ATTACHMENT 16: MINUTES OF A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
Minutes from the September 12, 2023, Committee of the Whole meeting covering reports on public safety, CRD animal control, police operating reserves, and various rezoning applications.
TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL MINUTES OF A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
HELD ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
VIEW ROYAL MUNICIPAL OFFICE – COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PRESENT WERE:
- Mayor Tobias
- Councillor Brown – via Microsoft Teams at 4:30 p.m.
- Councillor Kowalewich
- Councillor Lemon
- Councilor MacKenzie
- Councillor Mattson
- Councillor Rogers
PRESENT ALSO:
- K. Anema, Chief Administrative Officer
- S. Jones, Director of Corporate Administration
- L. Taylor, Director of Development Services
- I. Leung, Director of Engineering
- P. Hurst, Director of Protective Services
- D. Christenson, Director of Finance
- T. Preston, Superintendent, West Shore RCMP
- E. Bolster, Deputy Corporate Officer
- 3 members of the public
- 0 members of the press
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Tobias called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.
The Mayor acknowledged that this meeting is being held on the traditional territory of the Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers
SECONDED: Councillor Lemon
THAT the agenda be amended to include items 9.4.3(a) and 10(a-e);
AND THAT the agenda be approved as amended.
CARRIED
3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS, ADOPTION OF
a) Minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held July 11, 2023
MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon
SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held July 11, 2023 be adopted as presented.
CARRIED
4. PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS
5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD
6. BUSINESS ITEMS
6.1 PROTECTIVE SERVICES & COMMUNITY SERVICES – Mayor Tobias, Acting Chair
6.1.1 Chair’s Report
The Acting Chair remarked on the increasing theft from businesses in the West Shore and he has requested that the West Shore RCMP investigate solutions to assist business owners.
6.1.2 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
6.1.3 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
a) West Shore RCMP Update
- West Shore RCMP Bi-Annual Report – January – June 2023
The Superintendent gave a report to the Committee regarding statistics, calls for service, and open files in View Royal.
The Committee and Supt. Preston discussed statistics, theft from businesses, mental health resources, calls for service, recruitment, and policing equipment. On the topic of the viability of establishing a community police station in View Royal, the Superintendent noted that funds used to provide more officers as opposed to a facility would further safety goals.
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers
SECONDED: Councillor Lemon
THAT West Shore RCMP verbal report update from Supt. Preston be received for information.
CARRIED
b) Capital Regional District Animal Control Update
- CRD Animal Control Summary to August 2023
The Capital Regional District’s Chief Bylaw Officer, M. Groulx, gave a verbal report to the Committee regarding animal control services, activities, and statistics.
The Committee and Mr. Groulx discussed enforcement in Thetis Lake Regional Park, dogs in hot cars, calls for service, and revenue.
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers
SECONDED: Councillor Lemon
THAT the Capital Regional District Animal Control Update be received.
CARRIED
c) Public Safety Report for July – August 2023
- Report dated September 6, 2023 from the Director of Protective Services
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers
SECONDED: Councillor Lemon
THAT the report dated September 6, 2023 from the Director of Protective Services titled “Public Safety Report for July - August 2023” be received for information.
CARRIED
d) Building Department Report for the Month of July and August 2023
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers
SECONDED: Councillor Lemon
THAT the Building Department Report for the Month of July and August 2023 be received.
CARRIED
6.1.4 New Business
a) Community Policing – Councillor Brown
Councillor Brown discussed the possibility of establishing a community police station.
The Committee discussed staffing resources and costs, noting the comments provided earlier in the meeting by Superintendent Preston on the matter.
MOVED BY: Councillor Brown
SECONDED: Councillor Mattson
COW-39-23 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that the establishment of a community police station in View Royal be explored.
CARRIED
b) Building Retrofit Strategy – Councillor MacKenzie
MOVED BY: Councillor MacKenzie
SECONDED: Councillor Lemon
COW-40-23 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that the Town write to the Province regarding the need to reform the BC Utilities Commission and enact legislation to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from gas utilities in BC.
