Council postponed the new zoning bylaw until at least July 27, asking staff to return with options on mobile homes and shipping-container limits on farm and rural properties. It sent two private-dock applications to First Nations for comment before deciding them, and sent a Brentwood Drive travel-accommodation proposal back for changes to its height, rooftop deck and north-side setback. Council also backed a request for a timeline and meeting about safety improvements at West Saanich Road and Stelly’s Cross Road. In public feedback, a resident raised a road hazard from construction equipment parked beside the municipal building, while a Mount Newton Crossroad resident presented concerns about speeding and safety and said a petition had 126 signatures.
Generated from the recording's captions and the official minutes.
What was discussed
AI summary · check against sources
3.1 Agenda of the July 13, 2026 Regular Council Meeting
Council approved the agenda with late correspondence added to items 11.2 and 13.1, and moved the zoning bylaw item to the public-hearing section as item 10.1.
Agreement
Council agreed to the agenda changes without opposition.
Routine: approve the meeting agenda with late correspondence added to two items and a bylaw item moved to the public-hearing section.
Official wording: That the agenda of the July 13, 2026 Regular Council meeting be approved as amended by adding late correspondence to items #11.2 and #13.1 and moving item #14.1.2 to become item #10.1.
For the draft Development Permit Area Guidelines, Council asked staff to make the public-engagement materials explain not only the guidelines’ benefits but also possible new steps, costs and timeline effects. The aim is for people to comment with a clear picture of the practical implications.
Agreement
Council supported making the engagement materials more complete so feedback is informed.
As staff seek public feedback on the proposed Development Permit Area Guidelines, provide residents with information about both the guidelines’ intended benefits and their practical effects, such as added steps, costs, and time impacts.
Official wording: For item #15.1 from the June 29, 2026 Regular Council meeting minutes, that staff, as part of the public engagement process for the draft Development Permit Area Guidelines, provide information not only on the purpose, goals, and benefits of the proposed guidelines, but also on their potential implications, including any new process requirements, costs, timeline impacts, and other relevant considerations, in order to support informed public feedback.
Council reported the appointment of the District of Metchosin representative to the Peninsula and Area Agricultural Commission through December 31, 2027. A councillor asked when the next commission meeting would be; staff said none was scheduled for the summer.
Two members of the public spoke. One said a large construction vehicle had been parked for weeks beside the municipal building, forcing eastbound drivers across the solid yellow line and creating hazards for cyclists; they also questioned whether its plate was valid. The Mayor said the District would follow up on what could be done to remove it. A resident speaking for neighbours presented concerns about speeding and road racing on Mount Newton Crossroad, blind hills, trucks, and unsafe walking and cycling conditions. They said a petition had 126 adult signatures and asked the District to work with residents on safety improvements while preserving the road’s rural character and Garry Oaks.
Agreement
The Mayor thanked residents for raising the concerns and said the District would follow up on the parked equipment.
Rather than give the new zoning bylaw third reading or adopt it, Council deferred consideration to a later meeting. Discussion focused on how the bylaw would treat mobile homes on rural and agricultural properties and whether farms should be allowed more than five shipping containers. Staff said the container limit could be changed or tied to genuine farm use, while mobile-home rules reflect Agricultural Land Commission regulations. Councillors also wanted staff to report on the impact of prohibiting mobile homes on rural properties and possible public engagement. Staff hoped to bring the work back July 27 but noted that the timing could slip to August.
Agreement
Council agreed the bylaw should return with proposed wording on mobile homes and shipping containers.
Council agreed staff should report on the impact of a rural-property mobile-home prohibition and possible engagement.
Disagreement
A councillor favoured deferring the bylaw to allow time to work through several concerns; another wanted to ask questions and have a debate before deciding whether to defer.
Councillors raised different possible approaches to farm shipping-container limits, including increasing the cap, allowing unlimited containers, or limiting them to bona fide farm use.
Add a direction that the bylaw decision be put off until the next meeting and that staff bring back proposed changes about mobile homes and shipping containers.
Official wording: That the motion be amended as follows:
That consideration of the bylaw be deferred to the next meeting and that on it's return staff provide proposed bylaw amendments related to the discussion on mobile homes and shipping containers.
Further add a direction for staff to report on how banning mobile homes on rural properties could affect those properties and whether further public engagement is suggested.
Official wording: That the motion be amended as follows:
That consideration of the bylaw be deferred to the next meeting and that on it's return staff provide proposed bylaw amendments related to the discussion on mobile homes and shipping containers, and report back on the impact of prohibiting mobile homes on rural properties and any suggested engagement.
Put off Council’s decision on the zoning bylaw until the next meeting. Before then, staff are to propose changes concerning mobile homes and shipping containers and report on the effects of prohibiting mobile homes on rural properties and possible public engagement.
