Metchosin public meetings in 2023
47 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special Council Meeting
The Special Council Meeting scheduled for December 20, 2023, is focused on moving into a closed portion of the meeting. The session will address potential litigation affecting the municipality and receive solicitor-client privileged advice.
- Motion to close the meeting to the public under Section 90(1)(g) and (i) of the Community Charter
Special Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda
Council received correspondence regarding a proposed four-month pilot project to use the old school gym. The Metchosin Pickleball Club is requesting access on Monday and Tuesday mornings from January 8 through April 30, 2024.
- Proposed gym rental pilot project for Metchosin Pickleball Club
- Request for use of old school gym twice per week (Monday/Tuesday mornings)
Special Council Meeting
Council will review a proposed fee schedule for renting the community multi-use gymnasium. The meeting also includes discussions on priorities for the former Metchosin Elementary School site and reviews of resident correspondence regarding the site's future use.
- Proposed gymnasium fees: $200 for community groups, $25/hour for recreation groups, $0 for first responders, and $500/hour for commercial users
- Proposed damage deposits ranging from $200 to $2,000 depending on user type
- Direction to staff to amend the Fees Bylaw, 2008 to include gymnasium fees
- Council priorities for school site use: community, recreation, first responder/emergency, and commercial
- Review of correspondence regarding the Metchosin Natural History Club and green space usage
Special Finance Committee - Budget Meeting
The Special Finance Committee is meeting to discuss a staff report regarding the draft budget for the years 2024 through 2028. The meeting includes a session for public participation.
- Staff Report, 2024-2028 Draft Budget
Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The Council is reviewing recommendations regarding a rezoning application for 4499 Leefield Road. Additionally, the meeting includes a staff report concerning the renewal of the Metchosin Museum Society Licence of Occupation.
- Rezoning application for 4499 Leefield Road
- Metchosin Museum Society Licence of Occupation renewal
- Correspondence regarding 4499 Leefield Road subdivision concerns
- Discussion of property boundaries and easement considerations for the museum lease
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee will hear a presentation regarding the Capital Regional District's proposed Regional Water Supply Development Cost Charge (DCC) Program. The program aims to use fees from developers to help fund $1.4 billion in regional water infrastructure projects over the next 30 years.
- Presentation on proposed CRD Regional Water Supply Development Cost Charge Program
- Proposed RWS DCC rate of $11,966 per lot for low-density residential development
- Proposed RWS DCC rate of $10,471 per unit for medium-density multi-family development
- Review of Greater Victoria Public Library 2024 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan
- Adoption of minutes from November 20, 2023, and November 23, 2023, meetings
Council Meeting
The Council will consider several recommendations from committee meetings, including a rezoning application for 4499 Leefield Road and a development variance permit for 1050 Matheson Lake Road. The agenda also includes a second reading of the Council Code of Conduct Bylaw No. 682 and discussions on regional service agreements.
- Rezoning Application: 4499 Leefield Road
- Development Variance Permit: 1050 Matheson Lake Road
- Second reading of Council Code of Conduct Bylaw No. 682, 2023
- 2024-2026 CRD Bylaw Enforcement and Animal Control Services Agreement
- West Shore Parks & Recreation Society 2024 Budget and Requisition
Special Public Works & Protective Services Committee Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The Special Public Works & Protective Services Committee is conducting a workshop regarding the future use of the Old School property. The session includes reviewing public correspondence concerning facility management, community access, and land use.
- Metchosin School Site Visioning Workshop (Agenda Item 3.a)
- Review of correspondence from Morgan Yates, Carol Voyt, and Debra Pile
- Discussion of site usage including classrooms, gymnasium, and outdoor playing fields
Special Council Meeting
The Special Council Meeting is scheduled for November 30, 2023. The agenda consists of procedural items and a motion to close the meeting to the public to discuss personal information about an individual related to a municipal position.
- Motion to close the meeting to the public under section 90(1)(a) of the Community Charter
Special Public Works & Protective Services Committee
The Special Public Works & Protective Services Committee is holding a visioning workshop to discuss the long-term management and strategic framework for the former school facility. The discussion includes evaluating options such as in-house management, outsourcing to commercial companies, or partnering with non-profit organizations.