CARRIED
6.2 ARTS & CULTURE – Councillor Lemon, Chair
6.2.1 Chair’s Report
The Chair noted that Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) staff have been asked to report back regarding removal of fines in the library system.
The Committee discussed removal of fines and exploration of View Royal’s options for the GVPL service.
6.2.2 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
6.2.3 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
OTHER REPORTS
6.2.4 New Business
6.3 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION – Mayor Tobias, Chair
6.3.1 Chair’s Report
6.3.2 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
6.3.3 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
a) Financial Plan Review – Protective Services
- Report dated September 5, 2023 from the Director of Finance
The Director of Finance gave a summary of the report to the Committee.
The Committee and staff discussed operating costs, training, and contract services.
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers
SECONDED: Councillor Mattson
THAT the report dated September 5, 2023 from the Director of Finance titled “Financial Plan Review – Protective Services” be received for information.
CARRIED
b) Police Operating Reserve Requirement Forecast Update
- Report dated September 6, 2023 from the Director of Finance
The Director of Finance gave an overview of the report to Council.
Council and staff discussed the allocation of current and future contributions, opportunities to request a change to the current police funding model, the timing of growth in the municipality vis a vis the 2026 Census.
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers
SECONDED: Councillor Mattson
COW-41-23 THAT the Committee recommend that Council confirm the practice of contributing any surplus attributable to policing services to the Police Operating Reserve and refer consideration of annual contributions to the Police Operating Reserve to the 2024-2028 Financial Plan discussions.
CARRIED
c) Budget Variance and Project Update Report to August 31, 2023
- Report dated September 5, 2023 from the Manager of Accounting
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson
SECONDED: Councillor Lemon
THAT the report dated September 5, 2023 from the Manager of Accounting titled “Budget Variance and Project Update Report to June 30, 2023” be received for information.
CARRIED
d) CAO Update
- Report dated September 7, 2023 from the Chief Administrative Officer
MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon
SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the report dated September 7, 2023 from the Chief Administrative Officer titled “CAO Update” be received for information.
CARRIED
COMMITTEE REPORTS
OTHER REPORTS
6.3.4 New Business
a) Engagement Prior to Drafting Policy – Councillor MacKenzie
MOVED BY: Councillor MacKenzie
SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
COW-42-23 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that engagement practices on policy development be referred to staff.
CARRIED
7. CORRESPONDENCE
8. CLOSED MEETING RESOLUTION
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers
SECONDED: Councillor MacKenzie
THAT this meeting now recess at 5:35 p.m.
EVENING BREAK
8.1 CALL TO RECONVENE
Mayor Tobias called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT WERE:
- Mayor Tobias
- Councillor Brown – via Microsoft Teams
- Councillor Kowalewich
- Councillor Lemon
- Councillor MacKenzie
- Councillor Mattson
- Councillor Rogers
PRESENT ALSO:
- K. Anema, Chief Administrative Officer
- S. Jones, Director of Corporate Administration
- I. Leung, Director of Engineering
- L. Taylor, Director of Development Services
- D. Christenson, Director of Finance
- J. Chow, Senior Planner
- S. Scory, Community Planner
- E. Bolster, Deputy Corporate Officer
- 22 members of the public
- 0 members of the press
8.2 PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS
a) R. Painter, 1 Tuzo Court, Re: Installation of Noise Mitigation on Trans-Canada Highway
Mr. Painter gave a presentation to the Committee regarding the need for a noise mitigation on the Trans-Canada Highway adjacent to the Thetis Vale community. He requested that the Town work with the Province to place sound-absorbing buffering barriers to ensure future planning takes into account population growth along highways and noisy corridors and require developers to implement noise mitigation strategies.
The Committee and staff discussed post-construction sound barrier installation, funding options, tree planting viability and benefits, and eco-fencing.
MOVED BY: Councillor MacKenzie
SECONDED: Councillor Mattson
COW-43-23 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that a report on updated options for noise mitigation on the Trans-Canada Highway along the Thetis Vale community be prepared.
