part of a broader commitment to ensuring View Royal remains accessible for people of all ages, incomes, and family types. We know that livability must include affordable housing options close to transit, services, and community amenities.

This year also saw major progress on several community initiatives. From the installation of the new Six Mile/Atkins roundabout to accessibility improvements, fire service integration across the Westshore, and the adoption of a regional accessibility plan, 2024 was a year of meaningful investment in safety, connectivity, and inclusivity.

We launched the Town’s Urban Forest Strategy and began important work on sea level rise adaptation, continuing our strong record on climate action and environmental stewardship. Through new digital tools like Social PinPoint, we are also working to strengthen public engagement and transparency in decision-making.

Our financial position remains strong, with prudent reserve management and ongoing investment in core infrastructure. The audited financial statements included in this report reflect our continued focus on fiscal responsibility.

None of these accomplishments would be possible without the leadership of Council, the dedication of our staff, the contributions of our volunteers, and the engagement of residents who continue to participate in shaping our future.

As we look ahead we remain focused on enhancing livability, improving affordability, supporting local enterprise, and ensuring that View Royal continues to be one of the most welcoming and dynamic small towns in Canada.

With appreciation and optimism,

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

• 12,619 POPULATION*
• 14.33KM² LAND AREA
• 5,456 HOUSEHOLDS*
• 72 MUNICIPAL PARKS & 2 REGIONAL PARKS
• 30.5KM BIKE LANES
• 27.3KM TRAILS

*as per 2024 BC Stats Estimate

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

*as per 2024 BC Stats Estimate

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

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)

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.

Mayor Sid Tobias

• Committee of the Whole - Finance & Administration Portfolio
• CRD Board
• CRD Core Area Liquid Waste Management Committee
• CRD Environmental Services Committee
• CRD Regional Housing Trust Fund Commission
• 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
• Juan de Fuca Water Distribution Commission

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

• Mayor & Council
  • Chief Administrative Officer
    • Executive Assistant
    • Director of Corporate Administration
      • Deputy Corporate Officer
      • Corporate Administration Clerk/Receptionist (0.5 FTE)
      • 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 Enforcement Services Clerk (0.5 FTE)
    • Director of Finance
      • Deputy Director of Finance
      • Senior Accountant/Financial Analyst
      • Accounting Clerk 2
      • Finance Clerk 1
      • 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.

2024 MUNICIPAL HIGHLIGHTS

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:

• After a lengthy search and robust job competition, a new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) was selected for the Town of View Royal. Mr. Scott Sommerville started in January 2024.
• In early March, Grade 2 students from View Royal Elementary School toured Town Hall with special stops in Council Chambers, Archives, and the Parks Workshop. While in the Archives, students were shown photos of their school’s construction and some of its early students. The students had thoughtful questions and were curious about the Town’s operations.
• To celebrate Earth Day, the Town held an event on April 20, 2024 at Welland Legacy Park entitled “Bats, Bees, and Bushels”. Attendees enjoyed excellent educational sessions presented by LifeCycles Project staff, a View Royal bee keeper, and a Habitat Acquisition Trust volunteer.
• The Town hired a new 0.5 FTE Communications and Engagement Coordinator in July 2024.
• Canada Day was marked with an event held at the Craigflower Manor site. The Town of View Royal and the Victoria Highland Games Association co-hosted the event which had both indoor and outdoor performance stages for music and dance, community booths, Manor house tours, face painting, a balloon clown, and some traditional heavy games.
• Work continued on the complex capital project – the Microsoft 365 Records and Information Management Project. An analysis of the Town’s Records Classification and Retention Schedule was completed to identify records with trigger events/procedures that impact retention time calculations or require review of documents for selective retention. This information will be used to update the file plan for electronic records in preparation for consultation and legal review by a records and information management specialist.
• The annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was held at the Victoria Scottish Community Centre in late September and was attended by approximately 100 volunteers and their guests.
• The Great BC ShakeOut took place on Thursday, October 17 with Town staff participating in the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” earthquake drill followed by a practice session involving the set-up of the Town’s Emergency Operations Centre at Town Hall.

