Victoria public meetings in 2021

Special Council

This special council meeting focuses on two items: deliberating on a rezoning application for 749-767 Douglas Street after the public hearing has closed, and considering a council member motion for funding the Greater Victoria Crossing Guards Association. The council will also consider giving third reading and adopting related bylaws for the Douglas Street project.

• Rezoning 749-767 Douglas Street from CA-4 to site-specific, increasing FSR from 3:1 to 5.2:1 for office with ground-floor commercial
• Third reading and adoption of Zoning Regulation Bylaw Amendment No. 21-105
• Third reading and adoption of Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 21-106
• Approval of development permit with variances for 749-767 Douglas Street
• Council member motion on funding for Greater Victoria Crossing Guards Association

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider reports from recent Committee of the Whole meetings, including several rezoning and development permit applications, housing agreements, and bylaw amendments. The council will also vote on multiple bylaws, including a rezoning for a 16-storey building at 975-983 Pandora Avenue and a housing agreement for a 97-unit building at 330-336 Michigan Street. The meeting includes a closed session for personnel and legal matters.

• Rezoning and development permit for 16-storey mixed-use building at 975-983 Pandora Avenue (Bylaw 21-102, Housing Agreement 21-103)
• Housing Agreement Bylaw 21-104 for 97-unit 'Michigan Square' at 330-336 Michigan Street
• Rezoning for 580-582 Niagara Street to allow four residential units (Bylaw 21-028)
• Adoption of rezoning for 2920 Prior Street to permit small lot house and garden suite (Bylaw 20-086)
• Streets and Traffic Bylaw amendment to broaden Director of Engineering authority (Bylaw 21-111)

Council approved a $1.065 million grant from the Victoria Housing Reserve Fund to the Capital Regional Housing Corporation for a 158-unit affordable housing project at 1230 Grant Street and nearby addresses, with conditions including a $532,500 payment upon agreement execution and the remainder after occupancy permits. The vote was 7-1, with Councillor Young opposed. Council also gave first reading to the Robert Street Heritage Conservation Area OCP amendment, approved several rezoning applications, and directed staff on various initiatives including a noise bylaw review and childcare strategy actions.

• Approved $1,065,000 housing grant for 158-unit project (7-1)
• Gave first reading to Robert Street Heritage Conservation Area OCP amendment (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning application for 1022 Summit Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning application for 3117 Blackwood Street (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning application for 1025 Kings Road (unanimous)
• Directed staff to review noise bylaw, including gas leaf blower ban after 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved 2022 Prioritization of Housing Strategy Actions (8-1)
• Referred Irving Park camping ban to next triannual update (5-3)

Council

Victoria City Council is holding public hearings and considering approvals for three property applications: a parking variance at 45 Boyd Street, a rezoning to legalize a secondary suite at 941 Fullerton Avenue, and a rezoning and development permit for an office building at 749-767 Douglas Street. The agenda also includes requests to address council on topics such as a cannabis business bylaw and a Centennial Square light installation.

• 45 Boyd Street: Development variance permit for parking, adding eight units to Albion Court rental building
• 941 Fullerton Avenue: Rezoning to legalize existing secondary suite (Bylaw No. 21-110)
• 749-767 Douglas Street: Rezoning to increase density from 3:1 to 5.2:1 FSR for office building with ground-floor commercial (Bylaws No. 21-105, 21-106)
• Public hearing for 749-767 Douglas Street includes development permit with variances
• Requests to address council: cannabis business bylaw conflict with provincial, Centennial Square light installation

Council approved a development variance permit for 45 Boyd Street, reducing parking requirements to allow eight additional units in an existing rental building. It also gave third reading and adopted a rezoning bylaw to legalize a secondary suite at 941 Fullerton Avenue. A major rezoning and development permit for 749-767 Douglas Street was deferred to a special meeting on December 16, 2021.

• Approved Development Variance Permit No. 00250 for 45 Boyd Street (unanimous)
• Adopted Zoning Regulation Bylaw Amendment No. 21-110 for 941 Fullerton Avenue (unanimous)
• Deferred consideration of rezoning and development permit for 749-767 Douglas Street to Dec 16 special meeting

Committee of the Whole

Victoria's Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss land use matters, including four rezoning applications in the Hillside/Quadra and Oaklands neighbourhoods. The committee will also review staff reports on the 2022 draft financial plan, a municipal alcohol policy, the noise bylaw, and other items. Two council member motions are on the agenda, one regarding a Canada Day 2022 sub-committee and another on bylaw enforcement for unsightly properties.

• 1022 Summit Avenue: rezoning to convert single-family dwelling into three ground-oriented units, recommended for public hearing
• 3117 Blackwood Street: rezoning and development permit for a duplex with two secondary suites, recommended for public hearing
• 1025 Kings Road: rezoning and development permit for a six-storey, 56-unit rental building, recommended for public hearing
• 2850 Shakespeare Street: rezoning and development permit for a single-family dwelling, recommended to be declined
• 2022 Draft Financial Plan public engagement summary and staff report backs

The Committee of the Whole unanimously advanced three rezoning applications (1022 Summit Ave, 3117 Blackwood St, 1025 Kings Rd) to public hearings, with conditions including revised plans, tree protection, and affordable housing agreements. A motion to give existing tenants at 1025 Kings Rd right of first refusal at current rents was defeated (4-5). The committee also directed staff to develop a municipal alcohol policy, review the noise bylaw, and report on bylaw enforcement for unsafe properties.

• Advanced rezoning at 1022 Summit Ave to public hearing (unanimous)
• Advanced rezoning and development permit at 3117 Blackwood St to public hearing (unanimous)
• Advanced rezoning and development permit at 1025 Kings Rd to public hearing (unanimous)
• Defeated motion for tenant right of first refusal at 1025 Kings Rd (4-5)
• Directed staff to develop municipal alcohol policy (unanimous)
• Directed staff to review noise bylaw, including gas leaf blower ban after 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved permanent Community Resiliency category for My Great Neighbourhood Grant (unanimous)
• Directed staff to report on bylaw enforcement for unsafe properties (5-4)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss and decide on several land use and policy items. Key items include revisiting development permits for 848 and 836 Yates Street, considering a garden suite at 224 Robertson Street, and reviewing the annual housing strategy and official community plan. The committee will also hear presentations from E-Comm and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.

• Development permit with variances for 848 Yates Street and heritage alteration permit for 836 Yates Street
• Development permit application for a garden suite at 224 Robertson Street
• Application to extend liquor service hours at Cenote, 768 Yates Street, to 1 am or 2 am
• Downtown Victoria Business Association boundary expansion request
• Council member motion to add Irving Park to list of parks prohibiting camping

Council approved the 2022 Prioritization of Housing Strategy Actions and directed staff to continue pursuing land assembly for affordable housing partnerships. It also approved a development permit for a garden suite at 224 Robertson Street, declined a heritage alteration permit for 836 Yates Street, and approved a development permit for 848 Yates Street with taller gates. The committee also directed staff to proceed with an Alternative Approval Process for the Downtown Victoria Business Association boundary expansion.

• Approved the 2022 Prioritization of Housing Strategy Actions and directed staff to continue land assembly for affordable housing partnerships (8-1).
• Approved Development Permit No. 00634 for a garden suite at 224 Robertson Street.
• Declined Heritage Alteration Permit No. 00024 for 836 Yates Street (7-2).
• Approved Development Permit No. 00179 for 848 Yates Street, allowing taller gates that must remain open.
• Directed staff to proceed with an Alternative Approval Process for the Downtown Victoria Business Association boundary expansion.
• Approved the Holodomor Commemoration Day Proclamation for Council consideration.
• Referred the motion to add Irving Park to the no-camping parks list to the next triannual update.
• Declared December 3, 2021 as International Day of People with Disabilities and directed staff to draft an annual proclamation.

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council meets to act on reports from the Committee of the Whole, including development permits, a rezoning, a liquor licence application, and funding requests. The agenda also includes a proclamation, correspondence, and a closed meeting for items involving land, personnel, and legal matters.

• Update on Development Permit with Variances Application No. 00120 for 1475 Fort Street (Rockland)
• Rezoning Application No. 00710 and Development Permit with Variances Application No. 000563 for 1905 Lee Avenue (South Jubilee)
• New Liquor Primary Licence application for Haunted Manor Mini-Golf & Ping Pong at 715 Yates Street (Downtown)
• Greater Victoria Rent Bank and Housing Security Program funding request
• Recommendation for Jima Cannabis at 568 Yates Street (Downtown)

Council approved a development permit with variances for 1475 Fort Street, reducing parking from 45 to 22 stalls and increasing building height to 12.92 metres, with a housing agreement for four affordable rental units. The vote was 6 to 3. Council also referred the 1905 Lee Avenue rezoning application back to staff for design revisions, and supported liquor and cannabis licence applications for 715 Yates Street and 568 Yates Street.

• Approved development permit with variances for 1475 Fort Street (6-3), including reduced parking, increased height, and a housing agreement for four affordable units at $875/month.
• Referred 1905 Lee Avenue rezoning application back to staff (8-1) to revise design and provide more information.
• Approved hosting the AVICC conference in 2022 with $26,513 in-kind and up to $6,500 cash contributions.
• Supported a new liquor primary licence for Haunted Manor Mini-Golf & Ping Pong at 715 Yates Street.
• Supported a cannabis retail store licence for Jima Cannabis at 568 Yates Street (7-2).
• Approved considering $110,000 for the Greater Victoria Housing Security and Rent Bank Program in the 2022 Financial Plan (8-1).
• Endorsed proclamations for Holodomor Commemoration Day and International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
• Adopted minutes from November 18, 2021, and closed meeting minutes from October 21, 2021.

Council

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider two development permit applications with variances. The first is for 2727 Hamilton Road, involving reduced setbacks and landscaping changes. The second is for 500, 504, and 506 Herald Street, to allow an upper floor addition and exterior stairs for a brew pub (Herald Street Brew Works). Public comments will be heard before votes on approval.

• 2727 Hamilton Road: Development Permit with Variances Application No. 00160 (front yard setback, side yard setback for heat pump, landscaping changes)
• 500, 504, and 506 Herald Street: Development Permit with Variances Application No. 00105 (upper floor addition, exterior stairs for brew pub)
• Public hearing participation via phone (778-698-2440, code 1551794#)
• Request to address council by Stefa Katamay regarding lawful sheltering park list at Irving Park

Council approved Development Permit with Variances Application No. 00160 for 2727 Hamilton Road, allowing reduced front and side yard setbacks for a heat pump and landscaping changes, carried unanimously. Council also approved Development Permit with Variance Application No. 00105 for 500, 504, and 506 Herald Street, permitting a brew pub conversion and rooftop patio with conditions, carried 7 to 1. Both permits lapse two years from the resolution date.

• Approved Development Permit with Variances No. 00160 for 2727 Hamilton Road (unanimous).
• Approved Development Permit with Variance No. 00105 for 500, 504, 506 Herald Street (7 to 1).
• Approved the agenda as amended (unanimous).
• Approved requests to address council (unanimous).
• Adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m. (unanimous).

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider several bylaws, including rezoning for properties on Douglas Street, Fullerton Avenue, and a road closure on Vining and North Park Streets. They will also vote on fee increases for sanitary sewer, stormwater, solid waste, and water utilities. The meeting includes reports from previous Committee of the Whole meetings and a closed session for land and employee relations matters.

• Adoption of Vining Street and North Park Street Road Closure and Dedication Removal Bylaw No. 21-067
• 1st and 2nd readings of rezoning for 941 Fullerton Avenue (Bylaw No. 21-110) to legalize secondary suite
• 1st and 2nd readings of rezoning and OCP amendment for 749-767 Douglas Street (Bylaws No. 21-105, 21-106) to increase density to 5.2:1 FSR
• Adoption of fee increases for sanitary sewer/stormwater (No. 21-088), solid waste (No. 21-089), and waterworks (No. 21-090) bylaws
• Closed meeting for land acquisition/disposition and employee relations

Council voted 5-3 to advance the rezoning application for 903, 911 & 1045 Yates Street, 910 View Street and 1205 & 1209 Quadra Street, instructing staff to prepare the necessary Official Community Plan and Zoning Regulation Bylaw amendments. The approval is conditional on numerous items, including securing affordable housing units, a community space, a public plaza, a daycare, and various design and infrastructure upgrades. Council also referred a separate rezoning application for 1737 Rockland Avenue back to staff for further work on setbacks, height, privacy, and tree retention.

• Approved the agenda and adopted minutes from October 14, October 28, and November 4, 2021 meetings.
• Approved the public stakeholder group selection criteria for the governance review, including the Songhees Nation, Esquimalt Nation, Victoria Friendship Centre, and Victoria Labour Council, and replaced the United Way with the Victoria Foundation.
• Carried (5-3) a motion to advance the Harris Green rezoning application (No. 00730) with conditions, including securing affordable housing, a community space, a public plaza, and a daycare.
• Carried (7-1) a motion to refer the 1737 Rockland Avenue rezoning application back to staff to work with the applicant on setbacks, height, privacy, and tree retention.
• Adopted the Vining Street and North Park Street Road Closure and Dedication Removal Bylaw (No. 21-067).
• Gave first and second readings to the Zoning Regulation Bylaw Amendment for 941 Fullerton Avenue (No. 21-110).
• Gave first and second readings to the Zoning Regulation and Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaws for 749-767 Douglas Street (Nos. 21-105 and 21-106).
• Adopted amendments to the Sanitary Sewer, Solid Waste, and Waterworks Utilities Bylaws (Nos. 21-088, 21-089, 21-090).

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a Victoria Housing Reserve Fund application from the Capital Regional Housing Corporation seeking $1,065,000 for a redevelopment in Fernwood that would create 158 new affordable rental units. The committee will also discuss several other items, including heritage conservation areas, pedestrian priority treatments, and a warming and cooling centre plan. Decisions made here will be forwarded to the full Council.

• VHRF grant application for Caledonia redevelopment: $1,065,000 for 158 affordable rental units
• Proposed Robert Street Heritage Conservation Area and OCP amendment
• Request to study a portion of Lewis Street as a potential Heritage Conservation Area
• Authority for Broad Street and Gladstone Avenue pedestrian priority treatments
• Community garden licences of occupation and delegation bylaw

The Committee of the Whole approved a $1,065,000 grant from the Victoria Housing Reserve Fund to the Capital Regional Housing Corporation for a 158-unit affordable housing project in Fernwood, with conditions including a grant agreement and phased payment. The vote was 5 to 2, with Mayor Helps recused due to a conflict of interest. The committee also endorsed a strategy to mitigate sewer inflow and infiltration from private properties, directing staff to bring a funding request to the 2023 budget process, in a 7 to 1 vote. Other decisions included approving community garden licence renewals, advancing a Robert Street Heritage Conservation Area, and directing staff to study a Lewis Street heritage area.

• Approved $1,065,000 grant for 158-unit affordable housing project in Fernwood (5-2).
• Endorsed strategy to mitigate sewer inflow/infiltration from private properties, with 2023 budget request (7-1).
• Approved removal of 200 block Beechwood Avenue east side from Taxed Boulevard Program for 2022.
• Authorized five-year licence renewals for four community gardens and directed bylaw amendment for future renewals.
• Gave first reading to OCP amendment for Robert Street Heritage Conservation Area and referred to public hearing.
• Directed staff to study Lewis Street portion as potential Heritage Conservation Area.
• Received Extreme Weather Warming and Cooling Centre Plan and directed Q1 2022 status update.
• Referred Clover Point matter to January 17, 2022 Special Budget COTW meeting.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss and potentially decide on several land use and funding items, including a proposed $75,000 expenditure for a downtown cultural installation, a rezoning application at 1905 Lee Avenue, and new liquor licences for businesses on Yates Street. The agenda also includes presentations on the Victoria Police Department's Q3 safety report and the Greater Victoria Public Library's 2022 budget, as well as a motion to host the AVICC convention in 2022.

• Proposed $75,000 from 2021 Contingency for partnership with Quartier des Spectacles Partnership for a downtown cultural installation
• Rezoning and development permit application at 1905 Lee Avenue to create two small lots with a new single-family dwelling
• New liquor primary licence application for Haunted Manor Mini-Golf & Ping Pong at 715 Yates Street
• Recommendation for Jima Cannabis retail store licence at 568 Yates Street
• Motion to host AVICC AGM and Convention, March 31–April 2, 2022, at Victoria Conference Centre

The Committee of the Whole voted 7-2 to recommend that Council authorize a development permit with variances for 1475 Fort Street, including reduced parking (from 45 to 22 stalls), increased building height (from 12m to 12.92m), and reduced setbacks, contingent on a housing agreement securing four affordable rental units at $875/month. The committee also unanimously approved a motion to direct staff to provide clarification on the current tenancy at the December 2 Council meeting. Other decisions included unanimous support for hosting the AVICC 2022 conference with $26,513 in-kind and up to $6,500 cash contributions, and unanimous approval of a liquor primary licence for Haunted Manor Mini-Golf & Ping Pong at 715 Yates Street.

• Approved (7-2) a motion to recommend Council authorize Development Permit with Variance Application No. 00120 for 1475 Fort Street, with conditions including reduced parking, increased height, and a housing agreement for four affordable units.
• Approved (unanimous) an amendment to direct staff to provide clarification on the current tenancy of the building proposed for replacement at 1475 Fort Street at the December 2 Council meeting.
• Approved (unanimous) a motion to support the City hosting the AVICC 2022 conference, with an in-kind contribution of $26,513 and a cash contribution of up to $6,500.
• Approved (unanimous) a motion to support the liquor primary licence application for Haunted Manor Mini-Golf & Ping Pong at 715 Yates Street, with hours 11am-11pm and occupant load of 50.
• Approved (unanimous) a motion to receive the VicPD Q3 Community Safety Report Card for information.
• Approved (unanimous) a motion to receive the Greater Victoria Public Library 2022 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan for information.
• Approved (unanimous) a motion to postpone indefinitely a letter from the Regional District of Mount Waddington regarding Lytton Fire Relief (8-1).
• Approved (unanimous) a motion to request VicPD to record hours and costs spent with patients apprehended under the Mental Health Act at Island Health facilities and report to Council.

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider reports from the Committee of the Whole, including rezoning and development variance applications, recreation fee changes, and a tenant assistance policy. Council will also give readings to bylaws that would increase fees for sanitary sewer, stormwater, solid waste, and water utilities. The meeting includes a closed session for items related to personnel, land, and legal matters.

• First, second, and third readings of Sanitary Sewer and Stormwater Utilities Bylaw Amendment (No. 9) 21-088, increasing stormwater fees and CRD sewer charges
• First, second, and third readings of Solid Waste Bylaw Amendment (No. 11) 21-089, increasing solid waste collection fees
• First, second, and third readings of Waterworks Bylaw Amendment (No. 16) 21-090, increasing connection fees and consumption charges
• Report on rezoning application 00680 and development variance 00247 at 2615 Douglas Street (Burnside)
• Report on development variance permit 00250 at 45 Boyd Street (James Bay)

Town Hall Meetings

This is a public budget town hall meeting where the City of Victoria presents and discusses the 2022 budget with residents. The agenda contains only this single item, with no attached documents or detailed proposals listed.

• 2022 Virtual Budget Town Hall

Council

Victoria City Council is meeting to hold public hearings and consider approvals for several development applications, including a new warehouse, a single-family dwelling, and rezoning for duplexes and a 20-storey hotel. The council will also consider first reading of the 2022 Five Year Financial Plan bylaw and receive reports on the draft financial plan, welcoming city strategy, and other committee items.

• Development permit with variances for a new warehouse at 235 Russell Street
• Development permit with variances for a single-family dwelling at 737 Belton Avenue
• Rezoning and development permit to demolish duplex and build two new duplexes at 3150 Somerset Street
• Rezoning, development permit, and heritage designation for a 20-storey hotel at 780-798 Fort Street and 1106-1126 Blanshard Street
• First reading of Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw, 2022 No. 21-098

Council approved a rezoning, development permit with variances, and heritage designation for a 20-storey hotel with office and ground-floor commercial uses at 780-798 Fort Street and 1106-1126 Blanshard Street, despite one councillor's opposition. The project includes a height increase from 60 to 66 metres and a reduced side yard setback. Council also approved several other development permits and rezoning applications, and endorsed the Victoria Welcoming City Strategy and Action Plan.

• Approved rezoning and development permit for 20-storey hotel at Fort & Blanshard (8-1)
• Approved heritage designation for 1114-1126 Blanshard Street (unanimous)
• Approved development permit with variances for 235 Russell Street warehouse (unanimous)
• Approved development permit with variances for 737 Belton Avenue single-family dwelling (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning and development permit for two duplexes at 3150 Somerset Street (unanimous)
• Endorsed Victoria Welcoming City Strategy and Action Plan (unanimous)
• Directed staff to engage province on electric wheelchairs in bike lanes (unanimous)
• Approved supplemental budget requests for 2022, including $1.07M for bylaw support (7-2)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council meets to consider the 2022 Five Year Financial Plan bylaw, receive reports from Committee of the Whole meetings (including budget resource requests and appointments), and review correspondence from provincial ministers on housing and climate. The meeting also includes a closed session for labour relations and land matters.

• First reading of Bylaw 21-098 to adopt the 2022 annual financial plan
• Report from October 21 COTW on 2022-2026 financial plan and Welcoming City strategy
• Report from special COTW meetings (Oct 25, 26, Nov 1, 2) on additional resource requests
• Appointments of animal control officers Brandon Watson and Ben Watson (pending COTW approval)
• Letters from provincial ministers on housing acquisition and CleanBC Roadmap to 2030

The daytime Council meeting on November 4, 2021, was convened and the agenda was amended by unanimous consent to move all items to the evening Council meeting. Council then voted unanimously to close the meeting to the public under Section 90 of the Community Charter to discuss a land matter (Section 90(1)(e)) and an employee relations matter (Section 90(1)(c)). The land discussion was recorded and kept confidential, while the employee relations item was deferred to the November 18, 2021 Closed Council Meeting. No substantive decisions were made in the open session.

• Agenda amended to move all items to evening meeting (unanimous)
• Closed meeting to public under Section 90(1)(c) and (e) (unanimous)
• Closed agenda approved (unanimous)
• Land matter discussed in closed session, kept confidential
• Employee relations item deferred to November 18, 2021 Closed Council Meeting

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss land use, fees, and budget-related motions. Key items include a rezoning application for 2615 Douglas Street to allow a brewery and liquor retail, a development variance permit for 45 Boyd Street, proposed recreation fee changes, and several council member motions on topics like rental increases, bird-friendly design, and community grants. The committee will also consider staff recommendations on the 2022 financial plan and utility fee increases.

• Rezoning and variance for 2615 Douglas Street to permit brewery, distillery, brewpub, liquor retail, and commissary kitchen
• Development variance permit for 45 Boyd Street to allow parking variance for 8 new units at Albion Court
• Proposed amendments to Recreation Fees Bylaw (06-056) effective Feb 1, 2022
• Motion to allocate up to $65,000 for safety initiative reimbursement program
• Motion for $50,000 grant to End Violence BC for prevention training program

The Committee of the Whole advanced a rezoning and development variance for 2615 Douglas Street to allow a brewery and related uses, approved the Victoria Music Strategy with $75,000 in funding, and directed staff on several 2022 budget-related items including a community reconciliation levy and a safety initiative program. Several motions were defeated, including attempts to add safe crossing requirements and to limit liquor sales at the Douglas Street site.

• Advanced rezoning and development variance for 2615 Douglas Street (brewery, distillery, etc.) to public hearing (unanimous)
• Approved Victoria Music Strategy and allocated $75,000 from contingency (unanimous)
• Approved $75,000 for cultural installation partnership with Quartier des Spectacles (referred to Nov. 18)
• Directed staff to prepare agreement for Skateable Bench at Vic West Park (unanimous)
• Approved $2,000 for Ross Bay Cemetery entry gates operating expenses (8-1)
• Approved $32,344 for Sanctuary Youth Drop-In from 2021 contingency (unanimous)
• Directed staff to report on $65,000 safety initiative reimbursement program (5-4)
• Directed staff to report on $12,637.66 grant to North Park Neighbourhood Association for RAP programs (unanimous)

Special Committee of the Whole

This Special Committee of the Whole meeting focuses on the introduction and discussion of the 2022-2026 Draft Financial Plan, including a presentation from the Victoria Police Department on its 2022 provisional budget. Council members will also consider three motions: a partnership to animate the downtown public realm, funding a facility programming study for Oaklands Community Centre, and adding new assessed revenue and Lekwungen land acknowledgement to the budget engagement process. The agenda is substantive, with the financial plan as the primary item.

