Council approved a licence renewal for the Metchosin Equestrian Society and advanced a bylaw and covenant to protect 113 acres of buffer land. The sharpest debate was over whether the District should explore helping fund renovations for a new health clinic: supporters cited local gaps in care, while opponents questioned the District’s finances, priorities and role in funding health care; the motion was defeated. The Mayor’s proposals to explore spending on a sports court and active transportation did not get a seconder. Council also approved temporary animal stalls at the equestrian grounds, while deferring a proposed school-site wayfinding sign after disagreement about the sign’s name and readiness to proceed.
Generated from the recording's captions and the official minutes.
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Closed Portion Council Resolution to Close the Meeting to the Public
governance
The agenda called for a closed meeting to discuss personal information and preliminary municipal-service negotiations. The transcript begins with the public meeting and does not capture the closed-session resolution.
Carried 4 to 0
Hold a closed meeting to discuss specified personal information, including municipal personnel and award matters, and preliminary discussions about a proposed municipal service.
Official wording: That the public be excluded under section 90(1) of the Community Charter in order to consider:
(a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality;
(b) personal information about an identifiable individual who is being considered for a municipal award or honour, or who has officered to provide a gift to the municipality on condition of anonymity;
(k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public.
Council amended the agenda to add supplemental correspondence for the Mayor’s report and was told that an item numbered 8 would be pulled for discussion at another time.
Routine: approve the meeting agenda with the listed correspondence added and the Firehall Technical Team consulting agreement removed.
Official wording: THAT the June 22, 2026, Regular Council Meeting agenda be adopted as amended to include the following supplemental information:
Correspondence received for item 6.a. Mayor’s Report:
01 – K. Hoffman;
02 – D. Plank;
03 – G. Walsh;
04 – A. Strauss;
05 – C. Voyt;
06 – J and K Burrell;
07 – B. Sawatsky; and
08 – O. Clarke.
Correspondence received for items 6.a. Mayor's Report, and 7.a. May 26, 2026, Draft Metchosin Environmental Advisory Select Committee - Invasives management:
01 – B. Bacon;
AND THAT item 8. b. Consulting Services Agreement - Firehall Technical Team be removed.
BC Transit staff outlined a 25-year regional plan. Metchosin’s routes 54, 55 and 64 are mainly local coverage services, with about 60–70 daily boardings across the district; many riders connect through Royal Bay or Langford. The plan will examine more frequent service, faster regional links, safer and more accessible stops, transit exchanges and possible on-demand service in lower-density areas. Staff said HandyDART users currently must book 14 days ahead; a software upgrade being tested elsewhere could reduce that window, with seven days as an initial target. Further route-by-route engagement is expected, and the draft plan was due before the regional commission in July.
Agreement
Councillors welcomed the update and the opportunity to improve transit connections and reliability.
Staff and councillors saw potential to examine on-demand service and recreation-related transit in future network planning.
2.b Metchosin Equestrian Society Project Updates
community services2 public speakers27:06 Watch · Read
Representatives of the Metchosin Equestrian Society said they had secured $5,000 from Horse Council BC, raised about $8,000, and received donated engineering and design work toward a covered structure for temporary animal stalls. The estimated project cost had been as high as $22,000 and was coming down; they asked for approval to proceed with engineering, permits and construction, not a new District contribution. Councillors discussed possible shared use of the space and whether solar panels could be considered later.
Agreement
Councillors supported the Society pursuing the project and noted the potential use of the structure for community events and emergency preparedness.
The Society said the space could be shared when stalls were not in use.
Six members of the public spoke. A volunteer involved in the proposed Metchosin clinic described plans for family care, walk-in care and counselling, with an initial service partnership at the pharmacy expected in summer and a fuller clinic potentially opening by November if fundraising and District support allowed. Another speaker thanked Council for protecting the 113-acre buffer land. Two speakers supported the clinic or municipal help with renovations. Three speakers argued against using community funds for new amenities or clinic renovations, urging Council to prioritize the fire hall, rural services and public consultation before spending the Growing Communities Fund.
