Council backed a proposed Panorama recreation facility at Hovey Road, despite a councillor’s warning that its estimated $61.66 annual tax impact for an average Central Saanich household would add to recent increases in the cost of living. The $14.2 million borrowing request passed, with Councillor King opposed; a motion to delay the decision for more public feedback had failed. Council also advanced a tourist-commercial project at 6719 West Saanich Road, subject to traffic and pedestrian safety commitments, and agreed to explore whether the Extraction Lands project could help support a local food hub. Other decisions included a $15,000 contribution to Flavour Trails, changes to fire first-responder dispatch priorities, and deferring a zoning bylaw decision for 1903 Mount Newton Cross Road.
Generated from the recording's captions and the official minutes.
What was discussed
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3.1 Agenda of the May 11, 2026 Regular Council Meeting
Council approved the agenda with late correspondence added to several items and additional reasons added for the closed meeting. A Committee of the Whole recommendation from the Peninsula and Area Agricultural Commission was removed for now so the commission could clarify it at its June 4 meeting before it returns to Council.
Routine: approve the meeting agenda with the listed correspondence and closed-meeting changes, and defer one item.
Official wording: That the agenda of the May 11, 2026 Regular Council meeting be approved as amended by adding late correspondence to items #10.1, #13.4, #17.10, #17.11, and #17.12, adding additional reasons to close to item #18.1, and deferring item #12.1.1.2.
A resident asked how a development’s proposed 400 homes had been counted and what sizes they might be. Staff said the District’s housing needs assessment calls for a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, with sizes ranging from about 500 square feet for some one-bedroom units to more than 1,200 square feet for three-bedroom units.
KPMG’s auditor reported a clean, unqualified opinion and no significant or material control deficiencies. The audit set materiality at $900,000 and a posting threshold of $45,000. Three proposed adjustments—including reversing $57,000 of duplicate revenue and deferring about $113,000 in permit and licence revenue—were included in the draft statements. Two older recommendations remain open: formalizing policies on capitalized staff salaries and related-party transactions.
Agreement
The auditor reported that all recommended adjustments had been made and no significant audit issues were found.
community services1 public speaker25:55 Watch · Read
Panorama Recreation asked Central Saanich to consent to borrowing for a recreation facility on the first floor of the proposed Hovey Road municipal complex. The presentation described a weight room, fitness and dance studio, pottery space and multi-purpose rooms, intended to improve access for southern Peninsula residents and ease crowding elsewhere. The presenter estimated a $61.66 annual increase per average Central Saanich household once the facility is operating, with borrowing paid over 15 years. A councillor opposed the cost amid recent tax increases; others argued the location addresses access barriers and that construction could cost more if delayed. A motion to defer for public feedback failed, then Council consented to the borrowing bylaw. The three participating municipal councils must all consent for the process to proceed.
Agreement
Council members acknowledged both rising household costs and the recreation access needs described in the presentation.
The municipal hall project can proceed without the recreation centre if the borrowing proposal does not advance.
Disagreement
A councillor argued the added cost was a want rather than a need during a period of rising taxes and living costs; other councillors emphasized access for Brentwood Bay and youth, population growth, and the value of building alongside the municipal hall.
A councillor proposed delaying the decision to allow more public feedback; other councillors felt the issue had already had substantial public discussion.
Allow the Capital Regional District to adopt the bylaw authorizing borrowing for a new recreation facility.
Official wording: That Council consent to the CRD adopting Bylaw No. 4761 “Saanich Peninsula Recreation Services (DCS Recreation Facility) Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 1, 2026”.
community services1 public speaker1:04:34 Watch · Read
A representative of the Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable described the 2025 Flavour Trails pilot in Central Saanich, which involved 16 farm partners and drew an estimated 500 visitors. The 2026 program will mark the event’s 20th year and include a large August festival, seasonal farm-led events, agritourism coaching and an updated online map. Council committed $15,000, using up to $10,000 in the Flavour Trails budget and $5,000 in unallocated community amenity funds. Councillors also encouraged stronger engagement with W̱SÁNEĆ communities and local food producers.