- Workshop on Metchosin School Site Visioning with facilitators from Arts Portal Inc.
- Review of three facility operation models: In-House Management, Outsourced Management, and Non-Profit Partnership
- Discussion regarding the development of a research-driven arts and culture strategy
- Review of school site financials, including 2023 budget figures for maintenance and utilities
Environment & Natural Areas Committee Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The Environment & Natural Areas Committee is reviewing recommendations from the Environmental Advisory Select Committee. The agenda includes several pieces of resident correspondence supporting legal action against the petrochemical industry.
- Review of Environmental Advisory Select Committee Recommendations regarding 'Sue Big Oil' campaign
Public Works & Protective Services Committee Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The committee will receive a staff memo regarding an update for the Flesh Road Bridge, also known as Hall Bridge. The agenda includes correspondence from a resident requesting that access from Happy Valley to the Galloping Goose remain open and maintained.
- Staff Memo: Flesh Road Bridge (aka Hall Bridge) Update
Community Planning Committee Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The Committee is reviewing a staff memo and correspondence related to the Weir Beach stairs. The correspondence from Gord and MaryAnne Christie expresses support for 'Option 2' for the stair repairs.
- Staff Memo regarding Weir Beach Stairs (Agenda Item 7.c)
- Correspondence from Gord and MaryAnne Christie regarding repair options
Public Works & Protective Services Committee
The Public Works & Protective Services Committee discussed a proposal to combine affordable housing with a new fire hall. The committee also reviewed provincial grant applications for emergency services and discussed management strategies for the Metchosin Elementary School site.
- Proposal to integrate BC Indigenous Housing Society affordable units with new fire hall
- $30,000 grant application for Emergency Support Services supplies
- $30,000 grant application for Emergency Operations Centre equipment
- Up to $200,000 FireSmart Community Funding & Supports grant application
- Up to $30,000 grant application for Fire Department equipment and electric tools
Community Planning Committee
The Community Planning Committee is reviewing staff reports regarding a rezoning application for 4499 Leefield Road and a development variance permit for 1050 Matheson Lake Road. The meeting also includes presentations on housing options in Metchosin and the Austin Healey Club of America rendezvous.
- Rezoning application at 4499 Leefield Road
- Development Variance Permit request for 1050 Matheson Lake Road
- Presentation on housing options, including secondary suites and tiny homes
- Staff memo regarding Weir Beach Stairs
- Presentation by Geoff Chrysler regarding the Austin Healey Club of America rendezvous
Environment & Natural Areas Committee
The Environment & Natural Areas Committee will hear a presentation from Andrew Gage of West Coast Environmental Law regarding the Sue Big Oil Campaign. The committee will also review correspondence related to the campaign and discuss recommendations from the Environmental Advisory Select Committee.
- Presentation: Andrew Gage, West Coast Environmental Law, on Sue Big Oil Campaign
- Review of Sue Big Oil Campaign submissions from Town of View Royal, Bev Bacon, and Katy Nelson
- Review of Environmental Advisory Select Committee recommendations
Special Council Meeting
The council will meet to consider and vote on closing the meeting under section 90(1) of the Community Charter to discuss personal information about an identifiable individual.
- Motion to close meeting to public under section 90(1)(a)
Special Finance Committee
The Special Finance Committee is reviewing a draft five-year financial plan covering operating and capital budgets. The report notes that the District requires measured increases to account for inflation, construction costs, and new housing mandates.
- 2024-2028 Draft Five-Year Financial Plan staff report
- Correspondence regarding Lisa Gee, Business Improvement Fund
Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The Council will review a status update regarding the Centre Mountain Stormwater System Approval. The meeting also includes correspondence related to the proposed Good Neighbour Bylaw 2023, No. 686.
- Status update on Centre Mountain Stormwater System Approval
- Review of Good Neighbour Bylaw 2023, No. 686
Special Council Meeting
The Special Council meeting scheduled for November 20, 2023, includes a resolution to close a portion of the meeting to the public. The closed session is requested under section 90(1)(a) of the Community Charter to consider personal information regarding an individual being considered for a municipal position.
