{"videoId":"69324e78-0060-4890-91ed-30e5cd63cae3","source":"assemblyai","segments":[{"t":2,"text":"All right.","speaker":"A"},{"t":6,"text":"Good evening, everyone.","speaker":"B"},{"t":7,"text":"Hello.","speaker":"C"},{"t":8,"text":"I'll call the meeting to order. Councillor Newton, Acting Mayor. And we'll be chairing until the Mayor returns this evening.","speaker":"B"},{"t":19,"text":"Just call to order the special Open council meeting Monday, June 15 or 6pm and first I will recognize Councillor Graham online. Councillor King, Councillor Paltiel, Councillor Thompson in the room expecting Councillor Riddle shortly.","speaker":"B"},{"t":39,"text":"Respectfully acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Wasanich people, which includes the Sartlip and and seut First Nations. And with that I will seek approval of the agenda.","speaker":"B"},{"t":64,"text":"Great.","speaker":"C"},{"t":67,"text":"Coming in then to Committee of the Whole for the purposes of the beginning of this meeting. So I'll get a motion to convene a committee of the Whole.","speaker":"B"},{"t":79,"text":"Great.","speaker":"C"},{"t":80,"text":"Thank you. There was some discussion prior to when this was requested by council to allow members of the public to have an opportunity to be considered to speak to either items 4. 2 and 4.","speaker":"B"},{"t":95,"text":"3 as part of tonight's Committee of the Whole meeting. So, depending on the will of Council, a motion to permit speakers from the gallery for up to three minutes. Part of the Committee of the Whole meeting.","speaker":"B"},{"t":112,"text":"Move.","speaker":"C"},{"t":114,"text":"Great.","speaker":"D"},{"t":115,"text":"Any discussion? See None. I'll call the question then. Any opposed? None. Carried. Moving right along into item 4. 2, what we heard report on the phase two development permit areas, design guidelines, engagement and next steps.","speaker":"B"},{"t":134,"text":"And we have a staff presentation from NAFISA in the Planning department. And I look forward to hearing what you have to say on this again.","speaker":"B"},{"t":147,"text":"Thank you.","speaker":"A"},{"t":153,"text":"Through the Chair. Thank you. Today I'm presenting a summary of phase two engagement for development permit area design guidelines. We will highlight key themes heard and outline next steps for Council consideration.","speaker":"E"},{"t":172,"text":"Since fall 2025, staff have undertaken multiple engagement phases, including public open houses, focus group engagement, sessions with first nations and environmental groups, online engagement through let's Talk central signage and presentation to advisory committees.","speaker":"E"},{"t":192,"text":"We are now reporting back on phase two engagement and seeking direction to proceed with refinements. We presented the draft guidelines to three advisory committees. As I mentioned to apc, SPAC and pac.","speaker":"E"},{"t":211,"text":"Apologies.","speaker":"F"},{"t":212,"text":"Overall feedback was positive, as you see on the slide. APC expressed strong support for the experience, expanded DPAs and improved clarity and definition.","speaker":"E"},{"t":225,"text":"SPAC supported the guidelines, particularly improvement related to accessibility, and PAC supported the guidelines with a focus on farmland protection and minimizing impacts on agricultural activities. Committees also provided recommendation to continue improving clarity and efficiency through the guidelines.","speaker":"E"},{"t":246,"text":"Overall, the draft design guidelines were well received by participants and the broader community. The themes. Sorry.","speaker":"E"},{"t":255,"text":"The key themes from engagement include strong support for enhanced environmental protection, especially in sensitive shoreline and ecosystem areas the need for improvement in clarity, consistency and technical alignment of the guidelines interest in more flexible performance based approaches rather than overly prescriptive language and requirements and improving usability through better mapping guidance and applicant resources.","speaker":"E"},{"t":286,"text":"Feedback also emphasized balancing environmental protection with development feasibility and other considerations such as wildfire risk and other development considerations. We also received written submissions from Sayad and Saleh first nations as presented presented attached to the appendices.","speaker":"E"},{"t":306,"text":"Key themes included protection of marine ecosystem safeguarding, cult culturally significant areas and the importance of early and ongoing engagement.","speaker":"E"},{"t":317,"text":"Based on the feedback we received, staff are proposing a series of refinement to the draft design guidelines for next step and for drafting bylaw refinements.","speaker":"E"},{"t":331,"text":"Refinements will include improving clarity and definition and submission requirements, enhancing mapping data and transparency, supporting education and applicant guidance, strengthening performance based and flexible approaches, improving consistency and reducing duplication across EPAs.","speaker":"E"},{"t":349,"text":"There are also several areas that may require further future council direction and and or additional work including marine, shoreline and infrastructure considerations, integration of referral process, streamlining development review procedures and further work on ecosystem mapping and tree management.","speaker":"E"},{"t":370,"text":"For the next step, pending Council direction, staff will proceed to refine the draft DPA design guidelines. Following that, a draft by lobby will be introduced for first and second readings at the future Council meeting.","speaker":"E"},{"t":390,"text":"For the next stage, staff will incorporate feedback received and focus on preparing more consistent and user friendly framework. And with that the presentation come to the end. I'm happy to take any question you may have.","speaker":"E"},{"t":410,"text":"Thank you very much Rafisa. I guess questions to start with from Council on this at all. Councillor King,","speaker":"B"},{"t":424,"text":"thank you. Thank Mr. Chair and to staff.","speaker":"G"},{"t":428,"text":"There was one part that I heard and I need a little bit more clarification but I think it's refining the draft guidelines to better distinguish mandatory requirements from guidance and incorporate clearer performance outcomes where feasible rather than overly prescriptive wording.","speaker":"G"},{"t":451,"text":"And so it's interesting because sometimes prescriptive wording helps to provide that mandatory requirement from guidance, if you follow. So sometimes that we see things move away from clear and mandatory to vague and wishy washy.","speaker":"G"},{"t":471,"text":"Not in anything we do, but you see that in the world