Metchosin public meetings in 2022

CANCELLED Environment & Natural Areas Committee

This meeting of the Metchosin Environment & Natural Areas Committee was cancelled. No items were decided or discussed.

CANCELLED Community Planning Committee

This meeting of the Community Planning Committee was cancelled. No items were discussed or decided. The agenda included a staff report on a development variance permit for 4080 Dupree Drive and minutes from the Dogs in Metchosin Working Group.

• Meeting cancelled — no business conducted
• Staff report on Development Variance Permit for 4080 Dupree Drive (secondary suite, two variances)
• Dogs in Metchosin Working Group minutes with recommended amendments to Animal Control Bylaw

CANCELLED Public Works & Protective Services Committee

This meeting of the Public Works & Protective Services Committee was cancelled. The agenda included a report on a pedestrian crossing warrant study for Rocky Point Road at Hans Helgesen Elementary School, recommending a marked crosswalk with side-mounted signs. The committee was also to receive a report from the Fire Chief on emergency operations.

• Pedestrian crossing control warrant study for Rocky Point Road at Hans Helgesen Elementary School, recommending a marked crosswalk with side-mounted signs
• Fire Chief Dunlop report on emergency operations (presentation item)
• Adoption of minutes from November 21, 2022 meeting
• Councillor's update on various local matters

Council Meeting

Council will consider approving licence-of-occupation renewals for the Metchosin Museum Society (municipal barn and school museum) and the Metchosin Cricket Club Society. A closed session precedes the open meeting to discuss personnel, labour relations, and preliminary service negotiations. The meeting also includes presentations from Pivotal IRM Inc. and the Metchosin Museum Society.

• Licence of occupation renewal for Metchosin Municipal Barn with Museum Society (1-year term)
• Licence of occupation renewal for Metchosin School Museum with Museum Society (5-year term)
• Licence of occupation renewal for Metchosin Cricket Club Society (3-year term)
• Emergency capital expenditure request (no dollar amount specified)
• Correspondence regarding Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will receive a staff report on the 2023-2027 budget and public consultation schedule, which outlines a four-stage process starting in January 2023. The committee will also consider adopting minutes from previous meetings and receive a councillor's update on various community and regional matters.

• Staff report on 2023-2027 budget and public consultation schedule
• Adoption of minutes from September 26, 2022 Finance and Environment Committee meeting
• Adoption of minutes from November 14, 2022 Finance Committee meeting
• Councillor's update on budget preparations, WSPR, RCMP, and community activities

Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

Council will discuss a recommendation from the Metchosin Environmental Advisory Committee regarding the Trans Mountain Expansion Project's bitumen spill research report. Correspondence from resident Bev Bacon urging stronger coastal protection is also included.

• Response to Trans Mountain Expansion Project Fate and Behaviour of Bitumen Research Report
• Correspondence from Bev Bacon on spill response plans

Council Meeting

Metchosin Council will consider a declaration on the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis, and a draft response to Trans Mountain regarding a bitumen research report. The meeting also includes a closed session for personnel, legal, and negotiation matters, and routine adoption of minutes and committee reports.

• Consideration of a District of Metchosin Declaration on the Climate Emergency and Biodiversity Crisis
• Draft cover letter to Trans Mountain regarding the Trans Mountain Expansion Project Fate and Behaviour of Bitumen Research Report
• West Shore Parks & Recreation 2023 Budget and Requisition Request
• Staff report on Council appointments for reconsideration
• Staff report on 2022 Municipal Hall Holiday Closure

Special Council Meeting

The Metchosin Council is holding a special meeting that will begin with a vote to close the meeting to the public. If approved, the closed session will involve discussions with municipal officers and employees about municipal objectives, measures, and progress reports for preparing the annual report under section 98 of the Community Charter.

• Council will vote on excluding the public under section 90(1)(l) of the Community Charter
• Closed session will discuss municipal objectives, measures, and progress reports for the annual report
• No other business is listed on the agenda

Environment & Natural Areas Committee

The Environment & Natural Areas Committee will receive a Councillor's Update covering the Home Energy Navigator Program, the District's Declaration on the Climate Emergency and Biodiversity Crisis, and other items. The committee will also adopt minutes from previous Parks and Environmental Advisory meetings.

