6.a.i District of North Saanich Officers Bylaw No. 1609, 2026 – Consideration of New Bylaw
The proposed bylaw would change how the District’s officer positions and statutory responsibilities are assigned. Residents questioned why the change was being rushed, argued that the existing bylaw already met legal requirements, and warned that concentrating responsibility could reduce checks and balances and leave the District more vulnerable to gaps when staff are absent or positions are vacant. Councillor Marshall said residents had not been given a compelling reason for the change and opposed it; Councillor McConkey also said she would not support it. A councillor speaking in favour said the proposal still seemed right after hearing residents’ views. Council approved first, second and third readings together, 4–3. The transcript records no separate adoption vote.
- Councillors acknowledged the importance of public engagement and thanked residents for their comments.
- The discussion recognized that the bylaw sets out officer roles and statutory responsibilities, and that the way those responsibilities are assigned affects accountability.
- Supporters considered the proposed officer structure appropriate; opponents said the case for changing the existing bylaw had not been made.
- Opponents raised concerns about concentrating authority, weakening checks and balances, and losing continuity if an officer is absent or a position is vacant. Supporters did not share those objections strongly enough to change their votes.
- Residents and opposing councillors questioned the speed and transparency of the process; the motion’s supporters voted to proceed with all three readings at this meeting.
Council would move forward a bylaw setting out the District’s officer positions and assigning the legal responsibilities required under the Community Charter. The motion gives the bylaw three readings; it does not say the bylaw was finally adopted.