• 2022-2026 Draft Financial Plan presented for review and discussion
• VicPD 2022 provisional budget presentation
• Motion: Partnership to Animate the Public Realm Downtown
• Motion: Funding a Facility Programming Study for Oaklands Community Centre
• Motion: New Assessed Revenue and Lekwungen Land Acknowledgement

The Special Committee of the Whole approved including VicPD's $939,724 supplemental resource request in the 2022 budget public engagement process, with a vote of 8 to 1. The committee also postponed a motion to fund six additional officers until Esquimalt's response to the VicPD budget is received. Several other motions were carried, including directing staff to report on a review of leash optional areas in 2022, allocating $45,000 for Reconciliation dialogues, and engaging the public on increasing per capita grants for neighbourhood associations with community centres.

• Approved VicPD supplemental request of $939,724 for public budget consultation (8-1)
• Postponed motion to fund six additional police officers until Esquimalt's budget response is received (6-3)
• Defeated motion to review off-leash areas in 2022 (4-4 tie)
• Carried motion to refer review of leash optional areas to 2023 planning (unanimous)
• Approved $45,000 for three Reconciliation dialogues in 2022 budget engagement (unanimous)
• Carried motion to engage public on increasing per capita grants for neighbourhood associations with community centres (unanimous)
• Carried motion to report on indexing reserve fund contributions to inflation (unanimous)
• Carried motion to report on $156,040 pilot grants for North Park and Downtown Residents Associations (unanimous)

Special Committee of the Whole

The Special Committee of the Whole is meeting to review and discuss the draft 2022-2026 Financial Plan, including supplemental requests, strategic plan requirements, and financial policies. Council will also consider a report on extending fare-free transit to LIFE pass recipients and a member motion on a downtown public realm partnership.

• Draft 2022-2026 Financial Plan review with appendices on requests, strategic plan, and policies
• Report back on fare-free public transit expansion, including LIFE pass recipient counts and estimated costs
• Council member motion on partnership to animate the public realm downtown, referencing Quartier des Spectacles Partnership
• Additional grant requests including Victoria Housing Fund 2022 City Grant Request
• Financial sustainability, revenue and tax, and reserve fund policies included for discussion

The Committee of the Whole reviewed the 2022 Draft Financial Plan and approved several supplemental budget requests to be considered by the public during budget engagement. These include $100,000 for Our Place extended hours and storage, $100,000 for the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness, and $140,000 for a homelessness staff position. A $50,000 request for Kings Road Park was defeated. The committee also directed staff to reassess crossing guard locations near all public schools for the 2023 budget.

• Approved $100,000 for Our Place extended hours and storage as supplemental budget request (unanimous)
• Approved $100,000 ongoing funding for Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness as supplemental request (unanimous)
• Approved $140,000 for homelessness staff position as supplemental request (5-3)
• Defeated $50,000 for Kings Road Park as supplemental request (3-5)
• Directed staff to reassess crossing guard locations near all public schools for 2023 budget (unanimous)
• Referred New Assessed Revenue Policy Update to January budget follow-up meetings (unanimous)
• Referred storm water management plan matter to 2023 Financial Plan (unanimous)
• Directed staff to report on Topaz Park washroom accessibility as part of budget process (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will hear an update on a rezoning application for a large mixed-use development in the Harris Green area, including commercial, daycare, community, and rental residential uses. The committee will also consider a rezoning application for 1737 Rockland Avenue that staff recommend declining, a variance permit for 431 Parry Street, a presentation on the Downtown Victoria budget, and a report on stakeholder selection for the governance review. Unfinished business includes a motion on a regional contribution to Lytton fire relief.

• Update on rezoning application 00730 for 903, 911 & 1045 Yates St, 910 View St, and 1205 & 1205 Quadra St for a multi-phase mixed-use development with commercial, daycare, community, and purpose-built rental residential uses
• Rezoning application 00755 and development variance permit 000585 for 1737 Rockland Avenue to allow two strata dwellings on one panhandle lot; staff recommend declining
• Development variance permit 00235 for 431 Parry Street to approve setback variances
• Presentation on the Downtown Victoria Budget
• Motion on regional contribution to Lytton Fire Relief efforts

The Committee of the Whole voted 5-4 to advance a rezoning application for a large mixed-use development at 903, 911 & 1045 Yates Street, 910 View Street, and 1205 & 1209 Quadra Street. The motion instructs staff to prepare the necessary Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments, with conditions including securing rental units in perpetuity, providing a minimum number of affordable units, a public plaza, and a community space. The committee also approved a development variance permit for 431 Parry Street, approved governance review stakeholder selection criteria, and referred a rezoning application for 1737 Rockland Avenue back to staff for further work.

• Advanced rezoning for 903-1045 Yates St. mixed-use development, directing staff to prepare bylaws (5-4)
• Approved Development Variance Permit No. 00235 for 431 Parry Street, waiving public comment (unanimous)
• Approved public stakeholder selection criteria for Governance Review, including Songhees Nation, Esquimalt Nation, Victoria Friendship Centre, Victoria Labour Council; Victoria Foundation replaces United Way (unanimous)
• Referred 1737 Rockland Avenue rezoning application to staff to work with applicant on setbacks, height, privacy, and tree retention (unanimous)
• Referred Lytton Fire Relief and CRD response item to November 18th COTW meeting (unanimous)
• Failed motion to direct staff to work with DVBA and Emmanuel Synagogue for Festival of Lights access to Centennial Square (no seconder)
• Received DVBA budget presentation and Triannual Report for information (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to adopt two bylaws, consider reports from the Committee of the Whole, and address correspondence. The agenda includes proclamations, a closed meeting for legal and personnel matters, and items carried over from prior meetings.

• Adoption of Bylaw No. 21-097 amending the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw regarding highway works and services
• Adoption of Bylaw No. 21-095 extending the Business Recovery from Pandemic Bylaw with time limits for applications
• Development variance permit for 3130 Jutland Road and 496-498 Fullerton Avenue
• Rezoning application for 941 Fullerton Avenue
• Development variance permit for 431 James Bay

Council approved a rezoning application for 941 Fullerton Avenue, directing staff to prepare a bylaw amendment and set a public hearing. It also authorized development variance permits for 3130 Jutland Road/496-498 Cecelia Road and 431 Parry Street, and adopted two bylaw amendments. The meeting included a closed session for legal and employee relations matters.

• Approved rezoning application for 941 Fullerton Avenue (unanimous)
• Authorized development variance permit for 3130 Jutland Road and 496-498 Cecelia Road (unanimous)
• Authorized development variance permit for 431 Parry Street (unanimous)
• Adopted Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw Amendment No. 4 (unanimous)
• Adopted Business Recovery from Pandemic Bylaw Amendment No. 2 (unanimous)
• Endorsed creation of CRD Transportation Advisory Committee (unanimous)
• Approved 2022 Council meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Referred Minister of Mental Health and Addictions letter to November 4 meeting (unanimous)

Council

Victoria City Council is holding a public hearing and considering approval of a development variance permit for 903 Collinson Street to relocate vehicle access. Council will also consider rezoning, an Official Community Plan amendment, a housing agreement, and a development permit for a residential project at 1230 Grant Street and nearby properties, which includes two multi-unit buildings and three townhouses. The agenda also includes requests to address council on mobility scooter use in bike lanes and other routine items.

• Development variance permit for 903 Collinson Street to relocate driveway access
• Rezoning application for 1230 Grant Street and surrounding properties for multi-unit residential development
• Bylaws 21-064, 21-065, and 21-066 for rezoning, OCP amendment, and housing agreement
• Public hearing for the 1230 Grant Street development
• Requests to address council on art spaces and mobility scooters in bike lanes

Council approved a rezoning and OCP amendment for a five-building residential development at 1230 Grant Street and surrounding properties, with approximately 158 affordable and below-market rental units. The related development permit and housing agreement were also adopted. The rezoning and OCP amendment passed 7-1, with Councillor Young opposed; the housing agreement and development permit were also approved 7-1. Council also approved a development variance permit for 903 Collinson Street to relocate a driveway and reduce the parking stall setback.

• Approved rezoning and OCP amendment for 1230 Grant St and adjacent properties (7-1)
• Adopted Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 21-066 for the development (7-1)
• Authorized Development Permit No. 000567 for the five-building project (7-1)
• Approved Development Variance Permit No. 00273 for 903 Collinson St (unanimous)
• Requested applicant and City to engage neighbours on construction impacts (unanimous)

Special Committee of the Whole

The Special Committee of the Whole is meeting to review and discuss the draft 2022-2026 Financial Plan, including supplemental requests, grant requests, and financial policies. A presentation from the Victoria Police Department (VicPD) on its 2022 provisional budget is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. The meeting is a discussion and review session, not a final decision.

• Draft 2022-2026 Financial Plan with supplemental requests and grant requests
• VicPD 2022 Board Approved Provisional Budget presentation
• Financial Sustainability, Revenue and Tax, and Reserve Fund policies
• Victoria Foundation 2022 City Grant Request and 2020 Annual Report

The Special Committee of the Whole approved several supplemental requests for the 2022 draft financial plan, including $250,000 for a Cultural Infrastructure Grant Program, $25,000 for Get Growing Victoria, $90,000 for Food Forest and Allotment Gardens, and $90,000 for Building Deconstruction. They also referred the Ross Bay Cemetery Gate and Vic West lighting to the November 4 budget session, and directed staff to report on an internship program and tenant support initiatives. The meeting included a presentation from VicPD on their 2022 provisional budget.

• Approved $250,000 for Cultural Infrastructure Grant Program (unanimous)
• Approved $25,000 for Get Growing Victoria (8-1)
• Approved $90,000 for Food Forest and Allotment Gardens (8-1)
• Referred Ross Bay Cemetery Gate and Vic West lighting to Nov 4 budget session (unanimous)
• Approved $15,000 for Tenant Support (unanimous)
• Directed staff to report on budget implications of tenant rights toolkit (unanimous)
• Approved $90,000 for Building Deconstruction (8-1)
• Approved $5,000 for Child Care (unanimous)

Special Committee of the Whole

The Special Committee of the Whole will discuss the draft 2022-2026 Financial Plan, including supplemental requests and strategic plan requirements. Council will also consider a member motion advocating for mental health and support services. The meeting is primarily for review and discussion, not final decisions.

• Draft 2022-2026 Financial Plan with appendices on supplemental requests, strategic plan requirements, and financial policies
• Council Member Motion: Advocacy for Mental Health and Support Services
• Additional grant requests for Victoria Homelessness Foundation (VHF) 2022
• Financial Sustainability, Revenue and Tax, and Reserve Fund policies included for review

The Committee of the Whole reviewed the 2022-2026 Draft Financial Plan and approved a series of supplemental budget requests to be included in public engagement. These include funding for housing, sheltering, bylaw support, and other initiatives. Several motions were passed to direct staff reports and to request provincial funding for shelter costs.

• Approved supplemental requests for public engagement (unanimous)
• Defeated amendment to reduce Urban Forest Positions to 1 FTE (7-2)
• Carried Urban Forest Positions - Permit Applications (2 FTEs) $210,000 (8-1)
• Carried Housing Strategy items $340,000 (8-1)
• Carried Victoria 3.0 Economic Development Position $120,000 (unanimous)
• Carried Art and Innovation District Master Plan Consulting $240,000 (unanimous)
• Carried Vision Zero Implementation items $218,000 (8-1)
• Carried Street Activities and Operations items $207,000 (8-1)

Council (to follow COTW)

Council voted 5-3 to suspend development of a Rental Business Licensing Bylaw, citing changes to the provincial Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) effective July 1, 2021, and to report back in 3 months on the provincial legislation's effectiveness. Council also directed staff to monitor provincial updates, facilitate public awareness of RTA requirements, and refer the matter to the Renters' Advisory Committee. Additionally, Council gave first and second readings to rezoning and heritage bylaws for 780-798 Fort Street and 1106-1126 Blanshard Street, and first and second readings to a rezoning bylaw for 3150 Somerset Street (8-1).

• Suspended development of Rental Business Licensing Bylaw (5-3)
• Directed report back in 3 months on provincial RTA effectiveness (unanimous)
• Directed staff to monitor provincial updates and report fall 2022 (unanimous)
• Referred matter to Renters' Advisory Committee (unanimous)
• Approved first and second readings for rezoning and heritage bylaws at 780-798 Fort St / 1106-1126 Blanshard St (unanimous)
• Approved first, second, third readings for Housing Agreement Bylaw at 1114 Blanshard St (unanimous)
• Approved first and second readings for rezoning at 3150 Somerset St (8-1)
• Approved first, second, third readings for Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw Amendment (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss the draft 2022-2026 Financial Plan, which will be considered for first reading to initiate public consultation. Council will also review and potentially endorse the Victoria Welcoming City Strategy and Action Plan, and consider two council member motions: one on a Welcoming City Implementation Advisory Committee and another on accessibility in bike lanes for electric-powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

• Draft 2022-2026 Financial Plan with supplementary requests, strategic plan resource requirements, and grant requests
• Victoria Welcoming City Strategy and Action Plan seeking Council endorsement
• Council Member Motion to create a Welcoming City Implementation Advisory Committee
• Council Member Motion to engage the Provincial government on permitting electric-powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters in bike lanes
• Triannual Accountability Report (May 1 – August 31, 2021) deferred

The Committee of the Whole received the draft 2022-2026 Financial Plan for information, with further consideration to follow budget presentations. It unanimously endorsed the Victoria Welcoming City Strategy and Action Plan, directing staff to develop community-driven implementation plans. It also adopted the Welcoming City Implementation Advisory Committee Terms of Reference and directed staff to engage the Provincial government on permitting electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters in bike lanes.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Received 2022-2026 Draft Financial Plan for information (unanimous)
• Endorsed Victoria Welcoming City Strategy and Action Plan (unanimous)
• Directed staff to develop community-driven implementation plans (unanimous)
• Adopted Welcoming City Implementation Advisory Committee Terms of Reference (unanimous)
• Directed staff to engage Province on e-wheelchairs in bike lanes (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

The Victoria City Council meeting on October 14, 2021, includes reconsideration of a portion of the Rental Business Licensing Bylaw motion, first readings for a rezoning and OCP amendment for a 158-unit affordable rental development near 1211 Gladstone Avenue, and adoption of several bylaws including a permissive tax exemption and a business recovery amendment. Council will also hear an appeal of a short-term rental business license denial for 408 Superior Street and consider proclamations for Small Business Month, Economic Abuse Awareness Day, and Respiratory Therapy Week. The agenda includes a closed session for items involving personal information, land, and legal advice.

Council voted to suspend development of the Rental Business Licensing Bylaw, citing new provincial rules against renovictions, and to report back in three months on their effectiveness. They also directed staff to advocate for provincial authority to require tenant protections, and to refer the matter to the Renters' Advisory Committee. The motion passed 5-3, with an earlier amendment to suspend for one year defeated 2-6.

• Suspended Rental Business Licensing Bylaw development, report back in 3 months (5-3)
• Defeated amendment to suspend for one year (2-6)
• Directed staff to advocate for provincial authority for tenant protections (unanimous)
• Referred matter to Renters' Advisory Committee (unanimous)
• Approved Build Back Victoria update, extending permits to Oct 31, 2022 (unanimous)
• Endorsed Lytton Fire Relief regional contribution request (unanimous)
• Gave readings to rezoning and housing agreement bylaws for North Park area (unanimous)
• Upheld denial of short-term rental license at 408 Superior St. (defeated 3-5)

Council

Victoria City Council will hold public hearings on four development applications, including a rezoning at 1120-1128 Burdett Avenue for a five-storey residential rental building and a heritage designation at 121 Menzies Street. The agenda also includes requests to address council on the Ross Terrace project, the Pandora situation, an off-leash dog park, and a rental business licensing bylaw. The meeting is scheduled for October 14, 2021 at 6:30 PM.

Council approved a rezoning and development permit for a five-storey rental residential building at 1120-1128 Burdett Avenue, with a 6-2 vote. The project includes variances for site coverage, setbacks, and parking. Council also approved heritage designations and development permits for properties at 1012 Richardson Street, 931 Redfern Street, and 121 Menzies Street, all unanimously.

• Approved rezoning and development permit for 1120-1128 Burdett Ave (6-2)
• Approved Heritage Alteration Permit with variances for 1012 Richardson St (unanimous)
• Approved Development Variance Permit for 931 Redfern St (unanimous)
• Adopted Heritage Designation Bylaw for 121 Menzies St (unanimous)
• Approved Development Permit with variances for 121 Menzies St (unanimous)
• Requested applicant to apply tenant assistance policy to all existing tenants at Burdett Ave (7-1)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will consider a development variance permit for 3130 Jutland Road and 496-498 Cecelia Road to allow a mixed-use development with about 88 affordable units, and a rezoning for 941 Fullerton Avenue to legalize an existing secondary suite. The meeting opens with a closed session on labour relations, then moves to public business including an update on CRD regional transportation priorities and a proposal to extend the Build Back Victoria Program. Several proclamations and the 2022 council meeting schedule are also on the consent agenda.

• Development variance permit for 3130 Jutland Road and 496-498 Cecelia Road for mixed-use development with ~88 affordable units
• Rezoning application for 941 Fullerton Avenue to legalize existing secondary suite
• Build Back Victoria Program extension and outdoor commercial uses until 2022
• CRD regional transportation priorities and new Transportation Advisory Committee
• 2022 Council Meeting Schedule and four proclamations

The Committee of the Whole voted to extend the Build Back Victoria program, which allows outdoor commercial uses on private property, until October 31, 2022, with new applications accepted only until October 31, 2021 and existing permit holders rolled over. The motion also included renaming the Sidewalk Café bylaw to the Patio bylaw and directing staff to streamline sidewalk application processes. The extension was approved with a 7-2 vote, and the bylaw renaming passed 8-1.

• Extended Build Back Victoria program to October 31, 2022 (7-2)
• Renamed Sidewalk Café bylaw to Patio bylaw (8-1)
• Approved development variance permit for 3130 Jutland Road and 496-498 Cecelia Road (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning application for 941 Fullerton Avenue to legalize secondary suite (unanimous)
• Endorsed CRD Transportation Advisory Committee (unanimous)
• Approved 2022 Council meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Forwarded proclamations for Rising Economy Week, Respiratory Therapy Week, Colour the World Orange Day, and Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (unanimous)
• Endorsed regional contribution to Lytton Fire Relief (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council meets to handle a mix of administrative items, including reconsidering a portion of a motion on the Rental Business Licensing Bylaw, adopting bylaws, and hearing two business licence appeals. The agenda also includes reports from Committee of the Whole meetings, a proclamation, and a closed meeting for legal, land, and personnel matters.

• Reconsideration of Council motion on Rental Business Licensing Bylaw
• Adoption of Tax Exemption (Permissive) Bylaw, 2022 No. 21-079
• Adoption of Animal Responsibility Bylaw Amendment No. 21-092 to remove Gonzales Beach as dog off-leash area
• Short-term rental business licence appeal for 408 Superior Street
• Business licence revocation hearing for John Mueller dba I-Tow Group

Council held a business licence hearing and voted 6-1 to revoke licence #8014 issued to John Mueller dba I-Tow Group. Council also approved several other items, including cannabis store recommendations, a heritage alteration permit, and a rezoning application. The meeting included a closed session for confidential matters.

• Revoked business licence #8014 for John Mueller dba I-Tow Group (6-1)
• Approved recommendation to LCRB for Jima Cannabis retail licence at 2622 Douglas Street (unanimous)
• Approved recommendation to LCRB for Fernwood Green retail licence at 1-1725 Cook Street (unanimous)
• Authorized Heritage Alteration Permit No. 00242 for 539-545½ Fisgard Street and 16-20 Fan Tan Alley (unanimous)
• Instructed staff to prepare rezoning and development permit for 110 Menzies St, 111 Croft St & 450-458 Niagara St (6-3)
• Directed staff to maintain current Victoria Housing Reserve Fund guidelines (8-1)
• Referred neighbourhood boundary adjustments to non-statutory public hearings (unanimous)
• Adopted Animal Responsibility Bylaw Amendment No. 21-092 (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss and decide on several land use applications, including a rezoning to allow liquor retail and brewpub use at an existing brewery, and development permits with variances for properties on Hamilton and Yates Streets. They will also hear presentations on the 2021 external audit plan and a mobile crisis team, and consider a council member motion advocating for paid sick leave. The meeting includes a closed session for labour relations and legal advice.

• Rezoning Application No. 00779 for 2740 Bridge Street and 450 Hillside Avenue to permit liquor retail and brewpub use
• Development Permit with Variances Application No. 00160 for 2727 Hamilton (front yard setback, side yard setback for heat pump, landscaping changes)
• Development Permit with Variances Application No. 00179 for 848 Yates and Heritage Alteration Permit with Variance Application No. 00024 for 836 Yates (through-block walkway, heritage alterations)
• Cultural Infrastructure Grant Program: seeking direction to continue with annual funding envelope of $250,000
• Council Member Motion: Advocacy for 10 Days of Universal, Permanent Paid Sick Leave for Workers

The Committee of the Whole unanimously endorsed a wheelchair/inclusion rodeo led by the Accessibility Advisory Committee, encouraged council participation, and directed staff to support hosting and promotion. Funding of up to $2,000 from the 2021 contingency was approved if sponsors and grants are insufficient. The committee also approved several consent agenda items, including a rezoning application for a brewery, and referred two Yates Street development permits to a later meeting.

• Endorsed wheelchair/inclusion rodeo led by AAC, with up to $2,000 from 2021 contingency if needed (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning application for 2740 Bridge Street and 450 Hillside Avenue to allow liquor retail and brewpub, subject to a 1.7m statutory right-of-way (unanimous)
• Forwarded Islamic Heritage Month proclamation to Council (unanimous)
• Directed staff to forward UBCM paid sick leave resolution to member governments and requested Mayor write to BC Minister of Labour (unanimous)
• Received Accessibility Framework and AAC Annual Update for information (unanimous)
• Received 2021 External Audit Plan for information (unanimous)
• Referred 836 Yates Heritage Alteration Permit and 848 Yates Development Permit to December 2, 2021 COTW, directing staff to meet with both applicants (7-2)
• Approved Cultural Infrastructure Grant program continuation with $250,000 annual funding from new assessed revenue (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing several land use and policy items, including a rezoning and development permit for a proposed six-storey, 137-unit rental building in James Bay, and a heritage alteration permit for buildings in Chinatown. They will also discuss updates to the Victoria Housing Reserve Fund guidelines, proposed neighbourhood boundary adjustments, and an accessibility framework update. The agenda includes consent items, minutes, and proclamations.

• Rezoning and development permit for 110 Menzies Street, 111 Croft Street & 450-458 Niagara Street: six-storey, 137-unit rental building
• Heritage Alteration Permit No. 00242 for 539-545½ Fisgard Street and 16-20 Fan Tan Alley
• Victoria Housing Reserve Fund Guidelines: options to fund only net-new housing units
• Proposed Neighbourhood Boundaries Adjustments with survey results
• Royal Canadian Legion Permissive Tax Exemption Application for 411 Gorge Road East

The Committee of the Whole voted 7-2 to advance a rezoning and development permit for a six-storey, 137-unit rental building at 110 Menzies Street, 111 Croft Street, and 450-458 Niagara Street, subject to conditions including a $75,000 Housing Reserve Fund contribution and securing rental units for 60 years. An amendment to add 14 three-bedroom units was defeated 4-5. The committee also approved heritage alterations for three Chinatown buildings, maintained Housing Reserve Fund guidelines, and referred several neighbourhood boundary changes to public hearings.

