Council declined to place a Section 57 notice on the title of 119 Ross Durrance Road unless the owners stop responding or making demonstrable progress; the owners said fencing was installed and demolition could begin in September, but one councillor warned that continued non-compliance could expose the District to liability. The most extended debate was over Millstream Meadows: council voted to have staff draft both General and Medium Industrial–Regenerative Development zones, hold an open house and later a public hearing, while revising the proposal in light of questions about wetland protection, permitted uses and possible parkland. Council approved up to $95,000 for Twinflower Park restoration and will seek public ideas for a second phase in early 2027, including possible new recreation features. Other decisions included a $288,339.19 culvert contract, conditional approval of a September trail-running event, and drafting a 2027–2031 permissive tax exemption bylaw for specified properties and organizations.
Generated from the recording's captions and the official minutes.
What was discussed
AI summary · check against sources
5.1 Special Heritage Select Committee Meeting - June 10, 2026 — Highlands Lime Kiln
parks environment2 public speakers7:32 Watch · Read
Two committee presenters described research into the lime kiln’s likely operation from the late 1800s until 1908, its surviving masonry and quarry traces, and its regional heritage value. The kiln sits across a property boundary, partly on District land and partly on land owned by Ecoasis, making access and long-term protection complicated. Council added a direction for staff to consider the report’s recommendations and return with possible next steps. Staff said a report was unlikely before the election, but could inform the next council’s strategic planning and budget discussions.
Agreement
Councillors praised the research and agreed the report should lead to further consideration rather than simply be received.
The presenters recommended resolving the shared-ownership issue before conservation and public interpretation work.
Council received the research and recommendations about protecting the Highlands Lime Kiln and asked staff to review them and bring possible options back to Council.
Official wording: THAT the Summary of Research and Recommendations for the Protection of the Highlands Lime Kiln be received;
AND THAT staff consider the report recommendations and return to Council with potential options.
Council ratified the recommendation to prepare an agreement for use of 711 Caleb Pike Road as a riding ring, provided the Highlands Horse Club incorporates as a society within 90 days. The agreement is to address maintenance, insurance, safety and permitted uses, and its terms must return to council for approval.
If the Highlands Horse Club becomes an incorporated society within 90 days, staff will prepare an agreement for its use of the riding ring at 711 Caleb Pike Road. The agreement would cover maintenance, insurance, safety and permitted uses, and Council would review the terms before they take effect.
Official wording: THAT, subject to the Highlands Horse Club being incorporated as a society within ninety (90) days of Council direction, an agreement be prepared for the use of 711 Caleb Pike Road, including provisions respecting maintenance, insurance, safety requirements, and permitted uses;
AND THAT the terms of the agreement be brought forward for Council’s approval.
Council ratified revised daily filming fees for parks: $150 for standard television or commercial filming and $300 for a major feature film or television production. The amended fees later returned as a parks bylaw for third reading.
Set daily filming fees in the parks fee schedule at $150 for standard television or commercial filming and $300 for a major feature film or television production.
Official wording: THAT District of Highlands Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 333 (Parks), 2011, Amendment No. 2, Bylaw No. 485, 2026 be amended as follows:
Filming Per Day:
Standard TV/ Commercial: $150
Major Feature Film/TV: $300
Council ratified a recommendation for staff to investigate whether a pump track could fit at the proposed Twinflower Park location or elsewhere in the park. The question arose during the committee’s earlier discussion of the park project; the later council report said a pump track would not fit the Phase 1 restoration area.
Agreement
Council agreed to investigate possible pump-track locations in Twinflower Park.
Council chose not to file a Section 57 notice on the property title unless the owners become unresponsive or stop making demonstrable progress toward compliance. The notice can warn prospective buyers, lenders and insurers about unresolved building or safety issues. The owners said they had fenced off the remaining non-conforming structures, completed a hazardous-materials assessment and were waiting on provincial review of a report needed for permits; they estimated demolition at about $200,000, with the first work planned as early as September. Staff confirmed the owners had cooperated, but said the buildings could not be declared safe and the remaining structures still need permits, alteration or removal. A councillor opposed the motion, citing continuing non-compliance and potential liability for the District; the motion carried, with three councillors opposed.
Agreement
Staff and the owners agreed that outstanding structures still need to be brought into compliance or removed.
Staff confirmed the owners had cooperated and that provincial review was affecting the permit process.
Disagreement
A councillor argued that continued non-compliance without a title notice could expose the District to liability and opposed the motion.
Other councillors said a notice should remain a compliance tool rather than a penalty, and that it was not warranted while the owners were cooperating and making progress.