CARRIED
8.3 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD
a) C. Witchern, Urban Development Institute, discussed the context of the Urban Development Institute.
9. BUSINESS ITEMS
9.1 PARKS, RECREATION & ENVIRONMENT – Councillor Kowalewich, Chair
9.1.1 Chair’s Report
The Chair noted it has been a successful summer in View Royal, with tournaments being held at the Helmcken Centennial Park, and updated the Committee on the West Shore Parks and Recreation Society.
The Committee discussed the potential of restoring tennis courts into pickle ball courts at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre.
9.1.2 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
9.1.3 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
OTHER REPORTS
9.1.3 New Business
9.2 ENVIRONMENT – Councillor MacKenzie, Chair
9.2.1 Chair’s Report
The Chair noted that the Town’s draft Building Bylaw No. 1111, 2023 incorporates changes to timelines for the implementation of the Zero Carbon Step Code and the following week is Recycling Awareness Week.
9.2.2 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
9.2.3 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
OTHER REPORTS
9.2.4 New Business
a) Adopt a Tree Program – Councillor MacKenzie
MOVED BY: Councillor MacKenzie
SECONDED: Councillor Mattson
COW-47-23 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that the Adopt a Tree Program be referred to staff for review in the upcoming Urban Forest Strategy report.
CARRIED
9.3 PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT & ENGAGEMENT – Councillor Mattson, Chair
9.3.1 Chair’s Report
9.3.2 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
9.3.3 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
a) Rezoning Application 2023-01 – 339, 341, and 345 Island Highway
- Report dated August 29, 2023 from the Community Planner
The Community Planner gave a summary of the report to the Committee.
The Committee and staff discussed comprehensive development zoning, on-site amenities for future residents, access to parkland and Heddle Trail, increased traffic in the Harbour precinct, development cost charges, sewer maintenance, parking, fire truck access, rental rates, covenant for greenspace, highway noise, tree retention, height, density, and active transportation.
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers
SECONDED: Mayor Tobias
THAT the report dated August 29, 2023 from the Community Planner titled “Rezoning Application 2023-01 – 339, 341 and 345 Island Highway” be received for information.
CARRIED
b) Development Variance Permit 2023-07 – 25 Chancellor Avenue
- Report dated September 7, 2023 from the Senior Planner
The Senior Planner gave a review of the report to the Committee.
The Committee and staff discussed form and character and neigbourhood engagement.
MOVED BY: Councillor Brown
SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the report dated September 7, 2023 from the Senior Planner titled “Development Variance Permit 2023-07 – 25 Chancellor Avenue” be received for information.
CARRIED
c) Request to Amend Covenant for Erskine Lane/Watkiss Way Roundabout
- Report dated September 6, 2023 from the Senior Planner
The Senior Planner gave an overview of the report to the Committee.
The Committee and staff discussed the provision of a signal instead of a traffic circle at the Erskine Lane/Watkiss Way intersection including pedestrian safety and access, design of intersection and approach, traffic volume, and connection to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.
MOVED BY: Councillor Brown
SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the report dated September 6, 2023 from the Senior Planner titled “Request to Amend Covenant for Erskine Lane/Watkiss Way Roundabout” be received for information.
CARRIED
d) Review of Business License Fees for Cannabis Retail Stores
- Report dated September 6, 2023 from the Senior Planner
MOVED BY: Councillor Kowalewich
SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
COW-44-23 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that the business license fee for cannabis retail stores be changed from $7,500 to $1,500.
CARRIED
Councillor MacKenzie opposed
Councillor Mattson left the meeting at 9:36 p.m. and Mayor Tobias assumed the Chair.
e) Membership to the Urban Development Institute – Capital Region
- Report dated September 6, 2023 from the Director of Development Services
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers
SECONDED: Councillor MacKenzie
THAT the Committee recommend to Council that membership to the Urban Development Institute be discontinued in 2024.
