Transcript: Capital Regional District Board - 2026-07-08

Speaker A · We'll now reconvene and begin our open meeting of the Capital Regional district board at 1:03pm it's good to see everyone in the meeting today. I want to acknowledge alternate directors and those participating online. In the room we have Alternate Director Riddle from Central Saanich and Alternate Director Wagner from Langford. And online we have Director Holman, Director Tobias, Alternate Director Westhaver for Director Plant Saanich and Alternate Director Kim for. For Director Aalto Victoria. Good afternoon to staff. We do introduce staff at the time they are speaking. And good afternoon to members of the public. I'll now turn to Vice Chair Little to provide the territorial acknowledgement.

Speaker B · Please.

Speaker C · Thank you. Before we begin, I want to acknowledge the Lekwungen peoples on whose territory this CRD building stands. We recognize and respect the first nations governments across this region, the Songhees, Cosapsin nations here in the core area, the Wasanic nations on the Saanich Peninsula and the Gulf Islands. And to the west, the Shiano, the Sook and the Pachidot. All of whom have long standing relationships with the land, the seawater that continues to this day. Thank you, Chair.

Speaker A · Thank you, Vice Chair Little. Turning next to approval of the agenda, we have one change under 10. 1. We have a notice of motion from Director Plant which was read in at our last meeting. Director Plant has notified CEO Robbins and me that due to becoming aware of a separate initiative for a Roy Rhodes University Lillian Spock Scholarship, he does not wish to proceed with that motion. And so the change is to remove it from the agenda. A further note about the agenda for awareness. Vice Chair Little will be reading in a new notice of motion on the matter of the Lillian Spock Scholarship and will be requesting same day consideration. We have a delegation.

Speaker A · Lillian Michael Sunshine originally requesting to speak to Director Plant's notice of motion. With the item being removed, we would normally also remove the delegation. I would like to suggest that we suspend the rules to allow Michael Sunshine to address the board today on this matter. And we will seek a motion when we get to delegations. I'll now seek a motion to approve the agenda with the removal of item 10. 1. Directors Bryce and Vice Chair Little moved. And second. Thank you. Any discussion? Seeing none. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed? None opposed. That carries. I'll seek a motion to adopt the minutes of our June 10th meeting, please. Same Directors Desjardins and Vice Chair Little. Any corrections to those minutes? Seeing none. Those in favor? Opposed. Thank you. Opposed and then opposed.

Speaker A · That carries. Report from the Chair. Well, Here we are in our partially renovated boardroom. We can see the configuration of the director and staff desks and tables has changed somewhat, along with the seating area for members of the public. As a reminder for directors and members of the public that after today's meetings, the boardroom will be closed until the next board meeting on September 9 to allow for upgrades to the audio visual systems, both for those attending in the room as well as viewing remotely. These upgrades are the first substantial updates to the boardroom in over 20 years. After today's meetings, all meetings regularly held in the boardroom will be conducted electronically.

Speaker A · Members of the public will have the opportunity to watch these virtual meetings using an Ms. Teams link to be published with the agenda or by coming to a viewing room at the Fisgard office. We've had a busy year to date, which will continue to the end of July. And then we're back with two board meetings in September, our regular board meeting on September 9th, and a second meeting due to the election for the 2027 provisional budget and five year plan on the 4th, Wednesday, September 23rd. Our final board meeting will be held October 7th, one week earlier than usual. Also due to the fall election, with no committee or board meetings in August, I hope everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the break.

Speaker A · Whether it's seeking high adventure or some restful downtime. Let's now move to the business on today's agenda. And next I'm turning to presentations and delegations. And I'll turn to D. C. olagoa regarding delegations.

Speaker D · Chair, as we have removed the item 10. 1 at the agenda, we are seeking a motion to suspend the rules to still hear a delegation about my. From Michael Sunshine on the Royal Roads University Lillian Spock Scholarship. It will be still for up to three minutes, so that will require 2/3 vote.

Speaker A · Thank you. And we have it moved by Vice Chair Little, second by Director Bryce. Any discussion? Seeing none. Those in favor? Any opposed? Seeing none opposed. That carries. Thank you. And we'd now like to welcome Michael Sunshine. Good afternoon, sir.

Speaker E · Good afternoon. Thank you, Chair. Good afternoon again, Board Chair, Directors and staff. Hi, I'm Michael Sunshine, Lillian Spock's eldest son, and I'm the family contact for Ore Rhodes University. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Spock family today. I would like to first express our family's gratitude for the kind messages and reflections from the board chair, directors and CRD staff to our family after my mother's sudden passing. Our family has been deeply moved by your kindness that you've shown Mom Often expressed to me that it was her great privilege to serve her community and region alongside its elected leaders and its dedicated staff.

Speaker E · As a person, she was blessed with courage and charisma, but she led with listening, collaboration, resilience and above all, kindness. Her leadership helped shape a more vibrant and resilient region and while also elevating and empowering those around her. In honor of her legacy, and with the generous support of the city of Lankford, our family has established the Lillian Marie Spock Entrance Award at Royal Roads University. This award is fitting because it reflects how Lillian connected with those around her as a role model, a teacher and a mentor, and created often in the face of adversity. After graduating as a valedictorian from Gloucester High School in Ottawa, just a few months after moving to the community, Leah went on to become a medical records librarian and then to teach that program in both official languages at the Uville School.

Speaker E · Later, after moving to Cold Lake, Alberta, she worked as a swimming teacher for children with down syndrome and created a successful piano teaching program for children and youth. Lillian ran as a newcomer for langford Council in 2002. During the campaign, she was struck by a car while biking, a favorite activity, and she was seriously injured. Undaunted, she continued her campaign and won the first of seven victories. Perhaps my wife put it best, Tanya. In her words, Lillian's impact reached far beyond council chambers and public meetings. It lived in conversations, friendships, mentorships, and in the countless people who walked away from an interaction with Lillian feeling a little more encouraged, a little more understood, and a little more hopeful.

Speaker E · In 2008, she graduated with a Master's of Leadership from Royal Rhodes with a focus on engaging and empowering adolescent at risk girls. This award honors Lillian's legacy by supporting a female student who demonstrates resilience, leadership and a commitment to improving the lives of others while also showing financial need. Although the award is now in place, the endowment is not yet fully funded and we are seeking support from community partners and donors. We are grateful for any support the Capital Regional District from the Capital Regional District that helps carry forward Lillian's legacy, empowering the next generation of women's leaders. More information on the award can be found at royalrose, CA lilliansbach or by using the QR code on the screen. On behalf of the Spock family, thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Speaker A · Thank you very much, Michael Sunshine, for taking the time to address the Board today. We have no further delegations. We're turning to the Consent agenda. I understand, Director Brent, you wish to lift an item from consent. Sorry, Director Brent.

Speaker F · Director.

Speaker A · Sir, you wish to raise item 6. 6?

Speaker G · Yes, sorry, I'd like to remove 6. 6.

Speaker A · That is the sticks is the Stix Allison Water advocacy letter. That will become item 8. 3. Does anyone wish to raise any other items from consent? Seeing none, if I could have a motion to approve consent moved by Directors Bryce and Desjardins. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed?

Speaker B · None Opposed?

Speaker A · That carries. Next, turning to administrative reports under number seven. The first under 7. 1 is the CAO quarterly progress report number two for 2026. I'll turn it to CAO Robbins, please.

Speaker H · Thank you, Chair and good afternoon again, Board. Today I will be presenting the progress report for the second quarter of 2026. As noted with previous quarterly reports, this report will provide you with an update on corporate activities and initiatives, including progress made on board and advocacy, as well as a financial overview through the capital and operating variance summaries and a summary of human resource and corporate safety activities are presented the month following the close of the quarter.

Speaker H · But of course, as another reminder, most of the financial and human resource Reporting lags by 1/4 as a result of the time required to compile previous quarter reporting data. So with that, I'll begin with a few slides that highlight some of the corporate initiatives and activities that took place during the second quarter of this year. First, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held on April 9 with director Holman and members of the local community Commission and staff to celebrate the completion of two new bus shelters on Salt Spring island that provide comfort and safety to transit riders. The new bus shelters were funded by the CRD Salt Spring Island Transit Service and a grant from the Provincial Transit Betterments Program.