Carried 4 to 32026-169Item 7.11:09:11 Watch · Read
Do not file a compliance notice on the property title for now. Staff would report back if the owners stop responding or stop making visible progress toward compliance.
Official wording: THAT the filing of a Notice on Title under Section 57 of the Community Charter with the Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia not proceed unless the property owners become non-responsive or cease making demonstrable progress towards compliance and that staff report back if either condition arises.
The proposal would create new zoning for Millstream Meadows, a former contaminated site partly owned by the Capital Regional District (CRD), and change the zoning of 1965 Millstream Road. Staff said a General Industrial–Regenerative Development zone could support circular-economy businesses while setting environmental and site-design standards; a public hearing is not legally required for a zone consistent with the Official Community Plan. Councillors questioned whether the draft adequately reflected the plan’s regenerative-development goals, whether emerging uses would be allowed, and how to protect wetlands. They also discussed a possible park or conservation area, but CRD staff said the ownership and contamination arrangements make that complicated and that public park use would require further work. Council amended the direction to include drafting both General and Medium Industrial–Regenerative Development zones, to hold an open house and to provide for a public hearing at the appropriate stage. The amended direction passed; one councillor opposed the main motion.
Agreement
Councillors agreed the draft needed further work and that public communication and input mattered.
There was support for giving prospective businesses clearer zoning rules while considering the site’s environmental features.
Council agreed staff should return with a draft for further council consideration rather than treating the discussion as final zoning approval.
Disagreement
Some councillors wanted greater certainty and flexibility for emerging regenerative businesses; others were concerned that the proposed uses were too broad or included heavier industrial activities.
Councillors differed on whether wetland protection should be strengthened with a firm buffer or possible land dedication, and on whether parkland was a practical option.
One councillor supported moving forward with the amended drafting direction; another opposed it, arguing it did not adequately secure a wetland buffer or explore parkland.
Carried 5 to 22026-171Item 7.22:35:03 Watch · Read
Add a second, medium-industrial regenerative development zone to the proposed zoning changes. Also schedule a public hearing for September 8, 2026, before the regular Council meeting, and hold an open house beforehand to gather public feedback.
Official wording: THAT the main motion be amended as follows:
THAT “and the Medium Industrial – Regenerative Development (M2-RD) Zone” be added following “General Industrial – Regenerative Development (M1-RD) Zone” ;
AND THAT a public hearing be scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, immediately preceding the regularly scheduled Council Meeting
AND FURTHER THAT a public open house be held to gather feedback in advance of a public hearing.
Carried 5 to 22026-172Item 7.22:35:53 Watch · Read
Direct staff to draft zoning changes that create general- and medium-industrial regenerative development zones, and propose the general-industrial zone for 1965 Millstream Road. Schedule a public hearing for September 8, 2026, before the regular Council meeting, and hold an open house first to gather feedback.
Official wording: THAT a Zoning Bylaw amendment be drafted to add the General Industrial – Regenerative Development (M1-RD) Zone and the Medium Industrial - Regenerative Development (M2-RD) Zone to the Zoning Bylaw and change the zoning of 1965 Millstream Road to the Regenerative Development (M1-RD) Zone;
AND THAT a public hearing be scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, immediately preceding the regularly scheduled Council Meeting;
AND FURTHER THAT a public open house be held to gather feedback in advance of a public hearing.
Council authorized Phase 1 restoration, funded through grants, and an agreement with RLC capped at $95,000 excluding goods and services tax. The work will restore the wetland edge with native planting, a formal walking path, a small viewing area and protective fencing. Staff said a pump track was not compatible with the restoration area because it would conflict with riparian protections, require tree removal and bring traffic beside the wetland. Council also agreed to begin public engagement for Phase 2 in early 2027 through a survey and open house, and to draft a donations policy. Future features such as a pump track or fitness area remain possibilities, but would need funding and public input.
Agreement
Councillors supported proceeding with the grant-funded restoration and planning public engagement for Phase 2.
Councillors recognized the existing bike-jump area was in poor condition and raised concerns about safety, maintenance and liability.
Carried 7 to 02026-173Item 7.33:06:14 Watch · Read
Proceed with the approved first phase of Twinflower Park restoration, using the identified grant funding. Hire RLC to carry out that work for up to $95,000 before tax, authorize the Corporate Officer to sign the agreement, begin public engagement on Phase 2 in early 2027 with a survey and open house, and prepare a donations policy for Council to consider.