Agreement
Council supported continuing the event and promoting it through District channels.
10.2 6719 West Saanich Road – Rezoning and DP (Tourist Commercial)
zoning development6 public speakers1:22:03 Watch · Read
The proposal is for a mixed-use tourist-commercial site with ground-floor commercial space, short-term rental units, eight townhouse-style units that could also be used as offices, and a café. Public speakers included supporters who saw the project as a better gateway to Brentwood Bay and a way to direct growth away from farmland. Representatives of a neighbouring estate supported the rezoning but asked for clear sewer servicing plans for the site and surrounding unsewered properties. The Advisory Planning Commission had supported the application in general but wanted clarity about the townhouse units’ future uses. Council gave the zoning bylaw third reading, the last vote before adoption, and required a covenant covering land dedication and substantial upgrades at West Saanich Road and Keating Cross Road. The developer’s contribution toward emergency-vehicle signal pre-emption is capped at $88,000; any extra cost would fall to the District.
Agreement
Council supported advancing the project, subject to the listed covenant requirements.
Staff said the current site has sewer service and that its high-level review found no sewer-capacity concern for this proposal.
Disagreement
One letter opposed the project, while several speakers supported it.
A neighbouring estate asked Council to address uncertainty and uneven sewer access in the wider corridor; staff said an exact servicing assessment would depend on building-permit fixture counts.
Advance the rezoning to its third reading, subject to registering a covenant before adoption. The covenant would require land dedication and upgrades to traffic signals, pedestrian crossings and paths, and emergency-vehicle signals at West Saanich Road and Keating Cross Road. The developer’s amenity contributions would cover the emergency-signal work up to $88,000; the District would cover any extra cost.
Official wording: 1. That Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2077 (6719 West Saanich Road) be given Third Reading.
2. That prior to bylaw adoption a covenant be registered to secure that:
a. Land dedication be provided along West Saanich Road to align the southern section of the west parcel boundary with the northern section.
b. That new traffic signal heads be provided and re-timing of the traffic signals be implemented at the intersection of West Saanich Road and Keating Cross Road to accommodate protected/permitted left-turn phases at intersection for Keating Cross Road westbound.
c. That the pedestrian islands, crosswalks, sidewalks, pedestrian pushbuttons, and right-turn slip lanes at the intersection of West Saanich Road and Keating Cross Road all be replaced or upgraded to make pedestrian travel North and West of the development safer.
d. That emergency vehicle pre-emption traffic signals be added to the intersection of West Saanich Road and Keating Cross Road. The costs for this work shall come out of the amenity contributions paid by the developer prior to bylaw adoption and shall not exceed $88,000. Any additional costs for this work shall be bourn by the District.
Council ratified a Committee of the Whole recommendation to issue a request for proposals in the second quarter of 2026 for the District’s 1903 Mount Newton Cross Road property, with specified evaluation criteria. A councillor said they remained concerned about the possible density and height but would not oppose the procurement recommendation at this stage.
Agreement
Council approved proceeding with the request for proposals.
Disagreement
A councillor expressed concern about future density and height, while accepting the changes made to the procurement process.
Ask for proposals to lease or otherwise develop the District-owned property at 1903 Mount Newton Cross Road, using revised scoring that favours a lease while still seeking market value. Require a substantial engagement plan to be completed to Council’s satisfaction before a development permit is issued, avoid holding most engagement in July or August, and require each proponent to submit both a maximum-density and a lower-density concept with a financial offer for each.
Official wording: 1. That staff issue a Request for Proposals in Q2 2026 for the disposition of 1903 Mount Newton Cross Road, and include the following Evaluation Criteria:
a. Offer on Land, favouring lease, still achieving market value, for a total of 40 points;
i. That Offer on Land: Financial Structure (7 points) have 4 of the 7 for Lease.
b. Design & Concept, for a total of 40 points, as outlined in Table 3 (revised column);
c. First Nations, for a total of 12 points, as outlined in Table 4 (revised column);
d. Project Delivery & Scheduling, for a total of 8 points;
e. Eliminate the two points allocated for sustainable design, and add those to engagement (bringing the total from 4 to 6).