and sometimes that's seen as oh good because that opens opportunity and makes those agencies and stuff perform like the intent. But. But there is wiggle room.","speaker":"G"},{"t":493,"text":"So I'm just curious as to whether this is tighter, clearer or less so","speaker":"G"},{"t":502,"text":"through the chair it's going to be a tighter clear direction on the guideline.","speaker":"E"},{"t":508,"text":"So the intention is make it more clear which one is required and which one is something that we prefer to have so it's kind of having to distinguish between the two.","speaker":"E"},{"t":520,"text":"Through the comment we received, some of the language that we use made it pretty rigid for the applicants to have that design.","speaker":"E"},{"t":530,"text":"So we refined the wording in a way that they understand it better, it's more user friendly and in the meantime they can be creative in terms of the design, but also meet the requirement that we have, because it's a.","speaker":"E"},{"t":546,"text":"It's a quite extensive set of guidelines and we cannot make them to meet all the guidelines. So we need to have some of them as required and some of them as complementary.","speaker":"E"},{"t":560,"text":"How did we decide?","speaker":"G"},{"t":564,"text":"It was through the comments that we received from the consultant that by the time we send a request to them to review the guidelines, it was based on the applicant perspective, if it's logical for the applicant to apply these guidelines and if they are practical or not.","speaker":"E"},{"t":590,"text":"Thank you.","speaker":"G"},{"t":594,"text":"Anyone else? Councillor Paltiel,","speaker":"B"},{"t":599,"text":"thank you very much.","speaker":"D"},{"t":601,"text":"I guess one overarching question and interpretation here is just when it comes to a number of these pieces, such as whether it's the forested and biologically sensitive areas, shoreline or, you know, ALR agrology, it looks like there's going to be a requirement for further scrutiny from professionals in many cases.","speaker":"D"},{"t":627,"text":"My two questions are how is the district going to handle the potential impact or workload from the greater impact or reliance on whether it's again, necrologists, biologists, you know, the consultants that are potentially going to be required to implement and interpret these DP areas?","speaker":"D"},{"t":649,"text":"And then number two is there are a number of properties in here that look like they're going to have potentially overlapping or competing DP areas.","speaker":"D"},{"t":662,"text":"And so how does interpretation come into play when, you know, one, one property could have one, two or potentially even three areas overlapping?","speaker":"D"},{"t":674,"text":"And how do we ensure that we're providing clarity and context for decision making in areas where potentially two truths could become true? And how do you ensure that you're not creating conflicts or challenges there?","speaker":"D"},{"t":691,"text":"Thanks, Councillor Peltier. Similar inquiry through the chair.","speaker":"B"},{"t":696,"text":"That's actually a great question. Can I start with the second one?","speaker":"E"},{"t":701,"text":"Because a part of the review was making sure that the guideline, they are not conflicting because we had that challenge through the previous guidelines that one of the guideline talked to something the one, the other one could speak to the opposite.","speaker":"E"},{"t":719,"text":"And that was one of the intention that we make sure that it's not happening in the new sets of guidelines in terms of being overlapping from different guidelines.","speaker":"E"},{"t":731,"text":"So by the time the application is reviewed by staff, they will look into all the DPA Areas that apply to the property and they make sure that it meets the requirement for all these DPs and for the professional reliance.","speaker":"E"},{"t":748,"text":"It will be at that time that it will be determined what professional and at what stage is gonna be required for that development permit application coming through.","speaker":"E"},{"t":762,"text":"Just perhaps I can add to that as well. The district will only require one development permit application if there is multiple development permits with applying to the property.","speaker":"H"},{"t":771,"text":"So there wouldn't be, you know, two different applications submitted and two different fees. It would just be that one application. And we would assess that application.","speaker":"H"},{"t":779,"text":"Many times an applicant may not know that there are multiple development permit areas on their property. So through that review, we would inform them.","speaker":"H"},{"t":788,"text":"So, yeah, go ahead, Councillor Peltiel.","speaker":"B"},{"t":790,"text":"And is this something as well where just for absolute clarity, just to ensure that there isn't ambiguity on, you know, these kind of items, is this going to be something eventually that the district's GIS map will be able to interpret so that you'll be able to, you know, click on a particular area or property for identification and it will actually list you the relevant policies so that again, there's no one taking any liberties or anything on potential guidelines.","speaker":"D"},{"t":821,"text":"Absolutely. That's. That's the goal. Likewise with our zoning bylaw, click on the zone and it would go to the actual specific zone of the property. So certainly that's something we're working towards with our updated gis.","speaker":"H"},{"t":840,"text":"See any other speakers from the table? So I just had to questions. One was regarding the shoreline improvements, and we heard from property owners and the first nations how important it is to tighten up those regulations.","speaker":"B"},{"t":855,"text":"So","speaker":"C"},{"t":857,"text":"how do we see the new DPAs being or the guidelines being implemented to take that into account","speaker":"B"},{"t":867,"text":"through the chair. So we heard a lot of comments from the environmental group and First Nation, as you see in their letter, is also mentioned about it. We didn't hear from the property owners.","speaker":"E"},{"t":881,"text":"And I think that's one of the next step that we need to take at a future potential project that we need to get them engaged.","speaker":"E"},{"t":892,"text":"And technically we need to look at the permitted uses there, for example, the docks and marine infrastructure. And then we have to look at them from a different angle.","speaker":"E"},{"t":904,"text":"And that would be the time that it will be determined that what is going to be prohibited and what will be permitted, and from there the guidelines will be refined.","speaker":"E"},{"t":919,"text":"Okay, thank you. The second question around this is, do we see this being helpful in