• Advanced rezoning for 137-unit rental building at 110 Menzies St (7-2)
• Defeated amendment to add 14 three-bedroom units (4-5)
• Approved Heritage Alteration Permit for 539-545½ Fisgard St and 16-20 Fan Tan Alley (unanimous)
• Maintained Housing Reserve Fund guidelines, requiring rationale for redeveloping affordable housing (8-1)
• Referred Shelbourne St block to Oaklands neighbourhood for public comment (unanimous)
• Referred 800-block Fort/Blanshard/Quadra to Downtown for public comment (unanimous)
• Recognized Harris Green as district within Downtown (unanimous)
• Referred unified Jubilee neighbourhood resolution for public comment (unanimous)

Council

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider two public hearings: a development variance permit to expand a liquor store at 1609 Fort Street, and a rezoning and heritage application for the Ducks Block (1306-1330 Broad Street, 615-625 Johnson Street, and parts of 622 and 630 Yates Street) to allow a hotel with ground-floor commercial uses and heritage designation. The agenda also includes a request from the Arts on View Society to address Council regarding a performing arts hub. The meeting is held virtually due to COVID-19, with public participation by phone.

• Development variance permit to expand liquor store at 1609 Fort Street
• Rezoning and heritage alteration for Ducks Block hotel project (1306-1330 Broad St, 615-625 Johnson St)
• Heritage designation bylaws for 1314-1324 Broad Street and 615-625 Johnson Street
• Arts on View Society request to address Council on performing arts hub
• Public hearings conducted by phone (778-698-2440, code 1551794#)

Council approved a rezoning and heritage designation for a downtown block at 1306-1330 Broad Street, 615-625 Johnson Street, and parts of 622 and 630 Yates Street, allowing a six-storey hotel with ground-floor commercial uses. The decision also included issuing a Heritage Alteration Permit with variances, reducing parking and bike stalls and increasing building height. The vote was 7-1, with Councillor Isitt opposed. Additionally, Council unanimously approved a development variance permit for 1609 Fort Street to expand a liquor store floor area.

• Approved rezoning and heritage designation for downtown hotel block (7-1)
• Approved Heritage Alteration Permit with variances for hotel project (7-1)
• Approved development variance permit for 1609 Fort Street liquor store expansion (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Approved speakers to address Council (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to act on reports from the Committee of the Whole, including several rezoning and development permit applications, and to consider bylaw readings for housing and heritage projects. The council will also hold a business licence hearing to consider revoking the licence of John Mueller dba I-Tow Group. Several proclamations and routine approvals are on the agenda, along with a closed meeting for confidential matters.

• Business licence revocation hearing for John Mueller dba I-Tow Group
• Rezoning and development permit for 1120-1128 Burdett Avenue (five-storey rental building)
• Rezoning and development permit for 121 Menzies Street (10-unit conversion)
• Heritage tax exemption for 727 Yates Street (Hall Block) for 10 years
• Animal Responsibility Bylaw amendment to remove Gonzales Beach from off-leash areas

Special Committee of the Whole

The Special Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss and provide recommendations on two applications for provincial cannabis retail store licenses, a proposed amendment to the Animal Responsibility Bylaw, and a presentation on homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. The committee will also consider the consent agenda and other routine matters.

• 2622 Douglas Street: Local Government Recommendation for Jima Cannabis (Burnside)
• 1-1725 Cook Street: Local Government Recommendation for Fernwood Green (Fernwood)
• Animal Responsibility Bylaw - Amendments to align with federal regulations in Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary
• Presentation: Homelessness, Addiction and Mental Illness: A Call to Action for BC by Dr. Julian Somers

The Special Committee of the Whole unanimously approved recommendations to support provincial cannabis retail store licenses for Jima Cannabis at 2622 Douglas Street and Fernwood Green at 1-1725 Cook Street, with no concerns raised by city departments. The committee also unanimously directed staff to bring forward bylaw amendments to remove Gonzales Beach from designated off-leash dog areas to align with federal migratory bird sanctuary regulations. A motion to delay forwarding this consideration to the October 7 Council meeting was defeated 1-7.

• Approved recommendation to support Jima Cannabis license at 2622 Douglas Street (unanimous)
• Approved recommendation to support Fernwood Green license at 1-1725 Cook Street (unanimous)
• Directed staff to bring bylaw amendments removing Gonzales Beach from off-leash areas (unanimous)
• Defeated motion to forward off-leash consideration to October 7 Council meeting (1-7)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council meets to act on reports from the Committee of the Whole, including a development permit for 737 Belton Avenue, a rental business licensing bylaw, and the Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan. The agenda also includes a new item on Animal Responsibility Bylaw amendments, pending COTW approval, and correspondence from Langford's mayor about violent offenders.

• Development permit with variances for 737 Belton Avenue (Victoria West)
• Development permit with variances for 235 Russell Street (Victoria West)
• Rental Business Licensing Bylaw
• Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan
• Animal Responsibility Bylaw amendments (new item)

Council voted 6-1 to direct staff to draft a bylaw to fill gaps in provincial renoviction protections, aiming to assist displaced tenants and preserve affordability, and to send the draft to the Renters' Advisory Committee. Council also approved development permits for 737 Belton Avenue and 235 Russell Street with variances, adopted the Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan, and directed removal of Gonzales Beach from off-leash areas. The meeting closed to the public for law enforcement and intergovernmental negotiations.

• Approved agenda, amended to add a closed meeting item on law enforcement and intergovernmental negotiations.
• Adopted minutes from July 15, August 5, and September 9, 2021 evening meetings.
• Received VicPD Q2 Community Safety Report Card for information.
• Authorized Development Permit with Variances for 737 Belton Avenue (Application No. 00162).
• Postponed conference attendance items for Councillors Alto and Young to February 24, 2022.
• Authorized Development Permit with Variances for 235 Russell Street (Application No. 00163).
• Directed staff to draft a renoviction-protection bylaw and send it to the Renters' Advisory Committee (carried 6-1).
• Adopted the Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan and requested Police Board endorsement.

Council

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider two development variance applications, each with a public hearing. The first is for a parking variance at 2316 Howard Street, and the second is for a rental residential building with ground-floor commercial at 610-624 Herald Street and 611-635 Chatham Street. The agenda also includes requests to address council on light pollution and other matters.

• Public hearing on development variance permit No. 00262 for 2316 Howard Street to reduce parking from one stall to nil
• Public hearing on development permit with variances No. 00156 for 610-624 Herald Street and 611-635 Chatham Street for a rental residential building with ground floor commercial
• Motion to adopt Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 21-080 for 610-624 Herald Street and 611-635 Chatham Street
• Request to address council on light pollution from night-time floodlights and Clover Point ease of access
• Request to address council on access to City Engineering (withdrawn)

Council approved a development variance permit for 2316 Howard Street, reducing required parking from one stall to nil. Council also approved a development permit with variances for 610-624 Herald Street and 611-635 Chatham Street, allowing a 4-6 storey rental residential building with ground floor commercial units, with a height variance to 21.1m, and requiring all residential units to be rental for 60 years or the life of the building. The meeting then moved into a closed session to discuss an employee relations matter.

• Approved Development Variance Permit No. 00262 for 2316 Howard Street, reducing parking from one stall to nil (unanimous)
• Adopted Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 21-080 for 610-624 Herald Street and 611-635 Chatham Street (unanimous)
• Approved Development Permit with Variances No. 00156 for 610-624 Herald Street and 611-635 Chatham Street, allowing 4-6 storey rental building with ground floor commercial, height variance to 21.1m, rental units secured for 60 years (unanimous)
• Closed meeting to public under Community Charter Section 90(1)(c) for employee relations discussion (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council meets September 9, 2021, following the Committee of the Whole, to handle routine approvals, proclamations, and reports. The main public item is an update on a rezoning and heritage alteration permit application for properties on Broad, Johnson, and Yates Streets. Council will also consider a motion to apply for a FCM Green Municipal Fund feasibility study, pending COTW approval. The meeting then moves to a closed session for items involving land, security, and employee relations.

• Rezoning Application No. 00699 and Heritage Alteration Permit with Variances Application No. 00018 for 1306-1330 Broad Street, 615-625 Johnson Street and parts of 622 and 630 Yates Street
• Council Member Motion: FCM Green Municipal Fund Application for Municipal Impact Investment Fund Feasibility Study
• Proclamation: National Forest Week, September 19-25, 2021
• Proclamation: Dyslexia Awareness Month, October 2021
• Closed meeting under Community Charter Sections 90(1)(c), (d), and (e) for land, security, and employee relations

Council approved Heritage Alteration Permit Application No. 00018 for 1306-1330 Broad Street, 615-625 Johnson Street and parts of 622 and 630 Yates Street, allowing variances for parking, height, and bicycle stalls. The motion carried 8 to 1, with Councillor Isitt opposed. Council also endorsed a letter of support for a feasibility study on a Municipal Impact Investment Fund and allocated up to $22,500 from the 2021 contingency budget, subject to funding. The meeting then closed to the public to discuss land, security, and employee relations matters.

• Approved agenda and minutes from August 5 and September 2, 2021 meetings unanimously.
• Endorsed proclamations for National Forest Week (Sept 19-25, 2021) and Dyslexia Awareness Month (October 2021).
• Approved letter of support for MaRS Discovery District's FCM Green Municipal Fund application and allocated up to $22,500 for a feasibility study on a Municipal Impact Investment Fund.
• Approved Heritage Alteration Permit with Variances No. 00018 for 1306-1330 Broad Street, 615-625 Johnson Street, and parts of 622 and 630 Yates Street, with variances for parking (34 to 18), height (15m to 18.9m), and bicycle stalls (9 to 0).
• Closed the meeting to the public under Section 90 of the Community Charter to discuss land, security, and employee relations matters.
• Approved closed meeting minutes from August 5 and September 2, 2021.
• Deferred employee relations discussion to the evening closed meeting.
• Adjourned the closed meeting at 5:00 p.m.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing four land-use applications, including a rezoning for a six-storey, 162-unit purpose-built rental building at 1124 Vancouver Street, and a rezoning for a duplex at 137 Robertson Street. The committee will also discuss permissive tax exemptions for non-profits, a natural areas restoration program, and several proclamations. A letter from the Attorney General regarding bail releases is also on the agenda.

• Rezoning and development permit for 1124 Vancouver Street, 941 and 953 View Street: six-storey, ~162-unit rental building
• Rezoning and development permit for 137 Robertson Street: duplex with secondary suites
• Development variance permit for 903 Collinson Street: driveway relocation from Quadra Street to Collinson Street
• Rezoning, OCP amendment, and development permit for 749-767 Douglas Street: density increase to 5.2:1 floor space ratio
• 2022 permissive tax exemptions for non-profit organizations

The Committee of the Whole approved moving forward the rezoning, Official Community Plan amendment, and development permit with variances for 749-767 Douglas Street, including a height increase to 53m and reduced parking, subject to conditions such as public realm improvements and a public hearing. It also approved moving forward the rezoning and development permit for 1124 Vancouver Street and 941/953 View Street for a six-storey rental building, and the rezoning and development permit for 137 Robertson Street for a duplex with secondary suites. Additionally, the committee approved a motion to explore trust-based philanthropy principles in the City's grant process, and approved permissive tax exemptions for 2022, including a full exemption for the Royal Canadian Legion Trafalgar Pro Patria Branch subject to further staff details.

• Approved moving forward the rezoning, OCP amendment, and development permit for 749-767 Douglas Street, with a public hearing and conditions including public realm improvements and a 53m height variance.
• Approved moving forward the rezoning and development permit for 1124 Vancouver Street and 941/953 View Street for a six-storey rental building, with conditions including rental tenure in perpetuity and reduced parking.
• Approved moving forward the rezoning and development permit for 137 Robertson Street for a duplex with secondary suites, with conditions including carshare memberships and reduced parking.
• Approved a motion to explore trust-based philanthropy principles in the City's Strategic Plan Grant process in 2022, with a report back on amendments and implications.
• Approved all permissive property tax exemption applications for 2022, including a full exemption for the Royal Canadian Legion Trafalgar Pro Patria Branch, subject to staff providing more detail on class 6 and 8 portions and 3 years of financial statements.
• Approved the Natural Areas Restoration Program report, adding Banfield Park to the list of parks receiving special attention and guiding the program with traditional land management practices and climate change mitigation.
• Approved a motion to support the MaRS Discovery District's application to the FCM Green Municipal Fund for a feasibility study, and to allocate up to $22,500 from the 2021 contingency budget if funding is received.
• Approved the encroachment agreement for a parkade structure at 1720 Fairfield Road, and forwarded proclamations for Waste Reduction Week, Fire Prevention Week, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Manufacturing Month to the September 23 Council meeting.

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider reports from recent Committee of the Whole meetings, including rezoning applications, a request from BC Housing regarding 953 Balmoral Road, and cycling network projects. The council will also adopt a bylaw amendment to continue current procedures after a provincial order expires, and will close part of the meeting to discuss land, legal, and intergovernmental matters.

• 953 Balmoral Road: BC Housing requests to terminate housing agreement, cancel development permit, discharge legal agreements
• 3150 Somerset Street: rezoning application No. 00763 and development permit No. 000592
• 645 and 655 Tyee Road: rezoning application No. 00749
• AAA Priority Cycling Network: remaining projects and network completion
• Adoption of Council Procedures Bylaw Amendment No. 21-074

Council approved designs for the AAA cycling network (Superior, Montreal, Government Street South, Gorge Road) and directed staff to include costs in the 2022 Financial Plan. It also approved concept designs for Topaz Park improvements, including a skate/bike park and artificial turf field, with accessibility features. Council instructed staff to prepare zoning bylaw amendments for rezoning applications at 3150 Somerset Street and 645/655 Tyee Road, and endorsed an Interim Equity Decision-Making Tool. The meeting closed to the public for land and legal matters.

• Approved agenda and adopted minutes from June 17, July 15, 22, 29, 2021 meetings.
• Approved motion for Mayor to ask SD61 to meet with South Jubilee Neighbourhood Association about Bank School.
• Instructed City Solicitor to prepare bylaw to terminate housing agreement at 953 Balmoral Road and cancel development permit.
• Endorsed Interim Equity Decision-Making Tool (8-1).
• Approved designs for Superior, Montreal, Government Street South, and Gorge Road cycling projects.
• Approved Topaz Park Phase 1 concept designs for skate/bike park and artificial turf field (8-1).
• Instructed staff to prepare zoning bylaw amendments for 3150 Somerset Street and 645/655 Tyee Road.
• Adopted Council Procedures Bylaw Amendment No. 21-074 with amendments.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss and make recommendations on several items, including a rental business licensing bylaw update, a corporate energy and emissions management plan, and two development permit applications with variances in Victoria West. The committee will also receive a presentation on the VicPD Q2 Community Safety Report Card and consider council member motions on animal welfare and a conference request.

• Rental Business Licensing Bylaw update and tenant protection recommendations
• Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan (CEEMP) to meet CLP GHG targets
• Development permit with variances for a new single-family dwelling at 737 Belton Avenue
• Development permit with variances for a four-storey industrial warehouse at 235 Russell Street
• VicPD Q2 Community Safety Report Card presentation

The Committee of the Whole voted to suspend development of a Rental Business Licensing Bylaw due to new provincial tenant protections, and referred the report and draft bylaw to the Renters' Advisory Committee, with staff to report back in 4 months. They also approved a development permit for 737 Belton Avenue and 235 Russell Street, and adopted the Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan. A motion to amend the Animal Responsibility Bylaw regarding animal welfare was defeated.

• Suspended Rental Business Licensing Bylaw development, referred to Renters' Advisory Committee (unanimous)
• Approved Development Permit with Variances for 737 Belton Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved Development Permit with Variances for 235 Russell Street (unanimous)
• Adopted Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan (7-2)
• Approved conference attendance for Councillor Alto and Councillor Young (unanimous)
• Defeated motion to amend Animal Responsibility Bylaw on animal welfare (2-7)
• Received VicPD Q2 Community Safety Report Card for information (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

Victoria's Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss and recommend action on several land-use and infrastructure items. Key items include two rezoning applications, completion of the AAA cycling network, and concept designs for Topaz Park improvements. The committee will also consider proclamations and a police board appointment.

• Rezoning Application No. 00763 for 3150 Somerset Street to demolish a duplex, subdivide, and build two new duplexes
• Rezoning Application No. 00749 for 645 and 655 Tyee Road to remove floor area restrictions for office and retail uses
• Report on completing 3.5 km of AAA cycling network infrastructure in James Bay and final projects on Gorge Road and Pandora Avenue East
• Concept designs for Topaz Park skate/bike parks and artificial turf sport field replacement
• Council Member Motion to appoint a candidate to the Victoria/Esquimalt Police Board

The Committee of the Whole approved concept designs for Phase 1 improvements to Topaz Park, including a skate and bike park and an artificial turf sport field replacement, with conditions to minimize light pollution and enhance accessibility. It also advanced rezoning applications for 645/655 Tyee Road and 3150 Somerset Street, and approved designs for the AAA cycling network. All decisions were carried unanimously except where noted.

• Approved Topaz Park Phase 1 concept designs for skate/bike park and artificial turf field (8-1 on turf field)
• Advanced rezoning application for 645/655 Tyee Road to public hearing (unanimous)
• Advanced rezoning and development permit for 3150 Somerset Street to public hearing (unanimous)
• Approved AAA cycling network designs for Superior, Montreal, Government St South, and Gorge Road (unanimous)
• Directed staff to include food and pollinator initiatives in 2022 Financial Plan (unanimous)
• Approved encroachment agreement for 247-271 Cook Street (unanimous)
• Forwarded proclamations for Overdose Awareness Day and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (unanimous)
• Directed staff to begin selection for Victoria/Esquimalt Police Board appointee (unanimous)

Council

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider three rezoning applications, including a cannabis retailer on Simcoe Street, public docks at Gorge Waterway Park, and a mixed-use redevelopment on Wharf Street. The council will also receive correspondence from other municipalities and the provincial government, and will close the meeting to discuss personnel and land matters.

• Public hearing for rezoning at 425-475 Simcoe Street to allow a storefront cannabis retailer (Bylaw No. 21-073)
• Public hearing for rezoning at Gorge Waterway Park to allow public docks and expand the swim dock (Bylaw No. 21-072)
• Deliberation on rezoning and heritage alteration permit for 1314 and 1318 Wharf Street, including a housing agreement (Bylaws No. 21-061 and 21-062)
• Closed meeting for items under Section 90 of the Community Charter, including land and employee relations
• Correspondence from the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Resort Municipality of Whistler, City of Langley, and Greater Victoria School District

Council approved a rezoning and heritage alteration permit for 1314 and 1318 Wharf Street, allowing increased density and height, in a 5-4 vote. Council also unanimously approved rezoning for a cannabis retailer at 425-475 Simcoe Street and for public docks at Gorge Waterway Park. The meeting closed with several items discussed in a closed session.

• Approved rezoning and heritage alteration permit for 1314 and 1318 Wharf Street (5-4)
• Adopted Zoning Regulation Bylaw No. 21-061 for 1314 and 1318 Wharf Street (5-4)
• Adopted Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 21-062 for 1314 and 1318 Wharf Street (unanimous)
• Directed staff to amend Heritage Designation Bylaw for Fraser Warehouse interior wall (unanimous)
• Adopted rezoning for cannabis retailer at 425-475 Simcoe Street (unanimous)
• Adopted rezoning for public docks at Gorge Waterway Park (unanimous)
• Received correspondence from various bodies (unanimous)
• Closed meeting to discuss personnel, land, and employee relations matters (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider several bylaws and reports, including rezoning and housing agreements for multiple properties, heritage designations, and solid waste amendments. The agenda also includes proclamations, correspondence, and a closed meeting for personnel and land matters.

• Rezoning and OCP amendment for 903, 911, 1045 Yates, 910 View, and 1205 Quadra (Harris Green)
• Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 21-080 for 610-624 Herald and 611-635 Chatham (rental building with ground-floor commercial)
• Zoning and heritage bylaws for 1306-1330 Broad, 615-625 Johnson, and parts of 622/630 Yates (hotel and heritage rehabilitation)
• Adoption of Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 21-060 for 11 Chown Place (affordable multi-unit residential)
• Adoption of Solid Waste Bylaw Amendment No. 21-063 (comingled organics collection)

Council approved moving forward with a large rezoning and OCP amendment for properties on Yates, View, and Quadra streets, including the London Drugs site, subject to conditions like 15% affordable units, more 2-3 bedroom units, a public plaza, and childcare space. The related development permit for 1045 Yates was approved 5-4. Council also approved fee increases for pre-application consultations, directed staff on missing middle housing changes, and adopted several bylaws.

• Approved rezoning and OCP amendment for 903, 911, 1045 Yates, 910 View, 1205 Quadra with conditions (5-4 for development permit)
• Approved development permit with variances for 1045 Yates (London Drugs) (5-4)
• Approved pre-application consultation fee increases ($750 to $800 for rezoning, $1250 to $2400 for OCP)
• Approved missing middle housing OCP amendments and consultation (5-4)
• Adopted Housing Agreement Bylaw for 610-624 Herald and 611-635 Chatham (unanimous)
• Gave first and second readings to zoning and heritage bylaws for 1306-1330 Broad, 615-625 Johnson, 622/630 Yates (5-4)
• Adopted Solid Waste Bylaw amendment for curbside comingled organics (7-2)
• Referred solid waste collection for James Bay Child Care Society to staff (7-2)

Council

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider several bylaws and reports, including public hearings on a cannabis retailer rezoning at 546 and 566-568 Yates Street and a heritage redevelopment at 1314 and 1318 Wharf Street. The council will also give readings to a housing agreement for 11 Chown Place, adopt a solid waste bylaw amendment for curbside organics collection, and discuss a motion to resume solid waste collection for the James Bay Child Care Society. Proclamations and correspondence on the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary and rodenticide use are also on the agenda.

• Public hearing: Rezoning to allow storefront cannabis retailer at 566-568 Yates St, remove from 546 Yates St (Bylaw 21-071)
• Public hearing: Heritage redevelopment at 1314-1318 Wharf St, including housing agreement (Bylaws 21-061, 21-062)
• 1st, 2nd, 3rd readings: Housing Agreement Bylaw 21-060 for 11 Chown Place (4-storey affordable residential)
• Adoption: Solid Waste Bylaw Amendment 21-063 for curbside comingled organics collection
• Motion: Solid waste bylaw amendment to resume collection for James Bay Child Care Society

Council gave third reading and adopted Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 21-071, permitting a storefront cannabis retailer at 566-568 Yates Street and removing that use at 546 Yates Street, by a 7-2 vote. The public hearing for the 1314 and 1318 Wharf Street rezoning and heritage alteration permit was adjourned and will continue on August 5, 2021. Council also endorsed several proclamations and directed staff to review the Animal Control Bylaw regarding migratory bird sanctuary concerns.

• Adopted Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 21-071 for cannabis retailer at 566-568 Yates St (7-2)
• Adjourned public hearing for 1314 & 1318 Wharf St rezoning and heritage permit; continued to Aug 5
• Approved development variance permit for 931 Redfern St (unanimous)
• Recognized Aug 1, 2021 as Emancipation Day (unanimous)
• Directed Mayor to write to federal government to make Emancipation Day a national holiday (7-2)
• Gave first, second, third readings to Housing Agreement Bylaw for 11 Chown Place (unanimous)
• Directed staff to review Animal Control Bylaw re: Canadian Wildlife Service concerns (unanimous)
• Endorsed proclamations for Give a Shot Month, PKD Awareness Day, Wrongful Conviction Day, Peru Independence Day (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

This Victoria City Council meeting is largely a closed session under Section 90 of the Community Charter, covering personnel, legal, land, labour, and negotiation matters. In open session, Council will consider first, second, and third readings of a housing agreement bylaw for 11 Chown Place, adopt a solid waste bylaw amendment for curbside organics collection, and hear a motion to resume waste collection for the James Bay Child Care Society. Several proclamations and reports from the Committee of the Whole are also on the agenda.