2. Requirement in the RFP of a fulsome Engagement Plan, with execution of the Plan to satisfy Council ahead of Development Permit issuance, as a condition of issuance, with engagement not to substantially occur in July or August.
3. That the Request for Proposals require proponents to submit both an allowable density concept and a below allowable density concept, with corresponding financial offers.
Council directed staff to develop options for changing the soil removal and deposit permit process so it can consider whether removed soil could be put to beneficial agricultural use. A councillor gave major excavations as an example, noting that soil might be useful on farmland rather than treated as waste.
Ask staff to bring forward options for changing soil removal and deposit permits so they can account for whether soil could be beneficially used to improve agricultural soil quality.
Official wording: That Council direct staff to provide options to amend the soil removal and deposit permit to consider the beneficial use of soil for agricultural quality.
Council authorized a grant application to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for a climate and all-hazards risk assessment. The proposed 2027 project would create detailed mapping of risks to infrastructure and other assets, supporting emergency planning and future adaptation work. The $70,000 grant requires a temporary $17,000 upfront payment that would be reimbursed, plus 20 to 25 hours of staff time; there is no required matching contribution.
Have staff apply for Federation of Canadian Municipalities funding for a District climate-risk assessment and prioritized adaptation plan, and authorize staff to complete the documents needed for the application.
Official wording: 1. Direct staff to submit an application to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation program for the project titled “Climate Risk Assessment and Prioritized Adaptation Plan for the District of Central Saanich”; and
2. Authorize staff to execute and deliver all documents required to support the funding application.
Council approved an updated agreement with BC Emergency Health Services. The fire department’s medical calls rose from 538 in 2021 to 1,090 in 2025. Under the new response plan, firefighters will attend all highest-priority purple and red calls, orange calls when ambulance response is expected to take more than 10 minutes, and specified exception calls where fire-service assistance is needed. The Fire Chief described the change as a first step that may need review as call volumes evolve.
Agreement
Council approved the updated response plan and agreement.
Disagreement
A councillor questioned whether the proposed changes would address enough of the call-volume increase; the Fire Chief said the model would need to be assessed in practice.
Have the District enter into an agreement and response plan with BC Emergency Health Services for specified medical-response calls, including certain calls when ambulance response is expected to take more than 10 minutes. Authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to sign the agreement.
Official wording: 1. Direct staff to enter into a First Responder Service Agreement (FRSA) and Operational Response Plan (ORP) with BC Emergency Health Services for PURPLE and RED Clinical Response Model Colour Codes, and ORANGE Colour Codes where BCEHS response is expected to exceed 10 minutes, exception calls; and
2. Delegate the Chief Administrative Officer to sign the Agreement.
The application would allow two self-contained food trucks to operate seasonally, from May through October, on the existing gravel area at Gobind Farms. One would serve coffee, baked goods and smoothies, and the other meals using seasonal produce. Council referred the application to the Advisory Planning Commission and Peninsula and Area Agricultural Commission, and added a request for more detail on how much farm-grown produce the trucks would use. Staff will later hold an opportunity for public comment and send the application to the Agricultural Land Commission for its decision.
Agreement
Council supported sending the application to the advisory commissions and seeking more detail about the farm products used.
Disagreement
A councillor wanted the advisory commissions to consider farm-produce content; another questioned whether that specific percentage issue fell within the planning commission’s expertise.
Send the temporary-use application for 6929 Veyaness Road to the planning and agricultural advisory commissions for comment, then schedule a future public opportunity for people to speak to Council about it.
Official wording: 1. That the Temporary Use Permit application PL001899 for 6929 Veyaness Road be referred to the Advisory Planning Commission (APC) and to the Peninsula & Area Agricultural Commission (PAAC); and
2. That staff schedule an Opportunity to be Heard at a future Council meeting.
13.4 7054 Brentwood Dr – Development Permit with Variances (Travel Accommodation)
zoning development1 public speaker2:19:12 Watch · Read
The application proposes five travel-accommodation units in a three-storey building, with a rooftop deck and a smaller marina role than at present. The applicant’s representative said the design had been reduced in response to neighbourhood concerns, including a smaller roof-deck feature, screening and a caretaker presence. Council referred the application to the Advisory Planning Commission and scheduled an opportunity for public comment on the requested variances, including increased building height and reduced setbacks. Councillors asked the commission to focus particularly on the rooftop deck, building height and the project’s relationship to public shoreline access.