- Motion to close the meeting to the public regarding personal information about a potential employee or official
Finance Committee
The committee will consider a recommendation to approve the 2024 budget and requisition request for the West Shore Parks and Recreation Society. The proposed request is $6,049,086, representing a 4% increase over the 2023 approved amount.
- Proposed $6,049,086 requisition request for West Shore Parks & Recreation Society
- WSPRS 2024 budget includes a new Human Resources Specialist position valued at $83,218
- Planned fees and charges increases effective September 2024, including 4.59% for golf and 4.43% for indoor facilities
- Establishment of new capital reserves for skatepark maintenance ($5,000 annually) and electric car charging stations ($2,000 annually)
Council Meeting
The Council is scheduled to review a Good Neighbour Bylaw and an Official Community Plan amendment. The agenda also includes staff reports regarding property titles on Morland Road and time limits for reapplication at Matheson Lake Road.
- Good Neighbour Bylaw 2023, No. 686 (second reading)
- Metchosin Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 693
- Section 57 Notice on Title, 4533 Morland Road
- Reduced Time Limit for Reapplication, 1050 Matheson Lake Road
- Application Fee Review
Special Council Meeting
The Special Council Meeting scheduled for November 14, 2023, is focused on a motion to exclude the public from part of the meeting. The session will address personal information related to an individual being considered for a municipal position.
- Motion to close the meeting to the public under section 90(1)(a) of the Community Charter
Special Council Meeting
The Special Council Meeting scheduled for November 7, 2023, is a closed session. The purpose of the meeting is to consider personal information related to an individual being considered for a municipal position.
- Resolution to close the meeting to the public under section 90(1) of the Community Charter
Special Community Planning Committee
The Buffer Land Working Group presented recommendations to Council regarding the future management of the 113.5-acre Buffer Land. The report proposes a four-phase process to rezone the land to a conservation-oriented park designation and develop a formal management plan.
- Recommendation to rezone Buffer Land from Commercial Recreation (CR) 2 and CR3 to Parkland zone (P3)
- Proposal for a four-phase implementation process including budget and resource identification
- Alternative option presented to consider a sale to a third party if Council cannot resource the park
- Identification of the 113.5-acre parcel as a critical ecological buffer for Bilston Creek watershed
Council Meeting
The Council meeting includes a vote to adopt Animal Control Bylaw 2023, No. 692 and the appointment of KPMG as auditors for 2024. The agenda also covers staff reports on municipal appointments, grant opportunities, and upcoming council schedules.
- Adoption of Animal Control Bylseb 2023, No. 692
- Appointment of KPMG as Auditors for 2024
- Review of BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants
- Staff report on Council Member Appointments for 2024
- Staff report on 2024 Acting Mayor Schedule
Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The council will review correspondence regarding the Province's decision not to conduct an environmental review of the Bamberton aggregate quarry expansion. Correspondence from residents and other mayors highlights concerns about environmental impacts.
- Correspondence for Information on Bamberton Quarry Expansion (Item 1)
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is reviewing the District's third-quarter financial results and the 2024-2027 budget discussion schedule. The meeting also includes presentations regarding the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island and a summary of Metchosin Community Day.
- Recommendation to award Upland Agricultural Consulting Ltd. $39,840 for the Agricultural Plan
- Third Quarter Financial Report showing $495,437 reimbursed for BC Wildfire deployment
- Report of approximately $25,000 in unplanned repairs for Engine 4 and a school heat pump
- Review of Metchosin Community Day summary and costs
Council Meeting
The Council will review several committee recommendations regarding short-term rentals, water standards for subdivisions, and stormwater management. The meeting also includes decisions on adopting new bylaws for animal control and heritage/general tax exemptions.
- Adoption of Animal Control Bylaw 2023, No. 692
- Adoption of Heritage Tax Exemption Bylaw 2023, No. 688
- Adoption of General Tax Exemption Bylaw 2023, No. 689
- Consent for CRD Bylaw No. 4551 regarding land assembly and housing
- Review of recommendations for short-term vacation rentals and subdivision water standards
Public Works & Protective Services Committee Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The BC Indigenous Housing Society (BCIHS) will provide a presentation regarding a project that combines affordable housing with a new firehall. The presentation includes a summary of various potential funding sources for the development.