DEPARTMENT QUICK STATS:

ADMINISTRATION (CON’T)

• An “Auntie Archives” feature series was launched on the Town’s social media, highlighting View Royal’s neighbourhoods. Weekly photos were posted with clues, asking people to guess where she was in Town. The series wrapped up on July 1 when people were invited to come to the Archives tent at the Canada Day celebration to try and stump Auntie Archives with their own photos from around View Royal for identification.
• The Town's new Communications and Engagement Coordinator evaluated various public engagement platforms resulting in an agreement with service provider, Social PinPoint. This digital engagement tool will enhance community participation, fostering more meaningful and effective engagement on various projects and initiatives with residents. Staff underwent training on the platform, with plans to launch it in late January 2025.
• December saw long-service recognition for three employees with fifty years of combined service to the Town.
• The Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee – including staff from Colwood, Esquimalt, Highlands, Langford, Metchosin, Sooke, and View Royal – completed a joint Accessibility Plan to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to individuals in or interacting with the partner municipalities. The Plan was informed by multiple surveys and seven community engagement sessions. View Royal Council adopted the final Plan at the meeting on December 10, 2024.

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, a two-year workplan was presented to Council in response to the Province’s housing legislation and their mandated implementation timeline. The workplan included substantial work on amendments to the Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan, development permit areas and design guidelines, an interim housing needs report, inclusionary zoning bylaw, updates to the Development Cost Charges Bylaw and creation of a new Amenity Cost Charges Bylaw.
• Staff attended five Provincial webinars on Bill 35 – Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, Bill 44 – Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, Bill 46 – Housing Statutes (Development Financing) Amendment Act, and Bill 47 – Housing Statutes (Transit-Oriented Areas) Amendment Act. These webinars gave municipal staff from across the Province the opportunity to ask questions on the new legislation and receive additional information on the various housing initiatives that are being rolled out by the Province.
• In March, a new Community Planner was hired in the Development Services Department to work on current planning applications as well as support the department on the Official Community Plan, climate action, and parks planning projects identified in the 2024 - 2028 Financial Plan, Strategic Plan and Council’s resolution follow up list.
• Development Services co-hosted a business mixer with the WestShore Chamber of Commerce on March 13, 2024. Superintendent Preston, WestShore RCMP, was present and spoke about measures to improve business security. Over 35 people attended the event; it was well-received by the business community with much positive feedback.
• After analyzing data from 448 cities across Canada with populations over 10,000, View Royal earned the top spot on the Globe and Mail’s 2024 ranking of the 20 Most Livable Canadian Cities for Entrepreneurs. Fifty variables were considered across ten key categories, including health care, education, safety, transportation, and climate. The town’s vibrant community and strong economy with a strong focus on sustainable growth and connectivity were highlighted as making it an ideal location for business owners and their families.
• On July 30, 2024, the Province announced new housing targets for the Town of View Royal to build 585 new homes over the next five years under the Housing Supply Act.

DEPARTMENT QUICK STATS:

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (CON’T)

• A Community Engagement Survey ran from July 3 to September 1, 2024, to gather input from the public to help inform the Town on future public engagement on the Official Community Plan, master plans (e.g. Transportation Master Plan, Parks and Trails Master Plan, etc.), and various Town projects (e.g. playground replacement, Off-street Parking Review, Housing Strategy, etc.). The survey received over 300 responses; results will be used to guide future public engagement to ensure methods used are inclusive and accessible and meet the diverse needs of people and neighbourhoods across the community.
• At the Council meeting in May, Council adopted the Transit-Oriented Area (TOA) Designation Bylaw, which designates land within 400m of the prescribed bus exchange on Hospital Way, adjacent to Victoria General Hospital, as a TOA in accordance with the Province’s Bill 47 – 2023. The Province has prescribed specific minimum heights and densities and prohibits a municipality from imposing residential parking requirements for parcels within the TOA.
• A new universally accessible playground was planned for Chancellor Park, a neighbourhood park located at the end of Chancellor Avenue and Quincy Street. Public engagement included a community survey and open house events to gather feedback from the community on how the playground at Chancellor Park could be improved. Construction is planned for 2025.
• In addition to the required amendments to the Zoning Bylaw, amendments to the Official Community Plan were required to ensure consistency between the new housing legislation and the new regulations in the Zoning Bylaw. Changes included adding a new Intensive Residential – Garden Suite Development Permit Area, which will be used to regulate form and character. The existing Schedule P – form and character development permit areas map was also amended by adding those areas identified through SSMUH to the Mixed Residential development permit area. Form and character development permits will now be required for SSMUH or a garden suite prior to applying for a building permit.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (CON’T)