• Councillor's Update on the Home Energy Navigator Program, a free service for home energy retrofits
• Review of the District of Metchosin Declaration on the Climate Emergency and Biodiversity Crisis
• Discussion of the Metchosin Climate Action Plan development, with a delayed survey
• Review of the 'United We Stand for Old Growth Forests' declaration request
• Update on Trans Mountain pipeline spill response research correspondence

Community Planning Committee

The Community Planning Committee will consider adopting minutes from its September 26 meeting and receive reports. The agenda is largely procedural, with no new bylaws, public hearings, or action items listed for discussion.

• Adoption of September 26, 2022 Planning Committee minutes
• Public participation period for resident comments
• Reports for action and information (none specified in agenda)

Public Works & Protective Services Committee

The committee will receive a Councillor's Update covering fire department, emergency program, public works, and community facility reports. The update notes a significant increase in fire call response, preparation for a new fire engine, and ongoing drainage and storm cleanup work. No decisions are scheduled; the agenda is primarily informational.

• Fire Department averaging 2 calls per day; new engine expected mid-December 2022
• Six new recruits starting in January 2023
• Two new Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program (POD) groups formed
• Danger tree removal underway with a professional contractor
• Two radar speed reader signs ordered through a $6,000 ICBC grant

Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

Council will discuss and possibly decide on a request to sign the 'United We Stand for Old Growth Forests!' declaration, following correspondence from residents Bev Bacon and Andy MacKinnon urging support for old-growth forest protection.

• Correspondence from Bev Bacon requesting council sign the old-growth forests declaration
• Correspondence from Andy MacKinnon, a Metchosin resident and retired forester, urging council to add their signature

Council Meeting

Council will receive the Chief Election Officer's report on the 2022 general local election results and consider a grant application for the UBCM Regional Community to Community Forum program. The meeting also includes adoption of minutes from recent council meetings and a closed session for personnel, legal, and law enforcement matters.

• Chief Election Officer's Report on 2022 General Local Election Results
• Staff report on UBCM Regional Community to Community Forum Grant Program application
• Building inspection reports for September and October 2022
• Public communication report statistics for September 2022
• Closed meeting under Community Charter for personnel, litigation, and solicitor-client privilege

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review a staff report regarding the West Shore Parks & Recreation 2023 budget and requisition request. The committee will also receive a Council Quarterly Financial Update for the period ending September 30, 2022.

• West Shore Parks & Recreation 2023 Budget and Requisition Request
• Council Quarterly Financial Update as of September 30, 2022

Special Meeting

The District of Metchosin Special Council Meeting on November 8, 2022, is entirely closed to the public under section 90(1)(a) of the Community Charter to consider personal information about an individual being considered for a position with the municipality. The only agenda items are the resolution to close the meeting and adjournment.

• Closed session under section 90(1)(a) of the Community Charter for personal information about a candidate for a municipal position

Inaugural Council Meeting

The newly elected Metchosin council is being sworn in at this inaugural meeting. Council will appoint KPMG as auditor for 2023, designate financial signing authority, and approve the acting mayor schedule and the 2023 calendar for regular council and standing committee meetings. A letter requesting an extension to comment on Trans Mountain's bitumen research report is also on the agenda.

• Appointment of KPMG as auditor for 2023
• Designation of Mayor Little, Councillor Donaldson and Councillor Gray as financial signing authority
• Approval of Acting Mayor Schedule for 2022-2023
• Approval of 2023 Schedule of Regular Council and Standing Committee Meetings
• Correspondence requesting extension to comment on Trans Mountain Expansion Project Fate and Behaviour of Bitumen Research Report

Council Meeting

The District of Metchosin Council will meet to discuss the adoption of two tax exemption bylaws. The body will also review recommendations regarding access and stairs at Weir Beach.

• Heritage Tax Exemption Bylaw 2022, No. 680 (third reading)
• General Tax Exemption Bylaw 2022, No. 681 (third reading)
• Parks Committee recommendations for Weir Beach Access and Stairs

Special Finance & Environment Committee Workshop

The Special Finance and Environment Committee is conducting a workshop to develop a community climate action plan. The body is reviewing greenhouse gas emission baselines and identifying priority areas for emission reduction.

• Review of preliminary community-wide GHG emissions inventory and forecasts
• Discussion of action planning and implementation timelines
• Review of federal and provincial climate policies
• Assessment of existing District policies including the 2012 Official Community Plan

F&E Committee Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The Finance & Environment Committee is reviewing correspondence regarding proposed permissive tax exemption bylaws. Residents have submitted comments questioning the community value and land protection associated with a tax exemption for the Motorcycle Club property.

• Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaws

Parks Committee Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The Parks Committee is receiving minutes from the Parks and Trails Advisory Select Committee. The body is discussing trail maintenance funding, the closure of a trail at Weir Beach due to liability, and a proposed subdivision at 942 Winter Road.

• Recommendation to close the Weir Beach access trail due to liability issues
• Proposal to use $3,300 from 'minor capital trails development' for trail maintenance
• Review of a proposed 5-lot subdivision at 942 Winter Road for parkland dedication
• Discussion of a proposed bridge on the Horse Trail
• Recommendation to use a portion of the $52,000 Parry-Taylor roadside trail budget for planning

Special Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The Council will review correspondence from resident Bev Bacon concerning a staff report for a development variance permit. The letter expresses opposition to the request for the property located at 4252 Metchosin Road.

• Request for Development Variance Permit at 4252 Metchosin Road

Special Council Meeting

The District of Metchosin Council will review two requests for development variance permits. These include a setback variance for an existing garage at 4252 Metchosin Road and a distance variance for a proposed detached suite at 1290 Neild Road.

• Development Variance Permit: 4252 Metchosin Road (side yard setback from 3m to 1.3m)
• Development Variance Permit: 1290 Neild Road (detached suite distance from 22m instead of 15m)
• Bylaw Enforcement Policy PR-100.21
• August 2022 Building Inspection Report
• August 2022 Public Communication Report Statistics

Finance and Environment Committee

The Finance and Environment Committee is reviewing two proposed bylaws regarding permissive tax exemptions. The committee will recommend that Council give three readings to the Heritage Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 680 and the General Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 681.

• Heritage Tax Exemption Bylaw 2022, No. 680 (Anglican Church)
• General Tax Exemption Bylaw 2022, No. 681 (Metchosin Community Hall, SPCA, YMCA-YWCA, and Victoria Motorcycle Club)
• Climate Action Plan engagement session proposal

Planning Committee

The Planning Committee reviewed a proposal to amend Bylaw 259 to allow tiny homes and RVs as secondary residences. Public comments included support for affordable housing and concerns regarding septic, water, and property tax implications. The committee also discussed a development variance permit request for 1290 Neild Road.

• Proposal to amend Bylaw 259 to include tiny homes and RVs as secondary dwellings
• Development Variance Permit application for 1290 Neild Road
• Request for staff to notify landowners within 60m of 1290 Neild Road regarding a permit application

Parks Committee

The Parks Committee will review recommendations for two new bylaws regarding animal control and municipal ticket information. The meeting also includes correspondence regarding Weir Beach access and a request for funding for the Metchosin Agricultural Plan.

• Animal Control Amendment Bylaw, No. 676
• Municipal Ticket Information (MTI) Authorization Amendment Bylaw No. 679, 2022
• Correspondence regarding Weir Beach Access from Grant and Sandy Gingrich, Don and Nancy Farkas, and Adrian Hannam
• Request for funding for the Metchosin Agricultural Plan

Parks Committee Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

Councillor Marie-Térese Little provided updates regarding the Metchosin Museum Society and its volunteer recognition plaques. The update also addressed progress from the Dogs in Metchosin Working Group regarding animal control bylaw amendments and upcoming reports.

• Metchosin Museum Society restoration and renovation progress
• Proposed volunteer recognition plaques for the Metchosin Museum Society
• Animal Control Bylaw 421 review and amendment process
• September 24, 2022, 150-Year Celebration of the Metchosin School House

Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The council is reviewing correspondence from a resident concerning Municipal Consent for Bylaw No. 4506, which relates to the CRD borrowing money for parkland purchases. The resident requests that the council support the loan and establish its own land acquisition budget.

• Correspondence regarding Bylaw No. 4506 Regional Parks Loan Authorization Bylaw

Planning Committee Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The Planning Committee is reviewing correspondence regarding a proposal to amend Bylaw 259. The Association for the Protection of Rural Metchosin (APRM) submitted a letter urging the Council not to allow tiny homes and RVs as secondary suites.

• Correspondence from Association for the Protection of Rural Metchosin regarding Amending Bylaw 259 to include tiny homes and RVs as secondary suites

F&E Committee Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The Finance & Environment Committee is reviewing correspondence from resident Bev Bacon concerning the proposed Tree Management Bylaw No. 287. The correspondence proposes replacing the current bylaw with a Tree Preservation Bylaw that includes specific permit requirements and land acquisition funding.

