Welcome to the Council Meeting Recap page. These highlights are intended to provide a brief summary of recent Council proceedings. The summary is not inclusive of all agenda items and does not include development applications.
For the full agenda, including staff reports, official meeting minutes, and the video recording, please view our Council Meetings Portal.
Want more information? View the list of Council Resolutions.
2026 Council Meeting Recaps
Greater Victoria Labour Relations Association
Council reported out a decision from its September 28 Special In Camera meeting directing staff to provide notice of the District’s resignation from the Greater Victoria Labour Relations Association (GVLRA) for both CUPE and IAFF bargaining.
Advisory Committees
Council reported out additional information regarding its June 15 decision to temporarily suspend meetings of the Community Planning Advisory Committee, Agricultural Food Security Advisory Committee and Healthy Living Advisory Committee.
The June 15 motion was carried by a vote of 4-3. Council had directed that committee meetings not be scheduled until legal advice could be received and reviewed, and that staff review committee member conduct and report back to Council.
Investigation, Human Resources and Review Costs
Council reported that, as of the end of August 2026, costs associated with four investigations, two Human Resources matters and one review within the District totaled $490,784.88.
Meeting Concluded Early
The October 5 Regular 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. As a result, Council did not complete the remaining business on the agenda.
Read the District’s October 6 public notice on respectful participation at Council meetings
View the October 5 Regular Council meeting agenda and materials
Harvest Hub Facility
Council received an update on the Harvest Hub facility and operator RFP process. Council approved the preferred proponent in principle, directed staff to interview the proponent and report back, and asked staff to begin planning for a public opening of the facility.
Zoning Bylaw Update
Council considered further updates to proposed Zoning Bylaw No. 1606 (2026) and directed several changes, including:
- Revising the maximum occupancy for short-term rentals to two people per bedroom, per visit, within a principal dwelling.
- Adding requirements and standards for accessible parking, including Type A and Type B spaces, accessible access aisles and an accompanying pictograph.
- Removing the proposed M6 Zone, transitioning affected properties to the M5 Zone, updating the zoning map and bringing the changes forward for public engagement.
Council also received the latest version of the proposed Zoning Bylaw and directed staff to develop a public engagement program, including open houses, Connect North Saanich webpage updates and social media communications.
BC Youth Parliament
Council received correspondence regarding the 98th Parliament of the British Columbia Youth Parliament and directed staff to share the opportunity with high schools in School District 63 and promote it through District communications.
Council also authorized up to $1,200 in funding to support participation by up to two North Saanich resident students who apply to take part in the program.
Bylaws Adopted
Council adopted several bylaws, including amendments relating to water rates and regulations, sanitary sewer regulations and the Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw.
Council also adopted the North Saanich Exemption from Taxation Bylaw No. 1613 (2026) and District of North Saanich Soil Removal and Deposit Bylaw No. 1580 (2026).
Zoning Bylaw Update
Council received an update on the ongoing review of Zoning Bylaw No. 1606. Staff advised that an updated draft, including tracked changes, an updated zoning map and a detailed table of proposed changes, will be brought forward for Council's consideration. Council also supported moving ahead with additional community engagement before the bylaw advances further.
Road and Infrastructure Improvements
Council approved asphalt repairs in the Deep Cove area based on findings from the District's roadway pavement condition assessment. Council also approved a temporary exemption from the Noise Bylaw to allow one night of paving and a full road closure on McDonald Park Road between Glamorgan Road and Mills Road.
Construction Noise
Council heard concerns from residents about prolonged construction and excavation noise. Staff advised that amendments to the Noise and Light Bylaw are being developed, including proposed changes to permitted construction hours. Council directed staff to report back on options available to address construction noise impacts.
Clayton Road Pedestrian Safety
Council received a request for a safer pedestrian connection along Clayton Road between Heather Road and the school campus. The request was referred to staff, including for consideration through the District's active transportation planning.
2027 Permissive Property Tax Exemptions
Council approved the recommendations for the District's 2027 permissive property tax exemptions.
