Council Highlights provide a snapshot of the progress made on City programs, initiatives and on Council decision-making. For more information on each initiative, please visit the accompanying link where noted. The items are selected highlights from the November and December 2023 Council Meetings. To review all the topics discussed, click here to see the full agenda and webcast. To visit the City Council Meeting Dashboard, click here.
November 23
PUBLIC HEARING: 970 Walker Street: Rezoning Application No. 00826 and Development Permit with Variances Application No. 00214
Following a Public Hearing, Council approved a Rezoning Application and Development Permit with Variances for 970 Walker Street.
Learn more about this application
Confined Space Rescue Services Agreement with Township of Esquimalt
That Council:
- Approve the 5-year Agreement between the City of Victoria and the Township of Esquimalt for the continuation of the provision of Confined Space Rescue Services by the Esquimalt Fire Department when City of Victoria crews are completing a Confined Space Entry while working on the drinking water distribution system within the Township of Esquimalt.
- Authorize City of Victoria Administration to be able to renew this Agreement for a second 5-year term, upon review and confirmation from the Township of Esquimalt.
Authority for Grant Application – Gorge Road
That Council:
- Authorize the Director of Engineering and Public Works to submit an application of up to $500,000 to the Province of British Columbia under the 2023/2024 Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program for the Gorge Road Project, and if successful, authorize the Chief Financial Officer and the City Clerk to execute the grant agreement.
- Direct the Assistant Director, Transportation, to apply for any applicable grants that will support the delivery of the Gorge Road Project and execute grant agreements with terms acceptable to the Director of Engineering and Public Works and in the form acceptable to the City Solicitor.
Council Member Motion: Future continued sheltering relocation coordinator efforts
Council directed staff to:
- work with the Relocation Coordinator to continue that work in other locations (e.g. parks, streets, boulevards, etc.) based on staff’s assessment of needs, court decisions, etc.; and,
- bring forward, at staff’s earliest convenience, a report on criteria for Council approaches to sheltering in parks and other public places.
November 16
Bylaws for 710 Caledonia Avenue and 1961 Douglas Street: rezoning Application No. 00815, Official Community Plan Amendment, and Development Permit with Variances Application No. 00205
Council approved a Rezoning Application, Official Community Plan Amendment and Development Permit with Variances for 710 Caledonia Avenue.
Learn more about this application
November 9
Bylaw for 3145 Balfour Avenue: Rezoning Application No. 00778 and Development Permit with Variances Application No. 00171 and Development Permit No. 00635
Council approved a Rezoning Application, Official Community Plan Amendment and Development Permit with Variances for 3145 Balfour Avenue.
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Council Member Motion: Declaration of Ongoing Solidarity with Gender-Diverse Residents of Victoria
Council:
- Declares its unwavering support and solidarity with all gender-diverse individuals in our community;
- Condemns any and all anti-SOGI mobilizations that seek to undermine the rights and dignity of gender-diverse individuals and their families within our city;
- Reaffirms its commitment to promoting and supporting inclusive education that recognizes and respects the diversity of gender identities;
- Encourages community dialogue and education to foster understanding and acceptance of gender-diverse individuals and families;
- Calls on community leaders to denounce the attacks on transgender and gender-diverse individuals;
- Will continue to work towards enacting policies and initiatives that protect and promote the rights of all residents, regardless of their gender identity; and
- Urges all residents to be in solidarity with transgender and gender diverse community members, friends, and families by intervening in instances of anti-SOGI discrimination and by building welcoming communities that promote inclusion, understanding, empathy, and respect.