reducing variance requests from property owners as this is coming forward, or do we anticipate that not changing as a result of this?","speaker":"B"},{"t":937,"text":"Please thank you, Mr. Chair. It would be the zoning bylaw project that would may result in some reduction of variances and certainly that's what we attempted to do through that.","speaker":"H"},{"t":946,"text":"Right.","speaker":"G"},{"t":947,"text":"I wasn't sure where that was going to tie into this item or the next one.","speaker":"B"},{"t":950,"text":"So","speaker":"I"},{"t":952,"text":"I don't see any other question. Councelor King from Council. Yep.","speaker":"B"},{"t":958,"text":"In terms of the work that still needs to be done with the indigenous referral process and others, how extensive is that likely to be and.","speaker":"G"},{"t":972,"text":"Yeah.","speaker":"B"},{"t":972,"text":"What kind of report is that or not report but work is that likely to look like and like costs associated, et cetera? I'm curious about that one. And also here's a question.","speaker":"G"},{"t":984,"text":"In terms of all the feedback that's been received, was there anything that we chose not to or that staff chose not to recommend that was a concern from any of the groups?","speaker":"G"},{"t":998,"text":"Perhaps the first one I'll start with around the referral process. So the district is. And Ms. Gorman may want to jump in here as well.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1006,"text":"So we're working towards MOU with First nations, both first nations, around how we'll obviously operate together and we see that referral process being spelled out in that through that work. But is there anything you want to add, Ms.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1019,"text":"Gorman, at all to that?","speaker":"H"},{"t":1021,"text":"No, I absolutely think that's one of the priorities and why council chose to direct staff to engage in that work is to have a referrals or an engagement protocol in place so we know what to ask when and how.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1034,"text":"And your second question? I would say there were two key areas around the environmental development permit areas that we identified through the engagement we did. The first was docks.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1046,"text":"And Nafisa had mentioned docks as a concern for environmental in both First Nations. So at this time the district staff have not put forward the removal of docks as a permitted use in our zoning bylaw.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1060,"text":"That's where that would be.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1062,"text":"We thought it would be at this stage of the project a little bit out of scope of what we're trying to achieve in terms of getting is only by one place that has sound regulations at this time.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1076,"text":"But we identified it through this engagement as a potential future project. Some of our research showed that on the Saanich Inlet, the district of Central Saanich is the only municipality that still does permit docks.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1090,"text":"The province had a don't use the incorrect wording, but a moratorium on. It wasn't just constructing new docks, but it was in terms of leasing new lands. So that was something that it was lifted.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1103,"text":"So now that's permitted use in the Sandage Inlet. So even though we still may see docks come to fruition.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1111,"text":"We still do have an internal process for that and any new dock application will be bringing to Council for consideration. Just because of the concern that's been expressed.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1122,"text":"I would say the second thing that was identified through the engagement and through some research we did around establishing LIDAR data was our terrestrial environmental ecosystem, especially up in the Mount Newton area.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1135,"text":"Our current mapping and the area we captured does not reflect the entire area that is sensitive ecosystem.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1141,"text":"So a future project we could look at, and this would be through Council direction, is to potentially expand those development permit areas. But again, we felt at this stage of the project it still needs further engagement.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1156,"text":"It was a bit out of scope for where we are today. We thought it was best to get good design guidelines in place and then we can always come back and revisit that with Council direction.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1172,"text":"Thank you. Councillor Peltiel,","speaker":"B"},{"t":1177,"text":"is there a motion on","speaker":"D"},{"t":1178,"text":"the table as of yet or not yet?","speaker":"B"},{"t":1179,"text":"No,","speaker":"H"},{"t":1182,"text":"I do have two kind of related motions just on the reporting of this, but I think that they're actually probably better considered if the bulk of the item was to move forward. So I'll wait.","speaker":"D"},{"t":1196,"text":"Sure.","speaker":"G"},{"t":1196,"text":"I was going to hopefully hear from the public first before we got to motions, if that's okay.","speaker":"B"},{"t":1203,"text":"So at this time, if no one else around the table, I'll see if there's anyone from the gallery or public that wishes to come up and voice their comments, ideas, thoughts regarding the dpa, the development permit area designs, as that was the intent of this committee, of the whole meeting.","speaker":"B"},{"t":1222,"text":"So I'm not seeing the dozens and dozens of people jumping up and down to come up and speak to it. So I will take that there with their blessing.","speaker":"B"},{"t":1233,"text":"If there was anything else at this point, then if you wanted to make a motion, then, Councillor Peltiel, beyond the recommendations or.","speaker":"B"},{"t":1242,"text":"Yeah, I'll start with just moving the staff recommendation as proposed.","speaker":"D"},{"t":1250,"text":"We do not. Yeah, we do not. Yeah, sure. Discussion on.","speaker":"B"},{"t":1254,"text":"See the two recommendations that the development permit area guidelines, updates of what we heard, report be received for information and two staff refine the DPA guideline design guidelines and introduce the draft bylaw for first and second reading at a future Council meeting.","speaker":"B"},{"t":1274,"text":"Discussion. Councillor King, just very briefly before we","speaker":"B"},{"t":1277,"text":"vote the second one, refine the DPA guidelines is. Am I correct? Is it largely wording and language changing? Is there anything we should know other than that?","speaker":"G"},{"t":1297,"text":"No, it will be refining the existing guideline that it presented to Council. There won't be any changes to the structure and to the items that we have.","speaker":"E"},{"t":1307,"text":"So what we See, in the sort of the blue edited document, that's what we're going to be come forward to","speaker":"B"},{"t":1312,"text":"a future council meeting with the refinement in the wording to make sure that they are more clear and consistent.","speaker":"E"},{"t":1319,"text":"Right.","speaker":"A"},{"t":1319,"text":"Okay. No other questions then I'll call a question. Any opposed? See? None.","speaker":"B"},{"t":1328,"text":"Carried.","speaker":"C"},{"t":1329,"text":"Moving along to item 4. 