Official wording: That consideration of the bylaw be deferred to the next meeting and that on it's return staff provide proposed bylaw amendments related to the discussion on mobile homes and shipping containers, and report back on the impact of prohibiting mobile homes on rural properties and any suggested engagement.
Council approved requests to meet with provincial ministries at the Union of BC Municipalities convention. The topics include transit and infrastructure, safer road connections, active transportation, municipal financing, and Brentwood Bay stewardship with Tsartlip First Nation. Council added a request to meet with the Attorney General about provincial funding standards and regional approaches to police detention services, and added advocacy for a possible active-transportation overpass between Tanner and Island View.
Agreement
Council agreed to add the additional meeting topics and approved the requests without opposition.
Ask provincial ministries for meetings at the 2026 UBCM convention about transit and infrastructure, safer roads and drainage, active transportation, municipal financing, Brentwood Bay stewardship with Tsartlip First Nation, and regional solutions for police detention services.
Official wording: That meeting requests be sent to the following Ministries on the listed topics during the 2026 UBCM convention:
Ministry of Transportation & Transit:
o Supporting sustainable development through transit and infrastructure expansion.
o Investing in safer municipal–provincial road connections to support growth and public safety, e.g. West Saanich & Stelly’s Cross Road, and drainage along Verdier Avenue.
o Developing integrated active transportation networks to support growth, safety, and regional connectivity
o Active transportation overpass between Tanner Road and Island View Road within the scope of the Keating project.
Ministry of Finance:
o Expanding municipal financing capacity to deliver asset management and infrastructure priorities
Ministry of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship:
o Collaborative Brentwood Bay management and stewardship in partnership with Tsartlip First Nation
Attorney General:
o AVICC passed motion regarding provincial standards, funding, and regional solutions for police detention services.
Council consented to the Capital Regional District adopting a revised loan-authorization bylaw for the Saanich Peninsula Recreation Centre. A councillor tried to defer the decision to September, asking whether that was the Capital Regional District’s deadline, but the deferral received no seconder. Discussion noted that the new proposal was smaller than the earlier $14 million request; staff said they were waiting for other municipalities’ decisions before reporting on the freed-up space and its costs.
Agreement
Council supported consenting to the revised borrowing bylaw.
Disagreement
A councillor questioned whether Council needed to decide before September and sought more information about the cost and possible use of space; the deferral was not seconded.
Allow the Capital Regional District to adopt the bylaw authorizing borrowing for the Saanich Peninsula recreation facility.
Official wording: That Council consent to the CRD adopting Bylaw No. 4782 “Saanich Peninsula Recreation Services (DCS Recreation Facility) Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2, 2026”.
A councillor reported that the Great Victoria Public Library had been told its provincial funding would be cut by another $50,000, and said the board would continue to advocate for library funding. The councillor also noted a new library policy requiring children under 10 to be accompanied, and reported that planning for a replacement branch in Saanich was progressing. The councillor thanked District staff for their work at the Victoria Pride Parade.
13.1 7054 Brentwood Drive – Development Permit (Third Report)
The revised proposal is for five travel-accommodation units. The building had been lowered from 9.4 to 8.8 metres and shifted south to increase the north-side setback to 2.5 metres, but still required variances. Council sent the application back for a smaller north-side variance and consideration of vehicle access to the wharf and related parking, and separately directed that the rooftop deck be removed. Councillors differed on the approach: some wanted the height brought within the eight-metre limit and the deck removed, while another cautioned that making the project unworkable could lead to a more imposing residential proposal. Staff noted that the report included an alternative without the rooftop deck.
Agreement
Council agreed the proposal needed further design work before it could be decided.
Disagreement
Some councillors wanted stricter changes, including removing the rooftop deck and limiting height to eight metres; another warned that changes could make the travel-accommodation project infeasible and lead to a larger residential development.
Send the application back to staff and the applicant to reduce the requested north-side variance and consider vehicle access to the wharf, including the parking that would be needed.
Official wording: That the application for 7054 Brentwood Drive be referred back to staff and the applicant to amend the application to create a smaller variance request on the north side of the property and to consider vehicle access to the wharf with associated parking requirements.
Send the application back to staff and the applicant to remove the rooftop deck from the proposal.
Official wording: That the application for 7054 Brentwood Drive be referred back to staff and the applicant to amend the application to eliminate the rooftop deck.
The application is for a new private floating dock beside an existing home. Staff said it met zoning rules and shoreline guidelines, required little vegetation removal, and was assessed as having low ecological impact, with no eelgrass in the dock footprint. Council deferred a decision and referred the application to Tsartlip, Tsawout and Tseycum First Nations for comment. Staff will also report back on how other Peninsula municipalities handle dock applications.
Agreement
Council agreed to seek First Nations comments before deciding the permit.
Staff agreed to follow up on whether Peninsula municipalities coordinate their shoreline and dock-review processes.