Agreement
Councillors supported seeking further review and public comment before deciding on the variances.
The applicant’s representative said the marina would primarily serve the accommodation units and the owners, rather than continue as a 15-slip facility for other users.
Disagreement
Councillors raised concerns about the scale and height, rooftop use, and whether the design would preserve a sense of public access near the shore; others noted that the site’s shape and grade make it difficult to develop.
Send the proposed travel-accommodation project to the Advisory Planning Commission, asking it to comment especially on the building height and rooftop deck. Schedule a public hearing opportunity on the requested changes to building setbacks, building height, parking setback, and retaining-wall setbacks.
Official wording: 1. That Development Permit with Variances application PL001702 for the project at 7054 Brentwood Drive be referred to the Advisory Planning Commission for comment and that the Commission be asked to, among other things, comment on the height of the building and the requested variance in relation to the use of the rooftop deck.
2. That, with regard to Development Permit Application PL001702 (7054 Brentwood Drive), staff schedule an Opportunity to be Heard on the following variances:
3. To reduce the minimum rear yard setback for the principal building from 9.0 metres to 7.5 metres;
4. To reduce the minimum side yard setback for the principal building from 7.5 metres (north side) and 6.0 metres (south side) to 1.5 metres and 2.0 metres, respectively;
5. To reduce the minimum front yard setback for the electrical building from 9.0 metres to 0.3 metres;
6. To increase the maximum height for the principal building from 8.0 metres to 11.4 metres.
7. To reduce the commercial parking setback from any lot line from 2.5 metres to 0.3 metres.
8. To reduce the front and side yard setback for two retaining walls from 9.0 metres (east side) and 7.5 metres (north side) to 0.0 metres.
Council referred an application to the Agricultural Land Commission for an accessory dwelling unit in an existing detached two-storey building. If the commission approves the non-adhering residential use, staff may issue the development permit for the protection of farming.
Send the application to the Agricultural Land Commission to allow an accessory dwelling unit in the existing detached two-storey building. If the Commission approves it, issue the development permit.
Official wording: 1. That the Non-Adhering Residential Use (NARU) application be referred to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) to permit an accessory dwelling unit within an existing detached two-storey residential accessory building; and
2. That following confirmation of approval of the NARU application from the ALC that Development Permit PL001925 be issued.
The first-quarter update said that all 2026 projects scheduled to start in the quarter had begun. Some projects carried over from 2025 were completed or moved into regular operations; projects planned for later in 2026 remained on schedule.
Staff discussed possible traffic-calming measures, including a speed hump on Wallace Drive and raised intersection or crosswalk treatments at Marchant and Wallace, Sluggett and Wallace, and Bayside. They also said speed-reader signs on Wallace and Tanner need replacement or repair as they age out. Staff reported that traffic-safety issues raised with the District fell from 101 in 2024 to 65 in 2025, though remaining issues are often more complex.
Council adopted the fees and charges amendment. A councillor asked whether the bylaw itself waived fees for the 1903 Mount Newton Cross Road project. Staff clarified that it only enables some fees to be waived; any actual waiver would require a later decision. Councillors King and Newton opposed the bylaw.
Agreement
Staff clarified that adoption enables a possible waiver but does not itself waive the fees.
Council adopted the Official Community Plan amendment for 1903 Mount Newton Cross Road but deferred adoption of the zoning amendment to the next meeting. A councillor asked whether the proposed townhouse use fits the District’s procurement goals and whether the bylaw should be adjusted to better reflect them. Staff said a change reducing density could be made at this stage, but the corporate officer cautioned against rewriting the bylaw on the fly. Staff confirmed the request for proposals could still proceed while Council considers the zoning bylaw.