Official wording: THAT Phase 1 restoration work for the Twinflower Park – Park and Trail Enhancement Project, as approved in the 2026-2030 Financial Plan and funded through the Growing Communities Fund, Local Government Climate Action Program, and BC Hydro Community Regreening grants, be authorized to proceed;
AND THAT the District enter into an agreement with RLC for implementation of the Phase 1 work, in an amount not to exceed $95,000, excluding GST;
AND THAT the Corporate Officer be authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the District;
AND THAT community engagement for Twinflower Park – Park and Trail Enhancement Project Phase 2 begin in early 2027 and include a survey and open house;
AND FURTHER THAT a donations policy be drafted for Council consideration.
Council approved more time for staff to research and draft a business licence bylaw and develop an engagement plan. Staff said the extra work is needed to make the rules practical for the District’s rural character and land-use patterns. A draft is now expected in the first quarter of 2027.
Carried 7 to 02026-174Item 7.43:07:55 Watch · Read
Give staff more time to research and draft the business licensing bylaw and develop a public engagement plan, with a draft expected to come to Council for consideration in the first quarter of 2027.
Official wording: THAT the timeline for the Strategic Plan priority of “Business Licence Bylaw” be extended to accommodate continued bylaw research, drafting, and engagement plan development prior to provision of a draft Business License Bylaw to Council for consideration in the first quarter of 2027.
At a councillor’s request, council agreed to write to federal ministers supporting Motion M-35, which calls for fair, stable, long-term federal operating support for BC Ferries. The discussion noted the importance of stronger federal support for ferry operations.
Agreement
Council supported sending a letter in favour of the federal motion.
Carried 7 to 02026-175Item 8.13:08:43 Watch · Read
Send a letter to the named federal ministers supporting Motion M-35, which calls for fair, stable, long-term federal operating support for BC Ferries.
Official wording: THAT a letter in Support of Motion M-35 for Fair, Stable, Long-Term Federal Operational Support for BC Ferries to the Ministers of Housing and Infrastructure, Transport and Internal Trade and Finance.
Council received a letter from the District of Oak Bay about Local Government Climate Action Program funding. The transcript records no substantive discussion.
Carried 7 to 02026-176Item 8.23:09:32 Watch · Read
Routine: receive Oak Bay’s June 30 letter about Local Government Climate Action Program funding.
Official wording: THAT the June 30, 2026 letter from the District of Oak Bay regarding the Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP) Funding be received.
Council gave third reading, the last vote before adoption, to the amended parks fees bylaw. The amendment sets daily filming fees at $150 for standard television or commercial filming and $300 for a major feature film or television production.
Carried 7 to 02026-177Item 9.13:09:32 Watch · Read
Advance the amended parks fees bylaw to its third reading.
Official wording: THAT "District of Highlands Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 333 (Parks), 2011, Amendment No. 2, Bylaw No. 485, 2026” be given third reading as amended.
Council gave third reading to the amendment establishing the parks permit bylaw provisions. The transcript contains no discussion of the permit changes.
Carried 7 to 02026-178Item 9.23:09:32 Watch · Read
Advance the parks permits bylaw amendment to its third reading.
Official wording: THAT “Parks Management Bylaw No. 470, 2025, Amendment No. 1 (Permits), Bylaw No. 487, 2026" be given third reading.
budget finance1 public speaker2:37:31 Watch · Read
Council directed staff to draft a bylaw granting full land-tax exemptions for the specified parcels for the 2027–2031 taxation years. Staff had reviewed applications from WMIYETEN Nature Sanctuary Society, the Land Conservancy of BC and the BC Parks Foundation; granting full exemptions to all applicants was estimated to forgo about $50,000 in annual municipal tax revenue. A sanctuary representative said the society protects local ecosystems and provides cultural access for First Nations, but has limited income and needs support to maintain its land and buildings. One councillor raised concerns about a building listed for rental on the society’s website; the representative said it was not available for rent and the website was outdated. Staff reported no active compliance investigations on the property.
Agreement
Councillors considered both the public benefit of the properties and the effect of exemptions on municipal revenue.
The sanctuary representative clarified that the building was not being rented and staff said there were no active compliance investigations.
Disagreement
A councillor questioned eligibility and the cost of exemptions in light of tax pressures and the building’s apparent rental listing.
Other councillors supported tax relief, with one emphasizing the sanctuary’s public and environmental value and the modest individual tax impact.
Carried 7 to 02026-179Item 10.12:53:44 Watch · Read
Prepare a bylaw proposing full land-tax exemptions for the listed properties owned by WMIYETEN Nature Sanctuary Society, The Land Conservancy of BC and BC Parks Foundation for the 2027–2031 tax years. This directs staff to draft the bylaw; it does not itself grant the exemptions.