3 then. Oh, sorry, Councillor Peltier.","speaker":"B"},{"t":1333,"text":"Yep, thank you. I was just going to ask that included in either within applications or when applications do come to council for consideration, assuming these get adopted.","speaker":"D"},{"t":1349,"text":"I was going to ask that staff are encouraged to prepare trade off and conflict assessments for proposals with overlapping policies.","speaker":"D"},{"t":1363,"text":"I think that's pretty clear, Staff. You capture the gist of that?","speaker":"B"},{"t":1367,"text":"Just for absolute context, it would basically identify the relevant policies, explain where they align or conflict state trade offs and assist both counsel and decision making if it's at that point, or applicants in determining those trade offs, where the conflicts may arise and how to ensure, in plain language, where the hierarchy exists, just to ensure that the.","speaker":"D"},{"t":1395,"text":"The goal posts are clear.","speaker":"D"},{"t":1397,"text":"Sure.","speaker":"C"},{"t":1398,"text":"In relation to the DPAs or relation to the OCP.","speaker":"B"},{"t":1401,"text":"Well, DPAs being an interpretation of the OC.","speaker":"D"},{"t":1405,"text":"Okay, Councillor King, I like what I","speaker":"B"},{"t":1409,"text":"am learning about this. I don't fully understand how it would come about, so I like examples, if anybody's able to give one. But. So how would that manifest itself?","speaker":"G"},{"t":1422,"text":"In some example, there'd be like, where would there be potential conflict that might come about?","speaker":"G"},{"t":1429,"text":"So you have an ALR property and you're developing somewhere near a riparian area which setbacks are or which guidelines around building height, structure, massing, siting, proximity to the road, servicing, et cetera are to be followed and how do you ensure that those, you know, there is a path for clarity or understanding?","speaker":"D"},{"t":1452,"text":"Staff, anything to add or comment to it? You don't have an issue with that direction?","speaker":"B"},{"t":1457,"text":"No. Thank you, Mr. Chair. That's particularly helpful with our new wildfire DPA and our terrestrial environmental DPA, because those are very two conflicting development permit areas that we did struggle with a little bit. So.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1471,"text":"Okay, Councillor King, presumably the staff wouldn't be in a position to be saying, oh, we prefer one or the other would just be presenting the conflict and the issue. And that's helpful for decision makers to","speaker":"G"},{"t":1484,"text":"be able to see it.","speaker":"B"},{"t":1484,"text":"So from that understanding, I can go with it.","speaker":"G"},{"t":1489,"text":"Great.","speaker":"C"},{"t":1489,"text":"I don't see any other speakers to the motion, so I'll call the question. Opposed? None. Great idea. Carried. Was there anything else, Councillor Peltiel? All right, great. Moving on. Item 4.","speaker":"B"},{"t":1504,"text":"3, the Zoning Bylaw Phase 2 Engagement Summary and Next Steps and we have a presentation from Julie Bell in the Planning Department.","speaker":"B"},{"t":1521,"text":"Thank you. Just waiting for the PowerPoint to come up here.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1525,"text":"Okay, so the report provides Council with a summary of the Phase two engagement undertaken as part of the Zoning Bylaw update and outlines the next steps in the process.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1537,"text":"The purpose of this phase was to present the draft zoning bylaw and proposed zoning map to the public and to gather feedback before bringing the Bylaw forward for consideration of readings.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1549,"text":"Phase two engagement included a variety of opportunities for participation. Staff hosted two public open houses, maintained an online comment forum, and conducted direct outreach with affected property owners in the Dignon and Stellies area.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1562,"text":"The draft bylaw was also reviewed by both the Peninsula and Area Agricultural Commission and the Advisory Planning Commission. Overall feedback received during Phase two indicated general comfort with the direction of the draft bylaw.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1575,"text":"Many participants noted that the proposed changes are largely administrative and modernization focused rather than significant policy shifts. Several participants also recognized that comments provided during Phase one had been reflected in the revised draft.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1589,"text":"In terms of feedback received, one participant expressed concern that the proposed 25% agricultural lot coverage limit could could affect the ability of some properties to achieve farm status.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1600,"text":"Staff reviewed the requirements established by BC assessment and are of the opinion that the proposed regulation would not unduly constrain agricultural opportunities.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1608,"text":"The provision applies to a relatively small portion of the District and is intended to balance agricultural uses with tree retention.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1616,"text":"In addition, existing farms with farm status would continue to benefit from site specific provisions that Permit up to 100% agricultural lot coverage consistent with the current zoning bylaw.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1627,"text":"The Peninsula and Area Agricultural Commission also provided feedback regarding the use of shipping containers on agricultural properties. In response, staff revised the draft bylaw to increase the maximum number of permitted shipping containers from 1 to 5.