Speaker H · The shelters are on two of the busiest routes and provide accessible transportation options as they are wheelchair accessible, solar panel lit for safety, and are a welcome addition to the transit infrastructure on Salt Spring island. May 29 marked the official opening of the Caledonia development in Victoria, which of course adds 158 new affordable homes to the Capital Region. Caledonia, of course, is located at 1211 Gladstone Ave. Caledonia is made up of 97 apartments and 61 townhomes, with more than half of the homes having two, three or four bedrooms, which is significant in helping meet the need for larger rental home families. These homes are owned and operated by the CRHC and are funded through the province's Community Housing Fund and built in partnership with crhc.

Speaker H · Of course, we're grateful to have Minister Krieger, Minister Lohr, the CRHC chair DeVries, and mayor and Director Aalto represent the city, the region and the province at the Grand Opening event. Next the Grand Opening celebration of the new Sooke Skatepark was held on May 31. The project was led by the Sooke and Electoral Area Parks and Recreation Commission or known as Sea park and is located on Throop Road in Sooke. Of course, we have a shot here of the official ribbon about to be cut by Mayor and Director Tate along with Sea Park Commission Chair Al Beddoes. The Sook Skatepark represents an important investment in active living and affordable recreation and is designed for youth, families and riders of all ages and abilities.

Speaker H · The opening of the skatepark marks the completion of the highly anticipated project that will support positive youth engagement and provides a welcoming environment for skateboarders, scooter riders and bikers alike. June was National Indigenous History Month with National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. This was a time to recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people across Canada and an opportunity to learn more and reflect on how we can continue to build respectful relationships with the first nations that have traditional territory here in the Capital region.

Speaker H · Then, on June 22, a CRD regional Transportation Plan Workshop was held to bring together elected officials, senior staff and regional partners to test and refine emerging directions for the CRD's Regional Transportation Plan. This full day session included facilitated discussions and exercises to explore key transportation priorities, impacts and trade offs and the input gathered will help shape the RTP's strategic direction. We really appreciated the level of interest and participation. It was a great day and we look forward to bringing back the what We Heard report in September which will serve as an interim report before the end of the Board term. And finally, June was Pride Month, a time to celebrate love, diversity and the strength of inclusive community.

Speaker H · On June 25, the CRD employees gathered to decorate this year's float in preparation of the Victoria Pride Parade taking place this Sunday. Once again, the CRD is proud to take part in this important event hosted by the Victoria Pride Society and I certainly hope to see some of you out there as the CRD joins the celebration and stands in support of gender, sexuality and relationship diverse individuals across the regional district. So, moving to the Board Priorities and Corporate Plan Initiatives Progress report from Q2, we have summarized the activity that took place, including Board resolutions that advance Board Priority Initiatives in the Appendix B dashboard and the next steps and timing associated with each initiative are also updated each quarter.

Speaker H · As you all know, some important work advanced in Q2 to support board Priorities, including completing the first phase of engagement on the Regional Transportation Plan developing a grant and aid agreement to provide 1. 7 million to the Island Corridor foundation, which by the way has now been fully executed. Of course, that is in support of the planning work for the Reconciliation Corridor Initiative, the Caledonia Housing Redevelopment Open. As I mentioned earlier, the beyond the Curb program was launched offering drop off locations around the region for flexible plastics and foam packaging and phase two engagement with First nations continued on the CRD's draft reconciliation action Plan.

Speaker H · A summary of all the completed actions associated with the Board's five priorities, or what we refer to as the Rolling Update, has also been included as Appendix C and will be updated and carried throughout the remainder of the term. The Advocacy Dashboard based on the Board Priorities has also been updated as Appendix D with the Electoral area specific advocacy captured in Appendix E. These dashboards again track the ongoing advocacy work being directed or undertaken by the Board with partners and with staff. There was a significant amount of advocacy activity in Q2 once again with 17 advocacy letters sent, including letters to the Province regarding the Provincial budget, Non Migratory Canada Geese Invasive Species Management and a letter around the Islands Coast Economic Trust, as well as letters of support to various agencies in the electoral areas.

Speaker H · We did receive three letters in response, two from Minister Farnworth regarding active transportation grants and implementation of the 30 kilometer per hour speed limit through Ganges Village on Salt Spring island, and we did receive a letter from Island Health regarding long term care needs on Salt Spring island as well, and these responses can be found in the Board's correspondence portal.

Speaker H · Of course there are links in the dashboard as well. Just also to add that the Chair and I also met with MLA Lajeunesse, MLA Botterell and Minister Boyle, all separate meetings to discuss the budget and the Mount Ptolemy project. Next, referring to the quarterly operating and capital financial variance reports. Again, as you know, the financial variances lag by 1/4, but overall operating budget revenue and expenditures through the end of the first quarter as a percentage of total budget were generally on track and are generally consistent with prior year Q1 and projected year end and revenue expenditures. As for the capital budgets for Q1 and in consideration of the current status, there continue to be about 12 or so larger projects that are driving the more significant Q1 variances, which are primarily related to project timing due to design tendering or construction delays.

Speaker H · The biggest projects out of that list include the Regional Water Supply Transmission Main number one and main number four projects, the Sook Road Water Main Replacement project, the planned Saanich Peninsula Water System upgrades. There was a design and construction delay as you're aware on the trail widening project, due to the necessary detour and coordination with other agencies and a minor delay in the construction procurement for this L5 liner project at the landfill, this is shifting expenditures to Q2 or Q3, but generally we are making good progress with the capital program through Q1 and Q2 and now into Q3 and for the most part where we are experiencing quarterly variances.

Speaker H · The majority of these projects are still projected to be completed on budget and generally within scope. Any material updates to the Capital Project scope or budgets, of course will be presented to the appropriate committees and commissions and to the Board where necessary, particularly as we prepare for an early provisional budget in September. Then the quarterly update on non confidential Human resource matters is provided as Appendix H, which provides a summary of current and emerging trends in workforce composition, turnover, promotions, absenteeism and occupational health and safety. The CRD continues to experience increased pressure associated with a competitive labor market, particularly when we're seeking top talent and while we're facing a steady number of retirements, although I can say we are able to attract some really high caliber candidates in critical roles.

Speaker H · Noting that you received my announcement that with Andy Orr's retirement at the end of the year, we have Katie Hamilton starting with us in September as our new Senior Manager of Corporate Communications and Engagement, so we're looking forward to working with her. Our employee turnover rates by quarter are still being influenced by retirements, which I noted retirements are still accounting for about 23% of the turnover. We've had nine staff announce their intention to retire this year to date, however, turnover rates for the first quarter are trending below previous year's quarters. Our sick leave rate for Q1 was the same as Q1 last year, tracking slightly below the industry average.

Speaker H · Again, as you know, we proactively support sick employees and those that are dealing with extended illnesses or medical leaves with our HR Disability program to ensure costs associated with absenteeism are appropriately managed and employees are actively engaged in return to work plans to assist in their return to work following medical leave.

Speaker H · And finally, as you know, we offer employees the alternative work options, or what we refer to as awo, that include working from home options and earned time off, as well as flexible work hours where operationally feasible. The AWO and workplace flexibility initiatives really continue to have a positive impact on our employee engagement and recruitment and retention, and we have now successfully implemented the AWO enhancements that we negotiated through the recent collective agreement, including extending the Earn Time off program to outside staff, outside workers, and increasing some of the bank time allowances to improve the program's flexibility and better accommodate operational needs.

Speaker H · There are no other significant issues or concerning trends to report this quarter. Chair, that concludes my report and happy to take any questions the Board may have. Thank you.

Speaker A · Thank you, Cao Robbins. I'll turn to colleagues if in the room or online if there are any questions of the report. Director Kobayashi, please.

Speaker I · Thank you very much. Chair, Just a quick question, CEO Robbins. Just, you know, when we. When we benchmark things in your report, like they're phenomenal reports. Absolutely. They're best I've ever seen, to tell you the truth. But when you benchmark them against, you call them industry standards, I don't even know what that means because you don't put a reference of what that industry stand. Is that possible just to reference what that industry standard is coming from in future? Just. It's because I'd like to use them

Speaker H · too, certainly through you.

