What's happening in your local council this week?

Editor’s note: we’re putting our inaugural weekly roundup on the website this week—but after this week the only way to find this roundup will be in the Capital Daily newsletter. Sign up here for this weekly feature, and so much more Victoria news in your inbox every morning.

Central Saanich

Council adopted a new brand guide, including a new logo “so it is more modern, versatile, and better depicts the ocean,” a new colour palette, and more.

Council is seeking feedback on its draft official community plan (OCP); you can participate here.

Esquimalt

On Monday, council will consider a zoning application to convert 820 Dunsmuir Rd, a residential family lot, into a 7-unit residential townhouse development. People can share their opinions about the proposal over the phone at the council meeting at 7pm today.

Highlands

Council is making progress on developing policy and bylaws around secondary suites and accessory dwelling units, but haven’t yet gone to public consultation.

Langford

Langford is reopening council chambers to the public as of today’s meeting. A limited number of attendees will be welcome; if more people request than there’s room, staff will pull names in a draw. Live video streaming and telephone participation will continue.

North Saanich

North Saanich is also in the development stage of a new OCP that is expected to focus on agriculture, climate action, healthy communities, jobs, and affordable housing. Councillors are seeking feedback from residents as the plan will inform council's priorities moving forward.

At Monday’s meeting, council will consider $75,000 for the Circular Food and Farming Society which operates the Sandown Regenerative Agriculture Centre. The centre carries out research and runs workshops on sustainable agricultural practices.

Oak Bay

Oak Bay council signed off on $10,000 in funding for the district's Heritage Commission at its Feb. 28 meeting, and approved a heritage alteration permit for Tod House at 2564 Heron St. Also, council debated a proposed Uplands redevelopment. Ultimately, council voted in favour of a redesign after there were ecological concerns over the proposed swimming pool's proximity to the shoreline.

SD61 moves to vote on a controversial Bowker Creek land sale on March 14.

Saanich

Saanich police is asking council for an additional $1.4M, a 3.88% increase, to its budget in order to account for increased operating expenses, operating budgets of integrated units, and increases to the E-Comm levy. The police department is also hoping to hire for 3 new civilian positions and 2 sworn positions. Saanich police budget is just over half that of Victoria Police Department’s, but the crime rate in the district is also significantly lower.

Saanich Council is seeking public feedback on their draft financial plan between now and March 15. Go here for more info.

Watch the meeting here.

Sidney

Sidney's Town Council has moved to designate certain areas as multi-unit residential, environmentally sensitive, and neighbourhood commercial areas. This is meant to help the town deal with the twin crises of housing and climate as well as make the town more liveable for residents.

At today’s meeting, council will debate a proposal to turn the Blue Peter Marina into a mixed residential/marine commercial space with four units of housing. The popular marina has struggled in recent years with fire damage and the closure of its restaurant.

Victoria

In light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and noting the sanctions imposed on Russia by the governments of Canada and BC on Russia, city council voted to suspend its twin city relationship with Khabarovsk, Russia, which began in May 1990. The decision sends what councillor Stephen Andrew called “a symbolic but yet a firm message to the Canadian Ukrainian community and to Ukraine itself that we stand with them.”