Council approved moving ahead with consultation on Sidney’s existing density-bonus fees, but one councillor argued the Town should first consider higher rates suggested by a consultant. Sidney has completed 99 net new homes against a two-year target of 181; councillors noted that market conditions, not just municipal approvals, shape when homes are finished. Council also gave three readings to a new amenity charge bylaw and approved $157,068 for design work on three sidewalk and road projects, without committing to build them. A decision on borrowing for a new Central Saanich recreation facility was postponed to September, with councillors split over whether another round of public input would help.
Generated from the recording's captions and the official minutes.
Two residents spoke about pedestrian safety at the Highway 17 and Beacon Avenue intersection. A resident reported that the Ministry of Transportation and Transit is considering tactile guidance surfaces on the southeast island and where the Lockside Trail crosses the slip lane, with work tentatively expected in fall. The ministry described the intersection as a pilot; the resident said guidance would stop at the limits of ministry jurisdiction. A second speaker urged consistent wayfinding at crossings across Sidney, so people with low vision can more reliably find and align with crossings.
Agreement
Both speakers called for safer, more consistent crossing guidance for people who are blind or have low vision.
6.a Financial Feasibility Analysis and Stakeholder Consultation on Zoning Bylaw No. 2275 - Density Bonus Provisions
Provincial rules require the Town to assess whether its density-bonus fees make development economically viable and consult affected parties. Staff said the existing rates—$50 per square metre in the RM7WS zone and $200 per square metre elsewhere—were viable in the consultant’s analysis. A separate analysis suggested different possible rates, but staff said they needed more time to assess the effects before recommending changes. Council approved consultation with developers on the existing rates; staff said broader policy choices, including possible rate changes, would be considered in future work.
Agreement
Council supported carrying out the required engagement with the development community.
Staff said any future rate changes need further analysis of their possible effects on project viability and the pace of development.
Disagreement
Councillor O’Keeffe preferred that staff promptly assess the consultant’s proposed higher rates and consult developers on those, warning that delay could mean the Town misses potential revenue.
Other councillors supported consulting on the rates currently in the bylaw first, saying staff had not yet assessed the proposed alternatives or their risks.
Carried 5 to 12026.21.342Item 6.a30:28 Watch · Read
Ask staff to consult with the development community about the amenity fees connected to bonus density in the zoning rules.
Official wording: That staff proceed with stakeholder engagement with the development community regarding the bonus density amenity fee provisions in Zoning Bylaw No. 2275.
The report recorded 28 completed units and 19 units lost to demolition in the second reporting year, a net gain of nine. Across the first two years, Sidney had a net 99 units against a target of 181. Staff also reported 261 units with building-permit applications or obligations under review, 235 units approved by development permit, and 58 units under construction at the time of the report. Council received the report and directed staff to post it on the Town website and submit it to the province.
Agreement
Council supported receiving and publishing the report as required.
Councillors noted that the Town does not control market conditions, construction costs, or other factors that determine when approved homes are completed.
Disagreement
One councillor argued that counting completed homes does not reflect what council controls and favoured a measure based more on approved applications; the Mayor emphasized the Town’s progress and confidence in meeting the five-year target.
Receive the report on progress toward the housing targets, and have staff publish it on the Town website and send it to the province.
Official wording: That the Housing Target Order Progress Report for July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, be received and that staff be directed to post the report on the Town website and submit it to the province.
Council considered the Saanich Peninsula Environmental Coalition’s “Check up!” report on environmental planning across Sidney, North Saanich, and Central Saanich. Councillors cited opportunities to coordinate work such as tree-canopy studies and noted that waterways and shorelines cross municipal borders. The report was referred to the first strategic-planning session of the next council term to consider a peninsula-wide bioregional framework.
Agreement
Councillors supporting the referral said the three municipalities could improve coordination on shared environmental issues and potentially avoid duplicating work.
Disagreement
Councillor Duncan questioned whether more committees or planning processes would solve practical barriers, and argued that private landowners need to be involved because they control some key shorefront and green spaces.
Councillors supporting the referral saw value in discussing cross-municipal coordination as a strategic priority.