Speaker I · Chair.

Speaker J · Good question.

Speaker H · Director Kobayashi. When I refer to industry standards, typically those standards are related to our HR metrics. And in some cases we do include the industry standard in the table. I'm just going to.

Speaker I · Sometimes you do, sometimes you don't, right?

Speaker H · That's right. So yeah, we can. In future, next quarter, you'll receive my last quarterly report in the October meeting, which will also be the last board meeting. I'll take note and make reference to how the industry standard information is captured and compared to our metrics.

Speaker I · Excellent. Thank you very much.

Speaker A · Thank you, Director. Seeing no further questions on behalf of the Board, want to thank CEO Robbins for the full report. We do appreciate it coming forward each quarter. It provides a lot of helpful information for directors and I think for any members of the public that take the time to review it as well. We're next turning to a series of financial bylaw amendments and I will be turning to Director Bryce, Chair of our Finance Committee to walk us through five or six of those. But I'm first going to turn to CFO Chan to take us through 7. 2 bylaw number 4775.

Speaker K · Thank you, Chair. Good afternoon, Board. Apologies. Since we didn't have a Finance Committee, the next series will certainly be of a financial nature. 7. 2 is financial plan amendment. Bylaw, the current five year financial plan was adopted by the board in March 2026. Amendments to the bylaw are the result of updates to the plan, including grants and donations received. Updates to include new projects, emergency repairs, and so on. The staff report details nine plan amendments where four have been approved or recommended for approval through various commissions, committees, or even the board itself. I'd characterize these as housekeeping to align the financial plan to initiatives or business decisions that have already been directed to staff. There are, however, five staff recommended planned amendments which are detailed in Table 1 of the report.

Speaker K · The staff recommended amendments start on page two. Very briefly, they are. Number one, in relation to the Regional transportation Service, staff are recommending advancing previously approved regional trail surface project from 2028 and rephasing it into 2026 and 2027. Staff recommend advancing this part of the Galloping Goose Trail, which is a section near the recently completed Callwood pedestrian and cyclist overpass. This project will be funded from capital reserves. Items number two and three relate to our health facilities. Based on recent tenders for a roof replacement at the Esquimalt Health Unit, we require a budget amendment in order to proceed. The current approved budget is for $440,000 and requires an increase of an additional $491,000 for a total project cost of just under a million.

Speaker K · The increase will be funded from reserve staff will partially offset this change by just under 300,000 through deferring, hot water tank replacement and other repaving projects. Item number four, within the CRD's capital project delivery office staff recommend replacing an aging passenger vehicle with an off road 4x4 to provide access through the watershed. This will be funded from our equipment replacement fund. And finally, item number five, in relation to the wilderness Mountain Water Service staff require amendments to perform emergency repairs that service the reservoir. This is roughly $12,000 which will also be funded from reserve. The recommendation is the financial appointment be the amendment be introduced, read three times and adopted. But happy to take any questions back to you, Chair.

Speaker A · Thank you. CFO Chan, are there any questions on this report? Seeing none, I'll turn to Director Bryce. If you could take us through the two motions separately, please.

Speaker L · Thank you, Chair. I move that bylaw number 4775, 2026-2030 financial plan bylaw 2026amended. Bylaw number 2, 2026 be introduced and read a first, second and third time.

Speaker A · Second Vice Chair Little, any discussion? Seeing none. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed? None opposed. Carries.

Speaker L · Move that bylaw number 4775 be adopted and seconded.

Speaker A · Vice Chair, little discussion. Seeing none. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed? None opposed. Carries. Turn back to CFO Chan for 7. 3, please.

Speaker K · Thank you, Chair. This is a temporary borrowing related to the Juan de Fuca facilities. In September of 2021, the CRD board adopted a $15 million loan authorization bylaw to fund the design and construction of water distribution facilities in the Juan de Fuca Water distribution service. That bylaw will expire this year. To date, about 7. 5 has been borrowed against this bylaw. This temporary borrowing bylaw provides access to the remaining balance for various construction projects. I will note that temporary borrowing requires interest only payments and once it is converted to long term debt, principal and interest payments are due. The recommendation is the bylaw be introduced, read three times and adopted.

Speaker K · Happy to take any questions.

Speaker A · Thank you. Any questions on the report? Seeing none, I'll turn back to Director Bryce.

Speaker L · Move that bylaw number 4780, temporary borrowing Juan de Fuca water distribution facilities. Bylaw number one, 2026 be introduced and read a first, second and third time.

Speaker A · Second Vice Chair Little. Thank you. Discussion? Seeing none. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed? Non. Opposed. Carries.

Speaker L · Move that bylaw 4780 be adopted.

Speaker A · Second Vice Chair Little. I'll call the question. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed? Non. Opposed. Carries. CFO Chan. We're turning to 7. 4.

Speaker K · Thank you, Chair. Very similarly, in September 2021, the board adopted a $46 million loan authorization to fund the design and construction of water works facilities in the regional water supply service, which will also expire this year. To date, 4 million of the 46 million has been borrowed against this bylaw. This temporary borrowing bylaw provides access to the remaining balance for various construction projects. Same thing. Temporary borrowing requires interest only, but once it's converted to long term interest and principal payments are due. Recommendation is the bylaw be introduced, read three times and adopted.

Speaker A · Thank you. Seeing no. Are there any questions?

Speaker L · Seeing none, Director Bryce, move that bylaw number 4779. Temporary borrowing Regional water supply water works facilities. Bylaw number one, 2026 be introduced and ready. First, second and third time.

Speaker A · Second Vice Chair Linnell. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed?

Speaker F · None.

Speaker A · Opposed.

Speaker I · Carries.

Speaker L · Move that bylaw 4779 be adopted.

Speaker A · Second Vice Chair Lidl. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed? Unopposed. Carey's. We're surpassing a hat trick here. CFO Chen on 7. 5. Bylaw number 4793.

Speaker K · I think. I think four is called a turkey, so I don't. I'm not sure if that's me or.

Speaker H · Well, you're going on to five, so.

Speaker K · Thanks. So 7. 5 in June of 2026. Just last month, the board adopted a $103 million loan authorization bylaw to fund the design and construction and expansion of the West Shore RCMP Detachment as A result of various timelines from partners and stakeholders, including the province. We were not able to align this with the security issuing deadline which is coming up in the next agenda item. And as such, temporary borrowing bylaw is required to allow the flowing of money until long term debt can be issued by the mfa, which only does it twice a year. Staff anticipate converting this temporary borrowing to long term debt through a security issuing bylaw in the spring of 2027. The recommendation for this temporary borrowing is that the bylaw be introduced, read three times and adopted.

Speaker K · Happy to take any questions.

Speaker I · Chair.

Speaker A · Thank you. Are there any questions on this? Seeing none. While there are three participants to the service. This is await it all for for the borrowing bylaw. And so I'll turn back to.

Speaker L · Chair move that bylaw number 4793 temporary borrowing West Shore RCMP detachment expansion bylaw number 12026 be introduced in red a first, second and third time.

Speaker A · Second Vice Chair Little, any questions? Seeing none. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed? None opposed. Carries.

Speaker L · Move that bylaw number 4793 be adopted.

Speaker A · Second Vice Chair Little. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed? Unopposed. Carries. And 7. 6. CFO Chan, please.

Speaker K · Thank you. Thank you. Chair. This is the security issuing bylaw for the fall 2026 MFA borrowing cycle. The Local Government act requires adopt a security issuing bylaw for long term debt. In addition, it also requires the regional district to borrow on behalf of municipalities as detailed in the staff report. The regional district will be executing two borrowings for approximately 36 or, sorry, $38 million. The 36 of the 38 is in the core area wastewater service, with the balance being in the sea girt water service. Details for each borrowing are included in the staff report. These borrowings are also included in their respective services, financial plans and budget. Additionally, on behalf of the City of Victoria, we have a $17 million borrowing. On behalf of the District of Saanich, $10 million.