Agreement
Speakers broadly recognized the need to address gaps in local access to health care.
Speakers supporting protection of the buffer land welcomed the proposed park dedication.
Disagreement
Speakers differed on whether municipal funds should help renovate the clinic or be preserved for the fire hall and other District needs.
Speakers disagreed about whether sports and active-transportation amenities fit Metchosin’s rural character and priorities.
Council received draft minutes from advisory and agricultural committees for information, including the Peninsula and Area Agricultural Commission and Agricultural Advisory Select Committee.
Agreement
Council received the minutes for information.
Carried 4 to 0RES 186-2026Item 545:27 Watch · Read
Routine: receive the listed committee meeting minutes for information.
Official wording: That the following meeting minutes be received for information:
April 24, 2026, Draft Peninsula and Area Agricultural Commission (PAAC);
May 5, 2026, Draft Agricultural Advisory Select Committee;
May 19, 2026, Draft Parks and Trails Advisory Select Committee;
May 25, 2026, Draft Healthy Community Advisory Select Committee; and
May 26, 2026, Draft Metchosin Environmental Advisory Select Committee.
The Mayor asked staff to explore funding options for renovations to the proposed Metchosin health clinic, including whether Growing Communities Fund money or interest could be used. Supporters said the clinic could serve residents without a provider and those needing timely walk-in care; the Mayor cited about 1,400 residents without a primary-care provider and an estimated renovation cost of up to $180,000. Opponents said clinic funding was not in the strategic plan or budget, questioned the District’s capacity and financial pressures, and argued that health care is a provincial responsibility. Staff said they could prepare a fuller report for a later meeting and confirmed that interest on the grant reserve is subject to the same eligible-project rules as the grant; Council could ask the province for clarification. The motion to explore funding options failed. The Mayor also proposed exploring Growing Communities Fund options for a multi-purpose sports court and Active Transportation Network Plan projects, but neither proposal received a seconder.
Agreement
Councillors acknowledged that access to primary care is a serious local and provincial issue.
The clinic proposal would require more information about costs, fundraising, leases and eligible funding sources before a funding decision could be made.
Disagreement
The Mayor and a councillor supported asking staff to investigate possible municipal funding; two councillors argued against adding the work or using municipal funds, citing financial pressures, the strategic plan and the province’s responsibility.
The Mayor’s proposals to explore funding for a sports court and active-transportation projects did not gain a seconder.
Defeated 0 to 4RES 187-2026Item 6.a1:36:24 Watch · Read
Ask staff to look into possible ways to fund the proposed infrastructure for the Metchosin Health Clinic.
Official wording: THAT Council direct staff to explore funding options for the proposed infrastructure for the Metchosin Health Clinic.
Council considered directing staff to facilitate volunteer invasive-species control and habitat restoration on District parks and properties. Councillors noted that staff and volunteer groups were already doing related work, including on the buffer land. The chief administrative officer cautioned that insurance requirements, staff time and the need to sustain a volunteer program make coordination demanding. The motion passed despite the Mayor’s opposition.
Agreement
Councillors supported volunteer efforts to remove invasive plants and restore habitat on District land.
Councillors noted the need to manage waivers, insurance and volunteer coordination.
Disagreement
The Mayor considered the direction redundant and raised concern about staff workload; the other councillors supported the motion.
Carried 3 to 1RES 188-2026Item 7.a1:51:58 Watch · Read
Ask staff to help coordinate volunteers working to control invasive species and restore habitat on District parks and other District properties.
Official wording: THAT Council direct staff to facilitate volunteer invasive species control and habitat restoration efforts on District parks and properties.
Staff recommended renewing the Society’s licence for District land from August 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027, subject to the required public notice. Council approved the renewal and authorized the Mayor and chief administrative officer to sign it.
Agreement
Council approved the renewal without opposition.