• Closed meeting under Section 90 for personnel, legal, land, labour, law enforcement, and negotiations
• Housing Agreement (11 Chown Place) Bylaw No. 21-060 — first, second, third readings for a four-storey affordable housing building
• Solid Waste Bylaw Amendment No. 21-063 — adoption to enable comingled organics collection
• Council motion to resume solid waste collection for James Bay Child Care Society
• Proclamations: Give a Shot Month, Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Day, Wrongful Conviction Day, Peru Bicentennial

The July 29, 2021 daytime Council meeting was largely procedural. Council approved the agenda, then unanimously moved into a closed meeting under the Community Charter, citing multiple exemptions including personnel, land, legal, and labour matters. All open meeting items were referred to the evening Council session, and one item (G.8) was deferred to August 5, 2021. No substantive public decisions were made during this daytime session.

• Agenda approved unanimously
• Closed meeting authorized under Community Charter Section 90 (unanimous)
• Closed meeting minutes from July 8, 2021 adopted (unanimous)
• Closed COTW minutes from July 8, 2021 adopted (unanimous)
• Item G.8 referred to August 5, 2021 evening Council meeting
• All open meeting items referred to July 29, 2021 evening Council meeting
• Meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss and potentially decide on several items, including a request from BC Housing to terminate a housing agreement and discharge legal agreements at 953 Balmoral Road, and a report on the Missing Middle Housing Initiative proposing zoning approaches. The committee will also consider an interim equity decision-making tool, a council procedure bylaw amendment, and several council member motions. Public attendance is not permitted due to COVID-19; the meeting can be viewed via webcast.

• BC Housing request to terminate housing agreement and cancel development permit at 953 Balmoral Road
• Missing Middle Housing Initiative report on zoning approaches and OCP amendments
• Interim Equity Decision-Making Tool report
• Council Procedure Bylaw amendment related to Bill 10
• Council member motions: gate for Ross Bay Cemetery, Emancipation Day, Bank Street School

The Committee of the Whole approved a motion directing staff to prepare Official Community Plan amendments to support missing middle housing, including expanding Development Permit Area 15F, increasing height policies to three storeys, and supporting a 1.1:1 FSR, with consultation and a report back. It also defeated a motion to terminate the housing agreement at 953 Balmoral Road, but approved an alternate motion to bring forward a bylaw authorizing termination, discharge car share covenants, cancel a development permit, and secure a statutory right-of-way. The committee endorsed an interim equity decision-making tool and forwarded several items to the next Council meeting.

• Approved missing middle housing OCP amendment direction (5-4)
• Defeated motion to terminate 953 Balmoral housing agreement (8-1)
• Approved alternate motion to bring forward bylaw to terminate housing agreement (8-1)
• Endorsed Interim Equity Decision-Making Tool (unanimous)
• Approved Council Procedure Bylaw Amendment 21-074 (unanimous)
• Approved proclamation for Peru Independence Day (unanimous)
• Approved motion for Mayor to ask SD61 to meet with South Jubilee Neighbourhood Association (unanimous)
• Approved Emancipation Day proclamation and letter to Government of Canada (7-2)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider a report back and Council Member Motion regarding opening roads in Beacon Hill Park, referred from the July 15, 2021 meeting. The council will also review reports from the Committee of the Whole, including items on funding for the Kings Road Community Nature Green Space, a heritage alteration permit for 1012 Richardson Street, a development permit for 1609 Fort Street, making the street patio policy permanent, and strategic plan and budget motions. The agenda includes first, second, and third readings of a bylaw to amend the Solid Waste Bylaw for curbside comingled organics collection, and first and second readings of a rezoning bylaw for 425 Simcoe Street to allow a storefront cannabis retailer. The meeting will also move into a closed session to discuss items related to land, legal advice, and employee relations.

• Report back and Council Member Motion on opening roads in Beacon Hill Park
• Council Member Motion for funding to protect Kings Road Community Nature Green Space
• Heritage Alteration Permit with Variances for 1012 Richardson Street (Fairfield)
• Development Permit with Variance for 1609 Fort Street (South Jubilee)
• Bylaw 21-063: Solid Waste Bylaw amendments for curbside comingled organics collection

Council approved a $250,000 donation to Saanich for the Kings Road Community Nature Sanctuary, subject to conditions including Oak Bay's contribution and a covenant for perpetual green space. They also directed staff to reopen Bridge Way in Beacon Hill Park and to work on accessibility. Several development permits and bylaw readings were approved, and a motion to make the street patio policy permanent was carried.

• Approved $250,000 donation to Saanich for Kings Road green space (unanimous)
• Directed reopening of Bridge Way in Beacon Hill Park (7-2)
• Approved heritage alteration permit for 1012 Richardson Street (unanimous)
• Approved development permit for 1609 Fort Street (unanimous)
• Made street patio policy permanent (unanimous)
• Approved amendments to Strategic Plan (unanimous)
• Authorized agreement with Island Health for COVID-19 vaccination support (unanimous)
• Gave first, second, third readings to Solid Waste Bylaw amendment (7-2)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss and provide direction on several items, including the first phase of Village and Corridor Planning for the Hillside-Quadra, North Park, and Fernwood neighbourhoods, and the Victoria Police Department's 2022 budget consultation. The committee will also consider reports on pre-application community consultation processes and fees, an agreement with Island Health for firefighters to administer COVID-19 vaccinations, and a report on homelessness. Land use matters include update reports on a development variance permit and heritage designation for 121 Menzies Street, and a heritage alteration permit for 440-450 Swift Street.

• Village and Corridor Planning Phase 1 summary and draft directions for Hillside-Quadra, North Park, and Fernwood neighbourhoods
• VicPD 2022 budget consultation report
• Report on homelessness and recommendations from the Homeless Advocate
• Heritage Alteration Permit for 440-450 Swift Street to add a covered structure, seating, and bocce courts
• Proposed increase to pre-application community consultation fees

The Committee of the Whole endorsed the Homeless Advocate's report and its recommendations, including considering a full-time staff position and equitable funding for the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness in the 2022 budget. It also directed staff to report back with legal advice on amending the Official Community Plan to recognize 'housing is a human right' as a guiding value. The committee approved fee increases for pre-application community consultation, an agreement with Island Health for firefighters to administer COVID-19 vaccinations, and a letter to the Pacheedaht First Nation. It also directed staff to prepare draft neighbourhood plans for the Village and Corridor Planning process and approved a development variance permit and heritage designation for 121 Menzies Street, as well as a heritage alteration permit for 440-450 Swift Street.

• Endorsed Homeless Advocate report and recommendations (unanimous)
• Directed staff to report back with legal advice on OCP amendment recognizing 'housing is a human right' (7-1)
• Approved pre-application fee increases: rezoning $750 to $800, OCP $1250 to $2400 (unanimous)
• Authorized agreement with Island Health for firefighters to administer COVID-19 vaccinations (unanimous)
• Approved letter to Pacheedaht First Nation acknowledging right to govern own assets (unanimous)
• Directed staff to prepare draft neighbourhood plans for Village and Corridor Planning (6-3)
• Authorized Development Permit with Variance for 121 Menzies Street (unanimous)
• Approved Heritage Alteration Permit for 440-450 Swift Street (7-2)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing several land-use applications, including a major rezoning for a multi-phase mixed-use development near Yates and Quadra streets, a rezoning to expand the Gorge Waterway swim dock, and a development variance at 931 Redfern Street. They will also discuss Village and Corridor Planning directions for three neighbourhoods and a motion to open roads in Beacon Hill Park.

• Rezoning App. No. 00730 for 903, 911 & 1045 Yates, 910 View and 1205 Quadra for mixed-use development with rental housing, commercial, daycare, and office uses
• Development Permit with Variances App. No. 00150 for 1045 Yates (London Drugs)
• Rezoning App. No. 00785 for Gorge Waterway Park to allow public docks, wharfs, and piers for swim dock expansion
• Development Variance Permit App. No. 00265 for 931 Redfern Street
• Council Member Motion: Opening Roads in Beacon Hill Park

The Committee of the Whole approved a motion to advance the rezoning and development permit for the 900-block Yates Street project, subject to conditions including 15% affordable units, more 2-3 bedroom units, a park-like plaza, 5% accessible units, and 450 sq m for childcare. The motion passed 5-4. The committee also approved consent agenda items, including a rezoning for Gorge Waterway Park and a development variance for 931 Redfern Street, and referred a motion on Beacon Hill Park roads to the July 15 Council meeting.

• Approved advancing Rezoning Application No. 00730 for 903, 911 & 1045 Yates, 910 View, and 1205 Quadra with conditions (15% affordable units, more 2-3 bedroom units, park-like plaza, 5% accessible units, 450 sq m childcare) (5-4).
• Approved first and second reading of Zoning Regulation Bylaw Amendment for Gorge Waterway Park rezoning (No. 00785) and set a public hearing for August 5, 2021.
• Approved Development Variance Permit Application No. 00265 for 931 Redfern Street, allowing reduced setbacks.
• Approved forwarding the Give a Shot Month proclamation to the July 29, 2021 Council meeting.
• Referred Village and Corridor Planning Phase 1 summary to the July 22, 2021 COTW meeting.
• Referred a motion to open roads in Beacon Hill Park to the July 15, 2021 Council meeting.
• Defeated a motion to refer the Yates Street application to staff for revisions to achieve greater OCP consistency (5-4).
• Defeated an amendment to reduce heights of towers C, D, and E (3-6).

Council (to follow COTW)

The Council is considering several bylaws related to property redevelopment and zoning amendments. Items include a tax exemption for the Hall Block heritage building and changes to land use notification requirements.

• Rezoning and housing agreement for 1314-1318 & 1324 Wharf St
• Cannabis retailer use changes at 546 and 566-568 Yates St
• Zoning amendment for public docks, wharfs, and piers at Gorge Waterway Park
• 10-year partial property tax exemption for 727 Yates Street (Hall Block)
• Amendment to Land Use Procedures Bylaw regarding development application signs

The Victoria City Council approved its agenda with an amendment to move all open items to the evening meeting, and then unanimously closed the daytime meeting to the public under Section 90 of the Community Charter for reasons including labour relations, land matters, and legal advice. The closed meeting agenda was approved with items M.2, M.3, and M.4 deferred to the July 22 closed meeting. The council discussed a legal matter (M.1) confidentially, and adjourned at 4:54 p.m.

• Approved the agenda as amended, moving all open items to the evening meeting (carried unanimously).
• Closed the meeting to the public under Section 90(1)(c), (e), and (i) (carried unanimously).
• Approved the closed meeting agenda as amended, deferring items M.2, M.3, and M.4 to July 22 (carried unanimously).
• Discussed legal advice under Section 90(1)(i), recorded confidentially.
• Adjourned the meeting at 4:54 p.m. (carried unanimously).

Council

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider development permits, rezoning applications, and several bylaws. Public hearings will be held for three development applications, including a six-storey residential building at 701 Tyee Road, a variance for 1250 Dallas Road, and a mixed-use building at Cook and Pendergast Streets. Council will also give readings to bylaws for rezonings at Wharf Street, Yates Street, and Gorge Waterway Park, and consider a tax exemption for the heritage Hall Block at 727 Yates Street.

• Development permit with variances for 38 dwelling units at 701 Tyee Road (Railyards final phase)
• Development variance permit for additional floor area at 1250 Dallas Road
• Rezoning and development permit for four-storey mixed-use building at 324/328 Cook Street and Pendergast Street
• Rezoning and heritage alteration permit for 1314-1318 & 1324 Wharf Street (Northern Junk)
• Tax exemption for 10 years for heritage building at 727 Yates Street (Hall Block)

Council unanimously approved a development permit with variances for a six-storey, 38-unit residential building at 701 Tyee Road, the final phase of the Railyards development, and adopted the associated housing agreement bylaw. A separate development variance permit for 1250 Dallas Road was approved 7-2, allowing a garage expansion with height and parking variances. Council also gave third reading to a rezoning for a four-storey mixed-use building at 324/328 Cook Street and Pendergast Street, and approved first and second readings for several other rezoning and housing bylaws.

• Approved Development Permit with Variances No. 00080 for 701 Tyee Road (six-storey, 38-unit building) unanimously.
• Adopted Housing Agreement (701 Tyee Road) Bylaw No. 19-052 unanimously.
• Approved Development Variance Permit No. 00254 for 1250 Dallas Road (garage expansion) 7-2.
• Gave third reading to Zoning Regulation Bylaw Amendment No. 20-081 for 324/328 Cook Street and Pendergast Street rezoning (5-3).
• Adopted Housing Agreement (324 Cook Street) Bylaw No. 20-082 (5-3).
• Approved Development Permit with Variance No. 000527 for 324/328 Cook Street and Pendergast Street (5-3).
• Gave first and second readings to Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 21-061 for 1314-1318 & 1324 Wharf Street (Northern Junk) rezoning (5-4).
• Gave first and second readings to Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 21-071 for 546 Yates Street and 566-568 Yates Street (8-1).

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council meets to handle routine approvals, reports from Committee of the Whole, and several bylaw matters. Key items include amending the Land Use Procedures Bylaw regarding pre-application community consultation during COVID-19, adopting a Parks Regulation Bylaw amendment, and receiving report-backs on short-term rental appeals for 1044 Belmont Avenue and 906 Fairfield Road. The meeting also includes a closed session for legal, labour, and intergovernmental matters.

• Land Use Procedures Bylaw Amendment No. 21-055: rescind and re-give third reading as amended
• Parks Regulation Bylaw Amendment No. 21-068: adoption
• Report back on STR appeal for 1044 Belmont Avenue
• Report back on STR appeal for 906 Fairfield Road
• Appointment of two Bylaw Officers (pending COTW approval)

Council authorized a development variance permit for 2316 Howard Street, reducing required parking from one stall to nil. They also approved a $9,985.22 grant to the North Park Neighbourhood Association for events at Royal Athletic Park, and upheld denials of short-term rental business licenses for 1044 Belmont Avenue and 906 Fairfield Road. Additionally, they gave third reading to an amended Land Use Procedures Bylaw and adopted a Parks Regulation Bylaw amendment.

• Approved Development Variance Permit Application No. 00262 for 2316 Howard Street, reducing parking from one stall to nil.
• Awarded a $9,985.22 grant to the North Park Neighbourhood Association for programs at Royal Athletic Park.
• Upheld the License Inspector's denial of a business license for the short-term rental at 1044 Belmont Avenue.
• Upheld the License Inspector's denial of a business license for the short-term rental at 906 Fairfield Road.
• Gave third reading to Land Use Procedures Bylaw, Amendment Bylaw (No.13) No. 21-055, as amended.
• Adopted Parks Regulation Bylaw, Amendment Bylaw (No. 16) No. 21-068 (5-2 vote).
• Approved the project plan for the Central Library Feasibility Study.
• Approved appointments of Sonya Chohan and Cheryl Smith as Bylaw Officers and Business Licence Inspectors.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss several land-use applications, including a heritage alteration at 1012 Richardson Street and a development permit with variances at 1609 Fort Street to expand a liquor store. Council members will also consider motions on funding for the Kings Road Community Nature Green Space and making Victoria's street patio policy permanent. The agenda includes routine items such as minutes approval, bylaw officer appointments, and proclamations.

• Heritage Alteration Permit with Variances for 1012 Richardson Street
• Development Permit with Variance for 1609 Fort Street to expand liquor store floor area
• Council Member Motion on funding for Kings Road Community Nature Green Space
• Council Member Motion to make permanent Victoria's Street Patio Policy, starting with 1300 block Gladstone Avenue
• Appointment of two Bylaw Officers (Sonya Chohan and Cheryl Smith)

The Committee of the Whole unanimously approved a $250,000 donation to Saanich for the preservation of the Kings Road Community Nature Sanctuary, subject to conditions including Oak Bay contributing at least $60,000 and a covenant ensuring the land remains green space in perpetuity. It also approved a motion to consider an additional donation of up to $150,000 in the 2022 budget. The committee also unanimously approved heritage and development permits for 1012 Richardson Street and 1609 Fort Street, and directed staff to develop processes for permanent street patio closures, starting with the 1300 block of Gladstone Avenue.

• Approved $250,000 donation to Saanich for Kings Road green space (unanimous)
• Approved motion to consider up to $150,000 additional donation in 2022 budget (unanimous)
• Approved Heritage Alteration Permit with Variances for 1012 Richardson Street (unanimous)
• Approved Development Permit with Variance for 1609 Fort Street (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Sonya Chohan as Bylaw Officer and Business Licence Inspector (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Cheryl Smith as Bylaw Officer and Business Licence Inspector (unanimous)
• Directed staff to develop processes for permanent street patio closures, starting with 1300 block Gladstone (unanimous)
• Approved moving several 2021 Strategic Plan items to 2023 or 'ongoing' status (various votes)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss several staff reports, including future housing needs and gaps in Official Community Plan capacity, an update on the 2022 draft budget, and a project plan for a Central Library feasibility study. They will also consider funding requests for Bastion Square improvements and for the North Park Neighbourhood Association's use of Royal Athletic Park, plus an update on Functional Zero Homelessness.

• Future Housing Needs and Gaps in Official Community Plan Capacity report
• 2022 Draft Budget Update seeking direction on mitigation strategies
• Bastion Square 2021 Project Funding request from BSRA
• North Park Neighbourhood Association funding request for use of Royal Athletic Park
• Project Plan for Central Library Feasibility Study

The Committee of the Whole approved several items, including a report on future housing needs and gaps in Official Community Plan capacity, directing staff to update village and corridor planning phases and report on the Douglas Street Corridor. They also directed staff to develop a draft 2022 Financial Plan with mitigation strategies to lower tax increases, and approved a $9,985.22 grant to the North Park Neighbourhood Association for Royal Athletic Park programs. Additionally, they approved the Central Library Feasibility Study project plan and endorsed Councillor Dubow's application to the FCM Anti-racism and Equity Committee.

• Approved housing needs report and directed updates to village/corridor planning phases (unanimous)
• Directed staff to develop draft 2022 Financial Plan with mitigation strategies (unanimous)
• Approved $9,985.22 grant to North Park Neighbourhood Association for Royal Athletic Park (unanimous)
• Approved Central Library Feasibility Study project plan (unanimous)
• Endorsed Councillor Dubow's application to FCM Anti-racism and Equity Committee (unanimous)
• Approved $93,000 release from Bastion Square Market Fund to BSRA (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes from May 20 and June 10, 2021 meetings (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider several items, including rezoning applications, bylaw amendments, and reports from committee. Key decisions include a proposed temporary ban on sheltering in Beacon Hill Park, a bylaw to require development application signs, and adoption of a rezoning for properties on Fort and Linden Streets. The meeting also includes a closed session for matters related to employee relations, land, and intergovernmental negotiations.

• Rezoning Application No.00773 for 425-475 Simcoe Street (James Bay)
• Bylaw No. 21-055: Land Use Procedures Bylaw amendment to require development application signs and allow electronic community meetings during COVID-19
• Bylaw No. 21-068: Parks Regulation Bylaw amendment to temporarily prohibit sheltering in Beacon Hill Park
• Adoption of Zoning Bylaw No. 21-043 for 1177-1185 Fort Street and 1043-1045 Linden Avenue
• Bastion Square 2021 Project Funding (pending COTW approval)

Council unanimously directed staff to prepare a zoning bylaw amendment for the 425-475 Simcoe Street development, setting first and second readings and a public hearing. It also approved the External Grant Review Committee's Strategic Plan grant allocations and related process improvements, and gave first, second, and third readings to amendments to the Land Use Procedures Bylaw and Parks Regulation Bylaw (the latter passed 5-2). Additionally, Council adopted a rezoning bylaw for 1177-1185 Fort Street and 1043-1045 Linden Avenue, and authorized $93,000 from the Bastion Square Market Fund for 2021 improvements.

• Approved staff direction to prepare a zoning bylaw amendment for 425-475 Simcoe Street, with first and second readings and a public hearing set.
• Approved the External Grant Review Committee's Strategic Plan grant allocations and adopted recommendations to improve the application form.
• Directed staff to report back on grant analysis, equity metrics, funding, and a grant cap for the Strategic Plan program.
• Directed staff to report on renaming Trutch Street to Truth Street, including assistance for affected households.
• Directed staff to report on improving accessibility in Beacon Hill Park for people with mobility impairments.
• Authorized release of $93,000 from the Bastion Square Market Fund to the BSRA for 2021 improvement projects.
• Endorsed Councillor Dubow's application to the FCM Anti-racism and Equity Committee and agreed to cover costs if successful.
• Gave first, second, and third readings to Land Use Procedures Bylaw Amendment No. 21-055 and Parks Regulation Bylaw Amendment No. 21-068 (the latter passed 5-2).

Council

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider several rezoning and development permit applications, including new residential buildings on Richmond Road and Fifth Street, changes to a Fort Street development, and a classroom building on Vancouver Street. Council will also vote on approving the 2020 Annual Report and may reconsider a previously declined 32-unit rental building at 1475 Fort Street. Public hearings will be held virtually due to COVID-19.

• 2020 Annual Report approval
• Rezoning and housing agreement for 2440 and 2448 Richmond Road (two 3-storey multi-unit buildings)
• Rezoning and housing agreement for 2740 and 2742 Fifth Street (new single-family dwelling)
• Development permit with variance for 819-823 and 825/827 Fort Street (parking variance)
• Development permit with variance for 900-912 Vancouver Street and 930-990 Burdett Avenue (classroom building)

Council approved the rezoning of 2440 and 2448 Richmond Road to allow two three-storey multi-unit residential buildings, adopting the zoning bylaw and housing agreement, and issuing a development permit with variances for parking and setbacks. They also approved a rezoning and development variance permit for 2740 and 2742 Fifth Street to allow a new single-family dwelling, and issued development permits with variances for properties on Fort Street and Vancouver Street/Burdett Avenue. Additionally, Council referred a proposal for 1475 Fort Street back to staff to reduce the building footprint and retain trees.

• Approved 2020 Annual Report
• Adopted Zoning Regulation Bylaw No. 21-023 and Housing Agreement No. 21-024 for 2440 and 2448 Richmond Road
• Authorized Development Permit with Variances for 2440 and 2448 Richmond Road
• Adopted Zoning Regulation Bylaw No. 21-058 and Housing Agreement No. 21-059 for 2740 and 2742 Fifth Street
• Authorized Development Variance Permit for 2740 and 2742 Fifth Street
• Authorized Development Permit with Variance for 819-827 Fort Street
• Authorized Development Permit with Variance for 900-912 Vancouver Street and 930-990 Burdett Avenue
• Referred 1475 Fort Street proposal back to staff to reduce footprint and retain trees

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss several items, including a development variance permit for 2316 Howard Street, a report on options for processing kitchen scraps, and two council member motions for UBCM resolutions. The agenda also includes the T1 2021 accountability report covering the period January 1 to April 30, 2021, and a proclamation for International Medical Cannabis Day.

• Development variance permit for 2316 Howard Street to reduce required parking from one stall to nil
• Report on options for processing kitchen scraps originating in Victoria
• Proclamation for International Medical Cannabis Day, June 11, 2021
• Motion to endorse UBCM resolution on provincial support for TRC, MMIWG2S, and UNDRIP recommendations
• Motion to endorse UBCM resolution on inclusion of allied health workers to combat the opioid crisis

The Committee of the Whole unanimously endorsed two resolutions for forwarding to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM): one calling for expanded provincial funding for allied health workers to combat the opioid crisis, and another urging provincial support for implementing TRC, MMIWG2S, and UNDRIP recommendations. It also approved a development variance permit for 2316 Howard Street, reducing required parking from one stall to nil, and directed staff to report on several 2022 budget items, including a downtown play feature, anti-racism training, and an internship program for under-represented populations.

• Approved agenda with amendments, including adding a proclamation for International Medical Cannabis Day and a UBCM resolution on allied health workers.
• Endorsed UBCM resolution on allied health workers and directed staff to forward it to UBCM and member governments.
• Endorsed UBCM resolution on provincial support for TRC, MMIWG2S, and UNDRIP recommendations.
• Authorized issuance of Development Variance Permit No. 00262 for 2316 Howard Street, reducing parking from one stall to nil.
• Directed staff to report back on 2022 budget options for a downtown play feature.
• Directed staff to report on 2022 budget implications for anti-racism training for all city staff.
• Directed staff to report on 2022 budget implications for an internship program for under-represented populations.
• Directed staff to continue hauling kitchen scraps to existing composting facilities and monitor regional organics processing opportunities.