Speaker K · And on behalf of the District of Oak Bay, $9 million. Very, very small details are included in the report. I can't really speak to any of the borrowings from our member municipalities. The recommendation is the bylaw be introduced, read three times and adopted. Happy to take any questions.

Speaker A · Thank you. Are there any questions? Director Wickham, please.

Speaker M · Thank you. And I'm just wondering, Mr. Chan, what the status is of the Sigart expansion there. I thought that was pretty well complete at this point.

Speaker K · Through the Chair, I might ask for some help on the actual water construction project.

Speaker H · Yeah, through you, Chair. Thanks, Dawson. And I might Also see if Laura Hardiman, who's our acting general manager of IWS today, has anything else to add. But it's my understanding that the construction work is largely complete. Of course. CGIRT was an improvement district that was brought into the Juan de Fuca distribution service, a CRD service, through a process that goes back a few years. Now, my understanding is the construction is complete. The new infrastructure that has been constructed to connect Segert to the Juan de Fuca system is now in service. This is just the final borrowing to fund that ongoing debt. Anything else to add, Laura? No, thanks.

Speaker M · Okay, so just to be clear then, there's no further construction happening? This is just paying the bills?

Speaker H · That's my understanding, yes.

Speaker M · Thank you.

Speaker A · Thank you, Director. Seeing no other questions, Director Bryce, you've had a warm up. There are now eight motions to move separately.

Speaker L · Please move that bylaw number 4,788, security issuing bylaw number 3, 2026 be introduced and read a first, second and third time.

Speaker A · Second Vice Chair Little. Any discussion? Seeing none. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed? None opposed. Carries.

Speaker L · Move that bylaw 4,788 be adopted.

Speaker A · Seconded. We will have the same seconder throughout. I'll call the question. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed. None. Oppose. Carries.

Speaker L · Move that bylaw number 4789, security issuing bylaw number 42026 be introduced and read a first, second and third time.

Speaker A · Seconded. Discussion. Seeing none. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed. None opposed. Carries.

Speaker L · Move that bylaw 4789 be adopted.

Speaker A · Seconded. Discussion. Seeing none. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed. None opposed. Carries.

Speaker L · Move that bylaw 4790 security wishing bylaw number 5, 2026 be introduced in red a first, second and third time.

Speaker A · Seconded. A discussion. Seeing none. Those in favor? Thank you.

Speaker M · Opposed.

Speaker A · None opposed. Carries.

Speaker L · Move that bylaw number 4790 be adopted.

Speaker A · Seconded. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed. None of those carries.

Speaker L · Move that bylaw number 4791 secured. Wishing bylaw number 6, 2026 be introduced and read a first, second and third time.

Speaker A · Seconded. Discussion. Seeing none. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed. None opposed. Carries.

Speaker L · Move that bylaw 4791 be adopted.

Speaker A · Seconded. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed. Non. Opposed. Carries. And we're Next turning to 7. 7. Bylaw number 4767. Back to. Back to CFO Chan. Thank you.

Speaker K · Chair this bylaws to update fees and charges schedules in the CRD recreation facilities for the 20262027 season fee schedules are in place for Panorama Sea Park, Salt Spring Island Parks and Rec ju Community parks and the Port Renfrew Community Recreation Center. Under this agenda item Appendix A shows updated rate schedules where appendix B details the changes. I'd characterize this bylaw amendment as a housekeeping measure to align the fee schedule to changes that have already been approved through the respective commissions and through the financial plan. The recommendation is the bylaw be introduced, read three times and adopted. Thanks, Chair.

Speaker A · Thank you. Are there any questions? Seeing none, this is awaited participants for the six participants Central Saanich, North Saanich, Sydney Sook, Juan De Fuca and Salt Spring Island. I would turn to perhaps a director from one of those areas to move the recommendation. Please don't come forward all at once. Director Wickham, if you could read there's two motions there please

Speaker M · that bylaw number 4767 Capital Regional District Recreation Services and Facilities fees and charges bylaw number one, 2009amendment bylaw number 22, 2026 be introduced and read a first, second and third time.

Speaker A · And we'll just go with the. With. With the first part. Thank you. And seconded by Director Tate again for the six participants. Any discussion? Seeing none. All in favor? Sorry, I'll call the question. All in favor for the participants. Thank you. Any opposed? None are opposed. That carries.

Speaker M · And that bylaw number 4767 be adopted.

Speaker A · Thank you. Second of Director Tate discussion. Director Wickham. No, no. You wish to motivate? No questions.

Speaker M · No.

Speaker A · You've read the motion. Thank you. And it's seconded. I'll call the question. All in favor? Thank you. Opposed? Not opposed. It carries. And returning to 7. 8 the biosolids finished use management. The June update. I'll turn to Actin GM Tuke please.

Speaker B · Thank you Chair and good afternoon Board. So this report provides the update for the month of June on biosolids beneficial use activities and implementation of the long term biosolids management strategy. Throughout the past month, all biosolids produced at the residuals treatment facility continue to be beneficially used through out of region non agricultural applications that are consistent with the board indoor strategy Quarry reclamation just outside of Cassidy remains the primary beneficial use outlet for these materials. In late June we initiated a procurement process to identify potential future beneficial use opportunities and staff will report back to the board on the outcomes and financial implications following the close of this process later this year.

Speaker B · Turning back to the plant itself, the residuals treatment facility continued accepting residuals from both the Saanich Peninsula and Sooke Wastewater treatment plants throughout the month of June. At the same time, work continues to advance the advanced thermal treatment project and remains on track with the focus continuing to be the preparation of technical materials related to our provincial air permit application. And that brings me to the conclusion for this month's update. I welcome any questions.

Speaker K · Thank you.

Speaker A · Thank you for the report. Are there any questions? There is no recommendation. It's for information only. Thank you again for the report. We'll move on to the next item. We're now in reports for committees under 8. 1 for the Peninsula Recreation Commission. I'll turn to CFO Chan, please.

Speaker K · Thank you, Chair. In March of 2026 the Peninsula Recreation Commission recommended approval of a $14 million loan authorization which the CRD approved at the April meeting. Participant approval was to be obtained by way of municipal consent which this approval was not achieved. Subsequently, at the May 2026 meeting, the Commission directed staff to explore reduced scope with a maximum budget of 10. 1 million. The result is before the board today where the project still includes construction of a new facility facility in the district of Saanich. Just in a. In a different scope. The staff report details implications of a 15 year borrowing in addition to the legislative process and implications and so on.

Speaker K · As a reminder to the board, Panorama is a sub regional service and the cost of borrowing is shared among the participants. In this case Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sydney. The recommendation is the bylaw be introduced read three times and that approval be obtained by way of municipal consent. And if successful the bylaw will be referred to to the inspector of municipalities. Happy to take any questions Chair.

Speaker A · Thank you. CFO Chan. Are there any questions? Seeing none. While this is a sub regional service, it is a loan authorization. So it's awaited all vote. But I would turn to offer the opportunity to either North Senator or Central Senator Representatives to move the two motions separately please.

Speaker N · Okay, I will move that. Bylaw number 4782. Saanich Peninsula Recreation Services DCS Recreation Facility Loan Authorization Bylaw number 22026 be introduced and read for a first, second and third time.

Speaker A · Thank you. Alt Director Riddle. Seconder Director Jones. Any discussion? Seeing none. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed? Non. Opposed. Caries. We're turning to report from the regional parks committee under 8. 2. It's bylaw number 4774.

Speaker D · Pardon? Chair, there's a second part.

Speaker A · Thank you. Let's do that. I will turn back to Alt Director Riddle.

Speaker N · Thank you. That participating area Approval for Bylaw 4782 be obtained by way of the municipal consent on behalf of electors for central Saanich, North Sanich and Sydney and if successful, be referred to the inspector of municipalities for approval.

Speaker A · Moved in. Seconded. Director Jones. Discussion? Seeing none. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed? None opposed. That carries. It's written out very clearly here for me, but. Well, now turning to the regional parks and under 8. 2, we have bylaw number 4774. And I'll turn to committee chair Brof to take us through four motions separately, please.