Delay consideration of the private-dock application and send it to the Tsartlip, Tsawout, and Tseycum First Nations for comment.
Official wording: That consideration of the application for 7082 Brentwood drive be deferred and the applications be referred to the Tsartlip, Tsawout, and Tseycum First Nations for comment.
13.3 7476 East Saanich Road – Development Permit (Amendment)
Council approved an amended permit for a three-storey triplex on a vacant corner lot at 7471 Veyaness Road, previously part of 7476 East Saanich Road. The site had earlier been approved for a house and secondary suite. Staff said the triplex offers three homes, private outdoor space and landscaping, and fits the current zoning; the existing rear-yard setback variance remains. Staff explained that development-cost charges would be dealt with at the building-permit stage.
Agreement
Council approved the amended permit without opposition.
Approve the amended development permit, including variances, for the property now identified as 7471 Veyaness Road and authorize it to be issued.
Official wording: That the Development Permit with Variances No. PL001437 be amended for the property located at 7471 Veyaness Road (previously part of 7476 East Saanich Road) and be authorized for issuance.
The application would replace and relocate an existing dock in poor repair. Staff said the proposed dock met zoning and shoreline guidelines and that a habitat assessment found low ecological value in the immediate project area. Council deferred its decision and referred the application to Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum and Pauquachin First Nations for comment. Staff said the existing dock did not appear to pose an environmental risk.
Agreement
Council agreed to seek comments from all four First Nations before deciding the permit.
Delay consideration of the private-dock application and send it to the Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum, and Pauquachin First Nations for comment.
Official wording: That consideration of the application for 8100 McPhail be deferred and the applications be referred to the Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum, and Pauquachin First Nations for comment.
13.5 Update on Childcare TUP at Saanich Fairgrounds
The Agricultural Land Commission had approved a temporary-use permit of up to six years for childcare in an existing Fairgrounds building, but the North and South Saanich Agricultural Society decided not to proceed. Council voted to invite Society representatives to explain their operational concerns, why they withdrew and whether childcare would support their agricultural mandate. It also approved sending a Mayor’s letter acknowledging the decision and inviting further discussion about options that could work for both the community and the Society.
Agreement
Council supported hearing directly from the Society and continuing dialogue about possible childcare at the Fairgrounds.
Invite representatives of the North and South Saanich Agricultural Society to a future Council meeting to explain its concerns about the proposed childcare use, why it decided not to proceed, and whether childcare at the fairgrounds could fit its agricultural role.
Official wording: That Council invite a representatives from the North and South Saanich Agricultural Society to an upcoming meeting to explain the society's operational concerns about the proposed childcare use and reasons for it's decision not to proceed and whether and how a childcare facility at fairgrounds would support the society's agricultural mandate.
Have the Mayor write on Council’s behalf to acknowledge the Society’s decision not to operate childcare at the fairgrounds, and invite further discussion about whether childcare could be supported there while accounting for both community benefit and the Society’s operating needs.
Official wording: That a letter be sent from the Mayor to North & South Saanich Agricultural Society, on behalf of Council, acknowledging the Society’s recent decision not to proceed with childcare operations on-site following the ALC’s approval of an up to six-year Temporary Use Permit, and inviting further dialogue on whether there may be opportunities to support childcare use at the Fairgrounds in a manner that considers both community benefit and the Society’s operational needs.
Council approved writing to the provincial Minister of Transportation and Transit to request a timeline for safety improvements at West Saanich Road and Stelly’s Cross Road, and a meeting between provincial and District representatives to discuss options and next steps. A copy of the letter will go to Tsartlip First Nation.
Agreement
Council supported the request for a timeline and meeting without opposition.
Write to the provincial Minister of Transportation and Transit asking when safety improvements are planned for the West Saanich Road and Stelly’s Cross Road intersection, and request a meeting to discuss possible improvements and next steps. Send a copy of the letter to Tsartlip First Nation.
Official wording: WHEREAS the Ministry of Transportation and Transit has jurisdiction over West Saanich Road, from McTavish Road to Verdier Avenue, including the West Saanich Road and Stelly’s Cross Road intersection;
AND WHEREAS the District of Central Saanich has received complaints for years regarding the safety and configuration of the two-way stop at the West Saanich Road and Stelly’s Cross Road intersection;
AND WHEREAS District staff have tried to initiate discussions with Ministry staff to determine a timeframe for safety improvements, but have not received a possible timeframe;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Mayor and Council write to the Minister of Transportation and Transit to request a timeline for intersection improvements at West Saanich Road and Stelly’s Cross Road to address pedestrian and vehicle safety, and to request a meeting between Ministry representatives and District representatives to discuss potential improvements and next steps.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of the correspondence be provided to the Tsartlip First Nation.
Hold a closed meeting to discuss preliminary negotiations about a proposed municipal service, because Council considers that discussing the matter 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:
(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 (one item).