Carried 4 to 0RES 189-2026Item 8.a1:54:25 Watch · Read
Approve the District's occupation licence with the Metchosin Equestrian Society for August 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027, and allow the Mayor and CAO to sign it after the required public notice.
Official wording: THAT Council approve the Licence of Occupation with the Metchosin Equestrian Society for the period of August 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027;
AND THAT Council authorize the Mayor and CAO to execute the Licence on behalf of the District, subject to the required public notice in accordance with the Community Charter.
The chair said an item numbered 8 had been pulled from the agenda for discussion at another time. The transcript does not identify the pulled item by title or record discussion of the Firehall Technical Team agreement; no approval motion appears in the official motions list.
Staff confirmed that the draft annual report had been available online and at the municipal hall and that public notice had been published. The chair invited public comment; none was offered. Councillors praised the report and unanimously approved it.
Agreement
Council praised staff’s work and approved the 2025 Annual Report unanimously.
Carried 4 to 0RES 190-2026Item 8.b1:57:32 Watch · Read
Approve the District of Metchosin's 2025 annual report.
Official wording: THAT Council approve the District of Metchosin 2025 Annual Report.
The chief financial officer said the policy needed updating to reflect the Buffer Land Reserve, created to receive an annual $15,000 allocation from long-term tax-sharing revenue. Council approved the amended policy.
Agreement
Councillors supported adding the Buffer Land Reserve to the policy.
Carried 4 to 0RES 191-2026Item 8.c2:01:47 Watch · Read
Update the District's reserve policy to add a reserve for buffer land.
Official wording: THAT Council approve the Reserve and Supply Policy F-100.52 as amended to include the Buffer Land Reserve.
The chief financial officer explained that the annual provincial filing includes the audited financial statements, compensation for council and staff earning more than $75,000, and contractors and service providers paid more than $25,000. Council received the report for information.
Agreement
Council received the report without opposition.
Carried 4 to 0RES 192-2026Item 9.a2:04:13 Watch · Read
Routine: receive the 2025 financial information report for information.
Official wording: THAT the 2025 Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) Report be received for information.
Council received the monthly building inspection report for information. The Mayor suggested that recurring monthly reports might eventually be handled through a consent agenda.
Agreement
Council received the report.
Carried 4 to 0RES 193-2026Item 9.b2:04:59 Watch · Read
Routine: receive the May 2026 building inspection report for information.
Official wording: THAT the May 2026, District of Metchosin Building Inspection Department Report be received for information.
10.a Stella French and Anna Whiten, Metchosin Equestrian Society (MES), Request for building Stalls on MES grounds
community services1 public speaker2:05:48 Watch · Read
Council considered the Society’s request to build a covered structure for temporary animal stalls on its leased municipal grounds at 4450 Happy Valley Road. A Society representative said its insurance covered club activities and that the stalls would be for short stays, generally no more than 48 hours, and could support small-scale livestock evacuation emergencies. Staff said the Society would need to accept responsibility in its agreement and the District must manage risk on its property. Council approved the request unanimously.
Agreement
Councillors supported the project and its potential use for events and emergency preparedness.
The Society confirmed the structure would be for temporary stalls, not long-term animal housing.
Disagreement
A councillor raised questions about District liability and whether emergency use by animals outside the Society would be covered; the Society and staff described the insurance and agreement protections, but no councillor opposed approval.
Carried 4 to 0RES 195-2026Item 10.a2:16:16 Watch · Read
Approve the Equestrian Society's request to build a structure for temporary stalls on the municipal property it leases at 4450 Happy Valley Road.
Official wording: THAT Council approve the Metchosin Equestrian Society (MES) request for building a support structure for temperary stalls on the leased municipal grounds at 4450 Happy Valley Road.
The Mayor described a proposal to expand the existing annual volunteer-appreciation concert into a small summer concert pilot. About $1,400 was already in the budget, including $700 for a July performance and potentially $700 for another concert. A councillor questioned whether the District and staff should take on another event this summer and suggested planning for a future year. Council instead referred the correspondence to the Healthy Community Advisory Select Committee for consideration and recommendations.