DEFEATED
Councillors Brown, Kowalewich and Lemon opposed
MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon
SECONDED: Councillor Kowalewich
THAT the report dated September 6, 2023 from the Director of Development Services titled “Membership to the Urban Development Institute – Capital Region” be received for information.
CARRIED
COMMITTEE REPORTS
OTHER REPORTS
9.3.4 New Business
9.4 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION – Councillor Rogers, Chair
9.4.1 Chair’s Report
9.4.2 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
9.4.3 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
a) CRD Transportation Governance Questionnaire Finalization
- Report dated September 7, 2023 from the Director of Engineering
MOVED BY: Mayor Tobias
SECONDED: Councillor MacKenzie
THAT the meeting be extended to 10:30 p.m.
CARRIED
Councillor Brown opposed
The Director of Engineering gave a summary of the report to the Committee.
The Committee and staff discussed Council’s response to the questionnaire.
MOVED BY: Councillor Brown
SECONDED: Councillor Lemon
COW-45-23 THAT the Committee recommend that the Town of View Royal Council collated responses to the Capital Regional District Transportation Governance Engagement Workbook, discussed and agreed upon at the September 12, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting, be submitted as the Town’s completed questionnaire to the Capital Regional District.
CARRIED
COMMITTEE REPORTS
OTHER REPORTS
9.4.4 New Business
a) Petition Government to Fund and Install Bike Lane on Admirals Road – Notice of Motion Referred from September 5, 2023 Council meeting – Councillor Rogers
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers
SECONDED: Councillor Lemon
COW-46-23 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that a letter be sent to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure encouraging the installation of bicycle lanes on the east side of Admirals Road.
CARRIED
10. CORRESPONDENCE
a) Email dated September 11, 2023 from N. Garry, 333A Stewart Avenue, Re: Rezoning Application – 339, 341, and 345 Island Highway
MOVED BY: Councillor Kowalewich
SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the email dated September 11, 2023 from N. Garry, 333A Stewart Avenue, Re: Rezoning Application – 339, 341, and 345 Island Highway be received.
CARRIED
b) Email dated September 11, 2023 from S. Presho, 284 Pallisier Avenue, Re: Rezoning Application – 339, 341, and 345 Island Highway
MOVED BY: Councillor Kowalewich
SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the email dated September 11, 2023 from S. Presho, 284 Pallisier Avenue, Re: Rezoning Application – 339, 341, and 345 Island Highway be received.
CARRIED
c) Email dated September 11, 2023 from V. Dammann, 285 Pallisier Avenue, Re: Rezoning Application – 339, 341, and 345 Island Highway
MOVED BY: Councillor Kowalewich
SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the email dated September 11, 2023 from V. Dammann, 285 Pallisier Avenue, Re: Rezoning Application – 339, 341, and 345 Island Highway be received.
CARRIED
d) Email dated September 11, 2023 from C. & N. Stewart, 22 Erskine Lane, Re: Request to Amend Covenant for Erskine Lane/Watkiss Way Roundabout
MOVED BY: Councillor Kowalewich
SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the email dated September 11, 2023 from C. & N. Stewart, 22 Erskine Lane, Re: Request to Amend Covenant for Erskine Lane/Watkiss Way Rounadabout be received.
CARRIED
e) Email dated September 11, 2023 from H. Cairns, 566 Prince Robert Drive, Re: Rezoning Application – 339, 341, and 345 Island Highway
MOVED BY: Councillor Kowalewich
SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the email dated September 11, 2023 from H. Cairns, 566 Prince Robert Drive, Re: Rezoning Application – 339, 341, and 345 Island Highway be received.
CARRIED
11. QUESTION PERIOD
a) S. Presho, 285 Pallisier Avenue, questioned the Committee regarding noise mitigation.
12. MOTIONS & NOTICES OF MOTION
13. CLOSED MEETING RESOLUTION
14. TERMINATION
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers
SECONDED: Councillor MacKenzie
THAT this meeting terminate.
Time: 10:23 p.m.
CARRIED
MAYOR
CORPORATE OFFICER
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