- Presentation by Colin Doylend on combining affordable housing with a new firehall
- Review of CMHC Seed Fund options including interest-free loans up to $350,000 and non-repayable contributions up to $150,000
- Review of BC Housing pre-development financing grants up to $200,000
- Review of Vancity grants up to $80,000 for climate resilience
- Review of Federation of Canadian Municipalities grants up to $500,000
Environment & Natural Areas Committee Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The Environment & Natural Areas Committee is reviewing a recommendation regarding a 'Sue Big Oil' campaign and considering a staff report on the BC Zero Carbon Step Code. The meeting includes review of resident correspondence expressing both support for and opposition to these environmental initiatives.
- Review of Environmental Advisory Select Committee Recommendation regarding Sue Big Oil campaign
- Review of Staff Report regarding BC Zero Carbon Step Code adoption
- Correspondence regarding potential $1 per resident contribution to litigation funding
Public Works & Protective Services Committee
The Public Works & Protective Services Committee will review a presentation regarding combining affordable housing with a new firehall. The meeting also includes discussions on the Metchosin Elementary School site framework and grant applications for community emergency preparedness.
- Presentation: Combining Affordable Housing with New Firehall by BC Indigenous Housing Society
- Staff Report: Metchosin Elementary School Site Framework and Management
- Staff Report: Grant Application for UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) and Community Resiliency Investment Fund (CRI)
- Presentation: Sports Accessibility at Metchosin Elementary School
Community Planning Committee Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The Community Planning Committee will review a Councillor's report regarding the procedures and standards used to verify water availability for new subdivisions. The agenda includes correspondence from Bev Bacon requesting clarification on testing methods, aquifer status, and potential threats to neighboring wells.
- Review of standards for 'Proof of Water' for subdivision approval
- Correspondence from Bev Bacon regarding groundwater testing and transparency
Community Planning Committee
The Community Planning Committee is reviewing the context, current regulations, and potential future actions regarding short-term rentals in Metchosin. The presentation covers existing business license requirements and explores options such as increased enforcement or higher fees.
- Presentation by Councillor Shukin on Short Term Vacation Rentals
- Staff Report providing background information on Short Term Rental regulations
- Review of current Metchosin STR business license requirements ($35 annually + $500 deposit)
- Discussion of potential actions including higher fees or prohibitions
Environment & Natural Areas Committee
The Environment & Natural Areas Committee will review a presentation regarding the Sue Big Oil Campaign and consider the adoption of the BC Zero Carbon Step Code. The meeting also includes updates on stormwater management planning and staff reports on climate policy.
- Presentation by Andrew Gage (West Coast Environmental Law) regarding the Sue Big Oil Campaign
- Consideration of adopting the BC Zero Carbon Step Code
- Staff report regarding the BC Zero Carbon Step Code
- Review of recommendations for Buffer Land Stormwater Management Planning
- Correspondence from the David Suzuki Foundation and The Pembina Institute regarding climate policy
Special Council Meeting
The District of Metchosin is reviewing a questionnaire from the Capital Regional District (CRD) regarding regional transportation governance. Council will deliberate on individual member responses to establish a unified position on topics such as funding priorities, transit, and local control.
- Endorsement of a unified response to the CRD Transportation Governance Questionnaire
- Direction for staff to forward the final Council response to the CRD
Special Council Meeting
The council will meet in closed session to discuss personal information and legal advice.
- Motion to close meeting to public
Council Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The Council is reviewing several written submissions from residents concerning a rezoning application and an Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment for 4696 Beckingham Road. The correspondence includes concerns about the legal implications of the amendment, the impact of density increases on community services, and the financial verification of water infrastructure.
- Correspondence regarding 4696 Beckingham Road Rezoning Application
- Proposed Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 690
- Discussion of Amenity Development Zone for parkland dedication and community piped water
Community Planning Committee Meeting New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The Community Planning Committee is reviewing a staff report regarding a request for a Development Variance Permit at 1050 Matheson Lake Road. The agenda includes correspondence from the applicant, Joseph Calenda, and a supporting statement from a neighbor.
