Welcome to the Council Meeting Recap page. These highlights are intended to provide a brief summary of recent Council proceedings. The summary is not inclusive of all agenda items and does not include development applications.
For the full agenda, including staff reports, official meeting minutes, and the webcast please see the Council Meeting page.
Grant in Aid Policy Amendment
Council approved an amendment to the Grant in Aid Policy to allow for the delegation of the review and approval of funding disbursements and the addition of two program streams to allow for a new Community Facilitated Activities program.
Extreme Weather Response Plan - Warming Centres
Council received a report on the District's statutory obligations for warming centres and directed staff to report back on how to meet those obligations for extreme cold weather, based on a completed risk assessment and to engage the Emergency Programs for the Peninsula First Nations and Local Governments to identify opportunities for collaboration.
Q3 2024 Traffic Safety Committee Update
Council received for information a report providing an update on the issues identified and discussed Traffic Safety Committee, as well as any decisions made or actions taken to address concerns.
Q3 2024 Strategic Implementation Plan Process
Council received for information a report providing an update on the progress made to date on the Strategic Implementation Plan.
Q3 2024 Financial Report
Council received for information a report providing an update on the review of the financial plan, outlining budget variances and commentary on the variances.
Q3 2024 Grant Update - Small Infrastructure
Council received for information a report providing an update on small infrastructure grant funding.
Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw Amendment
Council gave introductory readings to the Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw amendment, for transactions approved by Council subsequent to the March 25, 2024 Financial Plan adoption.
Accessory Dwelling Units in Agricultural and Rural Areas
Council gave introductory readings to bylaws that will expand the opportunity for accessory dwelling units on agricultural and rural zoned lots, including lots within the Agricultural Land Reserve. Staff were also directed to engage with the pubic at a scheduled Agricultural Open House on November 21, 2024 and schedule a Public Hearing at a future meeting.
Community Resiliency Investment Program - FireSmart Community Funding & Supports
Council approved an application for a FireSmart Community Funding grant that would help sustain the FireSmart Coordinator position and FireSmart activities.
Draft Parks and Trails Master Plan
Council approved the initiation of a public consultation process to seek the community's feedback on the Draft Parks and Trails Master Plan's objectives, opportunities, and proposed improvements.
Civic Redevelopment - What We Heard Report 2024
Council received a summary of the first phase of public engagement on the Civic Redevelopment project.
2025 Permissive Tax Exemptions
Council gave first readings to Permissive Tax Exemption bylaws for non-profit organizations and places of worship, as well as an exemption for the WSÁNEĆ Lands Trust Society properties known as ȾIKEL lands for ten years. Consideration of adoption of these bylaws will occur at the October 21, 2024 RCM.
Turgoose Neighbourhood - District Actions
Council received a report on how the District is managing growth in the Turgoose neighbourhood and directed staff to proceed with six new actions to improve traffic safety and manage traffic volumes.
2025 Police Board Budget Guidelines
Council received the Central Saanich Police Board's report on the 2025 budget drivers and preliminary forecasted budget increases for information.
Interim Housing Needs Assessment
Council received an update on the interim housing needs report to meet legislative requirements, which will assist the District in understanding shifts in housing demand.
Q2 2024 Financial Report
Council received an update on the status of the 2024 Financial Plan, outlining any budget variances with commentary.
Q2 2024 Strategic Implementation Plan Progress
Council received an update on the progress made to date on the Strategic Implementation Plan.
Q2 2024 Traffic Safety Update
Council received an update on traffic safety concerns reviewed by the Traffic Safety Committee, as well as actions and implementations that have been completed as a result.
Agricultural Community Outreach Results & Next Steps Re: PAAC
Council directed staff to proceed with the terms of reference governance review and to request that the CRD explore a assuming responsibility for the PAAC at a regional level
Presentations
Island Health Presentation on ALR and rural housing septic and water service
Council received a presentation from Island Health on ALR and rural housing septic and water service, and directed staff to report back on further information and updated recommendations.
Staff Reports
Enabling Accessibility Fund Grant Application
Council supported a grant application to the Enabling Accessibility Fund 2024 Community Accessibility for $125,000 to replace the playground equipment, specifically the rope basket swing at Centennial Park, with a more accessible feature and upgrade the surface to be more accessible, so that all children can safely enjoy the playground.