Council (to follow COTW)

Council voted 7-2 to reconsider its May 27 decision on the public hearing for 1250 Dallas Road and reschedule a new hearing. The motion was carried, with Councillors Thornton-Joe and Young opposed. Council also approved a $305,000 grant from the Victoria Housing Reserve Fund to Kiwanis Village Society for a 78-unit seniors housing project at 1419 Mallek Crescent, and directed staff to amend the Parks Regulation Bylaw to prohibit overnight sheltering in Beacon Hill Park for two years.

• Approved reconsideration of the public hearing for 1250 Dallas Road and rescheduling a new hearing (7-2).
• Approved a $305,000 grant to Kiwanis Village Society for a 78-unit seniors housing project at 1419 Mallek Crescent, with conditions including 60-year rental commitment.
• Directed staff to bring forward amendments to the Parks Regulation Bylaw to prohibit overnight sheltering in Beacon Hill Park for two years (5-2).
• Referred the 931 McClure Street rezoning and development permit application back to staff for technical review.
• Authorized consideration of a development permit for 610-624 Herald Street and 611-635 Chatham Street, subject to rental housing agreements and other conditions.
• Authorized consideration of a development permit for 701 Tyee Road, subject to a housing agreement ensuring no rental restrictions.
• Endorsed a UBCM resolution on provincial support for TRC, MMIWG2S, and UNDRIP implementation.
• Endorsed a UBCM resolution on including allied health workers to combat the opioid crisis.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a rezoning application for a cannabis retailer at 425-475 Simcoe Street. Members are also discussing motions regarding Trutch Street naming, mobility access in Beacon Hill Park, and Canada Day celebrations.

• Rezoning Application No. 00773 for 425-475 Simcoe Street to include a storefront cannabis retailer
• Motion to report on the implications of changing the name of Trutch Street
• Motion regarding access to essential facilities for those with mobility disabilities in Beacon Hill Park
• Motion regarding a rethink of traditional Canada Day celebrations for 2021
• External Grant Review Committee report on Strategic Plan grant applications

The Committee of the Whole unanimously approved a motion to prepare a zoning bylaw amendment for 425-475 Simcoe Street, allowing a storefront cannabis retailer in the James Bay area. It also approved the External Grant Review Committee's recommendations for Strategic Plan grant awards, with one councillor opposed, and directed staff to report on renaming Trutch Street to Truth Street, improving Beacon Hill Park accessibility, and rethinking Canada Day 2021.

• Approved preparing a zoning bylaw amendment for 425-475 Simcoe Street to allow a storefront cannabis retailer (unanimous).
• Approved the External Grant Review Committee's grant award recommendations for the Strategic Plan Grant program (6 to 1).
• Adopted recommendations to improve the Strategic Plan Grant application form (unanimous).
• Directed staff to report on Trutch Street renaming to Truth Street, including cost offset assistance for affected households (unanimous).
• Directed staff to report on improving access to Beacon Hill Park facilities for those with mobility impairments (unanimous).
• Directed staff to put on hold conventional Canada Day plans and explore an educational broadcast by September 6, 2021 (unanimous).
• Directed staff to report on grant metrics, funding sources, and an Indigenous seat on the grant committee (unanimous).
• Forwarded a notice of motion to endorse a UBCM resolution on reconciliation and Indigenous rights (unanimous).

Council

Council approved a rezoning and development permit for 415 and 435 Michigan Street, allowing a four-storey, 24-unit multiple dwelling while retaining two existing rental buildings. The housing agreement was also adopted. A separate development permit for 1475 Fort Street was defeated after a motion to refer it back to staff failed.

• Approved Development Variance Permit No. 00264 for 1210 Topaz Avenue (Sikh Temple expansion) with variances for setbacks and parking, carried unanimously.
• Gave third reading to Zoning Regulation Bylaw Amendment No. 21-043 for 1177-1185 Fort Street and 1043-1045 Linden Avenue, rezoning to C1-FH2, carried unanimously.
• Gave third reading to Zoning Regulation Bylaw Amendment No. 21-044 for 415 and 435 Michigan Street, rezoning to R-102, carried 6 to 1.
• Adopted Zoning Regulation Bylaw Amendment No. 21-044 for 415 and 435 Michigan Street, carried 6 to 1.
• Adopted Housing Agreement No. 21-045 for 415 and 435 Michigan Street, carried unanimously.
• Authorized Development Permit with Variances No. 00055 for 415 and 435 Michigan Street, carried 6 to 1.
• Defeated a motion to refer the 1475 Fort Street development permit back to staff for revisions, 4 to 5.
• Defeated the main motion to authorize Development Permit with Variance No. 00120 for 1475 Fort Street, 4 to 5.

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider several rezoning and housing agreement bylaws for properties on Richmond Road, Fifth Street, and Washington Avenue, along with reports from the Committee of the Whole. The council will also review proclamations, correspondence, and hold a closed meeting for legal and employee relations matters.

• Rezoning and housing agreement for 2440 and 2448 Richmond Road (Bylaws 21-023, 21-024) for two three-storey multi-unit buildings
• Rezoning and housing agreement for 2740 and 2742 Fifth Street (Bylaws 21-058, 21-059) for a new single-family dwelling
• Adoption of bylaws for 3080, 3082 and 3090 Washington Avenue (Bylaws 21-006, 21-007, 21-008, 21-019) and development permit approval
• Proclamations for Parachute National Injury Prevention Day, Arthritis Awareness Month, and Longest Day of Smiles
• Closed meeting for labour relations and solicitor-client privileged advice

Council approved a rezoning application to allow a cannabis storefront retailer at 566-568 Yates Street, removing it from 546 Yates Street, with a 7-2 vote. The approval is conditional on staff evaluation of a Heritage Alteration Permit for front entrance changes. Council also endorsed proclamations for Parachute National Injury Prevention Day, Arthritis Awareness Month, and Longest Day of Smiles, and adopted minutes from previous meetings.

• Approved rezoning application No. 00770 to add cannabis storefront retailer use to 566-568 Yates Street and remove it from 546 Yates Street (7-2).
• Endorsed proclamation for Parachute National Injury Prevention Day on July 5, 2021.
• Endorsed proclamation for Arthritis Awareness Month in September 2021.
• Endorsed proclamation for Longest Day of Smiles on June 20, 2021.
• Adopted minutes from the evening and daytime meetings held May 27, 2021, and the daytime meeting held May 6, 2021.
• Received a letter from the UBCM President for information and directed the Mayor to write to the Premier, Minister of Health, and local MLAs on universal no-cost prescription contraception.
• Directed the Mayor to send a response to the Province regarding land value taxation.
• Approved a motion to reduce permissive tax exemptions for parking lots by 20% annually over five years starting in 2023.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing three land-use applications: a rezoning and development permit for a five-storey, 15-unit building at 931 McClure Street; a development permit for two buildings with 278 units at 610-624 Herald Street and 611-635 Chatham Street; and a development permit for a six-storey, 38-unit building at 701 Tyee Road. The committee will also hear reports on parks and community centre annual reports, and consider two council member motions regarding sheltering in Beacon Hill Park and repeat offenders. The agenda includes consent items and minutes approval.

• Rezoning and development permit for 931 McClure Street (15 units, five storeys)
• Development permit for 610-624 Herald St and 611-635 Chatham St (278 units, four to six storeys)
• Development permit for 701 Tyee Road (38 units, six storeys, Railyards final phase)
• 2020 annual reports on Parks and Open Spaces Master Plan and Urban Forest Master Plan
• Council motions on Beacon Hill Park sheltering and repeat offender monitoring

The Committee of the Whole advanced a rezoning application for 931 McClure Street, but referred it back to staff to address concerns from adjacent residents before a public hearing. The committee also approved development permits for 610-624 Herald Street and 701 Tyee Road, and directed staff to amend the Parks Regulation Bylaw to prohibit overnight sheltering in Beacon Hill Park for two years.

• Referred 931 McClure Street rezoning back to staff to address resident concerns (5-4)
• Approved development permit for 610-624 Herald Street and 611-635 Chatham Street with rental housing and design conditions (unanimous)
• Approved development permit for 701 Tyee Road with rental housing agreement (unanimous)
• Directed staff to amend Parks Regulation Bylaw to ban overnight sheltering in Beacon Hill Park for two years (7-2)
• Approved motion to write to provincial ministers about repeat offenders and bail (unanimous)
• Appointed Councillors Potts, Andrew, and Alto as alternates to CRD Water Supply Commission (unanimous)
• Received 2020 annual reports on Parks and Open Spaces Master Plan and Community Centre Operations (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider a $60,000 grant for a Housing Outreach Pilot Project, adopt a bylaw allowing free Sunday parking for persons with disabilities, and handle routine items like minutes and proclamations. The meeting also includes a closed session for land, legal, and employee relations matters.

• One-time $60,000 grant to Quadra Village Community Centre for Housing Outreach Pilot Project, funded from 2021 contingency
• Adoption of Streets and Traffic Bylaw Amendment (No. 10) to establish free Sunday parking for persons with disabilities
• Proclamation of 'Action Anxiety Day' on June 10, 2021
• Appointments of Council members as Alternates to CRD Water Supply Commission (pending COTW approval)
• Closed meeting for land acquisition/disposition, legal advice, and employee relations

Council authorized a one-time $60,000 grant to the Quadra Village Community Centre and partner agencies for a Housing Outreach Pilot Project, funded from the 2021 contingency. The motion also directs staff to finalize terms ensuring access for newcomers and people of colour, and requests a final report after the pilot. Other decisions included adopting a streets and traffic amendment bylaw and appointing council members as alternates to the CRD Water Supply Commission. The meeting then moved into closed session for confidential matters.

• Approved $60,000 grant for Housing Outreach Pilot Project (unanimous)
• Adopted Streets and Traffic Bylaw Amendment No. 21-056 (unanimous)
• Appointed Councillor Potts, Andrew, Alto as alternates to CRD Water Supply Commission (unanimous)
• Endorsed proclamation for Action Anxiety Day June 10, 2021 (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes from April 15 and May 13, 2021 meetings (unanimous)
• Closed meeting to public under Community Charter sections 90(1)(c), (e), (i) (unanimous)
• Deferred two employee relations items to June 10 closed meeting

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss several land-use applications, including a rezoning to allow a storefront cannabis retailer at 566-568 Yates Street and remove it from 546 Yates Street. They will also review a development permit with variances for 900-912 Vancouver Street and 930-990 Burdett Avenue, and a housing reserve fund application for 1419 Mallek Crescent. The agenda includes staff reports on the temporary relocation of council meetings, Banfield Park dock expansion, and proclamations, as well as council member motions on parking lot tax exemptions and reopening Beacon Hill Park to vehicles.

• Rezoning Application No. 00770 for 546 Yates Street and 566-568 Yates Street to allow storefront cannabis retailer
• Development Permit with Variances Application No. 00164 for 900-912 Vancouver Street and 930-990 Burdett Avenue
• Victoria Housing Reserve Fund grant application for 1419 Mallek Crescent (Kiwanis Village)
• Council Member Motion on permissive tax exemptions of parking lots for existing properties
• Council Member Motion to reopen Beacon Hill Park to vehicles

The Committee of the Whole approved a $305,000 Victoria Housing Reserve Fund grant to the Kiwanis Village Society for a 78-unit seniors rental project at 1419 Mallek Crescent, with units secured as rentals in perpetuity. Council also advanced a rezoning to move a cannabis retailer from 546 to 566-568 Yates Street (6-2), and directed staff to prepare zoning amendments for the Banfield Park dock expansion. A motion to reopen all Beacon Hill Park roads to vehicles was defeated after an amended version failed 3-4.

• Approved $305,000 housing grant for 78-unit seniors project at 1419 Mallek Crescent (unanimous)
• Advanced rezoning to add cannabis retailer at 566-568 Yates, remove from 546 Yates (6-2)
• Directed staff to prepare zoning amendments for Banfield Park dock expansion (unanimous)
• Defeated motion to reopen all Beacon Hill Park roads to vehicles (3-4)
• Approved development permit with variance for 900-912 Vancouver St, reducing parking from 97 to 73 stalls (unanimous)
• Requested Mayor write to province on universal no-cost prescription contraception (unanimous)
• Approved response to province on land value taxation (unanimous)
• Approved reducing permissive tax exemptions for large surface parking lots by 20% yearly over five years (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

Council approved a series of measures to speed up affordable housing development, including delegating development permit authority to staff and allowing higher density for non-market housing. It also approved $117,000 for Arts & Innovation District planning, supported a cannabis retail license, and advanced several zoning and housing bylaws. A development permit for 1475 Fort Street was defeated in a tie vote, and a housing outreach grant was referred to a future meeting.

• Approved $117,000 for Arts & Innovation District planning (unanimous)
• Supported cannabis retail license for Seed and Stone at 1150 Douglas St (unanimous)
• Directed staff to prepare zoning amendments for affordable housing density and permit delegation (5-3)
• Received Electric Vehicle Strategy and directed staff to bring back final version in Q4 2021 (7-1)
• Authorized $60,000 grant for Housing Outreach Pilot Project, referred to June 3 meeting (unanimous)
• Authorized holding Council meetings at CRD Board Room June 15-Aug 31 (unanimous)
• Directed staff to prepare Banfield Park dock expansion and Gorge Waterway Park plan (unanimous)
• Defeated development permit for 1475 Fort St (4-4)

Council

Council unanimously approved the rezoning of 1244, 1250, and 1252 Wharf Street to permit hotel use and residential uses below the ground floor. A development variance permit for 123/125 Government Street was also approved unanimously, allowing a parking reduction and a setback variance. A variance permit for 1250 Dallas Road was defeated in a 4-5 vote. Council also gave readings to a housing agreement bylaw for 1475 Fort Street and approved a development permit with variances for the same property in an 8-1 vote.

• Approved rezoning for 1244-1252 Wharf Street to allow hotel and below-ground residential use (unanimous)
• Approved development variance permit for 123/125 Government Street (unanimous)
• Defeated development variance permit for 1250 Dallas Road (4-5)
• Gave first, second, and third readings to Housing Agreement Bylaw for 1475 Fort Street (unanimous)
• Approved development permit with variances for 1475 Fort Street (8-1)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss and make recommendations on several staff reports and council member motions. Key items include a recommendation for a cannabis retail license at 1150 Douglas Street, options to speed up affordable housing development, and the draft Electric Vehicle Strategy. The committee will also consider motions on parking in Victoria West, a housing outreach pilot, and establishing an advisory committee for people of African descent.

• Cannabis retail license recommendation for Seed and Stone at 1150 Douglas Street
• Options to support rapid deployment of affordable housing through regulatory and process changes
• Draft City of Victoria Electric Vehicle Strategy
• Council member motion addressing parking pressures in Victoria West
• Council member motion to establish IDPAD Advisory Committee

The Committee of the Whole approved a motion directing staff to prepare amendments to zoning and land use bylaws to expedite affordable non-market housing, including delegating development permit authority and allowing maximum density for such projects. The motion passed 6-2, with Councillors Young and Thornton-Joe opposed. The committee also approved $117,000 for Arts & Innovation District planning, received the Electric Vehicle Strategy, and supported a $60,000 housing outreach pilot grant.

• Approved affordable housing regulatory changes (6-2)
• Approved $117,000 for Arts & Innovation District planning (unanimous)
• Received Electric Vehicle Strategy and directed staff to bring back final version in Q4 2021 (7-1)
• Approved $60,000 grant to Quadra Village Community Centre for Housing Outreach Pilot (unanimous)
• Adopted IDPAD Advisory Committee Terms of Reference (unanimous)
• Directed staff to explore parking options in Victoria West (unanimous)
• Supported cannabis retail license for Seed and Stone at 1150 Douglas Street (unanimous)
• Forwarded proclamations for Intergenerational Day, Action Anxiety Day, and World Refugee Day to Council (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

Council approved allocating $25,000 per month from the 2021 contingency for VicPD support of bylaw enforcement until September 30, 2021, with monthly reporting to Council and reimbursement from a UBCM grant if received. The vote was 6-2, with Councillors Isitt and Dubow opposed. Council also approved several other items, including community garden micro-grants, a development variance permit for 1210 Topaz Avenue, and a rezoning application for 975 & 983 Pandora Avenue.

• Approved $25,000/month for VicPD bylaw support until Sept 30, 2021 (6-2)
• Approved 2021 Community Garden Micro Grants totaling $4,485 to nine non-profits
• Authorized Development Variance Permit for 1210 Topaz Avenue (unanimous)
• Instructed staff to prepare rezoning for 975 & 983 Pandora Avenue with rental and design conditions (unanimous)
• Supported Swans Pub occupant load increase from 171 to 282 (7-1)
• Supported Whistle Buoy Brewing lounge endorsement expansion (unanimous)
• Supported Artemis new liquor primary license (unanimous)
• Directed staff to draft bylaw to salvage reusable materials from demolitions (5-3)

Council

The City Council is reviewing several property developments, including residential rezonings at Queens Avenue and Powell Street. The agenda also includes various proclamations and motions regarding sexual violence prevention in the hospitality industry.

• Rezoning and development permit for 1029 Queens Avenue
• Rezoning and development permit for 430 Powell Street
• Development variance permit for 161-167 Robertson Street
• Development variance permit for 2747 Asquith Street
• Bylaw introduction for 580-582 Niagara Street rezoning

Council approved rezoning and development permits for several properties, including 1029 Queens Avenue, 430 Powell Street, 161-167 Robertson Street, and 2747 Asquith Street, all with variances. They also endorsed proclamations, supported a liquor licence for Tora Tiki, and approved a $1,380 allocation for Seniors' Task Force honouraria.

• Approved rezoning and development permit with variances for 1029 Queens Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning and development permit with variances for 430 Powell Street (unanimous)
• Approved development variance permit for 161-167 Robertson Street (unanimous)
• Approved development variance permit for 2747 Asquith Street (unanimous)
• Approved development permit with variance for 819-823 and 825/827 Fort Street (unanimous)
• Approved $1,380 from 2021 contingency for Seniors' Task Force honouraria (unanimous)
• Supported Tora Tiki liquor licence at 714 Cormorant Street (7-2)
• Endorsed proclamations including Pride Week and PTSD Awareness Month (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee will review several land use applications, including development variances and rezoning. Discussion also includes community safety reports, street bylaw amendments, and various municipal proclamations.

• Development Variance Permit for 1210 Topaz Avenue
• Rezoning application for 975 & 983 Pandora Avenue
• Structural change for occupant load at 510 Pandora Avenue (Swans Pub)
• Liquor licence applications for 560 Johnson Street
• Proposed amendment to Streets and Traffic Bylaw regarding accessible parking

The Committee of the Whole approved allocating $25,000 per month from the 2021 contingency to fund Victoria Police Department support for bylaw enforcement, with funds to be reimbursed from a UBCM grant if received. The motion passed 7-2. The committee also advanced several other items, including a rezoning application for 975-983 Pandora Avenue, support for liquor license changes, and a directive to draft a bylaw to salvage reusable materials from demolitions.

• Approved $25,000/month for VicPD bylaw support until Sept 30, 2021 (7-2)
• Approved rezoning and development permit for 975-983 Pandora Ave with conditions (unanimous)
• Supported Swans Pub occupant load increase from 171 to 282 (7-2)
• Supported Whistle Buoy Brewing lounge endorsement increase (unanimous)
• Supported Artemis liquor primary license (unanimous)
• Directed staff to draft bylaw for salvaging materials from single-family demolitions (8-1)
• Approved community garden micro grants totaling $4,485 (unanimous)
• Endorsed resolution to pause recreational wolf hunting on Vancouver Island (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

This is a brief Council meeting held after the Committee of the Whole, covering routine approvals of minutes and proclamations, plus reports from COTW. Key items include a rezoning application, a permissive tax exemption policy for ethno-cultural community centres, and a development approvals process funding request. The meeting also includes a closed session for land and legal matters.

• Rezoning Application No. 00757 for 1120-1126 Hillside Avenue (Hillside/Quadra)
• Permissive Tax Exemption Policy for Ethno-Cultural Groups Community Centres
• Development Approvals Process Review Funding Application - Council Resolution of Support
• Proclamations: Falun Dafa Day, Apraxia Awareness Day, Day of Action Against Asian Racism, Baseball Shirt Day
• Closed meeting for land acquisition/disposition and legal advice

Council approved the 2020 financial statements and directed staff to prepare a zoning bylaw amendment for 1120-1126 Hillside Avenue, with conditions including a statutory right-of-way and revised plans. Council also endorsed a permissive tax exemption policy for ethno-cultural community centres, and supported a funding application for a development approvals process review. Several proclamations were endorsed, and the meeting closed with a confidential session.

• Approved 2020 Financial Statements (unanimous)
• Directed staff to prepare zoning bylaw amendment for 1120-1126 Hillside Avenue (unanimous)
• Endorsed permissive tax exemption for ethno-cultural community centres (7-1)
• Supported funding application for Development Approvals Process Review (unanimous)
• Endorsed proclamations for Falun Dafa Day, Apraxia Awareness Day, Day of Action Against Asian Racism, and Baseball Shirt Day (all unanimous)
• Received reports on homelessness engagement and correspondence from Campbell River and Penticton (unanimous)
• Closed meeting to public for land and legal matters (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole advanced several land-use applications, including a rezoning and development permit for a five-storey rental building at 1120-1128 Burdett Avenue, which passed 6-2 and will proceed to a public hearing. A similar rezoning for 1314 and 1318 Wharf Street, involving heritage buildings, was also advanced, passing 5-4. The committee also approved a liquor primary licence for Tora Tiki at 714 Cormorant Street, with hours from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am daily, and directed staff to amend the permissive tax exemption policy to allow 100% exemptions for ethno-cultural community centres, with a 20% reduction over five years for parking lots that are 50% or more of the area.

• Advanced rezoning and development permit for 1120-1128 Burdett Ave (5-storey rental, 42 units) to public hearing (6-2)
• Advanced rezoning and heritage alteration permit for 1314/1318 Wharf St (6-storey, 47 rental units) to public hearing (5-4)
• Advanced rezoning and development permit for 324/328 Cook St and 1044-1054 Pendergast St (4-storey mixed-use) to public hearing (5-4)
• Approved support for Tora Tiki liquor primary licence at 714 Cormorant St, hours 12 pm-1 am daily (6-3)
• Directed staff to amend permissive tax exemption policy for 100% exemption for ethno-cultural community centres, with parking lot exemption reduced 20% over 5 years (7-1)
• Approved $1,380 from 2021 contingency for Seniors' Task Force honouraria for Indigenous elders (unanimous)
• Approved support for DAPR funding application to review parking regulations (unanimous)
• Defeated motion for $5 parking app credit incentive (3-6)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss the City's 2020 audited financial statements, a rezoning application for 1120-1126 Hillside Avenue, and updates on the Build Back Victoria program and Government Street pedestrian initiatives. The agenda also includes a closed session for employee relations, several proclamations, and a report on encampment policy engagement.

• 2020 audited financial statements presented for Council acceptance per Community Charter Section 167
• Rezoning Application No. 00757 for 1120-1126 Hillside Avenue to allow commercial uses in existing building
• Build Back Victoria program and Government Street pedestrian-priority initiatives update
• Permissive Tax Exemption Policy amendment options for ethno-cultural community centres
• Closed meeting for labour relations under Section 90(1)(c) of Community Charter

The Committee of the Whole unanimously approved a motion to prepare a zoning bylaw amendment for 1120-1126 Hillside Avenue, allowing commercial uses, with conditions including a statutory right-of-way, revised bicycle parking plans, and an updated landscape plan. It also directed staff to extend the Business Recovery from Pandemic Bylaw (#20-072) past October 31, 2021, with added accessibility requirements for flex spaces and a request for the Mayor to advocate for extended liquor licences. The 2020 Financial Statements were approved unanimously. No decisions were denied or tabled.