• Metchosin Tree Management Bylaw No. 287
• Proposal for a $5 permit fee per tree
• Proposed contribution to the Metchosin Land Acquisition Fund

Public Works Committee Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The committee is reviewing correspondence regarding the proposed Village Square project in front of the Metchosin Arts and Cultural Centre (MACCA). Residents and organizations have submitted letters of support, while some stakeholders raised concerns regarding the impact on available parking for existing tenants.

• Correspondence regarding the Metchosin Village Square project
• Concerns over the removal of 8 parking stalls
• Discussion of parking needs for Mile Zero Brewing and Instinct Training
• Support letters from Metchosin Seniors’ Association and local residents

Council Meeting

Council addressed the family physician crisis in British Columbia and passed a motion of support for municipal resolutions regarding healthcare. The meeting also included decisions on local election appointments and development variance requests.

• Development Variance Permit request for 852 Pears Road
• Appointment of Amber Ward as Deputy Chief Election Officer
• Motion to express support for the family physician crisis resolution
• Support for the Town of View Royal Island Rail Corridor resolution

Parks Committee

The committee reviewed recent upgrades to the Metchosin Museum Society's schoolhouse and barn. Members also discussed a proposal for horseshoe pits and a request for a detailed plan regarding community gardens on Municipal Hall lands.

• Metchosin Schoolhouse Museum transformation presentation
• Proposal for three horseshoe 'pits' north of Municipal Hall
• Community garden proposal for Court Gardens
• Draft Animal Control Amendment Bylaw, No. 676
• Signage proposal for the foreshore between Weir Beach and Taylor Beach

Finance and Environment Committee

The committee is reviewing the Metchosin Tree Management Bylaw No. 287 and discussing potential letters to Transport Canada regarding freighter movement. Members are also reviewing grant-in-aid recommendations and updates on environmental advisory work.

• Recommended Grant-in-Aid: Habitat Acquisition Trust ($1,500)
• Recommended Grant-in-Aid: Metchosin Preschool Society ($1,500)
• Recommended Grant-in-Aid: Vancouver Island South Film & Media Commission ($1,500)
• Review of Metchosin Tree Management Bylaw No. 287
• Discussion of freighter anchoring and movement through local waters

Planning Committee

The Planning Committee is reviewing a staff report regarding an authorization for non-farm use at the Municipal Hall property. The proposal involves adding two practice cricket pitches with asphalt surfaces to support local teams and youth programs.

• Non-farm use application for 4450 Happy Valley Road (Metchosin Cricket Club)
• $750 Agricultural Land Commission application fee
• Development of two practice cricket pitches encompassing 350m2
• Request for a $750 grant to cover the ALC application fee

Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The Council is reviewing correspondence from resident Bev Bacon. The message expresses support for the position held by the Town of View Royal regarding the Island Rail Corridor.

• Correspondence from Bev Bacon regarding Island Rail Corridor

Council Meeting

The Council is reviewing a Development Variance Permit for 852 Pears Rd and discussing road safety measures. Other business includes approving various grants-in-aid and adopting the 2022-2026 Financial Plan.

• Development Variance Permit request for 852 Pears Rd
• Development Permit for demolition and new dwelling at 240 Delgada Road
• Approval of $1,500 grant to Habitat Acquisition Trust
• Approval of $1,500 grant to Metchosin Preschool Society
• Direction to install 40 km/h signs with flashing lights for road safety

Parks Committee Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The Parks Committee is reviewing a presentation on recent restorations to the Metchosin Schoolhouse Museum. The body is also considering a proposal to establish community garden plots on the old Metchosin School property.

• Metchosin Museum Society presentation on Schoolhouse Museum restoration using a $100,000 donation and $46,000 in grants
• Proposal for a 64-foot by 55-foot community garden located behind the tennis courts

Public Works Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss public works business, including the adoption of minutes from the April 25, 2022 meeting. The agenda consists primarily of procedural items, reports, and correspondence.

• Adoption of April 25, 2022 Public Works Committee meeting minutes
• Review of reports and correspondence
• Discussion of bylaws

Parks Committee

The committee reviewed proposals for roadside trails on William Head Road and various paving opportunities. Members also discussed a request for a temporary moratorium on the Metchosin Green Space buffer lands and a proposal to host an amateur radio event on municipal grounds.

