Metchosin, BC

Special Council Meeting

Council Meeting

Council Meeting

Council Meeting

Committee of the Whole Meeting

Council Meeting

Council Meeting

Committee of the Whole Meeting

Council Meeting

Council will review a zoning amendment for an animal shelter at 3280 Woodruff Road and a development variance permit for 1010 Matheson Lake Park Drive. The meeting also includes a presentation from the William Head Institution and consideration of the 2026 General Tax Exemption Bylaw.

• Zoning Amendment: 3280 Woodruff Road (animal shelter use)
• Development Variance Permit: 1010 Matheson Lake Park Drive
• Park Dedication - Buffer Land Bylaw 2026, No. 721
• General Tax Exemption Bylaw 2026, No. 723
• Presentation by William Head Institution

Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

This supplemental agenda adds two items of correspondence to the July 13, 2026 Council meeting. The first is a letter supporting a zoning amendment application for 3280 Woodruff Road by the Victoria Humane Society. The second clarifies that the Fire Hall Steering Committee has not met because the CAO requested no further meetings. Council will consider these as part of the respective agenda items.

• Letter from Lynn Pollock supporting Victoria Humane Society's zoning amendment at 3280 Woodruff Road
• Clarification that Fire Hall Steering Committee meetings were paused at CAO's request, not due to committee inaction
• Property was owned by the Jervis family for 66 years before sale to Victoria Humane Society

Special Community Planning Committee Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The Metchosin Community Planning Committee is reviewing a zoning amendment application for 3280 Woodruff Road to allow an animal shelter. The supplemental agenda consists entirely of correspondence from residents opposing the rezoning, citing environmental impacts and the applicant's refusal to register a conservation covenant. No other business is listed.

• Zoning amendment application (Item 3.b) to permit an animal shelter at 3280 Woodruff Road
• Eight letters of correspondence received, all opposing the rezoning except one supporting option 1
• Residents highlight property's role in a wildlife corridor and prior unauthorized works near streams
• Applicant (Victoria Humane Society) stated unwillingness to register a conservation covenant
• Meeting occurs one day after Council's first readings of park dedication bylaw for Buffer Land

Special Community Planning Committee

The Special Community Planning Committee will consider two items: a development variance permit to allow a detached secondary suite at 1010 Matheson Lake Park Drive with a 24.1 m separation (exceeding the 15 m maximum), and a zoning amendment application for 3280 Woodruff Road to facilitate an animal shelter use by the Victoria Humane Society. The committee will recommend Council whether to proceed with public notification or deny the variance, and whether to proceed with referrals for the zoning amendment.

• Development variance permit DVP 26-02 for 1010 Matheson Lake Park Drive to vary Section 23(3)(c) of Land Use Bylaw for detached secondary suite distance
• Zoning amendment application RZ 25-01 for 15.7 ha property at 3280 Woodruff Road for Victoria Humane Society animal shelter
• Option to deny variance without neighbour input or to proceed with notification to properties within 60 m
• Option on zoning: direct staff to proceed with referrals and explore a Section 219 Restrictive Covenant for environmental protection
• Both items are recommendations to Council, not final decisions

Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The council is receiving public correspondence regarding Item 6.a (Mayor's Report) and Item 7.a (invasive species management). Many residents urge the council to use the $2.4 million Growing Communities Fund grant for the fire hall replacement rather than proposed health clinic, multi-sport court, or active transportation projects.

• Residents object to using the $2.4M GCF grant for a health clinic, multi-sport court, or active transportation, urging it be saved for fire hall replacement
• Mayor's report proposes directing staff to explore funding for Metchosin Health Clinic infrastructure
• Mayor also proposes using a portion of the grant for a multi-purpose sport court and Active Transportation Network Plan initiatives
• Correspondence regarding Item 7.a requests specificity on invasive species management program including staffing, volunteer groups, and budget
• Multiple letters cite provincial guidelines allowing GCF grant for public safety and emergency management facilities

Council Meeting

The council will adopt the meeting agenda and consider several action items, including a licence renewal for the Metchosin Equestrian Society and a consulting services agreement for the Firehall Technical Team. It will approve the District's 2025 Annual Report and amend the Reserve Fund Policy to create a Buffer Land Reserve. Additional items include a park dedication bylaw for buffer land and endorsement of a wayfinding sign at Metchosin School.