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1642,"text":"This amendment better reflects the operational needs of agricultural properties while maintaining a clear and consistent regulatory framework. Staff also received mixed feedback regarding the proposed zoning changes in the Dignon Road area.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1654,"text":"One participant indicated support for the proposed zoning approach provided it does not negatively impact property values.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1661,"text":"Another participant suggested exploring a mix of townhouse and apartment housing forms with apartment buildings oriented along West Saanich Road and a gradual transition in heightened density towards Stelly's crossroad through townhouse development.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1673,"text":"In addition to the feedback received through engagement, staff are proposing a minor amendment related to commercial composting and food waste collection uses.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1682,"text":"Commercial composting is proposed to be removed as a permitted use because it is not currently operating within the District.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1689,"text":"A new site specific use has instead been created to recognize two existing food waste storage and collection operations in the Keating area to address potential concerns related to odor, wildlife attraction and pest management.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1703,"text":"Staff have included regulations requiring food waste to be stored indoors or within lidded containers and limiting activities to specified operating hours.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1711,"text":"In conclusion, the Phase two engagement demonstrated general support for the draft zoning bylaw with feedback primarily focused on clarification.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1718,"text":"Staff have incorporated appropriate refinements and are recommending that council receive the Phase two what we Heard report for information and bring forward the draft zoning bylaw for consideration of readings. Thank you.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1732,"text":"Thank you, Ms. Bell. Council for any questions comments. Councillor King, raising a hand.","speaker":"B"},{"t":1743,"text":"We've had experience with commercial composting in the past, but I am, I'm recalling that there was a lot of discussion about potential in vessel composting versus that which causes a lot of smell. Nobody has invested in that.","speaker":"G"},{"t":1761,"text":"That's very expensive. But how would this preclude that?","speaker":"G"},{"t":1765,"text":"In other words, if somebody wanted to provide that type of composting and generate energy from it and not have smell go out and all the other stuff that's really great and return that compost material to the farmland as many have said is desperately needed, that would be great.","speaker":"G"},{"t":1789,"text":"Great.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1789,"text":"So are we precluding that in this. I have a few other questions through the chair.","speaker":"G"},{"t":1794,"text":"We would. It would require rezoning to allow that specific use. But given the nature of this use in the district, it does have a negative impact on agricultural operations when it's not done right.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1806,"text":"So we felt that risk was worth the reward in the food waste storage and collection.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1815,"text":"Can I do that as well? I think the. Perhaps the use that's being described, Councillor King, is that more of a district energy type use or the actual. So the primary use would be the energy generation.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1827,"text":"It wouldn't be the composting. So it would under Arizona bylaw, as it stands today, that that may need a rezoning to permit anyways. But I think the. The composting would be a component of that.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1838,"text":"It wouldn't be the primary use of the site. So. So I think that type of application could be considered on its own merits through council.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1846,"text":"But as it stands today, if I'm thinking of a zoning ballot that doesn't really have the energy generation as a permitted use right now. So it would be something that would have to be rezoned anyways.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1857,"text":"So this zoning bottle wouldn't really affect that type of use anyway.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1861,"text":"Okay. There is still a path and rezoning.","speaker":"G"},{"t":1864,"text":"There's still a path possible.","speaker":"H"},{"t":1866,"text":"But yeah. Okay. Interesting. There's a few questions I have. Can staff Identify some of the biggest changes to the zoning bylaw. I know it was said that there's no significant policy shifts or that was","speaker":"G"},{"t":1884,"text":"an impression, I think.","speaker":"A"},{"t":1885,"text":"But what are the changes? The major changes","speaker":"G"},{"t":1891,"text":"through the chair? The majority of changes are administrative and modernization based.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1896,"text":"I would say the areas that may have more significant changes would be the rural estate zones, where we're looking at limiting agriculture to 25% in rural forest and rural shoreline properties.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1908,"text":"Also the proposed zone changes in the Dignon Road area, that would be another one. And those are the main ones. Off the top of my head, are","speaker":"F"},{"t":1919,"text":"there examples that can be drawn about where the changes have been from say, council direction, public input, or from best practices of planning","speaker":"G"},{"t":1934,"text":"through the chair? I would say 95% of the changes are from council direction, OCP direction or public direction. 5% would be best practices.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1943,"text":"And then there's certain elements of the zoning bylaw, like language that we just felt was a little out of date. So that's where the modernization elements come in as well.","speaker":"F"},{"t":1954,"text":"Thank you.","speaker":"G"},{"t":1959,"text":"Just on item 4. 