Speaker O · Thanks very much. That bylaw number 4774, Capital Regional District, regional park services and facilities fees and charges. Bylaw number one, 2010amendment bylaw number 12, 2026 be introduced and read a first, second and third time.

Speaker A · Moved and seconded. Alt. Director Wagner, any discussion? Seeing none. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed? One opposed.

Speaker O · Carries that bylaw number 4774 be adopted.

Speaker A · We have the same secondary discussion. Seeing none. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed? None opposed. Carries. Two more recommendations.

Speaker O · The bylaw number 4787, Capital Regional District Parks regulation bylaw number one, 2018amendment. Bylaw number three, 2026 be introduced for second and third time.

Speaker A · Thank you all. Director Wagner. Seconded. Discussion? Seeing none. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed? None opposed.

Speaker O · Carries that bylaw number 4787 be adopted.

Speaker A · Second and all director Wagner, call the question. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed? Non. Opposed.

Speaker B · Carries.

Speaker A · Thank you very much. We're now turning to the item that was raised from consent, which is now 8. 3 on the consent agenda. It was 6. 6. Notice of Motion regarding the Sticks Allison water advocacy letter raised by Director Brent. Do you wish to make the motion? Have it seconded and discuss it or

Speaker G · otherwise I would like to make another motion. And the motion would be that this issue be referred back to staff for

Speaker A · a report before I seek a seconder. Do staff have any concerns with that process? Seeing a nod that we're okay there. Could I have a seconder, please? Seconded by director Wickham.

Speaker G · I'll turn to the mover motivation being that it would be much more effective if certain milestones were made prior to making the original motion. So that's the reason for the report and the motion.

Speaker I · Thank you.

Speaker A · Seeing no further discussion. I'll call the question. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed? Non. Opposed. Carries. Turning to section nine now, bylaws, we have four. And if I could seek a mover for adoption of bylaw number 4719. Sorry, do these need to be read in D. C. oA, please.

Speaker H · Happy to do that.

Speaker G · Chair. The bylaw number 4719 Traffic Safety Commission establishment bylaw number one, 1990amendment. Bylaw number five 2025 be adopted.

Speaker A · Thank you. Director Murdoch Saanich. Seconded. Director Wagner. Discussion? Turn the mover.

Speaker H · I don't think any motivation is required as this has already been an issue that the board has canvassed.

Speaker A · Call a question. All in favor? Thank you. Opposed?

Speaker H · Non.

Speaker A · Opposed. Carries. 9. 2. Adoption of. Adoption of bylaw 4747. Someone could continue. Director Brent, please.

Speaker G · I move that bylaw number 4747, Cedar Lane Water Service loan authorization bylaw number one 2026 be adopted.

Speaker A · Seconder, please. Second. Director Murdoch, Oak Bay. All in favor. Thank you. Opposed. Not opposed. Carries. N9 3. Is adoption of bylaw number 4749 full flood water service.

Speaker G · I might as well do that too. That byline number 4749 Fulford Water Service loan authorization bylaw number one 2026 be adopted.

Speaker A · Have it moved. And second, Dr. Muroc. OK Bay, I'll call the question. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed? None opposed. That carries. We're now turning to notices of motion. And I will turn to Vice Chair Little regarding her notice of motion.

Speaker C · This is the.

Speaker J · Lillian.

Speaker I · Yep.

Speaker A · If you would like to read it in. And I understand, Vice Chair Little, that after reading it in you would like to request same day consideration. But if you could first read it in. And it's just being brought up on the screen.

Speaker C · Thank you. Thank you. That the CRD board request that CRD staff work with the Spock family and Royal Rhodes University to announce annually at the June meeting of the CRD board when the Ed McGregor memorial and the Nils Jensen Bursaries are announced, the recipient of the recently established Royal Rose University Lillian Marie Schbach entrance award.

Speaker A · Okay, so we have that read in and we have a request for same day considerations. So I would we have that as a motion. So I will call the question on same day or. Sorry, I will turn to Vice Chair Little to motivate. On same day consideration, please.

Speaker P · Does it need a seconder? May I second?

Speaker A · Yes.

Speaker M · Alt.

Speaker A · Director Wagner seconds the motion for same day consideration. I'm turning to the movers.

Speaker C · Thank you. With respect to the same day consideration, under the procedures bylaw section 22 7, the motion needs to fall under one of three categories that proceed to a vote for the same day consideration. An item with an urgent deadline. An item minor Organizational impact, like advocacy or an item supporting the position of the. Of the local government. Although we are, let's admit, in the silly season of the looming municipal election.

Speaker C · I admit there's no urgency to this motion. However, the only criteria that may apply is that it is of minor organizational impact. This is the reason that I asked for same day consideration.

Speaker A · Thank you, Vice Chair Alter. Director Wagner, do you have anything to add?

Speaker P · No, I think that was clear.

Speaker F · Thank you.

Speaker A · Thank you. Any discussion? Seeing none. I'll call the question. All in favor? Thank you. Any opposed? None are opposed. That carries. So now we have the motion on the floor. I'll turn to Vice Chair to motivate. On the motion.

Speaker C · Thank you.

Speaker A · Oh, sorry. Do we have a. Yes, we do have a seconder for the motion. I'll direct. Reagan. Please go ahead. Please go ahead and motivate.

Speaker C · Thank you. Just to reiterate, a rural Rhodes alumna and long serving Langford City Council, Lillian Marie Spock was known for her collaborative, community focused leadership and her commitment to empowering women and youth. This award honors her legacy for supporting a female student who demonstrates. Sorry, my lisp is appearing because of my hearing deficit. I'm sorry to start over. This award honors her legacy by supporting a female student who demonstrates resilience, leadership, and a commitment to improving the lives of others while also showing financial need. Your support helps carry forward Lillian's legacy by empowering the next generation of women leaders. So my ask is that this award, this entrance award, has been established by the Spock family, the Roll Rose University, with contributions from the city of Lankford and other donors, some of you at this table, and from the community.

Speaker C · My ask is to simply, seemingly simple, allow the CRD Vice Chair to announce the recipient of this entrance award at the June meeting when the other bursaries are being announced. This is already an established award.

Speaker C · It will be announced and presented at Royal Rhodes University. Absolutely. And so this ask is to read in the recipient of the entrance award annually, which is publicly available information. So it's no secret we're not making a big announcement. It's already been announced. If I haven't made it clear, I can also reiterate some of that.

Speaker Q · Okay.

Speaker A · Thank you, Vice Chair Little. I'll turn to Director Wagner.

Speaker P · Thank you. I'll be brief, but I do think a public announcement is a great way to honor this legacy. I know that, Counselor. Well, CRD Director Lillian Spock really felt strongly about all the educational institutions, including railroads. And being part of the CRD was very important to her and raising that profile of the award recipient in this way is also, I think, a benefit to. To everyone and really in the public and through these partnerships. So it's connecting the CRD with Royal Rose with this memorial award and really celebrating that legacy for some outstanding award recipient. And I. I'm sure they would be honored to have their award be announced in this venue.

Speaker P · And I think it's a great way to celebrate.

Speaker D · Thank you.

Speaker A · Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Seeing.

Speaker R · None.

Speaker A · I'll call the question. All in favor? Thank you. Opposed? None opposed. That carries. Unanimous. Thank you. We do have two other notices of motion that have. I've been made aware of and we're able to. We will be able to bring them up on the screen. We'll be turning back to Vice Chair Little on a. Another notice of motion. Which is just coming up on the screen. Thank you. If you could please read in the motion. I will seek a second. Sorry, it will be. Just read in. You'll request same day consideration. That will be a motion. If we pass that, then we'll look for a seconder to the motion and go to motivation.

Speaker C · I'm going to read from your screen and use your mic if you don't mind.

Speaker M · Yeah.

Speaker C · Thank you. Sorry about this. That the CRD board directs staff to report back on the potential methodologies for funding the civilian counselor position affiliated with the Mobile Youth Services Team Mistake, which operates as an integrated police unit under the Greater Victoria Police chiefs and commanders.