• Approve Licence of Occupation renewal for Metchosin Equestrian Society (Aug 1 2026 – Dec 31 2027)
• Authorize Consulting Services Agreement with the Firehall Technical Team
• Approve the District of Metchosin 2025 Annual Report
• Amend Reserve Fund Policy F‑100.52 to include a Buffer Land Reserve
• Adopt Park Dedication – Buffer Land Bylaw 2026 No. 721 for Lot A, Sections 93, 94, 96, 108

CANCELLED Committee of the Whole Meeting

Council Meeting

Council will hear a presentation on a biodiversity atlas and policy toolkit, then vote on adopting the draft 2025 annual report and scheduling the annual meeting. The mayor asks to reopen discussion on opting into the Sue Big Oil campaign. Two motions for which notice has been given request reports on the West Shore RCMP building project and on hiring a lead consultant for the firehall project.

• Mayor's motion to revisit opting into Sue Big Oil campaign
• Draft 2025 Annual Report to be made available for public inspection with annual meeting scheduled June 22, 2026
• Motion for report on West Shore RCMP building project and financial impacts to the District
• Motion for report on hiring a lead consultant for the Firehall Project and re-engaging the Firehall Steering Committee
• Presentation by Action for Adaptation on biodiversity mapping and policy tools for local governments

Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The council will discuss a motion to revisit the 'Sue Big Oil' proposition, which would involve the municipality in legal action against fossil fuel companies. A resident's correspondence urging support has been added to the supplemental agenda for this item. No decisions are recorded; the item is listed for discussion.

• Correspondence from resident B. Bacon in support of the Sue Big Oil proposition, submitted for Item 5.a. Mayor Request

Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee will review the Joint Accessibility Plan 2025, hear a presentation from the WESTSONG Sensory Garden Club, and consider appointing a Vice-Chair. The committee will also discuss accessibility barriers to municipal elections and receive membership updates.

• Presentation from WESTSONG Sensory Garden Club on a proposed sensory garden near the Songhees Walkway in Esquimalt
• Review of the CWAAC Joint Accessibility Plan 2025 (pages 29-142)
• Appointment of a Vice-Chair for the committee
• Request for committee feedback on accessibility barriers to municipal elections (from City of Langford)
• Membership updates from Langford and View Royal

Council Meeting

Council will consider recommendations to award a road resurfacing contract, adopt a buffer land reserve fund bylaw, and apply for a Dark Sky Community designation. These items will determine road maintenance priorities, fund conservation efforts on buffer land, and establish local night-sky preservation standards. The agenda also includes proposals for traffic calming on La Bonne Road and quarterly operational reports.

• Award 2026 Road Resurfacing Program contract to Island Asphalt Co for $749,045.85 including GST
• Adopt Buffer Land Reserve Fund Bylaw 2026, No. 714
• Apply for DarkSky International Dark Sky Community Designation with a $250 USD fee
• Review and implement traffic calming measures on La Bonne Road/Barrow Road
• Authorize discharge of historic covenants and stormwater easements on buffer land

Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The Metchosin Council is receiving correspondence regarding several agenda items from the May 25 meeting, including support for Dark Sky Community designation, student research on Buffer Lands, park dedication, firehall planning, and other environmental initiatives. A detailed letter from a resident raises concerns about the regulatory and financial implications of Dark Sky designation, including the requirement for a lighting bylaw.

• Letter from Bev Bacon supporting Dark Sky application, student research at Royal Roads on Buffer Lands, park dedication, firehall planning, East Sooke Park expansion, Canada Geese management, and LGCAP funding
• Letter from Shari Rourke detailing concerns: Dark Sky designation requires a legally enacted lighting bylaw covering all public and private lighting within 5-10 years
• Specific technical standards would include shielding, color temperature limits, lumen caps, and adaptive controls
• Potential impacts on greenhouse operators, equestrian facilities, businesses (Weirs Beach RV Resort, Pedder Bay Marina, Bilston Creek Farm, Pearson College), and residents
• Questions about costs to District and property owners, and precedent from Delta's rejected greenhouse lighting bylaw

Special Council Meeting

The council will adopt the agenda, then vote to close the meeting to the public under section 90(1)(e) of the Community Charter. The closure is to allow discussion of a possible acquisition, disposition, or expropriation of land or improvements. After the closed session, the council will adjourn.