Official wording: THAT a Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw for the 2027–2031 taxation years be drafted to provide a full land tax exemption for the following parcels of land:
WMIYETEN Nature Sanctuary Society
• 1772 Millstream Road (PID 003-346-668)
• 1760 Millstream Road (PID 030-506-000)
TLC The Land Conservancy of BC
• 721 Lorimer Road (PID 009-736-394)
BC Parks Foundation, Inc
• Hazlitt Creek Road (PID 032-337-973)
10.2 Finlayson Arm Trail Running Event – September 12 – 13, 2026
transportation1 public speaker2:36:40 Watch · Read
Council approved the Coastline Endurance Running event’s use of specified roads and crossings on September 12 and 13, subject to the organizer providing traffic-management documents satisfactory to the District and signing a public-property agreement. The route uses Viart/Rowntree, Finlayson Arm, Ross Durrance and Munn roads. The transcript records no detailed council discussion.
Carried 7 to 02026-180Item 10.22:37:31 Watch · Read
Allow Coastline Endurance Running to use the listed roads and crossings for its September 12–13, 2026 trail race, provided it first supplies traffic-management documents the District finds satisfactory and signs a public-property use agreement. The Corporate Officer can sign that agreement for the District.
Official wording: THAT, conditional upon the event organizer providing revised Traffic Management Plan documentation satisfactory to the District, the Coastline Endurance Running request be approved to utilize the following rights-of-way and road crossings on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, 2026, for the Finlayson Arm Trail Running Event:
• Viart Road/Rowntree Road (runners will run along the side of the roadway)
• Finlayson Arm Road (runners will run along the roadside)
• Ross Durrance Road (runners will cross the road to connect Gowlland Tod Park and Mount Work Park)
• Munn Road (runners will run along Munn Road connecting to the Mount Work parking lot at Munn Road with the Mount Work Connector Trail at the north end of Thetis Lake Regional Park)
AND THAT the approval be conditional upon the Event Organizer entering into a Public Property Occupancy Agreement, substantially in the form attached to the Administrative Assistant’s report dated June 30, 2026;
AND FURTHER THAT the Corporate Officer be authorized to execute this agreement on behalf of the District of Highlands.
Council awarded Hoel Contracting Ltd. the Caleb Pike Road and Millstream Road culvert replacement contract for $288,339.19, excluding goods and services tax. It also approved adding $65,800 to the 2026–2030 financial plan from the Growing Communities Reserve Fund. Staff said a financial-plan bylaw amendment would return to council to reflect the funding change.
Agreement
Council supported the contract award and the additional reserve funding.
Carried 7 to 02026-181Item 10.33:09:32 Watch · Read
Award Hoel Contracting the culvert replacement contract for $288,339.19 before tax, and add $65,800 to the financial plan for the project, funded from the District’s Growing Communities reserve.
Official wording: THAT the contract for the 2026 culvert replacement at Caleb Pike Road and Millstream Road be awarded to Hoel Contracting Ltd. in the amount of $288,339.19, excluding GST;
AND THAT the 2026-2030 Financial Plan be amended to include funding in the amount of $65,800 for the box culvert project at Caleb Pike Road and Millstream Road, with funding to be sourced from the District’s existing Growing Communities Reserve Fund.
Council approved the memorandum of understanding for a regional coordinator for the Municipal Leaders’ Advisory Team. One councillor opposed the motion.
Agreement
The motion to approve the memorandum passed.
Disagreement
One councillor opposed approving the memorandum.
Carried 7 to 02026-182Item 10.43:11:06 Watch · Read
Approve the agreement setting out the terms for the Municipal Leaders’ Advisory Team regional coordinator.
Official wording: THAT the Municipal Leaders’ Advisory Team (MLAT) Regional Coordinator Memorandum of Understanding be approved.
Routine: formally adopt the June 15 public hearing and regular meeting minutes, and the June 16 and June 22 special meeting minutes; receive the listed committee and West Shore Parks and Recreation minutes.
Official wording: THAT the following minutes be adopted:
• June 15, 2026 Public Hearing Report
• June 15, 2026 Regular Council Meeting
• June 16, 2026 Special Council Meeting
• June 22, 2026 Special Council Meeting
AND THAT the following minutes be received:
• March 11, 2026 Special Heritage Select Committee
• June 12, 2025 West Shore Parks and Recreation Society - Annual General Meeting
• May 21, 2026 West Shore Parks and Recreation Society