• In April, Council passed a motion that the Town support a regional application to the Union of BC Municipalities Community Emergency Preparedness Fund – Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaptation Grant and support the City of Victoria as the project lead (primary applicant) for the Gorge Waterway Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy. The project received grant funding, and the Request for Proposals for Gorge Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy closed in December 2024. The purpose of this Strategy is to conduct a sea-level rise risk assessment for the area between Portage Inlet and Johnson Street Bridge, provide public education on sea level rise, and identify options for long-term adaptation. The City of Victoria leads the project in partnership with the District of Saanich, Township of Esquimalt, and Town of View Royal. Town staff are part of the project team currently evaluating the proposals. The Town's Coastal Adaptation mapping project that is currently underway will also contribute more refined data modelling for the Town's coastline.
• At the October 15, 2024, Council endorsed the Request for Proposal (RFP) – Terms of Reference for the Official Community Plan (OCP) Review and Update. The RFP was issued on October 17, 2024, and closed on November 8, 2024. Council awarded the contract to Urban Systems on December 3, 2024. Phase 1 of the OCP project, which focuses on the OCP vision and goals, land use, housing and special planning areas, will commence in January 2025.
• On December 12, 2024, Council adopted an updated Sustainability Checklist in accordance with the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan. The checklist is intended to assist applicants to plan projects that further the sustainability objectives of the Town’s OCP and Community Climate Action Strategy. Applicants will submit a completed checklist with development application submissions.
• The major focus in June was implementing Small-Scale, Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH). Amendments to the Zoning Bylaw introduced new regulations to permit SSMUH and garden suites to ensure consistency with the housing legislation (Bill 44 – 2023). The amendments included adding new definitions for houseplex and garden suite, reducing parking requirements for detached dwellings, duplexes, and townhouses, and introducing a new visitor parking requirement, where five or more dwellings exist. The amendments to the Zoning Bylaw were successfully completed prior to the June 30th, 2024 Provincial deadline.

ENGINEERING & PARKS

The Engineering 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:

• A new single-lane roundabout now replaces the intersection at Six Mile Road and Atkins Road, improving vehicle access on all legs of the intersection while simultaneously improving safety for people who walk, roll and cycle. The roundabout sees a significant improvement to street lighting, wider pedestrian and cycling facilities and enhanced crosswalks with flashing beacons for all legs of the roundabout. The $3.9 million project was funded by the Community Works Fund, ICBC Road Improvements Program, and the Town of View Royal’s Development Costs Charges and Casino Revenue reserves. The project was completed under budget and ready for the annual increase in summer visitors to Thetis Lake Regional Park.
• A new bus stop shelter at Six Mile Road and Chilco Road (Southbound) was installed.
• The Packers Pump Station upgrade project was completed over the summer of 2024.
• A new traffic calming facility (chicane) was installed on Stormont Road at its approach to the Island Highway. The traffic calming facility promotes slower and more attentive driver behaviour within the residential neighbourhood.
• Traffic signals along Island Highway underwent upgrades to improve infrastructure resiliency and accessibility. The latest upgrade was seen at the Helmcken intersection and involved the installation of left turn signals for all legs of the intersection.
• BC Transit began construction of the transit priority lanes project on the Island Highway, between the Colwood Interchange and Six Mile Road. Staff worked with the BC Transit construction team to manage expectations on traffic flow disruptions while the work was being completed.

DEPARTMENT QUICK STATS:

ENGINEERING & PARKS (CON’T)

• Staff were busy with development servicing as frontage improvements for three of the larger multifamily developments commenced at the same time: 9 Erskine Lane, 244 Island Highway and 258 Helmcken Road.
• Three student interns were hired to work with Engineering and Parks for the peak summer months (two students for Parks, one student for Engineering). Partial funding for these summer students was provided in part thanks to the Government of Canada’s Summer Jobs Grant.
• The Bear-Safe Bin Pilot Project was launched in early 2024 within the Riverside Drive neighbourhood. Bear-Safe Food Waste Bins were distributed in September to participants of the pilot program within this neighbourhood.
• Engineering and the CRD, in partnership with Eagle View Elementary School, completed its Ready Step Roll plan with the school. The plan aims to improve safety and access for students and teachers traveling to and from the school.
• Improvements to the Glentana Trail were completed in time for the wet season, improving the safety of the trail for the community.