• Motion to close meeting to public under section 90(1)(e) for land acquisition discussions
• Agenda approval
• Adjournment of the special council meeting

Committee of the Whole Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing correspondence regarding a potential Dark Sky Community designation for Metchosin. Additionally, the committee is receiving input on how to incorporate professional expertise into the Fire Hall Steering Committee.

• Correspondence from Shari Rourke regarding Dark Sky Community designation requirements and costs
• Correspondence from Ted White regarding Dark Sky certification and existing lighting policies
• Correspondence from Mike Hornick regarding a proposed technical team for the fire hall

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will consider a report on the buffer land title review and two options for a park dedication bylaw and Section 219 covenant. Other agenda items include a recommendation to apply for Dark Sky Community designation, a fire hall project options review, and correspondence requesting traffic calming on LaBonne Road. The committee will also adopt minutes and receive draft minutes from advisory committees.

• Buffer land: release historic covenants and consider park dedication bylaw (two options)
• Apply for Dark Sky Community designation with a $250 USD application fee
• Fire hall project: direct staff to obtain proposals from qualified consultants
• Correspondence requesting traffic calming measures on LaBonne Road
• Approve Royal Roads University student research on buffer land

Council Meeting

The District of Metchosin Council will consider adopting the Financial Plan 2026 to 2030 Bylaw and the Tax Rate 2026 Bylaw, alongside a Development Variance Permit for a Happy Valley Road property and the allocation of a 2025 operating surplus.

• Adoption of Financial Plan 2026 to 2030 Bylaw (No. 718)
• Adoption of Tax Rate 2026 Bylaw (No. 719)
• Approval of 2025 operating surplus allocation ($255,748.40)
• Development Variance Permit 26-01 for 3767 Happy Valley Road
• Buffer Land Reserve Fund Bylaw 2026 (No. 714) first, second and third reading

Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

Council is reviewing a request to provide a $500 grant-in-aid to the ReImagine West Shore Community Society for workshops and events. Staff recommend funding the missed application using the District's unappropriated surplus. The meeting also includes correspondence regarding a development variance permit.

• Proposed $500 grant to ReImagine West Shore Community Society from unappropriated surplus
• Correspondence from neighbors supporting a Development Variance Permit for 3767 Happy Valley Road

Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The Council is reviewing correspondence regarding proposed amendments to the Soil Deposit and Removal Bylaw No. 402 and Building Bylaw 2024 No. 694. The meeting also includes discussion on a commercial general use application for Crown Land in East Sooke.

• Proposed amendments to Soil Deposit and Removal Bylaw No. 402
• Proposed amendments to Building Bylaw 2024, No. 694
• Crown Land Commercial General Use Application in East Sooke
• Public correspondence regarding heavy truck traffic on Mount Blinkhorn

Council Meeting

The council approved a $200,000 allocation from the UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund for the 2026 FireSmart program and authorized the CAO to execute related agreements. It also approved the purchase of one new ¾‑ton fire department fleet vehicle and directed its inclusion in the district fleet replacement program. Additional actions included amending the Agricultural Advisory Select Committee’s terms of reference, allocating $5,000 in Grant‑in‑Aid funding to local groups, and giving first, second and third readings to the Financial Plan 2026‑2030 and Tax Rate 2026 bylaws.

• Approve $200,000 FireSmart grant from UBCM CEPF and authorize agreement execution
• Approve acquisition of one new ¾‑ton fire department fleet vehicle for 2026
• Amend Agricultural Advisory Select Committee terms: replace "developing" with "implementing"
• Allocate $5,000 Grant‑in‑Aid funding to six community groups (e.g., Metchosin Equestrian Society $500, Rewired Recovery Foundation $625)
• First, second and third reading of Financial Plan 2026‑2030 Bylaw No. 718 and Tax Rate 2026 Bylaw No. 719

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will hear grant-in-aid presentations from eight local groups, then recommend Council on awarding $5,000 in total to four organizations. They will also consider a Development Variance Permit application for a property at 3767 Happy Valley Road, and review minutes and correspondence.