- Staff Report: Request for Development Variance Permit, 1050 Matheson Lake Road
Public Works & Protective Services Committee
The Public Works & Protective Services Committee will hear a presentation from Fire Chief Stephanie Dunlop regarding department deployments. The agenda also includes reviewing minutes from previous Healthy Community Advisory Select Committee meetings.
- Presentation: Metchosin Fire Department Deployments by Fire Chief Stephanie Dunlop
- Review of Healthy Community Advisory Select Committee minutes from July 25 and August 22, 2023
Community Planning Committee
The Community Planning Committee will hear a presentation on municipal and regional tourism. The agenda also includes a staff report regarding a development variance permit request for 1050 Matheson Lake Road.
- Presentation: Municipal & Regional Tourism by Gail Scott (Sooke) and Callum Matthews (Tourism Vancouver Island)
- Staff Report: Development Variance Permit request for 105 and 0 Matheson Lake Road
- Update: Centre Mountain Estates (CME) Stormwater Detention Pond
Environment & Natural Areas Committee
The Environment & Natural Areas Committee will review correspondence regarding water licenses on Bilston Creek and an interim fish habitat assessment for Hewitt Creek. The meeting also includes updates on provincial assistance requests for drought monitoring and shoreline conditions.
- Correspondence from Bev Bacon regarding water licenses on Bilston Creek and tributaries
- Interim Update on Hewitt Creek Fish Habitat Assessment by BWHPA
- Review of provincial assistance for Critical Environmental Flow Thresholds in Bilston Watershed
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee will review a presentation regarding an ultra-light rail system and discuss staff reports on the August 2023 financial update and an Agricultural Plan contract award. The meeting also includes the adoption of previous minutes and committee updates.
- Presentation by Geoff Pearce & Stephen Kong (Think Eco Power Systems) regarding Ultra Light Rail
- Staff Report: Financial Update to August 20．3
- Staff Report: Agricultural Plan, Request for Proposal (RFP) Award of Contract
- Adoption of July 17, 2023, Finance Committee meeting minutes
Council Meeting
The Metchosin Council meeting agenda includes decisions on two tax exemption bylaws and a rezoning application for 4696 Beckingham Road. The session also features a development variance permit request for 5097 William Head Road and updates on stormwater facility design.
- Rezoning Application: 4696 Beckingham Road (Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment Bylaws)
- Heritage Tax Exemption Bylaw, 2023, No. 688
- General Tax Exemption Bylaw, 2023, No. 689
- Development Variance Permit request for 5097 William Head Road
- Staff Report: Buffer Land Stormwater Facility Design and Approval Status
Special Council Meeting
The Special Council Meeting on August 31, 2023, is scheduled to address items that require the public to be excluded from the session. The agenda focuses on discussing personal information related to municipal positions and receiving legal advice protected by solicitor-client privilege.
- Motion to close the meeting to the public under section 90(1)(a) and (i) of the Community Charter
Special Council Meeting
The Special Council meeting scheduled for August 18, 2023, is proposed to be held in a closed session. The agenda focuses on discussing personal information related to municipal positions and receiving legal advice protected by solicitor-client privilege.
- Motion to close the meeting to the public under section 90(1)(a) and (i) of the Community Charter
- Consideration of personal information regarding a municipal officer, employee, or agent
- Receipt of communications subject to solicitor-client privilege
Council Meeting
The Council will hear presentations regarding a pilot program for ultra light rail technology and an introduction to the Zero Carbon Step Code. The meeting also includes discussions on the Buffer Land Working Group report and updates on the Accessible BC Act.
- Presentation: Ultra Light Rail proposal by Stephen Kong (Think Eco Power Systems)
- Presentation: Zero Carbon Step-Code introduction by Jane Devonshire
- Review of Buffer Land Working Group Interim Report
- Update on Staff Report regarding Accessible BC Act municipal requirements
- Authorization for CAO to sign 2023 Next Generation 911 Funding Agreement