Wallace Drive Bike Lane Feasibility Referral from Healthy Communities Committee
Council received a report on the Wallace Drive Bike Lane Feasibility Referral and directed staff to explore concept routes between Brentwood Bay and Saanichton, review the sidewalk design to see if it can accommodate vulnerable populations, and to report back on a Vision Zero review of roads, including the implication of a 30km zone between West Saanich Road and Stelly's Road on Wallace Drive.
Regular Council Meeting
Keating Flyover Update by MOTI
Council received an update from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure on the Highway 17 Keating Cross Road Flyover Interchange, including a status update on the construction and next steps.
Central Saanich Little League Request for Funding and Approval to Install Turf on Diamond 6 at Centennial Park
Council directed staff to enter into a license of occupation agreement for 15 years and a loan agreement for the infield of Diamond 6 at Centennial Park with Central Saanich Little League (CSLL), for the installation of an infield synthetic turf surface. CSLL is a non-profit community-based youth sports organization dedicated to promoting the development of baseball skills, sportsmanship, and teamwork among children and youth in the Central Saanich area. The instillation of the synthetic turf will allow the facility to be used year-round, improving opportunities for children and youth across the Peninsula.
Regular Council Meeting
2023 Annual Report
Council approved the 2023 Annual Report, which includes the strategic plan, strategic progress and results, a snapshot of municipal operations and services, and financial information.
Statement of Financial Information
Council approved the 2023 Statement of Financial Information, which is comprised of all required schedules, including the 2023 Audited Financial Statements.
Public Hearing
Council held a Public Hearing for consideration of a Zoning Bylaw amendment to implement Provincial Bill 44, including permitting increased housing close to villages and corridors. The bylaw was amended to change "village zone residential" zones to "neighbourhood residential". Consideration of third reading, as amended, and adoption of the bylaw to be considered at the next Regular Council Meeting on June 24.
Regular Council Meeting
Q1 2024 SIP Progress
Council was provided an update on the progress made to date on the Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) 2024 Q1 results.
Public Input for Development Applications Council Policy
Public Input policy and revisions to the Correspondence Policy. Council directed staff on the handling of correspondence sent to Mayor and Council, including those related to development applications.
Long Term Debt Bylaws, 2024 and 2025 Financial Plan
Council gave introductory readings to three 2024 and 2025 loan authorization bylaws to provide debt funding for the following capital projects: the Brentwood Bay Sewer Project, the Wallace Drive Bike Lane, and the Highway 17 and Keating Cross Road Flyover Project. Adoption of bylaws to be considered at the next Council meeting.
Regular Council Meeting
Audited Financial Statements
The 2023 Audited Financial Statements were presented by the auditors and accepted by Council.
Committee of the Whole
Bill 44 Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing Draft Zoning
Council provided direction on Bill-44 implementation, including draft zoning for Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) and Housing Outside the Urban Containment Boundary (UCB).
Community Open House has been scheduled for May 29 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on SSMUH.
Special (Open) Council Meeting
Parks and Trails Master Plan Workshop
Council received a presentation on an update on the Parks and Trails Master Plan project and summary of public input received. The What We Heard report can be found at LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/parksandtrails. A draft of the plan will be shared with the public for input this fall. Subscribe to LetsTalk.... for updates.
Regular Council Meeting
E-Kick Scooter Pilot
Council authorized staff to opt-in to the E-Kick Scooter pilot conducted by the Province from April 5, 2024 to April 5, 2028, which allows municipalities to legally have e-kick scooters on roadways.
Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw and Tax Rate Bylaw
The bylaws to approve the 2024-2028 Financial Plan and annual tax rates were adopted. Tax notices will be mailed in May and are due July 2, 2024.
2024 Financial Plan Adoption
The bylaws to adopt the Financial Plan and Tax Rate were introduced and adoption will be considered at the April 22, 2024 meeting.