Speaker S · Thank you.

Speaker A · Thank you. And I will take it that you have moved request for same day consideration. Do we have a seconder? Director Coleman, would you like to motivate on same day consideration, please?

Speaker C · Yes. This. As I've noted in the previous notice of motion, this meets the standards because it is of immediate urgency. If I can continue, Chair. Thank you. If all of the mayors and councils in this region have received a letter from Julia Leggett of the Pacific Family Services regarding the vital nature of the missed program as well as the looming deadline for withdrawal of the funding for the counselor position.

Speaker C · So this is of vital importance not only to me personally, but as chair of the Victoria Family Court and Youth Justice Committee, which is a delegated CRD commission.

Speaker A · Thank you. And I'll turn to the seconder. No further discussion. Calling the question on same day consideration. All in favor? Thank you. Opposed? None are opposed. That carries. If I could have a seconder on the motion now that it is same day. Director Coleman, I'll turn to Vice chair to motivate on the motion, please.

Speaker C · Thank you. I'm just going to read in an article that I wrote an op ed for the Times Colonists. This was submitted October 2nd. It's only 581 words, Chair, so it won't take very long. Mission critical the CRD's most vulnerable youth are about to lose their most valuable support team. The Victoria Family Court and Youth justice commends Leslie's Sept. 26 opinion piece Youth Supported Team funding needs an immediate boost at its September 27, 2024 follow up. Youth safety threats mount as helps retreats There is nothing more important than protecting our at risk children from gangs, exploitation, drug addiction and homelessness. As stated in the recent report by Athabasca University Dr.

Speaker C · Rebecca Nelms, we have reached an urgent crisis point with respect to youth gang exploitation and entrenchment in our region. The provincial and federal governments have a continued responsibility to the families of this region to fund a mobile Youth Services team. This team of two, a plainclothes police officer and a youth counselor, carries a heavy caseload that involves thousands of interactions a year with troubled youth. These cases are often urgent where youth and family are at high risk or in crisis. Missed Responds through Youth Centered, Timely, non judgmental, Inclusive and confidential Trauma Informed Outreach Service, the Victoria Family Court and Youth justice, comprised of elected counselors, some of them that sit at this table.

Speaker C · School board, trustees, citizens and support agencies from across Greater Victoria has advocated for stable long term funding and additional missed teams. So too in recent years has a CRD Board and councils in Highlands, Lankford, Oak Bay, Saanich, Souk and Victoria. Despite this, MIST continues to be precariously funded. MIST is often the first, if not the only, point of contact for hundreds of kids in crisis and their families. These absolutely critical interventions divert young people from an overwhelmed health care and criminal justice system. Just like Last month in 2024, the National Gang Crime Research center in Chicago presented Mist with the 2024 Award for Superior Accomplishments in Gang Intervention. Indeed, as noted by Dr.

Speaker C · Rebecca Nelms in her review at Mist, who was presented at the Victoria Family Court in Youth justice, it is such an effective and cost efficient approach to youth gang intervention and prevention, countless other municipalities would stand to benefit from replicating this model.

Speaker C · As Mr. Lane pointed out, Ms. Councillor's position has recently been reduced to two days a week as the latest in a series of unsustainable, unreliable grants from the province ran out. Mist is in immediate peril following confirmation from Hon. Mike Farnsworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and deputy premier in 2024 that it must look elsewhere for operational funding. Mist has remained at the same staffing and funding levels for more than a decade. It is a testament to the team's commitment and dedication that it continues its vital work despite our region's increased population, heightened gang activity and alarming rise on online exploitation, the opioid crisis and the increased cycle of poverty and homelessness, all of which are kids, either directly or through their family situations.

Speaker C · We applaud the province's support for Ms. To date and its commitment to specialized enforcement and intelligence initiatives related to guns, gangs and illicit trafficking, drug trafficking across bc. However, at this critical point, we're seeking continued interim funding for MIST. An injection of 50,000 will return the counselor to full time until March 31st. We're talking 2025, a small expense given the cost of prosecuting, supervising and incarcerating youth. At the time of this article being written, not all police departments in the region have confirmed their ongoing funding for mist. With recent Victoria Family Court and Youth justice support, clear recommendations were identified for local agencies to work together to collaboratively develop a five year business plan for MIST that would include securing long term inter institutional sustained funding for two teams and a research based approach to validate the investment in youth and risk.

Speaker C · As concluded by Dr. Nelms review of mist, the region needs more mist teams, not less. This unique service bridges the gap between social services, health, education and the justice system. Catching youth and youth in our region, in Lankford, in Oak Bay and across the region. That was my note. It wasn't what was quoted. Catching youth who might otherwise fall through the cracks. The potential loss of this vital and proven counseling service is not only in line with provinces and announced goals to address the issues facing vulnerable youth and their families in our complex, anxious modern society. Trusted relationships built through this specialized and highly functioning team cannot be lost due to an interruption of service. I ask for you for support for this motion for the reasons that I've just said.

Speaker C · I'll conclude my remarks at this board table by saying that in a recent speaking engagement sponsored by Roll Rhodes University that many of you attended Carol Off, a noted CBC Radio co host, as it happens, and in her greater than 25,000 interviews as she was promoting her fifth published book, wrote to my daughter in a written foreword to her book titled At a Loss for For Words Conversations in an Age of Rage, which I'd highly recommend.

Speaker C · Dear Sophia Catherine, Everything meaningful you do will make a difference. Have courage.

Speaker O · Thank you.

Speaker A · Vice Chair Little, Is there any further discussion? Director Wickham, please. Thank you.

Speaker M · Can you tell us please, Marie Treece, is this focused primarily on youth or is there family interaction, parental interaction as well? Because that's often where the weakest link is. That leads to family failure.

Speaker C · Yeah. Through the chair. Thank you for that question. Very important question. What Mia golden does when she crosses the borders from souk all the way out to Sydney is she goes into schools. Some of the school boards or teachers tip her off. She goes into the schools in a very, very friendly, very calm way to speak to a student, for instance, that might be at risk. She does that with her colleagues, the police officer, plainclothes, as well as a mental health officer or mental health official who is also in plain clothes. They interact very calmly with the student and build trust there. And then outlying outline what options the student, the youth, has for mitigating the issue that they're currently dealing with. At some point, they do try and often interact with the parents.

Speaker C · Often it is the parents that reach out to Mia because they're completely at lost. Some of these kids are groomed. I mean, I don't want to get into the gory details that we hear at the Victoria Family Court in Youth justice, but some of the parents are absolutely, completely at a loss of what they can do for their children.

Speaker C · And in fact, one parent in our region out on the peninsula sends a yearly Mother's Day card to Mia golden, thanking her because she says that if it wasn't for you, Mia, I wouldn't celebrate Mother's Day this year. So in answer to your question, yes, the family is engaged, if willing.

Speaker A · Thank you, Director Murdoch okbe.

Speaker F · Thank you. Through Chair, I'll support the motion that's here which is looking at potential methodologies for funding. I do think that when this comes back, it's going to be probably difficult for us to find funding for this because this is so very clearly in the bailiwick of the province and the federal government. This is health. This is mental health and addictions. This is all kinds of other aspects that are not in the local government realm. And I do point out that the MIS program, the police side of that, is funded entirely by municipal partners. And so there is already a substantial investment at a municipal level. And.

Speaker F · Well, I also just want to reiterate what Director Vice Chair Little spoke to, which is the incredible value this has brought. I'm very aware of this program and have been for many years, and it does an incredible amount of good work and it would be a tragedy if it was lost, but that is true of so many other things, including other health care issues and other things. That, you know, at some point the funding model does. I think we do have to respect that. So I think it's worthwhile for us to look at this. There may be some aspects of this that we could contribute or participate in. But I don't want to lose sight of the fact that the pressure should be 100% on the province on this one.

Speaker F · They have an obligation to provide those services to our residents, young and old. In this case, really heavily focused on the youth. And as Director Little pointed out or vice are little huge benefits to cost savings and trauma savings for all those involved.

Speaker J · Thank you.