Agreement
The request for proposals may proceed while Council considers the zoning amendment.
Disagreement
Councillors raised questions about whether the proposed townhouse form aligned with the process and surrounding-neighbour considerations; Council deferred the zoning decision to allow further review.
Council directed staff to discuss with the Extraction Lands owners whether a future amenity contribution could support a food hub for locally produced or harvested food in the Keating Business District, and to report back. Councillors stressed that the food hub should be considered alongside the wider package of possible amenities, so Council can weigh options and trade-offs. The meeting was also extended to finish its remaining business.
Agreement
Staff will consider food-hub options as part of the wider amenity discussions and report back for Council’s consideration.
Disagreement
Councillors Paltiel and the chair opposed the food-hub motion; it carried.
As the Extraction Lands are rezoned, ask staff to discuss with the owners whether they could contribute to supporting a food hub in the Keating Business District for locally produced or harvested food, and report back to Council.
Official wording: WHEREAS the Central Saanich Food Hub Feasibility Study Final Report (pp. 61 to 63) found that local farmers, producers, and processors need better access to processing, storage, equipment, food safety supports, training, and business supports, and found that a food hub could help meet those needs;
AND WHEREAS the Central Saanich Food Hub Feasibility Study Final Report (pp. 23, 25) identified the Keating area and highway access as suitable location features for a future food hub, given the need for access, loading, distribution, and transportation;
AND WHEREAS the Central Saanich Food Hub Feasibility Study Final Report (pp. 3, 25 to 26) shows that the District had already moved beyond a general idea by looking at possible sites, partners, and ways to move the project forward, while also confirming that finding land or facility space remained a key unresolved issue;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that as part of the rezoning process for the Extraction Lands, Council direct staff to discuss with the Extraction Lands owners options to support a food hub for locally produced/harvested foods in the Keating Business District as an amenity contribution, and to report back to Council.
Council directed staff to talk with School District 63 and the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board about whether they could use safe, working computers retired from the District’s technology cycle. If a workable program is identified, the District would invite Sidney and North Saanich to consider doing the same. Staff said the school board had already shown interest and its information-technology staff were in discussion with the District.
Agreement
Council supported exploring whether surplus equipment could be reused by local schools.
Ask staff to find out whether the local school district and W̱SÁNEĆ School Board could use safe, working computers that the District no longer needs, with data securely erased, and report back on interest and practical considerations. If a workable program is possible, invite Sidney and North Saanich to consider doing the same.
Official wording: WHEREAS the District of Central Saanich operates on a regular technology refresh cycle that requires the rotation of computer hardware prior to the end of those items' full useful lives, and that equipment rotated out of active municipal use may, in many cases, remain in serviceable and functional condition;
AND WHEREAS School District 63 (Saanich) and the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board are facing well-documented budgetary pressures that are directly impacting technology and IT programs within local schools, at a time when access to computers and digital tools is essential to preparing students with the skills required to participate in an increasingly competitive and global workforce;
AND WHEREAS any donation of municipal computer equipment under such a program would be conditional upon the District having fully concluded its operational need for the items, all data having been securely wiped in accordance with applicable standards, and the equipment having been assessed as safe and still generally functional and of practical use to the receiving institution;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That staff be directed to initiate formal conversations with School District 63 (Saanich) and the WSANEC School Board to determine the feasibility and interest in receiving lightly-used, surplus municipal computer equipment, and to report back to Council on uptake, logistical considerations, and any operational implications of such a program;
2. That, in the event that School District 63 and/or the WSANEC School Board express interest and a feasible program framework is identified, the District of Central Saanich write formally to the Town of Sidney and the District of North Saanich inviting each Council to consider implementing a similar program within their own municipalities.
A councillor asked for the letter about the Peninsula and Area Agricultural Commission minutes to be placed on the next Council agenda for discussion. The transcript does not capture a clear declaration of the result of the corresponding official motion.
Carried, unanimousItem 17.6
Put the letter about the Peninsula and Area Agricultural Commission minutes on the agenda for the next Council meeting.
Official wording: That the letter be included on the next Council meeting agenda.