Central Saanich council met Tuesday, April 18 in lieu of the holiday Monday. A few members at the table were missing, namely, Mayor Ryan Windsor and Councillor Christopher Graham. The meeting went on despite this; however, some decisions were delayed to ensure all members could be present. Approximately 10 people were in attendance and none had questions for council. Here is a brief recap of last night’s agenda:
- A certificate of Canadian Award for Financial Reporting Achievement was presented to the Director of Financial Services, Paul Murray. The award recognizes significant accomplishments in regards to annual financial reports. Councillor Carl Jensen said of the award that it was warranted. “What has been noticeable for us over the last couple years is the level of excellence brought … budgets have been excellent and precise and written for the layman.”
- Murray later discussed the 2016 financial report, noting there was a $3 million increase in reserves and the year a lower then avarage rate of capital expenditures. “Over all, it was a positive financial plan and consistent for what council set out for last year,” he said.
- Council was invited to attend the Brentwood Bay Festival on June 3. The invitation was approved by council. Similarly, the Victoria Wheelers Cycling Club requested conditional approval for its proposed Newton Heights Road Races event
- Council was divided regarding the future site of the proposed new memorial Centotaph. Centennial Park is already the approved site of the memorial, however, there are three possible sites within the park for the project to break ground. Councillor Niall Paltiel brought forward a motion to go ahead with Site A, which is near Wallace Drive. Coun. Bob Thompson suggested the decision be delayed until next council meeting, saying all council members need to be present to move forward. “The people who (the Cenotaph) is for didn’t think twice about jumping in and supporting us,” said Paltiel. He suggested the project be under way as soon as possible and also in time for Canada’s sesquicentennial. Site approval will be revisited at the next council meeting.
- Two new work truck contracts for Public Works were approved and awarded to Victoria Ford Alliance Ltd. The cost of both vehicles is just over $60,000 before tax.
- The Peninsula Lacrosse Association is looking to revitalize its Centennial Lacrosse Box. The association is requested council’s support in applying for a BCAA Play Here grant of $100,000, which would cover some costs. In order to apply for the grant, the association needs consent from the facilities legal owner. Council approved the application.
- Two development applications were approved; one for East Saanich Road and West Saanich Road. The rezoning of the East Saanich Road properties from large-lot single-family residential to single-family residential and a new small lot carriage house zone to permit the development of single family dwellings, some with carriage houses, was approved. The new strata lots are expected to range from 195-square-metres to 492-square-metres and access would be via a private road running between East Saanich Road and Jeffree Road. The amendment made to the zoning designation of the property on West Saanich Road was approved to make live/work units on the ground floor, rather than the currently permitted “combined commercial and residential uses.” Grant Rogers was in attendance to speak about the subject property located in Brentwood village, on the former site of the Brentwood Bay United Church. Rogers said nothing will be developed that would conflict with residential use, such as restaurants, adding the building code includes “light commercial uses.”
- Coun. Thompson would still like all municipalities to sit down and discuss affordable housing on the Saanich Peninsula. He said he wants to create a toolkit based on shared information regarding what other districts are doing. In regards to affordable housing he said, “Maybe there is a way with three councils to push for a resolution.”
- Coun. Zeb King is asking the public be made aware the Tsawout and Tsartlip First Nations Reserve lands are included within the municipal boundaries of the District of Central Saanich. He pointed out that Google Maps excludes the First Nations communities’ boundaries. His recommendation is to add something to the District’s website to ensure the public is correctly informed. Chief Administrative Officer Patrick Robins said the District is working with a First Nations representative to ensure their inclusion. Thompson added it’s worth noting the Tsawout and Tsartlip are completely independent.
- The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 24.