The October 5, 2026 Council meeting was brought to an early end after disruptive conduct from members of the public gallery prevented proceedings from continuing in an orderly manner.
The District of North Saanich is reminding members of the public that Council meetings are an important forum for community participation and debate, but participation must not interfere with Council’s ability to conduct municipal business.
The events of October 5 are the latest in a pattern of increasingly challenging conduct during the current Council term. The District previously addressed concerns regarding public conduct in January 2025, reinforcing expectations for respectful participation. Since then, incidents involving disruptive and aggressive behaviour have continued and, at times, escalated.
Residents are welcome and encouraged to attend Council meetings, express disagreement, ask questions and provide their views. Strong differences of opinion are an important part of local government. However, participation must allow Council to conduct its business and ensure staff and other members of the public can participate without intimidation, personal attacks, yelling, offensive gestures, or other disruptive conduct.
The District's Council Procedure Bylaw No. 1590, 2025 requires speakers to address Council through the Chair, use respectful language and refrain from offensive gestures or signs (section 22). It also provides mechanisms for maintaining order during Council proceedings. The District's Code of Ethics and Conduct for Council similarly establishes expectations for respect, tolerance, orderly decorum and courteous and professional conduct.
Council meetings are also not an appropriate forum for election campaigning or electioneering. During an election period, residents and candidates have other opportunities to express their views and participate in the democratic process. Public participation should not be used to campaign for or against candidates in a manner that disrupts Council proceedings or interferes with municipal business.
As previously communicated, District staff were temporarily participating in Council meetings virtually rather than attending in person following recurring incidents involving inflammatory remarks, raised voices, aggressive behaviour, and disruptions from the gallery. Staff supported Council and provided information and advice through the virtual meeting platform.
The District recognizes that the vast majority of residents participate respectfully and constructively and appreciates their contribution. Residents can participate in person or virtually, submit written comments or recorded audio submissions, and watch meetings through the District's livestream or meeting recordings.
The October 5 meeting was the final regular Council meeting of the current Council term. As the District prepares for a new term, there is an opportunity to reset expectations for everyone participating in Council meetings.
Respectful disagreement, robust debate, and criticism of Council decisions are welcome. Conduct that prevents Council from carrying out its business is not.
The District encourages all residents to participate in the new term in a manner that supports a respectful, inclusive, and productive local government process.
Myles Dolphin
Communications and Engagement Manager
District of North Saanich
mdolphin@northsaanich.ca