(see LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/Budget2024 for details)
Peninsula Recreation Commission Presentation
Commission Chair Niall Paltiel and Lorraine Brewster, Peninsula Recreation Senior Manager provided a presentation and update on the Peninsula Recreation Commission’s Five-Year Strategic Plan, highlighting their accessibility and inclusion objectives, infrastructure focus areas, and program and service delivery focus areas.
2024 Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendments
The 2024 Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw was introduced and provided the proposed 2024 changes to the District's fees and charges, based on an annual review process, and includes the new 2024 water and sewer rate changes. The bylaw will be brought back to Council on April 8 for consideration of adoption.
2024 Financial Plan Adoption
Council passed a motion to approve the Draft Central Saanich 2024-2028 Financial Plan, with 0.56% tax decreases as a result of transitioning to a pooled municipal buying group for gasoline and biodiesel, and withdrawing from the South Island Prosperity Project funding. This would reflect a decrease to the operating budget, bringing it to 5.45% and the overall tax increase to 7.20% with asset management. Staff will bring forward the Five-Year Financial Plan and 2024 Tax Rate Bylaws for Council's consideration in April.
A number of other Plan amendments as presented to Council on March 4 and 18 will also be included and summarized in the final Financial Plan to be published in April.
Grants in Aid
2024 Grant in Aid applications were approved by Council. The grants provide one-time, modest financial support for organizations that benefit our residents. Recipients include: Keating Parent Advisory Committee, the Mental Health Society of Greater Victoria, the Peninsula Country Market, and the Saanich Inlet Lifeboat Society partnering with Tsartlip. Learn about these projects at: Grant in Aid Request - Staff Report.
Bylaws
Land Use Bylaw Separation: Introduction and initial readings were given to bylaws that will repeal the Land Use Bylaw and introduce three new separate bylaws: a Zoning Bylaw, a Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw, and a Sign Bylaw. These changes are being made to make the bylaws more user friendly to navigate. Consideration of adoption will occur at a subsequent meeting.
Emergency Management - Elected Official Training
Council received a presentation by Chad Pacholik from Logic League Consulting Ltd. on emergency management for elected officials as part of the District's ongoing emergency preparedness program.
New Housing Legislation
The Public Notice Bylaw and Development Applications Procedure Bylaw Amendment were adopted by Council. Consideration of the Delegation of Authority Bylaw Amendment will be considered at a subsequent meeting following approval of a text amendment.
Provincial Housing Legislation
In response to the Province’s Bill 44, Council passed the first of many changes to respond to the requirements. These include delegations to staff, changing public notice requirements, and directing the development of a public input policy to ensure the public continues to be consulted even in light of the prohibition of many public hearings. More information on Bill 44 and the new Housing legislation implementation will be available soon on our website.
Tender Award
Council approved the award of the Brentwood Bay Sanitary Sewer Project. The work promises a major upgrade to infrastructure and a boost to active transportation along a key corridor. Stay tuned into CentralSaanich.ca/projects for updates including start date.
Heat Pump Financing
Council approved adding two more households to the Heat Pump Financing Program. This cool program offers interest-free loans to convert fossil fuel heat to heat pumps. More information on the program is available on our website.
Traffic Safety Grant Funding Opportunities
To improve efficiency and organizational effectiveness, Council approved staff the authority to go and apply for grants without coming forward for approval each time. These grants, including a focus on traffic safety opportunities through ICBC, increase the ability of the District to improve our community. For more information on grants received in 2023 and how it impacts the District’s operations, see the 2024 Draft Financial Plan.
Provincial Housing Legislation
Council received a presentation from staff on the new Provincial Housing legislation, and endorsed the implementation plan for Central Saanich. Reports on the development applications process, priority applications and zoning amendments will be considered again at the February 12, 2024 meeting.
Greater Victoria Public Library
Staff and Board Members presented the 2024 GVPL budget to Council. Council expressed their thanks for the great community service the library provides, a community ‘living room’.
Code of Conduct
Council adopted a Code of Conduct bylaw, as per provincial requirements. The bylaw will be posted in the bylaw library soon.
AVICC Resolutions
Council endorsed sending two resolutions for consideration at the upcoming annual conference for the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities for consideration by their fellow Vancouver Island elected local officials. The resolutions are related to Provincial regulation of heavy-duty vehicle emissions and provincial highway active transportation implementation.