• Recommendation to award $5,000 in Grants-in-Aid to Compost Education Centre ($1,000), Access West Shore Society ($250), Metchosin Preschool ($1,512), and Construction Foundation of BC ($2,238)
• Development Variance Permit application (DVP 26-01) for 3767 Happy Valley Road, with options to notify neighbours or deny
• Proposed amendment to Agricultural Advisory Select Committee's Terms of Reference (strike 'developing', replace with 'implementing')
• Correspondence from Friends of the Buffer Land requesting council direction on academic research opportunities
• Presentation by eight grant-in-aid applicants including Access West Shore Society, Compost Education Centre, and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91

Special Finance Committee Budget

This special budget committee meeting will review and potentially approve the draft 2026-2030 Five-Year Financial Plan, which includes a 16.77% police tax increase over five years and a 1% annual infrastructure levy. The committee will also consider a recommendation to purchase a new $90,000 fire department support vehicle. Two options are presented: approve the plan as drafted, or direct staff to increase the infrastructure reserve contribution.

• Police (RCMP) costs: wage accrual leads to 16.77% tax increase over 2026-2029, adding $9 per average homeowner.
• Infrastructure deficit: current plan adds 1% tax per year ($14.33) generating $150,000 by 2030, but a 67% cumulative increase needed ($960 per homeowner) to fully fund gap.
• Fire Department vehicle: recommendation to acquire a new ¾-ton fleet vehicle for $90,000 to replace decommissioned vehicle.
• Options for Financial Plan: either approve current draft or increase infrastructure reserve contribution (level to be determined).
• Public open house had limited attendance; information posted online.

Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The council will consider correspondence related to the proposed industrial rezoning of 3659 Sooke Road. Residents and groups have submitted letters opposing the rezoning, citing environmental concerns and conflicts with the Official Community Plan. The agenda also includes correspondence requesting endorsement of the "Forestry is a Solution" initiative and items concerning the Good Neighbour Bylaw 2026 No. 716.

• Proposed Industrial Rezoning of 3659 Sooke Road (item 2.b)
• Correspondence requesting endorsement of "Forestry is a Solution" (item 11.a)
• Correspondence regarding District of Metchosin Good Neighbour Bylaw 2026, No. 716 (item 12.a)
• Multiple resident letters opposing the rezoning on environmental and staffing grounds
• Discussion of potential groundwater and surface‑water impacts near Martin Brook

Council Meeting

The council will hear a presentation on a proposed industrial rezoning of the property at 3659 Sooke Road. It will also adopt the Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 716 and the Ticket Information Authorization Amendment Bylaw No. 717. Staff will be directed to rescind a series of listed policies, and council will decide whether to approve a geocache at 4450 Happy Valley Road.

• Presentation and discussion of the proposed industrial rezoning for 3659 Sooke Road
• Adoption of District of Metchosin Good Neighbour Bylaw 2026, No. 716 (third reading)
• Adoption of District of Metchosin Ticket Information Authorization Amendment Bylaw 2026, No. 717 (third reading)
• Rescission of policies E-100.27, E-100.26, E-100.07, E-100.15, E-100.17, E-100.28, E-100.30, F-100.55, and PL-400.40
• Decision to approve or deny placement of a geocache on district property at 4450 Happy Valley Road

Special Finance Committee Budget Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The Special Finance Committee will consider supplemental correspondence for agenda item 3a, which proposes a Regional Coordinator role to support child and youth well‑being across the West Shore‑Sooke region at a cost of roughly $1 per resident per year. It will also examine supplemental correspondence for agenda item 3b, which highlights the current ditching budget of $65,433 and a request for an additional $200,000+ to bring ditching work back on track, citing a labor and equipment cost of about $21,000 per day. Additional questions about cost estimates, vehicle expenses, and user‑fee allocations are also raised.