Speaker A · Thank you, Director Murdoch. I do have four additional speakers. I will note that this is. This motion is to direct staff to report back on potential methodologies. But I will next turn to the secondary. Director Coleman first, please.

Speaker T · Thank you. Quite often in an anxious world, we look at programs that work and go, they're fine, and turn around and look at whatever is really annoying us at the time. And sometimes in that process, we don't sustain the programs that are working. That's exactly what's happened with this

Speaker K · number

Speaker T · of us were around the table when we dealt many years ago with gang activity in a borderline area between Sanich and Victoria. We don't need to talk about it. But that shook us all at the time. A death was involved and it was about youth gangs. Youth gangs have now been weaponized in terms of, as it was mentioned, grooming for economic purposes. And perhaps it would be useful for all of us to have a presentation by Mia golden here because once she begins to speak, you understand the importance of the program. If we look at a cost benefit analysis, should we be investing in something that the province should be funding? We bear the consequences of the failures.

Speaker T · So yes, we have to do we have to get the province back into it?

Speaker I · Of course we do.

Speaker T · But this is one of those sterling programs that would be an absolute tragedy to lose.

Speaker A · Thank you, Director. I have next Director Tate.

Speaker U · Thank you, Chair, and thank you to the mover for bringing this forward. I am in support of receiving the staff reports and I appreciate the concerns indicated or stated by other directors. Perhaps in the staff report. What would be helpful? Because in the letter that was received, the writer had indicated that the 150,000 was federally funded. So it would be helpful to know to confirm that and also what potential advocacy to which federal ministry we could do for this. Because the concern I have is that if we fund it at the 150, we are accepting another download. And I agree with you that this is upstream and we will be dealing with the consequence in communities and far more expensive down the road.

Speaker U · But what that means is that this, this, the service will never be able to expand and it needs to. So we are doing the 150 to preserve it as it is. But the need will continually grow and grow and grow. And it means that the other orders of government responsible are completely let off the hook unless we step up and pay more and more into something that we're not serviced to do. So there needs to be an advocacy ask that comes out of this, that here is the impact to communities and here is why we need the other governments to do their job as well.

Speaker U · Because largely they can access more funding than we can. So it's part of all of us doing it together. I'm fine to fill it on a, but it's just a band aid to a bigger problem that will cost more in the end and they really need to not ignore the problem.

Speaker A · Thanks, Director Tate. I have next on the list, ALT Director Wagner, Director Kobayashi, ALT Director Riddle, Director Westover, Director Caradonna, Director Wagner, please.

Speaker P · Thank you. Hearing the list of speakers, I'll be as brief as I can. I just wanted to note that, you know, the choice of funding this was sort of taken out of our hands in Lankford. We wanted to fund it, but we didn't really have a mechanism to do so. The West Shore RCMP has operational control over how they are spending their funding. So it's, it's been an ongoing issue for me personally as well as the Lankford Council. And I think it's really important that we look at this regionally. I do hear the concerns. We don't want another download. So I was hoping that there would be that advocacy piece. And really when we look at this funding, we can see where is the funding coming from, who's deciding how much where and how do we do better?

Speaker A · Thank you, Director Kobayashi.

Speaker I · Thanks very much. Chair. I'm caught between a rock and a hard place on this one. I totally support it. This coming across as a bit of a shock and a surprise to me, to tell you the truth. They got me on side because they said, would you support mist, you know, with more rcmp? Like getting the RCMP aboard?

Speaker H · Absolutely.

Speaker I · I had no issue with that. I didn't know that we were trying to find fund the civilian councilor position. And it is a download. I'm going to tell you totally right now. The Pacific Family center, the counselors, the family councilors that we have there right now are funded by the City of Calwood and the city of Langford. Right now, in the tune of almost $750,000, it's downloaded on us and then on top of that, and no one else contributes to it in the West Shore, but yet the West Shore gets to use it. Don't have an issue with this. And to your point, though, we're trying to prevent things upstream, right? That's what we're trying to do. But when does it stop?

Speaker I · Like I thought we were going to all come up with letters or a CRD letter going after federal government, provincial government for that civilian position, because it's got to stop at some time. And just recently, we, all the West Shore communities, including Zoo, we funded another coordinator position for youth Youth services. We've done that on our own. Again, someone can argue it's a more senior government position, but when does it stop? So I feel that with the mist, I totally agree with it. So I'm fine with it. But it was the police side of it I thought we were looking at, but now it sounds like we're looking after both sides of the equation.

Speaker I · So in its current form, I'm not happy with this, I can tell you. I'm just debating whether I'm going to support this. I thought it was going to be one more of a, you know, an advocacy form from the crd, which I would totally jump aboard. Anyways, that's my comments. Thank you.

Speaker A · Thank you, Director. So while advocacy has been mentioned, this is a motion, the motion on the floor is for staff report back. And the board would certainly have the opportunity to discuss other avenues such as advocacy at that time. I don't think it would be appropriate at this juncture. This is a notice of motion that's receiving same day consideration requesting a staff report. So if we could continue speaking to that, I'll turn next to Director Riddle.

Speaker N · Did you say Riddle?

Speaker A · Yeah, I did.

Speaker L · You did?

Speaker N · Okay. Sorry. Yeah. Thank you. I want to thank Vice Chair Little for bringing this forward. I don't think I need to speak to the need for this service. And I did want to share an observation and then just an impact. So my observation that I've. I've come to realize over the past year is that these services, mental health services for youth, substance use service, counseling for youth specifically, that can afford to pay privately, it's a patchwork and the funding is unstable across the board. This one is particularly critical. And if we don't step in, we're leaving it to community, so we're leaving it to nonprofits.

Speaker N · We're Leaving it, leaving it to other organizations that are already trying to plug a whole bunch of gaps. So while I can appreciate that we don't want another download, I hear that and that resonates. I also think we shouldn't then push it down further where we're talking about fundraising and a huge amount of time looking for grants. That effort is significant and we can deal with it more efficiently here. And the next one is just around the urgency. So when you have a disruption in a service like this that has a huge impact on youth, they are receiving a service, they are in a very critical place.

Speaker N · They have trust, they have a relationship, and then it's gone. So I think we need to be mindful of how critical the loss of this service could be for real people, real families, real youth in our communities. And we need to think about that when we're considering how to respond and how quickly. Thanks.

Speaker A · Thank you. Alt Director Westhaver online, please.

Speaker Q · Thank you, Chair. Most of the things I want to bring up have already been said, but I really feel strongly, feel very grateful to have been a part of this committee for this complete term. And I want to support Marie Therese in this motion. Also just want to draw attention to the advocacy piece because it's been noted many times and if there is an appetite, at which point point that this, the CRD board could put forward putting the advocacy letters from all the regions again, I know we've done it already, but just to really stress. So this isn't downloaded on the municipalities and the districts in the region.

Speaker Q · Being a part of this committee and listening to Mia Golden State her case every single time, it's moving, it's heart wrenching, it's upsetting, it's disturbing the things that she deals with. My fear is for our youth, for the future, that we will lose Mia if we can't continue to retain her in her role. She changes lives. She saves lives. I'm really glad that Marie Therese brought up the example of that mom who says that she is thanking her every Mother's Day for saving her child. We don't just hear that once, we hear it over and over. So whatever we can do, and I'm glad you said that to be brave and courageous, whatever we can do in our role to make this happen, I, I want to support that.

Speaker Q · I just don't know what else we can do at the CRD right now to continue to write letters or advocate. But I just didn't want to go forward without stating my, my opinion and my, my voice because being a part of this committee is extremely upsetting to see what we could possibly lose knowing that it's saving the lives of our future.

Speaker A · Thanks, Alt. Director westhaver, I have. Dr. Caradonna, thanks very much.

Speaker R · Chair, I support the motion on the floor. And I'll note that at the city of Victoria we've had motions on missed almost every year for the last four years. And I'm blanking on exactly what the content of those were, but I think it was mostly advocacy. We might have stepped in with funding. Maybe my Victoria colleagues can remind me, but we have been around the block on this a lot. Seems like every single year it's a will they. Won't they fund this at the province. But back to the. I mean, what I'm hearing from a lot of folks around the table is that this needs to be paired with some advocacy. And the Chair's comments notwithstanding, I don't personally have a problem with this being paired with advocacy.

