Council corrected and adopted the zoning bylaw for 1903 Mount Newton Crossroad after discovering that the final version had missed two previously approved changes: attached residential use and a five-storey height limit. In reviewing the correction, Council also approved changing “watchman” to “watch person” elsewhere in the bylaw. The proposed new Council Chambers drew discussion about washroom numbers and placement, natural light, accessibility and how openly the public would be seated with Council; staff will take the feedback into design development and return with final designs, expected this fall. Council then voted to move into a closed meeting; the transcript ends before the meeting’s adjournment.
Generated from the recording's captions and the official minutes.
What was discussed
AI summary · check against sources
3.1 Agenda of the August 18, 2026 Special (Open) Council Meeting
Staff said the final version of Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2270 had accidentally left out Council’s earlier direction for 1903 Mount Newton Crossroad: allow attached residential use and reduce the maximum height from six storeys to five. The amendment restores those changes, including a 20-metre, five-storey maximum; the existing four-storey limit within 20 metres of the property line remains unchanged. During the reconsideration, a councillor also proposed replacing “watchman” with “watch person” elsewhere in the bylaw. Council approved the correction, gave the bylaw third reading and adopted it.
Agreement
Council agreed the amendments should bring the bylaw into line with its earlier decision.
Staff clarified that the existing four-storey restriction close to the property line was not being changed.
The proposed wording change from “watchman” to “watch person” passed without opposition.
Council withdraws its earlier third-reading and adoption decisions so it can reconsider the zoning changes.
Official wording: That Council, in reconsidering the third reading and adoption of Bylaw No. 2270, rescinds the previous resolutions of third reading and adoption of said bylaw.
Allow attached residential homes in the specified zone, lower the permitted building height there from six storeys to five, and update the map legend to show the five-storey height limit.
Official wording: That Central Saanich Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2270, 2026 be amended by: a. Adding to subparagraph 6.6.8.4.a "Residential Attached" as a permitted use; b. Amending subparagraph 6.6.8.4.b by revising the Building Height from 23.0 metres (6 storeys) to 20.0 metres (5 storeys); and c. Amending Figure 15 by revising the legend for the blank area to "20-Metre Height Maximum (5 Storey Building)".
Staff presented a draft layout for the new chambers and nearby meeting and support spaces. The gallery is designed for 150 people, up from the current 80, with overflow seating in adjoining areas; staff said two recent public meetings drew just under 150 people and one drew close to 200. Councillors questioned whether seven washrooms were necessary and whether public washrooms and the council work area could be better placed; staff said the washroom count reflects building-code requirements for an assembly space and explained the proposed layout. Councillors also favoured more natural light and a less pronounced barrier between Council and the public. Staff said they would take those ideas, along with a suggestion to make the terrace adaptable for future expansion, back to the design team. The flexible room divider is intended mainly to let the space serve other events. Staff said final designs would return to Council after design development, expected this fall.
Agreement
The chamber should be flexible enough to host community events and meetings as well as Council meetings.
Several councillors supported exploring more natural light while managing glare.
Several councillors preferred a more open relationship between Council and the public, without a pony wall separating them.
Staff agreed to take design feedback back to the architects; no formal design direction was adopted.
Disagreement
Councillor Thompson questioned whether the proposed washroom count was excessive for Council meetings; staff and the Chief Administrative Officer said the space would also host larger events and that the count was driven by code requirements.
There were differing views on the proposed placement of the council work area and public washrooms: councillors raised usability concerns, while staff said the work area was placed near the stairs and elevator to make it more accessible to the public.
Council voted to move into a closed meeting under sections 90(1)(e) and 90(1)(k) of the Community Charter, covering certain land matters and preliminary discussions about a proposed municipal service. The transcript does not include the closed meeting’s proceedings.
Hold a closed meeting to discuss land matters and early-stage discussions about providing a municipal service, because Council considers that discussing them publicly could harm the municipality's interests.
Official wording: That Council convene a closed meeting pursuant to the following subsections of the Community Charter: 90(1) A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following: (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality; and (k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public.
The official motions list records an adjournment at 7:54 p.m., but the transcript ends after Council votes to close the meeting and does not include the adjournment.
UnclearItem 8
Routine: end the meeting.
Official wording: On motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.