3, Councillor Riddle, around the zoning bylaw. Councilor Thompson, you had a question?","speaker":"B"},{"t":1967,"text":"Last question then.","speaker":"C"},{"t":1969,"text":"Comment.","speaker":"J"},{"t":1969,"text":"I just got back into town last night after being away for three weeks, so I didn't have the time.","speaker":"C"},{"t":1977,"text":"I would have liked to go through and look at this report in detail, but I'm happy that we're just receiving it for information.","speaker":"C"},{"t":1987,"text":"Tonight in particular has been, say, concerns like Dignan Road, folks living in Sanderson and so forth. And I look forward to have more time to look at it and we'll offer comments at the appropriate time.","speaker":"C"},{"t":2002,"text":"Okay.","speaker":"E"},{"t":2003,"text":"Yeah, I don't think this is moving. When you said a future council meeting, it's not the one this evening. No, it's coming up at some point in the future. Okay. Yeah, I didn't think so, but you have time.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2017,"text":"Councillor Thompson, I did have a couple of questions and comments. How prolific was the online comments and feedback that we got from from the public on this component?","speaker":"B"},{"t":2029,"text":"We received three comments on the online comment forum and none of them were directly related to the zoning bylaw updates, but instead other projects the district is undertaking.","speaker":"F"},{"t":2038,"text":"Understood the comments from pac. And I was fortunate to be able to attend the recent PAC meeting. And there was discussion around the rural forest lots on how that is impacted around the reduction or limit to agriculture.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2053,"text":"And specifically it was discussed about, you know, an interface around grazing and how that could occupy 100% of the land and not interfere with the tree canopy. And so how could that be considered as part of permitted use","speaker":"B"},{"t":2073,"text":"Our animal control bylaw would regulate animals on a property. So if you wanted to keep horses, that. That would be outside of that.","speaker":"F"},{"t":2081,"text":"The agricultural lot coverage I did mention in that meeting, I think it would be very challenging for our staff to go out there and identify if farming was occurring just on 25% of a parcel.","speaker":"F"},{"t":2093,"text":"If it was slightly over. I do. I think there would. It would be very challenging to measure that. So I. I don't think it's. I think it's more for the.","speaker":"F"},{"t":2103,"text":"The cases where people are cutting down trees illegally that we would be looking to enforce it. Not for your average farmer.","speaker":"F"},{"t":2111,"text":"Right. So 20 head of cattle or something, grazing, that wouldn't be an issue, but could be permitted on the whole lot area.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2119,"text":"All right.","speaker":"I"},{"t":2121,"text":"The shipping container from 1 to 5, all of that is still regulated from the ALC regulations. Or is this sort of outside of the ALC regulations?","speaker":"B"},{"t":2133,"text":"This is outside of the ALC regulations. The motion from staff was to allow or from PAC was to allow unlimited shipping containers. But we saw that that could potentially be abused by people who aren't using agriculture.","speaker":"F"},{"t":2148,"text":"So we felt five was a fair compromise.","speaker":"F"},{"t":2152,"text":"Yeah, that was significant discussion at PAC about something else, but similar. The Dign Road, while identified, and it's been something that's been talked around at the table for a number of years.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2163,"text":"Do you have an idea of where that could land as far as where that transition or the zoning changes could look at?","speaker":"B"},{"t":2174,"text":"We would have to do some more digging into that. I think it would be up to council direction.","speaker":"F"},{"t":2180,"text":"Fair enough. And my last comment was around the food waste, and that is a permitted use for two properties. And Councillor King spoke to it and there was some concerns a long time ago around that done on agriculture.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2195,"text":"How would the.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2196,"text":"What's the process if there was a complaint or a problem with an operator doing that, that would result in a similar impact to the community, given that it's outside of the ale our lands now and we're looking at it on the industrial lands.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2216,"text":"So the challenge with this is because the district has been permitting it and it has been operating, we are limited in terms of enforcement, but we have been working with the property owners to come up with these guidelines and rules.","speaker":"F"},{"t":2229,"text":"And it's something that they've indicated that they're willing to agree to and work towards. So it would prevent future operations like this without district control. And it was also part of a council motion, I think, last April.","speaker":"F"},{"t":2242,"text":"April that talked about kind of the beautification of the Keating business district and making sure some particular permitted uses aren't necessarily located on that main strip there. So it was partially based on council direction as well.","speaker":"F"},{"t":2254,"text":"Okay.","speaker":"C"},{"t":2254,"text":"But if there was, even for the existing businesses that are doing that, there's mechanisms in place if there's a complaint or a problem to be able to control that.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2269,"text":"Yes. There in the new zoning bylaw there are permitted use regulations for food waste storage and collection that again say it has to be litted in containers so animals can't get it at it.","speaker":"F"},{"t":2280,"text":"And also pulling from our previous commercial composting regulations, a time frame and where those operations can be active as well so people aren't dealing with it on the weekends and things like that.","speaker":"F"},{"t":2293,"text":"I can add to that as well. Councilor Newton. We also have a nuisance bylaw that would help if there was any unnecessary noise, dust, odor, that sort of thing that's impacting adjacent property owners.","speaker":"H"},{"t":2304,"text":"That's something our bylaw enforcement can work towards rectifying.","speaker":"H"},{"t":2307,"text":"Thank you again.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2309,"text":"As before, if anybody from the gallery","speaker":"B"},{"t":2311,"text":"wish to come up and speak around","speaker":"A"},{"t":2312,"text":"the proposed zoning changes, there's only bylaw changes.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2318,"text":"Do so","speaker":"G"},{"t":2322,"text":"please do.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2323,"text":"This is exciting.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2331,"text":"Hello.