Agreement
Council agreed the committee should consider the proposal and make recommendations.
Disagreement
A councillor was reluctant to commit staff and committee capacity to an expanded event that summer; the Mayor favoured exploring an additional concert using funds already budgeted.
Carried 4 to 0RES 196-2026Item 10.b2:25:15 Watch · Read
Send Leah Wilson's letter about music in Metchosin to the Healthy Community Advisory Select Committee to consider and make recommendations.
Official wording: THAT Council refer the correspondence from Leah Wilson, regarding music in Metchosin, to the Healthy Community Advisory Select Committee for consideration and recommendations.
Council received BC Hydro’s notice about a proposed North Langford substation in Langford Heights Vista Park, near 2161 Caribou Drive and Millstream Road, for information.
Agreement
Council received the correspondence for information.
Carried 4 to 0RES 197-2026Item 10.c2:26:00 Watch · Read
Routine: receive the correspondence for information.
Official wording: THAT the correspondence be received for information
Council gave the buffer land park-dedication bylaw three readings and authorized a covenant to protect the land over the long term. A councillor questioned wording that would preserve the District’s ability to build future transportation or utility facilities there. Others said the provision offered flexibility for unforeseen needs, including access to the existing stormwater monitoring station, and that a covenant and possible future protections would safeguard the land. A resident had earlier told public participation that the bylaw would help protect 113 acres of green space beside Langford’s development area.
Agreement
Council agreed to advance the park-dedication bylaw and register a Section 219 covenant for long-term protection.
Councillors noted that the covenant could provide an additional layer of protection.
Disagreement
One councillor was uneasy that the bylaw reserves future authority for transportation and utility works; other councillors supported that flexibility and cautioned against delaying protection.
Carried 4 to 0RES 198-2026Item 11.a2:33:14 Watch · Read
Give the proposed buffer-land park dedication bylaw its first three readings.
Official wording: THAT Council give first, second and third reading to Park Dedication - Buffer Land Bylaw 2026, No. 721.
Carried 4 to 0RES 199-2026Item 11.a2:39:37 Watch · Read
Allow the Mayor and CAO to sign and register a covenant intended to protect the buffer land over the long term.
Official wording: THAT Council authorize the Mayor and CAO to execute Form C to register a Section 219 Covenant on the buffer land, legally described as Lot A, Sections 93, 94, 96 and 108, Metchosin District, Plan EPP69605 to support long-term protection of the buffer land.
Councillor Donaldson reported that she had consulted tenants at the former school site about a wayfinding sign and directory. The estimated cost was $10,500, available within the building-repairs capital allocation, though not listed as a separate budget item. Councillors supported the value of a sign but disagreed about whether the proposed name, “Village Commons,” should include “Metchosin,” whether the tenant feedback showed clear support, and whether the design and site naming were settled. Council first agreed to continue past 10 p.m., then deferred the sign proposal to a future meeting.
Agreement
Councillors saw value in better wayfinding for tenants and visitors to the former school site.
The sign proposal needs further consideration before Council decides whether to proceed.
Disagreement
Councillors disagreed over the proposed name and whether it should include “Metchosin,” as well as how much tenant consultation supported the current design.
Some councillors wanted to proceed with the sign, while others wanted to resolve outstanding questions first.
Carried 4 to 0RES 200-2026Item 12.a2:46:04 Watch · Read
Procedural: allow the Council meeting to continue past 10:00 p.m.
Official wording: THAT Council meet past 10:00 p.m.
Carried 3 to 1RES 201-2026Item 12.a3:03:38 Watch · Read
Put off a decision on whether to proceed with making and installing a wayfinding sign and business directory at the school site until a future Council meeting.
Official wording: THAT Council defer the following motion to an upcoming meeting of Council:
THAT Council endorse proceeding with the fabrication and installation of a wayfinding sign and business directory at the school site located at 4495 Happy Valley Road.