• Proposal for a Regional Coordinator role to coordinate youth‑well‑being initiatives, estimated at about $1 per resident per year
• Ditching budget: $65,433 spent in 2025, request for $200,000+ increase; labor/equipment cost cited as roughly $21K per day
• Correspondence from Bev Bacon and Cindy Andrew supporting the Village Initiative’s youth‑well‑being plan
• Gary Smirfitt’s questions about cost estimates, contract sourcing, and whether ditching costs could be passed to users
• Reference to an Agritourism workshop on March 31 at Bilston Farm

Special Finance Committee Budget Meeting

The Special Finance Committee will adopt the agenda, hear public input, and discuss the Village Initiative request for a dedicated Municipal Leaders’ Advisory Team (MLAT) Coordinator. The business case proposes a salary of $105,000‑$115,000, with $15,000 annually from Sooke School District and the remaining $100,000 funded by the participating municipalities. The committee will also review the 2026‑2030 Draft Financial Plan and receive correspondence from the Metchosin Foundation.

• Adopt agenda as presented/amended
• Public participation segment
• Consider Village Initiative funding request for MLAT Coordinator ($105k‑$115k total cost)
• Presentation and discussion of the 2026‑2030 Draft Financial Plan
• Correspondence from Valerie Jaeger, The Metchosin Foundation

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will recommend that Council approve the 2026 District Priorities, refer the firehall replacement draft Terms of Reference to the Firehall Replacement Taskforce, and hire a Project Manager for the firehall project. It will also advise staff to review the Biodiversity and Natural Assets Draft Plan and ask the Mayor to write to the federal government about bright vehicle headlights. These items are presented for Council decision at the March 9 meeting.

• Approve District of Metchosin Council – 2026 Priorities
• Refer firehall replacement draft Terms of Reference to the Firehall Replacement Taskforce
• Hire a Project Manager for the firehall replacement project
• Direct staff to review the Biodiversity and Natural Assets Draft Plan and propose next steps
• Request the Mayor write a letter to the federal government on bright vehicle headlights

Committee of the Whole Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The Committee of the Whole will review supplemental correspondence on Item 7b concerning the firehall replacement project. Council will discuss a proposed governance model, a recommendation to hire a professional Project Manager, and a request to endorse Option 3 and reset the project. The discussion references the $22 million preferred option and compares it to a $6.1 million firehall project in Comox.

• Proposed governance model for the firehall replacement project (Item 7b)
• Recommendation to hire a professional Project Manager for a project restart
• Review of the $22 million preferred option prepared by Johnston, Davidson Architecture & Planning
• Comparison to a $6.1 million firehall project currently underway in Comox
• Request to endorse Option 3 and reset the firehall project

Special Finance Committee Budget

The Special Finance Committee will receive the District's 4th Quarter 2025 Financial Report for information. The committee will also receive the 2026‑2030 Draft Financial Plan. No motions or approvals are listed; the items are to be recorded as informational reports. The meeting also includes public participation, other business, and adjournment.

• 4th Quarter 2025 Financial Report: Total revenue $7,500,798.08, total expenses $6,557,613.22, net surplus $651,195
• Revenue exceeded budget by $441,198 (106% of budget) with notable over‑budget items: building permits $153,472, interest income $139,411, wildfire income $74,905
• 2026‑2030 Draft Financial Plan attached as Schedule B for review
• Capital project funding: Public Works budget $1,031,000 (actual $851,323), Administration $185,000 (actual $183,283), Fire $93,500 (actual $53,398)
• Overall operating expenses were $155,547.78 under budget

Special Finance Committee Budget Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The Special Finance Committee is reviewing supplemental correspondence regarding the 4th Quarter 2025 Financial Report and the 2026-2030 Draft Financial Plan. Resident submissions discuss the cost recovery of the former Metchosin School property and spending on the Duke Road trail project.

• Correspondence regarding the $3,765,400 assessed value of the school building property
• Resident request to stop funding for 'Transportation Special Projects' related to the Duke Road trail
• Discussion of the 60% cost recovery target for the former Metchosin School
• Resident mention of a $22 million estimated cost for a firehall replacement project
• Correspondence regarding the 2026-2030 Draft Financial Plan

Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The council will review a letter submitted by a resident concerning the Good Neighbour Bylaw. The correspondence raises issues about invasive plant removal, residential properties used for commercial parking, and roadside parking. It also suggests options for removal crews, financing mechanisms, and greater public input.

• Resident comments on property owners' responsibility for invasive plant removal
• Suggestion to use a supervised crew of low‑risk prisoners for invasive removal
• Proposal to attach invasive removal charges to property titles for payment at refinancing or transfer
• Concern about residential properties being used as commercial parking lots
• Concern about roadside parking affecting active transportation