• Recommendation to proceed with a survey for a William Head Road roadside trail with a $52,000 budget estimate
• Discussion of correspondence regarding a moratorium on the Metchosin Green Space buffer lands
• Proposal for North America Amateur Radio Field Day event on municipal grounds on June 25-27, 2022
• Review of roadside trail opportunities associated with the 2022 Capital Roads Paving Program

Special Meeting

The Council is meeting to discuss matters excluded from the public under the Community Charter. These items include labour relations and potential litigation affecting the municipality.

• Discussion of labour and employee relations
• Discussion of litigation or potential litigation

Planning Committee

The Planning Committee is considering a draft Bylaw Enforcement Policy (PR-100.21) to replace the existing policy. The body is also reviewing fees and charges for the West Shore Parks and Recreation Society.

• Draft Bylaw Enforcement Policy PR-100.21
• 2022-2023 West Shore Parks and Recreation Society Fees and Charges
• Correspondence from Steve Gray regarding liquor service liability on District property

Council Meeting

The District of Metchosin Council will discuss recommendations for the 2022 Grant in Aid Program and development permits for 240 Delgada Road and 852 Pears Road. The meeting follows previous discussions on road resurfacing and emergency equipment procurement.

• Development Permit Application for 240 Delgada Road
• Development Variance Permit for 852 Pears Road
• 2022 Grant in Aid Program recommendations
• Review of minutes from May 30, 2022 Council and Special Planning Committee meetings

F&E Committee Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The Finance & Environment Committee is reviewing a letter from the Association for the Protection of Rural Metchosin (APRM). The correspondence suggests alternatives to tax increases for addressing rising policing costs, including reviewing fees and federal land assessments.

• Correspondence from APRM regarding policing cost increases
• Proposal to review business license fees for short-term vacation rentals
• Request for a comprehensive staff report on 2022 policing budget impacts
• Suggestion to review BC Assessment farm status accuracy
• Proposal to seek expertise on federal land grants in lieu of taxes

Finance and Environment Committee

The Finance and Environment Committee reviewed presentations regarding marine spill response strategies from the Western Canada Marine Response Corporation. Members also discussed grant-in-aid applications for local organizations and a motion to recognize World Oceans Day.

• Metchosin Preschool Society grant request for $1,500
• Intermunicipal Advisory Committee on Disability Issues grant request for $250
• Presentation by Western Canada Marine Response Corporation regarding shoreline sensitivity and spill response
• Motion to recognize the 30th anniversary of World Oceans Day
• Review of the 2022 Grant in Aid Program applications

Council Meeting

The District of Metchosin Council approved several financial bylaws and authorized a professional engineering assessment for Hall Bridge. The meeting also addressed road safety signage, trail license renewals, and community grant requests.

• Adoption of Financial Plan 2022 to 2026 Bylaw, No. 677
• Adoption of Tax Rate 2022 Bylaw, No. 678
• Authorization for Hall Bridge engineering assessment ($4,000 - $5,000)
• Renewal of Section 28 License of Occupation (Libra and Gemini Trails) including a $211.05 fee
• Direction to install 40 km/h signage with flashing lights

Planning Committee Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

The Planning Committee is reviewing an amenity rezoning application for the property at 4696 Beckingham Road. Correspondence from Nicole Shukin urges the Council to refer the application back to MEASC and PTASC to review how lot density is calculated in relation to buildable land and environmental constraints.

• Amenity rezoning application for 4696 Beckingham Road

Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda

Council is reviewing supplemental correspondence regarding a resolution from the District of Central Saanich on the family physician crisis. The body is also considering a resident proposal to create a Metchosin Reconciliation Contribution Fund for 2023.

• Correspondence from Steve Gray recommending against endorsing the Central Saanich resolution on the family physician crisis
• Proposal from 11 residents to establish a Metchosin Reconciliation Contribution Fund for 2023
• Correspondence from Barb Sawatsky opposing the reconciliation fund initiative
• Correspondence from Monique Anstee opposing the reconciliation fund initiative

Planning Committee

The Planning Committee is considering a rezoning application for 4696 Beckingham Road to allow for 20 residential lots and 19 hectares of park and open space. Staff recommend determining if the applicant must host a public information meeting. The committee will also review development permit and variance applications for other properties.

• Amenity Rezoning Application for 4696 Beckingham Road: 20 lots (0.82ha to 1.4ha) and 19ha of Park and Open Space
• Development Permit Application for 240 Delgada Road
• Development Variance Permit for 852 Pears Road