Send the coalition’s report to the first strategic planning session of the next Council term so Council can consider creating a shared planning framework for the Saanich Peninsula.
Official wording: That the report from the Saanich Peninsula Environmental Coalition called “Check up!” be referred to the first Strategic Planning session in the next Council’s term to consider establishment of a Saanich Peninsula Bioregional Framework.
The new Amenity Cost Charge bylaw will let the Town collect development charges for community amenities that are not eligible for development cost charges. The initial program focuses on amenities identified through the Town’s parks planning, and the rates had already been approved by council. Staff said future work could consider facilities such as arts or museum spaces, but that would require council direction; a charge for Panorama Recreation would require action by the Capital Regional District and agreement among the three municipalities. Council gave the bylaw first, second, and third readings. Staff said adoption was expected in September alongside the development-cost-charge and waivers-and-reductions bylaws.
Agreement
Council proceeded with the bylaw’s three readings.
Staff confirmed that possible future charges for additional facilities would need further planning and council direction.
The applicant seeks permission to place a heat pump on a balcony in the building’s front yard, where the zoning bylaw does not currently allow it. Staff said the unit would be screened, have minimal street impact, and remain subject to the Town’s noise limits. Councillors expressed sympathy for the applicant’s medical need and asked whether the Town could skip the notification period or review whether its rules create barriers to cooling equipment. Staff said nearby-property notification is legally required; no wider bylaw review was underway. Council directed staff to notify owners and tenants within 75 metres and forward any written responses for the later decision.
Agreement
Councillors supported moving the application forward and acknowledged the applicant’s circumstances.
Staff said the legally required notification step could not be skipped.
Disagreement
Some councillors raised whether the Town should revisit rules that make it harder to install heat pumps; staff said this had not been identified as a broader concern requiring a bylaw change.
Notify nearby property owners and tenants about the requested permission to put a heat pump on the front-yard balcony, and forward any written comments to Council when it considers the request.
Official wording: That owners and tenants in occupation of property within 75 metres (246 feet) of 9870 Second Street be notified regarding Development Variance Application No. DV100396 (to permit a heat pump on the balcony within the front yard) and that any written correspondence received be forwarded to Council at the time of consideration of approval of the variance.
The applicant seeks after-the-fact permission for part of a deck addition to sit 1.48 metres from the west lot line, rather than the required 2 metres. Staff said construction had begun without a permit and the setback issue emerged during the permit process; a deck had previously occupied the area. Council directed staff to notify owners and tenants within 75 metres and forward any written responses before deciding on the variance. Councillors also reminded property owners and contractors to check current rules and obtain permits before building.
Agreement
Council supported notifying nearby properties before making a final decision on the variance.
Councillors stressed the importance of checking current bylaws and obtaining required permits.
Notify nearby property owners and tenants about the request to approve an existing deck addition that sits closer to the west property line than normally allowed, and forward any written comments to Council when it considers the request.
Official wording: That owners and tenants in occupation of property within 75 metres (246 feet) of 10249 Forsythia Place be notified regarding Development Variance Application No. DV100397 (to retroactively reduce the minimum interior side yard setback from 2 m to 1.48 m along the west lot line) and that any written correspondence received be forwarded to Council at the time of consideration of approval of the variance.
The committee proposed that Sidney, North Saanich, and Central Saanich work out a process for identifying adaptable and accessible homes and sharing them with the Right Fit Program. The program maintains an inventory of accessible housing and matches units with people who need them. Councillors said the process could help connect people with mobility needs to adaptable units that developers already provide for. A councillor also raised whether the Capital Regional District should be alerted to accessibility problems on routes it manages; staff said they could contact the regional district. Council approved the collaboration recommendation.
Agreement
Council supported working with the other peninsula municipalities on a process to connect accessible units with people seeking them.
Staff agreed to make the Capital Regional District aware of the intersection wayfinding issue raised during discussion.
Have Sidney staff work with North Saanich and Central Saanich to develop a way to identify accessible and adaptable homes and share that information with the Right Fit Program.
Official wording: That staff be directed to collaborate with North Saanich and Central Saanich on the development of a process to identify adaptable and accessible units for sharing with the Right Fit Program.