• Approved motion to prepare zoning bylaw amendment for 1120-1126 Hillside Ave (unanimous)
• Approved 2020 Financial Statements (unanimous)
• Directed staff to extend Business Recovery from Pandemic Bylaw #20-072 (unanimous)
• Added accessibility requirement for flex spaces by July 1, 2021 (unanimous)
• Directed Mayor to write to Province re: liquor licences extension (unanimous)
• Moved G.2, I.1, I.2 to May 6 COTW (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider a range of items, including adopting the 2021 Five Year Financial Plan, tax rates, and several rezoning bylaws. The agenda also includes reports from previous Committee of the Whole meetings, proclamations, and a closed session for land matters.

• Adoption of Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw, 2021 No. 20-112
• Adoption of Tax Bylaw, 2021 No. 21-048
• Rezoning and development permit for 430 Powell Street (Bylaw No. 21-047)
• Rezoning and housing agreement for 1029 Queens Avenue (Bylaws No. 21-051, 21-052)
• Adoption of Business Improvement Area Rate Bylaw No. 21-053

Council adopted the Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw, 2021 No. 20-112 with a 6-3 vote, after discussing the final tax breakdown and concerns about the Richardson Street bike lanes. A motion to delay the Richardson Street bike lane project until further consultation was made but not voted on before items were moved to the evening meeting. Council also approved several proclamations, development permits, and bylaw readings.

• Adopted Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw, 2021 No. 20-112 (6-3)
• Authorized Development Variance Permit No. 00254 for 1250 Dallas Road (unanimous)
• Waived public hearing for 1628 Edgeware Road rezoning (8-1)
• Endorsed solidarity with Indian farmers motion (8-1)
• Directed staff to update Business Recovery from Pandemic Bylaw and add accessibility requirements (unanimous)
• Gave first and second readings to rezoning bylaws for 430 Powell Street and 1029 Queens Avenue (unanimous)
• Gave first, second, and third readings to Housing Agreement Bylaw for 1029 Queens Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved adding 1029 Queens Avenue to heritage register (unanimous)

Council

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider several rezoning and development variance applications, adopt the 2021 tax rates and related bylaws, and discuss a motion to delay the Richardson Street bike lane project. Public hearings will be held for the Fernwood Road and Washington Avenue rezoning applications.

• Rezoning and development permit for 1913 and 1915 Fernwood Road to convert duplex to multi-unit residential
• Rezoning for 3120 Washington Avenue to construct eight single-family dwellings
• Development variance permits for 540 Dallas Road and 545 Manchester Road/520 Dunedin Street
• Adoption of 2021 Tax Bylaw No. 21-048, Business Improvement Area Rate Bylaw No. 21-053, and Boulevard Tax Bylaw No. 21-054
• Motion to delay Richardson Street bike lane project for further consultation

Council approved a rezoning and development permit for 1913 and 1915 Fernwood Road, allowing conversion of a duplex into a four-unit residential building, despite one opposition. They also approved a rezoning for eight cottage-style homes at 3120 Washington Avenue, a variance for a seniors' building at 540 Dallas Road, and a fence height variance at 545 Manchester Road. A motion to delay the Richardson Street bike lane project was defeated.

• Approved rezoning and development permit for 1913-1915 Fernwood Road (8-1)
• Approved housing agreement for 1913-1915 Fernwood Road (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning for 3120 Washington Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved housing agreement for 3120 Washington Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved development variance permit for 540 Dallas Road (unanimous)
• Approved fence height variance for 545 Manchester Road and 520 Dunedin Street (8-1)
• Defeated motion to delay Richardson Street bike lanes (3-6)
• Adopted 2021 tax rates bylaw (8-1)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider several bylaws, including the 2021 tax rates and five-year financial plan, and to receive reports from the Committee of the Whole. The meeting includes a closed session for legal and negotiation matters. Most items are routine readings or adoptions of bylaws.

• First, second, and third readings of 2021 Tax Bylaw No. 21-048
• Second and third readings of Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 20-112
• Adoption of Checkout Bag Regulation Bylaw No. 20-025
• Adoption of Parks Regulation Bylaw Amendment (No. 15) 21-049, extending sheltering prohibition in Central Park to Sept 18, 2022
• Proclamation of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, April 2021

Council gave final readings to the Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw (6-3) and the 2021 Tax Rates Bylaw (8-1), setting the city's budget and property tax rates for the year. It also approved several other bylaws, including the Checkout Bag Regulation Bylaw (7-2) and the Fire Prevention and False Alarms amendment bylaws. Council endorsed a cannabis retail license for Pacificanna at 1881 Fort Street and approved the sale of low carbon fuel credits (8-1).

• Approved Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 20-112 (6-3)
• Approved 2021 Tax Rates Bylaw No. 21-048 (8-1)
• Approved Checkout Bag Regulation Bylaw 20-025 (7-2)
• Approved Fire Prevention and Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 21-010 (unanimous)
• Approved False Alarms Amendment Bylaw No. 21-018 (unanimous)
• Approved Business Improvement Area Rate Bylaw No. 21-053 (unanimous)
• Approved Boulevard Tax Bylaw No. 21-054 (unanimous)
• Approved Parks Regulation Bylaw Amendment Bylaw 21-049 (7-1)

Committee of the Whole

Victoria's Committee of the Whole meets to discuss land-use items, including a development variance permit for 1250 Dallas Road and a correction to the zoning bylaw for 1628 Edgeware Road. The committee will also review a $40,000 expenditure for a downtown clean and safe committee, several proclamations, and a council member motion on solidarity with Indian farmers. The agenda includes consent items and minutes from a prior meeting.

• 1250 Dallas Road: Development Variance Permit Application No. 00254 to add loft floor area to accessory building
• 1628 Edgeware Road: Correction to Zoning Regulation Bylaw for Rezoning Application No. 00726
• $40,000 expenditure for downtown clean and safe committee under Vibrancy and Vitality Initiative
• Proclamations: Global Love Day, St. George's Day, Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month
• Council Member Motion: Solidarity with Indian Farmers

The Committee of the Whole approved a development variance for 1250 Dallas Road, allowing a larger accessory building with reduced parking, and endorsed a motion of solidarity with Indian farmers, directing the Mayor to write to federal and provincial officials. The committee also forwarded several proclamations to Council and received a report on the downtown clean and safe initiative.

• Approved development variance for 1250 Dallas Road (unanimous)
• Endorsed solidarity with Indian farmers, Mayor to write to ministers (8-1)
• Forwarded proclamations for Global Love Day, St. George's Day, Melanoma Awareness, Sexual Assault Awareness to Council (unanimous)
• Waived public hearing for Zoning Bylaw correction at 1628 Edgeware Road (8-1)
• Received report on $40,000 downtown clean and safe committee (unanimous)

Council

Victoria City Council is meeting to hold public hearings and consider approvals for three properties. Council will consider heritage designations for 2564 Graham Street and 1611 Stanley Avenue, and a development permit with variances for a 16-storey mixed-use building at 1150 Cook Street. The meeting also includes requests to address council on human sex trafficking, Point Ellice House, and comments about rape culture.

• 1150 Cook Street: 16-storey mixed-use building, ~129 dwelling units, development permit with variances, Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 21-031
• 2564 Graham Street: Heritage Designation Bylaw No. 21-040, 3rd reading and adoption
• 1611 Stanley Avenue: Heritage Designation Bylaw No. 21-041, 3rd reading and adoption
• Requests to address council: human sex trafficking, Point Ellice House Museum, Stephen Andrew's comments about rape culture
• Public hearings held electronically due to COVID-19; phone participation available

Council approved a development permit for a 16-storey mixed-use building at 1150 Cook Street, with variances for height and storeys, and a $50,000 contribution to the public amenity fund. Two heritage designations were also approved for properties at 2564 Graham Street and 1611 Stanley Avenue. The motion to refer the project back to staff to reduce height was defeated.

• Approved Development Permit with Variances for 1150 Cook Street (5-4)
• Approved $50,000 voluntary contribution to public amenity fund (5-4)
• Defeated motion to refer 1150 Cook Street back to staff to reduce height (4-5)
• Adopted Heritage Designation Bylaw No. 21-040 for 2564 Graham Street (unanimous)
• Adopted Heritage Designation Bylaw No. 21-041 for 1611 Stanley Avenue (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

Council approved the 2021 tax rates, including a residential rate of 3.2209, and directed staff to bring forward the Tax Bylaw. It also approved a $296,122 property tax increase to fund policing cost shifts and $25,000 for additional bylaw support. Council supported a rezoning for 780-798 Fort Street and 1106-1126 Blanshard Street, subject to conditions including rental housing and heritage preservation.

• Approved 2021 tax rates in alignment with the Revenue and Tax Policy, including residential rate of 3.2209.
• Approved $296,122 property tax increase for policing cost shift and $25,000 for bylaw services support.
• Supported rezoning for 780-798 Fort Street and 1106-1126 Blanshard Street, with conditions including 21 rental units for 60 years and heritage preservation.
• Approved development variance permits for 2747 Asquith Street and 545 Manchester Road/520 Dunedin Street.
• Approved first and second readings of rezoning bylaws for 1913/1915 Fernwood Road and 3120 Washington Avenue.
• Approved first, second, and third readings of housing agreement bylaws for 1913/1915 Fernwood Road and 3120 Washington Avenue.
• Adopted Development Cost Charges Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 21-046.
• Approved Parks Regulation Bylaw Amendment Bylaw (No. 15) 21-049, with a review of Central Park sheltering prohibition in July 2022.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole approved a 0.21% property tax increase ($296,122) to fund policing cost shifts and $25,000 for additional bylaw support. It also approved 2021 tax rates, supported a cannabis retail license for Pacificanna at 1881 Fort Street, and extended the Renters' Advisory Committee with new accessibility provisions. Recommendations on Esquimalt OCP amendments were forwarded to Council.

• Approved 2021 tax rates (Residential 3.2209, Business 10.7096, etc.) and directed staff to bring forward the Tax Bylaw.
• Approved $296,122 (0.21%) property tax increase for policing cost shift and $25,000 for bylaw support.
• Supported Pacificanna's cannabis retail license at 1881 Fort Street.
• Extended Renters' Advisory Committee with cyclical terms and added accessibility provisions.
• Forwarded comments to Esquimalt on OCP amendments for 812 Craigflower Rd and 819-823 Esquimalt Rd.
• Approved sale of low carbon fuel credits, directing revenue to fleet electrification or EV charging.
• Authorized UBCM grant application for housing and community services projects.
• Approved proclamation for Global Meetings Industry Day.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole voted 8-1 to advance a rezoning application for a 20-storey hotel with office and ground-floor commercial uses at 780-798 Fort Street and 1106-1126 Blanshard Street, subject to conditions including securing 21 rental units for 60 years, no evictions, and heritage designation for the adjoining property at 1114-1126 Blanshard Street. The committee also approved a development variance permit for a fence height increase at 545 Manchester Road and 520 Dunedin Street, supported a cannabis store referral at 901 Gordon Street, and referred a lobbyist registry consideration to the Governance Review.

• Advanced Rezoning Application No. 00745 for 780-798 Fort Street and 1106-1126 Blanshard Street (20-storey hotel) with conditions, including 21 rental units for 60 years and no evictions (carried 8-1).
• Approved Development Variance Permit No. 00256 for 545 Manchester Road and 520 Dunedin Street to increase fence height from 1.2m to 1.83m (carried 5-4).
• Supported the cannabis retail store referral for Seed and Stone at 901 Gordon Street (carried unanimously).
• Approved Development Variance Permit No. 00258 for 2747 Asquith Street to reduce parking stall setback from 1.0m to 0.87m (carried unanimously).
• Referred considerations for a lobbyist registry to the Governance Review (carried 7-2).
• Approved receipt of a swim platform donation from Aryze Developments Ltd for the Gorge Waterway, with staff to negotiate terms and include maintenance costs in the 2022 Financial Plan (carried unanimously).
• Directed staff to initiate procurement for a Governance Review consultant (carried unanimously).
• Directed staff to bring forward amendments to the Council Procedures Bylaw to formalize daytime Council meetings and permit pre-recorded audio/video submissions for public hearings (carried unanimously).

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to act on items from the Committee of the Whole, including a rezoning application, a development cost charges bylaw amendment, and a motion on old-growth forest protection. The meeting also includes routine approvals, correspondence, and a closed session for information prohibited from disclosure.

• Rezoning Application No. 00731 for 1177-1185 Fort Street and 1043-1045 Linden Avenue (Rockland)
• First, second, and third readings of Development Cost Charges Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 21-046
• Council Member Motion: Advocacy for Protection of Fairy Creek and Other At-Risk Old-Growth Forests
• Report on Technical High Angle Rope Rescue (THARRP) for tower crane installations
• BC Transit bus tickets for persons sheltering outdoors

Council unanimously endorsed a resolution calling on the BC government to immediately defer logging in all high-productivity old-growth forests on Vancouver Island, including Fairy Creek, until all 14 recommendations of the Old Growth Strategic Review are implemented. Council also approved a rezoning application for 1177-1185 Fort Street and 1043-1045 Linden Avenue, directing staff to prepare a bylaw amendment and hold a public hearing, with adoption pending lot consolidation. Additionally, Council approved the renewal of the Technical High Angle Rope Rescue (THARRP) agreement and gave first, second, and third readings to Development Cost Charges Bylaw Amendment No. 21-046.

• Approved agenda and adopted minutes from January 14, 2021 meeting.
• Approved rezoning application No. 00731 for 1177-1185 Fort Street and 1043-1045 Linden Avenue, directing staff to prepare bylaw amendment and hold a public hearing, with adoption deferred until lot consolidation.
• Approved renewal of the Technical High Angle Rope Rescue (THARRP) agreement and authorized Mayor and City Clerk to execute it.
• Received Restorative Justice presentation for information.
• Received CRD Solid Waste Management Plan presentation and directed Mayor to write supporting stronger waste reduction targets and a zero-waste goal.
• Received BC Transit bus tickets report for information.
• Endorsed resolution calling for immediate protection of Fairy Creek and all at-risk old-growth forests on Vancouver Island, directing staff to forward it to provincial and regional bodies.
• Gave first, second, and third readings to Development Cost Charges Bylaw Amendment No. 21-046.

Council

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider rezoning and development applications for three properties: townhouses at 3080-3090 Washington Avenue, a school addition at 1260 Grant Street and 1289 Gladstone Avenue, and a five-storey residential building at 1114 Rockland Avenue. The agenda also includes public requests to address council on decolonization, 24/7 sheltering, and housing bylaws. The meeting is held virtually due to COVID-19.

• Rezoning and OCP amendment for townhouses at 3080, 3082, 3090 Washington Avenue (Bylaws 21-006, 21-008, 21-019)
• Development variance permit for Victoria High School addition at 1260 Grant Street and 1289 Gladstone Avenue
• Rezoning and development permit with variances for five-storey building at 1114 Rockland Avenue (Bylaws 21-025, 21-026)
• Public hearing for 1114 Rockland Avenue including housing agreement bylaw
• Requests to address council on removing Trutch's name from Trutch Street, 24/7 sheltering, and housing bylaws

Council gave third reading to bylaws rezoning 3080, 3082, and 3090 Washington Avenue to permit 34 townhouse units, and directed staff to work with the applicant on installing a crosswalk. Council also approved a development variance permit for Victoria High School additions and a rezoning and development permit for a five-storey building at 1114 Rockland Avenue.

• Gave third reading to Zoning Regulation Bylaw Amendment No. 21-006 and Official Community Plan Amendment No. 21-008 for 3080-3090 Washington Avenue (8-1).
• Gave third reading to Land Use Contract Discharge Bylaw No. 21-019 for 3080-3090 Washington Avenue (8-1).
• Directed staff to work with the applicant to include a crosswalk on Washington Avenue with partial applicant funding (unanimous).
• Authorized Development Variance Permit No. 00249 for 1260 Grant Street and 1289 Gladstone Avenue (Victoria High School) with parking reduced from 283 to 149 spaces (unanimous).
• Expressed support in principle for a 400-metre running track at Victoria High School and requested School District 61 work with the City on revised parking and landscape plans (unanimous).
• Gave third reading to Zoning Regulation Bylaw Amendment No. 21-025 for 1114 Rockland Avenue (8-1).
• Adopted Zoning Regulation Bylaw Amendment No. 21-025 and Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 21-026 for 1114 Rockland Avenue (8-1).
• Authorized Development Permit with Variances No. 00140 for 1114 Rockland Avenue, including parking reduced from 17 to 12 stalls (8-1).

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss several items, including a rezoning application for 1177-1185 Fort Street and 1043-1045 Linden Avenue to legitimize current commercial uses, a review of a BC Transit bus ticket program for people sheltering outdoors, and a report on tower crane rescue services. The committee will also hear presentations on restorative justice funding and the CRD Solid Waste Management Plan. No final decisions are made at this meeting; items are discussed and may be recommended to Council.

• Rezoning application No. 00731 for 1177-1185 Fort Street and 1043-1045 Linden Avenue (Rockland) to legitimize current commercial uses, recommended to move to Public Hearing
• 3-month review of BC Transit Bus Ticket Assistance Program for persons sheltering outdoors
• Report on expiring Regional Tower Crane Rescue Services Agreement and City of Victoria becoming primary service provider
• Presentation from Restorative Justice Victoria on City funding
• Presentation on CRD Solid Waste Management Plan

The Committee of the Whole unanimously approved moving forward with a rezoning application for 1177-1185 Fort Street and 1043-1045 Linden Avenue, instructing staff to prepare a zoning bylaw amendment and hold a public hearing, with adoption deferred until lot consolidation is confirmed. The committee also approved renewing the Technical High Angle Rope Rescue (THARRP) agreement and authorized the mayor and city clerk to execute related inter-municipal agreements. Presentations on Restorative Justice Victoria and the CRD Solid Waste Management Plan were received for information, with a request for the mayor to express support for stronger waste reduction targets.

• Approved rezoning application No. 00731 for 1177-1185 Fort St & 1043-1045 Linden Ave, directing staff to prepare bylaw amendment and hold public hearing (unanimous)
• Approved renewal of THARRP agreement and authorized execution of inter-municipal agreements for tower crane rescue services (unanimous)
• Received Restorative Justice Victoria presentation for information (unanimous)
• Received CRD Solid Waste Management Plan presentation and requested mayor's letter supporting stronger waste reduction targets (unanimous)
• Received BC Transit bus ticket program report for information (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider several bylaws and reports, including a development permit for a 16-storey mixed-use building at 1150 Cook Street, heritage designations for two properties, and reports from the Committee of the Whole on housing, grants, cycling, and other matters. The meeting also includes a closed session for confidential items.

• First, second, and third readings of Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 21-031 for 1150 Cook Street, a 16-storey mixed-use building with 129 dwelling units
• First and second readings of Heritage Designation Bylaw No. 21-040 for 2564 Graham Street
• First and second readings of Heritage Designation Bylaw No. 21-041 for 1611 Stanley Avenue
• Reports from Committee of the Whole on Victoria Housing Reserve Guidelines, MRDT renewal, Festival Investment Grants, Cultural Infrastructure Grant, Arts and Culture Grant Policy, AAA Cycling Network, and Development Cost Charge Bylaw
• Closed meeting for personnel, municipal service negotiations, and intergovernmental relations

Council approved a development permit with variances for 1150 Cook Street, allowing a 16-storey building (up from 10) and height increase to 47.57m, with a 5-2 vote. They also approved several housing, tourism, and grant initiatives, including updates to the Victoria Housing Reserve Fund, a five-year MRDT renewal, and festival and cultural infrastructure grants. All other substantive items were carried unanimously.

• Approved development permit with variances for 1150 Cook St (16 storeys, 47.57m) (5-2)
• Approved Victoria Housing Reserve Fund guideline updates (unanimous)
• Approved five-year MRDT renewal and new Airbnb tax for affordable housing (unanimous)
• Approved Festival Investment Grants: $268,550 cash and $100,550 in-kind (unanimous)
• Approved new Cultural Infrastructure Grant Program with $25,000 reallocation (unanimous)
• Referred Arts and Culture Grant Policy to 2022 Art in Public Places review (6-1)
• Approved AAA cycling network designs for Fort East, Fort Central, Oaklands, Fernwood (unanimous)
• Approved 1.1% CPI-based increase to Development Cost Charges (unanimous)

Special Council

This special council meeting includes public hearings and decisions on a temporary housing proposal at Royal Athletic Park, a short-term rental appeal, and adoption of bylaws on parks and tree protection. The meeting also includes reports from committee meetings and a closed session for legal matters.

• Temporary Use Permit and Development Permit with Variances for 940 Caledonia Avenue and 953/963 Green Street (temporary housing at Royal Athletic Park)
• Rezoning and OCP amendment for 749-767 Douglas Street (Downtown)
• Short Term Rental Appeal for 1044 Belmont Avenue
• Adoption of Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 20-114 (sheltering provisions)
• Adoption of Tree Protection Bylaw No. 21-035

Council unanimously approved a Temporary Use Permit and Development Permit for a shipping-container transitional housing project at 940 Caledonia Ave and 953/963 Green St, with an 18-month term and a community inclusion program with the North Park Neighbourhood Association. Council also approved first and second reading of an OCP amendment and rezoning for 749-767 Douglas St, including a development permit with variances, in a 5-4 vote. Additionally, Council directed staff to bring forward amendments for curbside comingled organics collection (7-2) and approved $40,000 in one-time funding plus $20,000 annually for five years for Theatre SKAM's Arts Hub pilot project.

• Approved Temporary Use Permit No. 00017 for 940 Caledonia Ave & 953/963 Green St (unanimous)
• Approved Development Permit with Variances No. 000591 for same site (unanimous)
• Approved OCP amendment and rezoning for 749-767 Douglas St, first and second reading (5-4)
• Approved Development Permit with Variances No. 000155 for 749-767 Douglas St (5-4)
• Directed staff to bring forward curbside comingled organics collection amendments (7-2)
• Approved $40,000 one-time and $20,000 annual for 5 years for Theatre SKAM Arts Hub (unanimous)
• Adopted Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 20-114 (7-2)
• Adopted Tree Protection Bylaw No. 21-035 (7-2)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to adopt several bylaws, including amendments to continue prohibitions on sheltering in Centennial Square and Central Park, and a new Tree Protection Bylaw. Council will also hear a short-term rental appeal for 1044 Belmont Avenue and consider reports from the Committee of the Whole, including development variance permits and a motion on an arts hub pilot project. The meeting includes a closed session for legal matters.

• Adoption of Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 20-114 to continue sheltering prohibitions in Centennial Square and Central Park
• Adoption of Tree Protection Bylaw No. 21-035 to protect and enhance the urban forest
• Short-term rental appeal for 1044 Belmont Avenue
• Development variance permits for 161-167 Robertson Street, 540 Dallas Road, 123/125 Government Street, and 506/514 Government Street
• Rezoning application for 749-767 Douglas Street

Council directed the City Solicitor to prepare bylaw amendments to continue the permanent prohibition on sheltering in Centennial Square, Central Park, and Cecelia Ravine Park, with the Central Park ban to be reviewed when the 940 Caledonia Temporary Use Permit expires. The amendments also continue temporary regulations on shelter location, size, and distancing until the end of the pandemic, and restore the ability to use BBQs responsibly in parks. The votes were split, with the final motions carried 6-3 or unanimously.

• Approved amendments to continue shelter ban in Centennial Square (6-3)
• Approved amendments to continue shelter ban in Central Park (unanimous)
• Approved amendments to continue shelter ban in Cecelia Ravine Park (6-3)
• Approved amendments to continue temporary shelter regulations until end of pandemic (unanimous)
• Approved amendments to restore BBQ use in parks (unanimous)
• Approved development variance permits for 161-167 Robertson St, 540 Dallas Rd, 123/125 Government St (unanimous)
• Approved modification of covenants for 506 and 514 Government St (unanimous)
• Directed staff to update Fire Prevention and False Alarms bylaws (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss and potentially decide on several items, including updates to the Victoria Housing Reserve Fund guidelines, the 2021 Festival Investment Grant allocations, a new Cultural Infrastructure Grant Program, and a proposed increase to Development Cost Charges. Council will also consider route designs for the All Ages and Abilities cycling network in the Jubilee neighbourhoods, and three council member motions on Broad Street pedestrianization, the Municipal Regional District Tax, and an Arts Hub pilot project. A presentation from Destination Victoria on its 2022-2026 Strategic Plan and MRDT renewal is also scheduled.