Speaker R · And I think it might. I mean, at this moment, right now, and I think it might help build consensus around the table today and maybe make people feel a bit better about it. So I wanted to put it to the mover and seconder how they might feel about a both and not to replace the report back, but to also pair this with a bit of advocacy to the the province right now and say we need you to get back into the game of funding missed because it's so critically important right now. We're going to look into our options, but we want to express ourselves right now. I don't see necessarily the value in waiting on that. So Chair, I'll put that to you, or maybe the mover and seconder.

Speaker R · But for me, I don't see why it would be out of order to pair it together.

Speaker A · Okay.

Speaker M · So

Speaker A · rather than looking to the mover and seconder, the motion that's on the floor, this would be, if I'm hearing you correctly, would be an attempt at an amendment to the motion on the floor. I don't think that's in order. I think it would if, and I'm not sure it's in order, but I'll rule on it at a time that we have a motion arising for advocacy. I'll speak to that after. If you wish to bring that forward. I'll speak to that before seeking a seconder after we've had this motion, dealt with this motion.

Speaker R · Okay, thanks.

Speaker A · Any further discussion? Director Desjardin, please.

Speaker C · Yeah, I hesitate to weigh in because I'd like to get going, get this approved, get the staff working on It. But my question is, given the urgency that you hear around the table, what could be the timeline to bring this back to the board?

Speaker A · I'll turn to g. m. orley, please. Perhaps.

Speaker L · Yeah.

Speaker K · Through the chair, I think we could

Speaker D · bring a report back to the board next month.

Speaker A · Sir, that would be our September. September board meeting.

Speaker J · That's right.

Speaker A · Thank you. Signal. Oh, sorry. Director Goodmanson, please.

Speaker H · Thank you, Chair.

Speaker J · I'll be brief because this is really a motion about bringing back information. It doesn't matter what the upper levels are doing. If something is needed, you got to cover it. It's as simple as that. So let's find the ways to cover it. And if they leave us hanging, then we can say, well, you're not willing to do it, but we found a way. Because tonight, tomorrow, in whatever municipality you're from, there could be a youth that is interacted with from any other municipality around. And this team can either create a

Speaker H · positive change

Speaker J · or a far more negative change could happen. It's as simple as that. Thank you.

Speaker A · Thank you, Director Goodmanson. I have for a second time Vice Chair Little.

Speaker C · Thank you. I appreciate my colleagues angst regarding budgets and I do respect you. I also appreciate your feelings of being between a rock and a hard place. And Doug, I respect your comments and I appreciate that we all don't want another download. I get it. But the Victoria Family Court and Youth justice for the last eight years, six of them that I'm chair, have written dozens of letters regarding advocacy and to me, and forgive the expression, I feel like we're spitting into the wind.

Speaker C · I also sit at the Community Advisory Committee at William Head Institution. It's been in the news lately. The federal government, in our current understanding and commitment as people of Canada spend billions of dollars on re educating offenders who at some point made poor decisions. And this is one of the roles that MIST provides.

Speaker C · They try to intervene with these youth as young as 12 years old, to intervene so that they don't end up down that pathway, so that Canadians don't spend billions as in b re educating offenders. This program is such a small tuppence of funding compared to the billions of dollars. And as mayor of the district of Machosin, my job is to look after the health and well being of my citizens. And that's stated in the community charter in the Local Government Act. So it is our responsibility. I understand that we would like the federal government and the provincial government to stand up. They are facing other issues, global issues, a budget deficit. I'm simply impatient. I'm sorry, I'm Just impatient after eight years of advocacy. I'm simply asking you to. What is the motion?

Speaker C · I'm simply asking you to direct staff to come back with a report. Thank you.

Speaker A · Thank you. And I do see all Director Kim online. Please go ahead.

Speaker S · Thank you. I'll be motivating in favor and also as a member of the Family Court and Youth Justice Committee, as colleagues around this table. Most of you don't know this, but I was almost a homeless youth. I was kicked out of my home when I was young for a summer and needless to say, my household was not great, but it. Mr. Mason, my junior high school counselor used to receive me at school crying a couple times and he would just say, you're not going to class. You're going to come into my office and we're going to talk. Mia golden is school counselor right to me, yes, there's a case to be said about like the downloading and the jurisdiction. But if. If we can support youth the way that I was supported.

Speaker S · You don't know who might end up becoming another municipal leader like us. You don't know who you might end up helping avoiding becoming a statistic like I did thanks to the investment that the public services put into me as a youth. And so I really urge you to think deeply about your role. Not just as a representative, but also somebody whose job it is to care about the long term health and well being of the youth in your community. And in so doing, you know, not lose the potential that these youth hold. I'll leave it at that.

Speaker N · Thanks.

Speaker A · Thank you. I'm seeing no further discussion. I'll look to call a question. All in favor? Thank you. Opposed? None are opposed. That care is unanimous. Thank you, Director Caridon. Okay, so we do have one more notice of motion that I was made aware of prior to the meeting and that is from alt. Director Riddle from Central Sanich. If you would like to read and I understand this is just being read in today. If you would like to read from the. Therefore be it result.

Speaker N · Okay, so I'm reading this in on behalf of Director Windsor that the CRD consider establishing a regional Agricultural Advisory Committee. Number two, that the CRD consider assuming administrative responsibility for an AAC or successor model. And number three, that staff report Planning and Protective Services or Governance committee on options for regional or sub regional governance and administrative framework.

Speaker A · Thank you for reading that in. I will turn to staff. The motion makes reference to either planning, protective services or governance. Could staff give an indication what might be more appropriate?

Speaker T · Yeah.

Speaker E · Thank you.

Speaker I · Through the chair.

Speaker K · It would be appropriate to go through

Speaker H · the planning and protective services and it deals with regional agriculture which would fall under that service.

Speaker A · Thank you. So if with permission of it being read the mover that it or the reader that we just remove governance committee. And is there turning back to staff. Is there another planning Protective Service committee meeting this term? And if not, would this. Would this come back to the board?

Speaker H · Yeah, through the chair. Because it was read in today. It would be debated at the September committee and we can report back on the timelines, but I don't believe there's another one for this term.

Speaker D · Sorry. I believe Kevin Laurent meant to say that next at September's board meeting is when it will be debated and discussed, not committee.

Speaker A · Okay. Yeah, we did understand.

Speaker J · Sorry.

Speaker A · No, we did understand that if there wasn't another committee meeting that would. Things would come directly to the board. So if we could just amend the. Just amend the reading in again. That it would come back to the board rather than planning a Protective services. If that's understood with the. With the reading.

Speaker D · Sorry, we're going to vote on this motion in detail and debate it at September. The report would come back later.

Speaker A · No, no, I understand that, but in terms of what's being read in today, I'm just suggesting alternate wording rather than PPs. Just say board because we understand that that's where it will. Okay, I'll leave it. Leave it at is if that's what staff recommend. Thank you. Thank you for reading it in. It is now in the record. We have no new business. I will turn to D. C. olagoa to take us through the motions to close the meeting.

Speaker D · After we do these motions, we will have asked for a motion to recess, so stay tuned. First is that the meeting be closed for appointments and personal information accordance with section 90 sub 1, sub A of the Community Charter. Second, that the meeting be closed for labor relations in accordance with section 90 sub 1, sub C of the Community Charter. Three, that the meeting be closed for legal advice in accordance with section 90 sub 1, sub I of the Community Charter. Four, that the meeting be closed for considerations of whether a meeting should be closed in accordance with section 90 sub 1, sub. N of the community charter.

Speaker A · Thank you. If we have movers, a mover and seconder, please move Director Coleman. Second Director Desjardins. Those in favor? Thank you. Opposed? Non. Opposed. Carries. If I could have movers for a motion to recess to convene the meetings of the Capital Regional Housing Corporation and the Capital Regional Hospital District Board. Move Directors Coleman and Dejardin. Those in favor thank you. Opposed? None opposed. I will call a recess for 10 minutes before we go into the next board meeting. Thank you.