Sidney, BC.;

Highlights from regular Council meetings provide a brief summary of some items of broad public interest. The summary is not inclusive of all agenda items. Please refer to www.sidney.ca for the full agenda, minutes, and webcast.

Official Community Plan Bylaw given first and second reading with amendments

The Final Draft version of the Official Community Plan (OCP) will be moving forward to a Public Hearing and possible bylaw adoption on June 27, as Council gave the bylaw first and second reading. In response to additional public input, Council directed staff to make further changes to the plan. For example:

• The western lot on the current site of the Cedarwood Inn and Suites (9522 Lochside Drive) will be designated Neighbourhood Townhouse rather than Multi-Unit Residential, resulting in lower density.
• A property at the intersection of Harbour Road and Bowden Road (2325 Harbour Road) that was being considered for Marine Commercial use will now remain Neighbourhood Residential.

Members of the community can participate in the Public Hearing in person at Town Hall, electronically (via Zoom), or by sending in a written submission in advance of the hearing.

Final Draft OCP

Video (00:52:48)

Town to consider cost-sharing agreement with North Saanich on construction of pedestrian bridge over Reay Creek

Council has directed staff to begin cost-sharing negotiations with the District of North Saanich on the construction of a pedestrian bridge serving as a connector from the Eaglehurst Development to Reay Creek Park and Peter Grant Park. The creek crossing would formalize an existing seasonal trail, potentially reducing current environmental impacts on the stream. The Town of Sidney anticipates funding a small portion of the cost of the bridge which will be located in North Saanich.

Staff Report

Video (3:48:41)

Lease modification moves Town one step closer to building public washrooms on the waterfront

Council has directed staff to proceed with modifying a long-term lease with Seaport Holdings Ltd in order to reassume control over a small portion of property needed to construct a washroom facility in Sidney’s downtown waterfront area. A permanent public washroom, including a Changing Places Toilet for people with complex disabilities, is planned for the Waterfront Walkway and is estimated to be complete in early 2023.

Staff Report

Video (3:52:49)

Sidney Business Improvement Area Society renewed for another 5-year term

The Sidney Business Improvement Area Society (BIA) has been given a mandate to continue supporting the establishment and growth of local businesses until the end of 2027. Council’s decision to renew the BIA Bylaw follows a public process involving affected property owners. Among the 334 properties within the Town of Sidney Council Meeting Highlights: June 13, 2022 BIA area in downtown Sidney, a relatively small percentage (5%) opposed the continuation of the BIA.

The 2023 levy for the BIA has been set at $337,000 under the new bylaw, with annual increases of 2.5%. This funding comes directly from a levy on commercial properties within the BIA area, not the Town’s general tax base, and is used to promote and support the downtown business community.

Staff Report

Video (00:50:21)

Media Contact:

Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith
250-656-1139
mayor@sidney.ca