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2332,"text":"If you could just make sure you press the button on the base there. There you go. Thank you.","speaker":"F"},{"t":2336,"text":"Hello. Yeah, this is my first council meeting. So thank you everyone for putting this on and opening it to the public. First off, I'm someone affected by Dingen Road.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2347,"text":"I bought a house there five, six years ago with my partner and I want to share. The house that I bought is a success.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2357,"text":"From 2013 council approved a variance where one of the old houses on Dignan Road was subdivided into four lots.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2364,"text":"Four new houses were built and currently there is my family, there's another family with a toddler as well as us.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2372,"text":"There's two other people living there in their other in the other houses that are living in these new houses that were built at the end of Dignan Road that are very well connected, that are part of a community.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2387,"text":"We're involved with our neighbors on a small quiet side street. And I really like when we saw the street, when we saw what it was, we were really happy to buy what buy it and be part of this.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2402,"text":"My partner was born in Brentwood Bay and we live a 10 minute walk from my father in law. We've been part of the community for a long time and we wanted to stay here.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2415,"text":"We are currently raising our 18 month old son here. We walk through the park every day, go to daycare.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2423,"text":"We have members of our community in our street over all the time where we make apple cider with the old apple orchard that we live on here in Dignan.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2434,"text":"I don't like the proposal to rezone Dignan for apartment blocks, to tear down what's there and to put up a big apartment block as per the bylaw or the OCP planning. I approve.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2447,"text":"I am more in favor of option one, which was to not change the from residential zoning or to change it to residential townhomes so that more people like myself and my partner or like our neighbors can have a chance to build a community and build a townhouse and build a family oriented street there.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2468,"text":"I don't feel that with the addition of the new apartment block that's going up on the corner of Verdier and West Saanich, that's where the Dollarama was going. That is another gross improvement of apartment buildings and people.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2483,"text":"There's other apartment buildings that are being planned. I think that townhouses would be a much better use of the space being a small quiet side street where I'm close with all of my neighbors.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2496,"text":"I know all of them by name as I chase my toddler up the street every day and they see everyone and we wave and we talk to everyone.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2507,"text":"And that's just the perspective I wanted to share here with everyone.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2512,"text":"Thank you very much. Appreciate it.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2524,"text":"Acting Mayor Council Neil Beswick. My wife's here as well. We live on Thompson Place. We also own property on Dignon Road. And it's to that that I wish to speak, and I'm in support completely of the previous speaker.","speaker":"I"},{"t":2544,"text":"There is some history that the council might be remember and be aware of that some years ago we made application for four small houses on that lot, my wife and I, and that was tabled and it was tabled on the basis of wanting more density.","speaker":"I"},{"t":2568,"text":"We spoke to councillors on site at the time with regard to that density and we were given what we felt was clear guidance following which best part of 18 months and architects fees and engineering fees were spent to bring that to fruition with the support of council planners at the time for eight townhouses.","speaker":"I"},{"t":2597,"text":"And that was declined. It was declined on the basis of more. Wanting more density. That clearly means apartment buildings and I want to speak very clearly against apartments in that.","speaker":"I"},{"t":2613,"text":"In that area exactly the way that the previous speaker said.","speaker":"I"},{"t":2619,"text":"It's inappropriate in my view when there are young families and older people in that area in comparatively new homes that could have to put up with construction and four storey, possibly more five storey apartment buildings on that site when it's clearly.","speaker":"I"},{"t":2641,"text":"It would be in my view far better to approve townhouses and so I guess that's all that. That's all that I need to say right now. Thank you.","speaker":"I"},{"t":2655,"text":"Thank you. Don't see anyone else coming up to speak. Anything further from council? Nope.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2667,"text":"Great.","speaker":"C"},{"t":2668,"text":"Then we've got two recommendations before us. Anything committee wishes to do with them.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2679,"text":"I'll move the first recommendation.","speaker":"C"},{"t":2681,"text":"Thank you. The first recommendation that phase 2 zoning bylaw, what we heard report.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2687,"text":"Excuse me.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2688,"text":"Be received for information. Thank you. Not necessary for committee. Yeah, I know. So seldom. Did you want to speak to it, Councillor Thompson?","speaker":"B"},{"t":2703,"text":"Very briefly. Just that this week's APC meeting on Wednesday we'll be looking in more detail at the proposed zoning by law change.","speaker":"C"},{"t":2718,"text":"Always welcome their input. With that and seeing nothing else, I'll call the question. Any opposed? None carried. Anyone care to do anything with item 2?","speaker":"B"},{"t":2738,"text":"I'll move second recommendation.","speaker":"C"},{"t":2742,"text":"Okay, thank you. Be directed to bring forward draft zoning bylaw for consideration of first and second reading at a future council meeting. Anything to add?","speaker":"B"},{"t":2751,"text":"No.","speaker":"E"},{"t":2751,"text":"No, Councilor Peltier.