Here are the highlights from the City Council meeting held on March 25, 2026. Read the full agenda and attachments for more details.
To learn more about council meetings — including video recordings, meeting schedules, past minutes and upcoming agendas — visit the Council meetings page.
Water metering business case study – results, financial strategy and next steps
Council reviewed the final phase of a comprehensive study on residential water metering, including results, financial analysis, and implementation options.
The study confirms that residential water use is the main driver of seasonal peak demand, which has increased significantly in recent years. Currently, most single-family homes are unmetered and pay a flat rate, resulting in an estimated $1.7 million annual subsidy from metered to unmetered users. This raises concerns about fairness, long-term costs, and pressure on regional water infrastructure.
Council is being asked to consider three implementation approaches, including a phased “balanced” program that would begin with installing meters at approximately 2,500 homes already equipped for them, followed by a gradual expansion to all properties over time. This approach aims to reduce water use, improve equity, and manage financial and operational impacts.
Next steps include council direction on a preferred approach, followed by development of a detailed implementation plan, updated bylaws, and a long-term funding strategy.
Action:
Council approved moving forward with a phased residential water metering program as the City’s long-term approach.
The program will begin with homes that are already set up for meters, with a gradual transition to all properties over time. Council also directed staff to develop a detailed implementation plan, including how the program will be funded, how rates will be structured based on water use, and how residents will be engaged throughout the process.
As part of this work, staff will prepare updated bylaws to support consumption-based water rates and establish a dedicated reserve fund to help manage long-term costs, including new metering technology and system upgrades.
Housing Target Order – progress report
Council reviewed the City’s first progress report under the Province’s Housing Target Order, covering the period from September 2025 to February 2026.
During this six-month period, 164 net new housing units were completed—representing 82% of the City’s Year 1 target of 200 units. Most of these homes were delivered through two major projects, highlighting how progress can depend on a small number of large developments.
The report also shows strong performance in market housing supply, with the City already exceeding its annual market housing target. However, no below-market or affordable housing units were completed during this period, indicating a continued gap in meeting affordability needs.
Looking ahead, there are 295 units currently in the development pipeline through issued building permits, suggesting the City is well-positioned to meet or approach its early targets if projects proceed as planned.
Next steps include submitting the report to the Province and continuing work on policies and processes to support both market and below-market housing delivery.
Action:
Council received the Housing Target Order progress report and directed staff to submit it to the Province.
The report will also be posted on the City’s website so residents can view the results and track progress toward housing targets.
Election bylaw and appointments
Council received a report outlining preparations for the 2026 municipal election, including proposed updates to the Election Bylaw, appointment of election officials, and potential initiatives to support voter participation.
The 2026 general local election will take place on October 17, with advance voting opportunities on October 7 and 14. Staff are recommending several updates to the Election Bylaw to improve clarity, accessibility, and alignment with current legislation. These include listing candidate names alphabetically if there are more than 20 candidates, formally including Freedom of the City recipients on the voters list, aligning election signage rules with provincial guidelines, and removing the oath of office from the bylaw to allow the Province’s updated oath to apply.
Council is also being asked to appoint key election officials, including a Chief Election Officer and two Deputy Chief Election Officers, to oversee the administration of the election.
In addition to required legislative updates, staff are exploring new initiatives to encourage participation and build community engagement, such as a “kids vote” program and a low-cost “Civic Sizzle” barbecue at voting locations.
Staff also considered whether to include a referendum or opinion question on the ballot, such as for a major capital project requiring public approval. At this time, no suitable projects align with the election timeline, and staff recommend not including a question on the 2026 ballot.
Action:
Council directed staff to prepare updates to the Election Bylaw for the 2026 municipal election.
The updates include listing candidate names alphabetically if there are more than 20 candidates, aligning election signage rules with provincial guidelines, including Freedom of the City recipients on the voters list, and removing the oath of office to reflect updated provincial requirements.
Council also confirmed there will be no referendum or opinion question on the 2026 ballot.
In addition, Council appointed Kate O’Connell as Chief Election Officer, and Adriana Proton and Patricia Janecek as Deputy Chief Election Officers to oversee the administration of the election.
Zoning amendment bylaw (2555 Cumberland Rd)
Council considered a zoning amendment for 2555 Cumberland Road that would allow a new residential development.
The proposal includes a mix of housing types intended to increase housing supply and support more diverse housing options in the area.
No public hearing as this proposal aligns with the Official Community Plan.
Action:
Council gave first, second, and third readings to the zoning amendment bylaw.
Council also waived the requirement for a preliminary subdivision layout review to allow the project to move forward more efficiently.
Before final approval, the developer must complete several requirements, including submitting a subdivision application and finalizing plans for parks, environmental protection, infrastructure servicing, transportation, and a development agreement with the City.
BCAA e-bike and e-scooter pilot – 2025 outcomes and next steps
Council received an update on the BCAA Evolve e-bike and e-scooter pilot program, including 2025 results and proposed next steps.
Since launching, the program has seen strong uptake, with more than 4,400 trips taken by over 3,200 unique riders. Use increased significantly in 2025, with a 160% rise in trips. Survey results indicate strong community support, with most users reporting that the program adds value to the local transportation system and helps reduce reliance on personal vehicles.
BCAA highlighted plans to continue supporting the City’s active transportation goals, including expanding service areas, improving parking zones, and introducing an equity-based pricing program. The company also plans to enhance safety through education initiatives, including a local e-scooter safety tour.
As part of the next phase, BCAA will work with the City to support a pilot allowing devices on multi-use pathways. This includes implementing speed-reduction zones, sharing usage data, and promoting safe riding practices to ensure community safety and acceptance.
Action:
Council directed staff to prepare updates to City bylaws to allow e-bikes and e-scooters on selected trails.
Staff will also report back with recommendations on which trails are appropriate for this use.