• Proposed increase to Development Cost Charges (G.6)
• Victoria Housing Reserve Fund guidelines update (F.1)
• AAA Cycling Network route designs for Oaklands, Fernwood, Fort Central, Fort East (G.4)
• 2021 Festival Investment Grant allocations (G.1)
• Council motions on Broad Street pedestrianization, MRDT, Arts Hub pilot (I.1-I.3)

The Committee of the Whole approved updates to the Victoria Housing Reserve Fund Guidelines, including removing home ownership assistance, capping grants at $500,000 per project, and expanding eligibility to deep subsidy, RGI, and HILs rentals. They also approved the Fort Street East and Central AAA cycling corridors, the Oaklands and Fernwood Connector projects, and continued pedestrianization of the 1100 block of Broad Street through 2021. Additionally, they approved a five-year renewal of the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) with new Airbnb revenue for affordable housing, and supported Theatre SKAM's Arts Hub pilot with $40,000 one-time and $20,000 annual funding for five years.

• Approved updates to Victoria Housing Reserve Fund Guidelines, removing home ownership assistance, capping grants at $500,000 per project, and expanding eligibility to deep subsidy, RGI, and HILs rentals.
• Approved Fort Street East as priority AAA cycling corridor for Jubilee neighbourhoods, with detailed design and 2022 construction costs.
• Approved designs for Fort Street Central, Oaklands, and Fernwood Connector cycling projects, with construction using existing funds in 2021.
• Approved five-year renewal of Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) and new incremental MRDT from Airbnb for affordable housing.
• Approved Festival Investment Grant allocations totaling $268,550 in cash and up to $100,550 in in-kind services, with staff to engage unsuccessful applicants.
• Approved new Cultural Infrastructure Grant Program with $25,000 reallocation and accessibility checklist for applicants.
• Approved continuation of pedestrianization of 1100 block of Broad Street until end of 2021, with 2022 action item and future capital investments.
• Approved support for Theatre SKAM's Arts Hub pilot with $40,000 one-time and $20,000 annual funding for five years, with annual reporting.

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider several bylaws, including rezoning applications for housing developments on Washington Avenue and Rockland Avenue, a new Tree Protection Bylaw, and an amendment to the Parks Regulation Bylaw. The council will also receive reports from the Committee of the Whole on topics such as support for laid-off hotel workers, police updates, and a rent bank pilot program. The meeting includes a closed session for land and legal matters.

• Rezoning for 3080, 3082 and 3090 Washington Avenue: 34 dwelling units in townhouses and a duplex
• Rezoning for 1114 Rockland Avenue: five-storey residential building with multiple dwellings
• New Tree Protection Bylaw No. 21-035 to protect and enhance urban forest
• Parks Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 20-114 to repeal temporary daytime sheltering allowance
• Committee of the Whole reports: hotel worker support, police Q4 update, rent bank pilot, citizens' assembly

Council directed staff to bring forward amendments to the Solid Waste Bylaw to enable curbside comingled organics (kitchen scraps and yard waste) collection and to initiate service changes and outreach to transition from backyard to curbside collection. A motion to refer a 6-month pilot project for yard waste in green bins was defeated. A motion to call the question was carried, and the main motion was approved 7 to 2.

• Approved agenda with addition of unfinished business item on curbside yard waste collection.
• Adopted minutes from the daytime meeting held February 4, 2021.
• Defeated motion to refer a 6-month pilot project for yard waste in green bins to staff (2 to 7).
• Carried motion to call the question on the main motion (7 to 1).
• Approved directing staff to bring forward amendments to the Solid Waste Bylaw for curbside comingled organics collection and to initiate service changes and outreach (7 to 2).
• Ruled a motion arising for public consultation on side yard collection out of order.
• Adjourned the Committee of the Whole meeting at 5:23 p.m.
• Moved all remaining items from the daytime meeting to the evening meeting.

Council

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider several rezoning and bylaw items, including a proposal for 34 townhouse units at 3080-3090 Washington Avenue and a five-storey residential building at 1114 Rockland Avenue. The council will also hold a public hearing for a seven-room rest home at 1628 Edgeware Road, and consider a new Tree Protection Bylaw. Several requests to address council relate to housing and sheltering policies.

• Rezoning for 34 townhouse units at 3080, 3082, 3090 Washington Avenue (Bylaws 21-006, 21-008, 21-019, 21-007)
• Rezoning for five-storey residential building at 1114 Rockland Avenue (Bylaws 21-025, 21-026)
• Public hearing for Rest Home - Class B with seven rooms at 1628 Edgeware Road (Bylaw 21-027)
• Tree Protection Bylaw No. 21-035 for urban forest protection
• Parks Regulation Amendment Bylaw to repeal temporary daytime sheltering allowance

Council approved the rezoning and development permit for a Class B rest home at 1628 Edgeware Road, with variances for setbacks, site coverage, and parking. The vote was 8 to 1, with Councillor Young opposed. Council also gave first, second, and third readings to the Tree Protection Bylaw and the Parks Regulation Amendment Bylaw, and postponed decisions on sheltering regulations to March 18, 2021.

• Approved rezoning and development permit for 1628 Edgeware Road rest home (8-1).
• Gave first, second, and third readings to Tree Protection Bylaw No. 21-035 (8-1).
• Gave first, second, and third readings to Parks Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 20-114, with date change to May 1, 2021 (7-2).
• Postponed decisions on sheltering regulations in Centennial Square and Central Park to March 18, 2021.
• Approved motion supporting laid-off hotel and tourism workers, with letters to provincial ministers and municipalities.
• Received Victoria Police Department Quarter 4 update for information.
• Approved recommendations for Citizens' Assembly process, including $250,000 commitment and seeking provincial funding.
• Gave first and second readings to rezoning bylaws for 3080, 3082, and 3090 Washington Avenue, and 1114 Rockland Avenue.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss land use matters, including a rezoning and development permit application for 749-767 Douglas Street to build an office building with ground-floor commercial space. The committee will also consider several development variance permit applications and a request to modify covenants on heritage buildings. Staff reports cover proposed updates to fire prevention and false alarm bylaws, and a new curbside yard waste collection model.

• 749-767 Douglas Street: Rezoning Application No. 00746, OCP Amendment, and Development Permit with Variances Application No. 000155 (Downtown)
• 161-167 Robertson Street: Development Variance Permit Application No. 00255 (Gonzales)
• 540 Dallas Road: Development Variance Permit Application No. 00251 (James Bay)
• 123/125 Government Street: Development Variance Permit Application No. 00252 (James Bay)
• 506 and 514 Government Street: Request to Modify Covenants CA3641378 and CA3641382 (James Bay)

The Committee of the Whole voted 5-4 to advance the rezoning and development permit for 749-767 Douglas Street, an office building with ground-floor commercial uses, subject to conditions including a land lift analysis, a building setback to reduce view infringement, removal of a digital screen, and a water/play feature. The motion also waives additional CALUC consultation if no substantive changes are made. The committee also approved several development variance permits and directed staff to draft bylaw amendments for fire prevention and false alarms.

• Approved advancing the 749-767 Douglas Street rezoning and development permit with conditions, including a land lift analysis, a building setback to reduce view infringement, and removal of the digital screen (5-4).
• Approved a motion to refer the Douglas Street application to the Heritage Advisory Committee for comments (defeated 4-5).
• Approved a motion to waive additional CALUC consultation if there are no substantive changes to the Douglas Street proposal (6-3).
• Approved a motion to refer the Douglas Street application back to staff to work with the applicant on a land lift analysis and to set the building back further from the west property line and/or consider density reduction (unanimous).
• Approved a motion to request the applicant provide a detailed explanation of bird-friendly design and lower the north-facing sign to mitigate view corridor intrusion (unanimous).
• Approved development variance permits for 161-167 Robertson Street, 540 Dallas Road, and 123/125 Government Street (all unanimous).
• Approved a motion to modify covenants for 506 and 514 Government Street to remove heritage restoration clauses (unanimous).
• Approved directing staff to bring forward amendments to the Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw and False Alarms Bylaw (unanimous).

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss several items, including a proposed temporary use and development permit for transitional housing on the Royal Athletic Park parking lot, a regional rent bank pilot program, and next steps for a citizens' assembly. They will also receive a police department update and consider a motion supporting laid-off hotel and tourism workers.

• Temporary Use Permit No. 00017 and Development Permit with Variances No. 000591 for 940 Caledonia Ave and 953/963 Green St to allow 18-month transitional housing on RAP parking lot
• Report on Greater Victoria Rent Bank Pilot Program, a non-profit administered rent bank in response to COVID-19
• Report on Citizen's Assembly Process next steps
• Victoria Police Department Quarter 4 2020 update from Chief Constable Del Manak
• Council Member Motion: Support for Laid-off Hotel and Tourism Industry Workers

The Committee of the Whole unanimously approved moving forward with a temporary use permit and development permit for transitional housing at 940 Caledonia Avenue and 953/963 Green Street, including funding allocations. The proposal will go to a special council meeting on March 18, 2021 for public comment. The committee also approved next steps for a Citizens' Assembly, including a reduced participant number and a funding cap.

• Approved allocating $61,866 from Restart Grant Funding for water/sewer services for temporary transitional units at Royal Athletic Park parking lot.
• Approved allocating $110,000 from 2021 Corporate Contingency Budget for 2021 operating costs, with $105,000 to be considered in 2022 budget for transitional housing operated by Our Place Society.
• Authorized staff to include City costs for transitional housing in applications to the Province's Strengthening Communities' Services Program.
• Approved forwarding the Temporary Use Permit and Development Permit with Variances applications to the March 4, 2021 Council meeting and scheduling a special meeting on March 18, 2021 for public comment.
• Approved receiving the Greater Victoria Rent Bank Pilot Program report and directing staff to report back on progress and effectiveness.
• Approved the Citizens' Assembly process with a $250,000 commitment, seeking provincial funding, reducing participants to 48, and capping total costs at $750,000.
• Approved an amendment to the Citizens' Assembly Terms of Reference to include transgender, non-binary, and Two-Spirit people and reflect census ethno-cultural diversity.

Council (to follow COTW)

Council will consider authorizing the Coalition to End Homelessness to apply for a Temporary Use Permit for up to 36,000 sq ft of the Royal Athletic Park parking lot at 940 Caledonia Avenue and 953 and 963 Green Street for temporary purpose-built transitional housing. The meeting also includes reports from the Committee of the Whole, a proposed amendment to the Parks Regulation Bylaw to repeal the temporary daytime sheltering allowance, and a closed session for intergovernmental negotiations.

• Authorize Coalition to End Homelessness to apply for Temporary Use Permit for transitional housing at 940 Caledonia Ave and 953/963 Green St (up to 36,000 sq ft)
• Parks Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 20-114: repeal of temporary daytime sheltering allowance
• Report on 330-336 Michigan Street: Revised Victoria Housing Reserve Fund Grant Application (James Bay)
• Interim design options for parking and pedestrian space in Clover Point Park
• Closed meeting for intergovernmental negotiations under Community Charter Section 90(2)(b)

Council approved Option 2 for Clover Point Park, directing staff to increase pedestrian priority space with up to $275,000 from the Buildings and Infrastructure Reserve. The budget for furniture was reduced to $50,000, and food trucks must use sustainable practices. Council also approved a revised housing grant for Michigan Square, a temporary use permit for transitional housing at 940 Caledonia, and a neighbourhood coordinator pilot project including James Bay.

• Approved Clover Point Park Option 2 with $275,000 allocation (7-2)
• Reduced furniture budget to $50,000 (7-2)
• Defeated amendment to add west-facing parking spots (3-6)
• Approved revised VHRF grant for Michigan Square from $1,020,000 to $620,000 (unanimous)
• Approved neighbourhood coordinator pilot project including James Bay (unanimous)
• Approved $61,866 for water/sewer services and $110,000 for operating costs for transitional housing at 940 Caledonia (unanimous)
• Scheduled special council meeting for March 18, 2021 for public comment on permits
• Approved agenda with Parks Regulation Amendment Bylaw deferred to next week (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss and decide on several items, including interim design options for parking and pedestrian space at Clover Point Park, a revised housing reserve fund grant for a below-market housing project at 330-336 Michigan Street, and a report on supporting downtown vibrancy. The committee will also consider funding for neighbourhood association coordinators and several council member motions on climate action and paid sick leave.

• Interim design options for vehicle parking and pedestrian space at Clover Point Park
• Revised Victoria Housing Reserve Fund grant application for 330-336 Michigan Street
• Report on options to support downtown vibrancy and address vandalism impacts
• Funding report for neighbourhood association coordinators in North Park, Downtown, Rockland, and Jubilee
• Council motions on Help Cities Lead campaign, AVICC climate leadership, paid sick leave, and apartment building acquisition for affordable housing

The Committee of the Whole approved a $275,000 interim redesign of Clover Point Park to expand pedestrian space, with paint limited to trails and the 'follow the pod' art moved downtown. It also approved $100,000 for a Downtown Vibrancy and Vitality Initiative, revised a housing grant, and endorsed several climate and housing resolutions.

• Approved $275,000 for Clover Point Park interim design option 2, funded from Buildings and Infrastructure Reserve, with paint limited to trails and art relocated downtown.
• Approved $100,000 from contingency for Downtown Vibrancy and Vitality Initiative, administered by DVBA, with a staff update on block watch.
• Revised Victoria Housing Reserve Fund grant for 330-336 Michigan Street from $1,020,000 to $620,000, with $310,000 payable on agreement and $310,000 on occupancy permits.
• Approved criteria for neighbourhood coordinator pilot project, requiring each neighbourhood to submit a strategy for staff review.
• Endorsed Help Cities Lead campaign, directing letters to provincial ministers, CRD, and BC local governments.
• Adopted resolution urging Province to legislate 10 paid sick days for all workers, forwarded to AVICC and UBCM.
• Adopted resolution on land banking apartment buildings for affordable housing, forwarded to AVICC and UBCM.
• Directed staff to engage North Park, Fernwood, Downtown Residents, and DVBA on potential downtown boundary adjustment, with report by end of September.

Council

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider two development permit applications with variances: one to expand an existing liquor store at 1609 Fort Street and another to build a semi-attached dwelling at 1035 Joan Crescent. The agenda also includes public presentations on topics such as Central Park, electoral reform, and accessibility, as well as requests to address council on various matters.

• Development permit with variance for liquor store expansion at 1609 Fort Street
• Development permit with variance for semi-attached dwelling at 1035 Joan Crescent
• Public hearing participation by phone due to COVID-19
• Presentation on Central Park sheltering by Al Gallupe
• Request to reconsider subdivision/rezoning of 2700 Avebury Avenue

Council approved two development permits with variances: one to expand a liquor store at 1609 Fort Street and another to build a semi-attached dwelling at 1035 Joan Crescent. Both were approved unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting also included public comments on various topics.

• Approved Development Permit with Variance No. 00148 for 1609 Fort Street, allowing liquor retail floor area increase from 241.00 m² to 327.00 m² (unanimous)
• Approved Development Permit with Variance No. 00129 for 1035 Joan Crescent, allowing front yard setback reduction from 10.50 m to 3.22 m (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council meets February 25, 2021, to act on reports from the Committee of the Whole, including accessible parking bylaw amendments and a $350,000 retrofit budget. Council will also consider first and second reading of a rezoning bylaw for 1628 Edgeware Road to permit a Rest Home, and will close the meeting to the public for land, labour, and appointment matters.

• Proposed accessible parking bylaw amendments and $350,000 retrofit budget from Accessibility Reserve Fund
• Rezoning Bylaw No. 21-027 for 1628 Edgeware Road: first and second reading to permit a Rest Home
• Rise and report on police board letter regarding Section 27 Police Act review
• Reports from Feb 18 and Feb 25 Committee of the Whole, including police budget and affordable housing motions
• Closed meeting for land acquisition, employee relations, and appointments under Community Charter Section 90

Council approved up to $75,960 from the Financial Stability Reserve to fund two VicPD officers for four hours daily at encampments from January 1 to March 31, 2021, with a 6-3 vote. Council also approved a one-time police budget funding split between a property tax increase and reserve use, and directed staff to prepare accessible parking bylaw amendments with up to $350,000 for retrofits. Several advocacy resolutions were endorsed, including for a provincial circular economy strategy and right-to-repair legislation.

• Approved $75,960 for VicPD encampment support (6-3)
• Approved VicPD amended budget with 50/50 split between tax increase and reserve (unanimous)
• Directed staff to prepare accessible parking bylaw amendments and endorsed design criteria (unanimous)
• Approved $100,000 for Downtown Vibrancy and Vitality Initiative (unanimous)
• Endorsed Help Cities Lead campaign (7-2)
• Endorsed AVICC climate leadership motion (unanimous)
• Endorsed UBCM resolution for paid sick leave (unanimous)
• Endorsed resolution for acquisition of apartment buildings for affordable housing (8-1)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board's response on COVID-related budget savings, a postponed motion for $75,960 in additional police funding for encampment support, and an amended provisional police budget. They will also consider motions on emergency housing and shelter functions, land-use variances for Victoria High School, and a structural change to Swans Pub's liquor license. Staff reports cover the 2020 accountability period, by-election lessons learned, and several administrative items.

• Police budget: report back on COVID cost savings, $75,960 for encampment support, amended provisional budget
• Land use: development variance permit for 1260 Grant St and 1289 Gladstone Ave (Victoria High School)
• Land use: structural change to increase occupant load at Swans Pub, 510 Pandora Ave
• Motions on emergency housing function and emergency shelter/social services
• Accountability report for period three 2020 and 2020 by-election lessons learned

The Committee of the Whole approved funding for additional police support at encampments, a development variance permit for Victoria High School, and several other items. The most consequential decision was approving $75,960 from the Financial Stability Reserve to continue deploying two VicPD officers for four hours per day, seven days a week, from January 1 to March 31, 2021, to support Bylaw Services at encampments. The committee also approved a development variance permit for Victoria High School, subject to conditions, and endorsed minimum requirements for future by-elections.

• Approved $75,960 for police support at encampments (8-1)
• Approved development variance permit for Victoria High School (unanimous)
• Endorsed minimum requirements for by-elections (unanimous)
• Approved VicPD budget funding with 50/50 split between tax increase and reserve (6-3)
• Appointed Councillor Dubow to CRD Water Supply Commission (unanimous)
• Referred emergency housing function motion to staff (unanimous)
• Approved temporary relocation of Council meetings to CRD Boardroom (unanimous)
• Endorsed resolutions for provincial Circular Economy and Right to Repair strategies (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to adopt two bylaws amending the Parks Regulation Bylaw: one temporarily prohibits sheltering in Central Park, and another prohibits sheltering in parks susceptible to flooding, erosion, and other environmental hazards. Council will also receive the February 11 Committee of the Whole report, which includes items on a rezoning at 349 Kipling Street and 1400 Fairfield, a rooftop patio for Herald Street Brew Works, and a RapidBus update. The meeting will close to the public for items involving legal advice, land, employee relations, and appointments.

• Adoption of Parks Regulation Bylaw Amendment (No. 13) No. 21-033 to temporarily prohibit sheltering in Central Park
• Adoption of Parks Regulation Bylaw Amendment (No. 14) No. 21-034 to prohibit sheltering in parks with environmental hazards
• Rezoning Application No. 00702 and Development Permit No. 000555 for 349 Kipling Street and 1400 Fairfield
• Application to increase occupant load for a 99-person rooftop patio at 506 Herald Street (Herald Street Brew Works)
• Proclamation of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

Council voted 5-3 to support Herald Street Brew Works' application for a 99-person rooftop patio at 506 Herald Street, with conditions including no amplified music and a good neighbour agreement. Council also referred the 349 Kipling Street and 1400 Fairfield rezoning application back to staff for revisions, and postponed the accessible parking requirements item to the February 25 meeting. Several other items were approved unanimously, including community garden licences and grants, and two parks regulation bylaw amendments.

• Supported Herald Street Brew Works rooftop patio application (5-3)
• Referred 349 Kipling/1400 Fairfield rezoning back to staff for revisions (unanimous)
• Postponed accessible parking requirements to Feb 25 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved community garden licences for Oswald Park, Fisherman's Wharf, Franklin Green (unanimous)
• Approved $30,000 in community garden start-up grants (unanimous)
• Adopted Parks Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 21-033 (unanimous)
• Adopted Parks Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 21-034 (6-2)
• Endorsed UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration proclamation (unanimous)

Council

Victoria City Council is meeting to hold public hearings and consider approvals for four property applications. These include a rezoning and development permits for a small lot subdivision at 2700 Avebury Avenue, a rezoning to permit a storefront cannabis retailer at 131-137 Skinner and 730-736 Tyee Road, a development variance permit to legalize eight self-contained units at 1171 Rockland Ave, and a heritage designation for 2536 Richmond Road. The meeting will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with public participation by phone.

• Public hearing and approval for rezoning, development permit, and two variance permits at 2700 Avebury Avenue (Bylaw No. 21-016)
• Public hearing and approval for rezoning to allow a Storefront Cannabis Retailer at 131-137 Skinner and 730-736 Tyee Road (Bylaw No. 21-022)
• Public comment and approval of a Development Variance Permit to legalize eight self-contained units at 1171 Rockland Ave
• Public hearing and approval for Heritage Designation of the exterior of 2536 Richmond Road (Bylaw No. 21-017)
• Six requests to address council regarding Councillor Dubow, including calls for resignation and support

Council approved the rezoning, development permit, and two variance permits for 2700 Avebury Avenue, allowing a new single-family dwelling on a subdivided lot. The votes were 5-3, with Mayor Helps and Councillors Andrew, Loveday, Potts, and Thornton-Joe in favor, and Councillors Dubow, Isitt, and Young opposed. Council also unanimously approved a rezoning for a cannabis retailer at 131-137 Skinner and 730-736 Tyee Road, and a heritage designation for 2536 Richmond Road. A variance application for 1171 Rockland Avenue was referred back to staff for further work.

• Approved rezoning at 2700 Avebury Avenue (5-3)
• Approved development permit for 2700 Avebury Avenue (5-3)
• Approved variance permit for frontage improvements at 2700 Avebury Avenue (5-3)
• Approved variance permit for rear yard setback at 2700 Avebury Avenue (5-3)
• Approved rezoning for cannabis retailer at 131-137 Skinner and 730-736 Tyee Road (unanimous)
• Approved heritage designation for 2536 Richmond Road (unanimous)
• Referred 1171 Rockland Avenue variance application back to staff (8-1)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider several items, including first, second, and third readings of two bylaws that would restrict sheltering in parks: one temporarily prohibiting sheltering in Central Park, and another prohibiting sheltering in parks with environmental hazards. Council will also receive reports from Committee of the Whole meetings, including items on heritage designations, affordable housing, and a cold weather shelter motion, and is expected to appoint Mr. Curt Kingsley as City Clerk. The meeting will close to the public for discussions on land, legal, and appointment matters.

• First, second, and third readings of Parks Regulation Bylaw Amendment (No. 13) to temporarily prohibit sheltering in Central Park
• First, second, and third readings of Parks Regulation Bylaw Amendment (No. 14) to prohibit sheltering in parks with environmental hazards
• Update report on Heritage Alteration Permit Application No. 00023 for 1244 Wharf Street
• Appointment of Mr. Curt Kingsley as City Clerk
• Closed meeting for land, legal, and appointment matters under Community Charter sections 90(1)(a), (e), (i), and 90(2)(b)

Council approved heritage designations for 1611 Stanley Avenue and 2564 Graham Street, authorized a heritage alteration permit for 1244 Wharf Street, and gave readings to two parks regulation amendment bylaws. They also amended the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan to remove the Municipal Housing Corporation (8-1) and referred a proposed emergency housing action to the next COTW meeting. Several staff reports were directed, including on pedestrian space at Clover Point and cold weather shelter options.