Emergency Services
Council approved participation in the updated BC Emergency Health Services First Responder Program, authorizing a new service agreement and operational response plan that will ensure the North Saanich Fire Department continues providing medical first response services under the Province’s new clinical response framework.
Council also endorsed an application for FireSmart Community Funding through the Community Resiliency Investment Program to support ongoing wildfire preparedness and prevention initiatives within North Saanich.
Zoning Bylaw No. 1606 – Update & Direction from Council
Council directed staff to continue advancing the zoning bylaw update, incorporating feedback from internal reviews, advisory committees and public engagement, and to work toward bringing the bylaw forward for further consideration this fall.
Saanich Peninsula Recreation Facility Loan Authorization Bylaw
Council received an update from the Peninsula Recreation Commission regarding the proposed recreation facility in Central Saanich. Council deferred a decision on supporting the related loan authorization bylaw and directed the Commission to provide a more detailed cost breakdown for consideration at the September 21, 2026 Regular Council meeting.
July 13 – Regular COW
Draft response to proposed housing supply directives and enhanced reporting requirements
Council confirmed that the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer will request a two-week extension from the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
Proposed timeline:
- Extension request to be sent July 14, 2026.
- Public comments accepted until July 22, 2026.
- A revised version of the response letter will come back for public review before submission to the Province.
- Special Council meeting anticipated before the end of July.
July 13 – Regular Council Meeting
Short-Term Rentals
Council supported a temporary use permit process to allow certain short-term rental operators to continue operating while new bylaws are finalized.
Council also directed staff to explore options for refunding part of the Temporary Use Permit fee.
Working Groups Restored
Council voted to end the suspension of:
- Harvest Hub Working Group
- Tree Bylaw Working Group
- Seniors Working Group
Those groups will resume operations and report through their respective council liaisons.
Recreation Facility Loan Bylaw
Council deferred consideration of the CRD recreation loan bylaw and requested a future presentation from the CRD before making a decision.
Meeting Portal - Hybrid COW / Regular Meeting - 13 July 2026
Adoption of 2025 Annual Report
Council adopted the District of North Saanich 2025 Annual Report. The annual report outlines the municipality’s financial performance, services, achievements, and progress toward Council’s strategic priorities. For North Saanich residents, the report serves as a key accountability and transparency tool, providing a public overview of how tax dollars were managed, what projects and services were delivered in 2025, and how the District is working toward goals related to environmental protection, agriculture, community well-being, sustainable growth, and good governance. The report also fulfills the District’s obligations under the Community Charter and helps keep residents informed about municipal operations and future priorities.
Harvest Hub Facility & New Service Update
Council received the Harvest Hub Facility & New Service Update for information and approved the Request for Expression of Interest for an external operator to operate the new Harvest Hub Service.
Construction of the Harvest Hub is underway and on schedule, with completion expected in late 2026. The District has consulted extensively with farmers and identified key services such as food aggregation, distribution, retail sales, processing, and storage. Staff are recommending that the service be operated by a non-profit or cooperative organization through a Request for Expressions of Interest, ensuring the Hub supports local farmers while improving access to locally produced food for the community.
Council Remuneration Bylaw No. 1608 (2026)
Council adopted the Council Remuneration Bylaw. This bylaw establishes the annual remuneration for the Mayor and Councillors, provides for annual adjustments based on the Victoria Consumer Price Index (CPI), allows for one comprehensive review of compensation during each four-year Council term, and continues reimbursement for eligible expenses incurred while carrying out their official duties. It also repeals and replaces the District’s previous Council Remuneration Bylaw.
Automated Voting Machines Authorization Bylaw No. 1607 (2026)
Council adopted the Automated Voting Machines Authorization Bylaw. This bylaw authorizes the use of automated voting machines for general local elections and other voting opportunities in North Saanich. It establishes procedures for how electronic vote tabulators are used, including ballot handling, advance voting, recounts, and contingency measures, helping ensure elections are conducted accurately, securely, and efficiently while complying with the Local Government Act.