Staff recommended a letter supporting Radio Sidney’s application for an FM licence, with its transmitter on the Community Safety Building. The proposed signal would reach about 2 to 5 kilometres, depending on terrain. Staff and councillors highlighted the station’s role in sharing local information and its potential value during emergencies if power, cellular service, or internet access failed. Council approved the letter of support.
Agreement
Council supported the application and recognized the value of local broadcasting for community information and emergency communication.
Have the Mayor write a letter supporting Radio Sidney’s application for an FM broadcasting licence.
Official wording: That the Mayor provide a letter of support for Radio Sidney's application to the Canadian Radiotelevision and Telecommunications Commission for an FM broadcasting license (CFVI 92.7 FM).
Council awarded R.F. Binnie & Associates Ltd. a $157,068 design contract for three projects: Canora Road, two sections of Ocean Avenue West, and Fifth Street from Malaview to Amelia. Staff said the design work does not commit the Town to construction. Canora Road and Ocean Avenue are expected to involve design options and public engagement; completed designs could also help the Town pursue grants. Council approved the contract.
Agreement
Council supported getting the designs underway while leaving later construction decisions to future budget and project decisions.
Councillors highlighted the value of public feedback, particularly on the more complex Canora Road project.
Hire R.F. Binnie & Associates to design the 2026 sidewalk and road improvement projects for $157,068 plus taxes, with additional approved amounts possible for scope changes and subconsultant fees.
Official wording: That RFP 2026-008 – Sidewalks / Road Improvements Capital Projects 2026: Engineering Design be awarded to R.F. Binnie & Associates Ltd. for the contract amount of $157,068, plus applicable taxes, plus allowance for scope changes and additional subconsultant fees (as approved by staff).
Staff said operating results were generally in line with expectations. A prior-year reconciliation was expected to reduce this year’s RCMP costs, though later officer vacancies could affect the final amount. Sewer revenue under the new rate structure was on track with budget. Of 99 capital projects, 45 were complete or underway; staff expected summer and fall work to clarify which projects would carry into next year. In response to council questions, staff noted some vehicle-purchase impacts but no specific tariff impacts beyond ongoing inflation, and said grant programs remained possible but competitive. The report was for information.
Agreement
Staff and councillors noted that project costs, staffing, and grant results would continue to be monitored.
Council reviewed the July building-permit report for information. Asked about the permits for 2060 White Birch and 2180 Beacon Avenue, staff said both building-permit applications were under review and the applicants knew their development permits would expire soon.
The Capital Regional District asked Sidney to consent to a loan authorization bylaw for the proposed Central Saanich recreation facility. Council first postponed its decision until the September 14 meeting. Councillors supporting a delay said the proposal had changed and residents should have another chance to review it; the revised loan authorization was about $5.1 million lower than the previous one. A councillor opposed delaying for more public feedback, arguing that the views most likely to be heard might not reflect the needs of people who rely on accessible, nearby recreation. Council also invited Panorama Recreation’s senior manager to answer questions; he described Green Glade’s rising attendance and program use. The postponement passed over one councillor’s opposition.
Agreement
Council sought further information and postponed its consent decision to a later meeting.
The Capital Regional District representative said the project information could be shared through regional channels and that a public forum could be considered.
Disagreement
Councillors supporting postponement wanted residents to have time to consider the revised proposal and provide input.
Councillor Duncan opposed another public-input period, arguing that feedback could be dominated by people objecting to cost rather than reflecting the access and equity needs of underserved residents.
Carried 5 to 12026.21.354Item 14.a1:48:15 Watch · Read
Delay Council’s decision on the proposed recreation-facility loan authorization until its September 14, 2026 meeting.
Official wording: That the decision regarding CRD Bylaw No. 4782 - Saanich Peninsula Recreation Services (DCS Recreation Facility) Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2. 2026, be postponed until the Regular Council Meeting on September 14, 2026.
Routine: approve the agenda, move the public participation period to after item 5, and remove the Policing Services Update.
Official wording: That the agenda be approved with the following amendments: 1. item 7A - Public Participation Period be moved to after item 5; and 2. item 7D1 - Policing Services Update be removed.