• Approved heritage designation for 1611 Stanley Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved heritage designation for 2564 Graham Street (unanimous)
• Authorized Heritage Alteration Permit No. 00023 for 1244 Wharf Street (unanimous)
• Amended Strategic Plan #3 Affordable Housing to remove Municipal Housing Corporation (8-1)
• Referred emergency housing action to Feb 18 COTW (unanimous)
• Gave first, second, third readings to Parks Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 21-033 (unanimous)
• Gave first, second, third readings to Parks Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 21-034 (7-1)
• Appointed Curt Kingsley as City Clerk effective March 15, 2021 (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing land-use applications, including a rezoning and development permit for 349 Kipling Street and 1400 Fairfield Road to build a duplex, six townhouses, and two rental lock-off suites (10 units total), with staff recommending denial. It will also consider a structural change to Herald Street Brew Works' licence to add a 99-person rooftop patio at 506 Herald Street. Other items include updates on BC Transit's RapidBus strategy, accessible parking requirements, Bowker Creek watershed management, and lessons learned from the 2020 by-election.

• Rezoning Application No. 00702 and Development Permit No. 000555 for 349 Kipling Street and 1400 Fairfield Road — 10 units, staff recommends decline
• Application for 99-person rooftop patio at 506 Herald Street (Herald Street Brew Works), hours 9 am–12 am Sun–Thu, 9 am–1 am Fri–Sat
• BC Transit RapidBus Implementation Strategy Update presentation
• Proposed new regulations for off-street accessible parking supply and design
• Bowker Creek Watershed Management Plan update and Council Member Motion on protection and restoration

The Committee of the Whole voted to support the application of Herald Street Brew Works for a 99-person rooftop patio at 506 Herald Street, with hours of operation from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and 9:00 am to 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. The support includes conditions that no amplified music be used on the patio and that a good neighbour agreement be created. The matter was forwarded to the Daytime Council meeting for final consideration.

• Supported Herald Street Brew Works rooftop patio application (6-3)
• Defeated motion to reduce patio occupant load to 50 (3-6)
• Defeated motion to decline rezoning at 349 Kipling St and 1400 Fairfield Rd (3-5)
• Referred rezoning application back to staff for revisions (unanimous)
• Approved $250,000 for Clover Point Park pedestrian space expansion (unanimous)
• Approved $30,000 in Community Garden Start-Up Grants (unanimous)
• Approved licences of occupation for three community gardens (unanimous)
• Directed staff to bring forward bylaw amendments for COVID-19 consultation (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review several land use applications including rezoning and heritage designations. Council members will also discuss neighborhood boundaries and proposed amendments to city bylaws regarding animal responsibility and remote participation.

• Rezoning and OCP amendment for 496 and 498 Cecelia Road and 3130 Jutland Road
• Heritage designation application for 2564 Graham Street
• Heritage designation application for 1611 Stanley Avenue
• Amendment to the Animal Responsibility Bylaw regarding Vic West
• Amendments to Council Procedures Bylaws for remote participation

The Committee of the Whole approved amendments to the Strategic Plan for Affordable Housing, including removing the Municipal Housing Corporation from the plan, and added a 2022 action to explore creating an emergency housing function. A motion to refer the emergency housing function to staff for a report was defeated. The committee also approved heritage designations for two properties, endorsed a UBCM resolution on disability benefits, and directed staff to engage neighbourhood associations on boundary changes.

• Approved Strategic Plan #3 Affordable Housing amendments, removing Municipal Housing Corporation (6-3)
• Added 2022 action to explore creating an emergency housing function (unanimous)
• Defeated motion to refer emergency housing function to staff (3-6)
• Approved heritage designation for 2564 Graham Street (unanimous)
• Approved heritage designation for 1611 Stanley Avenue (unanimous)
• Endorsed UBCM resolution to increase disability benefits and income assistance (unanimous)
• Directed staff to engage neighbourhood associations on boundary changes (unanimous)
• Directed staff to report on remote participation requirements for Council meetings (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

This is a regular Council meeting held after the Committee of the Whole. The main action is a vote on ratifying a tentative collective agreement with the IAFF Local 230 firefighter union. Council will also receive reports from previous COTW meetings, including several rezoning and development permit applications.

• Ratification of tentative agreement with IAFF Local 230 (Memorandum of Settlement dated Dec 11, 2020)
• 430 Powell Street: Rezoning Application No. 00736 and Development Permit with Variances (James Bay)
• 1140 Government Street: Structural change to increase occupant load for Churchill's Liquor Primary License (Downtown)
• 496 and 498 Cecelia Road and 3130 Jutland Road: Rezoning No. 00655, OCP amendment, Development Permit No. 000532 (Burnside)
• Parks Regulation Bylaw amendments - mitigating impacts of sheltering

Council approved a development permit with variances for 1475 Fort Street, allowing reduced parking, increased height, and other changes, subject to legal agreements for rental tenure and other conditions. A motion to refer the matter back to staff was defeated. Council also approved several other items, including a rezoning for 430 Powell Street, a liquor license occupant load increase for Churchill's, and a rezoning for 496/498 Cecelia Road and 3130 Jutland Road.

• Approved development permit with variances for 1475 Fort Street (6-3)
• Defeated motion to refer 1475 Fort Street back to staff (4-5)
• Approved rezoning application for 430 Powell Street (unanimous)
• Supported Churchill's occupant load increase from 90 to 144 (7-1)
• Approved rezoning and development permit for 496/498 Cecelia Road and 3130 Jutland Road (unanimous)
• Approved development permit with variance for 1035 Joan Crescent (unanimous)
• Approved My Great Neighbourhood Grant program changes (unanimous)
• Approved Lunar New Year celebration motion (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss several land-use applications, including a major rezoning and development permit for 496 and 498 Cecelia Road and 3130 Jutland Road that would add about 88 affordable rental units, and a development permit for a four-storey rental building at 1475 Fort Street. They will also consider a liquor licence change for The Churchill at 1140 Government Street, park flood-risk maps, and updates on smaller projects. The agenda includes consent items, minutes, and a councillor motion about attending a virtual leadership forum.

• Rezoning and development permit for 496/498 Cecelia Road and 3130 Jutland Road: five-storey mixed-use and four-storey residential buildings, ~88 affordable rental units
• Development permit with variances for 1475 Fort Street: four-storey residential rental building with reduced parking and setbacks
• Structural change to increase occupant load for The Churchill liquor primary licence at 1140 Government Street
• Parks Regulation Bylaw amendments: updated maps of high-risk flood areas in parks
• Rezoning and development permit for 430 Powell Street: subdivide and build two single-family homes

Council

Victoria City Council is holding public hearings and considering approvals for three development applications: a rezoning and development permit for 1224 Richardson Street, a development permit with variances for 956 Heywood Avenue, and a development variance permit for 429 and 431 Parry Street. The meeting also includes requests to address council on the RapidBus strategy, a Telus zoning application, and a community care tent. Due to COVID-19, the meeting is held virtually with public participation by phone.

• 1224 Richardson Street: rezoning (Bylaw 21-013) and housing agreement (Bylaw 21-014) for three multiple dwelling buildings
• 956 Heywood Avenue: housing agreement (Bylaw 21-005) and development variance permit for a 4-storey multiple dwelling
• 429 and 431 Parry Street: development variance permits for a single family dwelling with secondary suite
• Public hearing participation by phone (778-698-2440, code 1551794#)
• Requests to address council on RapidBus, Telus zoning, and community care tent

Council approved the rezoning of 1224 Richardson Street to allow three ground-oriented multiple dwelling buildings, along with a housing agreement and a development permit with variances (including reduced parking and increased height). The motion passed 7-2. Council also approved development variance permits for two single-family dwellings with secondary suites at 429 and 431 Parry Street unanimously. A development permit for 956 Heywood Avenue was not approved; instead, the application was referred back to staff to revise the design and consider reducing parking, unit size, or number of units.

• Approved rezoning at 1224 Richardson Street to R-99 zone (7-2)
• Adopted Housing Agreement Bylaw for 1224 Richardson Street (7-2)
• Authorized development permit with variances for 1224 Richardson Street (7-2)
• Referred 956 Heywood Avenue development permit back to staff (unanimous)
• Approved development variance permits for 429 and 431 Parry Street (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider reports from recent Committee of the Whole meetings, including the 2021-2025 draft financial plan with recommendations on housing reserve funding, police budget, and other items. Council will also give first and second readings to three zoning and heritage bylaws, hear a short-term rental appeal, and may close the meeting for personnel and legal matters.

• Draft 2021-2025 Financial Plan recommendations, including reallocation to Housing Reserve, VicPD budget, and Mile Zero
• Rezoning for small lot subdivision at 2700 Avebury Avenue (Bylaw 21-016)
• Rezoning for storefront cannabis retailer at 131-137 Skinner St and 730-736 Tyee Road (Bylaw 21-022)
• Heritage designation for 2536 Richmond Road (Bylaw 21-017)
• Short-term rental appeal for 1132 Chapman Street

Council approved a series of 2021-2025 financial plan recommendations, including reallocating $10,000 from catering to the Housing Reserve, funding police budget reviews, and allocating funds for legal services, youth strategy, cultural programs, and park improvements. It also approved a $280,000 housing grant for a 28-unit affordable project, directed park bylaw amendments to restrict sheltering in high-risk areas and Central Park, and approved rezoning for 1125 Fort Street with conditions. Several items were deferred or removed from the strategic plan.

• Approved 2021-2025 financial plan recommendations (unanimous)
• Approved $280,000 housing grant to John Howard Society for 28-unit project at 736 Princess Ave (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning, development permit, and heritage designation for 1125 Fort St (5-4 on rezoning, unanimous on others)
• Approved park bylaw amendments to prohibit sheltering in high-risk areas (6-3) and add Central Park to prohibited list (unanimous)
• Approved $10,000 reallocation from catering to Housing Reserve (unanimous)
• Approved $95,000 for Banfield Park swimming dock study (unanimous)
• Approved $85,000 for Vic West Skate Park lighting preliminary work (unanimous)
• Denied short-term rental licence appeal for 1132 Chapman St (7-2)

Special Committee of the Whole

This special committee meeting focuses on the 2021-2025 Draft Financial Plan, including public input and remaining recommendations. Council will also consider additional funding for police support for encampments, postponed items on funding for Our Place, and amendments to the 2019-2022 Strategic Plan.

• 2021-2025 Draft Financial Plan remaining recommendations
• Public input summary for 2021 Draft Financial Plan
• Request for VicPD Special Duty funding for bylaw services at encampments
• Postponed motion: $50,000 for Our Place extended hours and $50,000 for storage of belongings
• 2019-2022 Strategic Plan amendments

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss several land use and policy items, including a rezoning and heritage application for 1125 Fort Street, a housing reserve fund application for 736 Princess Avenue, and proposed amendments to the Parks Regulation Bylaw to mitigate sheltering impacts. The committee will also consider two proclamations and two council member motions related to the overdose crisis and vandalism. No final decisions are made at this committee meeting; recommendations will go to full Council.

• Rezoning, development permit, and heritage designation for 1125 Fort Street to convert building into multiple dwelling units
• Victoria Housing Reserve Fund grant application from John Howard Society for 736 Princess Avenue
• Parks Regulation Bylaw amendments to mitigate impacts of sheltering in City parks
• Proclamations for Wear Red Canada Day (Feb 13) and International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (Feb 6)
• Council member motions on overdose crisis (safe supply/decriminalization) and response to vandalism downtown

The Committee of the Whole unanimously advanced a rezoning, development permit, and heritage designation for 1125 Fort Street to convert the building into multiple dwelling units, subject to conditions including a 20-year rental commitment and reduced parking. It also approved a $280,000 Victoria Housing Reserve Fund grant to the John Howard Society for a 28-unit affordable housing project at 736 Princess Avenue. The committee directed staff to prepare Parks Regulation Bylaw amendments prohibiting sheltering in high-risk areas and adding Central Park to the prohibited list, with maps to come January 28. A motion to postpone the parks decision for a week was defeated 3-5.

• Advanced rezoning, development permit, and heritage designation for 1125 Fort Street (unanimous)
• Approved $280,000 housing grant to John Howard Society for 736 Princess Avenue (unanimous)
• Directed staff to prepare bylaw amendments prohibiting sheltering in high-risk park areas (8-1)
• Directed staff to add Central Park to sheltering-prohibited parks list, effective during pandemic provisions (unanimous)
• Defeated motion to postpone parks decision for one week (3-5)
• Approved motion for staff to work with DVBA on downtown vandalism options (unanimous)
• Defeated amendment to include economic hardship as criterion for downtown relief (3-6)
• Approved motion for Mayor to write to federal Minister of Health on overdose crisis (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider ratifying tentative agreements with two unions (IBEW Local 230 and UBCJ Local 1598) and to authorize a reciprocal fire services agreement with Saanich and Oak Bay. The council will also receive reports from Committee of the Whole meetings, including items on a covenant amendment at 187 Dallas Road, a development permit at 1609 Fort Street, and a response to broken windows. The meeting will close to the public for items related to law enforcement and legal advice.

• Ratification of tentative agreement with IBEW Local 230 (Memorandum of Agreement dated Dec 22, 2020)
• Ratification of tentative agreement with UBCJ Local 1598 (Memorandum of Agreement dated Jan 5, 2021)
• Authorize execution of Reciprocal Fire Services Automatic and Mutual Aid Agreement with Saanich and Oak Bay
• 187 Dallas Road: Request to amend Section 219 Covenant (Ogden Point)
• 1609 Fort Street: Development Permit with Variances Application No. 00148 (South Jubilee)

Council ratified collective agreements with IBEW Local 230 and UBCJ Local 1598, and authorized a reciprocal fire services agreement with Saanich and Oak Bay. It also approved a temporary pedestrian ramp at 187 Dallas Road until 2024, a development permit for 1609 Fort Street, and appointments to the Advisory Design Panel. Council directed staff to report on downtown vibrancy and vandalism impacts.

• Ratified IBEW Local 230 tentative agreement (unanimous)
• Ratified UBCJ Local 1598 tentative agreement (unanimous)
• Authorized Reciprocal Fire Services Agreement with Saanich and Oak Bay (unanimous)
• Allowed temporary pedestrian ramp at 187 Dallas Road until May 22, 2024, with possible extension to 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved Development Permit with variances for 1609 Fort Street (unanimous)
• Directed staff to fill Advisory Design Panel vacancies and appointed councillor liaisons (unanimous)
• Directed staff to work with DVBA on downtown vibrancy and vandalism options (unanimous)

Special Committee of the Whole

The Special Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss the 2021-2025 Draft Financial Plan, including public input summaries and remaining recommendations. They will also consider two Council Member Motions: one for additional VicPD funding for encampment support and another to reallocate $10,000 from catering to the Housing Reserve Fund.

• 2021 Draft Financial Plan – Public Input Summary
• 2021-2025 Draft Financial Plan – Remaining Recommendations
• Additional Funding for Police Support for Encampments (VicPD Special Duty)
• Reallocation of $10,000 from Council Meeting Catering to Housing Reserve Fund

The Special Committee of the Whole approved several 2021 budget items, including reallocating $10,000 from council meeting catering to the Housing Reserve Fund on an ongoing basis. They also approved funding for various projects and services, and deferred $275,000 for Mile Zero to 2022. A motion to cut $747,000 from the VicPD salary line item was defeated.

• Approved reallocating $10,000 from catering to Housing Reserve Fund (unanimous)
• Deferred $275,000 for Mile Zero orphaned land to 2022 (5-4)
• Defeated motion to not approve $747,000 VicPD salary increase (4-5)
• Approved request for Police Board to report on budget savings (6-3)
• Approved $183,410 for additional Legal Services resources (unanimous)
• Approved $30,000 one-time for Youth Strategy implementation (unanimous)
• Approved $125,000 for Create Victoria cultural programs (unanimous)
• Approved $95,000 for Banfield Park Swimming Dock study (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss and decide on several land-use and policy items. Key items include a motion to create 30 transitional tiny homes in the parking lot at 940 Caledonia Ave, a development permit to expand a liquor store at 1609 Fort Street, and a request to increase the occupant load at The Churchill at 1140 Government Street. The committee will also consider an emergency social services grant for a care tent and appointments to boards and committees.

• Motion for 30 transitional tiny homes at 940 Caledonia Ave (March 2021–September 2022)
• Development permit with variances to expand liquor store at 1609 Fort Street
• Structural change to increase occupant load at The Churchill, 1140 Government Street
• Request to amend Section 219 Covenant at 187 Dallas Road for temporary pedestrian ramp
• Emergency Social Services Grant for Meegan Community Care Tent

The Committee of the Whole unanimously approved a motion to authorize Aryze Developments to apply for a temporary use permit for up to 36,000 sq ft of the Royal Athletic Park parking lot at 940 Caledonia Avenue for a temporary Transitional Tiny Home Community of up to 30 homes. The motion also directs staff to negotiate a lease with BC Housing, expedite the permit process, seek Restart funding, and establish a Community Advisory Committee. The item was forwarded to the daytime Council meeting for final approval.

• Authorized Aryze Developments to apply for temporary use permit for tiny home community (unanimous)
• Directed staff to negotiate lease with BC Housing for 940 Caledonia Ave site (unanimous)
• Approved $6,500 Emergency Social Services Grant for Meegan Community Care Tent to Red Cedar Café Society (5-1)
• Approved development permit with variances for liquor store expansion at 1609 Fort Street (8-1)
• Postponed decision on Churchill's liquor license occupant load increase to Jan 28 (unanimous)
• Approved 2021-2022 council committee and neighbourhood liaison appointments (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Section 219 Covenant for temporary pedestrian ramp at 187 Dallas Road (unanimous)
• Directed staff to fill Advisory Design Panel vacancies and appoint non-voting council liaisons (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council is meeting to act on reports from the Committee of the Whole, including several bylaws for rezoning and housing agreements, a temporary borrowing bylaw, and a park dedication. The agenda also includes appointments, a grant application, and a closed session for labour and municipal service negotiations.

• Rezoning and housing agreement for 1224 Richardson Street (Bylaws 21-013, 21-014) for three multiple dwelling buildings
• Housing agreement for 956 Heywood Avenue (Bylaw 21-005) for a 4-storey multiple dwelling building with variances
• Adoption of Council Remuneration Amendment Bylaw 21-015
• Adoption of Temporary Borrowing Bylaw 21-004 for 2021
• Park dedication of 1850 Leighton Road (Bylaw 21-009)

Council unanimously authorized Aryze Developments to apply for a temporary use permit for up to 30 transitional tiny homes at the Royal Athletic Park parking lot (940 Caledonia Ave), with staff directed to negotiate a lease with BC Housing and expedite processing. Council also approved a $6,500 Emergency Social Services Grant for the Meegan Community Care Tent to the Red Cedar Café Society (5-1), and directed staff to apply for up to $2.1 million in federal-provincial infrastructure funding for the Government Street North Bicycle Master Plan. Several bylaws were advanced, including rezoning and housing agreements for 1224 Richardson Street and 956 Heywood Avenue.

• Authorized Aryze Developments to apply for temporary use permit for up to 30 tiny homes at 940 Caledonia Ave (unanimous)
• Approved $6,500 Emergency Social Services Grant to Red Cedar Café Society for Meegan Community Care Tent (5-1)
• Directed staff to submit grant application for up to $2.1M for Government Street North Bicycle Master Plan (unanimous)
• Approved tax exemption for 727 Yates Street (9.08% for 10 years) with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved appointments of Chris Goldsmith and Amy Acheson as Bylaw Officers (unanimous)
• Approved 1st and 2nd readings of rezoning bylaw for 1224 Richardson Street (8-1)
• Approved 1st, 2nd, 3rd readings of housing agreement for 956 Heywood Avenue (7-2)
• Adopted Council Remuneration Amendment Bylaw No. 21-015 (unanimous)

Council

Victoria City Council is meeting to consider four rezoning and development permit applications, including two proposed storefront cannabis retailers, a land use contract termination, and a platform lift installation. The meeting includes public hearings for the rezoning applications and requests from residents to address council on topics like the Telus Ocean development and building permits for older homes.

• Rezoning Application No. 00727 for 1133 Fort Street to terminate Land Use Contract and rezone for current uses (Bylaw No. 20-118)
• Development Permit with Variances Application No. 00154 for 1002 Vancouver Street for a platform lift for waste bins
• Rezoning Application No. 00743 for 901 Gordon Street to permit a Storefront Cannabis Retailer (Bylaw No. 20-117)
• Rezoning Application No. 00748 for 1150 Douglas Street to permit a Storefront Cannabis Retailer (Bylaw No. 20-125)
• Requests to address council on Telus Ocean development, building permits for older homes, memorial benches on Dallas Road, and a community care tent

Council unanimously approved rezoning applications for 901 Gordon Street and 1150 Douglas Street to permit storefront cannabis retailers, and adopted the associated bylaws. It also approved a development permit with variances for a platform lift at 1002 Vancouver Street and a rezoning for commercial use at 1133 Fort Street.

• Adopted rezoning bylaw for 1133 Fort Street to permit commercial uses (unanimous)
• Approved development permit with variances for platform lift at 1002 Vancouver Street (unanimous)
• Adopted rezoning bylaw for 901 Gordon Street to permit cannabis retailer (unanimous)
• Adopted rezoning bylaw for 1150 Douglas Street to permit cannabis retailer (unanimous)

Town Hall Meetings

This is a town hall meeting for residents to discuss the City of Victoria's budget. The agenda contains only this single item with no attachments or additional details. Due to COVID-19, public access to City Hall is not permitted, and the meeting is available via webcast.

• Town Hall Meeting - City Budget

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss several items, including a tax incentive application for the heritage Hall Block at 727 Yates Street, a grant application for the Government Street North Bicycle Master Plan, and a proposal to reduce default speed limits on local roads. They will also consider appointments, proclamations, and two council member motions. The agenda includes many routine items such as minutes and staff reports.

• 727 Yates Street: 10-year tax exemption for seismic upgrade of Hall Block
• Up to $2.1M grant application for Government Street North Bicycle Master Plan
• Application to join Motor Vehicle Act pilot for reduced speed limits on local roads
• Reallocation of $10,000 from catering to Housing Reserve Fund
• Appointments of bylaw officers and animal control officer

The Committee of the Whole unanimously directed staff to apply for up to $2.1 million in federal-provincial grant funding for the Government Street North Bicycle Master Plan Project. Council also approved a 10-year partial tax exemption for the heritage Hall Block at 727 Yates Street to support seismic upgrades. A motion to reduce default speed limits on local roads from 50 km/h to 30 km/h was carried in a 6-3 vote.

• Approved grant application for up to $2.1M for Government Street North Bicycle Master Plan (unanimous)
• Approved 10-year tax exemption for 727 Yates Street (Hall Block) at 9.08% of assessed value (unanimous)
• Approved amendments to front façade rehabilitation strategy for 727 Yates Street (unanimous)
• Carried motion to apply for Motor Vehicle Act pilot to reduce default speed limits to 30 km/h on local roads (6-3)
• Referred Emergency Social Services grant for 'Meegan Community Care Tent' to next week's meeting (unanimous)
• Referred Jubilee route options of Richardson bike route to Oak Bay Council for input (unanimous)
• Approved appointments of Bylaw Officers Chris Goldsmith and Amy Acheson (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Neil Lundin as Animal Control Officer (unanimous)

Council (to follow COTW)

Victoria City Council meets to act on reports from the Committee of the Whole, including rezoning applications at 3120 Washington Avenue and 131/137 Skinner Street/730-736 Tyee Road, a development variance permit at 1171 Rockland Avenue, and the Victoria Housing Strategy Annual Review. Council will also give readings to several bylaws, including a Council Remuneration Amendment, a Temporary Borrowing Bylaw for 2021, a Vehicles for Hire amendment, and a Park Dedication for 1850 Leighton Road. The meeting includes a motion to close part of the meeting to the public for items related to legal, labour, and negotiation matters.

• Rezoning applications: 3120 Washington Avenue (No. 00735) and 131/137 Skinner Street & 730-736 Tyee Road (No. 00747)
• Development variance permit at 1171 Rockland Avenue (No. 00253)
• Council Remuneration Amendment Bylaw No. 21-015 — 1st, 2nd, 3rd readings
• Temporary Borrowing Bylaw, 2021 No. 21-004 — 1st, 2nd, 3rd readings
• Park Dedication (1850 Leighton Road) Bylaw No. 21-009 — 1st, 2nd, 3rd readings