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2752,"text":"Then I'll test a motion that we amend the zoning bylaw to move to","speaker":"D"},{"t":2761,"text":"a","speaker":"A"},{"t":2763,"text":"townhouse zoning for the Dignan Road area as identified within the draft bylaw as instead of apartments.","speaker":"D"},{"t":2774,"text":"Okay.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2775,"text":"And just to speak to that amendment briefly. I sympathize with the speakers. I'm one of the minority that voted in favor of the previous applications on the street as townhouses.","speaker":"D"},{"t":2789,"text":"Clearly there's also challenges on Dignan with respect to an storm system that needs upgrading down the street.","speaker":"D"},{"t":2797,"text":"And so there are going to be some infrastructure improvements that are going to have to happen before any kind of development contemplated here occurs. And ultimately in hearing from the speakers, I still.","speaker":"D"},{"t":2813,"text":"I don't understand what the specific push is here for higher density. And I think that when we had done the SSMUH type of zoning across the district, our staff did include a more moderate to higher density townhouse zone.","speaker":"D"},{"t":2831,"text":"And I think that something like that, but capped at three stories and still envisioning more kind of attainable family style units would be more than appropriate in this location as a. As a compromise.","speaker":"D"},{"t":2848,"text":"Okay, thank you, Councillor Thompson.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2850,"text":"I just wanted to speak in support of the. The proposed motion. And I was not comfortable doing advanced pre zoning on this property for apartments.","speaker":"C"},{"t":2863,"text":"And I think that what we've heard tonight is realistic in terms of how the community feels about itself. And moderate increases in density to me are the way that we should move forward. Sure.","speaker":"C"},{"t":2880,"text":"Thank you.","speaker":"G"},{"t":2882,"text":"Just through you to staff then. Does this area have a specific zoning within the OCP currently for either multifamily or the rural? No, Corridor residential corridor designation in the","speaker":"B"},{"t":2901,"text":"OCP during when the OCP was developed in 2023, this Digden road area was designated for multi unit townhouse zone would still be compatible with that OCP designation in terms of the existing zoning. I believe it's RN right now.","speaker":"H"},{"t":2916,"text":"So the. The standard are which would be applying across the rest of our neighborhoods. I'm hearing a bit more townhouse. So maybe perhaps the RC is more applicable here. And so with.","speaker":"H"},{"t":2928,"text":"With should council pass that motion stuff could come back following the second recommendation to bring that revision with first and second reading following apc.","speaker":"H"},{"t":2938,"text":"Of course.","speaker":"A"},{"t":2939,"text":"Okay, thank you, Councillor King.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2942,"text":"So just if Councillor Thompson could remind me, you know, he just said it when the APC is meeting on this","speaker":"G"},{"t":2950,"text":"Wednesday evening, 4 o' clock is the meeting time here in the chamber.","speaker":"C"},{"t":2956,"text":"So I'm assuming that they would hear any additional amendments that we're discussing here this evening as part of that application. Okay.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2964,"text":"Just a quick reminder of course, is that our Advisory Planning Commission does not take public input. Just. Just a reminder. I don't want to create that expectation.","speaker":"C"},{"t":2977,"text":"Right.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2977,"text":"People are obviously welcome to come. It's an open meeting and, and hear what the APC recommends.","speaker":"C"},{"t":2987,"text":"Thank you. Councillor Graham. Online.","speaker":"B"},{"t":2990,"text":"Yes, thanks.","speaker":"G"},{"t":2991,"text":"I. I just thinking that perhaps would be better to hear from the APC before passing a motion on this in the first place if they're going to be meeting soon anyways.","speaker":"J"},{"t":3003,"text":"I have a lot of sympathy for what the neighborhood has stated and I was personally against denying the townhouse the four unit application that came forward.","speaker":"J"},{"t":3013,"text":"I thought we should just move ahead with it if that's what the applicant wanted to do.","speaker":"J"},{"t":3019,"text":"However, I do feel as though given this location and it's sandwiched between apartment buildings and higher density, that it makes more sense for this to be a higher density zone. And perhaps a compromise would be to.","speaker":"J"},{"t":3034,"text":"To allow for townhouses but also allow for apartment buildings if that's what the residents would like to do.","speaker":"J"},{"t":3044,"text":"I didn't hear a motion in there, but I think this is direction to the APC as well, so.","speaker":"B"},{"t":3049,"text":"Well, I guess, I guess because I believe the motion is to make a decision as a committee meeting, there's an","speaker":"J"},{"t":3055,"text":"amendment on the floor to change that zone. An amendment to number two, Right?","speaker":"F"},{"t":3060,"text":"Yeah, but this is a committee meeting anyways, isn't it?","speaker":"J"},{"t":3063,"text":"Yep.","speaker":"G"},{"t":3064,"text":"So it'll come back and it's not being discussed tonight in theory. So we'll hear from the APC first regardless.","speaker":"J"},{"t":3072,"text":"Yep.","speaker":"C"},{"t":3073,"text":"And so on the amendment, I think if you're not in support of it, you could always vote against it.","speaker":"B"},{"t":3077,"text":"Thank you.","speaker":"J"},{"t":3078,"text":"So with that, I will call the question. Then on the amendment, the.","speaker":"B"},{"t":3083,"text":"Opposed?","speaker":"I"},{"t":3084,"text":"Opposed, Councillor Graham. Then on the main motion, as amended. Any further speakers? Seeing none, I'll call the question. Any opposed? None. Carried. Moving into adjournment of the special Open Council committee of the whole. Pardon me. Thank you.","speaker":"B"},{"t":3107,"text":"Do we need a second to amend, to close that?","speaker":"B"},{"t":3112,"text":"No.","speaker":"C"},{"t":3113,"text":"Okay. Wonderful. Moving through, then, to adjournment of this special Open Council meeting. Do I need to adjourn and then restart a new one? Yes.","speaker":"B"},{"t":3128,"text":"Okay.","speaker":"C"},{"t":3129,"text":"I do need the seconder for adjournment.","speaker":"F"},{"t":3131,"text":"Yep.","speaker":"A"},{"t":3132,"text":"Seconder for an adjournment, anyone? Councillor Riddle. I see you flinch. Thank you. To take a page out of Mayor Windsor's book. Any opposed? None. Thank you.","speaker":"B"}],"words":7102,"fetchedAt":"2026-10-03T01:20:38.619Z"}